Identification of structural interface characteristics using component mode synthesis

The inability to adequately model connections has limited the ability to predict overall system dynamic response. Connections between structural components are often mechanically complex and difficult to accurately model analytically. Improved analytical models for connections are needed to improve system dynamic predictions. This study explores combining Component Mode synthesis methods for coupling structural components with Parameter Identification procedures for improving the analytical modeling of the connections. Improvements in the connection properties are computed in terms of physical parameters so the physical characteristics of the connections can be better understood, in addition to providing improved input for the system model. Two sample problems, one utilizing simulated data, the other using experimental data from a rotor dynamic test rig are presented

Quadtrees as an Abstract Domain

Quadtrees have proved popular in computer graphics and spatial databases as a way of representing regions in two dimensional space. This hierarchical data-structure is flexible enough to support non-convex and even disconnected regions, therefore it is natural to ask whether this datastructure can form the basis of an abstract domain. This paper explores this question and suggests that quadtrees offer a new approach to weakly relational domains whilst their hierarchical structure naturally lends itself to representation with boolean functions

The O’Neill Institute for National and Global Health Law: Discovering Innovative Solutions for the Most Pressing Health Problems Facing the Nation and the World

The connection between health and an individual’s ability to function in society, as well as the importance of health to a society’s economic, political, and social wellbeing necessitates finding innovative solutions to the world’s most pressing health problems. The O’Neill Institute for National and Global Health Law at Georgetown University seeks to demonstrate the role that academia can play in addressing complex national and global health problems in a comprehensive, evidence-based, intellectually-rigorous, and nonpartisan manner. The O’Neill Institute currently has three research programs: global health law, national health law, and the center for disease prevention and outcomes. Projects within these programs examine a broad range of health law and policy issues, such as global health governance, global tobacco control, health worker migration, emergency preparedness, national and Chinese health reform, HIV and AIDS issues, food safety, and personalized medicine. These projects merge the scholarly capacity within the institute with the resources of its partners, which include the World Health Organization, World Bank, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids. Additionally, the faculty and fellows of the O’Neill Institute regularly produce high-level scholarship and engage in teaching offering multi-disciplinary course offerings and innovative graduate degree programs. URL: http://www.law.georgetown.edu/oneillinstitute/documents/2010-03-09_oneill-solutions.pdf; http://mjlst.umn.edu/uploads/Pf/V1/PfV1QhiCT6lUOsv1AqDTCA/111_gostin.pdf

The International Health Regulations 10 Years On: The Governing Framework for Global Health Security

The World Health Organization (WHO) and its global health security treaty, the International Health Regulations (2005) (IHR) have lost the world\u27s confidence after the West African Ebola epidemic. The epidemic led to several high-level reviews of the IHR and global health security more broadly. Here, we propose a series of recommendations for operational and legal reforms to enhance the functioning of the FCGH. It is critical that WHO act on them quickly, before the window of opportunity for fundamental reform closes. WHO should ensure that all states fulfill their obligations to develop national core surveillance and response capacities, including through funding, possibly through additional assessed contributions, and an independent peer-review assessment process, with assessments identifying gaps and strategies and financing to fill those gaps. Civil society could also participate in ensure the validity of assessments. Independent assessments will improve confidence in the IHR, as would increasing the transparency of Emergency Committees deliberations, supplemented by an independent body to review disease data and offer recommendations to the WHO Director-General. States might more promptly notify WHO of events that may constitute public health emergencies of international concern with enhanced training and if the IHR\u27s decision instrument is amended to make more diseases automatically notifiable. WHO should also further encourage and facilitate reporting from non-governmental sources. A harmonized, gradient system for health emergencies would also bring greater clarity to disease response, while maintaining the power of a declaration of a public health emergency of international concern. To improve compliance with temporary recommendations and deter harmful additional measures, WHO could use public pressure, acknowledging compliance while publicly naming states parties and businesses that fail to comply, along with requesting justification for additional measures. States could use dispute mediation, arbitration, or other legal procedures, such as through the World Trade Organization, to discourage harmful trade and travel restrictions. And to advance a One Health approach, based on the links between human, animal, and environmental health, WHO should increase its use of cooperative agreements with other intergovernmental bodies, while integrating the Pandemic Influenza Pandemic Framework with the IHR to encourage equitable sharing of vaccines and therapies

Seasonal Shoot-Feeding by \u3ci\u3eTomicus Piniperda\u3c/i\u3e (Coleoptera: Scolytidae) in Michigan

Seasonal shoot-feeding by Tomicus piniperda (L.) was monitored at 2­ week intervals on 15 Scotch pine, Pinus sylvestris L., trees from 8 April through 16 November 1994 in southern Michigan. All shoots that showed evidence of T. piniperda attack were removed every two weeks. In 1994, initial spring flight of T. piniperda began on 22 March. At least two live T. piniperda adults were found on the 15 trees on each sampling date from 8 April through 1 November 1994. In addition, at least one freshly attacked, beetle- free shoot was found on each sampling date except for 1 November. The greatest numbers of newly attacked shoots, with or without adults present, were found from mid-June through mid-August. All adults found in April and May were likely parent adults, while those from June onward were primarily brood adults. Therefore, at all times of the year, live T. piniperda adults can be found on live pine trees, either feeding in the shoots or overwintering at the base of the trunk. Implications of these findings are provided in light of the US federal quarantine on T. piniperda

The reduced order model problem in distributed parameter systems adaptive identification and control

The reduced order model problem in distributed parameter systems adaptive identification and control is investigated. A comprehensive examination of real-time centralized adaptive control options for flexible spacecraft is provided