Stabilisation of hybrid stochastic differential equations by delay feedback control

This paper is concerned with the exponential mean-square stabilisation of hybrid stochastic differential equations (also known as stochastic dierential equations with Markovian switching) by delay feedback controls. Although the stabilisation by non-delay feedback controls for such equations has been discussed by several authors, there is so far little on the stabilisation by delay feedback controls and our aim here is mainly to close the gap. To make our theory more understandable as well as to avoid complicated notations, we will restrict our underlying hybrid stochastic dierential equations to a relatively simple form. However our theory can certainly be developed to cope with much more general equations without any diculty

Who wants a slimmer body? The relationship between body weight status, education level and body shape dissatisfaction among young adults in Hong Kong

Background: Body shape dissatisfaction has been thought to have an indispensable impact on weight control behaviors. We investigated the prevalence of body shape dissatisfaction (BSD) and explored its association with weight status, education level and other determinants among young adults in Hong Kong. Methods. Information on anthropometry, BSD, and socio-demographics was collected from a random sample of 1205 young adults (611 men and 594 women) aged 18-27 in a community-based household survey. BSD was defined as a discrepancy between current and ideal body shape based on a figure rating scale. Cross-tabulations, homogeneity tests and logistic regression models were applied. Results: The percentages of underweight men and women were 16.5% and 34.9% respectively, and the corresponding percentages of being overweight or obese were 26.7% and 13.2% for men and women respectively. Three-quarters of young adults had BSD. Among women, 30.9% of those underweight and 75.5% of those with normal weight desired a slimmer body shape. Overweight men and underweight women with lower education level were more likely to have a mismatch between weight status and BSD than those with higher education level. After controlling for other determinants, underweight women were found to have a higher likelihood to maintain their current body shapes than other women. Men were found to be less likely to have a mismatch between weight status and BSD than women. Conclusions: Overweight and obesity in men and underweight in women were prevalent among Hong Kong young adults. Inappropriate body shape desire might predispose individuals to unhealthy weight loss or gain behaviors. Careful consideration of actual weight status in body shape desire is needed in health promotion and education, especially for underweight and normal weight women and those with a low education level. © 2011 Cheung et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.published_or_final_versio

Book Talk Video (Speaker: Prof. David Lung)

Introduction by Mr. Tony Ferguson; Moderated by Dr. Elizabeth Sinn. Book recommendatoin: Voices from the past: Hong Kong 1842 - 1918 / selected and annotated by Solomon Bard Through excerpts from the earliest English language newspapers in Hong Kong, accompanied by Solomon Bard's insightful comments, Voices From the Past provides unique glimpses into Hong Kong's history. Richly illustrated with interesting photographs, chiefly from the Hong Kong Museum of History's photographic library, the pages bring Hong Kong's colonial past vividly to life. The newspaper excerpts, in chronological order, are faithful to the original text, reproducing its quaint prose and spelling and even occasional errors. Focusing mainly on Hong Kong, the excerpts also touch on Macao, mainland China and the rest of the world. They reflect the changes over the years in language, style of writing, even in humour. Of special interest are the public's responses to the many inventions which today we take for granted, such as electric lighting, the motor car, or the first attempts at flying. Most importantly, they reveal the gradual changes in Hong Kong's colonial attitudes as these slowly adjust to the new contemporary values and social and political changes.published_or_final_versionmms://vod01.lib.hku.hk/all/bt20030612.wm

Book Talk Video (Speaker: Dr. Peter Cunich)

Introduction by Mr. Tony Ferguson. Book recommendation: An Impossible Dream: Hong Kong University from Foundation to Re-establishment, 1910-1950 / Edited by Chan Lau Kit-ching and Peter Cunich This book is a collection of twelve scholarly yet accessible essays that examine the history of the University of Hong Kong, from the laying of its foundation stone in 1910 to its reestablishment after World War II. The book provides fascinating insights into one of Hong Kong's most important and prestigious institutions, as well as scholarly contributions to the history of Hong Kong itself.published_or_final_versionmms://vod01.lib.hku.hk/all/bt20030123.wm