Probabilistic robust control: theory and applications

In this work, the development of a probabilistic approach to robust control is motivated by structural control applications in civil engineering. Often in civil structural applications, a system's performance is specified in terms of its reliability. In addition, the model and input uncertainty for the system may be described most appropriately using probabilistic or "soft" bounds on the model and input sets. The probabilistic robust control methodology contrasts with existing W... /A robust control methodologies that do not use probability information for the model and input uncertainty sets, yielding only the guaranteed (i.e., "worst-case") system performance, and no information about the system's probable performance which would be of interest to civil engineers. The design objective for the probabilistic robust controller is to maximize the reliability of the uncertain structure/controller system for a probabilistically-described uncertain excitation. The robust performance is computed for a set of possible models by weighting the conditional performance probability for a particular model by the probability of that model, then integrating over the set of possible models. This integration is accomplished efficiently using an asymptotic approximation. The probable performance can be optimized numerically over the class of allowable controllers to find the optimal controller. Also, if structural response data becomes available from a controlled structure, its probable performance can easily be updated using Bayes's Theorem to update the probability distribution over the set of possible models. An updated optimal controller can then be produced, if desired, by following the original procedure. Thus, the probabilistic framework integrates system identification and robust control in a natural manner. The probabilistic robust control methodology is applied to two systems in this thesis. The first is a high-fidelity computer model of a benchmark structural control laboratory experiment. For this application, uncertainty in the input model only is considered. The probabilistic control design minimizes the failure probability of the benchmark system while remaining robust with respect to the input model uncertainty. The performance of an optimal low-order controller compares favorably with higher-order controllers for the same benchmark system which are based on other approaches. The second application is to the Caltech Flexible Structure, which is a light-weight aluminum truss structure actuated by three voice coil actuators. A controller is designed to minimize the failure probability for a nominal model of this system. Furthermore, the method for updating the model-based performance calculation given new response data from the system is illustrated

Effects of trinexapac-ethyl on ornamental grass species

Studies were conducted to evaluate the effects of trinexapac-ethyl (TE) on height reduction, tillering, chlorophyll content, color, flowering, and root development of three ornamental grasses: Calamagrostis ×acutiflora \u27Karl Foerster\u27, Miscanthus sinensis \u27Variegatus\u27, and Pennisetum ×advena \u27Rubrum\u27. Two applications of TE reduced height in all grasses and improved chlorophyll content in C. \u27Karl Foerster\u27 while delaying flowering in M. \u27Variegatus\u27 and P. \u27Rubrum\u27. Tillering was slightly increased in M. \u27Variegatus\u27 with two TE applications. Shoot dry weight (SDW) and root dry weight (RDW) were reduced in C. \u27Karl Foerster\u27, SDW was reduced in P. \u27Rubrum\u27 and SDW and RDW were unaffected by applications of TE in M. \u27Variegatus\u27. TE is effective for growth control in ornamental grass production systems; however, the results are species specific and should be tested further before widespread use on other ornamental grass species

The body for the Lord : sex and identity in 1st Corinthians 5-7

This thesis attempts to contribute to the study of identity formation in early Christianity by exploring the part played in this by sexual ethics. To this end it focuses on 1Corinthians 5-7, as the longest discussion of sex in the New Testament. Unlike many previous studies, this study sets out to consider these chapters as a unified discourse, and to consider them in the wider context of the epistle as a whole. The study engages in a close reading of the discourse, paying attention to how Paul's ethical instructions themselves, and his rhetoric (used to describe and evaluate insiders and outsiders), contribute to establishing Christian identity. It examines how convictions about Christian ethics and identity govern relations with outsiders, internal regulation, and reactions to social institutions. Particular attention is paid to Paul's 'body language' and what it might reveal about the relations of individual, Christian group and wider society in Paul's thought. Chapter one explores the concept of identity. It argues that identity is largely dependent on the subjective perception and evaluation of difference. The work of anthropologist Frederik Barth and social psychologist Henri Tajfel are used to reflect upon how social identities interact, both at the psychological level of the individual and at the sociological level of the group, and to provide resources for the study of 1Cor. It is noted that social groups require to establish a positive social identity for their members, and that this is always comparative in nature. How such comparisons operate, how they generate group stereotypes, and how the language of ingroup/outgroup comparison can be used to control the activity of ingroup members, are also explored. Chapter two examines the lessons learned with a brief consideration of the discourses of some Roman writers. It investigates how they used sexual ethics and rhetoric in the maintenance of group identity and the process of group control. Chapter three then takes an overview of 1Cor, considering the context into which Paul writes and the objectives he has in writing. In particular it explores Paul's rhetoric in 1Cor 1-4, and how his description and evaluation of insider and outsider serves to construct identity and control behaviour. The remaining chapters scrutinise 1Cor 5-7 in depth

Paying attention to meaning

Several paradigms show that responses to one event compromise responses to a second event for around 500 ms. Such effects are generally attributed to attentional capacity limitations associated with processing information in the first event. In a task in which targets could be distinguished only by their meaning, we varied the semantic relationship between distractors and targets following at different lags. Semantic relatedness alone produced a classic attentional blink. We conclude by discussing how attention theory might best accommodate these new effects

International Criminal Law and the Inner Morality of Law

Larry May, W. Alton Jones Professor of Philosophy and Professor Law Vanderbilt University, investigates what Fuller called “procedural natural law” in contemporary international criminal law. Respondent: Margaret Martin, University of Western Ontari

Sigma 54-Regulated Transcription Is Associated with Membrane Reorganization and Type III Secretion Effectors during Conversion to Infectious Forms of Chlamydia trachomatis

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.Chlamydia bacteria are obligate intracellular organisms with a phylum-defining biphasic developmental cycle that is intrinsically linked to its ability to cause disease. The progression of the chlamydial developmental cycle is regulated by the temporal expression of genes predominantly controlled by RNA polymerase sigma (σ) factors. Sigma 54 (σ54) is one of three sigma factors encoded by Chlamydia for which the role and regulon are unknown. CtcC is part of a two-component signal transduction system that is requisite for σ54 transcriptional activation. CtcC activation of σ54 requires phosphorylation, which relieves inhibition by the CtcC regulatory domain and enables ATP hydrolysis by the ATPase domain. Prior studies with CtcC homologs in other organisms have shown that expression of the ATPase domain alone can activate σ54 transcription. Biochemical analysis of CtcC ATPase domain supported the idea of ATP hydrolysis occurring in the absence of the regulatory domain, as well as the presence of an active-site residue essential for ATPase activity (E242). Using recently developed genetic approaches in Chlamydia to induce expression of the CtcC ATPase domain, a transcriptional profile was determined that is expected to reflect the σ54 regulon. Computational evaluation revealed that the majority of the differentially expressed genes were preceded by highly conserved σ54 promoter elements. Reporter gene analyses using these putative σ54 promoters reinforced the accuracy of the model of the proposed regulon. Investigation of the gene products included in this regulon supports the idea that σ54 controls expression of genes that are critical for conversion of Chlamydia from replicative reticulate bodies into infectious elementary bodies.NIH T32 GM008545AI126785NIH (AI126785)P20GM113117P20GM10363

Validation and Feasibility of the Medication Acceptability Questionnaire to Investigate Tablet and Liquid Alendronic Acid with Older Hospital Patients

The effects of formulation characteristics on acceptability are poorly understood. This study evaluated the validity and feasibility of using the Medication Acceptability Questionnaire (MAQ) to investigate factors influencing acceptability of tablet compared with liquid alendronic acid. Written consent was obtained from eligible patients on Older People’s Medicine wards. MAQ face and content validity were evaluated through cognitive interviews while internal consistency and criterion validity were investigated by calculating Cronbach’s alpha and correlation of MAQ items with visual analogue scale (VAS) responses. MAQ data were obtained from 33 and 25 participants for tablet and liquid formulations respectively. Cognitive interviews indicated MAQ face and content validity. The domains of appearance, efficacy, and tolerability demonstrated adequate internal consistency and suitable refinements were identified for the domains of convenience and taste with Cronbach’s alpha <0.7. Significant positive correlations were identified between all MAQ domains and VAS. The liquid trended towards performing better for taste, appearance and tolerability and the tablet for convenience and efficacy. It is feasible to capture patient acceptability of a medication by questionnaire. Interpatient variation in acceptability for two formulations indicates that medication characteristics should be considered during prescribing and medication reviews to match patient preference with the appropriate formulation