Concurrent Learning Adaptive Model Predictive Control with Pseudospectral Implementation

This paper presents a control architecture in which a direct adaptive control technique is used within the model predictive control framework, using the concurrent learning based approach, to compensate for model uncertainties. At each time step, the control sequences and the parameter estimates are both used as the optimization arguments, thereby undermining the need for switching between the learning phase and the control phase, as is the case with hybrid-direct-indirect control architectures. The state derivatives are approximated using pseudospectral methods, which are vastly used for numerical optimal control problems. Theoretical results and numerical simulation examples are used to establish the effectiveness of the architecture.Comment: 21 pages, 13 figure

Exchange rate and trade balance in east asia: is there a J-curve?

This paper examines the short run and long run effects of real exchange rate changes on the real trade balance of three ASEAN countries in their bilateral trade to the US and Japan within a cointegrating vector error correction model (VECM). Generalized impulse response funtions are estimated to investigate the response to shocks. VECM estimates suggest one long-run steady-state cointegrating relationship among real trade balance, real exchange rate, real domestic and foreign income in each country. Although considerable variations exist in the results, overall the generalized impulse response functions suggest that the Marshall-Lerner condition holds in the long-run with varying degree of J-curve effects in the short-run.ASEAN Countries

Working Paper 65 - Governance in Africa: The Role for Information and Communication Technologies

The information and knowledge age is upon us due to rapid advances ininformation and communication technologies (ICTs). These new technologies arechanging the way we live and work, and they are transforming many aspects ofsocial and economic organization in ways we could have hardly imagined less thantwo decades ago. ICTs offer developing countries formidable and cost-effectivetools for accelerated development. This paper assesses the role that ICTs can playin Africa’s development with special emphasis on governance. The 21st centurychallenges for governance in Africa are reviewed. The paper summarizes the usesof ICTs in governance and discusses possible risks. It also attempts to offer ideasthat should be considered in employing ICTs for governance, and identifies keyareas for intervention by African countries and the African Development Bank. Thepaper stresses the importance of the human factor in realizing good governance,given that ICTs are only tools.

Ethnic fragmentation and police spending

Using a Two-Stage Least Squares procedure, we estimate the relationship between ethnic fragmentation and police spending using a cross-section of United States counties. Our results show that, when controlling for community characteristics and accounting for simultaneity bias, ethnic fragmentation is positively related to police spending. Our paper contributes to the understanding of the stylized fact that public spending on police increased over a period in which the incidence of crime decreased

Localization of Control Synthesis Problem for Large-Scale Interconnected System Using IQC and Dissipativity Theories

The synthesis problem for the compositional performance certification of interconnected systems is considered. A fairly unified description of control synthesis problem is given using integral quadratic constraints (IQC) and dissipativity. Starting with a given large-scale interconnected system and a global performance objective, an optimization problem is formulated to search for admissible dissipativity properties of each subsystems. Local control laws are then synthesized to certify the relevant dissipativity properties. Moreover, the term localization is introduced to describe a finite collection of syntheses problems, for the local subsystems, which are a feasibility certificate for the global synthesis problem. Consequently, the problem of localizing the global problem to a smaller collection of disjointed sets of subsystems, called groups, is considered. This works looks promising as another way of looking at decentralized control and also as a way of doing performance specifications for components in a large-scale system

Ethnic fragmentation and police spending

Using a Two-Stage Least Squares procedure, we estimate the relationship between ethnic fragmentation and police spending using a cross-section of United States counties. Our results show that, when controlling for community characteristics and accounting for simultaneity bias, ethnic fragmentation is positively related to police spending. Our paper contributes to the understanding of the stylized fact that public spending on police increased over a period in which the incidence of crime decreased.ethnic fragmentation, police spending, police, crime, fragmentation

Industrialization, Exports and the Developmental State in Africa: The Case for Transformation

This essay explores the role of the state in promoting exports and industrialization in the quest for transformation of African economies. It does this by exploring the role of trade in African economies followed by a brief look at the East Asian Developmental state. This is followed by an examination of why many African states have failed at being drivers of transformation. It concludes by examining the potential role of African states in a project of transformation as well as the available avenues and resources for transformation. JEL Categories: O1; O2; O3; N17; N47; N57; N67; N77.Africa; economic development; economic history; exports; industrialization; transformation;.

A study of Compressive Strength Characteristics of Laterite/sand Hollow Blocks

This paper presents the results of experimental investigations carried out on partial replacement of sand with laterite as it affects the compressive strength of sandcrete hollow blocks. Two mix proportions (1:6 and 1:8) were used with laterite content varying between 0 and 50% at 10% intervals. Hand and machine compaction methods were used. Curing was done by sprinkling water on the specimens. The results showed that for each mix proportion and compaction method, the compressive strength decreases with increase in laterite content. Machine compacted hollow sandcrete blocks made from mix ratio 1:6 and with up to 10% laterite content is found suitable and hence recommended for building construction having attained a 28-day compressive strength of 2.07N/mm2 as required by the Nigerian Standards

MODELING STATE AGRICULTURE: AN APPLICATION AND SOME IMPLICATIONS

A disaggregated econometric model of the agricultural sector at the state level is constructed. Using time series data on West Virginia agriculture and three-stage least squares in estimation, the model is employed to examine how various components of the state's agricultural sector adjust to changes in certain price and nonprice variables. Results reveal characteristics of the state's agricultural economy that are both unique and useful - characteristics that are usually masked in aggregate models but that have profound implications for modeling producer decision making and policy formulation.Industrial Organization,

Reference Service in Academic Libraries: Accommodation of International Students

This paper examines reference service in academic libraries, especially as it relates to international students. This group of students may experience hardship when faced with a new cultural and educational environment which is most times different from what they are used to. After a discussion of the planning process, the Association for College and Research Libraries (ACRL) standards, and the relationship of assessment to the standards, the article will investigate the nature, objectives, and value of reference service in academic libraries along with the special problems associated with reference service for international students. Assessment practices and the particular difficulties associated with assessment will then be explored