Algorithms for adaptive stochastic control for a class of linear systems

Control of linear, discrete time, stochastic systems with unknown control gain parameters is discussed. Two suboptimal adaptive control schemes are derived: one is based on underestimating future control and the other is based on overestimating future control. Both schemes require little on-line computation and incorporate in their control laws some information on estimation errors. The performance of these laws is studied by Monte Carlo simulations on a computer. Two single input, third order systems are considered, one stable and the other unstable, and the performance of the two adaptive control schemes is compared with that of the scheme based on enforced certainty equivalence and the scheme where the control gain parameters are known

Internet users and online privacy: a study assessing whether Internet users' privacy is adequately protected

The paper examines the current state of Internet privacy. We assess the needs of UK Internet users in terms of online privacy protection, and determine the extent to which current privacy practices were satisfying those needs. Our work examines: (a) Internet users' attitudes towards online privacy; (b) 50 Web sites' privacy policies and practices and (c) existing privacy protection for users such as legislation and technological tools. The survey reveals a high level of concerns amongst Internet users related to their privacy in terms of: (i) personally identifying information that they provide to Web sites, (ii) the information that Web sites collect through the use of cookies and IP addresses and (iii) the information derived by tracking users' online activities

A Novel Single-Source Surface Integral Method to Compute Scattering from Dielectric Objects

Using the traditional surface integral methods, the computation of scattering from a dielectric object requires two equivalent current densities on the boundary of the dielectric. In this paper, we present an approach that requires only a single current density. Our method is based on a surface admittance operator and is applicable to dielectric bodies of arbitrary shape. The formulation results in four times lower memory consumption and up to eight times lower time to solve the linear system than the traditional PMCHWT formulation. Numerical results demonstrate that the proposed technique is as accurate as the PMCHWT formulation.Comment: Submitted to IEEE Antennas and Wireless Propagation Letters on November 18, 201

Assessment of Kisan Mobile Advisory (KMA) Service for Dissemination of Agriculture Information in Mehsana District; Gujarat

Introduction of information and communication (ICT) in the field of Agriculture has brought many changes in traditional methods of extension. It enables the dissemination of requisite information at the right time to the right people. The revolution in ICT has made access to the information easy and cost effective to the rural masses in general and farming community in particular. Kisan Mobile Sandesh (KMS) or Kisan Mobile Advisory Services (KMAS) is one among several methods of ICTs working successfully for dissemination of latest information. KMAS is best on the liner model of communication, which involve four major component of communication process viz. Sender, Message, Channel and Receiver, Mobile phones, Short Message Service (sms) are important tools and can be used by the KVK specialist. The extension functionary is the user of the information while farmers are implementer at field level. Kisan Mobile Advisory Service was launched for sending information through SMS in Mehsana District through Krishi Vigyan Kendra during January 2014. The content of messages were typed in Gujarati language and information related to crop production, crop protection, vegetable and fruit production, spice crops, dairy farming, weather forecasting, post harvest management and other agricultural and allied related information sent to end users. To evaluate the sending information and usefulness of information, the present study was constitutes, survey of 80 farmers, 10 in-service personnel and 10 input suppliers of district during 2014-15. Result of survey shows that messages were highly understandable for large majority 42.50 % of the members of farmer’s category. It was highly understandable for 80 % and 50 % KMA member of in-service personnel and input supplier category respectively. Messages were needful and timely for 67.50% of KMA member of farmer’s category and about 70% and 50% for in-service personnel and input supplier, respectively. As far as applicability of message is concerned, the messages were fully applicable for about 44 % of KMA member of farmer’s category whereas medium and partially applicable were reported by 17.50 % and 22.50 % of members, respectively. It was also found that messages were fully applicable for in-service personnel (60 %) and input supplier (50 %). Majority of the framers 72.50 % were conveyed the messages minimum to one another farmers in social system. DOI: 10.17762/ijritcc2321-8169.15075

Seismic Isolation of Building-Equipment System Using Modified Variable Friction Pendulum System

In this study, building-equipment system with Modified Variable Friction Pendulum System (MVFPS) is investigated under different earthquake ground excitations. Earthquake response of building-equipment system isolated with MVFPS is compared with Variable Friction Pendulum System (VFPS) and Friction Pendulum System (FPS) in order to find efficiency of MVFPS. Newmark’s linear acceleration method is used for solving governing equation of motion for building-equipment system. In this investigation, different storey buildings are considered. It is observed that MVFPS is more efficient in reducing the recoverable energy than FPS, but less efficient than VFPS. From the comparative study, it is found that FPS shows robust performance in comparison to MVFPS and VFPS in reducing equipment acceleration and displacement

Characteristics of Fatal Cases of Pandemic Influenza A (H1N1) from September 2009 to January 2010 in Saurashtra Region, India

Background: India reported first case of 2009 pandemic influenza A (H1N1) virus infection in May, 2009 and Saurashtra region in August, 2009. We describe the characteristics of fatal cases of 2009 influenza A (H1N1) infection reported in Saurashtra region. Methods: From September, 2009 to January, 2010, we observed 71 fatal cases that were infected with 2009 influenza A (H1N1) virus and admitted in different hospitals in Rajkot city. Real-time reverse-transcriptase-polymerase-chain-reaction (RT-PCR) testing was used to confirm infection; the clinico-epidemiological features were observed and documented. Results: Median age of the deceased (71) was 29 years, and 57.7% were females. Median time observed was 5 days from onset of illness to diagnosis of influenza A (H1N1), and 57.7% were referred from general practitioner (OR=0.42, CI=0.24-0.74). Median hospital stay reported was 3 days. All admitted patients received oseltamivir, but only 16.9% received it within 2 days of onset of illness. The most common symptoms were cough (97.2%), fever (93%), sore throat and shortness of breath. Co-morbid conditions were present in almost half of the patients who ultimately died, the most common of which was pregnancy (OR=0.15, CI=0.04-0.52). Radiological pneumonia was reported in 98% patients. Conclusion: Residing in urban area, delayed referral from general practitioner, presence of co-existing condition, especially pregnancy was responsible for mortality among influenza A (H1N1) infected positive