H? filtering of time-varying systems with bounded rates of variation

In this paper, the problem of robust filter design for time-varying discrete-time polytopic systems with bounded rates of variation is investigated. The design conditions are obtained by using a parameter-dependent Lyapunov function and the Finsler\u27s Lemma. A robust filter, that minimizes an upper bound to the H? performance of the estimation error, is obtained as the solution of an optimization problem. A more precise geometric representation of the parameter time variation was used in order to obtain less conservative design conditions. Robust filters for time-invariant, as well as arbitrarily time-varying, polytopic systems can be obtained as a particular case of the proposed method. Numerical examples illustrate the results

H? filtering of networked systems with time-varying sampling rates

In this paper, the problem of robust filter design for networked systems with time-varying sampling rate is investigated. The design conditions are obtained by using the Lyapunov theory and the Finsler\u27s Lemma. A robust filter, that minimizes an upper bound to the Hinfin performance of the estimation error, is obtained as the solution of an optimization problem. A path-dependent Lyapunov function is used in order to obtain less conservative design conditions. Robust filters based on affine parameter-dependent Lyapunov functions can be obtained as a particular case of the proposed method. Numerical examples illustrate the results

H? robust memory controllers for networked control systems: uncertain sampling rates and time delays in polytopic domains

In this paper, the problem of controller design for networked control systems with time-varying sampling rates and time delays is investigated. By using a memory at the feedback loop, a digital robust controller that minimizes an upper bound to the Hinfin performance of the closed loop system is determined. The design conditions are obtained from the Finsler\u27s Lemma combined with the Lyapunov theory and expressed in terms of bilinear matrix inequalities. Extra variables introduced by the Finsler\u27s Lemma are explored in order to provide a better system behavior. The time-varying uncertainties are modelled using polytopic domains. The controller is obtained by the solution of an optimization problem formulated only in terms of the vertices of the polytope, avoiding grids in the parametric space. Numerical examples illustrate the efficiency of the proposed approach

H? Gain Scheduling for Discrete-Time Systems with Control Delays and Time-Varying Parameters: a BMI Approach

In this paper, the problem of gain scheduling for time-varying systems with time delays is investigated. By using a memory at the feedback loop, a discrete gain scheduled controller which minimizes an upper bound to the ,Hscrinfin performance of the closed loop system is determined. The design conditions, expressed in terms of bilinear matrix inequalities, are obtained from the Finsler\u27s Lemma combined with the Lyapunov theory. The extra variables introduced by the Finsler\u27s Lemma represent an alternative way in the search of better system behavior. The time-varying uncertainties are modeled using polytopic domains. The controller is obtained by the solution of an optimization problem formulated only in terms of the vertices of the polytope. No grids in the parametric space are used. Numerical examples illustrate the efficiency of the proposed approach

Gold(I) and Silver(I) Complexes Containing Hybrid Sulfonamide/Thiourea Ligands as Potential Leishmanicidal Agents

Leishmaniasis is a group of parasitic diseases with the potential to infect more than 1 billion people; however, its treatment is still old and inadequate. In order to contribute to changing this view, this work consisted of the development of complexes derived from MI metal ions with thioureas, aiming to obtain potential leishmanicidal agents. The thiourea ligands (HLR) were obtained by reactions of p-toluenesulfohydrazide with R-isothiocyanates and were used in complexation reactions with AgI and AuI, leading to the formation of complexes of composition [M(HLR)2]X (M = Ag or Au; X = NO3− or Cl−). All compounds were characterized by FTIR, 1H NMR, UV-vis, emission spectroscopy and elemental analysis. Some representatives were additionally studied by ESI-MS and single-crystal XRD. Their properties were further analyzed by DFT calculations. Their cytotoxicity on Vero cells and the extracellular leishmanicidal activity on Leishmania infantum and Leishmania braziliensis cells were evaluated. Additionally, the interaction of the complexes with the Old Yellow enzyme of the L. braziliensis (LbOYE) was examined. The biological tests showed that some compounds present remarkable leishmanicidal activity, even higher than that of the standard drug Glucantime, with different selectivity for the two species of Leishmania. Finally, the interaction studies with LbOYE revealed that this enzyme could be one of their biological targets

The Azorean Biodiversity Portal: an internet database for regional biodiversity outreach

Copyright © 2010 The Natural History Museum.There is a growing interest in academia to provide biodiversity data to both the scientific community and the public. We present an internet database of the terrestrial lichens, bryophytes, vascular plants, molluscs, arthropods, vertebrates and coastal invertebrates of the Azores archipelago (Portugal, North Atlantic): the Azorean Biodiversity Portal (ABP, http://www.azoresbioportal.angra.uac.pt/). This is a unique resource for fundamental research in systematics, biodiversity, education and conservation management. The ABP was based on a regional species database (ATLANTIS), comprised of grid-based spatial incidence information for c. 5000 species. Most of the data rely on a comprehensive literature survey (dating back to the 19th century) as well as unpublished records from recent field surveys in the Azores. The ABP disseminates the ATLANTIS database to the public, allowing universal, unrestricted access to much of its data. Complementarily, the ABP includes additional information of interest to the general public (e.g. literature on Macaronesian biodiversity) together with images from collections and/or live specimens for many species. In this contribution we explain the implementation of a regional biodiversity database, its architecture, achievements and outcomes, strengths and limitations; we further include a number of suggestions in order to implement similar initiatives

Durabilidad del Concreto en Ambiente Urbanos y Urnbano/Marinos de México y España

Trabajo presentado en el III Congreso Nacional ALCONPAT (Asociación Latinoamericana de Control de Calidad, Patología y Recuperación de la Construcción), celebrado en Caracas (Venezuela), en noviembre de 200