Synthesizing robust mode shapes with μ and implicit model following

Control synthesis problems involving assignment of closed-loop model shapes using implicit model following (IMF) structure are considered in the context of H_2, H∞ , and μ-synthesis theories. An extension to the dynamic output feedback case is given for the quadratic or H_2 IMF problem. The IMF problem is embedded within the framework of μ control theory, and extensions for including uncertainty are discussed. A robust synthesis methodology is presented using μ theory. An application of the robust IMF synthesis methodology to modal shape assignment for the longitudinal axis of a helicopter is demonstrated

η\eta Carinae's Dusty Homunculus Nebula from Near-Infrared to Submillimeter Wavelengths: Mass, Composition, and Evidence for Fading Opacity

Infrared observations of the dusty, massive Homunculus Nebula around the luminous blue variable $\eta$ Carinae are crucial to characterize the mass-loss history and help constrain the mechanisms leading to the Great Eruption. We present the 2.4 - 670 $\mu$m spectral energy distribution, constructed from legacy ISO observations and new spectroscopy obtained with the {\em{Herschel Space Observatory}}. Using radiative transfer modeling, we find that the two best-fit dust models yield compositions which are consistent with CNO-processed material, with iron, pyroxene and other metal-rich silicates, corundum, and magnesium-iron sulfide in common. Spherical corundum grains are supported by the good match to a narrow 20.2 $\mu$m feature. Our preferred model contains nitrides AlN and Si$_3$N$_4$ in low abundances. Dust masses range from 0.25 to 0.44 $M_\odot$ but $M_{\rm{tot}} \ge$ 45 $M_\odot$ in both cases due to an expected high Fe gas-to-dust ratio. The bulk of dust is within a 5$"$ $\times$ 7$"$ central region. An additional compact feature is detected at 390 $\mu$m. We obtain $L_{\rm{IR}}$ = 2.96 $\times$ 10$^6$ $L_\odot$, a 25\% decline from an average of mid-IR photometric levels observed in 1971-1977. This indicates a reduction in circumstellar extinction in conjunction with an increase in visual brightness, allowing 25-40\% of optical and UV radiation to escape from the central source. We also present an analysis of $^{12}$CO and $^{13}$CO $J = 5-4$ through $9-8$ lines, showing that the abundances are consistent with expectations for CNO-processed material. The [$^{12}$C~{\sc{ii}}] line is detected in absorption, which we suspect originates in foreground material at very low excitation temperatures.Comment: Accepted in Ap

Ozone profile observations in Houston, Texas (1994 - 2010) from aircraft, balloons, and satellites

Houston, Texas has long been an urban area plagued with high levels of surface ozone, particularly in spring and late summer. The combination of a large commuter population and one of the largest concentrations of petrochemical plants in the world results in abundant and nearly co-located sources of NOx and hydrocarbons. The location of Houston on the South Coast of the United States in a subtropical climate results in meteorological conditions that favor ozone production. Using MOZAIC (1994 - 2004), ozonesonde (2000, 2004 - 2010), and TES (2005 – 2010) data, we examine the evolution of ozone profiles over Houston during a period in which various strategies have been implemented to alleviate the ozone pollution problem. Using meteorological data from associated soundings and analyses, we identify and evaluate influences on the ozone profiles from natural and anthropogenic sources, as well as local and remote sources. We further investigate how these various influences have changed with time

DYNAMICALLY GENERATED DEVICE-SPECIFIC APPLICATION EXECUTABLES

An application management system is described that dynamically generates and disseminates application executables based on device information of a computing device requesting installation of the application. Using application bundles that include the resources required to execute the application on all of the supported devices, the application management system determines the portion of the resources included in the application bundle that are required to execute the application at the particular device that is requesting the application and dynamically generates the application executable using only the required resources. In some examples, each application may be broken into a number of modules that each provide a portion of the all of the possible features of the application. In such examples, in response to receiving a request for the initial installation of the application, the application management system may generate the executable binary for the application that includes only the module that provides the core functionality of the application. If the user of the device later attempts to use additional features of the application not enabled by the core module, the application management system may dynamically generate a package that includes the requested functionality such that the package only includes the resources required to provide the requested functionality at the particular device

Computational Complexity of Iterated Maps on the Interval (Extended Abstract)

The exact computation of orbits of discrete dynamical systems on the interval is considered. Therefore, a multiple-precision floating point approach based on error analysis is chosen and a general algorithm is presented. The correctness of the algorithm is shown and the computational complexity is analyzed. As a main result, the computational complexity measure considered here is related to the Ljapunow exponent of the dynamical system under consideration

CHARACTERIZATION OF COPPER IN LEACHATES FROM ACQ- AND MCQ-TREATED WOOD AND ITS EFFECT ON BASIDIOSPORE GERMINATION

The unpenetrated interior of wood with a shell of preservative treatment may be exposed when the wood is cut or when checks open up. Mobile copper from wood shell-treated with chromated copper arsenate (CCA) has been shown to protect cut ends and checks against basidiospore germination. However, recent observations found that leachates from alkaline copper quat (ACQ)-treated wood failed to prevent basidiospore germination on untreated wood although copper levels were higher than toxic thresholds previously identified. It was hypothesized that the copper in leachate from ACQ-treated wood may be coordinated with monoethanolamine and/or lignin-based ligands and that this may result in poorer performance against basidiospores. In this study, electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy was used to determine the form of copper in leachates from ACQ, micronized copper quat (MCQ), and coppersulfate-treated wood. Leachates from ACQ-treated wood contained at least some degree of coordination with a nitrogen- and oxygen-containing ligand, probably monoethanolamine. This was not detected in leachates from MCQ and copper-sulfate-treated wood. These leachates were further evaluated for their ability to inhibit germination of Tyromyces palustris basidiospores. At low concentrations of copper, the CuSO4 and MCQ leachates were more effective than the ACQ leachate. At high concentrations CuSO4 and MCQ, leachates prevented germination in all samples, whereas ACQ leachates prevented germination in all but one sample

Defining A European Engineer Profile Within A European University Alliance

The world needs more engineers and Europe provides a rich and diverse environment to train them, including shared values of sustainability and interculturalism. In this paper we attempt to build a profile for a “European engineer” based on skills and competences acquired in a European University Alliance centred around engineering education (EELISA, European Engineering Learning Innovation Alliance). We carried out an on-line survey for students and staff of partner universities as well as nine indepth interviews (50 min) with relevante stakeholders. The questions included in the survey are described as well as general results from 75 respondents. The overall results from the in-depth interviews are also presented and discussed within the framework of the training concepts also promoted by international associations, including SEFI. Finally, we use our findings to suggest four conceptual fields for a European engineer profile: 1) Scientific and theoretical knowledge including digital skills, 2) Addressing sustainability, 3) Interculturalism: an engineer embracing the European project, and 4) Business and communication skills: practical and applied knowledge