What life cycle graphs can tell about the evolution of life histories

We analyze long-term evolutionary dynamics in a large class of life history models. The model family is characterized by discrete-time population dynamics and a finite number of individual states such that the life cycle can be described in terms of a population projection matrix. We allow an arbitrary number of demographic parameters to be subject to density-dependent population regulation and two or more demographic parameters to be subject to evolutionary change. Our aim is to identify structural features of life cycles and modes of population regulation that correspond to specific evolutionary dynamics. Our derivations are based on a fitness proxy that is an algebraically simple function of loops within the life cycle. This allows us to phrase the results in terms of properties of such loops which are readily interpreted biologically. The following results could be obtained. First, we give sufficient conditions for the existence of optimisation principles in models with an arbitrary number of evolving traits. These models are then classified with respect to their appropriate optimisation principle. Second, under the assumption of just two evolving traits we identify structural features of the life cycle that determine whether equilibria of the monomorphic adaptive dynamics (evolutionarily singular points) correspond to fitness minima or maxima. Third, for one class of frequency-dependent models, where optimisation is not possible, we present sufficient conditions that allow classifying singular points in terms of the curvature of the trade-off curve. Throughout the article we illustrate the utility of our framework with a variety of examples

Robust stability and stabilization for singular systems with state delay and parameter uncertainty

This note considers the problems of robust stability and stabilization for uncertain continuous singular systems with state delay. The parametric uncertainty is assumed to be norm bounded. The purpose of the robust stability problem is to give conditions such that the uncertain singular system is regular, impulse free, and stable for all admissible uncertainties, while the purpose of robust stabilization is to design a state feedback control law such that the resulting closed-loop system is robustly stable. These problems are solved via the notions of generalized quadratic stability and generalized quadratic stabilization, respectively. Necessary and sufficient conditions for generalized quadratic stability and generalized quadratic stabilization are derived. A strict linear matrix inequality (LMI) design approach is developed. An explicit expression for the desired robust state feedback control law is also given. Finally, a numerical example is provided to demonstrate the application of the proposed method.published_or_final_versio

Connie Myers v. Albertsons, Inc. : Brief of Appellee

Appeal of the Judgment of Michael Glasmann Based upon a Jury Verdict Second Judicial District Court Weber County, State of Uta

Energie in de varkensketen

Het thema energiebesparingen is door stijgende energieprijzen weer nadrukkelijker op de agenda komen te staan. Energie besparen doet een bedrijf of een organisatie niet alleen. Energiebesparingen kunnen een effect hebben op andere schakels in de keten, dus voor een effectief energiebesparingsbeleid is het nodig om de gehele voortbrengingsketen van producten en/of diensten in beschouwing te nemen. Dit geldt ook voor de productieketen van varkensvlees, waarin de varkenshouderij, slachterij, uitsnijderij en centrale slagerij vertegenwoordigd zijn. Voordat echter energiebesparingsmaatregelen ontwikkeld konden worden was het nodig om het energiegebruik van deze keten goed in kaart te brengen. In dit project is hiervoor dan ook een omvangrijke energiemonitoring opgezet (voor het mengvoerbedrijf, de varkenshouderij, de slachterij, de uitsnijderij en de centrale slagerij). Met de inzichten uit deze monitoring zijn vervolgens energiebesparingsmaatregelen voor de varkensvleesketen ontwikkel