Optimal control of non-stationary differential linear repetitive processes

Differential repetitive processes are a distinct class of continuousdiscrete 2D linear systems of both systems theoretic and applications interest. The feature which makes them distinct from other classes of such systems is the fact that information propagation in one of the two independent directions only occurs over a finite interval. Applications areas include iterative learning control and iterative solution algorithms for classes of dynamic nonlinear optimal control problems based on the maximum principle, and the modelling of numerous industrial processes such as metal rolling, and long-wall cutting etc. The new results in is paper solve a general optimal problem in the presence of non-stationary dynamics

Study of porous wall low density wind tunnel diffusers

Porous wall wind tunnel diffusers used with low density hypersonic nozzl

High-Performance Bioinstrumentation for Real-Time Neuroelectrochemical Traumatic Brain Injury Monitoring

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) has been identified as an important cause of death and severe disability in all age groups and particularly in children and young adults. Central to TBIs devastation is a delayed secondary injury that occurs in 30–40% of TBI patients each year, while they are in the hospital Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Secondary injuries reduce survival rate after TBI and usually occur within 7 days post-injury. State-of-art monitoring of secondary brain injuries benefits from the acquisition of high-quality and time-aligned electrical data i.e., ElectroCorticoGraphy (ECoG) recorded by means of strip electrodes placed on the brains surface, and neurochemical data obtained via rapid sampling microdialysis and microfluidics-based biosensors measuring brain tissue levels of glucose, lactate and potassium. This article progresses the field of multi-modal monitoring of the injured human brain by presenting the design and realization of a new, compact, medical-grade amperometry, potentiometry and ECoG recording bioinstrumentation. Our combined TBI instrument enables the high-precision, real-time neuroelectrochemical monitoring of TBI patients, who have undergone craniotomy neurosurgery and are treated sedated in the ICU. Electrical and neurochemical test measurements are presented, confirming the high-performance of the reported TBI bioinstrumentation

Constrained optimal control theory for differential linear repetitive processes

Differential repetitive processes are a distinct class of continuous-discrete two-dimensional linear systems of both systems theoretic and applications interest. These processes complete a series of sweeps termed passes through a set of dynamics defined over a finite duration known as the pass length, and once the end is reached the process is reset to its starting position before the next pass begins. Moreover the output or pass profile produced on each pass explicitly contributes to the dynamics of the next one. Applications areas include iterative learning control and iterative solution algorithms, for classes of dynamic nonlinear optimal control problems based on the maximum principle, and the modeling of numerous industrial processes such as metal rolling, long-wall cutting, etc. In this paper we develop substantial new results on optimal control of these processes in the presence of constraints where the cost function and constraints are motivated by practical application of iterative learning control to robotic manipulators and other electromechanical systems. The analysis is based on generalizing the well-known maximum and $\epsilon$-maximum principles to the

Design of Marine Protected Areas on high seas and territorial waters of rockall bank

Fisheries closures are rapidly being developed to protect vulnerable marine ecosystems worldwide. Satellite monitoring of fishing vessel activity indicates that these closures can work effectively with good compliance by international fleets even in remote areas. Here we summarise how remote fisheries closures were designed to protect Lophelia pertusa habitat in a region of the NE Atlantic that straddles the EU fishing zone and the high seas. We show how scientific records, fishers' knowledge and surveillance data on fishing activity can be combined to provide a powerful tool for the design of Marine Protected Areas. © Inter-Research 2009

Mobile learning policy and practice in Africa: Towards inclusive and equitable access to higher education

This article presents the results of a review of practice and policy in relation to mobile learning and its potential to enhance inclusive and equitable access to higher education in Africa. We reviewed academic literature on potential barriers. Then, we explored the current state of the mobile learning policy environment in 10 African countries through an analysis of how these policies have tried to address the prominent challenges in the adoption of mobile learning as identified in the literature. The findings reveal that significant resourcing inequalities and epistemological, sociocultural, and institutional barriers remain and affect mobile learning adoption. The analysis also reveals that there is still a policy vacuum in relation to mobile learning specific policies within African higher education institutional and governmental policies. Thus, the formal integration of mobile learning in higher education to facilitate equitable access is very much in its infancy. This article suggests a strong need for institutional, cross-institutional, national and African-wide mobile learning specific policies to ensure better implementation of mobile learning. As interest in mobile learning continues to grow, this review will provide insights into policy and strategic planning for the adoption of mobile learning to achieve inclusive and equitable access to higher education

Structural optimization of an alternate design for the space shuttle solid rocket booster field joint

A structural optimization procedure is used to determine the shape of an alternate design for the shuttle solid rocket booster field joint. In contrast to the tang and clevis design of the existing joint, this alternate design consists of two flanges bolted together. Configurations with 150 studs of 1 1/8 in. diameter and 135 studs of 1 3/16 in. diameter are considered. Using a nonlinear programming procedure, the joint weight is minimized under constraints on either von Mises or maximum normal stresses, joint opening and geometry. The procedure solves the design problem by replacing it by a sequence of approximate (convex) subproblems; the pattern of contact between the joint halves is determined every few cycles by a nonliner displacement analysis. The minimum weight design has 135 studs of 1 3/16 in. diameter and is designed under constraints on normal stresses. It weighs 1144 lb per joint more than the current tang and clevis design

Vacuum-UV negative photoion spectroscopy of CH3F, CH3Cl and CH3Br

Using tunable vacuum-UV radiation from a synchrotron, negative ions are detected by quadrupolar mass spectrometry following photoexcitation of three gaseous halogenated methanes CH$_3$X (X = F,Cl,Br). The anions X$^-$, H$^-$, CX$^-$, CHX$^-$ and CH$_2$X$^-$ are observed, and their ion yields recorded in the range 8-35 eV. The anions show a linear dependence of signal with pressure, showing that they arise from unimolecular ion-pair dissociation, generically described as AB + h$v$ $\rightarrow$ A$^-$ + B$^+$ (+ neutrals). Absolute cross sections for ion-pair formation are obtained by calibrating the signal intensities with those of F$^-$ from both SF$_6$ and CF$_4$. The cross sections for formation of X$^-$ + CH$_3$$^+$ are much greater than for formation of CH$_2$X$^-$ + H$^+$. In common with many quadrupoles, the spectra of $m$/$z$ 1 (H$^-$) anions show contributions from all anions, and only for CH$_3$Br is it possible to perform the necessary subtraction to obtain the true H$^-$ spectrum. The anion cross sections are normalised to vacuum-UV absorption cross sections to obtain quantum yields for their production. The appearance energies of X$^-$ and CH$_2$X$^-$ are used to calculate upper limits to 298 K bond dissociation energies for D$^o$ (H$_3$C-X) and D$^o$ (XH$_2$C-H) which are consistent with literature values. The spectra suggest that most of the anions are formed indirectly by crossing of Rydberg states of the parent molecule onto an ion-pair continuum. The one exception is the lowest-energy peak of F$^-$ from CH$_3$F at 13.4 eV, where its width and lack of structure suggest it may correspond to a direct ion-pair transition