Relaxed ISS Small-Gain Theorems for Discrete-Time Systems

In this paper ISS small-gain theorems for discrete-time systems are stated, which do not require input-to-state stability (ISS) of each subsystem. This approach weakens conservatism in ISS small-gain theory, and for the class of exponentially ISS systems we are able to prove that the proposed relaxed small-gain theorems are non-conservative in a sense to be made precise. The proofs of the small-gain theorems rely on the construction of a dissipative finite-step ISS Lyapunov function which is introduced in this work. Furthermore, dissipative finite-step ISS Lyapunov functions, as relaxations of ISS Lyapunov functions, are shown to be sufficient and necessary to conclude ISS of the overall system.Comment: input-to-state stability, Lyapunov methods, small-gain conditions, discrete-time non-linear systems, large-scale interconnection

Citizens without Borders – new media and global accountability measures

In an environment of globalisation and rapidly expanding deployment of interactive digital communication, this paper takes a complex systems approach to the mapping of large scale global indicators onto electronic flows of information and intent. It argues that democracy is being transformed by online technologies, and that governments which embrace and encourage citizen inputs and monitoring of public information can establish vital groundwork for more effective forms of global governance. Growing awareness of issues that transcend jurisdictions makes such transformations both necessary and increasingly acceptable. The prism for this bird’s eye view is the Australian Government’s evolution in its uses of information communication technologies (ICTs) for citizen engagement

Stigma, support initiatives and the "directors' dilemma": is anyone mitigating the socio-economic impact of HIV and AIDS related stigma in Botswana?

The article explains the socio-economic impact of HIV/AIDS-related stigma in Botswana. It identifies self-help initiatives as those who mitigate the impact and explains the most severe problems they face. This paper is a revised version of the presentation given at the workshop "Changing HIV and AIDS impact patterns in the wake of the ARV therapy" in Gaborone/ Botswana

Stigma and discrimination: social encounters, identity and space; a concept derived from HIV and AIDS related research in the high prevalence country Botswana

How do social encounters conjure up stigma and discrimination? How do social identities emerge and how do people reject or integrate each other in local settings and social space? How do individuals affected build their self-identities and cope with the socially divisive effects of their stigma? The book provides an unconventional view on the subject matter. It is based on empirical fieldwork on the social effects of HIV and AIDS in Botswana. A broad review of geographical, sociological, psychological and social psychological literature, as well as the consideration of works of applied sciences helps to lift the empirical findings to a more general and theoretical level. Different lines of theory are disentangled and integrated into a concept of stigma and discrimination. With its standpoint of pragmatist epistemology and the special focus on the spatial character of social distances the book is of interest not only for social geographers. Both stigma and discrimination are socially highly relevant phenomena. They not only induce social segregation in such a manner that people are forced to subordinate themselves. Especially stigmatisation leads people to exclude themselves out of shame. People also refrain from seeking support from relevant services. It is therefore of elementary importance in many social fields (e.g. the public health sector, social work, etc.) to understand the processes of stigma and discrimination. First published as: Geiselhart, Klaus (2009): The Geography of Stigma and Discrimination. HIV and AIDS Related Identities in Botswana. Saarbrücken (Studies in Development Geography, 36

Flutter Prediction for Aircraft Conceptual Design

Flutter prediction is usually a knowledge-based analysis process that aims to reduce the cost of aeroelastic stability margin certification. However, early detection of flutter problems is beneficial in the development of unconventional aircraft. The recently developed automation tool ConceptFEA for structural sizing of aircraft concepts paves the way for rapid physics-based flutter prediction of aircraft concepts. A match-point iteration procedure using the p-k method is implemented for ConceptFEA with minimum user input requirements to generate flutter boundary points. A subsonic business jet concept and its high aspect-ratio wing variant are used to demonstrate how the newly developed flutter prediction capability can be used during aircraft conceptual design. Sized structures, flutter boundary curves, and flutter sensitivity analysis results are generated for these two concepts using ConceptFEA. The relevant equivalent plate theory is provided to show the quantitative relationships between a stiffened panel and its equivalent NASTRAN PSHELL panel. The rapid flutter prediction capability of ConceptFEA makes multidisciplinary collaborations between systems analysts and aeroelasticity experts feasible in practice

Energy transfer within phycocyanin trimers of Mastigocladus laminosus studied by picosecond time-resolved transient absorption spectroscopy

The transient absorption recovery induced in phycocyanin trimers by picosecond pulses of variable wavelength (570 — 620 nm) has been recorded and analyzed by applying a least-squares multi-exponential fit procedure. The results suggest that in native PC trimers the chromophores exhibit a microheterogeneity with the effect that the derived apparent lifetimes are functions of excitation and probing wavelength. It is suggested that, due to strong excitonic coupling between a-84 and ß-84 chromophores, the lifetime of the terminal acceptor state is reduced to about 900 ps; the apparent energy transfer time from chromophore β-155 to a-84 and ß-84 chromophores varies between 20—50 ps depending on the actual chromophore-protein arrangement (microheterogeneity)

In the Matter Of A (Children) (AP) English Jurisprudence Through American Eyes: A Convergence

This Comment argues that the main impetus behind the increased discretion afforded the British judiciary is the increased power of the British judiciary relative to Parliament. Since at least the Glorious Revolution at the end of the 17th century, it had been the case that Parliament was irrefutably and absolutely superior to all other political authority in the British Isles. But with British ascension to the European Union and myriad international human rights treaties, there are now other claims on British sovereignty, especially when British law conflicts with international norms. This trend looks likely to continue and a convergence between judicial reasoning between American and British judges seems likely to relegate Hart’s thesis to history. Part II of this Comment discusses the judgment given in this particular case. Part III details how the reasoning of the judgment relates to Hart’s analysis of American jurisprudential thought. And finally, Part IV gives some context for the emerging changes in English jurisprudence that accounts for the convergence with American judicial reasoning, and argues that this trend is almost certain to continue

The Course Forward For Arctic Governance

In Part I, this Note will discuss the climatic, economic, and social changes that have been taking place over the last several decades in the Arctic. Part II will discuss the current governance framework. Part III will discuss the economic, social, and political goals that should inform changes in Arctic governance. It also will argue that economic development of the Arctic region can be and must be consistent with rigorous environmental protections. Part IV will discuss specific recommendations and potential improvements to a comprehensive framework for the future. The scope of this subject is so vast and complex that it cannot be dealt with exhaustively within the space available here. Therefore, the goal of this Note is to argue for the need to think comprehensively about Arctic governance, to suggest goals for Arctic governance, and to establish the parameters within which this conversation should take place