On generalized terminal state constraints for model predictive control

This manuscript contains technical results related to a particular approach for the design of Model Predictive Control (MPC) laws. The approach, named "generalized" terminal state constraint, induces the recursive feasibility of the underlying optimization problem and recursive satisfaction of state and input constraints, and it can be used for both tracking MPC (i.e. when the objective is to track a given steady state) and economic MPC (i.e. when the objective is to minimize a cost function which does not necessarily attains its minimum at a steady state). It is shown that the proposed technique provides, in general, a larger feasibility set with respect to existing approaches, given the same computational complexity. Moreover, a new receding horizon strategy is introduced, exploiting the generalized terminal state constraint. Under mild assumptions, the new strategy is guaranteed to converge in finite time, with arbitrarily good accuracy, to an MPC law with an optimally-chosen terminal state constraint, while still enjoying a larger feasibility set. The features of the new technique are illustrated by three examples.Comment: Part of the material in this manuscript is contained in a paper accepted for publication on Automatica and it is subject to Elsevier copyright. The copy of record is available on http://www.sciencedirect.com

On reduction of differential inclusions and Lyapunov stability

In this paper, locally Lipschitz, regular functions are utilized to identify and remove infeasible directions from set-valued maps that define differential inclusions. The resulting reduced set-valued map is point-wise smaller (in the sense of set containment) than the original set-valued map. The corresponding reduced differential inclusion, defined by the reduced set-valued map, is utilized to develop a generalized notion of a derivative for locally Lipschitz candidate Lyapunov functions in the direction(s) of a set-valued map. The developed generalized derivative yields less conservative statements of Lyapunov stability theorems, invariance theorems, invariance-like results, and Matrosov theorems for differential inclusions. Included illustrative examples demonstrate the utility of the developed theory

Staffing the CMC for Success

Librarians, paraprofessionals, and student workers employed in the curriculum materials center (CMC) require specialized skills to assist preservice and in-service teachers and faculty. As technology continues to drive changes in services, CMC staffing plays a vital role in delivering new technology-driven services while maintaining traditional ones. This chapter discusses the development of a CMC staff whose members possess unique skills necessary to deliver services successfully based upon the following factors: determining staffing needs, reviewing existing staffing patterns, creating new job descriptions and competencies for future services, developing a long-range staffing plan, hiring technology- and team-driven staff, retaining staff, utilizing performance evaluation as an effective staffing tool, and valuing the CMC staff

CONSERVATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES Hazardous Waste Management: Provide for Direct State Government Operation and Management of Hazardous Waste Facilities

The Act amends the Georgia Hazardous Waste Management Authority Act by including within the definition of project the renovation of an existing waste treatment or disposal facility that provides for the treatment, storage, or disposal of any solid waste requiring special handling. The Act also adds a new provision which would permit the Department of Industry and Trade to plan, own, and operate a hazardous waste facility and to charge a fee for the use of such state facility. Additionally, the Act provides partial immunity from liability to members, officers, and employees of the Georgia Hazardous Waste Management Authority

The Class Issue

https://digitalcommons.acu.edu/crs_books/1175/thumbnail.jp

CONSERVATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES Plant Disease, Pest Control, and Pesticides: Limit Liability of Farmers

The Act establishes a negligence standard for farmers who pollute the land, waters, air, or other resources of the state through application or use of fertilizers, plant growth regulators, or pesticides