Stabilization of behaviours

In this paper we characterize the set of all restrictions on the behaviour of a plant that shape the characteristic polynomial of the closed-loop system. These control laws include both classical feedback laws and singular feedback laws. One of the results is the behavioural version of the Youla-Jabr-Bongiorno-Kucera-parameterization of all stabilizing control laws for a given plant. We also study robust stability, deriving the real and complex stability radius for systems described in kernel representation. Finally we characterize the set of all control laws that make the stability radius greater than or equal to some desired leve

The computer as means of communication for peer-review groups

In a scientific-writing course, 15 of 54 students used a review-supporting computer program, PREP-EDITOR (PREP), to communicate with their peers about drafts. In an exploratory study, 10 students were interviewed regularly: 5 used PREP and 5 met face-to-face to exchange comments on drafts. The study showed that use of PREP did not increase time spent on various writing activities. The PREP group reported a large number of computer-related problems, whereas the non-PREP group reported more difficulties with assignments and course organization. It appeared that the technology was omnipresent in PREP users' perception of the course. The system of computer-mediated peer review has many of the drawbacks of 'distance learning,' but because networks are increasingly used by collaborating authors, we should teach our students how to use them sensibly

The Kalman-Yakubovich-Popov lemma in a behavioural framework

The classical Kalman-Yakubovich-Popov Lemma provides a link between dissipativity of a system in state-space form and the solution to a linear matrix inequality. In this paper we derive the KYP Lemma for linear systems described by higher-order differential equations. The result is an LMI in terms of the original coefficients in which the dissipativity problem is posed. Subsequently we study the connection between dissipativity and spectral factorization of polynomial matrices. This enables us to derive a new algorithm for polynomial spectral factorization in terms of an LMI in the coefficients of a polynomial matrix

Watch out for the preview: The effects of a preview on the usability of a Content Management System and on the user's confidence level

As time moves on, a trend crystallizes that sets new requirements on content management systems. The circle of users shifts from a small technically experienced group to a large network of inexperienced editors. Literature stresses that a higher need for usability is present if personnel with a low grade of human computer interaction expertise is using a system. But how can system designers accomplish a high level of usability? This study suggests a preview as an important factor for strengthening the usability (effectiveness, efficiency and satisfaction) of a content management system. The findings of this study support the hypothesis: the results showed that a preview enhances the userspsila satisfaction with the system. Moreover, the study shows that the userspsila confidence to be able to work with the system is an important factor; the results showed positive correlations between confidence and satisfaction and between confidence and effectiveness

Many right answers: learning in mathematics through speaking and listening

Refresh your approach to teaching mathematics. Many Right Answers provides a focus on speaking and listening as an effective tool for learning mathematics. Many Right Answers: shows the reality of teaching and learning in some classrooms explores the complexity of teaching and learning, and of speaking and listening portrays and recognises that teachers are highly trained and reflective professionals encourages teachers to try out new things inspired by discussion with other practitioners. With additional comments from Professor Celia Hoyles OBE, this booklet and DVD provide support for trying out new ideas and building expertise over time, using the existing - and fine - practice currently out there. There are two free, downloadable accompanying resources - a learning journal, and questions and prompts

Determination of thickness and density of a wet multilayer polymer system with sub-nanometer resolution by means of a dual polarization silicon-on-insulator microring

Determination of both thickness and refractive index of a thin biomolecular or polymer layer in wet conditions is a task not easily performed. Available tools such as XPS, AFM, ellipsometry and integrated photonic sensors often have difficulties with the native wet condition of said agents-under-test, perform poorly in the sub-5 nm regime or do not determine both characteristics in an absolute simultaneous way. The thickness of a multilayer system is often determined by averaging over a large amount of layers, obscuring details of the individual layers. Even more, the interesting behavior of the first bound layers can be covered in noise or assumptions might be made on either thickness or refractive index in order to determine the other. To demonstrate a solution to these problems, a silicon-on-insulator (SOI) microring is used to study the adsorption of a bilayer polymer system on the silicon surface of the ring. To achieve this, the microring is simultaneously excited with TE and TM polarized light and by tracking the shifts of both resonant wavelengths, the refractive index and the thickness of the adsorbed layer can be determined with a resolution on thickness smaller than 0.1 nm and a resolution on refractive index smaller than 0.01 RIU. An adhesive polyethyleneimine (PEI) layer is adsorbed to the surface, followed by the adsorption of poly(sodium-4-styrene sulfonate) (PSS) and poly(allylamine) hydrochloride (PAH). This high-resolution performance in wet conditions with the added benefits of the SOI microring platform such as low cost and multiplexibility make for a powerful tool to analyze thin layer systems, which is promising to research binding conformation of proteins as well

Appropriate Financial Instruments for Public-Private Partnership to Boost Cross-Border Infrastructural Development-EU Experience

The member states of the European Union (EU) and the EU institutions have increasingly been using public-private partnerships (PPPs) to accelerate the development of (ambitious) trans-national infrastructure. This paper argues that in the EU (i) private sector partners remain risk-averse; and (ii) risk-pooling across a larger number of tax-payers tends to reduce the cost of risk to zero, making EU funds highly desirable and sought after for public infrastructure development. This paper argues that private equity has not been forthcoming to the extent that had been expected by those propagating this method of finance. In those instances where private non-publicly guaranteed resources have been used, the distribution of risks between public and private partners remained asymmetric, with public governmental bodies carrying the financial risks, which ultimately may become a contingent liability for the country’s public finances. However, EU and European Investment Bank (EIB) public funding is used not simply because the risks are spread more widely, but rather because EU rules and regulations for using such funds lead to better preparation of projects and greater efficiency gains in project implementation and delivery.public-private partnerships; trans-national infrastructure; european union institutions; european union; public infrastructure development