Multifunctions of bounded variation

Consider control systems described by a differential equation with a control term or, more generally, by a differential inclusion with velocity set F(t,x). Certain properties of state trajectories can be derived when it is assumed that F(t,x) is merely measurable w.r.t. the time variable t . But sometimes a refined analysis requires the imposition of stronger hypotheses regarding the time dependence. Stronger forms of necessary conditions for minimizing state trajectories can be derived, for example, when F(t,x) is Lipschitz continuous w.r.t. time. It has recently become apparent that significant addition properties of state trajectories can still be derived, when the Lipschitz continuity hypothesis is replaced by the weaker requirement that F(t,x) has bounded variation w.r.t. time. This paper introduces a new concept of multifunctions F(t,x) that have bounded variation w.r.t. time near a given state trajectory, of special relevance to control. We provide an application to sensitivity analysis

concept study for a 80% scaled Derivative LCA

The LCA. i s expected to incorporate advanced aerodynamic and flight control features, with high AoA capabilities and high agility . Due to our limited design data bank and lack of experience in FBW technology, several uncertainties may not be resolved even at the prototype first flight stage . Hence a study was conducted to explore the feasibility of fabricating and flight-testing a 80;6 scaled derivative aircraft to provide flight mechanics and flight control data for the LCA. This aircraft would be made from rigid-foam-FRP composite materials, using techniques developed at MAL . It would have an gross weight of 2500 kg and the Viper 22/8 engine is suggested as the powerplant because of availability. Preliminary design has been started and basic parameters are mentioned. It is felt that this experimental program will be crucial for the success of the LCA . The time element is the most challenging aspect in this situation. A 21z year time frame seems to be possible if financial and manpower support are available It is expected that this study will initiate a dialogue between is HAL and MBB to formulate a joint program for the fabrication and flight-testing of the experimental LCA.

Alarm initiated activities: Matching formats to tasks

This paper addresses the selection of visual alarm formats for different 'alarm initiated activities'. The activities under examination were alarm handling tasks. Seven such tasks have been identified, namely: observe, accept, analyse, investigate, correct, monitor and reset. One of the most important stages is the initial analysis of the alarm information as this determines the subsequent manner in which the information is processed. It was hypothesised that the format in which the information is presented will determine the success of the alarm handling task, hence the proposal to match formats to tasks. The findings suggest that text-based formats are best suited to tasks requiring time-based reasoning, mimic formats are best suited to tasks requiring spatial location and annunciator formats are best suited to tasks requiring recognition of spatial patterns. The importance of considering both reaction time and accuracy of response in consideration of task match was also noted. In summary, it is suggested that care needs to be taken to determine the appropriateness of the medium for any given task and the demands it places on the human operator

Frequency of Parental Psychopathology in Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Parental mental health concerns place children at a significantly greater risk of lower social, psychological and physical health than children in families not affected by mental illness. Several studies have examined the extent to which psychopathology in children are closely related to parental substance use disorders or to other mental disorders. This study intended to investigate the frequency of occurrence of parental psychopathology in children with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and compare the characteristics of children with and without parental psychopathology. Fifty children between 7-14 years of either sex fulfilling the ICD-10 criteria for ADHD comprised the sample of this study.It would be a chart review of in-patients and out-patients who have consulted at Kasturba Hospital, Department of Psychiatry, Manipal over a two year period. Parents diagnosed with Substance Use Disorders (SUD) and other psychiatric morbidity according to ICD-10 was compared with those parents without any psychiatric illness on various Sociodemographic, clinical characteristics. Most of the parents were in the second or third decade of their life. Of the fifty patients 41(82%) were males and 9 (18%) were females. In 36(87.0 %) of the fathers had a history of substance use disorder and 5(13.0 %) it was absent. Other morbidities were also present in both parents. The findings are discussed in light of the implications

Quality of life: Conceptual challenges in exploring the role of ICT in active ageing

The chapter aims to examine the definitional challenges associated with the term quality of life, measurement challenges, the challenges associated with enhancing quality of life, and the role of information and communication technologies (ICT) in quality of life in old age, and finally comments on the challenges of a modern information society for older people. The term quality of life started as a social scientific index of the relative well-being of whole populations, i.e. the state of states. Nowadays quality of life is more likely to be viewed as an individualized aspect of the modern psyche. This shift in conceptualization is problematic in that, if quality of life is individualized, it cannot be meaningful to assess it in the same way for everyone. Nevertheless, over the years a vast range of methods of measuring quality of life has emerged, leading to several measurement challenges. Wealth, health and social relations have all been found to be prime determinants of subjective quality of life; for ICT to enhance quality of life for older people they need to mediate the relationships between these three important factors and quality of life. To date there is relatively little evidence that ICT has improved the quality of life of older people. Suggestions are made as to why ICT is unlikely to influence life quality for older citizens. The chapter is drawn to a close by asking if quality of life is a meaningless term and if the future is bleak for old people in a modern information society. The answer to both questions is no