Existence and global asymptotic stability of positive periodic solution of delayed Cohen-Grossberg neural networks

In this paper, a class of periodic Cohen-Grossberg neural networks with discrete and distributed time-varying delays is considered. By an extension of the Lyapunov-Krasovskii functional method, a novel criterion for the existence and uniqueness and global asymptotic stability of positive periodic solution is derived in terms of M-matrix without any restriction on uniform positiveness of the amplification functions. Comparison and illustrative examples are given to illustrate the effectiveness of the obtained results. © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Framing ICT policies to facilitate participatory e-government

This paper examines the role of information and communication technology (ICT) policies in shaping the participatory nature of local e-government. It suggests that civic involvement through e-government practices requires a combination of direct and indirect ICT policies (Cohen, van Geenhuizen and Nijkamp, 2005). Direct policies focus on ICT infrastructure development and enhance civic adoption and use of ICTs. ICTs also support policies indirectly through data organisation, information dissemination and the provision of spaces for discourse, deliberation and contributions to decision-making processes. Drawing from policy examples from Australia and the United Kingdom (UK), this paper suggests the need to combine federal guidance with local knowledge, while using policies to support ICTs and using ICTs to support policies. Such a cohesive and integrated policy relationship between federal and local government bodies is needed if local e-government is to advance to facilitate civic engagement.