Exponential stabilization for state and input delay systems via output feedback

This paper considers the exponential stabilization problem via static and dynamic output feedback controllers of linear systems with a time delay in both the state and input. By using a change of the state variable and combining with the Lyapunov-Krasovskii method, new sufficient conditions for exponential stabilization via static and dynamic output feedback controllers are proposed. The conditions are expressed in terms of matrix inequalities but with only one parameter needs to be tuned and therefore can be efficiently solved by incorporating an one-dimensional search method into the Matlab’s LMI toolbox. Two numerical examples are provided to illustrate the obtained results.

The relationship between repeated sprint ability and the aerobic and anaerobic energy systems

A large number of team games require participants to repeatedly produce maximal or near maximal sprints of short duration with brief recovery periods. The purpose of the present study was to determine the relationship between a repeated sprint ability (RSA) test that is specific to the energy demands of Australian Rules football (ARF), and the aerobic and anaerobic energy systems. 

Personal ICT Ensembles and Ubiquitous Information Systems Environments: Key Issues and Research Implications

Personal information and communication technologies (ICTs) have become commonplace. Today many people own, or have access to, a range of different computing and communication devices, information technologies, and services, which they incorporate into their everyday routines. Increasingly, these technologies impact the way that individuals work, socialize, and play. Workers are bringing their personal ICTs to the office, and organizations are tailoring their computing environments toward ubiquitous integration with personal ICTs. These developments are opening up new ways of working, but they also create new challenges for organizations in accommodating this “nonaffiliated” use as part of their information systems environments. In this article we propose a framework for analyzing the composition and impact of personal ICT ensembles. The framework is positioned as pre-theory that invites further development and empirical testing. We illustrate how the proposed framework could be applied to consider personal ICT use across the work/home context. Several implications stemming from the notion of a personal ICT ensemble are highlighted, including practical considerations for nonaffiliated use in organizations. We conclude with suggestions for further development of the proposed framework.

Comparing personality type profiles of primary teachers in the Catholic and state school systems

Planning education and indigenous knowledge systems in Australia: where are we?

In 2008 Sarah Oberklaid reviewed the state of Indigenous knowledge systems in the Planning Institute of Australia (PIA)-accredited University planning programs and found a fragmented unfocused suite of agendas and attempts at addressing this increasingly important moral, cultural and land use management issue. While Oberklaid statistically validated what several authors have observed, and continue to observe, there appears to have been little action by programs, and specifically the PIA (Planning Institute of Australia), to address this issue and reposition their education accreditation policies; with the latter increasingly reluctant to engage with their professional responsibilities. This paper appraises this situation and foreshadows continuing research that may better inform and support a change of perspective by the PIA andthese programs.

Optimal design of traffic signal controller using neural networks and fuzzy logic systems

This paper aims at optimally adjusting a set of green times for traffic lights in a single intersection with the purpose of minimizing travel delay time and traffic congestion. Neural network (NN) and fuzzy logic system (FLS) are two methods applied to develop intelligent traffic timing controller. For this purpose, an intersection is considered and simulated as an intelligent agent that learns how to set green times in each cycle based on the traffic information. The training approach and data for both these learning methods are similar. Both methods use genetic algorithm to tune their parameters during learning. Finally, The performance of the two intelligent learning methods is compared with the performance of simple fixed-time method. Simulation results indicate that both intelligent methods significantly reduce the total delay in the network compared to the fixed-time method.

Uses of management control and performance measurement systems by Deans and Heads in Australian universities: their effects on research, teaching and networking capabilities

Invoking a resource-based view (RBV), this study investigates relationships between management control systems (MCSs) use, including information use from performance measurement systems (PMSs), and organisational capabilities in the context of academic units of Australian universities. Increased competition and attention to distinctive capabilities amongst universities, particularly at their strategic operating unit level of a Faculty1 or School2, provides the setting for application of this theoretic perspective. Based on a questionnaire survey of all Faculty Deans and Heads of Schools in all 39 universities in Australia, evidence is provided on relationships between diagnostic and interactive use of MCSs, attention given to imposed and discretionary types of PMS information, the strength of capabilities of the academic unit and, in turn, overall performance of the academic unit. Highlights of findings are that Heads/Deans conceived capabilities of their unit in functional dimensions, not in generic dimensions as found in prior literature; interactive MCS use and imposed performance measures, respectively, direct relate to several types of capabilities and indirectly to performance of the academic unit, but diagnostic MCS use does not. The findings have practical implications for styles of control systems use and performance information use by management in universities.

Health literacy toolkit for low and middle-income countries: a series of information sheets to empower communities and strengthen health systems

This series of information sheets introduces health literacy, its relevance to public policy, and the ways it can be used to inform the promotion of good health, the prevention and management of communicable and noncommunicable diseases, and the reduction of health inequities. It provides information and links to further resources to assist organizations and governments to incorporate health literacy responses into practice, service delivery systems, and policy.

Microbial populations and the activity of the soil under agricultural and agricultural-pastoral systems

The effects of agricultural-pastoral and tillage practices on soil microbial populations and activities have not been systematically investigated. The effect of no-tillage (NT), no-tillage agricultural-pastoral integrated systems (NT-I) and conventional tillage (CT) at soil depths of 0-10, 10-20 and 20-30 cm on the microbial populations (bacteria and fungi), biomass-C, potential nitrification, urease and protease activities, total organic matter and total N contents were investigated. The crops used were soybean (in NT, NT-I and CT systems), corn (in NT and NT-I systems) and Tanner grass (Brachiaria sp.) (in NT-I system); a forest system was used as a control. Urease and protease activities, biomass-C and the content of organic matter and total N were higher (p < 0.05) in the forest soil than the other soils. Potential nitrification was significantly higher in the NT-I system in comparison with the other systems. Bacteria numbers were similar in all systems. Fungi counts were similar in the CT and forest, but both were higher than in NT. All of these variables were dependent on the organic matter content and decreased (p < 0.05) from the upper soil layer to the deeper soil layers. These results indicate that the no-tillage agricultural-pasture-integrated systems may be useful for soil conservation.

Yield of upland rice cultivars in rainfed and sprinkler-irrigated systems in the Cerrado region of Brazil

In upland rice, the reduced grain yield that originates from the moisture stress period is related to the plant's tolerance of water deficiency and may vary between cultivars. The purpose of the work presented here was to evaluate the performance of upland rice cultivars in both rainfed and sprinkler-irrigated systems. A split-plot scheme with 8 replicates in a randomised block design was used. The plots were composed of 2 cropping systems (rainfed and sprinkler-irrigated) and the split-plot consisted of 2 cultivars (IAC 201 and Carajas) which are suggested for cultivation in upland ecosystems. Carajas had a greater number of panicles per square metre, higher spikelet fertility and grain mass, and, consequently, a higher grain yield than IAC 201 regardless of cropping system. IAC 201 was more sensitive to water deficiency than Carajas. Sprinkler irrigation improved spikelet fertility, grain mass and upland rice grain yield. Even when cultivars with a higher tolerance of water deficiency are used, a sprinkler-irrigated system may be a viable method to increase upland rice yield throughout most of the Brazilian Cerrado.

Traveling solitons in Lorentz and CPT breaking systems

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Bond Strength of Two-Step Etch-and-Rinse Adhesive Systems to the Dentin of Primary and Permanent Teeth

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)