Effectiveness of a Direct Adaptive Control Algorithm

Effectiveness of a Direct Adaptive Control Algorithm In this research, the authors study the effectiveness of applying a direct adaptive control algorithm for both vibration suppression and damage detection. Combining vibration suppression and damage detection in civil engineering structures allows the implementation of a more effective control system since the model reference represents more accurately the real structure. The adaptive algorithm chosen in this study is the sliding mode and model reference control algorithm, with an online identification procedure based on tracking error. In order to test the effectiveness of the method, a numerical investigation is presented, performed to a MDOF shear building. The study successfully uses the adaptive control algorithm to damage detection and vibration suppression of the MDOF shear-type structure aforementioned. The study first presents the governing relations of a general structural system, such as the equations of motion and its state space representation. Then, it presents the control canonical forms and the transformations that are useful to the application of the model reference adaptive control. These canonical form allow the separation from assignable dynamics and internal dynamics that are not affected from control input, and are applicable to both SISO and MIMO cases. It shows that a correct selection of a reduced measure of the state variables can guarantee exact output reference tracking. After this, the control strategy via sliding mode control and model reference control are presented. The reference model is defined in a way that the system response approaches or tracks the desired reference response. The slide mode control objective is to make the output to track a desired behavior, which means that the output error zero. This goal is achieved by sliding along a line, defined b y a weighting parameter that defines the convergence rate. The control law is therefore defined in a way that the states in canonical form match the sliding line. In this study, the online identification procedure is based on the asymptotic convergence to zero of the tracking errors and the stability of the method is proved by showing asymptotic stability convergence based on Lyapunov function. The numerical investigation performed in a 3DOF shear type structure. The reference model and the actual model differ in damping ratio values. Not much detail is given regarding the tools used during the numerical investigation. In the numerical investigation it is evaluated the performance of collocated and noncollocated control cases. It is concluded that the model reference control is accurate in the output tracking and is successful in suppressing the excessive vibrations, and is effective in the identification of changes in the model, showing it can deal with changes in the plant due to damage. The numerical stability of the method is verified, and the on-line identification effectiveness is evaluated. It is concluded that large control efforts are required during abrupt changes in the plant parameters. The results are not compared to any other adaptive algorithm, so it is difficult to measure its effectiveness. The research is important in the sense that brings the concept of adaptive control by applying model reference adaptive algorithm with sliding mode control to civil engineering structures. It confirms the effectiveness of the method in tracking the system parameters, even after abrupt changes happen, and it is successful in controlling the response while remaining numerical stable. However, that are some weaknesses in this paper, such as: the loading type/duration/scheme applied to the structure is not presented. Therefore, the results of the research are difficult to be reproduced in order to expand the knowledge in the area. The results obtained by this algorithm implementation are not compared to others non-adaptive and adaptive methods. Consequently, it is difficult to assess the extent of the effectiveness of the method. The model reference adaptive control and the sliding mode control theoretical aspect is somehow confusing and lacking completeness, with too many direct citatio ns that introduce a fragmentation in the text.

Teen Pregnancy Essay -- Social Issues, Sexual Activity, Abstinence

Many adolescents are sexually active today. Whether it personal decision or being forced into it, teenagers are still involved. According to Sue Christensen and Ann Rosen, of those sexually active only one in five use contraception (Christensen). These teenagers who do not use contraception set their selves up for hardships in life. Being sexually active and using contraception as a teenager is a choice that may determine the rest of your life. Is â€Å"it† really worth it? One major outcome of those sexually active is pregnancy, which leads to many other choices: adoption, abortion, keeping the child, or even terminating the pregnancy. Pregnancy all begins with talk of sexual activity. According to Ilene Lelchuk, out of 618 California high school students, 44 engaged in some type of sexual activity during the years of 2002 – 2004. These 44 students were had sexual relations by the end of tenth grade (Lelchuk 1). Statistics from The Family Connection of St. Joseph County, Inc., stated that â€Å"56 percent of young women and 73 percent of young men today have had intercourse by age 18†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Christensen 3). Beginning in the 1950s, there are records of teenagers having intercourse and many unwanted pregnancies. Shocking pregnancy trends from the 1950s to present According to Christensen and Rosen, the teen birth rate in 1957 was higher than it is today (Christensen 1). In my opinion, although teenage pregnancy has become more socially acceptable in this day and age, so have pregnancy terminations and abortions. This meaning the birth rate may have gone down but the pregnancy rate has not. Yet, â€Å"In 1955†¦only six percent of white teenage childbearing occurred outside of marriage; today it is 42 percent† (Christensen 1). Altho... ... decision to become sexually active. â€Å"Then he asked me to have sex. I was scared and everything, and I was like, â€Å"What am I gonna do?† The first time I told him no and he understood. We watched some TV. And he brought me home. Then a couple of days after that he asked me again, I said okay. I guess I said so because I just wanted to show him I wasn’t scared to have sex. I was scared. But I guess I was playing a role. I wanted to show him that I’m not scared. So we had sex†¦Ã¢â‚¬  In my opinion, teen pregnancy is definitely not worth all the hardships. Teens should choose abstinence and completely reduce the risk of becoming pregnant. If pregnancy does occur, of those sexually active, adoption is the greatest choice a teenager can make. Providing the baby with a better life is the most important. Every teenager must ask themselves, is â€Å"it† really worth it?

Moral Fragments and Moral Community: A Proposal for Church in Society Essay

Devil’s Playground Introduction   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The film â€Å"Devil’s Playground† is considered as one of the films ever produced that is more of a psychological thriller that is developed in a church setting, schools as well as the upper levels of power which exist in the Catholic Church, specifically, Australian when there was change in late 1980s. The film has various stars including Simon Burke who plays the role of Tom Allen. The other characters in the film include Don Hany, Jack Thompson, Toni Collette, John Noble, Andrew McFarlane, Anna Lise Phillips, Leon Ford, UliLatukefu, Matt Levett, as well asJarinTowney (youtube.com).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Form this film, it can be noted that the Amish youths, when they reach the age of 16 years, they are allowed to make their personal decisions and take other ways apart from following the set Amish rules. The youths sample the outside life from the routine life of the Amish which is often under strict rules (Rasmussen, 9-20). The youths get to have modern life whereby they do things as they please and engage in all manner of activities that comes with modernism. In the year 1988, Tom Allen was still recuperating from the loss of his wife as well as the love affair that he had with Alice. One boy goes missing from a Catholic School and there are a lot of questions which are asked by the community. Desperate search by Andrassi as well as Brother Warner to find the boy that has gone missing. In the second episode of film, there is a body which is discovered as well as a note, cryptic, which gives the suggestion that the death of that has occur red is not a normal death or as a result of accident(Rasmussen, 9-20).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The film is quite clear on the lessons that it tries to pass through to the society at large. As it is depicted in the film, the youths are left to make their choices in life, whether to follow modernism or to follow the Amish rules(Beaty, Carlton, and Mark, 107). The film is all about freedom in the society to make choices and live according to what the world offers. From the film, the concept of change is eminent in the film whereby the youths, at the age of 16, are left to do what they want(Rasmussen, 9-20). The film depicts the society as weak and lacks the control that it needs to have on young people. For example, Faron, who is the son of a preacher, gets involved in drugs and leaves the teachings of his father.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   There is a lot of disrespect for authority that is depicted from the picture of Faron getting in to drugs and other social vices(David, n.p). The producer of the film tries to show the society that when people are left without any rules, there are high chances that things will definitely go wrong. However, it is ironical that the son of a preacher is ardent drugs user, something that the society greatly believes can only happen to those that do not go to church.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In this film, there are several characters that have been used, which includes students, clergymen, as well as person in authority. The use of the different characters helps in bringing out the themes in the film as well as the development of the film. The use of the clergy and having church settings as part of the film helps in bringing out the religious aspect that people have in the society (Beaty, Carlton, and Mark, 107). However, despite there being the aspect of religion and beliefs, the society is full of vices, some of which are associated with the church. The clergy are expected to perform the role of teaching morals to the followers and the society as well as offer the much needed support for the people. However, in the context of the film, the church is seen as one that is riddled with politics as well as social vices, although these are not outwardly displayed(Beaty, Carlton, and Mark, 107). The use of the clergy in the film he lps in supporting the theme of religion whereby people get hope from religion, as it is seen through the various youths that decided to get back to their communities instead of continuing with their reckless life(Rasmussen, 9-20). The church is the source of hope and future in the society. It is important that in society moral values should be supported by all the relevant authorities so that the young people can have some form of guidance since they are naà ¯ve and inexperienced.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Contrary to the moral values that are expected, the authorities have instead turned around and became symbols of immorality in the society, as this can be seen in the film. The clergymen fail in their responsibility which in turn leads to the death of a boy, and some form of note claiming that the death is not an accident(David, n.p). From the tile of the film, the Devil’s Playground†, it is symbolic since the events that take place in the film such as the way the youths have left the ways of the Amish and instead engaged in modernism, depicts the title of the film.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The producer of this film managed to bring out the title of the film since there are a lot of social vices which are depicted throughout the film. The vices cover up the religious beliefs that exits leaving in the film, and the church seems not be effective in carrying out its duty of ensuring that the moral values that are expected in the society are upheld by everyone. The schools are not left out as it is depicted in the film (Brooks, 125). The students are the victims that are greatly affected by the vices in the society. The film is a clear indication of what modernism has on a society that does not hold on to its cultural values. The students are presented as intelligent and are aware of what is happening in their surrounding and from observation, they try and practices what they see(Beaty, Carlton, and Mark, 107). The use of the students as part of the characters in the film the producer of this film were simply trying to show that there is no one in the society that is immune to vices which are in a society.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   It is the responsibility of everyone in the society to ensure that moral values are upheld. Furthermore, it is not just the responsibility of the clergy, as they are not as perfect as they may be viewed to help maintain moral values in the society. Parents have the first responsibility of instilling moral values in their children. In the film, parents are seen to be strict to their children and want the children to follow what they want (David, n.p). However, as the children reach the age of 16 years, they are left to make their choices without the guidance of the parents. The effect of this laxity on the side of the parents result in the death of a boy, many of them getting involved in drug abuse as well as sexual relationships, things they are not supposed to do. The whole aspect of religion and parental guidance is lost as it is depicted in the film, and instead, evil is left to prevail(Rasmussen, 9-20). Conclusion   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In conclusion, the use of the different characters in the film is quite accurate and matches the title of the film, bringing out the clear theme that was intended by the producers of the film. In addition to the characters, the use of different settings, that is, the church, schools and homes, helps to support the theme of the film and the development of the film, something that is a plus to the film. The whole aspect of the film is to help people understand the behavior of human beings when faced with changes, that is, the psychological impacts of different events in the life of an individual(Beaty, Carlton, and Mark, 107). In a society, there it is important that moral values should be maintained and young people should be taught how to live morally upright lives. Furthermore, it is the responsibility of everyone in the society to help and support each other in ensuring that cultural values are not lost. References Beaty, Michael D, Carlton D. Fisher, and Mark Nelson.Christian Theism and Moral Philosophy.Macon, Ga: Mercer University Press, 1998. Print. P.107 Brooks, Thom. Ethics and Moral Philosophy. Leiden: Brill, 2011. Print. P.125 David Dale, Catholic church is in the spotlight for Devil’s Playground TV series viewed from http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/tv-and-radio/catholic-church-is-in-the-spotlight-for-devils-playground-tv-series-20140902-10b5hx.html on 23rd November 2014 Rasmussen, Larry L. Moral Fragments and Moral Community: A Proposal for Church in Society. Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 1993. Print. P.9-20 The Devils’ Playground viewed from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DMmf-20w5IA on 23rdNovember 2014 Source document

4 Ways to Increase your Hireability as a Medical Coder and Biller

4 Ways to Increase your Hireability as a Medical Coder and Biller In order to remain marketable as a medical coder and biller, you must keep your skills sharp and your head in the game. Here are 5 steps that will keep your resume at the top of any hiring pile: 1. Stay on top of industry newsDo your best to be an informed professional. Read everything you can get your hands on about industry trends and changes, subscribe to any available newsletters, and attend local gatherings of peers.  Doing so will lead you to the next tip:2. Network–and not just onlineWhile you should definitely play an an active role on online industry boards and keep in touch via social media, there’s no substitute for face-to-face meetings. The more people who know and respect your skills, the higher the chances someone will remember your face and name and recommend you when there’s a position up for grabs.3. Increase your earning potentialThe more experience you have, the more industry credentials you’re able to earn (such as RHIT, HRHIA, and C PC-P). Adding certifications to your resume means you’re more attractive to potential hiring managers and are available to take on higher ranking positions.4. Prioritize ICD-10Don’t get left behind come this October, when the U.S. transitions to the ICD-10 coding system. If you haven’t started learning the new system’s coding and billing, start now.Treat maintenance of your coding and billing skills and industry contacts as a major part of your job to leave no doubt in employers’ minds that you’ll be a dedicated and knowledgeable hire.5 Ways to Keep Your Medical Billing and Coding Career CurrentRead More at www.careerstep.com

Hemingway’s Writing Style Essay Essays

Hemingway’s Writing Style Essay Essays Hemingway’s Writing Style Essay Essay Hemingway’s Writing Style Essay Essay From about the beginning of his composing calling. Hemingway’s typical manner occasioned a great trade of remark and contention. Basically. his manner is simple. direct. and undecorated. likely as a consequence of his early newspaper preparation. He avoids the adjectival whenever possible. but because he is a maestro at conveying emotion without the flowery prose of his Victorian novelist predecessors. the consequence is far more revealing. In Observations on the Style of Ernest Hemingway. from â€Å"Contexts of Criticism† by Harry Levin ( Harvard University Press. 1957 ) . the critic says: â€Å"Hemingway puts his accent on nouns because. among other parts of address. they come closest to things. Stringing them along by agencies of concurrences. he approximates the existent flow of experience. † Hemingway has frequently been described as a maestro of duologue. and most readers agree. upon being foremost introduced to his authorship. that â€Å"this is the manner these characters would truly speak. † It is interesting to observe. nevertheless. that Hemingway’s one effort at playwriting was a failure. Actually. a close scrutiny of his duologue will uncover that this is seldom the manner people truly talk. The consequence is accomplished. instead. by the deliberate accent and repeat which makes us retrieve what has been said. Since the critics can non wholly hold on Hemingway’s manner. possibly the best manner is to set it into the author’s ain words. Shortly before his tragic decease. Hemingway gave to the Wisdom Foundation in California a aggregation of his observations on life and art. love and decease. They were published in the January 1963. issue of Playboy magazine. and in them Hemingway said of his authorship: I do most of my work in my caput. I neer begin to compose until my thoughts are in order. Frequently I recite transitions of duologue as it is being written ; the ear is a good censor. I neer set down a sentence on paper until I have it so expressed that it will be clear to anyone. Yet. I sometimes think that my manner is implicative instead than direct. The reader must frequently utilize his imaginativeness or lose the most elusive portion of my ideas. I take great strivings with my work. pruning and revising with a indefatigable manus. I have the public assistance of my creative activities really much at bosom. I cut them with infinite attention. and buff them until they become brilliants. What many another author would be content to go forth in monolithic proportions. I polish into a bantam treasure. Hemingway goes on at some length. but the kernel of what he says may be in this paragraph: A writer’s manner should be direct and personal. his imagination rich and crude. and his words simple and vigorous. The greatest authors have the gift of superb brevity. are difficult workers. diligent bookmans and competent stylists. To explicate Hemingway’s manner adequately in a few paragraphs is impossible. Tonss of articles. and even some books. have been written on the topic. and it is to these that the serious pupil should travel for extra. more elaborate information.

Communication Dashboard Project Description Essay

Communication Dashboard Project Description - Essay Example ominance in its business line, the growth of the organization as well as the increased data traffic in its website is owed to social media connectivity which enables users to post reviews based on first-hand information or research. The purpose of the yelp.com is to collect information from users all around the San Francisco area and use it to provide customers with market information regarding the businesses and organizations active in the restaurant industry. The overreliance of the website’s reviews from online social media shows that the company embraces technology and uses as a business tool. While the site is informative in business terms considering business-to-customer relationship, it also aids the restaurant industry to maintain regular and sustainable growth and development. However, since yelp offers information regarding services offered around the San Francisco’s restaurant industry, it faces challenges from competition comprising of consultant firms, experts in market analysis, professionals with high levels of experience in evaluating business performance, as well as internal sources that companies provide shareholders with in terms of annual financial results. Based the base factors, this study aims at analyzing the communication process of the company’s website as the communication vehicle. Yelp is an organization that uses a website to link customers with customers and businesses with customers as the organization’s website is used as the communication vehicle. Under the notable features of the website are financial strategies, business strategies, as well as customer attraction to San Francisco restaurants. San Francisco’s economy is highly dependent on the number and output of businesses within the region. Based on this case, San Francisco has been applying and implementing strategies that can help trade resources available within the state. On the other hand, the number of visiting customers from other states continued to grow

Homebase Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words

Homebase - Coursework Example The drivers include financials, customer service, internal business, learning, and development. The analysis aims to make the coming results for 2015 better according to the vision as well as the strategies of Homebase Retail Company. The report also presents the strategy map for the company to show the connection between the four drivers (perspectives) of the scores and the company’s strategy (Kaplan & Norton 2004, p. 7). It maps all the objectives to the major performance indicators to produce a complete outcome. The board of directors also gets the recommended actions from the scorecard and the strategy maps ensure that Homebase Retail Company operates according to the analysis. Additionally, the board will be able to set smart and realistic goals so that it can make systematic decisions to improve the key financial and strategic indicators of performance. Homebase Retail Company operates as one of the biggest and the leading home improvement company, retailer and a gardening centre in the UK. Its close competitors in the industry include Argos and Financial Services. Home Retail Group made revenues amounting to  £18.9 Million in the year that ended in March 2014, which is a slight improvement from the previous year 2013 by approximately 3.6% in revenue (Bourne & Bourne 2002, p. 54). Home Retail Group started operating in the business began in the UK in 1979, under the name Sainsbury Homebase. As one of the largest retail companies in the UK, Homebase Retail Company has a value of between  £2.7 billion and  £3 billion (Kennerley & Neely 2000, p. 47). Homebase Retail Company is currently running its business in a number of subsidiaries in about the UK and the US, such as Bell’s Stores Homebase and Texas Homecare. It has employed more than 17000 workers in all the stores and subsidiaries. Its slogan â€Å"Make a house a ho me† draws many customers to its business, which has grown its client