University of Victoria

About: University of Victoria is a education organization based out in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Galaxy. The organization has 14994 authors who have published 41051 publications receiving 1447972 citations. The organization is also known as: Victoria College.

Robust Static Output Feedback Control and Remote PID Design for Networked Motor Systems

Abstract: In this paper, we investigate the problem of robust static output feedback (SOF) control for networked control systems (NCSs) subject to network-induced delays and missing data. The uncertain system matrices are assumed to lie in a convex polytope. The network-induced delays are time varying but within a given interval. The random data missing is characterized by the Bernoulli random binary distribution. Delay-dependent conditions for the exponential mean-square stability are first established in terms of matrix inequalities. Then, for the robust stabilization problem, the design of an SOF controller is presented by solving bilinear matrix inequalities (BMIs). In order to efficiently solve a nonconvex BMI, we propose an approach based on the linear matrix inequality technique. Furthermore, the developed approach is employed to design the remote proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controller for NCSs. The design of a digital PID controller is formulated as a synthesis problem of the SOF control via an augmentation method. Simulation examples illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed methods.

On exergy and environmental impact

Abstract: Environmental problems span a continuously growing range of pollutants, hazards and eco-system degradation factors that affect areas ranging from local through regional to global. Some of these problems may arise from observable, chronic effects on, for instance, human health, while others may stem from the perceived risk of a possible accidental release of hazardous materials. A significant number of these environmental issues are caused by or relate to the production, transformation and end use of energy. In this regard, energy and environment studies which lead to increased energy efficiency can reduce environmental impact by reducing energy losses. Within the scope of exergy methods, such activities lead to increased exergy efficiency, which is of great importance for practical applications. In this study, the main relationships between energy and environmental impact are identified. Historical and modern examples are used to illustrate some of the concepts. The relationships introduced are: order-destruction/chaos-creation, resource degradation and waste exergy emissions. Some examples are given demonstrating the use of exergy analysis in addressing and solving environmental problems. © 1997 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Living on the Edge: Ecological and Cultural Edges as Sources of Diversity for Social-Ecological Resilience

Abstract: A well-known facet of ecosystems is that the edges—the boundaries or transitions from one ecosystem to another—often exhibit high levels of species richness or biodiversity. These transitional areas often show features of species composition, structure, and function representative of the ecosystems they transcend, as well as having their own unique array of species and characteristics. Cultural transitional areas—zones where two or more cultures converge and interact—are similarly rich and diverse in cultural traits, exhibiting cultural and linguistic features of each of the contributing peoples. This results in an increase in cultural capital, and resilience, by providing a wider range of traditional ecological knowledge and wisdom on which to draw, especially in times of stress and change. We propose that indigenous peoples whose living territories traverse ecological edges have a correspondingly increased access to economically important resources and therefore have a greater capacity for flexibility. Finally, we suggest that indigenous peoples are drawn to areas having a high incidence of ecological edges, and furthermore, that they actively create and maintain ecological edges. This practice provides them with a greater diversity of cultural capital and helps to maintain their flexibility and resilience. Examples from several regions of Canada are provided, from the southern interior of British Columbia, to the Lake Winnipeg watershed of Manitoba and Ontario, to James Bay.

Ecosystem Services and Beyond: Using Multiple Metaphors to Understand Human–Environment Relationships

Abstract: Ecosystem services research has been focused on the ways that humans directly benefit from goods and services, and economic valuation techniques have been used to measure those benefits. We argue that, although it is appropriate in some cases, this focus on direct use and economic quantification is often limiting and can detract from environmental research and effective management, in part by crowding out other understandings of human—environment relationships. Instead, we make the case that the systematic consideration of multiple metaphors of such relationships in assessing social—ecological systems will foster better understanding of the many ways in which humans relate to, care for, and value ecosystems. Where it is possible, we encourage a deliberative approach to ecosystem management whereby ecosystem researchers actively engage conservationists and local resource users to make explicit, through open deliberation, the types of metaphors salient to their conservation problem.

Adolescent-to-Parent Abuse A Qualitative Overview of Common Themes

Abstract: Adolescent-to-parent abuse is a serious social problem that has received limited attention from researchers and service providers. Most knowledge about this type of violence in the family comes from quantitative studies that focus on intrafamilial characteristics, demographic factors, and overall rates of abuse. The aim of this article is to provide detailed qualitative descriptions of adolescent-to-parent abuse based on the combined findings of two independent Canadian studies. Information was gathered through semistructured focus groups and individual interviews with youth, parents, and service providers—all of whom were selectively recruited for their experiential knowledge on this topic. The data from both studies were analyzed through a qualitative coding strategy, and the research process was guided by a critical constructivist philosophy with a focus on nested ecological theory. Overall findings revealed a number of interacting factors that contribute to adolescent-to-parent abuse, and these occur ...