Non-reduced optimal observers for time-varying linear systems

A method is presented for constructing a nonreduced observer for a finite dimensional linear system. The systems considered are nth order, time-invariant or time-varying forced linear systems which are assumed to be bounded and uniformly completely state reconstructible. The observer dynamics are derived from an optimal estimation formulation which is related to the concept of observability. The cost functional used in this formulation includes a parameter which determines the relative weighting of the system output and the estimate of the initial system state. The result is a practical method of estimating the state of a linear system from noiseless measurements of the input and output. The results are also of theoretical significance in that a direct connection between reconstructibility and the existence of observers is established.     

Sporting supererogation and why it matters

A commonly accepted feature of commonsense morality is that there are some acts that are supererogatory or beyond the call of duty. Recently, philosophers have begun to ask whether something like supererogation might exist in other normative domains such as epistemology and esthetics. In this paper, I will argue that there is good reason to think that sporting supererogation exists. I will then argue that recognizing the existence of sporting supererogation is important because it highlights the value of sport as a mutual pursuit of excellence and reinforces the value of sportsmanship.     

Innovative Team Building Practices for Professionals: Developing Inter-Group Skills to Enhance Effective Performance

The complexities of bringing teams of professionals together to work in a sustained and effective manner toward a common goal are considerable. The necessary inter-group skills involved are often not a part of most professional preparation programs. This article describes an innovative workshop for secondary preservice teachers which targeted the development of communication, problem solving, and team building. Results are promising. Any team of individuals, whether it be a group of professors, a program that utilizes a cohort model (a group of individuals who go through a program or process together), or simply a group needing to develop effective inter-group skills, may benefit from similar workshops. The article invites continued discussion and research concerning the training of professionals in team building and inter-group skills.     

The reliability of the WISC-R performance scale with deaf children

Though the Wechsler tests are widely used to assess the intellectual ability of hearing impaired children, data on the reliability of the WISC-R with this population have been lacking. The Performance Scale of the WISC-R was administered to 59 prelingually deaf children attending a state-supported day school program. The reliability coefficients and standard errors of measurement were computed for each subtest and for the Performance Scale IQ. The results compare favorably with those found by Wechsler with the standardization sample.     

Le lycee que je dirige

Sans résuméSous ce titre, la Revue publiera de temps à autre des contributions demandées à des directeurs d'établissements scolaires des différentes parties du monde. L'intention n'est pas de présenter au lecteur des institutions choisies pour l'excellence ou le caractère exemplaire de leurs réalisations pédagogiques, mais plutôt de lui offrir un aperçu des idées et conceptions d'éducateurs responsables de la vie quotidienne de leur école. (N.D.L.R.)