Mean square consensus of double-integrator multi-agent systems under intermittent control: A stochastic time scale approach

We consider the leader–follower consensus problem for a multi-agent system where information is exchanged only on a non-uniform discrete stochastic time domain. For a second-order multi-agent system subject to intermittent information exchange, we model the tracking error dynamics as a $\mu ?$varying linear system on a discrete stochastic time scale, where μ is the graininess operator. Based on a Lyapunov operator and a positive perturbation operator on the space of symmetric matrices, we derive necessary and sufficient conditions to design a decentralized consensus protocol. This protocol allows us to cast the mean-square exponential consensus problem within the framework of dynamic equations on stochastic time scales. We establish some theoretical results which allow for the computation of the control gain matrix which guarantees the mean-square exponential stability with a given decay rate for the error dynamics. To show the effectiveness of the theoretical results, some simulation and experimental results on multi-robot systems have been performed.     

Educational inequality in Tasmania: evidence and explanations

In this article, we map the extent of educational inequality within Tasmania, and between Tasmania and the rest of Australia, using National Assessment Program—Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) and senior secondary attainment data. This analysis yields some surprising findings, showing the success of Tasmanian primary and high schools and that Tasmanian educational inequality is most strongly expressed at the senior secondary level. We conclude that using such publicly available data to identify differential achievement within and between jurisdictions would strengthen public policy and practitioner interventions aimed at achieving more equal educational outcomes for students in all schools. Our findings also have implications for research directions in this field, suggesting that by analysis of NAPLAN and My School data across individual schools and jurisdictions academic researchers could assist practitioners gain a deeper understanding of inequalities reproduced by the systems they are working within, while finding examples of schools and systems which show a greater level of success in ameliorating disadvantage.     

An investigation of perfectionism,mental health,achievement, and achievement motivation in adolescents

This study examined the relationship of perfectionism with measures of achievement and achievement motivation and mental health aspects of depression and self‐esteem in high school students. Participants were 123 tenth‐ through twelfth‐grade students. Results of multiple regression analyses indicated that students' personal standards were significant predictors of academic achievement. Students' personal standards also significantly predicted achievement motivation. Analyses of the relationship between perfectionism and depression and self‐esteem found that as students' personal standards increased, their levels of depression decreased and self‐esteem increased. Furthermore, when students experienced a discrepancy between their personal standards and actual performance, their depression levels increased and self‐esteem decreased. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Teachers’ knowledge and confidence for promoting positive mental health in primary school communities

This paper reports an investigation into Australian primary school teachers’ knowledge and confidence for mental health promotion. Questionnaires were delivered to 1397 teachers. In-depth interviews were held with 37 teachers. Quantitative results showed that half to two thirds of teachers felt efficacious and knowledgeable about selected components of mental health promotion. Independent judgments by staff about students’ mental health status concurred with students’ scores on the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire in about 75% of cases, indicating a good level of staff awareness about students’ mental health status. Exposure to the KidsMatter Primary mental health promotion initiative was associated with improvements in teachers’ efficacy, knowledge and pedagogy, with small to medium effect sizes. Qualitative analysis indicated that teachers’ subject-matter and pedagogical knowledge were heavily reliant on curriculum resources. Implications of the findings for the implementation of school-based mental health promotion initiatives are discussed.     

The effect of gender,deceit orientation and communicator style on macro‐assessments of honesty

Recently, deception research has focused primarily on micro‐analytic methods of lie detection (e.g., eye contact duration, response latency, vocal errors). This study adopted a macro‐assessment approach, where deception detection is based on global evaluations of communication, specifically honesty evaluation based on communicator style. 385 subjects viewed four different videotape segments of individuals participating in a simulated job interview. Two of the individuals were truthful throughout the interview, and two fabricated false information on some questions. Subjects were asked to evaluate or assess the honesty level of these individuals, as well as assess a number of communicator style dimensions. Multiple regression analyses revealed that honesty assessments can be predicted from communication style characterized by high friendliness, attentiveness, and preciseness, and low animated and dramatic styles. Some differences were observed for communicator style predictions of honesty based on liars/truthers, subject gender, target gender, and deceit‐orientation differences. Implications for future research are noted.     

Evaluation of Handheld Computers for Direct Systematic Classroom Observation

Through this study the authors evaluate outcomes associated with the use of handheld computers by interventionists in improving the efficiency of direct systematic classroom observation. Information from observations is used by interventionists for treatment planning and evaluation. In this study, interventionists were trained to use personal digital assistants with classroom observational software for use with students who displayed low levels of academic engagement. Results indicated that the personal digital assistants and observational software were perceived as user-friendly, increased computer self-efficacy, and facilitated treatment planning and evaluation. Discussion focuses on implications for use of handheld computers and mobile devices by interventionists.