Robust stabilization of polytopic discrete-time systems with time-varying state delay: A convex approach

Convex conditions, expressed as linear matrix inequalities (LMIs), for stability analysis and robust design of uncertain discrete-time systems with time-varying delay are presented in this paper. Delay-dependent and delay-independent convex conditions are given. This paper is particularly devoted to the synthesis case where convex conditions are proposed to consider maximum allowed delay interval. It is also presented some relaxed LMIs that yield less conservative conditions at the expense of increasing the computational burden. Extensions to cope with decentralized control and output feedback control are discussed. Numerical examples, including real world motivated models, are presented to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach.     

Working With the Millennial Generation: Challenges Facing 21st‐Century Students From the Perspective of University Staff

This study explored university staff's general perceptions of millennial generation college students. Analysis of structured interviews with university professionals revealed that millennial students generally tend to ignore what may be expected of them, resist being accountable for their own actions, and depend on others for problem solving. Implications for college counselors are discussed.     

An evaluation of China’s Kindergarten quality rating system through the Chinese early childhood environment rating scale – the Zhejiang case

This study examined the effectiveness of one province’s Kindergarten Quality Rating System in differentiating quality levels using the Chinese Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale (CECERS). Results confirmed that, except for the difference between the Standard and Level-3 Kindergartens, the CECERS was successful in detecting the differences among various quality levels based on Space & Furnishing, Personal Care Routines, Curriculum Planning & Implementation, Whole-Group Instruction, Activities, Language-Reasoning, Guidance & Interactions, and Parents & Staff. The findings suggest combining the Standard and Level-3 Kindergartens to improve the efficacy and efficiency of the quality rating system. Moreover, to ensure a quality ECE for children from disadvantaged backgrounds, the findings suggest that the government must increase both the number of rural programs and the quality of local ECE programs, especially rural and private programs. Finally, practitioners are encouraged to use the CECERS as a tool for improving ECE quality and for ensuring a quality early childhood education for every child.     

The language of patriotism: sacred history and dangerous memories

This paper examines arguments about the teaching of history in Cyprus, especially as they relate to the cultivation of patriotism. I point out how the narratives of ‘sacred history’ and ‘dangerous memories’ are discursive elements of a pedagogy that aims at maintaining patriotism by preventing subjective and divisive personal memories from eroding a cohesive national narrative. Along with other linguistic strategies (‘passions of the past’), these discourses allow an idealization of history and a rejection of subjective, personal memory. I argue that this contributes to viewing history as a distant entity and not as a field of action, something that ultimately works against the purported goal of sustaining patriotism.     

The relationship between affective response to social comparison and academic performance in high school

The goal of the present study was to study the relationship between affective responses to social comparison and test scores among high school students. Our analyses showed that three types of responses to social comparison could be distinguished: an empathic, constructive, and destructive response. Whereas girls scored higher on empathic response, boys scored higher on destructive response. In addition, students who had a high social comparison orientation (SCO) scored higher on all three types of responses than students who expressed a low SCO. Multilevel regression analyses indicated that, after controlling for previous performance, a destructive response was negatively related to performance on tests for reading comprehension and mathematics. An empathic response was positively related to performance on reading comprehension only whereas a constructive response compensated the negative relationship between destructive response and reading comprehension. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.