A dissipativity-based approach to traffic signal control for an over-saturated intersection

In this paper, using the energy concept, the control of traffic flow by traffic lights on an over-saturated single intersection is addressed. By regarding the flow entry of vehicles as the energy stored in the system, we show that the dissipative system theory can be applied. As a result, a state feedback control law is found in terms of the solution of an associated dissipation equation that renders the system non-accumulative, i.e., to get out of the over-saturation situation. The results of the simulations indicate that our control strategy guarantees a high degree of control benefit.     

Louis IX in Medieval Arabic Sources: The Saint,the King,and the Sicilian Connection

This article examines the portrayal of Louis IX in medieval Arabic historiography to show the importance of cross-cultural Mediterranean interaction. It argues that the image of Louis was influenced by information originating from the Sicilian Hohenstaufen court and reports that Frederick II sent to Egypt. Arab historians connected to the courts of Frederick and Manfred disseminated a “Sicilian narrative” that shaped Louis's portrayal in Arabic historiography. This argument on the importance of cross-cultural transfer in understanding Arabic historiography is buttressed by reports about the King, the Pope, and the Emperor that are traced back to the entourage of prominent Muslims closely linked to Sicily. Moreover, it is argued that Arab authors were aware of Louis's proto-sanctity and pious reputation. This led to the infusion of medieval Arabic historiography with Western ideas about sacrosanctity. Finally, this research assesses how the portrayal of King Louis during his captivity was used in internal Muslim rivalries.     

Hydraulic jump basins with wedge-shaped baffles

This laboratory study deals with the hydraulic jump properties for an artificially roughened bed with wedge-shaped baffle blocks. The experiments were conducted for both smooth and rough beds with a Froude number in the range of 3.06??F ₁??10.95 and a relative bed roughness ranging 0.22??K _R??1.4. The data from this study were compared with those of rectangular baffle blocks. New experimental formulae were developed for determining the sequent depth ratio and the hydraulic jump length in terms of the inflow Froude number and relative bed roughness. Bélanger??s jump equation of a rectangular channel was extended to account for the implications of the bed shear stress coefficient attributable to channel bed roughness. It was found that, in comparison with the smooth bed, the wedge-shaped bed roughness reduced the sequent depth of the hydraulic jump by approximately 16.5% to 30% and the hydraulic jump length by approximately 30% to 53%.     

School leadership practices that promote effective whole school behaviour management: a study of Australian primary schools

When considering the management of student behaviour issues, a substantial body of literature, as well as logical common sense, points to the advantages of whole school policy over the individual efforts of teachers. Less is known, however, about the direct or indirect role school leadership plays in the development of well-implemented whole school behaviour management (WSBM) systems and policy in primary schools. This article explores elements of leadership practice likely to promote well-implemented WSBM, using an initial framework developed from related literature and applying it in a study of primary schools. The sample comprised 52 staff members from 31 government and non-government primary schools in 5 states and territories of Australia. Data were obtained from interviews which sought to gather information about how well each school’s WSBM was implemented. Results confirmed the theorised framework of leadership practices that encourage well-implemented WSBM. The article concludes with implications for future research and school leadership.     

An Application of Multiple Intelligences in a Lebanese Kindergarten

This study is an application of a Multiple Intelligences-based approach to assessment and educational practice in early childhood years, the Spectrum Project, in a Lebanese kindergarten. A control group design was used. The Spectrum activities were manipulated for the whole academic year by 150 kindergarten students (75 girls, 75 boys), enrolled in one branch of a private school, while the other branch of the same school worked with the regular curriculum. The purpose of the study was to determine if, through assessment of those activities, a profile of children's abilities, strengths, and weaknesses could be identified. Means and standard deviations for every activity were reported. A second purpose was to investigate the relationship between the different domains or intelligences. Pearson product-moment coefficients were computed. Finally, the difference in the end-of-year achievement between the experimental and the control group was investigated. The data are discussed in terms of cross-cultural interpretations. Implications and recommendations for future research are presented.