We plunge decentralized control problems into modular ones to benefit from the know-how of modular control theory: any decentralized control problem is associated to a natural modular control problem, which over-approximates it. Then, we discuss how a solution of the latter problem delivers a solution of the former.

Feasibility studies must cover different disciplines such as need-based feasibility, technological feasibility and economical feasibility. In the present work a comprehensive feasibility analysis model for the use of robots in performing construction tasks is presented. This model is mainly focussed on the need analysis in order to present criteria for decision making. The decision making is pe...

Ocular microtremor (OMT) is a fine high frequency tremor of the eyes caused by extra-ocular muscle activity stimulated by impulses emanating in the brain stem. Several studies have shown that the frequency of this tremor is reduced in patients whose consciousness is reduced by anaesthesia or head injury. Therefore, OMT may possibly be used to determine depth of anaesthesia. Twenty-two unpre-med...

Target based chemical screens are a mainstay of modern drug discovery, but the effectiveness of this reductionist approach is being questioned in light of declines in pharmaceutical R & D efficiency. In recent years, phenotypic screens have gained increasing acceptance as a complementary/alternative approach to early drug discovery. We discuss the various model organisms used in phenotypic scre...

Numerical and experimental methods are described for the investigation of an oscillating-wing generator or wingmill. The numerical approach applies a previously developed, unsteady, in-compressible panel method incorporating a non-linear, deforming wake model to compute the unsteady ow about an airfoil undergoing speciied pitch and plunge motions. An experimental model is described which can du...

An important step in planning the manufacture of a component by CNC machining is the selection of cutting tools. Although it has long been known that the choice of cutter sizes can have a dramatic effect on the overall machining time, few algorithms for optimisation have been available to the production engineer. This paper describes a method for determining a theoretical optimal combination of...