The standard controllers used in industrial processes generally have derivative and integrative control actions with whole, preset orders. In contrast, the new type of controller that these scientists propose is based on a generalization of those whole orders and others which are not whole, known as fractionary, which allow for an increase in the number of control parameters that can be auto-tuned.... 

A fire has been set in a three story building at the Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute, where firefighters hone their skills and test equipment. In this case they’re testing a device they hope will save firefighters’ lives. Everyone taking part in the drill knows how difficult and dangerous it is to locate a missing firefighter in a smoky inferno. This video is not supported by... 

The test material, called High-Density Reactive Material (HDRM), is designed to replace steel in warhead casings with little or no compromise in strength or design. “Today’s test demonstrates this new material’s potential and the ability of NAVSEA Warfare Center engineers and scientists to move it from the laboratory to full scale working prototype in under a year to meet technology... 

“This is the most crucial connection in the building, but there is really not much known about how they behave in earthquakes,” said Amit Kanvinde, professor of civil and environmental engineering at UC Davis and leader of the project. The research is among the latest in a long list of innovative earthquake-related studies at UC Davis, which is home to the largest geotechnical centrifuge... 

The findings are detailed in a report* from a research study sponsored by the U.S. Fire Administration and Department of Homeland Security. The work is an important step toward improving what may be the most vulnerable component of a firefighter’s protective gear in high-heat conditions: the facepiece lenses of the so-called self-contained breathing apparatus, or SCBA. Failure of the lens... 

Weekly News Digest December 5, 2011 — In addition to this week’s NewsBreak(s), the editors have compiled the Weekly News Digest, featuring stories from the week just past that you should know about. Watch for additional coverage to appear in the next print issue of Information... 

Weekly News Digest December 5, 2011 — In addition to this week’s NewsBreak(s), the editors have compiled the Weekly News Digest, featuring stories from the week just past that you should know about. Watch for additional coverage to appear in the next print issue of Information... 

Weekly News Digest December 5, 2011 — In addition to this week’s NewsBreak(s), the editors have compiled the Weekly News Digest, featuring stories from the week just past that you should know about. Watch for additional coverage to appear in the next print issue of Information... 

Berlin 9 OA Conference Urging More, Faster by Barbie E. Keiser Posted On December 5, 2011 In 2003, international research, scientific, and cultural institutions issued The Berlin Declaration on Open Access to Knowledge in the Sciences and Humanities promoting... 

The Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA), representing U.S. leadership in semiconductor manufacturing and design, today announced that the SIA has endorsed the World Semiconductor Trade Statistics (WSTS) organization’s Autumn 2011 global semiconductor sales forecast which has projected semiconductor sales to grow to $302 Billion for 2011, reaching the $300 Billion mark for the first time and...