The objective of this paper is to derive the characteristics of an effective governance framework ensuring incentives for conducting a prudent fiscal policy.We study this problem with the use of econometric tools and a sample of 28 European Union Member States between 2003 and 2017. By looking at specific reforms and measures, not only we verify the synthetic effectiveness of fiscal constraints but also we analyse specific elements of the governance framework.Our study shows that fiscal balances are affected not only by the economic cycle, but, among others, by the level of public debt and its cost. We find that the existence of numerical fiscal rules, in that specifically revenue and expenditures rules, their strong legal entrenchment, surveillance mechanisms, sanctions, and flexibility with respect to business cycle have a significant impact on curbing deficits.

This paper presents a robust control technique for small-scale unmanned helicopters to track predefined trajectories (velocities and heading) in the presence of bounded external disturbances. The controller design is based on the linearized state-space model of the helicopter. The multivariable dynamics of the helicopter is divided into two subsystems, longitudinallateral and heading-heave dynamics respectively. There is no strong coupling between these two subsystems and independent controllers are designed for each subsystem. The external disturbances and model mismatch in the longitudinal-lateral subsystem are present in all (matched and mismatched) channels. This model mismatch and external disturbances are estimated as lumped disturbances using extended disturbance observer and an extended disturbance observer based sliding mode controller is designed for it to counter the effect of these disturbances. In the case of heading-heave subsystem, external disturbances and model mismatch only occur in matched channels so a second order sliding mode controller is designed for it as it is insensitive to matched uncertainties. The control performance is successfully tested in Simulink.

The paper is devoted to the finding of the coefficient of one nonlinear wave equation in the mixed problem. The considered problem is reduced to the optimal control problem with proper functional. Differentiability of functional is proved and the necessary optimality conditions are derived in the form of the variational inequality. Existence of the optimal control is proved.

Detonation of explosives creates strong para-seismic vibrations. Such vibrations can damage buildings or other infrastructure located in the vicinity of such detonations, and can be burdensome to people living in such areas. This paper describes the usefulness of Matching Pursuit (MP) algorithm in assessing the impact of blasting on the surrounding areas, and proves that by taking into account frequency changes over time, vibration analysis can help make much more profound and reliable predictions in this field.

The presence of inorganic elements in solid fuels is not only considered a direct source of problems in the furnace but is also connected with the release of pollutants into air during combustion. This article focuses on the sintering characteristics of biomass and coal ashes, in particular on the leaching processes, and their impact on the tendency to sinter ash. Biomass and coal ash with high alkali metal concentration can deposit in boiler sections and cause severe operating problems such as slagging, fouling and corrosion of boiler and heat exchanger surface, limiting heat transfer. Two biomass types and one coal ash with different origin and different chemical compositions were investigated. A sequential leaching analysis was employed in this study to elucidate the modes of occurrence of metals that can transform into fuel extract. Sequential leaching analysis was conducted as a two-step process: using distilled water in the first step and acetic acid in the second step. The chemical composition of ashes, before and after each step of the leaching processwas studied using ICP-OES method. The standard Ash Fusion Temperature (AFTs) technique was also employed to assess the sintering tendency of the tested samples. It was observed that the presence of key elements such as sodium, potassium, magnesium and sulphur (elucidated in the leaching process) plays a significant role in sintering process. The sintering tendency enhances when the concentration of these elements increases.

A novel algorithm is presented to deduce individual nodal forwarding behavior from standard end-to-end acknowledgments. The algorithm is based on a well-established mathematical method and is robust to network related errors and nodal behavior changes. The proposed solution was verified in a network simulation, during which it achieved sound results in a challenging multihop ad-hoc network environment.

Machine learning (ML) methods facilitate automated data mining. The authors compare the effectiveness of selected ML methods (RBF networks, Kohonen networks, and random forest) as modelling tools supporting the selection of materials in ecodesign. Applied in the design process, ML methods help benefit from the knowledge, experience and creativity of designers stored in historical data in databases. Implemented into a decision support system, the knowledge can be utilized – in the case under analysis – in the process of design of environmentally friendly products. The study was initiated with an analysis of input data for the selection of materials. The input data, specified in cooperation with designers, include both technological and environmental parameters which guarantee the desired compatibility of materials. Next, models were developed using selected ML methods. The models were assessed and implemented into an expert system. The authors show which models best fit their purpose and why. Models supporting the selection of materials, connections and disassembly methods help boost the recycling properties of designed products.