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In this paper, $H_\infty $ control problem is investigated by off-policy integral reinforcement learning (IRL) method for the nonlinear systems with completely unknown dynamics, disturbances, and constrained-input. Firstly, according to a model-based policy iteration (PI) algorithm, a model-free algorithm is proposed based on the derived iterative equation, and the equivalence of model-based PI algorithm and model-free algorithm is proven. Then, the model-free algorithm is implemented by off-policy IRL technology to solve the Hamilton-Jacobi-Isaacs (HJI) equation with the collected system data by the least-square approach, where three neural networks (NNs) are constructed to approximate the value function, control and the disturbance. Finally, our proposed methods are applied to stabilize an autonomous third-order Chua’s chaotic circuit system and a non-autonomous second-order memristive chaotic circuit system to illustrate the efficiency of the proposed method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anguillicoloides crassus is an invasive nematode parasite of the critically endangered European eel, Anguilla anguilla, and possibly one of the primary drivers of eel population collapse, impacting many features of eel physiology and life history. Early detection of the parasite is vital to limit the spread of A. crassus, to assess its potential impact on spawning biomass. However accurate diagnosis of infection could only be achieved via necropsy. To support eel fisheries management we developed a rapid, non-lethal, minimally invasive and in situ DNA-based method to infer the presence of the parasite in the swim bladder. Screening of 131 wild eels was undertaken between 2017 and 2019 in Ireland and UK to validate the procedure. DNA extractions and PCR were conducted using both a Qiagen Stool kit and in situ using Whatman qualitative filter paper No1 and a miniPCR DNA Discovery-System™. Primers were specifically designed to target the cytochrome oxidase mtDNA gene region and in situ extraction and amplification takes approximately 3 h for up to 16 individuals. Our in-situ diagnostic procedure demonstrated positive predictive values at 96% and negative predictive values at 87% by comparison to necropsy data. Our method could be a valuable tool in the hands of fisheries managers to enable infection control and help protect this iconic but critically endangered species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A surrogate model based on IRL is suggested, which applies the max-margin method to approximate the reward function. • Under different dynamic environments, IRL learns the reward function and helps accelerate the convergence of the algorithm. • On the basis of learned reward function, IRL-DMOEA generates promising non-dominated solutions during the evolutionary process. Due to the widespread interest in dynamic multiobjective optimization in real-world applications, more and more approaches exploiting machine learning are deployed to tackle this type of problems. Unfortunately, recent works do not make full use of the data obtained during the optimization process, which could be benefit for model training thereby mining the dynamic characteristics of the underlying problem. To address this issue, this paper proposes a dynamic multiobjective evolutionary algorithm driven by inverse reinforcement learning to solve the dynamic multiobjective optimization problems. IRL is widely used to recover the unknown reward function, making it possible to perform at an expert level. The notable features of the proposed algorithm mainly consist of data-driven evolutionary technique, which uses inverse reinforcement learning as a surrogate-assisted model for model training. This design makes full use of the surrogate management strategy based on inverse reinforcement learning to optimize the reward function within a reinforcement learning framework. At the same time, the algorithm can generate a promising policy based on limited training data during the optimization process to achieve better algorithm evolution and guide the search. The experimental results on the benchmark problems validate that the proposed algorithm is effective in dealing with dynamic multiobjective optimization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents new data for historical vein-hosted copper sulfide deposits in the Late Paleozoic Munster and South Munster basins of SW Ireland. Detailed mapping, 3D modelling, fluid inclusion microthermometry and geochronology from the Allihies area of the Beara Peninsula have led to a new interpretation of the timing and development of ore mineralization. Macro- and microstructural studies reveal that the ore-bearing, mainly east-west-striking quartz veins are directly related to early extensional, basinal normal faults. Molybdenite Re-Os dating of the main-stage Cu lode yields ages from 367.3 ± 5.5 to 366.4 ± 1.9 Ma. This early vein system experienced subsequent late Carboniferous Variscan deformation, including cleavage development, sinistral SW-NE strike-slip faulting, cataclastic deformation and recrystallization. The new timing of Cu mineralization in SW Ireland has major implications for its relationship to the base metal deposits of the Irish Midlands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In inverse reinforcement learning (IRL), a reward function is learnt to generalize experts' behavior. This paper proposes a model-free IRL algorithm based on an ensemble method, where the reward function is regarded as a parametric function of expected features. In other words, the parameters are updated based on a weak classification method. The IRL is formulated as a problem of a boosting classifier, akin to the renowned Adaboost algorithm for classification, feature expectations from experts' demonstration, and the trajectory induced by an agent's current policy. The proposed approach takes individual feature expectation as attractor or expeller, depending on the sign of the residuals of the state trajectories between expert's demonstration and the one induced by RL with the currently approximated reward function, so as to tackle its central challenges of accurate inference, generalizability, and correctness of prior knowledge. Then, the proposed method is applied further to approximate an abstract reward function from observations of more complex behavior composed of several basic actions. The results of the simulations in a labyrinth are shown to validate the proposed algorithm. Furthermore, behaviors composed of a set of primitive actions on a soccer robot field are examined for the applicability of the proposed method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article explores the youthful patriotism and vigorous activism of Cesca Chenevix Trench based on her letters, sketches, personal papers and diary of the years 1913 to 1916. Also described is how a girl from a leading Anglo-Irish Protestant family, brought up in a vicarage in Kent, adopted the identity of an Irish Irelander and became a staunch nationalist.

The article discusses papers focusing on research in counselling and psychotherapy with students. Topics discussed include impact of technological challenges on the therapeutic process, issues associated with national database for student counselling and recent longitudinal study of 5,915 US college students found that around one in five reported non-suicidal self-injury.

The article focuses on perspective of Irish Minister for Defence Alan Shatter related to the defence budget allocation for 2014, as of December 2013.

This paper seeks to address the lack of knowledge in the water industry of how policy development can be understood to have shaped the development and application of European Union (EU) drinking water policy. In particular, the paper develops a comparative understanding of how policy development can be viewed as having affected the development and application of the Drinking Water Directive (80/778/EEC) in England/Wales and the Republic of Ireland. As a result of this focus, the paper explores policy development issues relating to conflicting interests, invalid causal theories, political symbolism, lack of attention to detail by policy makers, and the allocation of duties and resources. It is subsequently established that consideration of these issues is useful in fostering a focused understanding of how policy development may have affected policy application. Despite the significant changes which took place with regard to the development of the current Drinking Water Directive (98/883/EC), the paper concludes by arguing that greater attention should be accorded the conflicting interests and abilities of Member States during the development of EU water policy, particularly if attempts are to be made to identify measures targeted at improving the application of EU water policy in a diverse political and economic union of member states. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Focuses on sources of art literature. Illustrators Guild of Ireland; Wausau Papers; Westvaco; Yankee Image.

Reports on the decision of the Irish government to abolish university tuition fees in 1996. Details on the clash between the ministries of education and finance; Source of funds for the abolition of fees.

Reports on the Reading Association of Ireland's search for program proposals for its 20th annual conference scheduled on September 14 to 16, 1995 at the Marino Institute of Education in Dublin, Ireland. Keynote speakers; Deadline of program proposals; Contact information.

In Ireland, policies destined to create a reconfigured binary higher education system are evolving; in the coming years institutes of technology may be redesignated as "technological universities" following a process of voluntary amalgamations and independent reviews against stringent criteria. This overhaul of the sector would satisfy institutions' ambitions to have their status upgraded, and would underpin national policy to address fragmentation and sustainability issues. Drawing on international literature on mergers in higher education, this paper proposes a distinction between push and pull factors as the drivers for exploration and decision making. These two categories of drivers are reviewed in the context of Irish policy development and are applied to an example of a merger that was effected after the publication of the new National Strategy for Higher Education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The complex effects of the global financial crisis (GFC) have affected countries differently. The concept of stimulus packages to enable economies to withstand its full effects was widespread, as were decisions by several countries to invest in higher education as a means of stimulating the economy while placing workforce development and research on a firmer footing. While the GFC increased awareness of the need to invest in the knowledge economy, governments adopted approaches reflecting their different fundamental priorities. Arguably Ireland was left with little leeway, whereas Australia's far better economic position might have provided an opportunity to invest in higher education through its stimulus packages. This paper examines the policy choices that Australian and Irish governments made both before, and in response to, the GFC to assess how these decisions have prepared higher education for the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bereavement services, in common with all health, social care and counselling programmes and interventions, are increasingly required to demonstrate their clinical and cost effectiveness. This paper describes the main ethical and practical issues raised for one service (a hospice-based bereavement support service), and how they were overcome. It offers advice to other organisations and researchers on important aspects of the process, including the need to ensure good relationships with staff and professional supervision and support for the researcher. It also challenges the common view that participation in research may be harmful for bereaved people. Participants in this survey welcomed the chance to talk about their feelings, and to make a contribution to furthering understanding of the bereavement experience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article features Dublin, Ireland-based Ntera Ltd.'s NanoChromics display (NCD), which is touted as a beneficial alternative to liquid crystal displays (LCD). NCD exhibits razor sharpness, with nearly black images on an almost luminous and paper-white background. Text is easy to read in most lighting conditions, with contrast ratio of 6:1, and a brightness of at least four times that of an LCD. In terms of power consumption, NCD are power-frugal due to two factors: elimination of the need for any kind of separate lighting system through the high contrast ratio, and absence of a requirement to constantly refresh NCD.

This article presents news briefs regarding issues of history. Archaeologists in Pakistan are calling for a complete ban on the use of historical sites for private functions. The U.S. House of Representatives has voted to allow greater access to the papers of former presidents. Geneticists working on DNA data from across the British Isles are presenting the theory that the inhabitants of Britain and Ireland are more closely related than previously thought.

Discusses the controversy over the issue on abortion in Ireland. Allegation against Supreme Court on the issue; Details on the Supreme Court case called X Case; Options outlined in the Green Paper issued in 1999 by the Irish administration; Attitude of politicians toward abortion.

The article reports on the goal of the New Hanseatic League alliance of Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands and Sweden to create reforms to the European Union (EU). Topics discussed include the impact of Brexit on the alliance, France and Germany's common economic position forming the basis for the package of reforms in the EU and the alliance's recruitment of Slovakia to sign its paper on the sovereign bail-out fund.

The article offers information on the structure of the defence forces in Ireland. The primary mission of the White Paper on Defence is to defend the region against armed aggression, render aid to civil power and to participate in multi-national peace support. In addition, the Minister for Foreign Affairs has the overall responsibility for international security policy. An overview of the country's general data, government and economy is presented.

Focuses on works included in the exhibition, `The Barry Joule Archive: Works on Paper Attributed to Francis Bacon,' at the Irish Museum of Modern Art in Dublin through August 2000. Joule's relationship to Bacon and acquisition of the previously unseen works; Authenticity; Assessment.

The article discusses papers published within the issue, including one by Nicola Terry on the lack of interest among therapists in the food habits of their clients and another by Catherine Jackson on the work of counseling service Towards Healing.

The article looks at a 2012 investigation into British involvement in the 1989 assassination of Catholic solicitor Pat Finucane by the loyalist gang Ulster Defence Association (UDA). Topics include papers that detail how British intelligence officers helped plan and British agents in the UDA helped commit Finucane's assassination, British Prime Minister David Cameron's adroitness in admitting British wrongs against Ireland, and how the situation in Ireland has improved since 1989.

The article offers information related to vaccines. It states that vaccines introduce inactive bacteria or virus which stimulate B and T immune cells to fight diseases. In 1998, a research paper linked measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccinations with autism, though further studies failed to find any connection. It highlights that in Ireland, vaccinations dropped around 30 percent, resulting in outbreaks of mumps and measles.

This paper reports on strategic noise mapping research conducted in Dublin, Ireland. Noise maps are constructed for the day-evening-night-time and night-time periods and levels of population exposure are estimated for the same periods. In methodological terms, the research uses the UK's calculation of road traffic noise (CRTN) method for calculating noise levels in the study area. This method has been adopted as the interim calculation method by the Irish authorities responsible for meeting the obligations set out in the EU Environmental Noise Directive (END). The research also investigates the usefulness of three noise mitigation measures for 'acoustical planning' purposes: traffic reductions, speed reductions and erection of acoustical barriers. The results indicate that levels of population exposure during night-time are extremely high relative to guideline limits set down by the World Health Organisation. The results highlight the significant role that certain noise mitigation measures can play in good 'acoustical planning'. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article announces the invitation of proposals by the Reading Association of Ireland (RAI) for its annual conference which will be held at Saint (St.) Patrick's College in Dublin, Ireland from September 24-26, 2009. It mentions that the conference theme is "Literacy in the 21st Century: Perspectives, Challenges and Transformations." It states that proposal for papers must be approximately 250 words and should be submitted by April 1, 2009.

The article reports on plastic bags disuse because it has been causing major floods. It is indicated that plastic bags blocked the drainage systems in Bangladesh and caused two thirds of the country to be underwater from floods. Taiwan had a law of banning the free distributions of plastic bags. In Ireland, one has to pay tax for getting a plastic bag which is equivalent to 33 U.S. cents. Instead of plastic bags, the Irish began to use reusable cloth bags to carry items from the store.

The article explains how Ireland is reducing waste in the country. According to the author, the Irish do not focus on recycling but on reducing waste that could harm the environment. The author explains how the country's decision to impose tax on plastic bags dramatically diminished the use of these materials which take around 1,000 years to naturally break down.

The article discusses the role of Irish politicians such as Gerry Adams, the leader of Sinn Fein, in the peace process in Northern Ireland. Adams is busy writing memoirs: life in the modest streets of Catholic west Belfast, occasionally fictionalized and with some immodest use of recycled speeches. There is no mention of his years at the top of the IRA--an organization that he now hints should be disbanded. His fellow republican Martin McGuinness used to be the IRA's chief of staff. Now he looks forward to the day when it devotes itself solely to tending graves. The best-known republican writer is Danny Morrison. He once urged the rank and file to drive the British out of Ireland with the "Armalite and the ballot-box". Now his weapon is the pen. On the other side of the divide, Ian Paisley, the leader of the hard-line Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), has no discernible leisure interests apart from hell and damnation. His party has gone from fire-breathing outsider to the main representative of the province's Unionist majority. It's exchanging papers with the British government about negotiations next month on restoring devolved government. It is the party's ambitious deputy leader, Peter Robinson, who really wants a deal. That would mean less time to indulge his enthusiasm for 1970s-style clothes, and his passionate interest in breeding Koi carp in heated pools in his garden.

Highlights the Third International Conference in a series which has seen major events for arts in health in Dublin, Ireland. Names of keynotes speakers; Selection of papers from medical professionals on health-related issues; Topics included in practical workshops.

Presents updates on environmentalism as of February 2003. Information on a program for reducing plastic bags in Ireland; Location of the largest rooftop solar-power system in the U.S.; Launch of the Better World Travelers Club.

Reports on the reduction of plastic bag use by retail stores in Ireland.

Reports on the 2001 European Conference on Reading held in Dublin, Ireland. Theme of the event; Keynote speakers of the event; Issues included in the papers presented at the event; Preview on the 2003 conference.

Reports that New York City ambulance driver Anne Lamberson, who while responding to a call, struck a car and fatally injured three children in September 1998. How the incident is getting more media attention in her native Ireland than in New York; The criminal charges against her; How the papers in Ireland are interpreting the story.

Reports that the education commission of the Conference of Religions of Ireland (CORI) has published a paper entitled `Religious Congregations in Irish Education--A Role for the Future.' Role which the Catholic church has played in the development of Irish education; Suggestion that priests and other religious persons are becoming a rarity in schools; Membership of secondary school teachers in religious orders thirty years ago.

Reports that Ireland's chief examiner for English was both amused and appalled with 1995's Leaving Certificate papers which railed against bad grammar. Students' use of offensive language; Lack of writing skills.

Reports that `sectarian' Government proposals in Ireland have been condemned by an Irish teacher union. How the sectarian proposal will give churches a religious veto for appointments in primary and secondary schools; Information on Catholic bishops agreeing to release control of school boards; Details on a paper delivered to cabinet from education minister, Niamh Bhreathnach.

Reports on a public convention in Dublin Castle to discuss the Irish government's proposal to expand the number of students. Consideration of school and post-school education; Public presentation by groups; Public sessions for higher education; Topics from government's green paper proposal; Private analysis of issue groups.

Reports on the Reading Association of Ireland's (RAI) call for papers to be presented at its annual conference scheduled for September 14-16, 1996 in Dublin, Ireland.

This article reports on the convention to be hosted by the Reading Association of Ireland from July 1 to 3, 1991 in Dublin. The convention will feature workshops, symposia, research papers, and discussions on literature-based reading programs. Association Board member John J. Pikulski of the University of Delaware will be the featured speaker. The convention, approved recently by the Association's Program Subcommittee on Special Institutes and Seminars, will run in conjunction with the Sixteenth Annual Conference of the Reading Association of Ireland.