Online Convex Optimization with Binary Constraints

We consider online optimization with binary decision variables and convex loss functions. We design a new algorithm, binary online gradient descent (bOGD) and bound its expected dynamic regret. We provide a regret bound that holds for any time horizon and a specialized bound for finite time horizons. First, we present the regret as the sum of the relaxed, continuous round optimum tracking error and the rounding error of our update in which the former asymptomatically decreases with time under certain conditions. Then, we derive a finite-time bound that is sublinear in time and linear in the cumulative variation of the relaxed, continuous round optima. We apply bOGD to demand response with thermostatically controlled loads, in which binary constraints model discrete on/off settings. We also model uncertainty and varying load availability, which depend on temperature deadbands, lockout of cooling units and manual overrides. We test the performance of bOGD in several simulations based on demand response. The simulations corroborate that the use of randomization in bOGD does not significantly degrade performance while making the problem more tractable

Developments in Legal Education, Faculty of Law, Civil Law Section, University of Ottawa

The present Faculty of Law of the University of Ottawa was inaugurated in 1953, although law had been taught at the Institution from 1887 to shortly before the First World War. This first venture in the teaching of the law was addressed to students both from Ontario and Quebec and the objective of the Faculty, at that time, was to teach both legal systems and to prepare students for the practice of law in both provinces. We will endeavour to present the developments in legal education from the perspective of the Civil Law Section although, unavoidably, the presence of the Common Law Section has had a considerable influence on these developments. Most of what is distinctive and original in the University of Ottawa\u27s program depends precisely on the interrelationship between the two Sections and the programs which have been created as a result of this rather unique opportunity

Alien Registration- Landry, Paula A. (Lewiston, Androscoggin County)

https://digitalmaine.com/alien_docs/28692/thumbnail.jp

Phonon Band Structure and Thermal Transport Correlation in a Layered Diatomic Crystal

To elucidate the relationship between a crystal's structure, its thermal conductivity, and its phonon dispersion characteristics, an analysis is conducted on layered diatomic Lennard-Jones crystals with various mass ratios. Lattice dynamics theory and molecular dynamics simulations are used to predict the phonon dispersion curves and the thermal conductivity. The layered structure generates directionally dependent thermal conductivities lower than those predicted by density trends alone. The dispersion characteristics are quantified using a set of novel band diagram metrics, which are used to assess the contributions of acoustic phonons and optical phonons to the thermal conductivity. The thermal conductivity increases as the extent of the acoustic modes increases, and decreases as the extent of the stop bands increases. The sensitivity of the thermal conductivity to the band diagram metrics is highest at low temperatures, where there is less anharmonic scattering, indicating that dispersion plays a more prominent role in thermal transport in that regime. We propose that the dispersion metrics (i) provide an indirect measure of the relative contributions of dispersion and anharmonic scattering to the thermal transport, and (ii) uncouple the standard thermal conductivity structure-property relation to that of structure-dispersion and dispersion-property relations, providing opportunities for better understanding of the underlying physical mechanisms and a potential tool for material design.Comment: 30 pages, 10 figure

Alien Registration- Landry, Marie A. (Auburn, Androscoggin County)

https://digitalmaine.com/alien_docs/31169/thumbnail.jp