Expected optimal feedback with Time-Varying Parameters

In this paper we derive, by using dynamic programming, the closed loop form of the Expected Optimal Feedback rule with time varying parameter. As such this paper extends the work of Kendrick (1981, 2002, Chapter 6) for the time varying parameter case. Furthermore, we show that the Beck and Wieland (2002) model can be cast into this framework and can be treated as a special case of this solution.

SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT AND THE ROMANIAN TRANSITION

Supply Chain Management (SCM), defined here as the construction of productive systems spanning over organizational borders with suppliers and customers and integrated via human-based and information technology systems to satisfy final customer requirements, is introduced as a key concept to accelerate Romania’s economic transition as it approaches EU membership, as well as to develop a modern supplier network. We introduce SCM from a system perspective along three broad areas: input, operations, output and system integration activities. We close by introducing constraints to SCM implementation in Romania. The first major constraint involves a lack of appropriate physical and human capital. Modernization of antiquated equipment and training employees in modern operations practices are prime requisites. The second major constraint, and perhaps the more difficult to change, deals with a lack of social capital among Romanian firms and adapting to appropriate managerial and worker values and attitudes.Supply Chain Management; Social Capital; Transition Economy; Economic Development.

Unstable no-boundary fluctuations from sums over regular metrics

It was recently shown by Feldbrugge et al. that the no-boundary proposal, defined via a Lorentzian path integral and in minisuperspace, leads to unstable fluctuations, in disagreement with early universe observations. In these calculations many off-shell geometries summed over in the path integral in fact contain singularities, and the question arose whether the instability might ultimately be caused by these off-shell singularities. We address this question here by considering a sum over purely regular geometries, by extending a calculation pioneered by Halliwell and Louko. We confirm that the fluctuations are unstable, even in this restricted context which, arguably, is closer in spirit to the original proposal of Hartle and Hawking. Elucidating the reasons for the instability of the no-boundary proposal will hopefully show how to overcome these difficulties, or pave the way to new theories of initial conditions for the universe

Digital Image Correlation in Assessing Structured-Light 3d Scanner's Gantry Stability: Performing David's (michelangelo) High-Accuracy 3d Survey

Abstract. The paper presents results from applying Digital Image Correlation (DIC) technique to determine deformations and verify stability on a gantry during surveying operations on the Michelangelo's David at the Galleria dell'Accademia di Firenze museum in Florence. An advanced hi-resolution Structured-light 3D scanner has been used to create a hi-detailed digital twin of the masterpiece. Considering the high scanner sensitivity, a contactless, remote and passive monitoring system of the gantry stability has been chosen to guarantee maximum freedom of movement around the David and avoid any interference during scanning operations. Due to the remarkable elevation of the statue, which reaches almost 7 meters on his pedestal, and considering the cramped operating area around the statue, an ad-hoc gantry has been designed and deployed. The sophisticated scanner's technique and the extreme hi-resolution required for the survey needed firm gantry stability during scanning operations from one side. The complex geometries and the considerable extension of the statue surface impose extended flexibility and a nimble elevation platform from the other side. Thanks to the DIC technique the gantry stability has been constantly monitored with an accuracy of 0.03 ÷ 0,04 pixels, optimising scanning scheduling and, consequently, operations efficiency. A comparison of scans with post-processed deformation patterns allowed to optimise the scanning schedule, minimising downtime, and maintaining the needed platform stability threshold for effective scanning

Forecast B-modes detection at large scales in presence of noise and foregrounds

We investigate the detectability of the primordial CMB polarization B-mode power spectrum on large scales in the presence of instrumental noise and realistic foreground contamination. We have worked out a method to estimate the errors on component separation and to propagate them up to the power spectrum estimation. The performances of our method are illustrated by applying it to the instrumental specifications of the Planck satellite and to the proposed configuration for the next generation CMB polarization experiment COrE. We demonstrate that a proper component separation step is required in order achieve the detection of B-modes on large scales and that the final sensitivity to B-modes of a given experiment is determined by a delicate balance between noise level and residual foregrounds, which depend on the set of frequencies exploited in the CMB reconstruction, on the signal-to-noise of each frequency map, and on our ability to correctly model the spectral behavior of the foreground components. We have produced a flexible software tool that allows the comparison of performances on B-mode detection of different instrumental specifications (choice of frequencies, noise level at each frequency, etc.) as well as of different proposed approaches to component separation.Comment: 7 pages, 2 tables, 1 figure, accepted by MNRA