MDP Optimal Control under Temporal Logic Constraints

In this paper, we develop a method to automatically generate a control policy for a dynamical system modeled as a Markov Decision Process (MDP). The control specification is given as a Linear Temporal Logic (LTL) formula over a set of propositions defined on the states of the MDP. We synthesize a control policy such that the MDP satisfies the given specification almost surely, if such a policy exists. In addition, we designate an "optimizing proposition" to be repeatedly satisfied, and we formulate a novel optimization criterion in terms of minimizing the expected cost in between satisfactions of this proposition. We propose a sufficient condition for a policy to be optimal, and develop a dynamic programming algorithm that synthesizes a policy that is optimal under some conditions, and sub-optimal otherwise. This problem is motivated by robotic applications requiring persistent tasks, such as environmental monitoring or data gathering, to be performed.Comment: Technical report accompanying the CDC2011 submissio

Phosphorus Release from Bottom Sediments at Lake Wister, Oklahoma, Summer 2010

A previous reservoir model of Lake Wister, Oklahoma suggested that internal P sources were dominant, and that a watershed management plan need not be developed to address external sources. The objectives of this study were to collect intact sediment cores from three sites at Lake Wister and measure sediment O₂ demand (SOD) and soluble reactive P (SRP) release to the overlying water during lab incubations under quiescent conditions. The measured SOD rates were between 9.9 and 22.6 mg m⁻² hr⁻¹ on average across the three sites, where the shallow headwaters site had the least SOD. The SRP release rates were estimated to vary from less than zero to 3.30 mg m⁻² d⁻¹ on average across the sites, and release rates were greatest under anaerobic conditions in the cores collected from deep waters near the dam and water intake structure. These measured values were an order of magnitude less than used in the calibration of the previous reservoir model, suggesting that internal P cycling was likely not the dominant P source; thus, it might be premature to neglect external P sources to Lake Wister. A watershed‐based strategy that focuses on internal and external P sources is needed for this drinking water supply reservoir to improve overall water quality

Social Media – the new challenge for PR measurement and evaluation

In the five years since Paul Noble and I wrote the second edition of our book, Evaluating Public Relations, the biggest change in the field has been the rapid emergence of social media in media relations and organisational communication. Although we devoted a full chapter to the online environment, social media has rushed ahead in terms of its usage for communications and in the demands for measurement of its effectiveness. In this short paper, prepared with help from AMEC, the International Association for the Measurement of Communication, some of the issues that PR practitioners must consider are discussed

Pedestrian and Bicycle Data Collection: Task 2 - Assessment

DTFH61-11-F-00031This document contains the results of a literature review and series of stakeholder conversations via webinar and individual calls undertaken for DTFH61-11-F-00031, "Pedestrian and Bicycle Data Collection." This document contains two sections: (1) Pedestrian Data Collection, and (2) Bicycle Data Collection. Each section contains a summary of the state-of-the-practice as it existed in Fall 2011 based on available literature and practitioner input

U.S. Geological Survey External Quality-Assurance Project Report for the National Atmospheric Deposition Program / National Trends Network and Mercury Deposition Network, 2011-12

The U.S. Geological Survey operated six distinct programs to provide external quality-assurance monitoring for the National Atmospheric Deposition Program (NADP) / National Trends Network (NTN) and Mercury Deposition Network (MDN) during 2011–2012. The field-audit program assessed the effects of onsite exposure, sample handling, and shipping on the chemistry of NTN samples; a system-blank program assessed the same effects for MDN. Two interlaboratory-comparison programs assessed the bias and variability of the chemical analysis data from the Central Analytical Laboratory and Mercury Analytical Laboratory (HAL). A blind-audit program was implemented for the MDN during 2011 to evaluate analytical bias in HAL total mercury concentration data. The co-located–sampler program was used to identify and quantify potential shifts in NADP data resulting from the replacement of original network instrumentation with new electronic recording rain gages and precipitation collectors that use optical precipitation sensors. The results indicate that NADP data continue to be of sufficient quality for the analysis of spatial distributions and time trends of chemical constituents in wet deposition across the United States. Co-located rain gage results indicate -3.7 to +6.5 percent bias in NADP precipitation-depth measurements. Co-located collector results suggest that the retrofit of the NADP networks with the new precipitation collectors could cause +10 to +36 percent shifts in NADP annual deposition values for ammonium, nitrate, and sulfate; -7.5 to +41 percent shifts for hydrogen-ion deposition; and larger shifts (-51 to +52 percent) for calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, and chloride. The prototype N-CON Systems bucket collector typically catches more precipitation than the NADP-approved Aerochem Metrics Model 301 collector.National Atmospheric Deposition Programpublished or submitted for publicationis peer reviewedOpe

REPORT OF RESEARCH: ADULT LEARNING STRATEGIES AND SETTINGS USED TO ACQUIRE SPECIALIZED PROFESSIONAL KNOWLEDGE

The purpose of this study was to describe the context, setting, and learning strategies employed by both novice and experienced clergy seeking to develop pastoral capabilities. Using a case study method, a thorough description of the learning processes occurring within an organizational social group was described. The case focused on a group of African- American clergy from the African Methodist Episcopal Church (AMEC). The findings confirm that AMEC clergy have identifiable and describable strategies for learning the professional capabilities to pastor, both prior to and during service in the role. Other findings include: • The organizational context defines expectations for AMEC clergy; • Learning strategy is constructed after one’s personal expectations and organizational/local church expectations have been considered; • AMEC clergy develop capabilities in either formal, nonformal, or informal settings; • AMEC clergy learn from personal experiences with people and learning from accomplishments as well as mistakes made. A conclusion drawn from this study is that learners do have individual strategy preferences, but it is the organization that strongly influences the strategy choice. In other words, the learner must modify his or her learning approach to fit the learning approaches valued by the organization

Defence and the Arctic : go with the floe?

Article published in the RUSI Journal, Volume 154, Issue 4 August 2009 , pages 82-86As the Arctic ice melts, the polar region is becoming increasingly exposed to the political tussles of resource exploitation. Accompanying the territorial disputes is the imminent militarisation of the international space by circumpolar states. The UK has a difficult decision to make: either include the Arctic in its future defence strategy or advocate a zone of peace in this valuable part of the world. it cannot do both

Optical Design of the Atacama Cosmology Telescope and the Millimeter Bolometric Array Camera

The Atacama Cosmology Telescope is a 6-meter telescope designed to map the Cosmic Microwave Background simultaneously at 145 GHz, 215 GHz, and 280 GHz with arcminute resolution. Each frequency will have a 32 by 32 element focal plane array of TES bolometers. This paper describes the design of the telescope and the cold reimaging optics, which is optimized for millimeter-wave observations with these sensitive detectors.Comment: 23 pages. Accepted for publication in Applied Optics. Several minor clarifications added after peer revie