Model and Reinforcement Learning for Markov Games with Risk Preferences

We motivate and propose a new model for non-cooperative Markov game which considers the interactions of risk-aware players. This model characterizes the time-consistent dynamic "risk" from both stochastic state transitions (inherent to the game) and randomized mixed strategies (due to all other players). An appropriate risk-aware equilibrium concept is proposed and the existence of such equilibria is demonstrated in stationary strategies by an application of Kakutani's fixed point theorem. We further propose a simulation-based Q-learning type algorithm for risk-aware equilibrium computation. This algorithm works with a special form of minimax risk measures which can naturally be written as saddle-point stochastic optimization problems, and covers many widely investigated risk measures. Finally, the almost sure convergence of this simulation-based algorithm to an equilibrium is demonstrated under some mild conditions. Our numerical experiments on a two player queuing game validate the properties of our model and algorithm, and demonstrate their worth and applicability in real life competitive decision-making.Comment: 38 pages, 6 tables, 5 figure

Hormonal Influence on Female Consumption of Revealing and Sexy Fashion Products

This doctoral dissertation addresses the biological and psychological components of consumers’ decision-making processes. Particularly, it investigates the impact of female sex hormones on women’s consumption behaviors regarding fashion products. These hormones reach peak level when women are near ovulation, and this research examines how these hormones, when at peak level, influence women’s attitudes and purchase intention towards sexy and revealing fashion products. The research is based on two theoretical frameworks: ovulatory shift hypothesis (OSH) and theory of reasoned action (TRA). Specifically, the OSH, based on the female ovulatory cycle postulates that women change their sexual preferences for men with perceived good biological indicators of genetic fitness on the high-to-low fertility days of the cycle. Moreover, women near ovulation may also exhibit increased mating interest and higher motivation to act in ways that would help secure a desirable partner. The theory of reasoned action sheds light on the indirect relationship between women’s ovulatory period and their choice of apparel, with attitude as a mediator. A within-subject survey design was used to examine the proposed phenomenon. Women were invited to take an ovulation test twice and then fill out a survey after each test. To test for fertility, women were invited to complete the Luteinizing (LH) test using the over-the-counter urine applicator test Clearblue® Easy Ovulation Test Kit. Subjects were recruited from a large women’s hospital in Vietnam for the pre-test. For the main study, subjects are recruited at three large hospitals in the Texas Medical Center (TMC), Houston, Texas, U.S. Consistent with the OSH, the findings suggest that when near ovulation, women show more favorable attitudes and stronger purchase intentions toward sexy and revealing fashion products. As predicted by TRA, attitudes toward sexy and revealing fashion products mediate the relationship between ovulation and purchase intention. The results of this study add to related streams of research that suggest hormonal fluctuations influence consumers’ attitudes and purchase intentions. For managers, the results provide suggestions on how to approach female consumers with sexy and revealing appearance-related products more effectively

Method for Assessing the Fidelity of Optical Diffraction Tomography Reconstruction Methods

We use a spatial light modulator in a diffraction tomographic system to assess the accuracy of different refractive index reconstruction algorithms. Optical phase conjugation principles through complex media, allows us to quantify the error for different refractive index reconstruction algorithms without access to the ground truth. To our knowledge, this is the first assessment technique that uses structured illumination experimentally to test the accuracy of different reconstruction schemes.Comment: 11 PAGES, 6 FIGURE

Making Medical Homes Work: Moving From Concept to Practice

Explores practical considerations for implementing a medical home program of physician practices committed to coordinating and integrating care based on patient needs and priorities, such as how to qualify medical homes and how to match patients to them

Influence of the Oryza sativa genotype on the fertility and quantitative traits of F1 hybrids between the two cultivated rice species O. sativa L. and O. glaberrima Steud.

Des croisements ont été réalisés entre les deux espèces de riz cultivé, en utilisant un parent #Oryza glaberrima constant et 14 cultivars d'#O. sativa, dont 11 traditionnels africains. Les hybrides F1 ont été étudiés pour leur fertilité et des caractères quantitatifs. L'analyse de ces derniers a montré la position intermédiaire des F1S par rapport aux lignées parentales et l'héritabilité élevée de plusieurs caractères dont la densité de ramifications secondaires sur la panicule. Tous les hybrides F1 ont présenté une fertilité paniculaire nulle, et seule l'observation du pollen a permis de discriminer les différentes combinaisons. Les hybrides issus de deux cultivars d'#O. sativa introgressés par l'espèce sauvage #O. longistaminata se sont montrés particulièrement stériles. (Résumé d'auteur