Verification of successive convexification algorithm

In this report, I describe a technique which allows a non-convex optimal control problem to be expressed and solved in a convex manner. I then verify the resulting solution to ensure its physical feasibility and its optimality. The original, non-convex problem is the fuel-optimal powered landing problem with aerodynamic drag. The non-convexities present in this problem include mass depletion dynamics, aerodynamic drag, and free final time. Through the use of lossless convexification and successive convexification, this problem can be formulated as a series of iteratively solved convex problems that requires only a guess of a final time of flight. The solution’s physical feasibility is verified through a nonlinear simulation built in Simulink, while its optimality is verified through the general nonlinear optimal control software GPOPS-II.Aerospace Engineerin

New and little-known Cheilostomata (Bryozoa, Gymnolaemata) from the NE Atlantic

Based on newly designated type material, four poorly known NE Atlantic cheilostome bryozoan species are redescribed and imaged: Cellaria harmelini d’Hondt from the northern Bay of Biscay, Hippomenella mucronelliformis (Waters) from Madeira, Myriapora bugei d’Hondt from the Azores, and Characodoma strangulatum, occurring from Mauritania to southern Portugal. Moreover, Notoplites saojorgensis sp. nov. from the Azores, formerly reported as Notoplites marsupiatus (Jullien), is newly described. The genus Hippomenella Canu & Bassler is transferred from the lepraliomorph family Escharinidae Tilbrook to the umbonulomorph family Romancheinidae Jullien

Changes in the Functional Distribution of Household Income in Washington: A Comparison using 1990 and 2000 PUMS Census Data

This paper examines and details the main sources of household income in Washington using the Census of Population PUMS microsample. In accord with the generally good economy in the 1990’s, the share of property type income in total household income increased from 1990 to 2000. And with welfare reform in the mid-1990’s the share of public assistance type income decreased as a share of household income. In order to better understand the relative importance of alternative sources of income to Washington households, each household was identified according to the income source which provided the largest contribution to household income. For example, a household whose largest source of income comes from salary and wages was identified as a Labor household. Similarly, households whose largest source of income was interest, dividends or net rentals were identified as Capital households. Labor and capital households are not very different in terms of mean household income. In 2000, average household income of Labor households was $65,300 while the average household income of Capital households was$96,200. However, Labor households were very different than Capital household regarding diversification of income source. Labor households depended upon wage income for 92 percent of mean household income. Capital households obtained 70 percent of their mean household income from interest, dividends and rents, but also had 11 percent of their mean income from wages and 15 percent of their mean income from social security and pensions.Sources of household income in washington, labor's share of income, capital's share of income

The Silhavy Corridor Improvement Project

The City of Valparaiso, Indiana is considering various alternatives to improve safety and efficiency at the existing signalized intersection at Silhavy Road and LaPorte Avenue. One of these alternatives is to construct a multi-lane roundabout. However, a large amount of space is required for the construction of a multi-lane roundabout. In an already heavily developed area, space is a major constraint. The city is also proposing improvements along Silhavy Road north and south of the intersection to enhance traffic flow in the area. The first goal of this research project was to determine if an appropriately sized roundabout would fit into the available space. The second objective was to study improvements in traffic conditions in the area due to the proposed roundabout at Silhavy Road and LaPorte Avenue and capacity enhancement measures along the Silhavy Road corridor. A two-lane roundabout that will fit into the available space and handle the traffic demand was designed. Using traffic simulation software, the delay was measured for both the current signalized intersection and for the proposed two-lane roundabout. The results showed a significant reduction in delay at the intersection due to the roundabout. This benefit is in addition to the safer conditions of a roundabout over a signalized intersection

Evaluating Excise Taxes: The Need to Consider Brand Advertising

Brand Advertising, Advertising Effects, Excise Taxes, Agricultural and Food Policy, Food Consumption/Nutrition/Food Safety, Marketing, M35, M38,

United Albany Brethren Benefit Society

The United Albany Brethren Benefit Society (Albany Brethren) was a Grahamstown example of the friendly society movement which reached a peak in Britain during the last century

Are E-Grocers Serving the Right Markets?

Food Consumption/Nutrition/Food Safety,

Narrative Journalism in the Age of the Internet:New Ways to Create Authenticity in Online Literary Reportages

Online literary reportages represent an imperative counterweight to conventional journalism that is essential both for our emotional and intellectual survival. Using Paula Delgado-Kling’s online literary reportage »Child Soldiers: Homero« and Mark Bowden’s multimedia text »The Desert One Debacle« as examples, Nora Berning explores issues of multimediality and authenticity in online narrative journalism. Berning’s case studies open up discussions, both theoretical and practical, about the future of digital media literacy

The Effect of Retail Grocery Coupons for Breakfast Cereals on Household Purchasing Behavior

We examine the affect of retail and manufacturer coupons on the nutritional quality of breakfast cereal purchases made by households. Using household level purchase data we find that coupon usage has a significant impact on the nutritional quality of cereals purchased by households. Specifically, we find that the average sugar content decreases and the fiber content increases. This suggests that coupons have a positive impact on the nutritional quality of cereals purchased by households, holding all other factors constant. Given the prolific use of coupons by households and the fact that they offer both a price discount and an advertisement for products, they might be an effective way to help guide consumers to healthier food choices.coupons, breakfast cereal, nutrition, panel data, Consumer/Household Economics, Food Consumption/Nutrition/Food Safety, Health Economics and Policy, Marketing, D10, I10, M30, C23,