6,232 research outputs found
Screening and Sufficiency in Multiobjective Decision Problems with Large Alternative Sets
Portfolio selection problems with combinatorially-large alternative sets can be impossible to evaluate precisely on a reasonable timescale. When portfolios require complex modeling for performance assessment, prohibitive computational processing times can result. Eliminating a small number of alternatives through an intelligent screening process can greatly reduce the number of alternative combinations, thereby decreasing a problem\u27s evaluation time and cost. A methodology was developed for the class of hierarchical portfolio selection problems in which multiple objectives are all judged on the same sub-objectives. First, a novel capability-based alternative screening process was devised to identify and remove poor alternatives, thereby reducing the number of portfolios. Then, a performance-based portfolio screening process was explored to estimate portfolio sufficiency according to the performance requirements of the decision maker. Following the establishment of a set of sufficient portfolios, the analyst can employ higher resolution post-analysis methods to choose a final solution. Finally, the methodology was applied to a portfolio selection problem in which the United States Strategic Command attempts to select an ideal mix of intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance assets. After deconstructing the actual objective hierarchy, a set of representative alternatives were evaluated and a variety of screening procedures were applied to demonstrate significant reduction in the number of possible portfolios
Alien Registration- Cote, Joseph D. (Lewiston, Androscoggin County)
https://digitalmaine.com/alien_docs/29338/thumbnail.jp
Low-Mass X-Ray Binaries, Millisecond Radio Pulsars, and the Cosmic Star Formation Rate
We report on the implications of the peak in the cosmic star-formation rate
(SFR) at redshift z ~ 1.5 for the resulting population of low-mass X-ray
binaries(LMXB) and for that of their descendants, the millisecond radio pulsars
(MRP). Since the evolutionary timescales of LMXBs, their progenitors, and their
descendants are thought be significant fractions of the time-interval between
the SFR peak and the present epoch, there is a lag in the turn-on of the LMXB
population, with the peak activity occurring at z ~ 0.5 - 1.0. The peak in the
MRP population is delayed further, occurring at z < 0.5. We show that the
discrepancy between the birthrate of LMXBs and MRPs, found under the assumption
of a stead-state SFR, can be resolved for the population as a whole when the
effects of a time-variable SFR are included. A discrepancy may persist for
LMXBs with short orbital periods, although a detailed population synthesis will
be required to confirm this. Further, since the integrated X-ray luminosity
distribution of normal galaxies is dominated by X-ray binaries, it should show
strong luminosity evolution with redshift. In addition to an enhancement near
the peak (z ~ 1.5) of the SFR due to the prompt turn-on of the relatively
short-lived massive X-ray binaries and young supernova remnants, we predict a
second enhancement by a factor ~10 at a redshift between ~ 0.5 and ~ 1 due to
the delayed turn-on of the LMXB population. Deep X-ray observations of galaxies
out to z ~ 1 by AXAF will be able to observe this enhancement, and, by
determining its shape as a function of redshift, will provide an important new
method for constraining evolutionary models of X-ray binaries.Comment: 13 pages, including 1 figure. Accepted for publication in ApJ Letter
Interannual Variability of Landfast Ice Thickness in the Canadian High Arctic, 1950-89
A physical one-dimensional heat transfer model of fast ice growth was used to investigate the interannual variability of maximum fast ice thickness at four sites in the High Arctic over the period 1950-89. The insulating role of snow cover was found to be the most important factor, explaining 30-60% of the variance in maximum ice thickness values. Other snow-related processes such as slushing and density variations were estimated to explain a further 15-30% of the variance. In contrast, annual variation in air temperatures explained less than 4% of the variance in maximum ice thickness. No evidence was found for the systematic ice thinning trend anticipated from greenhouse gas-induced global warming. However, recent ice thinning and thickening trends at two sites (Alert and Resolute) are consistent with changes in the average depth of snow covering the ice and may be explained by changes in cyclone frequencies. A response surface sensitivity analysis following Fowler and de Freitas (1900) indicated the High Arctic landfast ice regime would be more sensitive to air temperature variations under a warmer, snowier environment.Key words: landfast ice, snow, interannual variability, climate change, Canadian High ArcticRÉSUMÉ. On s’est servi d’un modèle physique de transfert unidimensionnel de chaleur de la croissance de la banquise côtière pour étudier la variabilité interannuelle de l’épaisseur maximale de la banquise côtière à quatre stations de l’Arctique septentrional au cours de la période allant de 1950 à 1989. Le rôle d’isolant de la couche de neige s’est révélé le facteur le plus important, répondant pour 30 à 60 p. 100 de l’écart observé dans les épaisseurs maximales de glace. On estime qu’une autre partie (15 à 30 p. 100) de l’écart découle d’autres processus liés à la neige, comme la variation de la densité et la gadoue. En revanche, la variation annuelle des températures de l’air est intervenue pour moins de 4 p. 100 de l’écart observé dans les épaisseurs maximales de la glace. On n’a relevé aucune tendance à l’amincissement systématique de la glace, tendance prévue du fait du réchauffement du globe provoqué par les gaz à effet de serre. Toutefois, les récentes tendances à l’amincissement et à l’épaississement enregistrées à deux stations (Alert et Resolute) sont compatibles avec la hauteur moyenne de la neige qui recouvre la glace. Ce fait tient peut-être à la modification de la fréquence des cyclones. D’après une analyse de la réaction de surface exécutée suivant la méthode de Fowler et de Freitas (1990), le régime de la glace côtière de l’Arctique septentrional est plus sensible à la variation de la température de l'air dans un milieu plus neigeux et plus chaud.Mots clés: banquise côtière, neige, variabilité interannuelle, changement climatique, Arctique septentrional canadie
Management of incidentally detected heart murmurs in dogs and cats
A dog or a cat has an incidentally detected heart murmur if the murmur is an unexpected discovery during a veterinary consultation that was not initially focused on the cardiovascular system. This document presents approaches for managing dogs and cats that have incidentally-detected heart murmurs, with an emphasis on murmur characteristics, signalment profiling, and multifactorial decision-making to choose an optimal course for a given patient
A Megacam Survey of Outer Halo Satellites. IV. Two foreground populations possibly associated with the Monoceros substructure in the direction of NGC2419 and Koposov2
The origin of the Galactic halo stellar structure known as the Monoceros ring
is still under debate. In this work, we study that halo substructure using deep
CFHT wide-field photometry obtained for the globular clusters NGC2419 and
Koposov2, where the presence of Monoceros becomes significant because of their
coincident projected position. Using Sloan Digital Sky Survey photometry and
spectroscopy in the area surrounding these globulars and beyond, where the same
Monoceros population is detected, we conclude that a second feature, not likely
to be associated with Milky Way disk stars along the line-of-sight, is present
as foreground population. Our analysis suggests that the Monoceros ring might
be composed of an old stellar population of age t ~ 9Gyr and a new component ~
4Gyr younger at the same heliocentric distance. Alternatively, this detection
might be associated with a second wrap of Monoceros in that direction of the
sky and also indicate a metallicity spread in the ring. The detection of such a
low-density feature in other sections of this halo substructure will shed light
on its nature.Comment: 10 pages, 10 figures, accepted for publication in Ap
Satellite data relay and platform locating in oceanography. Report of the In Situ Ocean Science Working Group
The present and future use of satellites to locate offshore platforms and relay data from in situ sensors to shore was examined. A system of the ARGOS type will satisfy the increasing demand for oceanographic information through data relay and platform location. The improved ship navigation provided by the Global Positioning System (GPS) will allow direct observation of currents from underway ships. Ocean systems are described and demand estimates on satellite systems are determined. The capabilities of the ARGOS system is assessed, including anticipated demand in the next decade
Patient Perspectives on Medication Assisted Therapy in Vermont
Introduction. Medication-Assisted Therapy (MAT) for opioid addiction has dramatically increased in Vermont, supported by a novel statewide system that integrates specialty treatment centers ( Hubs ) with primary care office-based opioid therapy ( Spokes ). In 2010, Vermont had the highest per capita buprenorphine use in the US. Previous studies of patient perspectives of MAT have identified social barriers, rigid program rules, and concerns about withdrawal and relapse as common causes of treatment failure. Our goal was to elicit patient perspectives on barriers and enablers of successful MAT to further inform system refinement.
Methods. An interview guide was developed based on previous literature as well as discussions with program leadership, staff and clinicians, and community stakeholders. Responses were organized using thematic content analysis with consensus across seven interviewers and two analysts. The interviews were conducted with 44 patients enrolled in MAT at two Hub sites in Burlington, VT in October 2016.
Results. The median age of subjects was 34 years, 34% were employed at least part-time, and 72% were female. Half reported a mental health condition and 20% reported chronic pain. Barriers included transportation (25%), lack of stable housing, and stigma (41%). Enablers included feeling supported (82% felt well-supported; 52% felt supported by healthcare professionals). Subjects expressed high confidence in the treatment system and high self-efficacy for sobriety.
Conclusions. Patients in MAT have complex medical, mental health, social, personal, and work lives. A comprehensive system that addresses this wide range of domains is critical to achieving optimal outcomes.https://scholarworks.uvm.edu/comphp_gallery/1245/thumbnail.jp
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