Structural Results for Decentralized Stochastic Control with a Word-of-Mouth Communication

In this paper, we analyze a network of agents that communicate through the ``word of mouth," in which, every agent communicates only with its neighbors. We introduce the prescription approach, present some of its properties and show that it leads to a new information state. We also state preliminary structural results for optimal control strategies in systems that evolve using word-of-mouth communication. The proposed approach can be generalized to analyze several decentralized systems

An ergonomics analysis of manual versus chainsaw high ladder pruning of Pinus radiata in New Zealand : a thesis in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Philosophy at Massey University

Two methods of ladder pruning Pinus radiata from 4.5 - 6.0 metres were compared using a cost-benefit approach within a framework provided by ergonomics. Chainsaw pruning is practiced in areas of New Zealand where large branches occur. The objectives of the research were to compare the costs and benefits of the two pruning techniques and provide recommendations as to whether or not the practice of chainsaw pruning should continue. These objectives were achieved by comparing the risk of injury, the physiological costs, the musculoskeletal costs, the productivity and the quality associated with the use of the two techniques. The general methods used to assess the relative costs and benefits of the two techniques were: l. Numeric descriptions of the 'risk' involved with each method of pruning 2. The use of a relative heart rate index to compare the physiological cost of the two techniques 3. Using questionnaires focusing on musculoskeletal pain and discomfort to assess any relative differences between the two techniques 4. Using continuous time study to quantify any difference in labour productivity between the two techniques 5. Sampling pruned trees to assess differences in the quality of work between manual and chainsaw pruning The research concludes that although both methods of pruning are hazardous, chainsaw pruning is more hazardous than manual pruning. Chainsaw and manual pruning were found to have the same physiological costs. Findings of the research indicate that manual pruning is not associated with a higher prevalence of musculoskeletal discomfort than chainsaw pruning on a yearly basis, although it is associated with a greater relative increase in BPD on a day to day basis and that this may lead to the development of musculoskeletal disease. Chainsaw pruning was found to be significantly more productive than manual pruning, although this was at the cost of quality. The research concludes by recommending that the use of chainsaw pruning should be limited to areas where the branches are demonstrably large. Further research is called for to compare the physiological and musculoskeletal costs of manual pruning in plantation areas of both large and small branch sizes. Further research is called for to compare the safety of two methods of chainsaw pruning with the use of the technique of wrapping one leg around the tree as opposed to not wrapping the leg around the tree. Research to investigate new ladder designs which are safer to use in the New Zealand forest environment is also called for

Politics are Crushing the Standards

The recent news that Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin signed a bill to, in the parlance of the times, repeal and replace the common-core standards in her state was surprising, to say the least, notwithstanding a legal challenge to the repeal filed in the Oklahoma Supreme Court by parents, teachers, and state board of education members on June 25. Before Gov. Fallin was against the standards, she supported them. [excerpt

Why Is Mulvaney Opposed to Feeding Poor Kids at School?

Folks, you\u27ve got to get a load of this guy Mick Mulvaney. Just looking at his name conjures images of a character from a gangster novel set during Prohibition, but he\u27s actually the Trump White House\u27s director of the Office of Management and Budget. That means he\u27s the hatchet man—the guy responsible for making sure everything Trump wants to cut gets cut. And it means he\u27s a real human, too. Allegedly. Case in point: Mulvaney has been producing amazing sound bites lately to explain the contents of Trump\u27s proposed federal budget. [excerpt

These Testing Obsessions Are Getting a Little Weird

This morning, as she was getting ready for work, my wife noticed something unusual about our son, who is in third grade. He was quietly eating breakfast, like he always does, but something about him was different. He was wearing a plain white t-shirt. He must have noticed that she was looking at him, because he looked up and said: Do you think it\u27s okay if I wear this shirt today? His wardrobe normally consists of about five t-shirts that he cycles through, one after the other, and sometimes tries to wear twice in a row if we don\u27t catch him.[excerpt