Optimal Simultaneous Detection and Signal and Noise Power Estimation

Simultaneous detection and estimation is important in many engineering applications. In particular, there are many applications where it is important to perform signal detection and Signal-to-Noise-Ratio (SNR) estimation jointly. Application of existing frameworks in the literature that handle simultaneous detection and estimation is not straightforward for this class of application. This paper therefore aims at bridging the gap between an existing framework, specifically the work by Middleton et al., and the mentioned application class by presenting a jointly optimal detector and signal and noise power estimators. The detector and estimators are given for the Gaussian observation model with appropriate conjugate priors on the signal and noise power. Simulation results affirm the superior performance of the optimal solution compared to the separate detection and estimation approaches.Comment: appears in 2014 IEEE International Symposium on Information Theory (ISIT

The Effect of Violations of the Constant Demand Assumption on the Defense Logistic Agency Requirements Model

This project determined the impact of stationary but non-continuous demand levied in a multi-echelon system. Specifically discussed is how this lumpy demand affected the Defense Logistics Agency, Defense Electronics Supply Center in its computed inventory levels and total variable costs. To determine the impact of lumpy demand, data was extracted from the Defense Logistics Agency, Defense Electronics Supply Center Dayton, Ohio. Based on patterns of demand and distributions, the authors constructed a SLAM 2 model that depicted lumpy orders being received at the Defense Logistics Agency. The SLAM 2 model was constructed for the proposed system and simulation runs were conducted using demand distributions gathered from the sample data set. These runs indicate that lumpy demand does impact negatively total variable cost and on-hand inventory levels. It is recommended the Defense Logistics Agency consider other lot sizing techniques or look into a Distribution Resource Planning model to improve overall system inventory levels and total variable costs

Why Life is Necessary for Mind: The Significance of Animate Behavior

I defend the thesis that psychological states can be literally ascribed only to living creatures and not to nonliving machines, such as sophisticated robots. Defenders of machine consciousness do not sufficiently appreciate the importance of the biological nature of a subject for the psychological significance of its behavior. Simulations of a computer-controlled, nonliving autonomous robot cannot carry the same psychological meaning as animate behavior. Being a living creature is an essential link between genuinely expressive behavior and justified psychological ascriptions