28,757 research outputs found
Users Guide for SnadiOpt: A Package Adding Automatic Differentiation to Snopt
SnadiOpt is a package that supports the use of the automatic differentiation
package ADIFOR with the optimization package Snopt. Snopt is a general-purpose
system for solving optimization problems with many variables and constraints.
It minimizes a linear or nonlinear function subject to bounds on the variables
and sparse linear or nonlinear constraints. It is suitable for large-scale
linear and quadratic programming and for linearly constrained optimization, as
well as for general nonlinear programs. The method used by Snopt requires the
first derivatives of the objective and constraint functions to be available.
The SnadiOpt package allows users to avoid the time-consuming and error-prone
process of evaluating and coding these derivatives. Given Fortran code for
evaluating only the values of the objective and constraints, SnadiOpt
automatically generates the code for evaluating the derivatives and builds the
relevant Snopt input files and sparse data structures.Comment: pages i-iv, 1-2
A Primal-Dual Augmented Lagrangian
Nonlinearly constrained optimization problems can be solved by minimizing a sequence of simpler unconstrained or linearly constrained subproblems. In this paper, we discuss the formulation of subproblems in which the objective is a primal-dual generalization of the Hestenes-Powell augmented Lagrangian function. This generalization has the crucial feature that it is minimized with respect to both the primal and the dual variables simultaneously. A benefit of this approach is that the quality of the dual variables is monitored explicitly during the solution of the subproblem. Moreover, each subproblem may be regularized by imposing explicit bounds on the dual variables. Two primal-dual variants of conventional primal methods are proposed: a primal-dual bound constrained Lagrangian (pdBCL) method and a primal-dual 1 linearly constrained Lagrangian (pd1-LCL) method
Fisher information in quantum statistics
Braunstein and Caves (1994) proposed to use Helstrom's {\em quantum
information} number to define, meaningfully, a metric on the set of all
possible states of a given quantum system. They showed that the quantum
information is nothing else than the maximal Fisher information in a
measurement of the quantum system, maximized over all possible measurements.
Combining this fact with classical statistical results, they argued that the
quantum information determines the asymptotically optimal rate at which
neighbouring states on some smooth curve can be distinguished, based on
arbitrary measurements on identical copies of the given quantum system.
We show that the measurement which maximizes the Fisher information typically
depends on the true, unknown, state of the quantum system. We close the
resulting loophole in the argument by showing that one can still achieve the
same, optimal, rate of distinguishability, by a two stage adaptive measurement
procedure.
When we consider states lying not on a smooth curve, but on a manifold of
higher dimension, the situation becomes much more complex. We show that the
notion of ``distinguishability of close-by states'' depends strongly on the
measurement resources one allows oneself, and on a further specification of the
task at hand. The quantum information matrix no longer seems to play a central
role.Comment: This version replaces the previous versions of February 1999 (titled
'An Example of Non-Attainability of Expected Quantum Information') and that
of November 1999. Proofs and results are much improved. To appear in J. Phys.
MISAT: Designing a Series of Powerful Small Satellites Based upon Micro Systems Technology
MISAT is a research and development cluster which will create a small satellite platform based on Micro Systems Technology (MST) aiming at innovative space as well as terrestrial applications. MISAT is part of the Dutch MicroNed program which has established a microsystems infrastructure to fully exploit the MST knowledge chain involving public and industrial partners alike.
The cluster covers MST-related developments for the spacecraft bus and payload, as well as the satellite architecture. Particular emphasis is given to distributed systems in space to fully exploit the potential of miniaturization for future mission concepts. Examples of current developments are wireless sensor and actuator networks with plug and play characteristics, autonomous digital Sun sensors, re-configurable radio front ends with minimum power consumption, or micro-machined electrostatic accelerometer and gradiometer system for scientific research in fundamental physics as well as geophysics.
As a result of MISAT, a first nano-satellite will be launched in 2007 to demonstrate the next generation of Sun sensors, power subsystems and satellite architecture technology. Rapid access to in-orbit technology demonstration and verification will be provided by a series of small satellites. This will include a formation flying mission, which will increasingly rely on MISAT technology to improve functionality and reduce size, mass and power for advanced technology demonstration and novel scientific applications.
Technology survey of electrical power generation and distribution for MIUS application
Candidate electrical generation power systems for the modular integrated utility systems (MIUS) program are described. Literature surveys were conducted to cover both conventional and exotic generators. Heat-recovery equipment associated with conventional power systems and supporting equipment are also discussed. Typical ranges of operating conditions and generating efficiencies are described. Power distribution is discussed briefly. Those systems that appear to be applicable to MIUS have been indicated, and the criteria for equipment selection are discussed
A comparison of silent reading and listening through written recall and multiple choice type tests; grades 6 and 7.
Thesis (Ed.M.)--Boston Universit
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