Convex Relaxations for Global Optimization Under Uncertainty Described by Continuous Random Variables

This article considers nonconvex global optimization problems subject to uncertainties described by continuous random variables. Such problems arise in chemical process design, renewable energy systems, stochastic model predictive control, etc. Here, we restrict our attention to problems with expected-value objectives and no recourse decisions. In principle, such problems can be solved globally using spatial branch-and-bound (B&B). However, B&B requires the ability to bound the optimal objective value on subintervals of the search space, and existing techniques are not generally applicable because expected-value objectives often cannot be written in closed-form. To address this, this article presents a new method for computing convex and concave relaxations of nonconvex expected-value functions, which can be used to obtain rigorous bounds for use in B&B. Furthermore, these relaxations obey a second-order pointwise convergence property, which is sufficient for finite termination of B&B under standard assumptions. Empirical results are shown for three simple examples

Stratigraphy And Depositional Environments Of Lower And Middle Cambrian Strata In The Lake Mead Region, Southern Nevada And Northwestern Arizona

The stratigraphy and depositional systems revealed within the Lower to Middle Cambrian Tapeats Sandstone-Pioche Shale-Lyndon Limestone-Chisholm Shale succession were studied between the easternmost limit of Cretaceous overthrusting in southern Nevada and the western edge of the Colorado Plateau in northwestern Arizona. Nine intergradational lithofacies were distinguished based on a rich suite of sedimentary structures, including lenticular-, wavy-, and flaser-bedding, wrinkle marks, herringbone cross-stratification, convolute bedding, primary current lineations, interference ripple marks, bird\u27s eye structures, thrombolites, intraformational conglomerates, oncoids, cryptalgal laminites, and Arenicoloides, Corophioides, and Skolithos ichnofossils. The collective presence of these structures indicates that Lower and Middle Cambrian rocks in the study area were deposited in shallow-subtidal to supratidal settings; The proposed depositional model incorporates an east-west oriented Cambrian shoreline and asserts that the Lower and Middle Cambrian sequence represents a series of sedimentological responses to fluctuating rates of relative sea-level rise

Strike point splitting induced by the application of magnetic perturbations on MAST

Divertor strike point splitting induced by resonant magnetic perturbations (RMPs) has been observed on MAST for a variety of RMP configurations in a plasma scenario with Ip=750kA where those configurations all have similar resonant components. Complementary measurements have been obtained with divertor Langmuir probes and an infrared camera. Clear splitting consistently appears in this scenario only in the even configuration of the perturbation coils, similarly to the density pump-out. These results present a challenge for models of plasma response to RMPs.Comment: 9 pages, 4 figures, submitted to the proceedings of the 20th Conference on Plasma Surface Interactions, to be published in the Journal of Nuclear Material

What you should want from your professional:The impact of educational information on people’s attitudes toward simple actuarial tools

The ability to increase positive attitudes toward the usage of simple actuarial tools by presenting educational information regarding the benefits of such tools (i.e., accurate and efficient) was assessed. Using a 2 (accuracy information vs. no accuracy information) × 2 (efficiency information vs. no efficiency information) between-participants design, participants were presented with details of a simple actuarial decision-making tool in either a medical scenario (Study 1; N = 404) or a legal scenario (Study 2; N = 325), and asked to report their attitudes toward the tool. Results from both studies showed that informing people of the benefits of simple actuarial tools led to increases in levels of satisfaction and willingness to adopt the tools, as well as increased ratings regarding the fairness and ethicalness of the tools. The initial acceptance of the tool and relative impact of the type of educational information, however, did differ across the 2 scenarios. Implications for the implementation of simple actuarial tools in real world decision-making contexts are discussed

Ugly, Odd, and Gorgeous

Ugly, Odd, and Gorgeous is a collection of excerpts from a longer, in-progress work of nonfiction that explores the valences of home, family, and the places we find them

A Comparison of Experimental and Theoretical Results for Labyrinth Gas Seals

The basic equations are derived for a two control volume model for compressible flow in a labyrinth seal. The flow is assumed to be completely turbulent and isoenergetic. The wall friction factors are determined using the Blasius formula. Jet flow theory is used for the calculation of the recirculation velocity in the cavity. Linearized zeroth and first order perturbation equations are developed for small motion about a centered position by an expansion in the eccentricity ratio. The zeroth order pressure distribution is found by satisfying the leakage equation. The circumferential velocity distribution is determined by satisfying the momentum equations. The first order equations are solved by a separation of variable solution. Integration of the resultant pressure distribution along and around the seal defines the reaction force developed by the seal and the corresponding dynamic coefficients. The results of this analysis are compared to experimental test results

HB 346 - Tenant Retaliation Protection

The Act prohibits landlords from taking retaliatory action when tenants exercise their rights or express habitability concerns. The Act provides for several authorized tenant actions that notify and hold landlords responsible for fixable property defects. If the landlord attempts to deprive the tenant of the use or enjoyment of the premises because the tenant expressed habitability concerns, the Act finds a prima facie case of retaliation. The Act specifically protects landlord action when a tenant damages property or is delinquent in rent. The Act provides for civil penalties against landlords who have retaliated under the statute