Online Convex Optimization with Binary Constraints

We consider online optimization with binary decision variables and convex loss functions. We design a new algorithm, binary online gradient descent (bOGD) and bound its expected dynamic regret. We provide a regret bound that holds for any time horizon and a specialized bound for finite time horizons. First, we present the regret as the sum of the relaxed, continuous round optimum tracking error and the rounding error of our update in which the former asymptomatically decreases with time under certain conditions. Then, we derive a finite-time bound that is sublinear in time and linear in the cumulative variation of the relaxed, continuous round optima. We apply bOGD to demand response with thermostatically controlled loads, in which binary constraints model discrete on/off settings. We also model uncertainty and varying load availability, which depend on temperature deadbands, lockout of cooling units and manual overrides. We test the performance of bOGD in several simulations based on demand response. The simulations corroborate that the use of randomization in bOGD does not significantly degrade performance while making the problem more tractable

Aristotle on Perfect Friendship

In this paper I argue that Aristotle’s conception of ideal or perfect friendship, friendship which is based on the love people of good character might have for each other qua good, is so moralised as to fail to capture our common understanding of the nature and importance of friendship. In particular, I argue that friendship itself indicates an important human good, but crucially a good that cannot, contrary to what Aristotle suggests, be wholly accommodated within our conception of the morally good life for human beings: Our attachment to our closest friends has a value that cannot necessarily be reconciled with our attempts to live a morally good life

Economic inequality

Thesis (M.B.A.)--Boston University

Morality and the role-differentiated behaviour of lawyers

According to a common view of the legal profession the proper professional conduct of lawyers is itself morally debilitating; more precisely, it is thought that simply in performing their professional role lawyers will come to suffer a kind of moral blindness. While I do not think this view is accurate, it is not necessarily an expression of simple prejudice; on the contrary, this view can be founded on a respectable philosophical argument. the argument I have in mind here has been given careful expression by Richard Wasserstrom, who claims that the lawyer-client relationship leads lawyers to occupy what he calls 'a simplified universe which is strikingly immoral'

Disentangling Verbal Instructions, Experimental Design, and Sample Characteristics: Results of CBM-R Research

The purpose of this study was to examine whether variation in verbal directions affects CBM-R performance and to examine the effects that differences in methodology have on obtained results. Third-grade students (N = 104) from two separate schools, which differed in terms of their demographic characteristics, were randomly assigned to either the directions used in the Christ, White, Ardoin, and Eckert (2013) study or the directions used in the Taylor, Meisinger, and Floyd (2013) study. Results from a mixed between-subjects/within-subjects factorial ANOVA found that, regardless of school setting, CBM-R performance was significantly influenced by the Christ et al. (2013) directions but not significantly influenced by the Taylor et al. (2013) directions. We conclude that it is highly unlikely that CBM-R performance is affected by variations in verbal directions during routine use of CBM-R in school settings and that the influence of the Christ et al. (2013) directions on CBM-R performance was likely due to contrast effects