Large deviations of a class of non-homogeneous Markov chains

Let Sigma = 1, 2, ..., r be a finite set of points. Let Pn = pn( i, j) : i, j [is in] Sigma be an r x r stochastic matrix for n ≥ 1, and p be a distribution on Sigma. Let now Pp= Pp({Pn }) be the (non-homogeneous) Markov measure on the sequence space Sinfinity with Borel sets B(Sinfinity) corresponding to initial distribution p and transition kernels Pn.;We now describe the class of non-homogeneous process focused upon in the article. These are the Markov chains where the transition kernels are asymptotically close to a fixed stochastic matrix. Let p be a distribution and P be a stochastic matrix on Sigma. Define the collection A=A p,P by A={Pp ({Pn}) :lim n→infinityPn =P}. The collection A can be thought of as perturbations of the stationary Markov chain run with P, and is a natural class in which to explore how non-homogeneity enters into the large deviation picture.;Let now f : Sigma → Rd be a d ≥ 1 dimensional function. Let also Pp({P n})[is in]A(p, P) be a perturbed non-homogeneous Markov measure. In terms of the coordinate process, define the additive sums Zn = Zn(f) for n ≥ 1 by Zn=1n i=1nf(Xi). The goal of this paper is to understand the large deviation behavior of the induced distributions of Zn : n ≥ 1 with respect to Pp({P n}) . An immediate question which comes to mind asks whether these large deviations differ from the deviations with respect to the stationary chain run with P. The general answer found in our work is yes and no, and as might be suspected depends on the rate of convergence Pn → P and the structure of the limit matrix P.;More specifically, when P is an irreducible matrix, it turns out that the large deviation of behavior of Zn under Pp({P n}) is exactly that under the stationary chain associated with P no matter the rate of convergence of Pn to P. Therefore, perhaps the most interesting case is when the target matrix P is reducible. In this situation, the large deviations of Zn depend both on the type of reducibilities of P and the convergence rate of Pn to P, and fall roughly into three distinct categories. Namely, when the convergence speed is very fast, the large deviation behavior is the same as for the stationary Markov chain run under P; when the speed is slow, one obtains a trivial large deviation behavior; and finally when the speed is intermediate, a non-trivial behavior is found which differs from stationarity. Moreover, these behaviors are characterized in terms of an explicit rate function which illustrates that among all paths which lead to a deviation those which minimize certain routing and resting costs are selected

Monkey See Monkey Do: Modeling Positive Behavior in the Classroom

Abstract The research experiment was conducted at a dual language Montessori school in a lower elementary classroom that contained first grade students. The classroom contained thirteen students in total, with five boys and eight girls, and two head teachers. The research investigated if peaceful lessons (grace and courtesy lessons) and peaceful teacher modeling would affect the student’s behaviors and concentration in the classroom. The research began with baseline data collection through student interviews, student work, and a behavior tally sheet completed during the great work period in the morning. After the first two weeks of school, daily peaceful lessons were conducted with the students, and the teacher made mindful changes, to model positive language and behaviors in the classroom. The data concluded that peaceful lessons and teacher modeling had a positive effect on the behavior and concentration of the student’s in the classroom. Peaceful lessons and teacher modeling will continue once a week to prolong positive student behaviors in the classroom environment

The role of dietary methionine concentrations on growth, metabolism and N-retention in cobia (Rachycentron canadum) at elevated water temperatures

This study determined impacts of dietary methionine concentrations at two temperatures on growth, feeding efficiency and N-metabolites in juvenile cobia. Methionine concentrations of the experimental diets were deficient (M9; 9 g/kg), sufficient (M12; 12 g/kg) and surplus (M16, 16 g/kg). Water temperature was normal (30°C) or elevated (34°C). Twenty cobia in triplicate tanks were fed the experimental diets for 6 weeks. Both methionine and temperature affected cobia's growth and feeding efficiency. Cobia fed M9 performed lower than the fish fed M12 and M16 diets. Additionally, cobia reared at 34°C performed poorer than at 30°C, probably due to lower voluntary feed intake in the fish reared at 34°C. Protein efficiency ratio and protein productive value in cobia fed M9 diet were less than M12 or M16 diets. This was confirmed with the improved retentions of indispensable amino acids (AAs). No interactions between methionine and temperature were observed in growth and protein accretion. At 30°C, CF improved, while HSI and VSI declined upon methionine supplementation levels. Of which an interaction between temperature and methionine was present. Plasma, muscle and liver free AA and N-metabolites were affected by methionine and temperature. Furthermore, temperature affected cobia's lipid class composition, resulting in increased phospholipids and cholesterol at 34°C.Agência financiadora / Código de projetos European Union's H2020 Programme 691150 MINECO Spain project EFISHDIGEST AGL2014-52888 European Social Fund FCT IF/00482/2014/CP1217/CT0005 National Funds through FCT CCMAR/Multi/04326/2013 Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation NORHED QZA-0485 SRV-13/0010info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Prosumer communities and relationships in smart grids: A literature review, evolution and future directions

Smart grids are robust, self-healing networks that allow bidirectional propagation of energy and information within the utility grid. This introduces a new type of energy user who consumes, produces, stores and shares energy with other grid users. Such a user is called a "prosumer." Prosumers' participation in the smart grid is critical for the sustainability and long-term efficiency of the energy sharing process. Thus, prosumer management has attracted increasing attention among researchers in recent years. This paper systematically examines the literature on prosumer community based smart grid by reviewing relevant literature published from 2009 to 2018 in reputed energy and technology journals. We specifically focus on two dimensions namely prosumer community groups and prosumer relationships. Based on the evaluated literature, we present eight propositions and thoroughly describe several future research directions

The “dark side” of projectification : The impact of project work on the employees’ emotions. What are the negative aspects of project work and its effects on

Master's thesis Business Administration BE501 - University of Agder 2018In this thesis, we explore the “dark side” of projectification. Working on projects have become an increasing trend and preferred way of working in most types of businesses and industries. This transition is described as being among the most significant changes in modern organisations. Critical studies, focused on the subject have emphasised some noteworthy, but perhaps blocked existential consequences for individuals involved in project work. This thesis, therefore, aims to add to this field of research and uncover the negative aspects of project work and its effects on the individual project worker’s emotions in a project life cycle. The thesis is an exploratory study of the Norwegian economy, where we have obtained primary data through the use of semi-structured interviews from ten project workers and project leaders, representing different industries, sectors and company sizes. The findings suggest that the project workers are affected by sleeping problems and are subject to negative mental stress due to demanding work situations. Further, our findings indicate that projects, as a design of professionalism, is where managing and conquering difficult project work situations becomes a part of being dependable, successful and professional, and where extraordinary emotions do not belong. Thus, similarly to Cicmil, Lindgren, and Packendorff (2016), we worry about the ethical issue of “projectification” with its impact on the lasting sustainability for both organisations and humanity. However, project tools and methodologies seem to have a moderating effect, whereby the use of appropriate tools and methods appear to help employees feel a sense of safety while also making projects more manageable. Regarding the process of emotions in a project situation; our findings suggest that projects start with being positive where there is a belief that dreams can be realised. However, by the end negative emotions become dominant, and one is longing for a new project

RNA form baker's yeast cultured with and without lipopolysaccharide (LPS) modulates gene transcription in an intestinal epithelial cell model, RTgutGC from rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

The objective of this study was to evaluate if the intestinal RTgutGC cell line could be suitable for research on dietary ingredients and their function as modulators of inflammation during lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced stress.publishedVersio