491 research outputs found
Deterministic Annealing and Nonlinear Assignment
For combinatorial optimization problems that can be formulated as Ising or
Potts spin systems, the Mean Field (MF) approximation yields a versatile and
simple ANN heuristic, Deterministic Annealing. For assignment problems the
situation is more complex -- the natural analog of the MF approximation lacks
the simplicity present in the Potts and Ising cases. In this article the
difficulties associated with this issue are investigated, and the options for
solving them discussed. Improvements to existing Potts-based MF-inspired
heuristics are suggested, and the possibilities for defining a proper
variational approach are scrutinized.Comment: 15 pages, 3 figure
On the Accuracy of Equivalent Antenna Representations
The accuracy of two equivalent antenna representations, near-field sources
and far-field sources, are evaluated for an antenna installed on a simplified
platform in a series of case studies using different configurations of
equivalent antenna representations. The accuracy is evaluated in terms of
installed far-fields and surface currents on the platform. The results show
large variations between configurations. The root-mean-square installed
far-field error is 4.4% for the most accurate equivalent representation. When
using far-field sources, the design parameters have a large influence of the
achieved accuracy. There is also a varying accuracy depending on the type of
numerical method used. Based on the results, some recommendations on the choice
of sub-domain for the equivalent antenna representation are given. In
industrial antenna applications, the accuracy in determining e.g. installed
far-fields and antenna isolation on large platforms are critical. Equivalent
representations can reduce the fine-detail complexity of antennas and thus give
an efficient numerical descriptions to be used in large-scale simulations. The
results in this paper can be used as a guideline by antenna designers or system
engineers when using equivalent sources
Sustainability Aspects of In-Situ Bioremediation of Polluted Soil in Developing Countries and Remote Regions
Hållbara utvecklingsprocesse
Potential output in DSGE models
In view of the increasing use of Dynamic Stochastic General Equilibrium (DSGE) models in the macroeconomic projections and the policy process, this paper examines, both conceptually and empirically, alternative notions of potential output within DSGE models. Furthermore, it provides historical estimates of potential output/output gaps on the basis of selected DSGE models developed by the European System of Central Banks’ staff. These estimates are compared to the corresponding estimates obtained applying more traditional methods. Finally, the paper assesses the usefulness of the DSGE model-based output gaps for gauging inflationary pressures. JEL Classification: E32, E37, E52monetary policy, potential output, simulation and forecasting models
Potential Output in DSGE Models
In view of the increasing use of Dynamic Stochastic General Equilibrium (DSGE) models in the macroeconomic projections and the policy process, this paper examines, both conceptually and empirically, alternative notions of potential output within DSGE models. Furthermore, it provides historical estimates of potential output/output gaps on the basis of selected DSGE models developed by the European System of Central Banks’ staff. These estimates are compared to the corresponding estimates obtained applying more traditional methods. Finally, the paper assesses the usefulness of the DSGE model-based output gaps for gauging inflationary pressures.potential output, simulation and forecasting models, monetary policy
The opinions of some stakeholders on the European Union Timber Regulation (EUTR): an analysis of secondary sources
The EU Timber Regulation (EUTR) is the most recent effort by the European Union (EU) to curb imports of illegally sourced timber. The regulation raises important questions concerning the international timber trade. In order to successfully implement this regulation it is of paramount importance to classify the actors concerned, and examine how they regard it. The current study records and summarizes opinion statements of stakeholders as found in different online publications. Though the problem of illegal logging and its associated trade is acknowledged by all parties, there are concerns as to whether the EUTR is the proper instrument to address this issue. Whilst some stakeholders see the EUTR as advantageous for their businesses, others see it as an impediment. Law enforcement, lack of guidance, and bureaucracy were other issues raised. The trade-off between effective legislation and ease of trade was also highlighted. Transparent and consistent application of the EUTR, with clear guidelines for exerting due diligence, should diminish the degree of possible unwanted side-effects such as trade diversion and substitution of temperate timber for tropical timber.JRC.H.3-Forest Resources and Climat
Information, Multifaceted Forest Ownership and Timber Supply
Existing decision support systems (DSS) do not account for forest owner heterogeneity, nor do they explicitly model the reaction of forest owners to policy. Hence, current DSS are suitable for response analysis, but much less useful for policy impact assessment or forecasting. The current study presents a theoretical model of harvesting behavior which provides the basis for a simulation model, Expected Value Asymmetries (EVA), useful for analyzing how timber supply and forest characteristics are affected when forest owners differ as to responsiveness to information, risk aversion, and patience as regards postponement of harvesting revenues. The simulation results clearly indicate that the model is well adapted for considering forest owner heterogeneity when assessing the impact of policy on the inter-temporal development of forest resources and timber market conditions. Finally, it is outlined how EVA could integrate forest owner specific harvesting behavior in an augmented Decision Support System (DSS), thus addressing the inability of DSS operational at pan-European level to model the interaction between policy and forest management decisions.JRC.H.3-Forest Resources and Climat
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