Sequential Importance Sampling Algorithms for Dynamic Stochastic Programming

This paper gives a comprehensive treatment of EVPI-based sequential importance sampling algorithms for dynamic (multistage) stochastic programming problems. Both theory and computational algorithms are discussed. Under general assumptions it is shown that both an expected value of perfect information (EVPI) process and the corresponding marginal EVPI process (the supremum norm of the conditional expectation of its generalized derivative) are nonanticipative nonnegative supermartingales. These processes are used as importance criteria in the class of sampling algorithms treated in the paper. When their values are negligible at a node of the current sample problem scenario tree, scenarios descending from the node are replaced by a single scenario at the next iteration. On the other hand, high values lead to increasing the number of scenarios descending from the node. Both the small sample and asymptotic properties of the sample problem estimates arising from the algorithms are established, and the former are evaluated numerically in the context of a financial planning problem. Finally, current and future research is described. Bibliography: 49 titles. __________ Published in Zapiski Nauchnykh Seminarov POMI, Vol. 312, 2004, pp. 94–129.     

Estimating a reduced rank regression model for non-normal variables

A method using third order moments for estimating the regression coefficients as well as the latent state scores of the reduced-rank regression model when the latent variable(s) are non-normally distributed is presented in this paper. It is shown that the factor analysis type indeterminacy of the regression coefficient matrices is eliminated. A real life example of the proposed method is presented. Differences of this solution with the reduced-rank regression eigen solution are discussed.     

Stationary turbulent closure via the Hopf functional equation

Exact closed-form solutions are exhibited for the Hopf equation for stationary incompressible 3D Navier-Stokes flow, for the cases of homogeneous forced flow (including a solution with depleted nonlinearity) and inhomogeneous flow with arbitrary boundary conditions. This provides an exact method for computing two- and higher-point moments, given the mean flow.     

τ-CHEBYSHEV AND τ-COCHEBYSHEV SUBPSACES OF BANACH SPACES

The concepts of quasi-Chebyshev and weakly-Chebyshev and σ-Chebyshev were defined [3 - 7], andas a counterpart to best approximation in normed linear spaces, best coapprozimation was introduced by Franchetti and Furi^[1]. In this research, we shall define τ-Chebyshev subspaces and τ-cochebyshev subspaces of a Banach space, in which the property τ is compact or weakly-compact, respectively. A set of necessary and sufficient theorems under which a subspace is τ-Chebyshev is defined.     

Schmidt analysis of pure-state entanglement

We examine the application of Schmidt mode analysis to pure-state entanglement. Several examples permitting exact analytic calculation of Schmidt eigenvalues and eigenfunctions are included, as well as evaluation of the associated degree of entanglement.     

Advantages of NIR radiation use for optical determination of skin horny layer thickness with embedded TiO2 nanoparticles during tape stripping procedure

The tape stripping technique is an experimental method frequently used for reconstruction of the in-depth distribution of various topically administered substances within the horny layer of human skin, e.g., compounds contained in sunscreens. Titanium dioxide (TiO₂) nanoparticles (25–200 nm in diameter) are one such compound. Optical techniques which apply blue light are found to be suitable for reconstruction. However, the presence of particles affects the light propagation within the skin and therefore causes incorrect determination of strip thickness, leading to an improper reconstructed distribution of nanoparticle concentration revealed from the experimental data. This study evaluates the errors emerging from the use of blue (400 nm) and NIR (800 nm) radiation and finds the use of longer wavelength light more advantageous. Particles of different diameters are considered, and it is revealed that the application of small particles (25–60 nm) results in the lowest rate of error.     

The square lattice shuffle

We show that the operations of permuting columns and rows separately and independently mix a square matrix in constant time. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Random Struct. Alg., 2006     

A study of structural, compositional and optical properties of spray-deposited non-stoichiometric (Zn,Fe)S thin films

Non-stoichiometric ternary chalcogenides (Zn,Fe)S were prepared in the film form by pyrolytic spray deposition technique, using air/nitrogen as the carrier gas. The precursor solution comprised of ZnCl₂, FeCl₂ and thiourea. The depositions were carried out under optimum conditions of experimental parameters viz. carrier gas (air/nitrogen) flow rate, concentration of precursor constituents, nozzle substrate distance and temperature of quartz substrate. The deposited thin films were later sintered in argon at 1073 K for 120 min.The structural, compositional and optical properties of the sintered thin films were studied. X-ray diffraction studies of the thin films indicated the presence of (Zn,Fe)S solid solution with prominent cubic sphalerite phase while surface morphology as determined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed a granular structure.The chemical composition of the resulting thin films as analyzed by energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX) reflected the composition of the precursor solutions from which the depositions were carried out with Fe at% values ranging from 0.4 up to 33.SEM micrographs of thin films reveal that the grain sizes of the thin films prepared using air as carrier gas and N₂ as carrier gas are in the vicinity of 300 and 150 nm, respectively.The diffuse transmittance measurements for thin films, as a function of wavelength reveal the dependence of direct optical band gap on Fe content and type of phase.     

Study of thermal currents in powder β-spodumene ceramics doped with Cuo, FeO and TiO2

Ternary-phase ceramic system of Li₂O Al₂O₃ 4SiO₂ doped with CuO, FeO and TiO₂ has been prepared and subjected to dc electrical conductivity and thermally stimulated depolarization current (TSDC) measurements as a function of temperature (30-250 °C) and field strength. The electrical conductivity results are explained by assuming both ionic and electronic conduction mechanisms coexist with different contributions over the whole temperature range of experiments. TSDC spectra have been found to be characterized by a broad intense relaxation peak, which can be attributed to an ionic charge polarization. The broad relaxation transitions are apparently a result of the nonuniform nature of this process. Activation energies are calculated for both dc electrical conductivity and TSDC according to Arrhenius equation and initial rise method, respectively.