A new estimator of covariance matrix via partial Iwasawa coordinates

This paper is concerned with the problem of improving the estimator of covariance matrix under Stein’s loss. By the partial Iwasawa coordinates of covariance matrix, the corresponding risk can be split into three parts. One can use the information in the weighted matrix of weighted quadratic loss to improve one part of risk. However, this paper indirectly takes advantage of the information in the sample mean and reuses Iwasawa coordinates to improve the rest of risk. It is worth mentioning that the process above can be repeated. Finally, a Monte Carlo simulation study is carried out to verify the theoretical results.     

Performance comparison of distributed state estimation algorithms for power systems

A newly proposed distributed dynamic state estimation algorithm based on the maximum a posteriori (MAP) technique is generalised and studied for power systems. The system model involves linear time-varying load dynamics and nonlinear measurements. The main contribution of this paper is to compare the performance and feasibility of this distributed algorithm with several existing distributed state estimation algorithms in the literature. Simulations are tested on the IEEE 39-bus and 118-bus systems under various operating conditions. The results show that this distributed algorithm performs better than distributed quasi-steady state estimation algorithms which do not use the load dynamic model. The results also show that the performance of this distributed method is very close to that by the centralized state estimation method. The merits of this algorithm over the centralized method lie in its low computational complexity and low communication load. Hence, the analysis supports the efficiency and benefits of the distributed algorithm in applications to large-scale power systems.     

Maximum likelihood estimator of the parameter for a continuous one-parameter exponential family under the optimal ranked set sampling

This paper studies a maximum likelihood estimator (MLE) of the parameter for a continuous one-parameter exponential family under ranked set sampling (RSS). The authors first find the optimal RSS according to the character of the family, viz, arrange the RSS based on quasi complete and sufficient statistic of independent and identically distributed (iid) samples. Then under this RSS, some sufficient conditions for the existence and uniqueness of the MLE, which are easily used in practice, are obtained. Using these conditions, the existence and uniqueness of the MLEs of the parameters for some usual distributions in this family are proved. Numerical simulations for these distributions fully support the result from the above two step optimizations of the sampling and the estimation method.     

Robust output regulation problem for discrete-time linear systems with both input and communication delays

Recently, the robust output regulation problem for continuous-time linear systems with both input and communication time-delays was studied. This paper will further present the results on the robust output regulation problem for discrete-time linear systems with input and communication delays. The motivation of this paper comes from two aspects. First, it is known that the solvability of the output regulation problem for linear systems is dictated by two matrix equations. While, for delay-free systems, these two matrix equations are same for both continuous-time systems and discrete-time systems, they are different for continuous-time time-delay systems and discrete-time time-delay systems. Second, the stabilization methods for continuous-time timedelay systems and discrete-time time-delay systems are also somehow different. Thus, an independent treatment of the robust output regulation problem for discrete-time time-delay systems will be useful and necessary.     

Liquidity dynamics around intraday price jumps in Chinese stock market

Using 4128 single jumps detected from high frequency data of 220 individual stocks in SZ300P index, this paper investigates the liquidity dynamics around price jumps in Chinese market. Some interesting empirical results are obtained and the corresponding explanations are given. The frequency of positive jumps is quite higher than that of negative jumps. The trading volumes and average trade sizes are all in a high level around positive jumps. The relatively low liquidities around negative jumps show that negative jumps may be generated and enlarged by poor liquidity provision. The price reversal after price jumps is significant, and price reversal lasts longer after positive jumps. Moreover, the size and direction of jumps are significantly correlated with the returns and trades in the post-jump trading time. These findings are believed to be associated with the high proportion of retail investors and their herding behavior for price trend chasing.     

Backstepping approach to the adaptive regulator design for a one-dimensional wave equation with general input harmonic disturbance

This paper considers the parameter estimation and stabilization of an unstable one-dimensional wave equation with matched general harmonic disturbance at the controlled end. The backstepping method for infinite-dimensional system is adopted in the design of the adaptive regulator. It is shown that the resulting closed-loop system is asymptotically stable. Meanwhile, the estimated parameter is shown to be convergent to the unknown parameter as time goes to infinity.     

Fairness of extra-gain guilty in performance of supply chain and contract design

Considering a one-supplier and two-retailer supply chain setting in which the supplier makes contacts with retailers in sequence based on FCFS(first–come–first-service) principle, the authors investigate the marginal effect of extra-gain guilty fairness concerns of supply chain members on the contract design, supply chain's profit and profit distribution. When the supplier considers distributional fairness of loss aversion and extra-gain guilty, extra-gain guilty concern reduces the optimal wholesale and retail price, and improves supply chain performance. When the first or the second retailer considers distributional fairness and peer-induced fairness, extra-gain guilty concerns decrease the optimal wholesale and retail price but increase the profit of all supply chain members only when the level of loss aversion is large enough and the level of extra-gain guilty is less than 1/2. However, when the level of loss aversion is small and the level of extra-gain guilty is less than 1/2, extra-gain guilty has no influence on supply chain performance. The analysis reveals that the supply chain performance can be further improved by considering fairness of extra-gain guilty.     

Some open problems related to creative telescoping

Creative telescoping is the method of choice for obtaining information about definite sums or integrals. It has been intensively studied since the early 1990s, and can now be considered as a classical technique in computer algebra. At the same time, it is still a subject of ongoing research. This paper presents a selection of open problems in this context. The authors would be curious to hear about any substantial progress on any of these problems.     

Film Use to Promote Understanding in Change and Diffusion of Innovation

The paper explores cinematic films as a pedagogical tool to promote critical thinking and student discussions in a doctoral-level learning, design, and technology seminar course at a major U.S. research university. These discussions focused on systemic change and systemic thinking concepts. The authors offer evidence from the literature that supports films’ power as a visual metaphor and neurocognitive stimulator to promote development of new perspectives in graduate students on case studies through articulation, reflection, and explanation of their thought processes on change and diffusion of innovation. There are theoretical, political, social, and technological issues that create tensions during any systemic change effort. The goal of using film in this seminar is to equip students with the requisite skills, theoretical frameworks, and interpersonal experiences needed to address these issues within organizations and communities. The change expected from systemic thinking is for students to think more deeply about the interconnectedness of systems and the importance of bottom-up change efforts that consider the perspective of all stakeholders.     

Using the ‘Engagement’ Model of Problem Solving to Assist Students in Capstone Learning

The engagement model for problem solving was developed as a response to soft systems methodology being difficult to implement in certain circumstances. In the years since the original paper was published, the model has developed into an iterative problem solving approach for the assessment, creation and implementation of new ideas in difficult problem situations. This case study paper exemplifies the kind of work undertaken through the use of the model and provides a practical scenario for how one might apply it. The case study takes place in a higher education environment and relates to the development of a capstone course for management majors. The paper concludes with suggestions for future research.