Belief Updating and Learning in Semi-Qualitative Probabilistic Networks

This paper explores semi-qualitative probabilistic networks (SQPNs) that combine numeric and qualitative information. We first show that exact inferences with SQPNs are NPPP-Complete. We then show that existing qualitative relations in SQPNs (plus probabilistic logic and imprecise assessments) can be dealt effectively through multilinear programming. We then discuss learning: we consider a maximum likelihood method that generates point estimates given a SQPN and empirical data, and we describe a Bayesian-minded method that employs the Imprecise Dirichlet Model to generate set-valued estimates.

Multilinear and Integer Programming for Markov Decision Processes with Imprecise Probabilities

Markov Decision Processes (MDPs) are extensively used to encode sequences of decisions with probabilistic effects. Markov Decision Processes with Imprecise Probabilities (MDPIPs) encode sequences of decisions whose effects are modeled using sets of probability distributions. In this paper we examine the computation of Γ-maximin policies for MDPIPs using multilinear and integer programming. We discuss the application of our algorithms to “factored” models and to a recent proposal, Markov Decision Processes with Set-valued Transitions (MDPSTs), that unifies the fields of probabilistic and “nondeterministic” planning in artificial intelligence research. 

Iteration of closed geodesics in stationary Lorentzian manifolds

Following the lines of Bott in (Commun Pure Appl Math 9:171-206, 1956), we study the Morse index of the iterates of a closed geodesic in stationary Lorentzian manifolds, or, more generally, of a closed Lorentzian geodesic that admits a timelike periodic Jacobi field. Given one such closed geodesic gamma, we prove the existence of a locally constant integer valued map Lambda(gamma) on the unit circle with the property that the Morse index of the iterated gamma(N) is equal, up to a correction term epsilon(gamma) is an element of {0,1}, to the sum of the values of Lambda(gamma) at the N-th roots of unity. The discontinuities of Lambda(gamma) occur at a finite number of points of the unit circle, that are special eigenvalues of the linearized Poincare map of gamma. We discuss some applications of the theory.

A Weak Maximum Principle for Optimal Control Problems with Nonsmooth Mixed Constraints

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

On the solvability of implicit differential inclusions

In the paper, the set-valued covering mappings are studied. The statements on solvability, solution estimates, and well-posedness of inclusions with conditionally covering mappings are proved. The results obtained are applied to the investigation of differential inclusions unsolved for the unknown function. The statements on solvability, solution estimates, and well-posedness of these inclusions are derived.

Sharp comparison and maximum principles via horizontal normal mapping in the Heisenberg group

In this paper we solve a problem raised by Gutiérrez and Montanari about comparison principles for H−convex functions on subdomains of Heisenberg groups. Our approach is based on the notion of the sub-Riemannian horizontal normal mapping and uses degree theory for set-valued maps. The statement of the comparison principle combined with a Harnack inequality is applied to prove the Aleksandrov-type maximum principle, describing the correct boundary behavior of continuous H−convex functions vanishing at the boundary of horizontally bounded subdomains of Heisenberg groups. This result answers a question by Garofalo and Tournier. The sharpness of our results are illustrated by examples.

On the stability of the Motzkin representation of closed convex sets

A set is called Motzkin decomposable when it can be expressed as the Minkowski sum of a compact convex set with a closed convex cone. This paper analyzes the continuity properties of the set-valued mapping associating to each couple (C,D) formed by a compact convex set C and a closed convex cone D its Minkowski sum C + D. The continuity properties of other related mappings are also analyzed.

The Use of the Relative Interior in Integration with Nonconvex Data

Introducing an appropriate inclusion between approximate minima associated with two nonconvex functions, we derive explicit relations between the closed convex hulls of these functions. The formula we obtain goes beyond the so-called epi-pointed property of functions which is usually concerned with such a topic.

Stability in Linear Optimization Under Perturbations of the Left-Hand Side Coefficients

This paper studies stability properties of linear optimization problems with finitely many variables and an arbitrary number of constraints, when only left hand side coefficients can be perturbed. The coefficients of the constraints are assumed to be continuous functions with respect to an index which ranges on certain compact Hausdorff topological space, and these properties are preserved by the admissible perturbations. More in detail, the paper analyzes the continuity properties of the feasible set, the optimal set and the optimal value, as well as the preservation of desirable properties (boundedness, uniqueness) of the feasible and of the optimal sets, under sufficiently small perturbations.

Spline Subdivision Schemes for Compact Sets. A Survey

Dedicated to the memory of our colleague Vasil Popov January 14, 1942 – May 31, 1990 * Partially supported by ISF-Center of Excellence, and by The Hermann Minkowski Center for Geometry at Tel Aviv University, Israel

Generalized Variational Inequalities for Upper Hemicontinuous and Demi Operators with Applications to Fixed Point Theorems in Hilbert Spaces

∗ The final version of this paper was sent to the editor when the author was supported by an ARC Small Grant of Dr. E. Tarafdar.

Sufficient Conditions of Optimality for Control Pproblem Governed by Variational Inequalities

* This work was completed while the author was visiting the University of Limoges. Support from the laboratoire “Analyse non-linéaire et Optimisation” is gratefully acknowledged.

Time-Dependent Differential Inclusions and Viability

AMS subject classification: Primary 34A60, Secondary 49J52.

Steffensen Methods for Solving Generalized Equations

2000 Mathematics Subject Classification: 65G99, 65K10, 47H04.

Selections, Paracompactness and Compactness

2000 Mathematics Subject Classification: 54C60, 54C65, 54D20, 54D30.