Dynamic programming for a Markov-switching jump–diffusion

We consider an optimal control problem with a deterministic finite horizon and state variable dynamics given by a Markov-switching jump–diffusion stochastic differential equation. Our main results extend the dynamic programming technique to this larger family of stochastic optimal control problems. More specifically, we provide a detailed proof of Bellman’s optimality principle (or dynamic programming principle) and obtain the corresponding Hamilton–Jacobi–Belman equation, which turns out to be a partial integro-differential equation due to the extra terms arising from the Lévy process and the Markov process. As an application of our results, we study a finite horizon consumption– investment problem for a jump–diffusion financial market consisting of one risk-free asset and one risky asset whose coefficients are assumed to depend on the state of a continuous time finite state Markov process. We provide a detailed study of the optimal strategies for this problem, for the economically relevant families of power utilities and logarithmic utilities.

Phonological development in relation to native language and literacy: Variations on a theme in six alphabetic orthographies

Phonological development was assessed in six alphabetic orthographies (English, French, Greek, Icelandic, Portuguese and Spanish) at the beginning and end of the first year of reading instruction. The aim was to explore contrasting theoretical views regarding: the question of the availability of phonology at the outset of learning to read (Study 1); the influence of orthographic depth on the pace of phonological development during the transition to literacy (Study 2); and the impact of literacy instruction (Study 3). Results from 242 children did not reveal a consistent sequence of development as performance varied according to task demands and language. Phonics instruction appeared more influential than orthographic depth in the emergence of an early meta-phonological capacity to manipulate phonemes, and preliminary indications were that cross-linguistic variation was associated with speech rhythm more than factors such as syllable complexity. The implications of the outcome for current models of phonological development are discussed.

An integer programming framework for sequencing cutting patterns based on interval graph completion

We derived a framework in integer programming, based on the properties of a linear ordering of the vertices in interval graphs, that acts as an edge completion model for obtaining interval graphs. This model can be applied to problems of sequencing cutting patterns, namely the minimization of open stacks problem (MOSP). By making small modifications in the objective function and using only some of the inequalities, the MOSP model is applied to another pattern sequencing problem that aims to minimize, not only the number of stacks, but also the order spread (the minimization of the stack occupation problem), and the model is tested.

An integer programming model for the minimum interval graph completion problem

The minimum interval graph completion problem consists of, given a graph G = ( V, E ), finding a supergraph H = ( V, E ∪ F ) that is an interval graph, while adding the least number of edges |F| . We present an integer programming formulation for solving the minimum interval graph completion problem recurring to a characteri- zation of interval graphs that produces a linear ordering of the maximal cliques of the solution graph.

Increase of the Delivered Power Probability in Distribution Networks using Pareto DC Programming

A methodology to increase the probability of delivering power to any load point through the identification of new investments in distribution network components is proposed in this paper. The method minimizes the investment cost as well as the cost of energy not supplied in the network. A DC optimization model based on mixed integer non-linear programming is developed considering the Pareto front technique in order to identify the adequate investments in distribution networks components which allow increasing the probability of delivering power for any customer in the distribution system at the minimum possible cost for the system operator, while minimizing the energy not supplied cost. Thus, a multi-objective problem is formulated. To illustrate the application of the proposed methodology, the paper includes a case study which considers a 180 bus distribution network

Digital storytelling: an integrated approach to language for the 21st century student

Societal changes have, throughout history, pushed the long-established boundaries of education across all grade levels. Technology and media merge with education in a continuous complex social process with human consequences and effects. We, teachers, can aspire to understand and interpret this volatile context that is being redesigned at the same time society itself is being reshaped as a result of the technological evolution. The language- learning classroom is not impenetrable to these transformations. Rather, it can perhaps be seen as a playground where teachers and students gather to combine the past and the present in an integrated approach. We draw on the results from a previous study and argue that Digital Storytelling as a Process is capable of aggregating and fostering positive student development in general, as well as enhancing interpersonal relationships and self-knowledge while improving digital literacy. Additionally, we establish a link between the four basic language-learning skills and the Digital Storytelling process and demonstrate how these converge into what can be labeled as an integrated language learning approach.

Database repairs with answer set programming

Dissertação para obtenção do Grau de Mestre em Engenharia Informática

Framework-specific DSL para sensoriamento participado

Dissertação para obtenção do Grau de Mestre em Engenharia Informática

Combining open and closed world reasoning for the semantic web

Dissertação para obtenção do Grau de Doutor em Informática

A Visual Programming Framework for Wireless Sensor Networks in Smart Home Applications

International Conference on Intelligent Sensors, Sensor Networks and Information Processing (ISSNIP 2015). 7 to 9, Apr, 2015. Singapure, Singapore.

A Modular Programming Approach for IoTBased Wireless Sensor Networks

Poster presented in 12th European Conference on Wireless Sensor Network (EWSN 2015). 9 to 11, Feb, 2015. Porto, Portugal.

A conversa e o relato enquanto possibilidades do comum, apartir de we aim to be amateurs (Art & Language, 1997)

Dissertação apresentada para cumprimento dos requisitos necessários à obtenção do grau de Mestre em Filosofia-Estética