A large number of sequential decision-making problems in uncertain environments
can be modeled as Markov Decision Processes (MDPs). In such settings, an agent
can observe at each time step the state of the environment and then executes an
action, causing a stochastic transition to a new state of the environment...
In recent years there have been many improvements in the reliability of critical infrastructure systems. Despite these improvements and despite targeted efforts to improve the operation and control of the electric grid, the power systems industry has seen relatively small advances in this regard. For instance, today's power system is...
Sugar pine and western white pine are widely distributed, economically valuable, and ecologically important native tree species in North America. However, white pine blister rust (WPBR), caused by a non-native fungal pathogen, Cronartium ribicola J.C. Fisch. in Rabh., has substantially affected populations of these species. Cronartium is an obligate parasite,...
Microchannel arrays are being developed across a wide spectrum of microfluidic applications including blood processing, fuel cells and thermal management among many others. Typical arrays are based on a flat laminated architecture produced in a vacuum hot press (VHP) through solid-state diffusion bonding. Due to the cylindrical nature of certain...