We propose algorithms to automatically generate exact and approximate product-form solutions for large Markov processes that cannot be solved by direct numerical methods. Focusing on models that can be described as cooperating Markov processes, which include queueing networks and stochastic Petri nets as special cases, it is shown that finding a global optimum for a non-convex quadratic program...

A product form solution for the optimal fractions of divisible load to distribute to processors in a multi-level tree network is described. Here optimality involves parallel processing the load in a minimal amount of time. This tractable solution is similar to the product form solution for equilibrium state probabilities arising in Markovian queueing networks. The existence of this product form...

We set a lower bound on the complexity of options pricing formulae in the lattice metric by proving that no general explicit or closed form (hypergeometric) expression for pricing vanilla European call and put options exists when employing the binomial lattice approach. Our proof follows from Gosper’s algorithm. The binomial model as heralded by Cox et al. (1979), has become a well-known approa...

Our general concern is with how to integrate a representation of action into an existing set of state constraints. As has been observed in the literature, state constraints implicitly define indirect effects of actions as well as indirectly imposing further preconditions on the performance of actions. Thus, any representation scheme we propose must address the ramification and qualification pro...

The advantages of the compositional structure within the Markovian process algebra PEPA for model construction and simplification have already been demonstrated. In this paper we show that for some PEPA models this structure may also be used to advantage during the solution of the model. Several papers offering product form solutions of stochastic Petri nets have been published during the last ...

This paper investigates the effectiveness of concordance-based material for an EFL problem—misordering in expressions of measurement. A specifically designed preand posttest is developed for testing Thai students’ ability to use the expression. The sample comprises four groups of university students in their first and second years (two groups each). One first year group and one sophomore group ...

This paper presents a closed-form solution to the inverse kinematic problem for general fluoroscopic C-arms. The resulting algorithm determines the necessary joint parameters for imaging a given point of interest p from a given direction z. The existence and uniqueness of the solution is proven for all p and z. The inverse kinematics lays the basis for a completely robotized C-arm. The paper de...

In Foreign Exchange Markets Compound options (options on options) are traded frequently. Instalment options generalize the concept of Compound options as they allow the holder to prolong a Vanilla Call or Put option by paying instalments of a discrete payment plan. We derive a closed-form solution to the value of such an option in the Black-Scholes model and prove that the limiting case of an I...

Recent research has investigated ways in which generally distributed random variables may be incorporated into stochastic process algebra. These proposals allow the arbitrary use of such variables, improving expressibility, but in general this makes performance evaluation difficult. Typically, simulation techniques must be employed. We attack the goal of generally distributed random variables f...

The oligomeric state in solution of four plant annexins, namely Anx23(Ca38), Anx24(Ca32), Anx(Gh1), and Anx(Gh2), was characterized by sedimentation equilibrium analysis and gel filtration. All proteins were expressed and purified as amino-terminal His(n) fusions. Sequencing of the Anx(Gh1) construct revealed distinct differences with the published sequence. Sedimentation equilibrium analysis o...