We propose a model, Lexicographic Partially Observable Markov Decision Process (LPOMDP), which extends POMDPs with lexicographic preferences over multiple value functions. It allows for slack–slightly less-than-optimal values–for higherpriority preferences to facilitate improvement in lower-priority value functions. Many real life situations are naturally captured by LPOMDPs with slack. We cons...

Many scheduling systems assume a static environment within which a schedule will be executed. The real world is not so stable: machines break down, operations take longer to execute than expected, and orders may be added or canceled. One approach to dealing with such disruptions is to generate robust schedules: schedules that are able to absorb some level of unexpected events without rescheduli...

This paper describes the analysis of a long length reinforced thermoplastic pipe. For this new class of pipe, which is constructed of a polyethylene liner pipe over wrapped with two layers of non-impregnated twisted aramid cords, peculiar deformation behaviour was observed when a pipe was pressurised. This behaviour was found to be a result of a difference in cord-slack between the two reinforc...

Choosing funds is a general issue for investors, with the aim of balancing potential risks and returns. The this article to use super-efficiency approach analyze rank exchange-traded (ETFs) in order find best utility ETFs. range-adjusted measure (RAM)-based data envelopment analysis (DEA) model used work evaluate set ETFs inefficient funds, while RAM fully RAM-based efficient funds. Other slack...

We examine whether and how the effect of corporate governance depends on a firm’s financial slack, financial resources not committed to any specific use. On one hand, financial slack may be spent by self-interested managers for their private benefits, so its level is positively associated with the degree of agency conflicts. This implies that corporate governance matters more for high financial...

Slack is pervasive in runs of high performance applications, in the presence of various performance boosting solutions. The presence of slack provides ample opportunities for achieving energy efficiency for high performance computing nowadays. Regardless of communication slack, classic energy saving approaches for saving energy during the slack otherwise include race-to-halt and CP-aware slack ...

Human mutations in the cytoplasmic C-terminal domain of Slack sodium-activated potassium (KNa) channels result in childhood epilepsy with severe intellectual disability. Slack currents can be increased by pharmacological activators or by phosphorylation of a Slack C-terminal residue by protein kinase C. Using an optical biosensor assay, we find that Slack channel stimulation in neurons or trans...

Healthcare is a critical and costly industry. In the U.S. a significant component of healthcare costs are expenses generated in hospitals. This paper reports the results of analyzing 607 U.S. hospitals between 2006-2009 using a dynamic network slack-based Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) Model. We find accounting for the dynamic and network structure of the hospital lowers efficiency estimates. ...

Measuring or estimating economic slack has long been a challenge to central bank research and policymaking, particularly after a major economic event such as a financial crisis that might also affect the trend at which the economy normally expands. While it is still debatable which measure would best capture economic slack in conceptual terms, the output gap has been widely used by many. In thi...