Stochastic linear programs with simple recourse: The equivalent deterministic convex program for the normal,exponential, and erlang cases

We consider here stochastic linear programs with simple recourse when all the elements of the technology matrix and the resource vector have certain specific distributions. The distributions considered are the Normal, Exponential and Erlang. For the first two instances we extend the equivalent deterministic program to include the variance of the recourse. Finally, a simple example is given to illustrate the application of the formulas for the Erlang case.     

The United States Coast Guard Computer-Assisted Search Planning system (CASP)

This paper provides an overview of the Computer-Assisted Search Planning (CASP) system developed for the United States Coast Guard. The CASP information processing methodology is based upon Monte Carlo simulation to obtain an initial probability distribution for target location and to update this distribution to account for drift due to currents and winds. A multiple scenario approach is employed to generate the initial probability distribution. Bayesian updating is used to reflect negative information obtained from unsuccessful search. The principal output of the CASP system is a sequence of probability “maps” which display the current target location probability distributions throughout the time period of interest. CASP also provides guidance for allocating search effort based upon optimal search theory.     

Spike swapping in basis reinversion

During basis reinversion of either a product form or elimination form linear programming system, it may become necessary to swap spike columns to effect the reinversion and maintain the desired sparsity characteristics. This note shows that the only spikes which need be examined when an interchange is required are those not yet processed in the current external bump.     

Computing demand properties at the wholesale warehouse level

Computational formulas are given for the mean, variance, and autocorrelation function of the demand process at an upper-echelon facility (warehouse). The demand process at the warehouse is induced by the aggregated inventory replenishment processes of N independently operated lower-echelon facilities (stores) in parallel. Each store, we assume, employs an (s,S) inventory replenishment policy with complete backlogging to satisfy its own random, independently and identically distributed demand. The formulas result from an analysis of the stochastic replenishment process at a single store. Examples of the properties of the demand process at the upper-echelon facility are presented for several lower-echelon environments.     

Seeking a stable future: perspectives on population policy. The legal approach: women's rights as human rights

As it has grappled with issues of population policy, the international community has emphasized that women's reproductive rights are human rights. Scholars have also acknowledged that the right to reproductive health care exists within the scope of international human rights treaties and conventions and that gender equality, nondiscrimination, and freedom from government interference in marriage and family life are also guaranteed. Further protections extend to counseling and health information and referral. The Programme of Action of the 1994 International Conference on Population and Development continues this trend by emphasizing the importance of human rights for attaining population and development objectives, calling on governments to focus their efforts on improving the quality of life for individuals, and endorsing the notion that reproductive rights are universal human rights. Reproductive health care options are also influenced by sovereign laws that restrict availability of contraception, sterilization, or abortion. However, universal rights and unrestricted access must be complemented by other factors controlled by domestic laws to guarantee reproductive choice. Such laws cover issues like marriage age, divorce, marital property, child support, maternity benefits, day care, sex discrimination, eligibility for insurance, confidentiality, spousal consent, rape, and sexual abuse. Countries must modify restrictive national laws and promote laws protecting women's rights.