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The article deals with the problem of a distributed system operation reliability. The system core is an open integration platform that provides interaction of varied software for modeling gas transportation. Some of them provide an access through thin clients on the cloud technology “software as a service”. Mathematical models of operation, transmission and computing are to ensure the operation of an automated dispatching system for oil and gas transportation. The paper presents a system solution based on the theory of Markov random processes and considers the stable operation stage. The stationary operation mode of the Markov chain with continuous time and discrete states is described by a system of Chapman–Kolmogorov equations with respect to the average numbers (mathematical expectations) of the objects in certain states. The objects of research are both system elements that are present in a large number – thin clients and computing modules, and individual ones – a server, a network manager (message broker). Together, they are interacting Markov random processes. The interaction is determined by the fact that the transition probabilities in one group of elements depend on the average numbers of other elements groups.

The authors propose a multi-criteria dispersion model of risk assessment for such systems (both in the broad and narrow sense, in accordance with the IEC standard). The risk is the standard deviation of estimated object parameter from its average value. The dispersion risk model makes possible to define optimality criteria and whole system functioning risks. In particular, for a thin client, the following is calculated: the loss profit risk, the total risk of losses due to non-productive element states, and the total risk of all system states losses.

Finally the paper proposes compromise schemes for solving the multi-criteria problem of choosing the optimal operation strategy based on the selected set of compromise criteria.

In this paper, we develop a new first-order method for composite nonconvex minimization problems with simple constraints and inexact oracle. The objective function is given as a sum of «hard», possibly nonconvex part, and «simple» convex part. Informally speaking, oracle inexactness means that, for the «hard» part, at any point we can approximately calculate the value of the function and construct a quadratic function, which approximately bounds this function from above. We give several examples of such inexactness: smooth nonconvex functions with inexact H¨older-continuous gradient, functions given by the auxiliary uniformly concave maximization problem, which can be solved only approximately. For the introduced class of problems, we propose a gradient-type method, which allows one to use a different proximal setup to adapt to the geometry of the feasible set, adaptively chooses controlled oracle error, allows for inexact proximal mapping. We provide a convergence rate for our method in terms of the norm of generalized gradient mapping and show that, in the case of an inexact Hölder-continuous gradient, our method is universal with respect to Hölder parameters of the problem. Finally, in a particular case, we show that the small value of the norm of generalized gradient mapping at a point means that a necessary condition of local minimum approximately holds at that point.

This article reviews both historical achievements and modern results in the field of Markov Decision Process (MDP) and convex optimization. This review is the first attempt to cover the field of reinforcement learning in Russian in the context of convex optimization. The fundamental Bellman equation and the criteria of optimality of policy — strategies based on it, which make decisions based on the known state of the environment at the moment, are considered. The main iterative algorithms of policy optimization based on the solution of the Bellman equations are also considered. An important section of this article was the consideration of an alternative to the $Q$-learning approach — the method of direct maximization of the agent’s average reward for the chosen strategy from interaction with the environment. Thus, the solution of this convex optimization problem can be represented as a linear programming problem. The paper demonstrates how the convex optimization apparatus is used to solve the problem of Reinforcement Learning (RL). In particular, it is shown how the concept of strong duality allows us to naturally modify the formulation of the RL problem, showing the equivalence between maximizing the agent’s reward and finding his optimal strategy. The paper also discusses the complexity of MDP optimization with respect to the number of state–action–reward triples obtained as a result of interaction with the environment. The optimal limits of the MDP solution complexity are presented in the case of an ergodic process with an infinite horizon, as well as in the case of a non-stationary process with a finite horizon, which can be restarted several times in a row or immediately run in parallel in several threads. The review also reviews the latest results on reducing the gap between the lower and upper estimates of the complexity of MDP optimization with average remuneration (Averaged MDP, AMDP). In conclusion, the real-valued parametrization of agent policy and a class of gradient optimization methods through maximizing the $Q$-function of value are considered. In particular, a special class of MDPs with restrictions on the value of policy (Constrained Markov Decision Process, CMDP) is presented, for which a general direct-dual approach to optimization with strong duality is proposed.

This paper presents a methodology for modeling centrifugal pumps using the example of the NM 1250 260 main oil centrifugal pump. We use FlowVision CFD software as the numerical modeling instrument. Bench tests and numerical modeling use water as a working fluid. The geometrical model of the pump is fully three-dimensional and includes the pump housing to account for leakages. In order to reduce the required computational resources, the methodology specifies leakages using flow rate rather than directly modeling them. Surface roughness influences flow through the wall function model. The wall function model uses an equivalent sand roughness, and a formula for converting real roughness into equivalent sand roughness is applied in this work. FlowVision uses the sliding mesh method for simulation of the rotation of the impeller. This approach takes into account the nonstationary interaction between the rotor and diffuser of the pump, allowing for accurate resolution of recirculation vortices that occur at low flow rates.

The developed methodology has achieved high consistency between numerical simulations results and experiments at all pump operating conditions. The deviation in efficiency at nominal conditions is 0.42%, and in head is 1.9%. The deviation of calculated characteristics from experimental ones increases as the flow rate increases and reaches a maximum at the far-right point of the characteristic curve (up to 4.8% in head). This phenomenon occurs due to a slight mismatch between the geometric model of the impeller used in the calculation and the real pump model from the experiment. However, the average arithmetic relative deviation between numerical modeling and experiment for pump efficiency at 6 points is 0.39%, with an experimental efficiency measurement error of 0.72%. This meets the accuracy requirements for calculations. In the future, this methodology can be used for a series of optimization and strength calculations, as modeling does not require significant computational resources and takes into account the non-stationary nature of flow in the pump.

As the population of cities grows, the need to plan for the development of transport infrastructure becomes more acute. For this purpose, transport modeling packages are created. These packages usually contain a set of convex optimization problems, the iterative solution of which leads to the desired equilibrium distribution of flows along the paths. One of the directions for the development of transport modeling is the construction of more accurate generalized models that take into account different types of passengers, their travel purposes, as well as the specifics of personal and public modes of transport that agents can use. Another important direction of transport models development is to improve the efficiency of the calculations performed. Since, due to the large dimension of modern transport networks, the search for a numerical solution to the problem of equilibrium distribution of flows along the paths is quite expensive. The iterative nature of the entire solution process only makes this worse. One of the approaches leading to a reduction in the number of calculations performed is the construction of consistent models that allow to combine the blocks of a 4-stage model into a single optimization problem. This makes it possible to eliminate the iterative running of blocks, moving from solving a separate optimization problem at each stage to some general problem. Early work has proven that such approaches provide equivalent solutions. However, it is worth considering the validity and interpretability of these methods. The purpose of this article is to substantiate a single problem, that combines both the calculation of the trip matrix and the modal choice, for the generalized case when there are different layers of demand, types of agents and classes of vehicles in the transport network. The article provides possible interpretations for the gauge parameters used in the problem, as well as for the dual factors associated with the balance constraints. The authors of the article also show the possibility of combining the considered problem with a block for determining network load into a single optimization problem.

The approach to optimization of integral estimation of bio-systems state is presented. The approach is included the procedures of decreasing of variability of integral estimation based on statistical modeling of experimental data set and optimization the quantity of a state characteristics on a base of their relative contribution to the integral estimation using parallel calculation.

The paper presents an optimization approach to microstructure simulation. Porosity function was optimized by numerical method, grain-size model was optimized by complex method based on criteria of model quality. Methods have been validated on examples. Presented new regression model of model quality. Actual application of proposed method is 3D reconstruction of core sample microstructure. Presented results suggest to prolongation of investigations. 

The practical application of nuclear medicine demonstrates the continued information deficiency of the algorithms and programs that provide visualization and analysis of medical images. The aim of the study was to determine the principles of optimizing the processing of planar osteostsintigraphy on the basis of сomputer aided diagnosis (CAD) for analysis of texture descriptions of images of metastatic zones on planar scintigrams of skeleton. A computer-aided diagnosis system for analysis of skeletal metastases based on planar scintigraphy data has been developed. This system includes skeleton image segmentation, calculation of textural, histogram and morphometrical parameters and the creation of a training set. For study of metastatic images’ textural characteristics on planar scintigrams of skeleton was developed the computer program of automatic analysis of skeletal metastases is used from data of planar scintigraphy. Also expert evaluation was used to distinguishing ‘pathological’ (metastatic) from ‘physiological’ (non-metastatic) radiopharmaceutical hyperfixation zones in which Haralick’s textural features were determined: autocorrelation, contrast, ‘forth moment’ and heterogeneity. This program was established on the principles of сomputer aided diagnosis researches planar scintigrams of skeletal patients with metastatic breast cancer hearths hyperfixation of radiopharmaceuticals were identified. Calculated parameters were made such as brightness, smoothness, the third moment of brightness, brightness uniformity, entropy brightness. It has been established that in most areas of the skeleton of histogram values of parameters in pathologic hyperfixation of radiopharmaceuticals predominate over the same values in the physiological. Most often pathological hyperfixation of radiopharmaceuticals as the front and rear fixed scintigramms prevalence of brightness and smoothness of the image brightness in comparison with those of the physiological hyperfixation of radiopharmaceuticals. Separate figures histogram analysis can be used in specifying the diagnosis of metastases in the mathematical modeling and interpretation bone scintigraphy. Separate figures histogram analysis can be used in specifying the diagnosis of metastases in the mathematical modeling and interpretation bone scintigraphy.

The paper proposes a mathematical model for the therapy of glioma, taking into account the blood-brain barrier, radiotherapy and antibody therapy. The parameters were estimated from experimental data and the evaluation of the effect of parameter values on the effectiveness of treatment and the prognosis of the disease were obtained. The possible variants of sequential use of radiotherapy and the effect of antibodies have been explored. The combined use of radiotherapy with intravenous administration of $mab$ $Cx43$ leads to a potentiation of the therapeutic effect in glioma.

Radiotherapy must precede chemotherapy, as radio exposure reduces the barrier function of endothelial cells. Endothelial cells of the brain vessels fit tightly to each other. Between their walls are formed so-called tight contacts, whose role in the provision of BBB is that they prevent the penetration into the brain tissue of various undesirable substances from the bloodstream. Dense contacts between endothelial cells block the intercellular passive transport.

The mathematical model consists of a continuous part and a discrete one. Experimental data on the volume of glioma show the following interesting dynamics: after cessation of radio exposure, tumor growth does not resume immediately, but there is some time interval during which glioma does not grow. Glioma cells are divided into two groups. The first group is living cells that divide as fast as possible. The second group is cells affected by radiation. As a measure of the health of the blood-brain barrier system, the ratios of the number of BBB cells at the current moment to the number of cells at rest, that is, on average healthy state, are chosen.

The continuous part of the model includes a description of the division of both types of glioma cells, the recovery of BBB cells, and the dynamics of the drug. Reducing the number of well-functioning BBB cells facilitates the penetration of the drug to brain cells, that is, enhances the action of the drug. At the same time, the rate of division of glioma cells does not increase, since it is limited not by the deficiency of nutrients available to cells, but by the internal mechanisms of the cell. The discrete part of the mathematical model includes the operator of radio interaction, which is applied to the indicator of BBB and to glial cells.

Within the framework of the mathematical model of treatment of a cancer tumor (glioma), the problem of optimal control with phase constraints is solved. The patient’s condition is described by two variables: the volume of the tumor and the condition of the BBB. The phase constraints delineate a certain area in the space of these indicators, which we call the survival area. Our task is to find such treatment strategies that minimize the time of treatment, maximize the patient’s rest time, and at the same time allow state indicators not to exceed the permitted limits. Since the task of survival is to maximize the patient’s lifespan, it is precisely such treatment strategies that return the indicators to their original position (and we see periodic trajectories on the graphs). Periodic trajectories indicate that the deadly disease is translated into a chronic one.

The method of balanced identification was used to describe the response of Net Ecosystem Exchange of CO₂ (NEE) to change of environmental factors, and to fill the gaps in continuous CO₂ flux measurements in a sphagnum peat bog in the Tver region. The measurements were provided in the peat bog by the eddy covariance method from August to November of 2017. Due to rainy weather conditions and recurrent periods with low atmospheric turbulence the gap proportion in measured CO₂ fluxes at our experimental site during the entire period of measurements exceeded 40%. The model developed for the gap filling in long-term experimental data considers the NEE as a difference between Ecosystem Respiration (RE) and Gross Primary Production (GPP), i.e. key processes of ecosystem functioning, and their dependence on incoming solar radiation (Q), soil temperature (T), water vapor pressure deficit (VPD) and ground water level (WL). Applied for this purpose the balanced identification method is based on the search for the optimal ratio between the model simplicity and the data fitting accuracy — the ratio providing the minimum of the modeling error estimated by the cross validation method. The obtained numerical solutions are characterized by minimum necessary nonlinearity (curvature) that provides sufficient interpolation and extrapolation characteristics of the developed models. It is particularly important to fill the missing values in NEE measurements. Reviewing the temporary variability of NEE and key environmental factors allowed to reveal a statistically significant dependence of GPP on Q, T, and VPD, and RE — on T and WL, respectively. At the same time, the inaccuracy of applied method for simulation of the mean daily NEE, was less than 10%, and the error in NEE estimates by the method was higher than by the REddyProc model considering the influence on NEE of fewer number of environmental parameters. Analyzing the gap-filled time series of NEE allowed to derive the diurnal and inter-daily variability of NEE and to obtain cumulative CO₂ fluxs in the peat bog for selected summer-autumn period. It was shown, that the rate of CO₂ fixation by peat bog vegetation in August was significantly higher than the rate of ecosystem respiration, while since September due to strong decrease of GPP the peat bog was turned into a consistent source of CO₂ for the atmosphere.