14 research outputs found
Preference Ambiguity Averse Decision Making Using Robust Optimization and Sensitivity Analysis
No full textIn this work, we study decision making with personalized stochastic optimization models. The methods, we propose, develop custom-tailored stochastic optimization models for a specific decision maker, while preserving the robustness of an optimal decision as expressions of the decision maker’s attitude towards ambiguity. We present an optimization model using a novel robust preference relationship — reference-based almost stochastic dominance (RSD). We use decision maker’s utility function as a reference to individualize constraints of stochastic dominance. The concept of RSD addresses the two problems in utility-based decision making: (i) ambiguity and inaccuracy in characterizing the decision maker’s individual risk attitude, (ii) over-conservativeness of stochastic dominance representing general properties of risk aversion. The RSD rule reveals the maximum dominance level quantifying the robustness of the decision maker’s preference between alternative choices. We develop an approximation model using Bernstein polynomials, show the asymptotic convergence of its optimal value and set of optimal solutions to the true counterparts as the degree of Bernstein polynomials increases, and analyze the convergence rate of its feasible region. We next develop a cut-generation algorithm to solve the approximation model. Finally, we further adapt this cut-generation algorithm to seek a valid option most robustly preferable to a random benchmark. The effectiveness and computational complexity of the model are illustrated using a portfolio optimization problem. We study the sensitivity of the personalized stochastic optimization models with regards to risk entangled with the decision maker’s ambiguous preference itself. We present a bi-objective stochastic optimization model —expected utility and sensitivity-averse maximization (ESM), incorporating classical risk-aversion and sensitivity analysis with regards to decision maker’s preference. Unlike classical sensitivity analysis approaches which are post-analyses after optimization, ESM incorporates sensitivity analysis in the optimization procedure in terms of the second objective function. It thus allows to produce solutions which are both risk-averse in the classical sense and sensitivity-averse with regards to ambiguity in the decision maker’s preference. ESM adapts the sensitivity measure (SMU) from the general Bayesian sensitivity analysis to build connection between classical expected utility maximization and the sensitivity aversion. We develop two solution methods of ESM. A mixed-integer reformulation is given for a preference maximizer decision maker, while a linear programming reformulation for a risk-averse decision maker. The effect of ESM is illustrated using a homeland security budget allocation problem.PhDIndustrial and Systems Engineering, College of Engineering & Computer ScienceUniversity of Michigan-Dearbornhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/168149/1/Gevorg Stepanyan Final Dissertation.pdfDescription of Gevorg Stepanyan Final Dissertation.pdf : Dissertatio
Love Lyrics Gevorg Emin in Translations by Vera Zvyagintseva
No full textThe peculiarities of the translations from the love poetry of the Armenian poet G. Emin made by V. Zvyagintseva are considered. It is noted that G. Emin is one of the brightest and most distinctive poets of Armenian literature of the 20th century, whose poetry reflected the poet’s deep philosophical thinking. It is shown that with the end of the first half of the 20th century the poetry by G. Emin attracted the attention of such famous Russian poets-translators as V. Zvyagintseva, I. Snegova, E. M. Dudin, D. Samoilov, Yu. Levitansky, L. Ozerov and others. It is noted that the lyrics by Gevorg Emin was translated by whole cycles. It is argued that the richness of the inner world of Emin, the stylistic features of his love lyrics are vividly transmitted in the translations of Vera Zvyagintseva, which are included in almost all collections of the poet. The analysis of translations from the love poetry of the Armenian poet by Zvyagintseva is presented. The author comes to the conclusion that these translations are great examples of poetry, made at the highest professional level; they convey the meaning and the stylistic richness of the original as close as possible; they are made in accordance with the requirements of the theory of art translation, which allowed Zvyagintseva to recreate the Armenian poet’s originality of creativity
Christianity and Christians in Shakī and Shīrvān from the Earliest Times Until the end of the Safavid Era
No full textThe paper examines the religious aspects of the history of Shakī and Shīrvān regions of Eastern Caucasus from the times of the spread of Christianity there until the end of Safavid rule over it. An overview of the history of the Church of Albania (or Ağuank‘), its legal and political aspects conducted in the article are important for a better understanding of its relations with the Armenian Apostolic Church, and identity issues of its subject Christian population. An empirical and comparative-historical analysis of the data and information con-tained in historical sources on the situation of Christians in the regions of Shakī and Shīrvān provides a clear view of the realities and situation in each phase of history and the factors stimulating their conversion to Islam. The study shows that during Safavid predominance over the regions included in one administrative unit of Shīrvān bīglarbīgī the cultural and civil methods of assimilation and conversion, combined with economic incentives, prevailed. The gradual weakening of Safavid rule over the regions was accompanied with serious challenges and hardships faced by local Christians during the frequent invasions of North Caucasian tribes. The collapse of Safavid rule in the regions designated the end of religious tolerance and intensification of the use of forced and economic methods of conversion to Islam
Christianity and Christians in Shakī and Shīrvān from the Earliest Times Until the end of the Safavid Era
No full textThe paper examines the religious aspects of the history of Shakī and Shīrvān regions of Eastern Caucasus from the times of the spread of Christianity there until the end of Safavid rule over it. An overview of the history of the Church of Albania (or Ağuank‘), its legal and political aspects conducted in the article are important for a better understanding of its relations with the Armenian Apostolic Church, and identity issues of its subject Christian population. An empirical and comparative-historical analysis of the data and information con-tained in historical sources on the situation of Christians in the regions of Shakī and Shīrvān provides a clear view of the realities and situation in each phase of history and the factors stimulating their conversion to Islam. The study shows that during Safavid predominance over the regions included in one administrative unit of Shīrvān bīglarbīgī the cultural and civil methods of assimilation and conversion, combined with economic incentives, prevailed. The gradual weakening of Safavid rule over the regions was accompanied with serious challenges and hardships faced by local Christians during the frequent invasions of North Caucasian tribes. The collapse of Safavid rule in the regions designated the end of religious tolerance and intensification of the use of forced and economic methods of conversion to Islam
Economic Feasibility, General Economic Impact and Implications of a Free Trade Agreement Between the European Union and Armenia
No full textThis study of the feasibility, costs and benefits of a free trade agreement between the EU and Armenia was conducted from July 2007 to April 2008 under contract with the European Commission. The first meeting in Brussels in September 2007 with Staff members of Directorates-General for Trade, External Relations, Economic and Financial Affairs, Internal Market and Services, Competition, Enterprise and Industry proved indispensable in our work on this report. During mission to Yerevan in October 2007 the consultations were held with a number of ministries, research institutes and business organizations. We greatly benefited from consultations with the representatives of the Ministry of Energy, Customs State Committee, Ministry of Trade and Economic Development, Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Union of Manufacturers and Businessmen (Employers) of Armenia, National Institute of Standards, Wine Producers Union, Ministry of Finance and Economy AEPLAC Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Armenian Development Agency UNDP, IMF and the World Bank. The European Commission Delegation to Armenia provided us with extensive information, consultation on key policy issues and organizational support, for chich we are very grateful. Several authors contributed to this study. David Dyker is the author of the introductory section (chapter 2) and the analysis of services sectors (chapter 7). Michael Emerson is the author of section on regional integration scenarios (chapter 3) and he also provided very valuable comments on all chapters in this study. Sveta Taran, Peter Holmes and Michael Gasiorek are the authors of chapter 4 employing the Sussex Framework to study the impact of FTA. Michael Gasiorek and Peter Holmes also provided valuable comments on the CGE modelling section. Evgeny Polyakov, Andrei Roudoi as well as Gevorg Torosyan contributed to the chapter on the institutional and regulatory harmonization (chapter 5). The team from the Global Insight including Andre Jungmittag, Vicki Korchagin, Evgeny Polyakov and Andrei Roudoi supervised the implementation of the survey and completed the analysis of the survey results (chapter 6). Also the same team from Global Insight contributed chapter 10 on sensitive sectors. The implementation of the survey of NTBs was conducted by AVAG Solutions under the supervision of Vardan Baghdasaryan and Melik Gasparyan. The analysis of FDI flows and their likely trends following an FTA was prepared by Malgorzata Jakubiak, while the estimation of the potential FDI flows was completed by Alina Kudina (section 8.4). The CGE analysis (chapter 9) was prepared by Maryla Maliszewska, who also acted as the project manager and the editor of the study. Finally, conclusions are a collective work of all the authors. Sierz Naurodski and Elena Kozarzewska provided an excellent administrative support. I would like to take his opportunity to thank them all for their cooperation, valuable contributions and comments.European Neighborhood Policy, free trade agreement, institutional harmonization, EU, Armenia
Phenotypic characteristics of black apricot Prunus × dasycarpa cultivar ‘Shlor-Tsiran’ in Armenia
No full text‘Shlor-Tsiran’ (literally called ‘Plum-Apricot’) is an old black apricot cultivar, which is traditionally cultivated in Armenia. Taxonomically, it belongs to Prunus × dasycarpa Ehrh., which is a spontaneous hybrid of apricot and cherry plum (P. armeniaca L. × P. cerasifera Ehrh.). Currently, ‘Shlor-Tsiran’ is considered to be very rare in Armenia and it occurs as single trees in old home orchards of the Ararat Valley. It is characterised by high frost and disease resistance, late flowering and fruiting compared with other cultivated apricots, and is of interest for the development of apricot cultivars displaying delayed fruit ripening and enhanced frost resistance. This study aims to phenotype the cv. ‘Shlor-Tsiran’ taking into consideration 67 quantitative and qualitative characteristics of vegetative and generative organs, growth and development. Morphological description of the cv. ‘Shlor-Tsiran’, comparing with its parent species, P. armeniaca and P. cerasifera, was performed. Data on fertility and viability of pollen grains, biochemical and nutritional properties of fruits and tree productivity are provided. The data obtained should contribute to a wider use and conservation of the black apricot cv. ‘Shlor-Tsiran’ gene pool, which can be used for breeding purposes as well. The article is illustrated with tables and original photographs
International Legal Prerequisites for the Formation of Administrative Justice Institute in the Postsoviet Area Countries (Gevorg Danielyan)
No full textРаздел - "Международное право", рубрика - "Международное право и внутригосударственное право"The article explores the peculiarities of international legal norms in the sphere of administrative justice, analyses the legislation of Armenia regarding its conformity to international acts in this respect. The author comes to the conclusion
about the necessity of developing common criteria concerning the institution of administrative justice and bringing national
legislation in accordance with the provisions of international legal documents
International Legal Prerequisites for the Formation of Administrative Justice Institute in the Postsoviet Area Countries (Gevorg Danielyan)
No full textРаздел - "Международное право", рубрика - "Международное право и внутригосударственное право"The article explores the peculiarities of international legal norms in the sphere of administrative justice, analyses the legislation of Armenia regarding its conformity to international acts in this respect. The author comes to the conclusion
about the necessity of developing common criteria concerning the institution of administrative justice and bringing national
legislation in accordance with the provisions of international legal documents
Irrigation techniques in Armenia
No full textPresented at the fifth international conference on irrigation and drainage, Irrigation and drainage for food, energy and the environment on November 3-6, 2009 in Salt Lake City, Utah.The economic efficiency and rate of return of different irrigation techniques were demonstrated in Armenia under On-Farm Water Management Component of the Water-to-Market Project. The Project goal was to reduce rural poverty from 32% to 26% and boost annual incomes through sustainable increases in the economic performance of the agricultural sector after 5 years. The objective of the Water Management Component was to set up demonstration farms with irrigation improvements for farmers to adopt. For calculating the economic efficiency, three major impact elements were taken into account: yield increase, water savings and labor savings. Necessary input data were collected from records of demonstration site farmers and questionnaires filled at the beginning and end of vegetation period. The indirect positive impacts of farmers adopting irrigation improvements were appraised as: 1) possibility to irrigate abandoned lands; 2) obtain higher yields; 3) provide opportunity to expand on agricultural activities (double cropping, etc.); and 3) enlarge irrigation system capacity to allow more farmers to share water and regulate its distribution in the peak growing season, and eliminate potential conflicts. In addition, the density of demonstration sites was assessed based on the number of the peasant farms and rural communities, density of farms, and average size of cultivated land, to assure high adoption rate among nearby farmers. The adoption rate was assessed based on specified categories and density of farms in the third year of the five year project and provided a clear direction for future work
