Whither semantics?
Abramsky, S Theoretical Computer Science volume 807 3-14 (16 Jul 2019)
Tue, 18 Jun 2019
12:00
L3

Wilson-loop form-factors, a new duality

Dr Paul Heslop
(Durham)
Abstract

We find a new duality for form factors of lightlike Wilson loops in planar N=4 super-Yang-Mills theory. The duality maps a form factor involving an n-sided lightlike polygonal super-Wilson loop together with m external on-shell states, to the same type of object but with the edges of the Wilson loop and the external states swapping roles. This relation can essentially be seen graphically in Lorentz harmonic chiral (LHC) superspace where it is equivalent to planar graph duality. However there are some crucial subtleties with the cancellation of spurious poles due to the gauge fixing. They are resolved by finding the correct formulation of the Wilson loop and by careful analytic continuation from Minkowski to Euclidean space. We illustrate all of these subtleties explicitly in the simplest non-trivial NMHV-like case.

Tue, 18 Jun 2019

12:45 - 14:00
C3

Multi-armed bandit under uncertainty

Tanut Treetanthiploet
(Oxford University)
Abstract

In a robust decision, we are pessimistic toward our decision making when the probability measure is unknown. In particular, we optimise our decision under the worst case scenario (e.g. via value at risk or expected shortfall).  On the other hand, most theories in reinforcement learning (e.g. UCB or epsilon-greedy algorithm) tell us to be more optimistic in order to encourage learning. These two approaches produce an apparent contradict in decision making. This raises a natural question. How should we make decisions, given they will affect our short-term outcomes, and information available in the future?

In this talk, I will discuss this phenomenon through the classical multi-armed bandit problem which is known to be solved via Gittins' index theory under the setting of risk (i.e. when the probability measure is fixed). By extending this result to an uncertainty setting, we can show that it is possible to take into account both uncertainty and learning for a future benefit at the same time. This can be done by extending a consistent nonlinear expectation  (i.e. nonlinear expectation with tower property) through multiple filtrations.

At the end of the talk, I will present numerical results which illustrate how we can control our level of exploration and exploitation in our decision based on some parameters.
 

An optimal transport problem with backward martingale constraints motivated by insider trading
Kramkov, D Xu, Y (07 Jun 2019)

Oxford Mathematics Open Day Live Stream - 3 July

On 3 July we shall we live streaming our Open Day for prospective applicants as part of our going Behind the Scenes' at Oxford Mathematics. This is our way of making the Open Day 'open' to everyone, wherever you are.

The running order:
10.00am - James Munro introduces you to Mathematics at Oxford

10.30am - Vicky Neale on Pure Mathematics at Oxford

11.00am - Dominic Vella on Applied Mathematics at Oxford

AND

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