Everyone is familiar with linear programming (LP) and its possibly NP-hard simplex algorithm. Additionally, there are interior-point methods and more. Recent advancements in the field are aimed at handling large-scale LP problems that necessitate parallel processing. One approach is the PDHG (Primal Dual Hybrid Gradient) method, a first-order optimization method for large-scale LP. Another intriguing method is the second-order ADMM. While the PDHG method is straightforward in its core concept, it employs numerous heuristic techniques, some of which have solid theoretical foundations, to expedite the optimization process....

Shanghai ranks among China’s top international cities, alongside Hong Kong. Being an undergrad student in Shanghai, my friend and I represent a significant chunk of the city’s active consumer base, i.e. we contribute substantially to its vibrant atmosphere and GDP. Shanghai residents genuinely embrace international cultures, with a strong preference for North American influences. European styles, particularly those from Italy and France, also enjoy popularity. Some venture into Mexican or Latino influences, while others delve into East Asian elements like Zen culture from Japan or Korean pop culture....

Today’s blog draws inspiration from Freakonomics Radio’s podcast, which presented a three-episode series on “How to Succeed at Failing.” It’s not the most pleasant topic to discuss. In their final episode, they did something quite bold, or at least it seemed daring to me. They interviewed several individuals who had experienced failure in entrepreneurship, academia, and relationships. We often mourn, blame, and regret our own failures, but what perspective should we have when it comes to others’ failures?...

Our former Prime Minister, Keqiang Li, has passed away in Shanghai today. Rest in peace. Li, an economist, earned his Ph.D. from Peking University and received the Sun Ye Fang Best Thesis Award for his dissertation – quite an achievement. In memory of this exceptional economist and remarkable individual, here’s a poignant tribute: 纯真而不欠闻达，善良而不失坚强，把生命高举在尘俗之上，又溶化于社会之中，这应当是我们这一代的共同追求。 Innocent yet not lacking in knowledge, kind yet unwavering in strength, lifting life above the mundane while melding with society – this should be the collective pursuit of our generation....

I watched and found a very interesting quote on…YouTube. Guess who said it. Trying to stop people from doing things that they want to do, doesn’t always stop them. Sounds like something Hermione Granger said The best way to get people to read something is to ban it Try reading the italicized words in staccato and you’ll get the authentic Hermione accent. OK… just kidding. Al Roth said it in his “big idea” talk on YouTube....

I’ve been reading up on keyword query ranking optimization literature recently. In this context, we’re looking at e-commerce platforms like Amazon or Taobao, where multiple third-party sellers offer similar products when a user searches for a specific keyword. The platform’s goal is to maximize both the seller’s profit (a combination of surplus and revenue, calculated as price multiplied by quantity) and consumer satisfaction. So, the main questions here are: How should products be ranked?...

The Freakonomics podcast delivered some inspiring insights today, focusing on a spectrum of failure assessment, from the most blameworthy to the most commendable. Failure, in this context, is defined as a preventable negative event. Amy Edmondson, a guest on the podcast, categorized the causes of failure into six distinct categories: Sabotage Inattention Inability Task challenge Uncertainty Experimentation While these categories are distinct, most failure events likely result from a combination of several causes....

Shanghai and LA share a common thread, their shared essence of being overwhelming kaleidoscopes of glamour. It’s as if both cities, like a scene from the classical spectacle of LA LA Land, break into song and dance, creating a harmonious yet complex symphony of life. the lyric of ‘A Lovely Night’ soundtrack of LA LA LAND. What a waste of lovely night… life’s too short, not a single nights should be wasted....

The platform economy is indeed a formidable force, and this assertion is not without merit. Yesterday, after watching a routine Premier League match featuring Manchester City, I experienced a striking example of the platform economy’s impact. Around 00:05, when all public transportation had stopped running, I had no option but to order a Didi taxi, a service similar to Uber, to return to my dormitory. To my surprise, a driver quickly accepted my request, indicating that the demand was relatively low....

EconCS lab opening As yesterday’s blog mentioned the opening premiere, here’s the fresh recap. The first section features ceremonial talks, and the second is a more lively discussion of mechanism design, economics, and artificial intelligence. Section 1: Ceremonial Talks The first section of the event was filled with what we can affectionately describe as “ceremonial talks.” These talks are often marked by grand visions and mutual compliments, leaving the audience yearning for more substance....