Digital Commons Network^™

Solving The Quadratic Assignment Problem By A Hybrid Algorithm, Aldy Gunawan, Kien Ming Ng, Kim Leng Poh

Research Collection School Of Computing and Information Systems

This paper presents a hybrid algorithm to solve the Quadratic Assignment Problem (QAP). The proposed algorithminvolves using the Greedy Randomized Adaptive Search Procedure (GRASP) to obtain an initial solution, and then using a combinedSimulated Annealing (SA) and Tabu Search (TS) algorithm to improve the solution. Experimental results indicate that the hybridalgorithm is able to obtain good quality solutions for QAPLIB test problems within reasonable computation time.

The Mechanics Of Embodiment: A Dialogue On Embodiment And Computational Modeling, G Pezzulo, Lw Barsalou, A Cangelosi, Et Al

School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics

Embodied theories are increasingly challenging traditional views of cognition by arguing that conceptual representations that constitute our knowledge are grounded in sensory and motor experiences, and processed at this sensorimotor level, rather than being represented and processed abstractly in an amodal conceptual system. Given the established empirical foundation, and the relatively underspecified theories to date, many researchers are extremely interested in embodied cognition but are clamouring for more mechanistic implementations. What is needed at this stage is a push toward explicit computational models that implement sensory-motor grounding as intrinsic to cognitive processes. In this article, six authors from varying backgrounds …

The Combined Otto And Stirling Cycle Prime-Mover-Based Power Plant, Barry Cullen

Doctoral

An exploratory study of the combined Otto and Stirling cycle prime mover is presented. The Stirling cycle acts as the bottoming cycle on the Otto cycle
exhaust, the aim being the generation of additional mechanical power which may subsequently be converted to electrical power. It is postulated that the
increases in brake power and efficiency afforded by the addition of the Stirling cycle are of sufficient magnitude to offset the inherent increase in plant cost and
complexity. The analysis necessitated the development of thermodynamic models for both the Otto cycle and Stirling cycle engines and relationships to link the two …

Development Of An Instrument To Measure The Adoption Of Mobile Services, Shang Gao, John Krogstie, Keng Siau

Research Collection School Of Computing and Information Systems

Currently, there is no standard instrument for measuring user adoption of mobile services. Based on the mobile service acceptance model, this paper reports on the development of a survey instrument designed to measure user perception on mobile services acceptance. A survey instrument was developed by using some existing scales from prior instruments and by creating additional items which might appear to fit the construct definitions. In addition, a pilot study was conducted by distributing the survey to 25 users of a mobile service called Mobile Student Information Systems. As a result, a survey instrument containing 22 items were retained. Furthermore, …

Scholarship Recipient Report: Ohio Valley Group Of Technical Service Librarians, Craig Boman

Roesch Library Staff Presentations

No abstract provided.

Defining Routing Policies In Peer-To-Peer Overlay Networks, Michael Pickering

UNF Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This master’s thesis involves the definition and development of a policy-based routing scheme for peer-to-peer overlay networks. Many peer-to-peer networks are in existence today and each has various methods for discovering new peers, searching for content, and overcoming connectivity problems. The addition of efficient policy-based routing enhances the ability of peers within overlay networks to make appropriate routing decisions. Policy-based routing provides a means for peers to define the types of network traffic they are willing to route and the conditions under which they will route it. The motivations for these policies are many and are described in upcoming sections. …

The Weil Pairing On Elliptic Curves And Its Cryptographic Applications, Alex Edward Aftuck

UNF Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This thesis presents the Weil pairing on elliptic curves as a tool to implement a tripartite Diffie-Helman key exchange. Elliptic curves are introduced, as well as the addition operation that creates a group structure on its points. In leading to the definition of the Weil pairing, divisors of rational functions are studied, as well as the Weierstrass }-function, which shows the complex lattice as isomorphic to elliptic curves. Several important qualities of the Weil pairing are proved, and Miller's algorithm for quick calculation is shown. Next, the bipartite Diffie-Helman key exchange is discussed over finite fields and elliptic curves. Finally …

Too Many Hogs? A Review Of Methods To Mitigate Impact By Wild Boar And Feral Hogs, Giovanna Massei, Sugoto Roy, Richard Bunting

Human–Wildlife Interactions

Feral hogs (Sus scrofa) are among the most widely-distributed mammals in the world and have the highest reproductive output compared with other ungulates. Worldwide, feral hogs are increasing in range and numbers. Human–feral hog conflicts include impact on abundance and richness of plant and animal species, crop damage, predation on livestock, vehicle collisions, and disease transmission. We reviewed methods employed to mitigate the impact of feral hogs on human activities and discussed these methods in terms of effectiveness, feasibility, costs, and social acceptance. Traditional methods of control include trapping, angering, shooting, poisoning, and Judas hogs. Nonlethal methods of …

ทิศทางการบริหารจัดการป้องกันและแก้ไขปัญหาการกัดเซาะชายฝั่งทะเลของประเทศไทย, วรศักดิ์ พ่วงเจริญ, นวรัตน์ ไกรพานนท์

Thai Environment

No abstract provided.

บทของ ราไวท์ "Phanerochatete Chrysosporium" กับการย่อยสลายสารพิษ

Thai Environment

No abstract provided.

พฤกษศาสตร์พื้นบ้านกับการอนุรักษ์พืชพื้นเมือง หมู่บ้านปางช้าง ตำบลพง อำเภอสันติสุข จังหวัดน่าน, อัญชลี น่วมมี, ต่อศักดิ์ สีลานันท์, กนกวรรณ เสรีภาพ

Thai Environment

No abstract provided.

Improvements To Vertical Axis Wind Turbine Blades To Aid In Self-Starting, Joseph P. Tillman

Masters Theses

No abstract provided.

Near Minimum Energy Distributions On The Sphere Using Voronoi Cells, Benedictus Sitou Mensah

Masters Theses

In this thesis we investigate the use of Voronoi cells to estimate a minimum energy configuration on the sphere. We introduce the notion of a Voronoi cell and give examples of its uses in various areas of mathematics. We consider the icosahedral decomposition of the sphere and apply a minimal energy configuration on the planar equilateral triangle to obtain spherical coordinates of a near minimal energy configuration on the sphere.

Structural And Photochemical Behavior Of Phenyl And Dihydrophenyl Sulfonamidecinnamic Acids, Sergey Zinovchik

Masters Theses

Controlling chemical processes and directing product formation has been a long sought-after goal of synthetic chemists. Most synthesis techniques focus on reactions performed in solution. Such traditional approaches have several disadvantages including unwanted side products, disrupting chemical processes and low reaction yields. A proposed approach to circumvent these drawbacks focuses on performing reactions in the solid state. This method promises better control and higher reaction yields due to the controlled environment of the reaction components. Because molecules in the solid state are effectively fixed, reactions can be performed with a high degree of selectivity, reducing side products and eliminating unwanted …

Imsa 2011 Profile, Office Of College And Academic Counseling

IMSA Profile

Independent Study - is a student-selected learning experience that provides the opportunity to personalize learning beyond the IMSA course offerings. An Independent Study may be conducted by a senior (or junior with Princi- pal's permission) under the direction of an IMSA faculty member for one or two semesters.

F. A. Hayek’S Sympathetic Agents, Sandra J. Peart, David M. Levy

Jepson School of Leadership Studies articles, book chapters and other publications

In what follows, we show first that, for Hayek, behavior within the small group – the “small band or troop,” or “micro-cosmos” – is correlated, resulting from agents who are sympathetic one with another. We shall argue that sympathy in this context for Hayek entails the projection of one’s preferences onto the preferences of others. With such correlated agency as the default in small-group situations, Hayek attempts to explain the transition from small groups to a larger civilization. We consider the role of projection in Hayek’s system at length, because projection from the local group characterized by a well-defined preference …

Group Dynamics, Donelson R. Forsyth

Jepson School of Leadership Studies articles, book chapters and other publications

Engagement-elevating activities used in a course such as group dynamics fall into two broad categories: topic-focused short-term activities and problem-focused, longer-term projects. Topic-focused activities are, in most cases, deliberate applications of a concept or process in a group-based experience and are typically tied to the content of the course in a direct way. For example, when students study group decision-making they may meet in small groups to make a series of decisions. Afterwards, they examine their group’s decisions, and gauge for themselves the extent to which their group reacted as theory and research would suggest. Problem-focused projects, in contrast, ask …

Method Developments To Analyze Caffeine And Acesulfame-K Concentrations In Natural Waters In And Around Charleston, Il, Usa, Laleen Bodhipaksha

Masters Theses

Analytical methods using batch solid phase extraction were developed for two chemical markers, caffeine and acesulfame-K, to assess anthropogenic water contamination of natural water bodies in and around Charleston, Illinois.

Measurements were conducted on 12 different extracted samples using reverse phase HPLC. Two creek samples showed the presence of acesulfame-K (0.45 ± 0.10 and 0.25 ± 0.06 ppb) and two creek samples showed the presence of caffeine (3 .1 ± 1.2 and 1.6 ± 0.6 ppb ). Effluent from the Charleston waste water treatment plant showed an acesulfame-K concentration of 0.67 ± 0.15 ppb.

These results indicate measurement of both …

A Dynamic System Model Of Biogeography-Based Optimization, Daniel J. Simon

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Publications

We derive a dynamic system model for biogeography-based optimization (BBO) that is asymptotically exact as the population size approaches infinity. The states of the dynamic system are equal to the proportion of each individual in the population; therefore, the dimension of the dynamic system is equal to the search space cardinality of the optimization problem. The dynamic system model allows us to derive the proportion of each individual in the population for a given optimization problem using theory rather than simulation. The results of the dynamic system model are more precise than simulation, especially for individuals that are very unlikely …

Synthesis Of Molecular Containers Based On Modifications Of Resorcin(4)Arene And Calix(4)Arene, Anupama Makineni

Masters Theses

This research work was mainly focused on the synthesis of molecular containers based on modifications ofresorcin[4]arene and calix[4]arene.

The modifications of resorcin[ 4 ]arene include the attempts to attach a phthalimide featured linker onto the phenol hydroxyl groups of resorcin[4]arene. A few halogen leaving groups were used, including fluorine, chlorine, and bromine. The substitution with tetraflorophthalimide resulted in a mixture of regio-isomeric products, whereas for 4,5-dichloro- and 4,5-dibromophthalimides, no desired substitution product was formed. It was, however, discovered that both 4,5-dichloro- and 4,5-dibromophthalimides forms monoclinic crystals. The second modification of resorcin[4]arene focused on functionalizations of both upper and lower rims …

A Between Subjects Analysis Of The Additive Interspersal Technique For Multiplication Assignments, Lindsay A. Nash

Masters Theses

Adding easy problems to an assignment with more difficult target problems, known as additive interspersal, has demonstrated the potential to enhance students' perceptions of assignments and also seem to be preferred over non-interspersal assignments. The purpose of this study is to examine the additive interspersal method accomplished by using assignment types (3 x 2 multiplication) that are relevant to the participants (fifth grade students) as well as using a between-subjects design. Specifically, this study examined student's ratings of difficulty, time to complete, and effort required to complete mathematics assignments. In addition, the effects of the different pairs of math assignments …

The Foreign Affairs' Power Of The European Union: All Hat And No Cattle, Lloyd Bonfield

Articles & Chapters

No abstract provided.

The Influence Of Taking High School Physics As [A] Junior On Act Science Scores, Bartholomew T. Frey

Masters Theses

In recent years, policymakers, parents, and business leaders have expressed concern about the lack of student success on standardized tests in science. While the consensus is that the problem needs to be addressed, there is little agreement about how to achieve the increased test scores. This study examines the role of the specific science sequencing of biology, chemistry and physics completed by the junior year and increased ACT science test scores. This study compared the achievement of students who took physics as a junior with students who took physics as a senior on the ACT science test. This study continued …

Using Alternating Treatment Design To Determine Math Interventions For Linear Equations, Bridget Mckenna

Masters Theses

Although algebraic skills are vital to continuing success in higher order mathematics, few studies have examined the effectiveness of mathematics interventions with high school students. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of four mathematics interventions, contingent reinforcement, repeated practice, mathematic problem previewing, and immediate corrective feedback, with six students working on linear equations. Three participants were performing instructional level and four at frustration level. After a curriculum based assessment and baseline, an alternating treatment design examined the effectiveness of each intervention across participants. The distance between the data and the x axis was analyzed to determine …

Comparing The Emotional Intelligence, Personal Traits, And Work Impacts Of Performing Versus High-Performing Middle Managers, Teresa Lara

Theses and Dissertations

The study of emotional intelligence (EI) has grown in popularity over recent decades. Some authors have argued that EI results in heightened personal and professional success. Middle managers, in particular, are believed to require EI, as they are tasked with linking and coordinating the strategic and operational levels of the organization. Having EI is believed to help middle managers develop relationships; influence others and garner their support; create harmony among stakeholders; and communicate, collaborate with, and lead others. All of these activities require understanding and managing others, their needs, and their emotions--in short, all of these activities require EI. However, …

A Study Of Reading First Implementation And Literacy Performance Of Students In Kindergarten Through Fifth Grade In Lancaster School District, Michele Marie Bowers

Theses and Dissertations

This study examined elementary student literacy performance in Lancaster School District in kindergarten through 5th grades for 6 elementary schools implementing the Reading First program and 6 elementary schools not implementing Reading First. Subgroup data for English Language Learners, Hispanic, and African American students was closely examined and compared with the literacy performance data of white students to determine whether implementation of the Reading First program has narrowed the achievement gap. The study also explored the relationship, if any, between the level of Reading First program implementation (RFII) and literacy achievement of students as measured by the English Language Arts …

Student-Led Conferences: Perceptions Held By Parents Of Children Attending A Christian Elementary School, Angele’ Foster-King

Theses and Dissertations

This concurrent multiple methods study was to inform the work at Ontario Christian School (OCS) related to student-led conferences in grades K-3rd during the 2009-2010 school year. OCS elementary parent perceptions were explored regarding the benefits, if any, of student-led conferences in addition to how, if at all, student-led conferences have influenced parent awareness of K-3rd student academic performance, communication between parents and students in regards to school, parental expectations and parenting style, as well as their influence on student motivation and accountability. Participating parents completed a quantitative survey and a qualitative questionnaire. Five main findings resulted. First, the parents …

Childhood Physical Abuse And Adulthood Mortality In Treatment-Seeking Male Veterans With Combat-Related Ptsd, Anna F. Leshner

Theses and Dissertations

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has been associated with increased overall risk for mortality as well as deaths death due to behavioral causes in combat veterans. In addition, adverse childhood experiences, including childhood physical abuse, have been associated with many of the leading causes of death in adults. The present study investigated childhood physical punishment experiences in 1,866 U.S. military male combat veterans who had been in residential PTSD treatment in order to explore whether such experiences were related to increased risk for mortality or cause of death in this population. It was hypothesized that more physical punishment would be related …

Cultivating 21st Century Competencies In A Virtual Worlds Learning Environment, Terry K. Smith

Theses and Dissertations

Education reforms in recent years have pressured schools to show achievement results through testing and conformity to standards. Problems of low student engagement in the current test-heavy environment have been a serious barrier to learning in schools across the United States, especially in low socioeconomic areas. After years of unsuccessful testing programs, educators and researchers are calling for approaches that enhance student engagement and foster the 21st century competencies that students need to succeed. Researchers have found that engagement, 21st century competencies, and learning can be enhanced using virtual worlds approaches (Arici, 2008; Barab, Dodge, & Ingram-Goble, 2006; Dede, Nelson, …

A Study To Determine Differences In The Level Of Perceived Preparedness In Teaching Algebra To Eighth Graders Between Teachers In The United States And Teachers In Lebanon, Seta Khajarian

Theses and Dissertations

Algebra is a branch in mathematics and taking Algebra in middle school is often a gateway to advanced courses in high school. The problem is that the United States and Lebanon had low scores in Algebra in the 2007 Trends in Mathematics and Sciences Study (TIMSS), an international assessment administered to 4th and 8th graders every 4 years. On the 2007 TIMSS, Lebanon's average score in Algebra was 465, a lower score than the United States' average of 501. This paper attempted to determine if there were differences in the level of perceived preparedness between teachers in Lebanon and teachers …