Multi-Objective Routing Optimization for Multiple Level Priority and Preemption in Multi-Tiered Networks

This thesis explores techniques for improving the Quality of Service (QoS) driven routing of IP traffic in a Network Centric Military Communications System within an HC3 (High Capacity Communications Capability) tiered topology. In this specialized network various routing algorithms, including traditional, QoS-constrained search-based, and heuristic approaches, were evaluated. An automatic system for the probabilistic generation of appropriate networks and traffic was created for Monte Carlo simulation of the systems and testing of the various routing algorithms. A new algorithm we propose, based upon a hiercharical decomposition of routes about the minimum distance routes, is described and tested. These results provide both insight into this problem and demonstrate the possibility of highly optimized solutions without exhaustive search

Evolution of solutions to real-time problems

This thesis develops the theory and tools necessary for the determination of a near optimal Real-Time Operating System (RTOS) scheduling policy for an arbitrary multitasking problem specification. The solution is determined using a Genetic Algorithm (GA). All real-time operating systems provide some means of \u27tuning\u27 the characteristics of the scheduling policy to accurately meet the application requirements. This thesis shows the applicability of using a GA to determine these parameters for an arbitrary application. In addition, the RTOS parameters considered are broad enough to allow the results to be used for specifying and/or choosing an RTOS for the actual implementation of a real-time system. The domain of real-time applications which is of particular interest is that of embedded systems. In the embedded systems domain, real-time multitasking problems are specified by a series of timing constraints, time deadlines and practical available resources. These constraints guide the analysis of the results. A PC-based RTOS/GA tool set is the end result of this thesis and can be used for the analysis of arbitrary real-time applications

View space linking, solid node compression and binary space partitioning for visibility determination in 3D walk-throughs

Today\u27s 3D games consumers are expecting more and more quality in their games. To enable high quality graphics at interactive rates, games programmers employ a technique known as hidden surface removal (HSR) or polygon culling. HSR is not just applicable to games; it may also be applied to any application that requires quality and interactive rates, including medical, military and building applications. One such commonly used technique for HSR is the binary space partition (BSP) tree, which is used for 3D ‘walk-throughs’, otherwise known as 3D static environments or first person shooters. Recent developments in 3D accelerated hardware technology do not mean that HSR is becoming redundant; in fact, HSR is increasingly becoming more important to the graphics pipeline. The well established potentially visible sets (PSV) BSP tree algorithm is used as a platform for exploring three enhanced algorithms; View Space Lighting, Solid Node Compression and hardware accelerated occlusion are shown to reducing the amounts of nodes that are traversed in a BSP tree, improving tree travel efficiency. These algorithms are proven (in cases) to improve overall efficiency

English spelling and the computer

The first half of the book is about spelling, the second about computers. Chapter Two describes how English spelling came to be in the state that it’s in today. In Chapter Three I summarize the debate between those who propose radical change to the system and those who favour keeping it as it is, and I show how computerized correction can be seen as providing at least some of the benefits that have been claimed for spelling reform. Too much of the literature on computerized spellcheckers describes tests based on collections of artificially created errors; Chapter Four looks at the sorts of misspellings that people actually make, to see more clearly the problems that a spellchecker has to face. Chapter Five looks more closely at the errors that people make when they don’t know how to spell a word, and Chapter Six at the errors that people make when they know perfectly well how to spell a word but for some reason write or type something else. Chapter Seven begins the second part of the book with a description of the methods that have been devised over the last thirty years for getting computers to detect and correct spelling errors. Its conclusion is that spellcheckers have some way to go before they can do the job we would like them to do. Chapters Eight to Ten describe a spellchecker that I have designed which attempts to address some of the remaining problems, especially those presented by badly spelt text. In 1982, when I began this research, there were no spellcheckers that would do anything useful with a sentence such as, ‘You shud try to rember all ways to youz a lifejacket when yotting.’ That my spellchecker corrects this perfectly (which it does) is less impressive now, I have to admit, than it would have been then, simply because there are now a few spellcheckers on the market which do make a reasonable attempt at errors of that kind. My spellchecker does, however, handle some classes of errors that other spellcheckers do not perform well on, and Chapter Eleven concludes the book with the results of some comparative tests, a few reflections on my spellchecker’s shortcomings and some speculations on possible developments

Exploring barriers and enablers to ARV treatment adherence for men who have sex with men

Thesis (M.A.(Community-Based Counselling Psychology))--University of the Witwatersrand, Faculty of Humanities, 2013.The amount of research that examines adherence to antiretroviral treatment is now immeasurable. However, research on understanding the subjective experiences of men who have sex with men (MSM) and living with HIV while taking antiretroviral therapy remains limited. This research uses a qualitative methodology, using semi-structured interviews, carried out on nine participants who frequently use a Johannesburg support group aimed at MSM living with HIV. The time period of these men living with HIV and taking antiretroviral therapy varied from a number of months to many years. The interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed. In terms of analysis, thematic content analysis was used identified the enablers and barriers to treatment adherence. These were broken into biopsychosocial factors with the main outcomes of this research suggesting that adherence is complex and influences are far beyond just biological. The majority of the elements raised by the participants indicate the significance of psychological and social factors. This makes the development of adherence interventions aimed at MSMs more detailed than simply following medical provider directions. There appeared to be consensus that although some participants of this research would prefer to not take antiretroviral therapy because of the side-effects, the alternative for them was something that they wanted to consider, such as illness and death. The belief that the medication is keeping them healthy, improving quality of life and allowing them to focus on day-to-day living seemed to dominate over the psychological effects of the condition or the medication in terms of adherence. Because of the way that HIV is perceived within society, the threat of discrimination is real and for many of the participants shape the way they see themselves, the world and this in turn guides their thinking when it comes to issues, especially with disclosure. Above all, this research explores the antiretroviral adherence factors specifically associated to MSM

Exploring post-harvest losses and waste in tomato supply chains: Insights from Kaduna State, Nigeria

In recent years, academics from various disciplines, such as local and international organisations, have shown an increasing interest in food waste. Concerns over food security and environmental implications have heightened interest in the subject. While food waste happens at every stage of the food supply chain, researchers are yet to identify the primary generators of food waste as the evidence about the causes of food waste remains fragmentary. Reducing food losses and waste is one of the best ways to improve food security in the coming decades. This study aimed to investigate tomato waste along the supply chain in Kaduna state, Nigeria, using the mixed method approach for data collection. The mixed method approach allowed for a more comprehensive analysis of the complex factors contributing to tomato waste, providing valuable insights into the challenges faced by the tomato industry in the region. The research focuses on waste in the tomato supply chain using the "follow the thing" approach developed by Ian Cook. The aim was to identify the waste that occurs at different supply chain stages. The study involved a survey of 64 farmers, 27 intermediaries, 47 traders and 38 consumers, and interviews with key stakeholders in the tomato industry. The data collection was analysed using both qualitative and quantitative methods. The results showed that the highest amount of tomato waste was generated by farmers, followed by intermediaries and traders. The waste is generated primarily due to overripe tomatoes, damaged tomatoes, and inadequate storage facilities. The study also identified several possible waste reduction techniques to improve the sustainability of the tomato supply chain in Kaduna State. The study highlights the need for effective waste management strategies and improvements in infrastructure and training for farmers to improve the sustainability and economic viability of the industry. The results of this research will be helpful for policymakers, agricultural practitioners, and other stakeholders in the agricultural sector to improve the efficiency and sustainability of the tomato supply chain in Nigeria

Exploring post-harvest losses and waste in tomato supply chains: Insights from Kaduna State, Nigeria

In recent years, academics from various disciplines, such as local and international organisations, have shown an increasing interest in food waste. Concerns over food security and environmental implications have heightened interest in the subject. While food waste happens at every stage of the food supply chain, researchers are yet to identify the primary generators of food waste as the evidence about the causes of food waste remains fragmentary. Reducing food losses and waste is one of the best ways to improve food security in the coming decades. This study aimed to investigate tomato waste along the supply chain in Kaduna state, Nigeria, using the mixed method approach for data collection. The mixed method approach allowed for a more comprehensive analysis of the complex factors contributing to tomato waste, providing valuable insights into the challenges faced by the tomato industry in the region. The research focuses on waste in the tomato supply chain using the "follow the thing" approach developed by Ian Cook. The aim was to identify the waste that occurs at different supply chain stages. The study involved a survey of 64 farmers, 27 intermediaries, 47 traders and 38 consumers, and interviews with key stakeholders in the tomato industry. The data collection was analysed using both qualitative and quantitative methods. The results showed that the highest amount of tomato waste was generated by farmers, followed by intermediaries and traders. The waste is generated primarily due to overripe tomatoes, damaged tomatoes, and inadequate storage facilities. The study also identified several possible waste reduction techniques to improve the sustainability of the tomato supply chain in Kaduna State. The study highlights the need for effective waste management strategies and improvements in infrastructure and training for farmers to improve the sustainability and economic viability of the industry. The results of this research will be helpful for policymakers, agricultural practitioners, and other stakeholders in the agricultural sector to improve the efficiency and sustainability of the tomato supply chain in Nigeria

Pollution theory and Harijan strategies among South Indian Tamils.

This thesis considers the concepts of purity and pollution in a Tamil village context from a cosmological or religious viewpoint. Thus it contrasts with the Dumontian understanding which I argue is dominated by a 'secular' point of view. This approach enables us to clarify the ideological situation of the village Harijans (ex-Untouchables) and to properly analyze their practices. This ultimately contributes to the still inadequate studies of Harijans. The reconsideration of pollution from a cosmological viewpoint, which leads us to focus on pollution associated with life crises and the cults of local deities, elucidates the essential (deep) dimension of pollution which I term "pollution". That is, "pollution" indicates the creative dimension of pollution which contains the logic of sacrifice. In this sense, "pollution" should be clearly distinguished from the shallow dimension of pollution, defined as "impurity", which has an unambiguously negative connotation as the opposite of "purity". Through a comparison of the practices of the dominant castes in the village (the Pillais and the Kallars) and those of the Harijans (the Paraiyars), in terms of funeral ceremonies, cults of lineage deities and the activities of the local Milk Cooperative Society, it is revealed that the dominant castes and the dominated Paraiyars primarily share a basic Tamil culture which holds "pollution" ideology as its fundamental value, even though the dominant castes manipulate the ideology of "purity-impurity" for their social domination. It is also argued that the practices of the Paraiyars can not be understood by a static and simplistic viewpoint, like that of consensus and disjunction theories, but that they should be interpreted as complex procedures which are strategies for seeking self-development. The findings of this thesis, therefore, are that between the dominant castes and the Harijans there is both cultural consensus based on "pollution" ideology and disjunction in terms of their interpretative and strategic manoeuvres