Exploring Local Optima in Schematic Layout

In search-based graph drawing methods there are typically a number of parameters that control the search algorithm. These parameters do not affect the ?tness function, but nevertheless have an impact on the ?nal layout. One such search method is hill climbing, and, in the context of schematic layout, we explore how varying three parameters (grid spacing, the starting distance of allowed node movement and the number of iterations) affects the resultant diagram. Although we cannot characterize schematics completely and so cannot yet automatically assign parameters for diagrams, we observe that when parameters are set to values that increase the search space, they also tend to improve the ?nal layout. We come to the conclusion that hillclimbing methods for schematic layout are more prone to reaching local optima than had previously been expected and that a wider search, as described in this paper, can mitigate this, so resulting in a better layout

Improving Search-Based Schematic Layout by Parameter Manipulation

This paper reports on a method to improve the automated layout of schematic diagrams by widening the search space examined by the system. In search-based layout methods there are typically a number of parameters that control the search algorithm which do not affect the fitness function, but nevertheless have an impact on the final layout. We explore how varying three parameters (grid spacing, the starting distance of allowed node movement and the number of iterations) affects the resultant diagram in a hill- climbing layout system. Using an iterative process, we produce diagram layouts that are significantly better than those produced by ad-hoc parameter settings

Gesture-Based Input for Drawing Schematics on a Mobile Device

We present a system for drawing metro map style schematics using a gesture-based interface. This work brings together techniques in gesture recognition on touch-sensitive devices with research in schematic layout of networks. The software allows users to create and edit schematic networks, and provides an automated layout method for improving the appearance of the schematic. A case study using the metro map metaphor to visualize social networks and web site structure is described

The Effects of Students with Disabilities Implementing Postsecondary Transition Plans

The Effects of Students with Disabilities Implementing Postsecondary Transition Plans. Joseph D. Rodgers, 2018: Applied Dissertation, Nova Southeastern University, Abraham S. Fischler College of Education. Keywords: educational planning, learning disabilities, individualized transition plans, community-based instruction (disabilities). This applied dissertation was designed to examine whether or not students with disabilities (SWD) were prepared for the transition from high school to employment or to postsecondary education. Numerous reports had shown that SWD were being challenged with making the transition from postsecondary school to the next stage of their life, whether that is a full time job or attending college. To this end, the primary focus of this was to examine particular areas that were most beneficial for these students. If these areas were identified they could be used to better prepare SWD for their transition into the real world. The researcher conducted a case study with a mixed method approach. The participants consisted of 10 SWDs who were randomly selected and had graduated from high school in the School Years 2003 and 2014 with either regular diplomas or special education diplomas. These students completed a survey via mail followed by a telephone interview. The data gathered was analyzed and was used to address the research questions. An analysis of the data showed that overall the students had a positive experience in their education while in high school. They felt their teachers did an adequate job of preparing them for life after high school. However, the students felt that there were 2 areas that needed to be changed in the future. These areas were: (a) the need to be involved when they are planning for their future after high school, and (b) more real world experiences needed to be taught in class such as dealing with mock job interviews, filling out job applications and other post secondary items

Can County Commissions Emerge as Players in Western Natural Resources Policy Development?

Many county commissioners in the western United States preside over rural and/or public lands-dominated counties. Their formal role in the development of natural resources public policy is poorly defined, but rapidly evolving. As part-time elected officials, they state needs for training in both policy process skills and technically oriented subject matter. A survey investigation of their nonformal learning environment was conducted. They desire more consistent involvement in issues dialogue and higher-quality interactions with various policy influencers. Commissioners overwhelmingly prefer consultation with county government officials--with more regularity, confidence, and credibility than with any other agency, consultant, or institution

Crystalluria and Urolithiasis in a Relatively Stone-Free Population

The occurrence of renal stone in South African blacks is extremely rare. Whites however are prone to calculi to the same extent as that reported in other Western communities. The nature of the particulate material and crystalluria in urine samples from the two population groups were investigated using a Coulter Counter and scanning electron microscope. In addition, 10 calculi obtained from black patients over a 5 year period were analysed. The particle size distribution curves obtained for normal black and white males were identical. The curves for normal black and white females were also identical but different from those for males. Black male stone formers had larger particles than their controls while the single black female stone former investigated had particles of the same size as female controls, but in greater numbers. Scanning electron microscopy revealed profuse amounts of crystalline NaCl, KCl and other salts in the urinary sediments of blacks. These were not observed in the specimens from whites nor in the black stone formers\u27 urines. Analysis of the calculi identified chemical and ultrastructural features similar to those observed in stones from whites. The hypothesis that the lower incidence of stone disease in blacks may be due to a high Na/Ca ratio is supported by our findings. It is suggested that various salts play a role in lowering the stone forming potential of such urines by a competitive substitution mechanism in which lattice calcium is displaced by sodium. It is also suggested that when urinary stone formation does occur in blacks, it does so via the same physicochemical mechanisms as in any other race group

Sialyl Lewis\u3csup\u3eX\u3c/sup\u3e-Mediated, PSGL-1-Independent Rolling Adhesion on P-selectin

Selectin-mediated cell adhesion is an essential component of the inflammatory response. In an attempt to unambiguously identify molecular features of ligands that are necessary to support rolling adhesion on P-selectin, we have used a reconstituted (“cell-free”) system in which ligand-coated beads are perfused over soluble P-selectin surfaces. We find that beads coated with the saccharides sialyl LewisX (sLeX), sialyl Lewisa (sLea), and sulfated LewisX (HSO3LeX) support rolling adhesion on P-selectin surfaces. Although it has been suggested that glycosylation and sulfation of P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1 (PSGL-1) is required for high-affinity binding and rolling on P-selectin, our findings indicate that sulfation of N-terminal tyrosine residues is not required for binding or rolling. However, beads coated with a tyrosine-sulfated, sLeX-modified, PSGL-1-Fc chimera support slower rolling on P-selectin than beads coated with sLeX alone, suggesting that sulfation improves rolling adhesion by modulating binding to P-selectin. In addition, we find it is not necessary that P-selectin carbohydrate ligands be multivalent for robust rolling to occur. Our results demonstrate that beads coated with monovalent sLeX, exhibiting a more sparse distribution of carbohydrate than a similar amount of the multivalent form, are sufficient to yield rolling adhesion. The relative abilities of various ligands to support rolling on P-selectin are quantitatively examined among themselves and in comparison to human neutrophils. Using stop-time distributions, rolling dynamics at video frame rate resolution, and the average and variance of the rolling velocity, we find that P-selectin ligands display the following quantitative trend, in order of decreasing ability to support rolling adhesion on P-selectin: PSGL-1-Fc \u3e sLea ~ sLeX \u3e HSO3\u3eLeX