Generation of Multi-Scroll Attractors Without Equilibria Via Piecewise Linear Systems

In this paper we present a new class of dynamical system without equilibria which possesses a multi scroll attractor. It is a piecewise-linear (PWL) system which is simple, stable, displays chaotic behavior and serves as a model for analogous non-linear systems. We test for chaos using the 0-1 Test for Chaos of Ref.12.Comment: Corresponding Author: Eric Campos-Cant\'o

A dynamical metric and its ground state from the breaking down of the topological invariance of the Euler characteristic

Quantum state wave functionals are constructed in exact form for the graviton-like field theory obtained by breaking down the topological symmetry of the string action related with the Euler characteristic of the world-surface; their continuous and discrete symmetries are discussed. The comparison with the so-called Chern-Simons state, which may be inappropriate as quantum state, allows us to conclude that the found wave functionals will give a plausible approximation to the ground state for the considered field theory

Developmental mechanisms influencing decision-making

The main aim of this thesis was to investigate decision making from a broad developmental perspective to clarify the role of the underlying mechanisms influencing it. Problem solving and cognitive inhibitory capacity were chartered initially through the use of hypothetical vignettes depicting socially relevant situations and through the use of the Stroop task, to tap into automatic inhibitory capacity. Initial assumptions that prefrontal cortical refinement would denote enhanced social problem ability were not confirmed. Experience emerged as distinct factor in problem solving/decision-making, with the youngest participants equally as effective in producing solutions to situations that they had the most experience in. A shift in development is observed with maturation denoting greater experience and this being applied directly to problem solving and decision-making situations. Education was identified as a possible contributory factor in decision-making and this was explored in a cross-cultural study that tapped into a non-schooled population. The results reinforced the centrality of experience in shaping decision-making. Decision-making in regards to the use of experience was then looked at through real life decision-making situations, where adolescents were asked to provide their knowledge or experience of situations where risk was involved. Adolescents possessed the necessary knowledge to distinguish between optimal and sub-optimal decisions in terms of the consequences that risk behaviours carried with them. However, many still chose to engage in risky behaviours. This paradox could also be explained by actual experience, with the suggestion that positive experience in a peer group was serving as a pool from which adolescents drew to make future decision-making. If risk behaviours were not experienced adversely, the likelihood of their repetition was high. Taken together the findings suggest that adolescents are well equipped with the cognitive skills to make decisions. Compared to younger children, they have more experience of a greater range of situations from which to extrapolate responses from. They also have a great deal of knowledge and information about the negative consequences associated with a range of challenging situations and risk-taking behaviours. However, when faced with decisions in the social domain, the behaviour of friends and perceptions of what other people are doing are powerful influences on adolescent decisions

Local Food Impacts on Health and Nutrition

Prevalence of local foods is believed to answer several food issues one of which is health and nutrition. This study focused on the on the availability of local foods to consumers and see its relationship with two specific diet-related diseases namely, obesity and diabetes. Other variables were included in the analysis to provide additional evidence to previous findings. Factors considered are divided into 5 groups namely diet-, local food-, environment-, education- and gender-related factors. Diet- and environment-related variables provide the most perceptive findings while local food variables provided significant however weak evidence of positive impacts to health and nutrition.local foods, diabetes, obesity, food environment, farmers' market, Agricultural and Food Policy, Consumer/Household Economics, Food Consumption/Nutrition/Food Safety, Health Economics and Policy, I15, I31,

Analysis and Optimisation of Building Efficiencies through Data Analytics and Machine Learning

Productivity of workers is greatly affected by their comfort in the workplace. Research has shown that thermal comfort is one of the most influential parameters on worker productivity, and that the running costs of a Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system could be up to ten times lower compared to productivity losses that would be incurred in a free-runing building. With the increased availability of Internet of Things (IoT) devices, it is now possible to continuously monitor multiple variables that influence a user’s thermal comfort and to act pre-emptively to prevent discomfort situations. Smart buildings make use of technology that enable them to become more efficient, reduce costs and emissions and become more transparent in terms of operation. To this end, this work has the following aims; develop a machine learning model to predict setpoint temperatures in an HVAC system; use exploratory data analysis techniques to evaluate the current operation and energy performance of an HVAC system in an office block; and finally, identify and compare patterns and trends between BMS parameters and thermal comfort standards