On the Equivalence of Quadratic APN Functions

Establishing the CCZ-equivalence of a pair of APN functions is generally quite difficult. In some cases, when seeking to show that a putative new infinite family of APN functions is CCZ inequivalent to an already known family, we rely on computer calculation for small values of n. In this paper we present a method to prove the inequivalence of quadratic APN functions with the Gold functions. Our main result is that a quadratic function is CCZ-equivalent to an APN Gold function if and only if it is EA-equivalent to that Gold function. As an application of this result, we prove that a trinomial family of APN functions that exist on finite fields of order 2^n where n = 2 mod 4 are CCZ inequivalent to the Gold functions. The proof relies on some knowledge of the automorphism group of a code associated with such a function.Comment: 13 p

Economics and Mental Health

This paper is concerned with the economics of mental health. We argue that mental health economics is like health economics only more so: uncertainty and variation in treatments are greater; the assumption of patient self-interested behavior is more dubious; response to financial incentives such as insurance is exacerbated; the social consequences and external costs of illness are formidable. We elaborate on these statements and consider their implications throughout the chapter. Special characteristics' of mental illness and persons with mental illness are identified and related to observations on institutions paying for and providing mental health services. We show that adverse selection and moral hazard appear to hit mental health markets with special force. We discuss the emergence of new institutions within managed care that address long-standing problems in the sector. Finally, we trace the shifting role of government in this sector of the health economy.

Instrumented transducer for study of the bat echolocation process

Evolution has enabled the bat to echolocate with ease and efficiency, to the extent that the bats capabilities far exceed the most technologically advanced manmade systems. Such capabilities reinforce mans intrigue in the animal kingdom. In studying bats we aspire to quantify and understand their inherent skills in the hope of transferring them to engineering systems. In trying to further our understanding of the animal kingdom it is often the case that we try to replicate or mimic what the animal is doing. In terms of echolocation it is thought that a bat emits a signal and retains memory of an exact copy to be used in conjunction with the returning echo to reveal information about the target. To emulate the vocalisation and auditory system of a bat it is necessary to both accurately generate and detect sound waves

Cost-Offsets of New Medications for Treatment of Schizophrenia

Broad claims are frequently made that new medications will offset all or part of their costs by reducing other areas of Medicaid spending. In this paper we examine the net impact on spending for new drugs used to treat schizophrenia. We extend research in this area by taking a new approach to identification of spending impacts of new drugs. We specify and estimate models of spending on treatment of schizophrenia using 7 years of Florida Medicaid data. The estimates indicate that use of the new drugs result in net spending increases. This may be due to increased adherence to treatment.

Maturity Model Linkages Between Software Development Teams, Users and Quality

Information Systems literature has shown clear linkages between the selection of software development methodologies, the actions of software development teams, overall product quality, and user satisfaction. Rarely are these linkages emphasized, however, in current research on process improvement. This paper examines the convergence of these areas and discusses current research designed to further explore these linkages within the Capability Maturity Model (CMM) framework

Spatial Dichotomies: Research into the Development of 3D Representation

Abstract Matthew McGuire, for the Masters of Science degree in Professional Media & Media Management, presented on Friday, November 14th 2014, at Southern Illinois University Carbondale. Spatial Dichotomies: Research into the Development of 3D Representation Chair of Committee: Robert Spahr This research paper covers how 3D technology influences different industries over time. Key points within the research find that over time humans consistently gravitate toward increasing their ability to recreate depth, texture and image. Industry leaders in education, film, medical, television, and the Web will find literature and discussion of how to adjust their modes of production and manufacturing in the future. Each of these industries will be reviewed throughout the report. The data in the report identifies 3D technology in two sections: object and screen-based technology. Each chapter contains social and financial elements that assist and react to new technology in the market. Additionally, to help show the effects on the different industries there are trends and time lines to show how individual industries develop. In each industry, there are multiple ways that 3D technology can be effective and ineffective. The research goes over transitions in early media to compare to transitions in modern mediums of art and science. After covering a short history on the transformation that society has had with the image, the paper covers public demand for new virtual settings in education and entertainment. Image-based research indicates that users will on average continuously desire more depth and interactivity in content