Evaluation of Target Date Funds

Target date funds are an emerging class of investment products, designed for retirement savings. The project considered methodologies for ranking such funds

Nonlinear surface impurity in a semi-infinite 2D square lattice

We examine the formation of localized states on a generalized nonlinear impurity located at, or near the surface of a semi-infinite 2D square lattice. Using the formalism of lattice Green functions, we obtain in closed form the number of bound states as well as their energies and probability profiles, for different nonlinearity parameter values and nonlinearity exponents, at different distances from the surface. We specialize to two cases: impurity close to an "edge" and impurity close to a "corner". We find that, unlike the case of a 1D semi-infinite lattice, in 2D, the presence of the surface helps the formation of a localized state.Comment: 6 pages, 7 figures, submitted to PR

A high-performance data structure for mobile information systems

Mobile information systems can now be provided on small form-factor computers. Dictionary-based data compression extends the capabilities of systems with limited processing and memory to enable data intensive applications to be supported in such environments. The nature of judicial sentencing decisions requires that a support system provides accurate and up-to-date data and is compatible with the professional working experience of a judge. The difficulties caused by mobility and the data dependence of the decision-making process are addressed by an Internet-based architecture for collecting and distributing system data.We describe an approach to dictionary-based data compression and the structure of an information system that makes use of this technology

A new interpretation for the Ds2∗(2573)D^*_{s2}(2573) and the prediction of novel exotic charmed mesons

In this manuscript we study the vector - vector interaction within the hidden gauge formalism in a coupled channel unitary approach. In the sector $C=1,S=1,J=2$ we get a pole in the T-matrix around $2572$ MeV that we identify with the $D^*_{s2}(2573)$, coupling strongly to the $D^*K^*$($D^*_s\phi$($\omega$)) channels. In addition we obtain resonances in other exotic sectors which have not been studied before such as $C=1,S=-1$, $C=2,S=0$ and $C=2,S=1$. This 'flavor-exotic' states are interpreted as $D^*\bar{K^*}$, $D^*D^*$ and $D^*_sD^*$ molecular states but have not been observed yet. In total we obtain nine states with different spin, isospin, charm and strangeness of non $C=0,S=0$ and $C=1,S=0$ character, which have been reported before

Tailored gamification and serious game framework based on fuzzy logic for saving energy in connected thermostats

Connected thermostats (CTs) often save less energy than predicted because consumers may not know how to use them and may not be engaged in saving energy. Additionally, several models perform contrary to consumers’ expectations and are thus not used the way they are intended to. As a result, CTs save less energy and are underused in households. This paper reviews aspects of gamification and serious games focused on engaging consumers. A gamification and serious games framework is proposed for saving energy that is tailored by a fuzzy logic system to motivate connected thermostat consumers. This intelligent gamification framework can be used to customize the gamification and serious game strategy to each consumer so that fuzzy logic systems can be adapted according to the requirements of each consumer. The framework is designed to teach, engage, and motivate consumers while helping them save electrical energy when using their thermostats. It is described the proposed framework as well as a mockup that can be run on a cellphone. Although this framework is designed to be implemented in CTs, it can be translated to their energy devices in smart homes

Advancing Assessments of Climate Change Vulnerability of West Virginia Watersheds

As climate change is becoming increasingly recognized as a threat to aquatic ecosystems, climate adaptation planning, in both the long- and short-term, is becoming more common in natural resource management. There is a need within conservation agencies to develop methodologies and assessments that support adaptation planning to efficiently disperse conservation dollars and effectively strengthen ecological and community resilience as climate changes continue. My thesis aims to provide West Virginia natural resources managers with climate vulnerability assessments that can be used to determine where and how conservation efforts should be administered. Additionally, I demonstrate a methodology that can be built upon and used by managers in additional regions. In chapter 1, I provide background information on climate change, climate change effects on freshwater systems, and specifics of climate change and anthropogenic disturbances in West Virginia. I also provide information relevant to human dimensions, such as resilience and equity, resulting from conservation management. Lastly, I state the conclusions and resulting goals for my thesis research. In chapter 2, I look to understand climate change vulnerability within West Virginia and Central Appalachia at the watershed scale. I evaluate species, assemblage, and habitat vulnerabilities to derive a watershed scale vulnerability for West Virginia’s 32 HUC 8 watersheds. I found that the Lower Kanawha, Upper Kanawha, the Middle Ohio South were the watersheds most vulnerable to climate change. In contrast, the Upper Ohio South and the James watersheds were among the least vulnerable to climate change. These results indicate that essential conservation areas for climate change exist within the Lower Kanawha, Upper Kanawha, and Middle Ohio South watersheds and, in general, the western region of the state. Additionally, this chapter provides a framework for managers to utilize and elucidate the capacity of watersheds to endure climate change using species and habitat vulnerabilities. In chapter 3, I establish an index of socioecological vulnerability across West Virginia. Using the watershed vulnerabilities established in chapter 2 and the Center for Disease Control Social Vulnerability Index, I highlight patterns of high ecological and social vulnerability using a Hot Spot Analysis and establish areas of conservation priority that align with principles of environmental justice. I found that areas of high socioecological vulnerability exist primarily within the Upper Kanawha, Lower Kanawha, and Little Kanawha watersheds. This spatial relationship of vulnerable communities to vulnerable environments is intended to assist officials in planning social programs and subsidies and indicate priority conservation areas