Does gender matter in online learning?

It is generally noted that computing is gendered, with women opting out of IT. Will the impact of online learning change this? Some researchers claim that women are disadvantaged in online courses. Others argue that we need a ‘women‐friendly cyber‐classroom’. Yet our experience is that the women achieve better results than the men; it is loner males that are disadvantaged by distance learning. We argue that online courses need to be people‐friendly so that no learners are disadvantaged

The Search for GTO: Determining Optimal Poker Strategy Using Linear Programming

This project applies techniques from game theory and linear programming to find the optimal strategies of two variants of poker. A set of optimal poker strategies describe a Nash equilibrium, where no player can improve their outcome by changing their own strategy, given the strategies of their opponent(s). We first consider Kuhn Poker as a simple application of our methodology. We then turn our attention to 2-7 Draw Poker, a modern variant onto which little previous research is focused. However, the techniques that we use are incapable of solving large, full-scale variants of poker such as 2-7 Draw. Therefore, we utilize several abstractions techniques to render a computationally-feasible LP that retains the underlying spirit of the game. We use the Gambit software package to build and solve LPs whose solutions are the optimal strategies for each game

Forecasting share prices using Box-Jenkins methodology : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Statistics at Massey University

Share Market efficiency has been extensively tested in financial and economics literature since the 1960's. Most of this research supports the weak and semi-strong efficient market hypothesis. However Umstead (1975) and (1977) found that aggregate quarterly share prices are inefficient enough so that application of Box-Jenkins Time Series techniques to publicly available information could have permitted an investor to earn an excess or ''above average" portfolio return. This study undertakes a similar statistical investigation of aggregate quarterly share prices in a New Zealand setting (using the Reserve Bank of New Zealand Index). The period covered by the study is March 1961 to December 1986 i.e. a total of 104 Quarterly observations. Initially, a univariate ARIMA model is built. Model parameters are estimated using only the first 76 observations (Mar 1961 - Dec 1979), and tested using the most recent 28 observations (Mar 1980 - Dec 1986). The model is evaluated (a) by computing a predicted R2, over the test period, (b) by observing the "hit rate" for correct and incorrect trading decisions, and (c) by constructing suitable trading rule tests i.e. simulating the results of three alternative portfolio strategies which could have been followed in the test period. The model is found to be successful at forecasting share price changes one quarter ahead, when compared with a naive forecast. The following conclusions are reached: (i) The sequence of aggregate quarterly share prices is not best described as a Random Walk but rather as a seasonal moving average ARIMA process. (ii) The sharemarket is efficient to the degree that significant trading benefits could not have been made over the test period utilising only publicly available information of previous prices (in the presence of 5 % round trip transaction costs and taxation). These conclusions appear to support Fama's definition of a weak-form efficient market

How Can Medicare Lead Delivery System Reform?

Explores options and design issues for reforming the fee-for-service payment system to encourage better, more efficient health care through greater accountability for specific populations and totality of care. Proposes a Medicare demonstration program

Mapping olive varieties and within-field spatial variability using high resolution QuickBird imagery

[Abstract]: The growth of the Australian olive (Olea europaea L.) industry requires support from research to ensure its profitability and sustainability. To contribute to this goal, our project tested the ability of remote sensing imagery to map olive groves and their attributes. Specifically, this study aimed to: (a) discriminate olives varieties; and to (b) detect and interpret within-field spatial variability. Using high spatial resolution (2.8m) QuickBird multispectral imagery acquired over Yallamundi (southeast Queensland) on 24 December 2003, both visual interpretation and statistical (divergence) measures were employed to discriminate olive varieties. Similarly, the detection and interpretation of within-field spatial variability was conducted on enhanced false colour composite imagery, and confirmed by the use of statistical methods. Results showed that the two olive varieties (i.e. Kalamata and Frantoio) can be visually differentiated and mapped on the enhanced image based on texture. The spectral signature plots showed little difference in the mean spectral reflectance values, indicating that the two varieties have a very low spectral separability. In terms of within-field spatial variability, the presence or absence of Rhodes grass (Chloris gayana) was detected using visual interpretation, corroborated by the results of quantitative statistical measures. Spatial variability in soil properties, caused by the presence of a patch of sandy soil, was also detected visually. Finally, the “imprint” of former cover-type or land-use prior to olive plantation establishment in 1998 was identified. More work is being done to develop image classification techniques for mapping within-field spatial variability in olive varieties, biomass and condition using hyperspectral image data, as well as interpreting the cause of observed variability

Weaning Kimberley cattle pays off

Research results show that weaning Kimberley calves when they reach 140kg liveweight is one way of increasing herd productivity by changing management practices. However, removing the bulls from the breeding herd, rather than running them with the cows ywear round as is the practice, does not increase branding percentage