Modified Biogeography Based Optimization

Modified Biogeography Based Optimization Modified Biogeography Based Optimization and enhanced simulated annealing on Travelling Tournament problem. Abstract: This paper shows the implementation of Modified BBO and Extended BBO on Travelling Tournament Problem. We modified the migration step of BBO by using probabilistic measures into it. Conventional BBO is used to solve deterministic problems but when we are dealing with real world problems which are non deterministic Conventional BBO failed to achieve the desired/expected results. Modified BBO is able to handle non deterministic problems which occurs in TTP and considered it as noise. The physical significance of noise in our modified solution is any existing parameter which can affect the fitness of the habitat. We also implemented various models of Extended BBO (Linear and Non linear models) on TTP to achieve desirable results. In this paper we compare the performance of our modified BBO to conventional BBO on TTP problem and compare results with previous methodologies. Introduction BBO is Global optimization method which represents organism distribution in our biological system in terms of mathematical model .BBO is an evolutionary algorithm whose working principle is based upon migration mechanisms of species from one habitat to other depending upon the fitness of the habitat which are favorable to them .The habitat which have high HSI (high suitability index ) have high value of species count .Therefore habitat which have high value of HSI have high emigrating rate; it is ready to send its SIV to other habitat, while the habitat having low value of HSI have low value of species count and their immigrating rate is high ;that is it as ready to accept species towards itself .HSI of a habitat can be affected on the basis of SIV (suitability index variables) which are independent variables. The above diagram illustrates the basic mechanism and relation between immigration curve and emigration curve. Here I is maximum Immigration rate, E is maximum emigration rate, is equilibrium number of species, is emigration rate and is Immigration rate. Modified BBO for TTP: Firstly the question arises why there is need of Modification of BBO .We are dealing with biological issues which are dynamic in nature so we have to modified our solution which can take care all dynamic constraints of nature. Let we have two habitats and .These habitats have their fitness’s as and .Let noise involved in two habitats are and .Due to affect of noise the measured fitness is instead of .If we consider has more fitness than ,and let n1 has huge value than n2 and both high value than and .Therefore the overall fitness becomes: 1.1 1.2 Therefore HB1 accepts the SIV from HB2 as condition of BBO gets satisfied as immigrating habitat fitness is less than emigrating habitat. But population of HB1 is already high due to its high HSI because its fitness is more if don’t consider noise .this immigration should not be done .The BBO migration procedure will corrupted .That’s why we need to modify it. In order to calculate the uncertainties, we use the concept of noisy BBO[]. U= 1.4 E= +1.5 U = 1.6 Where U is the uncertainty of the state estimate, m is the estimated fitness, z is the measured fitness, is the variance of the process noise, and is the variance of the observation noise. The uncertainty and the estimated fitness are the values from the previous iteration step before the most recent fitness measurement is updated. The process noise is assumed to be zero, therefore the uncertainty U is only related and . U = 1.7 U = 1.8 Because 0, now +1 > 1. Therefore +1 .With each step in the Kalman algorithm, the uncertainty U will be reduced according to and . Small value of uncertainty leads to high accuracy of estimated fitness. If limit tends to infinity, than Kalman filter gives an estimate value of the fitness which is equal to the real value. Proposed Modified BBO algorithm: Select habitat with the Probability . If is selected For j=1 to n Select with the probability. If is selected Use rand (0, 1) to select SIV from the habitat and pass it through Modification phases. Choose the best feasible solution based on optimal selection from the output of three Modification Phases. Replace selected SIV with End of if End End of if The above Algorithm solves all the issues that is related with Deterministic Problems. We Map this approach to different variants of BBO that can be classified as its Models. Equations used : The above equation is generalization of Baye’s rule. Probability of a habitat with fitness after accepting a selected SIV greater than fitness given that. is simply equal to where P(switch) is given by : When x > y we obtain: if x The PDF of p is as follows The PDF of q is as follows. In the Modification step we talked about three ways by which we can increase the performance of BBO. These three ways can be described as: No-reevaluation phase: In this phase we have two Habitats as immigrating habitat and act as emigrating habitat. We consider two instances of as and Firstly is going to accept optimal SIV from and then accept another best suitable SIV from and after that their performance get measured on the probabilistic measures as: = Immigrating Habitat Re-evaluation: () Emigrating habitat Re-evaluation: () From the above phases we choose the best option for the immigration step. Secondly we Map this Modification approach to all the variants of Extended BBO and implement it on TTP problem. We Modified the Immigration step and apply this Modification to all the linear and non linear Models of BBO to check whether we are able to achieve the optimal results or not. We Test our algorithm to obtain various results which provide optimal solution for TTP problem. We also apply efficient simulated annealing in order to refine our solution obtained so far. We use this technique after we produced the Schedule, so that we can optimize our solution. Efficient Simulated Annealing is applied to schedule after these five moves: 1. Swap Homes(S, 2. Swap rounds(S, 3. Swap Teams(S, 4. Partial Swap Rounds(S, 5. Partial Swap Teams(S, After these Simulated algorithm is applied on the schedule which is obtained after implementation of above moves in order to obtain best feasible schedule. The cost objective function is used in order to calculate the best feasible schedules Results of implementation of our Modified algorithm for TTP Performance comparison of best feasible cost produced by linear and non linear-models

Human Genome Project :: essays research papers

Human Genome Project   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Scientists are taking medical technology to new heights as they race to map all of the genes in our body. There are about 100,000, in the 23 chromosomes of the human body. In doing this they hope that they can understand the basis of the genes and maybe even develop methods of treating certain genetic diseases, such as Alzheimer’s and Muscular Dystrophy. The scientists identify the DNA sequence of someone with the disease and then compare it to a person without the disease. By doing this they can recognize which gene is abnormal and causes the disease. This entire process is called the â€Å"Human Genome Project† and is being done in more than 200 laboratories, with more and more labs joining each year. Most of these labs are located in France and the United States. The project started in 1990 and was predicted to take 15 years and cost $3 billion. It costs the United States about $200 million per year. The $200 million per year has only covered abou t 60% of the annual need. This has created some funding problems for the project. On the brighter side the project has made huge steps in gene mapping and continues to improve every year.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Researchers have successfully located the gene and the DNA sequence that causes Huntington’s Disease. It is located on Chromosome 4. Scientists have created a genetic test, which can determine whether someone carries these genes or DNA pattern. Every child of someone with Huntington’s Disease has a 50% chance of inheriting the gene, which then inevitably leads to the disease. Because of the high amounts of money it costs for treatment of this disease insurance companies see this test as an opportunity to screen potential clients for the probability of such diseases. This would allow them to deny certain people insurance if they are at high risk. This puts the people being screen in a position where they might not be able to receive treatment for their illnesses because they won’t be able to get insurance. This is morally wrong and also violates the patients right to privacy. This information must be safeguarded from insurance companies so they will not be able to discriminate against someone with â€Å"bad genes†. These actions also bring up several ethical questions. â€Å"Does genetic testing constitute an invasion of privacy, and would it cause discrimination against those born with genetic deficiencies?

Synthesis of Guernica

During the Spanish Civil War, a small Basque village was bombed by German troops. In April of 1937, Pablo Picasso paid tribute to the bombing by creating the painting, Guernica, which showed a horrible scene of corpses and disaster stricken community. In 1985, a replication of Guernica was donated to the United Nations headquarters in New York and was â€Å"hung outside in the Security Council chamber. † In February of 2003, councilmen gathered at the UN in order to hear US Secretary of State Colin Powell build the American case for war against Iraq.Before the procedure could begin, however, the replication was covered with â€Å"a blue curtain and flags of the council’s member countries,† under the notion that it â€Å"was simply a matter of creating a more effective backdrop for the television cameras. † Off the record, some UN officials believe that â€Å"the United States leaned on UN officials to cover the tapestry, rather than have it in the backgro und while Powell or other US diplomats argued for war on Iraq. † This situation relates directly to George Orwell’s 1984.The covering of Guernica is similar to the censorship Orwell condemns in 1984. (Source 4:Walsh) In 1984, everything was censored and citizens were not allowed to think for themselves. Their government, the Party, regulated every aspect of life, from working to sleeping. Everyone was under their control. Even children were taught to censor the things their parents did or said. The government also dictated what was seen in the media, which is how Guernica connects to 1984. The theme of the painting, Guernica, is war.To have this graphic tribute to the loss of innocent lives as the background for one’s speech justifying war is questionable. Just as the Party censored the media in 1984, UN officials were censoring what the public was seeing here. Why would they allow a painting that shows death, heartache, and loss to be the first thing the public saw? This would make the public question the motives of those speaking and make them wonder what there ulterior motives were for waging war against Iraq.If the Guernica would have remained the backdrop for the Secretary of State Colin Powell, the US would have been questioned by not only its citizens, but those of other countries also. When questioned, the US would have lost supporters and cooperation from its sister countries. This would have eventually led to bad relations between countries, which would have affected everyone greatly. In the end, politics is nothing more than a popularity contest.

Individual Diversity and Organizational Behavior

Individual Diversity and Organizational Behavior Understanding individual diversity is a difficult and challenging task. It has led to many researches, studies, arguments, and dialogues between philosophers and intellectuals. Unfortunately, an induced definition or understanding of individual diversity has not been presented and is still warranted.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Individual Diversity and Organizational Behavior specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The demographic variations in the workforce, alterations in organizational structures, and competitive business landscape have all contributed to the element of diversity (both inherent and acquired) in the workforce and has made it customary in contemporary organizations. This paper is aimed to discuss the magnitude of individual diversity and how it has a direct impact on the organizational behavior by providing different examples. Moreover, after presenting a thorough understanding of diversity various org anizational practices have been discussed which could help to enhance business operations and organizational behavior. Individual diversity can be explained as the distinctiveness or the presence of characteristics which are different from each other. In any organizational setup, diversity is witnessed at every level from tasks groups / junior employees to board of directors. It is argued that individual diversity in any organizational setup affects the outcomes of organizations; it reduces employee turnover and increases the performance. Outlining the approach through which the distinctive orientation of individuals both in minority and majority affects groups’ working and operational outcome of companies. This activates the relational identity distinctiveness and can result in eithers benefits or disadvantages based on the management of issues (Kinicki, 2008). At times individuals encounter issues and challenges in group settings. Communication is an important aspect of man aging diversity, which generates negative outcomes in case of poor communication within organizations. Individuals belonging to different cultures often encounter issues of language barriers and lack of interaction with their team members. Some of the issues related to communication diversity include differences in individual perspectives, cultural backgrounds and understanding, knowledge, and designation levels. All these issues are countered in a diversified organization (Tosi Pilati, 2011).Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More To deal with the issue of diversity, effective management is very essential. Some individuals add to inherent diversity while others have acquired diversity. Factors such as age, ethnicity, race, sex and capabilities fall under inherent diversity; while on the other hand, location, income, education, seniority and marital statuses fall under a cquired diversity. In order to diminish the issues of communication managers and leaders should hold different interactive sessions for the workforce so that they get to know each other and communicate with each other. The leaders should directly communicate and sort out issues of members, which will increase productivity and boost employees’ morale (Kinicki, 2008). It depends on managers and executives how they handle diversity and how they formulate effective strategies, which can yield positivity out of the diversity. In almost every organization, executives and team members have diverse background either inherent or acquired. However, individual identities, which are commonly observed, are mainly from differences in race and gender; while differences in physical capabilities and designations contribute to another form of diversity, which is witnessed at large in present organizations. The differences in background and gender help in generation of knowledge, ideas, and bet ter solutions to problems, however, differences in seniority in the workforce often has negative consequences on team members. In this regard, senior employees should work with the team, and they should encourage other members and treat them equally to overcome differences (Weiss, 2001). Organizations at present are becoming more diverse. This is because of the growing competition and globalization. Many MNCs, which operate across borders, hire individuals, who are culturally diverse which generates both inherent and acquired diversity. Moreover, organizations are increasingly adopting diversity because of its enormous benefits, which overcome problems. Individual diversity offers many opportunities and is very beneficial for both employees and organizations. Its benefits include increased productivity, better understanding and approach towards problems, better decision making, interactions, effective marketing and many more.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Individual Diversity and Organizational Behavior specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More It allows companies to compete in the international market (Kinicki, 2008). Keeping these in view companies like Microsoft and many others are employee highly diverse workforce (Tosi Pilati, 2011). In order to avoid the shortfalls of individual diversity, managers and executives should understand and handle diversity on a broader context. They can make teams by putting together diverse individuals so that they interact more and share ideas. The teams should be small so that they can do the subtasks more efficiently. Ignoring the stereotype, individuals should be allowed to adopt roles and they should be observed and monitored by managers (Weiss, 2001). Another practice is the diversity training of employees through which the organization can manage diversity. Such trainings are conducted to increase awareness among the workforce regarding differences in cultu ral backgrounds, skills and knowledge. Moreover, such trainings also decrease chances of violating each other rights on the basis of race, gender or different backgrounds or levels (Kinicki, 2008). Thus, individual diversity has more benefits and advantages which can overcome its disadvantages, and definitely provides a productive, potential, and competitive edge to the organization. The need is to understand diversity thoroughly and to efficiently manage it through effective approaches and strategies so that better outcomes such as increased productivity and healthy working environment are guaranteed. Reference List Kinicki, A. (2008). Organizational Behavior: Key Concepts, Skills Best Practices. Columbus: McGraw-Hill Learning Solutions. Tosi, H. L., Pilati, M. (2011). Managing Organizational Behavior: Individuals, Teams, Organization and Management. Northampton: Edward Elgar Publishing.Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Weiss, J. W. (2001). Organizational behavior and change: managing diversity, cross-cultural dynamics, and ethics. Boston: South-Western College Pub.

Self-Contained Classrooms

Self-Contained Classrooms Self-contained classrooms are classrooms specifically designated for children with disabilities. Self-contained programs are usually indicated for children with more serious disabilities who may not be able to participate in general education programs at all. These disabilities include autism, emotional disturbances, severe intellectual disabilities, multiple handicaps and children with serious or fragile medical conditions.  Students assigned to these programs have often been assigned to less restrictive (see LRE) environments and have failed to succeed, or they started in targeted programs designed to help them succeed. Requirements LRE (Least Restrictive Environment) is the legal concept found in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act that requires schools to place children with disabilities most like the settings where their general education peers will be taught. School districts are required to offer a full continuum of placements from the most restrictive (self-contained) to the least restrictive (full inclusion.) Placements should be made in the best interest of the children rather than the convenience of the school. Students placed in self-contained classrooms should be spending some time in the general education environment, if only for lunch.  The goal of an effective self-contained program is to increase the amount of time that the student spends in the general education environment.  Often students in self-contained programs go to specials art, music, physical education or humanities, and participate with the support of classroom para-professionals.  Students in programs for children with emotional disturbances usually spend part of their day on an expanding basis in the appropriate grade level class.  Their academics may be supervised by the general education teacher while they receive support from their special education teacher in managing difficult or challenging behaviors.  Often, in the course of a successful year, the student may move from self-contained to a less restrictive setting, such as resource or even consult. The only placement more restrictive than a self-contained classroom is a residential placement, where students are in a facility that is as much treatment as it is education. Some districts have special schools made up of only self-contained classrooms, which might be considered halfway between self-contained and residential since the schools are not close to students homes. Other Names Self-contained settings, Self-contained programs Example: Due to Emilys anxiety and self-injurious behavior, her IEP team decided that a self-contained classroom for students with Emotional Disturbances would be the best place to keep her safe.

Customer Service at Nordstrom Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 1

Customer Service at Nordstrom - Case Study Example The habitual ways that are encompassed in the theory can be illustrated in two entities namely cooperativeness and assertiveness. The dimension gave rise to five different styles of conflict management. These styles are accommodation, competition, collaboration, compromising and avoiding. These styles are essential in the life of human beings. People need to adopt them so as to live in harmony with each other in the society.   The approach of Nordstrom to the management of customer relationship and service is a crucial way of defusing or preventing possible conflict situation. Customers have varying preference and needs. The Nordstrom’s approach involves the provision of personalized and customized services to every customer. This ensures that the organization is addressing the unique necessities of individual customers thereby avoiding probable conflict situations. Customers are normal people with names, independent as well as rational. They understand what they specifically looking for from any organization. They hence need to be attended to person rather than generally, with respect and honesty. Listening to and addressing the complaints of customers makes the customers feel respected. The organization understands that returning money to their customers once they demand it demonstrates the respect of the customer’s intelligence as well as their choices.   The Nordstrom approach enhances customer’s experience. Each time a customer interacts with the organization, they gain a particular experience. They may leave the organization feeling either valued or exploited by the organization. The approach involves listening to customers and responding appropriately to their needs as well as complaints (Bolman & Deal, 2013).  

Critical analysis of an issue(s)from the course Assignment

Critical analysis of an issue(s)from the course - Assignment Example As the world has become a global village, it revolutionizes the trend of the whole globe. Business is dispersing over the seas. It gradually dimities the boundaries and bring the people closer to each other. Globalization also requires the expansion of multinational organizations. To achieve better results, it is also necessary to understand the culture of people of different races. Culture has impact on communication also. Globalization has also certain effects on our personal world that will be discussed later in this paper. Globalization has increased the impact of cultural values and issues on people. Culture is defined as norm, values, believes behaviors and attitudes of certain group of people; community etc. These behaviors may vary from person to person depending on their costumes, languages, thoughts and perceptions. When the people belonging from different races interact with each other, an impact of cross culture issues seems to appear. This usually happens in multinational organizations where employees are brought from all around the world. The interaction between different cultures may lead to some cross cultural issues. Most of the times, the issue appears between eastern cultures and western cultures. In this paper we will enlighten such issues (Caetano, 2001). Another feature that is brought in by globalization is increasing technological advancements. Technology is the synthetic enhancement of human power. It makes us stronger and smarter. It is the technology that brings human beings from Stone Age to this modern era. Actually technology is the fact due to which world has become global village. It has increased the efficiency of business. It is the mean which provides luxurious life to the people and modifies the living standard. But it is confined to some people; it is observed that with the development of technology, unemployment is also increasing. In