Master of Science / Department of Agricultural Economics / Glynn T. Tonsor / The objective of this analysis is to develop econometric models for forecasting fed cattle basis as well as compare these models with historic averaging methods of forecasting basis popular in existing literature. The econometric analysis also aims to identify important determinants of fed cattle basis. Both monthly and weekly models were assessed with data provided by the Livestock Marketing Information Center. All models analyzed the three regions of Nebraska, Kansas, and Texas. Monthly historic average approaches utilized historic fed cattle futures and fed cattle cash price series from January of 1995 through December of 2010. Weekly historic average approaches utilized historic fed cattle futures and fed cattle cash prices series from June of 2001 through December 2010. Data collected post mandatory price reporting implementation in 2001 was used in all econometric models. Overall lags of fed cattle basis, the spread between the nearby live cattle futures contract and the next deferred futures contract, and seasonality regularly proved to explain much of the variation in fed cattle basis in the econometric modeling. Multiple historic average based models were examined on both monthly and weekly frequencies. Once all competing models were estimated in-sample, out-of sample testing was conducted. The forecasting errors of all weekly models were compared to determine which methods prove to be dominant forecasters of fed cattle basis. This testing suggests historic averaging methods outperform the alternate econometric models in out-of-sample work. The econometric models helped to reveal some of the important factors determining fed cattle basis, however lags in collecting data on these factors may inhibit the forecaster’s ability to use these techniques in real time. One interesting revelation in regards to historic averages is the potential of Olympic averages as forecasters. These methods have not been explored in previous academic literature but tend to perform quite well in comparison with other methods explored.

<p>This thesis investigates architectures for multiplying elements in Galois rings of the size 4^m, where m is an integer. </p><p>The main question is whether known architectures for multiplying in Galois fields can be used for Galois rings also, with small modifications, and the answer to that question is that they can. </p><p>Different representations for elements in Galois rings are also explored, and the performance of multipliers for the different representations is investigated.</p>

In this thesis, we propose a new class of learning models, namely the additive generalized radial basis function networks (AGRBFNs), for general nonlinear regression problems. This class of learning machines combines the generalized radial basis function networks (GRBFNs) commonly used in general machine learning problems and the additive models (AMs) frequently encountered in semiparametric regression problems. In statistical regression theory, AM is a good compromise between the linear model and the nonparametric model. In order for more general network structure hoping to address more general data sets, the AMs are embedded in the output layer of the GRBFNs to form the AGRBFNs. Simple weights updating rules based on incremental gradient descent will be derived. Several illustrative examples are provided to compare the performances for the classical GRBFNs and the proposed AGRBFNs. Simulation results show that upon proper selection of the hidden nodes and the bandwidth of the kernel smoother used in additive output layer, AGRBFNs can give better fits than the classical GRBFNs. Furthermore, for the given learning problem, AGRBFNs usually need fewer hidden nodes than those of GRBFNs for the same level of accuracy.

In this thesis, we analyse multilevel collocation methods involving compactly supported radial basis functions. We focus on linear second-order elliptic bound- ary value problems as well as Darcy's problem. While in the former case we use scalar-valued positive definite functions for constructing multilevel approximants, in the latter case we use matrix-valued functions that are automatically divergence-free. A similar result is presented for interpolating divergence-free vector fields. Even though it had been observed more than a decade ago that the stationary setting, i.e. when the support radii shrink as fast as the mesh norm, does not lead to convergence, it was up to now an open question how the support radii should depend on the mesh norm to ensure convergence. For each case above, we answer this question here thoroughly. Furthermore, we analyse and improve the stability of the linear systems. And lastly, we examine the case when the approximant does not lie in the same space as the solution to the PDE.

This thesis investigates architectures for multiplying elements in Galois rings of the size 4^m, where m is an integer. The main question is whether known architectures for multiplying in Galois fields can be used for Galois rings also, with small modifications, and the answer to that question is that they can. Different representations for elements in Galois rings are also explored, and the performance of multipliers for the different representations is investigated.

This diploma thesis shows two basic basis, on which the accounting system may be established -- accrual basis and cash basis. The thesis focuses mainly on differences between these two basis, shown on the case of the Czech republic. Both two basis are explained and described, as well as their modifications and the Czech legislature and the International Financial Reporting Standards. Subjects using the accrual basis and the cash basis in the Czech republic are also shown. The thesis deals with specific items, which can figure only in accounting system based on accrual basis. These items conclude depreciation, asset provisions, reserves and deferred tax. The end of the thesis is dedicated to the confrontation of the two basis on the Cash flow statement. This Cash flow statement is based on the cash basis, while it is being used on the accrual basis.

Density functional theory has been used in combination with the correlation consistent and polarization consistent basis sets to investigate the structures and energetics for a series of first-row closed shell and several second-row molecules of potential importance in atmospheric chemistry. The impact of basis set choice upon molecular description has been examined, and irregular convergence of molecular properties with respect to increasing basis set size for several functionals and molecules has been observed. The possible reasons and solutions for this unexpected behavior including the effect of contraction and uncontraction, of the basis set diffuse sp basis functions, basis set superposition error (BSSE) and core-valence sets also have been examined.

Employing correlation consistent basis sets coupled with electronic structure methods has enabled accurate predictions of chemical properties for second- and third-row main group and transition metal molecular species. For third-row (Ga-Kr) molecules, the performance of the correlation consistent basis sets (cc-pVnZ, n=D, T, Q, 5) for computing energetic (e.g., atomization energies, ionization energies, electron and proton affinities) and structural properties using the ab initio coupled cluster method including single, double, and quasiperturbative triple excitations [CCSD(T)] and the B3LYP density functional method was examined. The impact of relativistic corrections on these molecular properties was determined utilizing the Douglas-Kroll (cc-pVnZ-DK) and pseudopotential (cc-pVnZ-PP) forms of the correlation consistent basis sets. This work was extended to the characterization of molecular properties of novel chemically bonded krypton species, including HKrCl, FKrCF3, FKrSiF3, FKrGeF3, FKrCCF, and FKrCCKrF, and provided the first evidence of krypton bonding to germanium and the first di-krypton system. For second-row (Al-Ar) species, the construction of the core-valence correlation consistent basis sets, cc-pCVnZ was reexamined, and a revised series, cc-pCV(n+d)Z, was developed as a complement to the augmented tight-d valence series, cc-pV(n+d)Z. Benchmark calculations were performed to show the utility of these new sets for second-row species. Finally, the correlation consistent basis sets were used to study the structural and spectroscopic properties of Au(CO)Cl, providing conclusive evidence that luminescence in the solid-state can be attributed to oligomeric species rather than to the monomer.

A thesis submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of MA in Communication Science, at the University of Zululand, 2002. / In this thesis I present my recommendations regarding the role of communication during effective learning in the foundation phase classrooms. I focus on three issues that are important to effective learning, namely (1) the cognitive basis of learning, (2) the cognitive basis of communication and (3) the facultative role of communication during effective learning. In the empirical phase of my research I report the results of an attitude survey conducted among educators in the foundation phase of the greater Durban region regarding their understanding of the range of communication strategies that are required of them in order to successfully implement Outcomes-Based Education (OBE). I present an analysis of OBE and Curriculum 2005, and how it continually faced refinement to become suitable for the South African educational system. An array of communication forms is discussed and I show how they can influence the teaching and learning environment to benefit both educators and learners. I show that both educators and learners can develop and equip themselves with the appropriate communication skills to facilitate effective learning. I also present various constructsvist points of view that educators can identify with for effective learning when implementing OBE in foundation phase classrooms. / The University of Zululand

The imaginary part of the retarded self energy is of particular interest as it contains a lot of physical information about particle interactions. In higher order loop diagrams the calculation become extremely tedious and if we have to do the same at finite temperature, it includes an extra dimension to the difficulty. In such a condition we require to switch between bases and select the best basis for a particular diagram. We have shown in our calculation that in higher order loop diagrams, at finite temperature, the R/A basis is most convenient on summing over the internal vertices and very efficient on calculating some particular diagrams while the result is most easily interpretable in the Keldysh basis for most other complex diagrams. / February 2010