We introduce a new, group fairness-inspired stochastic multi-armed bandit problem in the pure exploration setting. We look at the discrepancy between an arm’s mean reward from a group and the highest mean reward for any arm from that group, and call this the disappointment that group suffers from that arm. We define the optimal arm to be the one that minimizes the maximum disappointment over all groups. This optimal arm addresses one problem with maximin fairness, where the group used to choose the maximin best arm suffers little disappointment regardless of what arm is picked, but another group suffers significantly more disappointment by picking that arm as the best one. The challenge of this problem is that the highest mean reward for a group and the arm that gives that reward are unknown. This means we need to pull arms for multiple goals: to find the optimal arm, and to estimate the highest mean reward of certain groups. This leads to the new adaptive sampling algorithm for best arm identification in the fixed confidence setting called MD-LUCB, or Minimax Disappointment LUCB. We prove bounds on MD-LUCB’s sample complexity and then study its performance with empirical simulations. / Graduate

This thesis explores the complex link between Latino individuals' self-esteem and media depictions. This thesis was created with the intent to fill a current gap in communication research by providing original data and addressing the lack of quantitative research surrounding the Latino community. The Latino Perceptions of Realism in TV and Film Scale was created as a new tool to measure opinions about ethno-cultural portrayal. This thesis aims to clarify how Latino people's self-esteem is shaped by the perceived realism of media depictions, drawing on Social Identity Theory and Social Learning Theory. This thesis examines how Latinos are portrayed in movies to determine how media exposure affects how the Latino population views their self-esteem. This study uses empirical analysis to further our understanding of the relationship between media portrayal, social identity development, and self-esteem in the Latino community. The thesis offers original quantitative data using a survey-based approach. It introduces the Latino Perceptions of Realism in TV and Film Scale, a new survey tool for gauging perceptions of Latino interpretations of television and film Latino characters. Regression analysis was employed to investigate how media depictions affect the development of self-esteem in the Latino population. Key findings provide insight into the complex relationships between media portrayal and the way Latinos view their ethnic group in film and television. Demographic factors such as age and gender, the amount of media consumption, intellectual capacity, and work ethic were revealed as important determinants impacting the development of Latino self-esteem. This study contributes new data to the discipline of media effects research, extending the conversation on the stereotypical representation of Latinos in television and film. It also provides insight into how Latinos view their self-esteem based on character portrayals in film and television. / MACOM / This thesis examines the complex relationship between how Latino individuals identify and how the media portrays them. By providing new perspectives and addressing the lack of quantitative studies on the Latino population, this thesis aims to close a gap in communication research. The Latino Perceptions of Realism in TV and Film Scale is a new scale designed to gather feedback on how Latino culture is portrayed in media. Based on psychological theories, specifically Social Identity Theory and Social Learning Theory, this thesis explores how media representations affect Latino self-esteem. Through an analysis of the representations of Latinos in television and film, the study investigates how exposure to these representations affects how Latino viewers feel about themselves. This study uses empirical analysis to expand on our knowledge of the relationship between media representation, social identity, and self-esteem in the Latino community. The results provide insight into the complex connections between how Latinos view their own ethnic group in the context of film and television and how they are portrayed in the media. This study reveals a nuanced association between media consumption patterns and the self-esteem of Latinos. Latinos' identity and self-esteem are shaped by various factors, including their views of reality, the quantity of media they consume, and demographic traits. This thesis broadens the discussion on stereotyped portrayals of Latinos in the media. It offers insights into how these representations affect Latino self-esteem by bringing fresh data to the field of media effects research.

<p dir="ltr">This thesis addresses critical optimization challenges in large-scale, heterogeneous data centers: logical cluster formation for virtual machine placement and physical rack movement for efficient infrastructure management. As data centers grow in size and complexity, these systems face rising demands to minimize costs related to fault tolerance, reformation, and resource constraints while adapting to diverse hardware and operational requirements. </p><p dir="ltr">The first part focuses on logical cluster formation, where capacity guarantees must be maintained across millions of servers despite ongoing infrastructure events, such as maintenance and failures. Traditional offline methods fall short under these dynamic, large-scale conditions. To address this, a two-tier approach combining deep reinforcement learning (DRL) with mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) enables real-time resource allocation, reducing server relocations and enhancing resilience across complex server environments.</p><p dir="ltr">The second part tackles optimized rack placement in highly heterogeneous settings, where balancing fault tolerance, energy efficiency, and load distribution is essential. Static layouts struggle to accommodate diverse hardware configurations and fluctuating resource needs. This research proposes a scalable, tiered optimization approach using the Leader Reward method and a gradient-based heuristic to handle the computational demands of large-scale rack positioning.</p><p dir="ltr">By integrating DRL and heuristic techniques, this work provides a robust, scalable solution for cost efficiency and operational resilience in managing large, heterogeneous data centers, advancing intelligent data center management for modern cloud infrastructure.</p>

This thesis poses and solves a distribution free learning problem with consensus that arises in the study of estimation and control strategies for distributed sensor networks. Each node i for i = 1, . . . , n of the sensor network collects independent and identically distributed local measurements {z i} := {z i j}j∈N := {(x i j , yi j )}j∈N ⊆ X × Y := Z that are generated by the probability measure ρ i on Z. Each node i for i = 1, . . . , n of the network constructs a sequence of estimates {f i k }k∈N from its local measurements {z i} and from information functionals whose values are exchanged with other nodes as specified by the communication graph G for the network. The optimal estimate of the distribution free learning problem with consensus is cast as a saddle point problem which characterizes the consensus-constrained optimal estimate. This thesis introduces a two stage learning dynamic wherein local estimation is carried out via local least square approximations based on wavelet constructions and information exchange is associated with the Lagrange multipliers of the saddle point problem. Rates of convergence for the two stage learning dynamic are derived based on certain recent probabilistic bounds derived for wavelet approximation of regressor functions. / Master of Science

No description available.

Programming was included in the curriculum for mathematics at highschool 2018 and to beused as a tool for problem solving in the courses mathematics 3b, mathematics in the c-track,mathematics 4 and mathematics 5. The purpose of this study is to contribute knowledge to themathematics subject in high school by investigating and describing a teaching situation whereprogramming is used as a tool for problem solving in mathematics in high school. The study'sresearch design is design research and is based on a designed activity with principles fromblock coding and Kolb's experiential learning theory that aims to answer the question of howblock coding can introduce programming as a tool for solving mathematical problems in highschool. The study was conducted in two classes with 31 and 24 students, respectively. Thestudy shows how block coding can be used to introduce students to developing the ability tosolve mathematical problems with programming. / Programmering togs med i ämnesplanen för matematik på gymnasiet 2018 och ska användassom ett verktyg för problemlösning inom kurserna matematik 3b, matematik inom c-spåret,matematik 4 och matematik 5. Syftet med studien är bidra med kunskap till matematikämnetpå gymnasiet genom att undersöka och redogöra för en undervisningssituation därprogrammering används som verktyg för problemlösning inom matematik på gymnasiet.Studiens forskningsdesign är design research och grundar sig i en designad aktivitet medprinciper från blockprogrammering och Kolbs experiential learning theory som syftar till attsvara på frågan om hur blockprogrammering kan introducera programmering som verktyg föratt lösa matematiska problem på gymnasiet. Studien genomfördes i två klasser med 31respektive 24 elever. Studien visar hur blockprogrammering kan användas för att introduceraelever till att utveckla förmågan att lösa matematiska problem med programmering.

The study of educational serious games as a medium to motivate player learning through teaching astronomy in video games is examined through the iterative development of the video game Starfarer. It contributes to the better understanding of the development of educational serious games. The theoretical frameworks used are Game Based Learning (GBL) theory and Narrative Learning (NL) theory. Research through Design (RtD) was conducted to evaluate the use of these frameworks in cultivating motivation to learn in-game. The most important aspects of each that are identified through the development of Starfarer are; in GBL, attractive learning objectives, iterative problem-solving with positive feedback, and relevant simulations; and in NL, narrative context, pacing, and empathy for characters. From this, an additional missing design element of emotion is identified. In evaluating GBL and NL, it is found that they are in many ways balanced, and in others opposed. Furthermore, it was discovered that many players have an affinity towards either GBL or NL, thus a design process utilising both must balance such preferences. Suggestions for further study expanding on these findings are in developing and testing combining GBL, NL, and an emotional component into a new framework to better motivate player learning in-game.

How can one create online educational material that support and motivate students in guiding their own learning and make meaningful instructional decisions? One of the main focuses on designing e-learning is about creating an environment where learners can actively assume control and take responsibility for their own learning with little or no guidance from the tutors. This research aims to discover a new way to design learning that would cater to individual choices and preferences. The idea goes beyond learner-centred design; it is about learner control and direction. As an option, learners should be able to choose to be in the driver’s seat, to direct their own learning journey. As a starting point, this research explores the use of two educational theories - Experiential Learning Theory (ELT) and Self-Regulated Learning (SRL) theory as the underpinning instructional design for a Learner-Directed Model to support students’ online learning in both domain knowledge and meta knowledge in the subject of computer programming. One unit material from an online Introduction to Java Programming course has been redesigned based on the proposed Learner-Directed Model for the experimental design study. The study involved a total of 35 participants divided randomly into one Experimental Group and one Control Group. They were assigned to either a Learner-Directed Model (Experimental Group) or a linear model (Control Group). Pre/post tests, survey, follow-up interview as well as log file analysis were instruments used for assessing students’ domain knowledge, meta knowledge and their attitudes for their overall learning experience. Learning experience is further broken down into perceived ease of use and user satisfaction; system usability; learner experience; and perceived controllability. The results of the study have revealed that there is statistically significant difference between the survey results for the Experimental Group and the Control Group. The Experimental Group reported a higher level of overall learning experience and better attitudes in general. However, there was no statistically significant difference existing between the two groups on the domain and meta level knowledge improvement. Based on these results, I have proposed further research directions and put forward a number of recommendations and suggestions on learner-directed e-learning design.

Eftersom fertiliteten i många utvecklade länder har gått ned är det intressant att studera orsakerna bakom detta. Om inte orsakerna bara ligger i de socioekonomiska förhållandena, vilka diskuteras mest, var kan de då sökas? Denna studie använder enkätdata med avsikt att belysa om attityder till att skaffa barn påverkas av vilka familjeförhållanden man själv växt upp under samt själv upplever under vuxet liv. Synsättet bygger på idén att det finns effekter som påverkar tänkandet genom socialisering, från en generation till en annan. Genom analys av data från undersökningen YAPS studeras om det finns några empiriska samband mellan stabilitet i familjens sammansättning under uppväxten, attityder till att leva i parförhållande och attityder till att skaffa barn. Uppsatsen använder sig av regressionsanalys för att undersöka eventuella statistiskt belagda samband. Då resultaten inte visar upp något samband med uppväxtvillkoren så undersöks även ekonomiska villkor då dessa ingått som bakgrundsdata i analysen. Resultatet pekar på samband mellan synen på barn och synen på parförhållanden samt den ekonomiska situationen i familjen under uppväxten. Den attityd till barn som man uppger verkar också vara en könsfråga då kvinnor har en mer positiv syn på barn än män enligt denna studie.

Training plays a key role in bridging employer skills needs and in raising the productivity of employees and individual firms. Many large organisations have long established in-house training programmes and the means for progressive personal development for employees. However, Smaller to Medium sized Enterprises (SMEs) have not mirrored the same. SMEs are less likely to provide off the job training to employees because of operational demands. There is a lack of structured approach to training within a SME. Despite the vast array of training programmes available to SMEs, very little has been done to tailor the training to the specific learning needs of SMEs. Web Based Training Environment (WeBTiE) is a tailored online training solution specific to a SMEs’ training needs. The portal within which online training is provided is the collaborative efforts of the Employer, Employee and Training Vendor. The portal encapsulates not only the learning content, but provides the learning support necessary to guide employees through the training and reinforce work-based practises with the use of a Community of Practice. Unlike many other training models the originality of this model is that it combines Pedagogy principles in the development of the training programme, along with e-learning model, Etivities for Structured On The Job Training. The generic nature of this model allows it to be adaptable for SMEs in a variety of industries and the tailoristic feature provides the flexibility necessary to permit the adaptability. This thesis focuses on the barriers SMEs face when attempting to train employees. By determining employee learning and training needs and establishing a ‘Learning Foundation’, can we move forward with the development of a training programme commissioned for SMEs. The work in this research is underpinned by learning theories and online learning and the application of these (adapted if necessary) in the context of the day-to-day constraints typical of SMEs.