The diploma thesis is focused on the comparison of goodwill values of two construction companies. The theoretical part describes the basic knowledge and principles they are required to terminated the value of goodwill. Furthermore, terms such as marketing planning and questionnaire creation are explained. In the practical part, selected methods are used to terminate the value of goodwill. Subsequently, five questions are set and the questions are tested. Based on the analysis results is proposed marketing strategy at the end of the thesis.

Carotenoids are naturally occurring pigments of plants also produced by microbes. The area of their application concerns mainly food industry; however, they are used in chemical, pharmaceutical, and cosmetics industry as well. Currently, the isolation of carotenoids from plants is markedly regulated by legislation, so the study of their production is greatly emphasised, where the microbiological, instead of the synthetic, production of carotenoids is being prioritized. This work was made as a comparative study of carotenogenic yeasts of the genes Rhodotorula, Sporobolomyces, and Cystofilobasidium. Their ability to use various waste substrates as a carbon and nitrogen source and source of other nutrition factors was tested. In this work, conditions of random mutagenesis were optimized. Particular yeast strains were also subjected to the effect of mutagen ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS) in order to increase the production of biomass and specific metabolites – carotenoids and other lipid-soluble substances. Random mutagenesis and mutant strain selection was performed using waste subtrates as glycerol, pasta and some pasta hydrolyzed by fungal extracellular enzymes. Subsequently, a control of specific DNA sequences in pigments overproducing mutants was analyzed by PCR/DGGE (denaturating gradient gel electrophoresis). Increased production of -carotene was achieved in a mutant of Sporobolomyces roseus strain growing on glycerol, pasta, and hydrolyzed pasta. Overproduction of carotenoids by mutant strain of Rhodotorula glutinis was observed in glucose medium only. Mutants of Cystofilobasidium capitatum exhibited a decrease of biomass production; on the other hand, the production of carotenoids increased especially in pasta medium hydrolyzed by enzyme preparative from Fusarium solani. In this work it was confirmed that using random mutagenesis strains capable to utilize waste substrates can be selected. In mutant strains increased carotenoids biosynthesis was observed, which enables effective use of cheap substrates and reduction of the negative effects of wastes on the environment.

archives@tulane.edu / Introduction: Mass distribution of insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) is a core malaria prevention strategy that has proven to be efficacious and cost-effective in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). Monitoring ITN coverage, use, and access has relied on household surveys which are expensive and time consuming. Recently, mobile phone survey (MPS) methodologies have emerged as a comparatively inexpensive alternative to large scale population-based household surveys and are becoming increasingly attractive considering the rapid growth trend of mobile phone ownership in LMIC. The overall research objective of the current body of work is to determine if interactive voice response (IVR) MPS can serve to rapidly and reliably monitor ITN indicators in LMIC. Methods: Data collection used either household surveys or IVR MPS – all of which included a module on bed net ownership, access, and use. The first study aim analyzed data from the last five nationally representative household surveys conducted in Tanzania in order to assess and quantify the potential for bias as a result of using MPS over traditional household surveys in estimating bed net coverage indicators. The conceptual design compares surveyed households reporting mobile phone ownership, and thus the potential for participation in an MPS, against all other households regardless of mobile phone ownership over the course of a 10-year period. The second study aim was designed as an individual-level test of inter-rater reliability of bed net indicator estimates between a face-to-face household survey and a follow-up IVR MPS to these same households. The third study aim was designed as a population-level test of external validity comparing ITN coverage indicator results from a nationally representative random-digit dial (RDD) IVR MPS and the malaria module from a nationally representative household survey. Results: Household mobile phone ownership increased by over 50 percentage points from 28.1% in 2007-08 to 81.5% in 2017. In more recent years, survey results show that bias in measuring ITN coverage indicators is minimal under a scenario that compares estimates calculated from DHS surveys for all households against those households reporting mobile phone ownership. For the four ITN coverage indicators assessed using the 2017 MIS data, national-level measures of bias did not exceed a 2.5-percentage point difference for mobile phone-owning households compared to the overall sample of households. Further, regional measures of bias for these same indicators rarely exceeded ± 3-percentage points in 2017. The second study aim, which compared bed net indicator estimates between the small-scale a household survey and a follow-up MPS, found that agreement between survey modalities was variable depending on the indicator, but was highest for household ownership of at least one bed net of any type (Gwet’s AC1 = 0.8). There was low agreement for indicators calculated from counts reflected in the low concurrent validity of key data elements used to calculate bed net use and access indicators. The third study aim comparing bed net indicator estimates from a national household and IVR RDD survey found that the external validity was variable but, in general, the RDD MPS tended to underestimate bed net indicators at the national level. Differences in bed net indicator estimates ranged from 3 to 23-percentage points but overall, it appeared that indicators non-specific to net treatment status demonstrated less bias in measurement through the RDD MPS when compared against the nationally representative household survey. Conclusions: According to estimates, mobile phone ownership has increased drastically in Tanzania since 2007 suggesting that MPS could presently be used to track population-level indicators of ITN coverage, among others. The IVR MPS methodology we applied has the potential to serve as a mechanism that can accurately estimate certain bed net indicators – primarily those that would make use of data elements derived from binary response options. Their use could be scaled to much larger RDD surveys to collect discrete packets of information. At a total cost of approximately US$22,000 (2017 USD) to obtain nationally and regionally representative bed net indicator estimates, the cost-for-information benefit is promising, but more research needs to be done to optimize question sets in order to ensure RDD survey results are able to repeatedly track with face-to-face household survey results. / 1 / Matt Worges

It is a theorem of Denker and Urbański that if T:ℂ→ℂ is a rational map of degree at least two and if ϕ:ℂ→ℝ is Hölder continuous and satisfies the “thermodynamic expanding” condition P(T,ϕ) > sup(ϕ), then there exists exactly one equilibrium state μ for T and ϕ, and furthermore (ℂ,T,μ) is metrically exact. We extend these results to the case of a holomorphic random dynamical system on ℂ, using the concepts of relative pressure and relative entropy of such a system, and the variational principle of Bogenschütz. Specifically, if (T,Ω,P,θ) is a holomorphic random dynamical system on ℂ and ϕ:Ω→ ℋα(ℂ) is a Hölder continuous random potential function satisfying one of several sets of technical but reasonable hypotheses, then there exists a unique equilibrium state of (X,P,ϕ) over (Ω,Ρ,θ).

In this thesis our goal is to study pseudorandom numbers. We  will investigate how to produce pseudorandom samples from the uniform distribution with a method called the linear congruential method. Another method we will look at is the inverse sampling method which gives us the possibility to generate samples from other distributions that are not the uniform distribution. When generating pseudorandom samples quality is an important aspect, therefore we are going to take a look at a discrepancy which is a tool to determine quality of uniformly distributed samples. We implement the methods in Python and perform numerical experiments to test some quality aspects of the output.

A dissertation submitted in fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Masters in Science in the, The Structured Light Group Department of Physics, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2018 / At the quantum level, entities and systems often behave counter-intuitively which we have come to describe with wave-particle duality. Accordingly, a particle that moves definitively from one position to another in our classical experience does something completely different on the quantum scale. The particle is not localized at any one position, but spreads out over all the possibilities as it moves. Here the particle can interfere with itself with wave-like propagation and generate, what is known as a Quantum Walk. This is the quantum mechanical analogue of the already well-known and used Random Walk where the particle takes random steps across the available positions, building up a series of random paths. The mechanics behind the random walk has already proved largely useful in many fields, from finance to simulation and computation. Analogously, the quantum walk promises even greater potential for development. Here, with many of the algorithms already developed, it would allow computations to outperform current classical methods on an unprecedented level. Additionally, by implementing these mechanics on various levels, it is possible to simulate and understand various quantum mechanical systems and phenomenon. This phenomenon consequently represents a significant advancement in several fields of study. Although there has been considerable theoretical development of this phenomenon, its potential now lies in implementing these quantum walks physically. Here, a physical system is required such that the quantum walk may be sustainably achieved, easily detected and dynamically altered as needed. Many systems have been subsequently proposed and demonstrated, but the criteria for a useful quantum walk leaves many such avenues lacking with the largest number of steps yet to reach 100 to the best of our knowledge. As a result, we explored a classical take on the quantum walk, utilizing the wave properties of light to achieve analogous mechanics with the advantage of the increased degree of control and robustness. While such an approach is not new, we considered a particular method where the quantum walk could be implemented in the spatial modes of light. By exploiting the non-separability (classical entanglement) of polarization and orbital angular momentum, such a classical quantum walk could be realized with greater intuitive implications and the potential for further study into the quantum mechanical nature of this phenomenon, over and above that of the other schemes, by walking the quantum-classical divide. The work presented here subsequently centres on experimentally achieving a quantum walk with classically entangled light for further development and useful implementation. Moreover, this work focused on demonstrating the sustainability, control and robustness necessary for this scheme to be beneficial for future development. In Chapter 1, an intuitive introduction is presented, highlighting the mechanics of this phenomenon that make it different from the Random walk counterpart. We also explore why this phenomenon is of such great importance with an overview of applications that physical implementation can result in. A more in-depth look into the dynamics and mathematical aspects of this walk is found in Chapter 2. Here a detailed look into the mechanisms behind the walk is taken with mathematical analysis. Furthermore, the subsequent differences and implications associated viii with utilizing classical light is explored, answering the question of what is quantum about the quantum walk. As the focus of this chapter is largely cemented in establishing a solid theoretical background, we also look into the physics behind classical light and develop the theoretical basis in the direction of structured light, with an emphasis on establishing classically entangled beams. Chapters 3 and 4 present the experimental work done throughout the course of this dissertation. With Chapter 3 we establish and characterize the elements necessary for obtaining a quantum walk in the spatial modes of light by utilizing waveplates as coins, q-plates as step operators and entanglement generators as well as mode sorters in a detection system. We also look into the characteristics of the modes that will be produced with these elements, allowing the propagation properties of the beam to be experimentally accounted for. In Chapter 4, we examine the experimental considerations of how to achieve a realistic and sustainable quantum walk. Here, we consider and implement the scheme proposed by Goyal et. al. [] where a light pulse follows a looped path, allowing the physical resources to be constant throughout the walk. We also show the experimental limitations of the equipment being utilized and the various steps needed to compensate. Finally, we not only implement a quantum walk with classically entangled light for the first time, but also demonstrate the flexibility of the system. Here, we achieve a maximum of 8 steps and show 5 different types of walks with varying dynamics and symmetry. The last chapter (Chapter 5) gives a summary of the dissertation in context of the goals and achievements of this work. The outlook and implications of these results are discussed and future steps outlined for extending this scheme into a highly competitive alternative for viable implementation of quantum walks for computing and simulation. / XL2019

The intent of this thesis is to investigate, develop, and apply techniques to determine the reliability and maintainability of populations of items. These techniques are to be used in determining the total life-time operating costs of the populations so that those items with the lowest life-time costs can be bought. To do this, the author has explored current techniques for determining compliance to some minimum required Mean Time Between Failure (MTBF) in what is referred to as a Phase I testing. After the requirements of Phase I testing have been met, testing may be continued at the option of the contractor and confidence limits constructed about the Bid MTBF to determine compliance to it. Methods by which incentives or penalties may be rewarded or assessed to contractor as a result of the Phase II testing are included. The author next investigated techniques which can be used to determine the maintainability parameters and the accuracy of these parameters. Finally, since the reliability techniques explored were all based on the exponential distribution, techniques were included to prove if the failure rate was exponential. If not, discussions were incorporated on how to handle this situation. (85 pages)

The motivation of my dissertation is to improve two weaknesses of Random Forests. One, the failure to detect genetic interactions between two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in higher dimensions when the interacting SNPs both have weak main effects and two, the difficulty of interpretation in comparison to parametric methods such as logistic regression, linear discriminant analysis, and linear regression. We focus on detecting pairwise SNP interactions in genome case-control studies. We determine the best parameter settings to optimize the detection of SNP interactions and improve the efficiency of Random Forests and present an efficient filtering method. The filtering method is compared to leading methods and is shown that it is computationally faster with good detection power. Random Forests allows us to identify clusters, outliers, and important features for subgroups of observations through the visualization of the proximities. We improve the interpretation of Random Forests through the proximities. The result of the new proximities are asymmetric, and the appropriate visualization requires an asymmetric model for interpretation. We propose a new visualization technique for asymmetric data and compare it to existing approaches.

Thesis (M.S.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Civil Engineering, 1980. / MICROFICHE COPY AVAILABLE IN ARCHIVES AND ENGINEERING. / Bibliography: leaves 78-79. / by John C. Kafritsas. / M.S.

Diffusion and random walks have been studied for more than 100 years. However, there are still details in the methodology that are overlooked, and more information can be extracted from the typical data that is studied. In this thesis, I simulate random walks on two dimensional lattices with immobile obstacles configured in a variety of ways: periodic, random, and "Fuzzy" (a cross intermediate state of disorder between periodic and random). The primary goal is to develop a deeper understanding of "Fuzzy" systems by designing different ways of generating tunable disorder. An example of this is the universal Fz parameter that we developed to unify the natural disorder parameters of the various disorder generation methods we developed. Often times the importance of analysing the transient/anomalous regime with more precision and consistency is overlooked. In our work, we expand on random walk dynamics by applying non-standard probabilities, and justify our choice analytically and through a comparison of results. Furthermore we discuss how the transient regime should be analyzed so that there is consistency in the field. Other than discussing semantics of algorithms and analysis, we study the connection between the transient regime and the steady-state. We introduce two measures of the width of the transient/anomalous regime, and compare them to the crossover time. Using the width of the transient/anomalous regime we are able to provide an estimate of the steady-state diffusion coefficient without access to the steady-state simulation data.