The first part of this dissertation presents an innovative method for the assessment of generation system reliability. In this method, genetic algorithm (GA) is used as a search tool to truncate the probability state space and to track the most probable failure states. GA stores system states, in which there is generation deficiency to supply system maximum load, in a state array. The given load pattern is then convoluted with the state array to obtain adequacy indices. In the second part of the dissertation, a GA based method for state sampling of composite generation-transmission power systems is introduced. Binary encoded GA is used as a state sampling tool for the composite power system network states. A linearized optimization load flow model is used for evaluation of sampled states. The developed approach has been extended to evaluate adequacy indices of composite power systems while considering chronological load at buses. Hourly load is represented by cluster load vectors using the k-means clustering technique. Two different approaches have been developed which are GA parallel sampling and GA sampling for maximum cluster load vector with series state revaluation. The developed GA based method is used for the assessment of annual frequency and duration indices of composite system. The conditional probability based method is used to calculate the contribution of sampled failure states to system failure frequency using different component transition rates. The developed GA based method is also used for evaluating reliability worth indices of composite power systems. The developed GA approach has been generalized to recognize multi-state components such as generation units with derated states. It also considers common mode failure for transmission lines. Finally, a new method for composite system state evaluation using real numbers encoded GA is developed. The objective of GA is to minimize load curtailment for each sampled state. Minimization is based on the dc load flow model. System constraints are represented by fuzzy membership functions. The GA fitness function is a combination of these membership values. The proposed method has the advantage of allowing sophisticated load curtailment strategies, which lead to more realistic load point indices.

published_or_final_version / Public Administration / Master / Master of Public Administration

While in traditional computer game playing agents were designed solely for the purpose of playing one single game, General Game Playing is concerned with agents capable of playing classes of games. Given the game's rules and a few minutes time, the agent is supposed to play any game of the class and eventually win it. Since the game is unknown beforehand, previously optimized data structures or human-provided features are not applicable. Instead, the agent must derive a strategy on its own. One approach to obtain such a strategy is to analyze the game rules and create a state evaluation function that can be subsequently used to direct the agent to promising states in the match. In this thesis we will discuss existing methods and present a general approach on how to construct such an evaluation function. Each topic is discussed in a modular fashion and evaluated along the lines of quality and efficiency, resulting in a strong agent.

While in traditional computer game playing agents were designed solely for the purpose of playing one single game, General Game Playing is concerned with agents capable of playing classes of games. Given the game's rules and a few minutes time, the agent is supposed to play any game of the class and eventually win it. Since the game is unknown beforehand, previously optimized data structures or human-provided features are not applicable. Instead, the agent must derive a strategy on its own. One approach to obtain such a strategy is to analyze the game rules and create a state evaluation function that can be subsequently used to direct the agent to promising states in the match. In this thesis we will discuss existing methods and present a general approach on how to construct such an evaluation function. Each topic is discussed in a modular fashion and evaluated along the lines of quality and efficiency, resulting in a strong agent.:Introduction Game Playing Evaluation Functions I - Aggregation Evaluation Functions II - Features General Evaluation Related Work Discussion

Education plays prominent role in the development of nations considering that the progress of nations depends on the capability of its workforce which is informed by the quality of education offered its citizenry. Program for international students‟ assessment revealed the need to improve upon the quality of education across nations. This need was corroborated by the unimpressive performance of the secondary schools learners in Egbeda local Government of Oyo State. Ironically, secondary schools management in the local government have been found to have very little discretionary powers in the administration of their schools – a situation that could have contributed to the poor performance of the learners. The study thus focussed on the effect of school autonomy on learners‟ performance in Egbeda Local Government secondary schools of Oyo State, Nigeria. Cross-sectional survey research design was adopted for the study. The population comprised 72 Principals, 158 Vice Principals and 125 Heads of Departments from the 72 schools covered by the study. Thirty schools were excluded from the study for not meeting selection criteria of ten years of establishment. Sample size of 355 was purposively selected for the study. Response rate was 97.7%. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings revealed that school autonomy dimensions have statistically significant effect on learners‟ work quality (F5, 341 = 221.357, Adj. R2 = 0.761, p < 0.05); school autonomy dimensions have statistically significant effect on learners‟ affective performance (F5, 341 = 66.085, Adj. R2 = 0.492, p < 0.05); school autonomy dimensions have statistically significant effect on learners‟ character formation (F5, 341 = 553.982, Adj. R2 = 0.889, p < 0.05); school autonomy dimensions have statistically significant effect on learners‟ personal development (F5, 341 = 104.177, Adj. R2 = 0.599, p < 0.05); school autonomy dimensions have statistically significant effect on learners‟ social development (F5, 341 = 45.928, Adj. R2 = 0.394, p < 0.05). The study concluded that school autonomy affected learners‟ performance. The study recommended that education authorities should make policy provisions that will enhance school autonomy in both private and public secondary schools in the Egbeda Local Government of Oyo State to improve learners‟ performance. / Educational Management and Leadership / Ph. D. (Education Management)