Routing in sensor networks is a challenging issue due to inherent constraints such as power, memory, and CPU processing capabilities. In this thesis, we assume an All to All communication mode in an N × N grid sensor network. We explore routing algorithms which load balance the network without compromising the shortest paths constrain. We analyzed the Servetto method and studied two routing strategies, namely Horizontal-Vertical routing and Zigzag routing. The problem is divided into two scenarios, one being the static case (without failed nodes), and the other being the dynamic case (with failed nodes). In static network case, we derived mathematical formulae representing the maximum and minimum loads on a sensor grid, when specific routing strategies are employed. We show improvement in performance in load balancing of the grid by using Horizontal-Vertical method instead of the existing Servetto method. In the dynamic network scenario, we compare the performance of routing strategies with respect to probability of failure of nodes in the grid network. We derived the formulae for the success-ratio, in specific strategies, when nodes fail with a probability of p in a predefined source-destination pair communication. We show that the Servetto method does not perform well in both scenarios. In addition, Hybrid strategy proposed does not perform well compared to the studied strategies. We support the derived formulae and the performance of the routing strategies with extensive simulations.

Embora em um sistema bidimensional com simetria contínua não haja ordem de longo alcance para temperaturas finitas, o modelo XY 2D exibe uma transição de fase de ordem infinita não usual, associada com a dissociação de defeitos topológicos chamados de vórtices-inteiros, e que pertence à classe de universalidade de Kosterlitz-Thouless (KT). O modelo XY tridimensional exibe ordem de longo-alcance para baixas temperaturas e, à medida que a temperatura aumenta, passa para o estado desordenado através de uma transição ferromagnética usual. Generalizações do modelo XY, incluindo competição entre um termo ferromagnético e um nemático, foram introduzidas e estudadas por diversos autores. Essas interações nemáticas criam novas transições de fases e novos defeitos topológicos, como vórtices semi-inteiros. Neste trabalho, para casos particulares desses modelos generalizados, exploramos as classes de universalidade e os diagramas de fases em duas e três dimensões através de simulações de Monte Carlo usando algoritmos de cluster em GPUs, escalonamento de tamanhos finitos e análise da helicidade. Em particular, encontramos que a competição entre os termos ferromagnético e nemático dá origem a novas linhas de transição que podem pertencer a uma ampla gama de classes, desde a Kosterlitz-Thouless, 3dXY, Ising, Potts com 3 estados e até mesmo uma transição descontínua. / Although in a two-dimensional system with continuous symmetry there is no long-range order at finite temperature, the 2D XY model exhibits an unusual infinite order phase transition, associated with the unbinding of topological defects called integer-vortices, which belongs to the Kosterlitz-Thouless (KT) universality class. The three dimensional XY model exhibits a ferromagnetic long-range order at low temperatures and goes to the disordered state through a usual ferromagnetic transition. Generalizations of the XY model, including competition between a ferromagnetic and a nematic-like term, have been introduced and studied by many autors. These nematic-like interactions create new phase transitions and new topologial defects, like half-integer-vortices. In this work, for particular cases of these generalized models, we explore the universality classes of the transitions and the phase diagrams in two and three dimensions through Monte Carlo simulations using clusters algorithms on GPUs, finite size scaling and helicity analysis. In particular, we find that the competition between the ferromagnetic and nematic terms gives origin to new transition lines that can belong to a wide spectrum of classes, ranging from Kosterlitz-Thouless, 3dXY, Ising, 3 states Potts and even a discontinuous transition.

Embora em um sistema bidimensional com simetria contínua não haja ordem de longo alcance para temperaturas finitas, o modelo XY 2D exibe uma transição de fase de ordem infinita não usual, associada com a dissociação de defeitos topológicos chamados de vórtices-inteiros, e que pertence à classe de universalidade de Kosterlitz-Thouless (KT). O modelo XY tridimensional exibe ordem de longo-alcance para baixas temperaturas e, à medida que a temperatura aumenta, passa para o estado desordenado através de uma transição ferromagnética usual. Generalizações do modelo XY, incluindo competição entre um termo ferromagnético e um nemático, foram introduzidas e estudadas por diversos autores. Essas interações nemáticas criam novas transições de fases e novos defeitos topológicos, como vórtices semi-inteiros. Neste trabalho, para casos particulares desses modelos generalizados, exploramos as classes de universalidade e os diagramas de fases em duas e três dimensões através de simulações de Monte Carlo usando algoritmos de cluster em GPUs, escalonamento de tamanhos finitos e análise da helicidade. Em particular, encontramos que a competição entre os termos ferromagnético e nemático dá origem a novas linhas de transição que podem pertencer a uma ampla gama de classes, desde a Kosterlitz-Thouless, 3dXY, Ising, Potts com 3 estados e até mesmo uma transição descontínua. / Although in a two-dimensional system with continuous symmetry there is no long-range order at finite temperature, the 2D XY model exhibits an unusual infinite order phase transition, associated with the unbinding of topological defects called integer-vortices, which belongs to the Kosterlitz-Thouless (KT) universality class. The three dimensional XY model exhibits a ferromagnetic long-range order at low temperatures and goes to the disordered state through a usual ferromagnetic transition. Generalizations of the XY model, including competition between a ferromagnetic and a nematic-like term, have been introduced and studied by many autors. These nematic-like interactions create new phase transitions and new topologial defects, like half-integer-vortices. In this work, for particular cases of these generalized models, we explore the universality classes of the transitions and the phase diagrams in two and three dimensions through Monte Carlo simulations using clusters algorithms on GPUs, finite size scaling and helicity analysis. In particular, we find that the competition between the ferromagnetic and nematic terms gives origin to new transition lines that can belong to a wide spectrum of classes, ranging from Kosterlitz-Thouless, 3dXY, Ising, 3 states Potts and even a discontinuous transition.

Approximately every 20 years, a new generation is born and eventually dominates the workforce; although changes occur with each new generation, the importance of job satisfaction remains constant. Research within the U.S. Intelligence Community is lacking with regard to changing trends of job satisfaction levels. The purpose of this study was to explore job satisfaction levels between Generation X and Generation Y workforce employees at the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA). The central research question addressed how job satisfaction differed by generational differences in the workforce. A quantitative method was used to assess survey data. A structural equation modeling technique was used to simultaneously test the plausibility of variable relationships to include the following: independent variables—compensation, environment, advancement, performance, training, supervision, motivation, demographics, leadership; and the dependent variable, job satisfaction. Regarding theoretical construct, the McGregor theories X and Y was used to address 2 fundamental approaches that affected job satisfaction levels exclusive to Generation X and Y. Full time NGA employees from the Analysis and Production Directorate completed a survey to assess whether generational differences affected employees’ job satisfaction. Key findings indicated that Generation X employees associated job satisfaction as a measure of respect for their positions within NGA and Generation Y employees viewed job satisfaction as a measure of advancement and performance. The implications for positive social change include combating generational policy biases in the U.S.

Les travaux exposés dans ce manuscrit sont consacrés à l'étude de la dynamique hors équilibre de chaînes quantiques décrites par le modèle XY. Nous commençons par considérer la dynamique unitaire obtenue par la mise en contact de sous-systèmes voisins thermalisés à des températures différentes. L'état initial de la chaîne est alors inhomogène et la dynamique tend à l'homogénéisation. Lorsque le système est initialement divisé en deux sous-systèmes semi-infini préparés aux températures $T_b=\infty$ et $T_s$ nous obtenons analytiquement la fonction de Green associée à la dynamique du courant et du profil d'aimantation. Les résultats sont généralisés pour les températures $T_b$ finies permettant l'étude de l'état stationnaire. Dans le cas particulier où $T_s=T_b=0$, nous étudions le comportement de l'entropie d'intrication entre sous-systèmes. Cette quantité présente un accroissement "rapide", prédit par la théorie conforme (dans le cas d'un système critique), suivi d'une relaxation algébrique vers la valeur d'équilibre. Dans la dernière partie la dynamique du système est obtenue par l'interaction avec l'environnement, décrite par le processus d'interactions répétées. Nous examinons la structure de la matrice densité réduite du système et donnons une équation d'évolution de l'ensemble des corrélateurs à deux points. Finalement, nous étudions l'évolution temporelle du modèle $XX$ en contact avec un ou deux bains aux températures $T_1$ et $T_2$. Lorsque $T_1=T_2$, l'étude du comportement du système, pour les temps courts, dévoile l'état stationnaire. Dans la situation $T_1\ne T_2$, nous vérifions numériquement que le profil d'aimantation est plat et proposons l'introduction d'un désordre dynamique qui permet l'installation d'un gradient d'aimantation.

<p>The main focus of this thesis lies on the critical properties of twodimensional (2D) superconductors in zero magnetic field. Simulations based on variants of the 2D XY model are shown to give characteristic features close to the phase transition which agree qualitatively with experimental data. Thus, it is concluded that these common characteristic features are caused by two-dimensional vortices.</p><p>The thesis consists of an introductory part and five separate publications. In the introductory part of the thesis the basic results of the Ginzburg-Landau model, which gives a phenomenological description of superconductors, are described. In 2D systems, the superconductive phase transition in the absence of a magnetic field is governed by the unbinding of thermally created vortices and is called the Kosterlitz-Thouless (KT) phase transition. An introduction to this kind of transition is given. The important features of the current-voltage (IV) characteristics and the nonlinear conductivity, which can be used to study the KT transition, are discussed. The scaling analysis procedure, a powerful tool for the analysis of the properties of a system in the vicinity of phase transition, is reviewed. A scaling form for the nonlinear dc conductivity, which takes into account finite-size e ects, is discussed.</p><p>The static 2D XY model, which is usually used to describe superfluids, superconducting films as well as the high-Tc superconductors with high anisotropy, is introduced. Three different types of dynamic models, namely resistively shunted junction, relaxational, and Monte Carlo dynamics are superimposed on the 2D XY model for the evaluation of the dynamic properties. TheVillain model and a modifiedXY model using a p-type interaction potential exhibit different densities of the thermally created vortices. Since the dominant characteristic physical features close to the KT transition are associated with vortex pair fluctuations these two models are investigated.</p><p>The introductory part closes with a short introduction to each of the five published articles.</p>

The main focus of this thesis lies on the critical properties of twodimensional (2D) superconductors in zero magnetic field. Simulations based on variants of the 2D XY model are shown to give characteristic features close to the phase transition which agree qualitatively with experimental data. Thus, it is concluded that these common characteristic features are caused by two-dimensional vortices. The thesis consists of an introductory part and five separate publications. In the introductory part of the thesis the basic results of the Ginzburg-Landau model, which gives a phenomenological description of superconductors, are described. In 2D systems, the superconductive phase transition in the absence of a magnetic field is governed by the unbinding of thermally created vortices and is called the Kosterlitz-Thouless (KT) phase transition. An introduction to this kind of transition is given. The important features of the current-voltage (IV) characteristics and the nonlinear conductivity, which can be used to study the KT transition, are discussed. The scaling analysis procedure, a powerful tool for the analysis of the properties of a system in the vicinity of phase transition, is reviewed. A scaling form for the nonlinear dc conductivity, which takes into account finite-size e ects, is discussed. The static 2D XY model, which is usually used to describe superfluids, superconducting films as well as the high-Tc superconductors with high anisotropy, is introduced. Three different types of dynamic models, namely resistively shunted junction, relaxational, and Monte Carlo dynamics are superimposed on the 2D XY model for the evaluation of the dynamic properties. TheVillain model and a modifiedXY model using a p-type interaction potential exhibit different densities of the thermally created vortices. Since the dominant characteristic physical features close to the KT transition are associated with vortex pair fluctuations these two models are investigated. The introductory part closes with a short introduction to each of the five published articles.

Embora em um sistema bidimensional com simetria contínua não haja ordem de longo alcance para temperaturas finitas, o modelo XY 2D exibe uma transição de fase de ordem infinita não usual, associada com a dissociação de defeitos topológicos chamados de vórtices-inteiros, e que pertence `a classe de universalidade de Kosterlitz-Thouless (KT). Generalizações do modelo XY, incluindo competição entre um termo ferromagnético e um nemático, foram introduzidas e largamente estudadas por diversos autores. Essas interações nemáticas criam novas transições de fases e novos defeitos topológicos, como vórtices semi-inteiros. Neste trabalho, para um caso particular desses modelos generalizados, exploramos as classes de universalidades e o diagrama de fases através de simulações de Monte Carlo, escalonamento de tamanhos finitos e análise da helicidade. Em particular, encontramos que a competição entre os termos ferromagnético e nemático d´a origem a uma nova linha de transição, neste caso na classe de universalidade do modelo Potts com 3 estados. / Although in a two-dimensional system with continuous symmetry there is no long-range order at finite temperature, the 2D XY model exhibits an unusual infinite order phase transition, associated with the unbinding of topological defects called integer-vortices, and which belongs to the Kosterlitz-Thouless (KT) universality class. Generalizations of the XY model, including competition between a ferromagnetic and a nematiclike term, have been introduced and widely studied by many autors. These nematic-like interactions create new phase transitions and new topologial defects, like half-integer-vortices. In this work, for a particular case of these generalized models, we explore the universality classes of the transitions and the phase diagram through Monte Carlo simulations, finite size scaling and helicity analysis. In particular, we find that the competition between the ferromagnetic and nematic terms gives origin to a new transition line belonging, in this case, to the 3 states Potts universality class.

Embora em um sistema bidimensional com simetria contínua não haja ordem de longo alcance para temperaturas finitas, o modelo XY 2D exibe uma transição de fase de ordem infinita não usual, associada com a dissociação de defeitos topológicos chamados de vórtices-inteiros, e que pertence `a classe de universalidade de Kosterlitz-Thouless (KT). Generalizações do modelo XY, incluindo competição entre um termo ferromagnético e um nemático, foram introduzidas e largamente estudadas por diversos autores. Essas interações nemáticas criam novas transições de fases e novos defeitos topológicos, como vórtices semi-inteiros. Neste trabalho, para um caso particular desses modelos generalizados, exploramos as classes de universalidades e o diagrama de fases através de simulações de Monte Carlo, escalonamento de tamanhos finitos e análise da helicidade. Em particular, encontramos que a competição entre os termos ferromagnético e nemático d´a origem a uma nova linha de transição, neste caso na classe de universalidade do modelo Potts com 3 estados. / Although in a two-dimensional system with continuous symmetry there is no long-range order at finite temperature, the 2D XY model exhibits an unusual infinite order phase transition, associated with the unbinding of topological defects called integer-vortices, and which belongs to the Kosterlitz-Thouless (KT) universality class. Generalizations of the XY model, including competition between a ferromagnetic and a nematiclike term, have been introduced and widely studied by many autors. These nematic-like interactions create new phase transitions and new topologial defects, like half-integer-vortices. In this work, for a particular case of these generalized models, we explore the universality classes of the transitions and the phase diagram through Monte Carlo simulations, finite size scaling and helicity analysis. In particular, we find that the competition between the ferromagnetic and nematic terms gives origin to a new transition line belonging, in this case, to the 3 states Potts universality class.

Embora em um sistema bidimensional com simetria contínua não haja ordem de longo alcance para temperaturas finitas, o modelo XY 2D exibe uma transição de fase de ordem infinita não usual, associada com a dissociação de defeitos topológicos chamados de vórtices-inteiros, e que pertence `a classe de universalidade de Kosterlitz-Thouless (KT). Generalizações do modelo XY, incluindo competição entre um termo ferromagnético e um nemático, foram introduzidas e largamente estudadas por diversos autores. Essas interações nemáticas criam novas transições de fases e novos defeitos topológicos, como vórtices semi-inteiros. Neste trabalho, para um caso particular desses modelos generalizados, exploramos as classes de universalidades e o diagrama de fases através de simulações de Monte Carlo, escalonamento de tamanhos finitos e análise da helicidade. Em particular, encontramos que a competição entre os termos ferromagnético e nemático d´a origem a uma nova linha de transição, neste caso na classe de universalidade do modelo Potts com 3 estados. / Although in a two-dimensional system with continuous symmetry there is no long-range order at finite temperature, the 2D XY model exhibits an unusual infinite order phase transition, associated with the unbinding of topological defects called integer-vortices, and which belongs to the Kosterlitz-Thouless (KT) universality class. Generalizations of the XY model, including competition between a ferromagnetic and a nematiclike term, have been introduced and widely studied by many autors. These nematic-like interactions create new phase transitions and new topologial defects, like half-integer-vortices. In this work, for a particular case of these generalized models, we explore the universality classes of the transitions and the phase diagram through Monte Carlo simulations, finite size scaling and helicity analysis. In particular, we find that the competition between the ferromagnetic and nematic terms gives origin to a new transition line belonging, in this case, to the 3 states Potts universality class.