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For zero-sum games, we have efficient solution techniques. Unfortunately, there are interesting games that are too large to solve. Here, a popular approach is to solve an abstract game that models the original game. We assume that more accurate the abstract games result in stronger strategies. There is substantial evidence to support this assumption. We begin by formalizing abstraction and refinement, a notion of expressive power for abstractions. We then show the assumption fails to hold under two criteria. The first is exploitability, which measures performance in the worst-case. The second is called the domination value, which measures how many mistakes a strategy makes. Despite these pathologies, we notice that larger strategies tend to make fewer mistakes and perform better in tournaments. Finally, we introduce strategy grafting, a technique that uses sub-game decomposition, which allow us to create good strategies in much larger spaces than previously possible.

Zugl.: Kassel, Universiẗat, Diss., 2006. / Download lizenzpflichtig.

Zugl.: Kassel, Univ., Diss., 2006

Freie Universiẗat, Diss., 1999--Berlin.

The purpose of this study is to determine whether extensive reading has positive effects on developing inferencing skills. Extensive reading is a language learning method of reading large amounts of comprehensible texts. This method limits the use of dictionaries while reading; therefore, extensive readers have greater practice in dealing with unfamiliar words than non-extensive readers. One of the ways to deal with unfamiliar words is to infer the meaning of the word using contextual clues. Knowing how to infer the meaning of unknown words is a helpful skill for language learners. Due to the fact that extensive readers have a greater practice in dealing with unknown words, this study examines whether there are any differences in the precision of inferencing skills between extensive readers and non-extensive readers. There were 39 participants analyzed in this study, 28 non-extensive readers and 11 extensive readers. The results showed that extensive reading has positive effects on language learners’ inferencing skills. In terms of accuracy, we could not see a statistical difference; however, the extensive readers had a higher percentage in accurately inferring the word meaning. In terms of the use of knowledge sources, extensive readers were able to choose the appropriate knowledge source when inferring the target word. These results indicate that extensive reading can enhance language learners’ inferencing skills.

This study investigated the potential benefit of introducing Moringa oleifera (MO) and Leucaena leucocephala (LL) leaves as supplementary feed resource for indigenous goats feeding systems in southern Mozambique. The study started with a description of smallholder goat production systems in three resource-poor districts of Mozambique and subsequently investigated the variation and seasonal fluctuations of natural fodder quality in the Changalane district throughout a year period. Thereafter, the effect of tree forage supplementation on growth and reproductive performance of Landim goats were evaluated by simulating a typical feeding system used in the study area. In study one, a survey was conducted in three villages to collect data on indigenous goats and in smallholder husbandry practices in terms of feeding, health and reproduction management. Information from 45-smallholder goat keepers were recorded using a survey, which was complemented by interviews. Results showed that goats were raised under extensive systems, under free grazing. Tethering was a common management practice, with limited supplementation during the dry season. In general, during the dry season the natural pasture were scarcity and poor in quality and consequently does not sustained the energy and protein requirements of ruminants for maintenance and other functions. In study two, the eight key species that were consumed by the goats (namely Sclerocarya birrea, Spirostachys africana, Dichrostachys cinerea, Flueggea virosa, Acacia nigrescens, Acacia nilotica, Panicum maximum and Morus alba) were collected and analysed. Daily energy intake (4.27 ± 0.17 MJ/kg DM vs 3.71 ± 0.41 MJ/kg DM) and crude protein (CP) intake (92.83 ± 16.05 g DM/head/day vs. 59.38 ± 13.12 g DM/head/day) were higher in the rainy season than in the dry season. Daily intake of calcium and phosphorus did not show significant seasonal variations and were below the requirements levels for maintenance of a 20 kg bodyweight goat during the dry season and for the pregnant goat during both seasons. These results showed a need to supplement goats with energy, protein and phosphorus for maintenance, growth and reproduction during the dry season. In study three, the impact of supplementation with LL and MO on the growth and reproduction performance of indigenous goats were evaluated. Fifty-six goats were randomly divided into seven groups, with four castrated males and four females in each group. One group was used as the control group (animals grazing on natural veld without any supplementation), while first three groups were fed with LL and the other three groups with MO tree leaves, respectively. Compared to the control group, both treatments had a significant effect, irrespective of the level of supplementation in terms of overall body weight gain and the final body weight of the bucks. All female reproduction parameters measured for the supplemented groups were superior when compared to the control group. Findings of this study suggest the benefit of using LL and MO tree leaves as supplement for Mozambican goats to overcome the adverse effects of seasonal fluctuations in feed quality on their growth and reproductive performance. / Thesis (PhD)--University of Pretoria, 2019. / Animal and Wildlife Sciences / PhD / Unrestricted

Throughout history, utopian ideals have existed promoting nature as a necessary affect for better aesthetic and psychological being. Yet, as human populations climb so do stresses upon the natural environment - therefore, bringing "the city in harmony with nature" becomes more challenging. Fortunately, hope exists through the use of greenroof technology. Greenroofs are a green space created by continuous layers of drainage, protection, growing medium, and plants either onto or integral to a roofing system. This paper explores extensive greenroofs, characterized by low-maintenance and shallow growing medium. Greenroof benefits (ecological, economical, aesthetic, psychological) are classified as: Market and Human. Further exploration of human-driven benefits result in the definitions of active and passive sensation (the division of sensation): Active sensation is the immediate, present, unimagined engagement of a specific sense. Passive sensation is the imagined perception (sensing) of an object or element. As defined, Active Sensations are real and, therefore, have limits/defects/boundaries; yet, Passive Sensations are imagined, and therefore, limitless. As alluded by William James, "The philosophy which is so important in each of us is not a technical matter; it is our more or less dumb sense of what life honestly and deeply means. It is only partly got from books; it is our individual way of just seeing and feeling the total push and pressure of the cosmos." The remainder of the document explores human-driven greenroof design; emphasizing design as a form of inquiry. / Master of Landscape Architecture

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This Report explores the importance of including extensive reading (ER) program in English as a second language (ESL) or English as a foreign language (EFL) context. To find benefits and implications of L2 extensive reading, the Report reviews comprehensive literature on L2 extensive reading. Research has found that extensive reading enables L2 learners to achieve both cognitive and affective gains. Based on these findings, the report provides some pedagogical implications for an L2 program in ESL/EFL contexts. The suggestions include practical tips such as materials, useful ER activities, and a discussion of teacher roles in an extensive reading program. / text