In this paper we discuss iterative algorithms for solving the split feasibility problem (SFP). We study the CQ algorithm from two approaches: one is an optimization approach and the other is a fixed point approach. We prove its convergence first as the gradient-projection algorithm and secondly as a fixed point algorithm. We also study a relaxed CQ algorithm in the case where the sets C and Q are level sets of convex functions. In such case we present a convergence theorem and provide a different and much simpler proof compared with that of Yang [7].

Title from PDF of title page. / Document formatted into pages; contains 76 pages. / Thesis (Ed.S.)--University of South Florida, 2003. / Includes bibliographical references. / Text (Electronic thesis) in PDF format. / ABSTRACT: The purpose of this research study was to analyze school psychologists' perspectives on 27 parent involvement and empowerment activities focused upon improving students' school success. A sample of 36 school psychologists from high and low minority schools in a large urban school district rated the degree to which they believed the activities should be offered to parents and the extent to which they were feasible to implement over the next five years. The activities rated highest for offer and feasibility by psychologists at both high and low minority schools were related to information dissemination and one-to-one meetings. The activities rated lowest for offer and feasibility by psychologists at both high and low minority schools were related to systems change and time-intensive programming. Psychologists' mean ratings for offer were generally higher than their mean ratings for feasibility of implementation. / ABSTRACT: However, the mean ratings for offer and feasibility at high minority schools tended not to be different from those ratings at low minority schools. Time was rated as the biggest barrier to implementation at both high and low minority schools, with current work responsibilities a close second. It is suggested that moving away from the traditional role of assessment and placement and towards prevention and intervention might reduce, if not eliminate, the time and current work responsibilities barriers and allow more school psychologists to implement home-school collaboration. / System requirements: World Wide Web browser and PDF reader. / Mode of access: World Wide Web.

The purpose of this research is to develop a model and solution methodology for selecting and scheduling timely and cost-effective maintenance, rehabilitation, and reconstruction activities (M & R) for each pavement section in a highway network and allocating the funding levels through a finite multi-period horizon within the constraints imposed by budget availability in each period, frequency availability of activities, and specified minimum pavement quality requirements. M & R is defined as a chronological sequence of reconstruction, rehabilitation, and major/minor maintenance, including a "do nothing" activity. A procedure is developed for selecting an M & R activity for each pavement section in each period of a specified extended planning horizon. Each activity in the sequence consumes a known amount of capital and generates a known amount of effectiveness measured in pavement quality. The effectiveness of an activity is the expected value of the overall gains in pavement quality rating due to the activity performed on a highway network over an analysis period. It is assumed that the unused portion of the budget for one period can be carried over to subsequent periods. Dynamic Programming (DP) and Branch-and-Bound (B-and-B) approaches are combined to produce a hybrid algorithm for solving the problem under consideratioin. The algorithm is essentially a DP approach in the sense that the problem is divided into smaller subproblems corresponding to each single period problem. However, the idea of fathoming partial solutions that could not lead to an optimal solution is incorporated within the algorithm to reduce storage and computational requirements in the DP frame using the B-and-B approach. The imbedded-state approach is used to reduce a multi-dimensional DP to a one-dimensional DP. For bounding at each stage, the problem is relaxed in a Lagrangean fashion so that it separates into longest-path network model subproblems. The values of the Lagrangean multipliers are found by a subgradient optimization method, while the Ford-Bellman network algorithm is employed at each iteration of the subgradient optimization procedure to solve the longest-path network problem as well as to obtain an improved lower and upper bound. If the gap between lower and upper bound is sufficiently small, then we may choose to accept the best known solutions as being sufficiently close to optimal and terminate the algorithm rather than continue to the final stage.

This thesis is an investigation on water reuse in the fresh-cut fruits and vegetable industry. Fresh water is used intensively in washing, cutting/peeling processes and disinfecting fruits and vegetables, as a result washwater with heavy solids is generated. Effective removal of solids is needed to allow for water reuse. Thus dissolved air flotation (DAF) and centrifuge with coagulation and flocculation process were explored for solid removal capabilities; some settling analysis was also conducted. Bench scale studies show DAF and centrifuge produce waters of similar quality (Turbidity). DAF is able to produce waters with higher UV transmittance and can work better with membrane filtration and UV disinfection. While centrifuge showed higher reduction in pathogen levels, it can be cost effective and compact in design. Membrane filtration feasibility showed that high quality waters (low turbidity) can be produced, but were unable to remove pathogens. Collimated beam results show UV disinfection can further be used to completely eliminate pathogens and allow for water reuse. This allows the processors to reduce their water foot-print, increase sustainability of their operations, and meet the increasing demand for fresh-cut fruits and vegetables.

No description available.

No description available.

In the United States, 40% of energy use was for electricity generation in 2011, but two thirds of the energy used to produce electricity was lost as heat. Combined heat and power systems are an energy technology that provides electrical and thermal energy at high efficiencies by utilizing excess heat from the process of electricity generation. This technology can offer a decentralized method of energy generation for urban regions which can provide a more reliable, resilient and efficient power supply, and has a lower impact on the environment compared to certain centralized electricity generation systems. In order for the use of combined heat and power systems to become more widespread and mainstream, studies must be performed which analyze their use in various conditions and applications. This work examines the use of a combined heat and power system with a microturbine as the prime mover in residential and commercial scenarios and analyzes the technical and economic feasibility of various system configurations. Energy models are developed for R1, R6 and 2-story office building scenarios using eQUEST, and these results give the electrical and thermal energy requirements for each building. Combined heat and power system models are then developed and presented for each scenario, and the building energy requirements and system component sizes available are considered in order to determine the optimal configurations for each system. The combined heat and power system models designed for each scenario are analyzed to find energy savings, water impacts, and emissions impacts of the system, and each model is examined for economic and environmental feasibility. The models created provide information on the most technically and economically efficient configurations of combined heat and power systems for each scenario examined. Data on system component sizing, system efficiencies, and environmental impacts of each system were determined, as well as how these scenarios compared to the use of traditional centralized energy systems. Combined heat and power has the potential to significantly improve the resiliency, reliability and efficiency of the current energy system in the U.S., and by studying and modeling its uses we more completely understand its function in a range of scenarios and can deploy the systems in a greater number of environments and applications.

在巴拿馬的火山鎮建造永續住宅區的可行性研究 / The thesis aims to determine the feasibility of building a sustainable community in the town of Volcan, province of Chiriqui, Republic of Panama. There is a great opportunity to be pioneers in offering an environmentally friendly residential project in Panama, and to fill the void of tenders for the medium to high range of retirement residences and second homes in the province of Chiriqui. After conducting a demand-side analysis, I determined that there are enough people that qualify as target market for the project in terms of age and income. From the supply-side perspective, the sustainable nature of the project represents a low to moderate over cost, which will turn into savings for the final user in the long run. After estimating costs and calculating the profit margin, I concluded that the project could be profitable. I will pursue a niche marketing strategy, targeting environmentally concerned college educated Panamanian and foreign residents, looking for a retirement or second home in the mountains, in harmony with nature. By conducting a sensitivity analysis, I identified that the most relevant variable for the success of the project is the ability to sell the houses at the expected price. Therefore, it is mandatory to execute an effective marketing strategy in order to reach the potential customers, project the right image, and to raise awareness about the benefits of environmentally friendly development. Finally, I conclude that the project is feasible and profitable, as long as an adequate marketing strategy is implemented.

Magister Philosophiae - MPhil

One of the important operational and in some cases, also strategic business decisions, is in respect of the investment of funds. Although there are a number of assets to invest in, two particular popular investment asset classes are land and/or property. Land however, is becoming a very scarce resource. It can be argued that many companies investing in the property sectors' main income is generated from the sale of land. A new way of gaining a sustainable income stream is followed. This is done by investing in different kinds of property development projects. One of the problems that companies face is to determine whether a property development project is a good investment, meaning that it will generate sustainable and acceptable profits in the long term. Companies evaluate prospective investment opportunities by assessing whether the expected return, adjusted for project risk, exceeds the company?s required return. Different impact parameters exist and were identified in the study. Valuation methods used in determining the overall feasibility were discussed and evaluated to see the impact on the property development project. / Thesis (M.B.A.)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.