Background. Pathfinding plays a big role in both digital games and robotics, and is used in many different ways. One of them is multi-goal pathfinding (MGPF) which is used to calculate paths from a start position to a destination with the condition that the resulting path goes though a series of goals on the way to the destination. For the most part research on this topic is sparse, and when the complexity is increased through obstacles that are introduced to the scenario, there are only a few articles in the field that relate to the problem.Objectives. The objective in this thesis is to conduct an experiment to compare four algorithms for solving the MGPF problem on six different maps with obstacles, and then analyze and draw conclusions on which of the algorithms is best suited to use for the MGPF problem. The first is the traditional Nearest Neighbor algorithm, the second is a variation on the Greedy Search algorithm, and the third and fourth are variations on the Nearest Neighbor algorithm. Methods. To reach the Objectives all the four algorithms are tested fifty times on six different maps of varying sizes and obstacle layout. Results. The data from the experiment is compiled in graphs for all the different maps, with the time to calculate a path and the path lengths as the metrics. The averages of all the metrics are put in tables to visualize the difference between the results for the four algorithms.Conclusions. The conclusions were that the dynamic version of the Nearest Neighbor algorithm has the best result if both the metrics are taken into account. Otherwise the common Nearest Neighbor algorithm gives the best results in respect to the time taken to calculate the paths and the Greedy Search algorithm creates the shortest paths of all the tested algorithms.

The purpose of the present thesis was to explore the cognitive, affective and behavioural correlates of adults’ exercise goals using the goal content perspective forwarded in Self-determination Theory (SDT; Deci & Ryan, 2000). In Study 1, to facilitate theoretically consistent measurement of exercise goal content, the Goal Content for Exercise Questionnaire (GCEQ) was developed and validated in multiple adult samples (N = 1306). In Study 2, analysis of cross-sectional data from 410 adults showed that relative intrinsic goal content (assessed by the GCEQ) predicted variance in adaptive cognitive, affective and behavioural aspects of exercise. Commensurate the hypotheses of SDT, the effect of goal content on cognitive and affective (but not behavioural) variables remained significant above and beyond exercise behavioural regulation. The cognitive and affective effects of goal content were shown to be partially mediated by psychological need satisfaction. In Study 3, qualitative analysis of exercisers (N = 11) experiences of pursuing relative intrinsic/extrinsic goals revealed themes that advance the understanding of the mechanisms underlying the findings of Study 2. Extending the findings of Study 2, using a prospective design and objective behavioural assessment, in Study 4 (N = 101) a motivational sequence from goal content to engagement in health-enhancing bouts of exercise behaviour via behavioural regulation was observed. Collectively, the four studies provide a comprehensive analysis of exercise goal content from an SDT perspective. The findings highlight the utility of the goal content construct in understanding motivation for exercise and provide a foundation for theoretically aligned future research.

This thesis examines the impact of social policies on child mortality. It argues that structural factors explain most of the variation in child mortality across countries and time. But that in Vietnam the state implemented effective social policies; leading to this country having low child mortality for its structural factors (income, income equality and women’s power). This thesis uses panel data econometrics to investigate the structural determinants of child mortality. Our model shows that national income and women’s power reduce, and income inequality increases, child mortality. These independent variables are significant at the 1% level and explain over 90% of the variation in child mortality when our dependent variable is under-five mortality from the World Development Indicators dataset. These results are robust to changes in the functional form, lag structure, dataset and measure of child mortality used in our model. Vietnam is an outlier in our model; it has low child mortality for its structural factors. We consider that Vietnam’s effective social policies may explain why it is an outlier. This thesis also undertakes a detailed case study of Vietnam’s social policies. We argue and provide considerable evidence that in Vietnam the government implemented effective family planning, child immunization and female education policies and that these reduced child mortality. Developing countries are currently committed through MDG4 to reducing under-five mortality by two thirds between 1990 and 2015. Our results show that developing countries are unlikely to achieve this goal because social policies have a small impact on child mortality relative to structural factors.

Magister Bibliothecologiae - MBibl / The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) is a tool through which the present government in South Africa wants to implement transformation in regard with raising the standard of living of the people in all spheres of life. Libraries are often seen as important agencies for information dissemination and other services. Public libraries have a vital role to play in the achievement of the MDGs. Stakeholders all over the spectrum need to collaborate with libraries to achieve these goals by 2015. The study investigated the role of the public library in realising some of the MDGs by means of a case study of Groenheuwel Public Library. The aim of this case study was to determine how this public library contributes to the development of Groenheuwel. Empirical research techniques were used to determine whether public libraries contribute to the well-being of the community of Groenheuwel and to the achievement of certain targets for the Millennium Development Goals. The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) provide a framework for libraries and information services to develop and align their strategies and access their contribution towards their countries (Kaniki, 2008:16). The methodology applied was a quantitative questionnaire which included open-ended questions, which explored the role of the public library in the respondents' lives. The study made use of random sampling; the population of the study was adult library users. Every third library user was asked to complete a questionnaire over a period of two weeks. The data collected, informed the researcher what the purpose of the adult users' visit to the library was and whether the library addresses MDGs directly or indirectly. The findings should provide empirical evidence of the impact of public libraries, with reference to Groenheuwel public library, in addressing some of the Millennium Development Goals. The researcher hopes that this study will convince local government and decision makers to expand the library to a bigger library, to render an effective and efficient library service with added staff members and that the community find the library valuable and vital for their information needs.

Setting and monitoring progress on personal goals has potential advantages for helping people achieve their goals. However, it may also have disadvantages for both goal progress and personal well-being if people start to focus on progress and external outcomes (e.g. academic grades) more than internal processes (e.g. interest in the subject). Self-compassion has been suggested as a trait that may help people cope with set-backs, maintain intrinsic motivation and achieve their goals. It may therefore be particularly helpful in overcoming some of the disadvantages of setting and monitoring personal goals. Self-compassion has previously been theoretically differentiated from self-esteem, with self-esteem seen as more contingent on positive self-judgements and success, suggesting that self-compassion may have additional benefits for maintaining individuals’ intrinsic motivation. The aim of this study was therefore to test whether self-compassion exercises are more helpful than self-esteem exercises in the context of setting and monitoring goals. This was tested using a between group experimental design with two conditions: self-compassion and self-esteem. Ninety-four university students were randomly assigned to one of the conditions and followed a four-week goal setting and monitoring programme in relation to both an academic and social goal. The data showed that both inductions resulted in an increase in state self-compassion and self-esteem. There was no difference between the conditions in achievement of either goal over the four weeks. There was also no difference between conditions in the weekly association between poor progress and negative affect or change in goal commitment and autonomous motivation over the four weeks. However, the self-compassion condition was rated as more pleasant than the self-esteem condition. The results suggest that the self-compassion exercises used may be more acceptable than the self-esteem exercises used but they are not better than the self-esteem exercises for enhancing goal pursuit. The study suggests that further research is needed to distinguish the motivational effects of self-compassion and self-esteem.

Title: The threat of terrorism with focus on soft targets Objectives: The main aim of this work is to describe the security issues of terrorism in the Czech Republic with a focus on soft targets. Another aim is to verify whether, according to valid legislation and documents relating to the fight against terrorism in the Czech Republic, the IRS components are prepared to actively face a terrorist attack on their basis and procedure. Methods: The chosen method is the literary search of Czech and foreign literature, legislation on the fight against terrorism at the level of the Czech Republic and the European Union, and internet sources. Determination of the activities of the IRS components during a terrorist attack, protection of soft targets and explanation of the term terrorism, its forms, methods and what types are most commonly used. In particular, it focuses on the legislative framework which, in the event of a terrorist attack, will be instrumental for IRS components and other components subject to this legislation. Results: It has been found that both terrorism and the fight against it are constantly evolving. In the case of terrorist attacks on soft targets, the currently drafted legislation at the level of both the Czech Republic and the European Union and the components of the Integrated...

Esta tesis se desarrolla con el fin de proponer un diseño de Plan de Marketing para la empresa Opticentro Medical SAC., que en la actualidad desea incrementar las ventas En un mercado cada vez más competitivo es importante que las empresas manejen todas las variables del negocio, de ahí la gran importancia de exponer las ventajas que genera el diseño de un Plan de Marketing. This thesis is developed in order to propose a Marketing Plan design for the company Opticentro Medical SAC., which currently wants to increase sales In an increasingly competitive market it is important that companies manage all the business variables, hence the great importance of exposing the advantages generated by the Design of a Marketing Plan.

The World Health Organization (WHO) found that 6.6 million children under five died in 2012 (WHO 2013). Almost half of all of these child deaths take place in the first month of life, and 75% of all under five deaths occur within the child's first year of life (WHO 2013). The aim of this study is to compare the most influential factors that decrease infant and neonatal mortality in order to find where policy makers, governments, and international organizations need to focus their efforts in order to get all countries on track for Millennium Development Goal 4 to reduce child mortality. Mosley and Chen (1984) suggest that infant mortality should be studied more as a process with multifactorial origins opposed to an acute, single phenomenon. To study the multifaceted nature of infant mortality they suggest grouping select variables into broad categories. This paper uses this model to test the contribution of the following four types of factors: 1) healthcare system 2) social determinants 3) reproductive behavior and 4) national context in order to understand which category impacts infant mortality most significantly. This study utilizes the Demographic and Health Surveys and was estimated using a discrete time hazard model. Results suggest that social determinants reduce infant mortality most significantly over the other three factors and that maternal education is the key to reaching Millennium Development Goal 4. This research suggests that healthcare interventions, although important, are not a substitute for mother's education. The combination of prenatal care and maternal education will ensure the safest first year for a child.

Självdisciplin har tidigare presenterats som en viktig förmåga vid exempelvis valprocesser, beslutsfattanden och påföljande utföranden. En relevant förmåga för studie- och yrkesvägledare då dessa funktioner inkluderas i vägledaruppdraget. Det primära syftet med den fenomenologiinspirerade studien var att belysa elevernas perspektiv och kartlägga unisona drag i manliga gymnasieelevers upplevelser av självdisciplin. De tio informanterna var i åldrarna 17–19 år och läste tredje alternativt andra året på högskoleförberedande program. De semistrukturerade intervjuerna varade i genomsnitt 35 minuter och meningskoncentrerades för fortsatt analys. Resultatet porträtterade självdisciplin som en prioritering av (1) nödvändiga ageranden för att nå (2) uppsatta mål med (3) positiva utfall. Graden av upplevd självdisciplin kan styras av (4) störande moment, (5) intressenivå, (6) vanor, (7) social påverkan och (8) främjande strategier. Fenomenet praktiseras i (9) utbildningssammanhang och upplevs ha en direkt inverkan på individers (10) framtida yrkeskarriärer. I diskussionsavsnittet behandlas resultatet i relation till vägledarnas uppdrag och tidigare forskning.

This study compared the goals of middle-aged student and non-student homemakers. Achieved, current and future goals were investigated. The student sample was composed of twenty-five married , female, full-time students between the ages of thirty and fifty enrolled at Utah State University and was matched with a non-student sample as closely as possible. At least one full year of college had been attained by all subjects before marriage. Data were collected through interviews conducted by the researcher during fall quarter, 1973. A non-directional t test was used to analyze the differences be tween the number of goals identified by both samples. Three hypotheses were tested. Analysis of the results failed to prove their validity, therefore, they could not be accepted. When the goals of the two groups of women were compared, few differences were found. Family goals were unanimously ranked as most important by both samples for all areas studied. Throughout this study the non-student sample seemed to have more goals, although not a significant difference, and to hold more conventional attitudes regarding the goals and roles of women than the student sample.