An Integrated Chaos Search Genetic Algorithm (CGA) /Fuzzy System (FS), Tabu Search (TS) and Neural Fuzzy Network (NFN) method for load forecasting is presented in this paper. A Fuzzy Hyper-Rectangular Composite Neural Networks (FHRCNNs) was used for the initial load forecasting. Then we used CGAFS and TS to find the optimal solution of the parameters of the FHRCNNs, instead of Back-Propagation (BP). First the CGAFS generates a set of feasible solution parameters and then puts the solution into the TS. The CGAFS has good global optimal search capabilities, but poor local optimal search capabilities. The TS method on the other hand has good local optimal search capabilities. We combined both methods to try and obtain both advantages, and in doing so eliminate the drawback of the traditional ANN training by BP. This thesis presents a hybrid Chaos Search Immune Algorithm (IA)/Genetic Algorithm (GA) and Fuzzy System (FS) method (CIGAFS) for solving short-term thermal generating unit commitment problems (UC). The UC problem involves determining the start-up and shutdown schedules for generating units to meet the forecasted demand at the minimum cost. The commitment schedule must satisfy other constraints such as the generating limits per unit, reserve and individual units. We combined IA and GA, then added chaos search and fuzzy system approach in it. Then we used the hybrid system to solve UC. Numerical simulations were carried out using four cases; ten, twenty and thirty thermal units power systems over a 24-hour period.

none

<p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p><strong><strong><p>Background:</p></strong><p> </p><strong><strong><p>Problem:</p></strong><p> </p><strong><strong><p>Purpose:</p></strong><p> </p><strong><strong><p>Method:</p></strong><p> </p><strong><strong><p>Conclusion:</p></strong></strong>Based on our findings we do not advocate short sale regulations to<p>be introduced on the Swedish financial market. Neither does our</p><p>analysis indicate that the market performance is significantly affected</p><p>by shorting, nor does restrictions work as intended which we have</p><p>seen in other countries during the fall of 2008.</p></strong>The analysis have been drawn from four cornerstones; previous<p>research, actions of other countries’, a statistical analysis and</p><p>interview findings. We have examined and compiled different</p><p>strategies for restricting short sales around the world as well as</p><p>conducted a cross-correlation analysis to investigate if share price is</p><p>related to stock loan. Furthermore we have interviewed a</p><p>professional investor and a middle manager at the Swedish Financial</p><p>Supervisory Board to obtain experts’ views on the subject.</p></strong>With background of other countries’ actions, the purpose of this<p>report is to investigate why, if at all, short sale regulations should be</p><p>introduced on the Swedish financial market.</p></strong>Is there a correlation between the number of shorted shares and the<p>change in overall and individual stock price? What actions have been</p><p>taken by countries in Europe, Asia and the United States regarding</p><p>short selling during the fall of 2008 and what is SFSB’s attitude</p><p>towards the subject? Are there any benefits for the Swedish financial</p><p>market from shorting regulations?</p></strong>In times of financial crisis short selling is often quickly blamed for</p><p>price volatility and media broadcasts pleads for prohibitions and</p><p>restrictions. Extensive research, however, cannot find any empirical</p><p>evidence that shorting is affecting markets negatively; often it is the</p><p>other way around. Sweden has been relatively liberal when it comes</p><p>to shorting restrictions and even though share lending has increased</p><p>since the start of the year, no actions have been taken by the</p><p>Swedish Financial Supervisory Board.</p><p> </p><p> </p>

The Shadow Line is a collection of six short stories featuring characters whose lives take them near, and often across, the metaphorical Line that separates light from dark. Some of these characters indeed straddle that Line, living lives of apparent uprightness while harboring the seeds of inescapable menace. Some hover on the outside of some social structure and yearn to cross over, to leave the shadows of their lives outside for the apparent radiance within. And some live in worlds of brightness and comfort, only to find themselves confronting sudden moments of inexplicable terror. Told from various points of view, these stories invite the reader to listen to the characters — to explore the secrets they keep, the fears and doubts and dangers they face as they confront the darkness — and to inhabit with them, for a short time, the menacing world on either side of the Shadow Line. / A story to tell -- Grass grows greener -- Salvation -- Places -- The delivery -- The ivory tower. / Department of English

The eight short stories in Shorty examine themes including racism, oppression, conflict, social perception, miscommunication, struggles over meaning, truth and ethnic identity. New Zealand is a country reinventing itself from its colonial past (Wyn 2004 p. 277); identity-making in this country is a ‘dynamic process’ (Liu et al. 2005 p.11) which generates new cultural forms and practices. The concept of culture and subculture links the aforementioned themes in Shorty.

The eight short stories in Shorty examine themes including racism, oppression, conflict, social perception, miscommunication, struggles over meaning, truth and ethnic identity. New Zealand is a country reinventing itself from its colonial past (Wyn 2004 p. 277); identity-making in this country is a ‘dynamic process’ (Liu et al. 2005 p.11) which generates new cultural forms and practices. The concept of culture and subculture links the aforementioned themes in Shorty.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Missouri-Columbia, 2002. / Typescript. Vita. Also available on the Internet.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Missouri-Columbia, 2002. / Typescript. Vita. Also available on the Internet.

Typescript.

Thesis (M. Sc.)--University of Canterbury, 2006. / Typescript (photocopy). Includes bibliographical references (leaves 20-22). Also available via the World Wide Web.