Description:
This chapter presents a canonical dual approach for solving a mixed-integer quadratic minimization problem with fixed cost terms. We show that this well-known NP-hard problem in R2n can be transformed into a continuous concave maximization dual problem over a convex feasible subset of R2n with zero duality gap. The resulting canonical dual problem can be solved easily, under certain conditions, by traditional convex programming methods. Both existence and uniqueness of global optimal solutions are discussed. Application to a decoupled mixed-integer problem is illustrated and analytic solutions for both a global minimizer and a global maximizer are obtained. Examples for both decoupled and general nonconvex problems are presented. Furthermore, we discuss connections between the proposed canonical duality theory approach and the classical Lagrangian duality approach. An open problem is proposed for future study.
Description:
Annual western grey kangaroo (Macropus fuliginsus) management programs have been implemented in Wyperfeld National Park, Victoria, as part of a strategy for the conservation and rehabilitation of vegetation communities. Due to public sensitivity to the culling of native animals is it essential to demonstrate that such activities it is essential to demonstrate that such actions result in environmental improvement. An assessment of the condition of the river red gum/black box woodland, pine/buloke woodland and lakebed herbfield vegation and communities was undertaken in 1998. Floristi and structural data were recorded from 162 quadrats across the park. "From the abstract".
Description:
To understand the risks of climate change and variability on Adelaide's water supply system, it is useful to consider the changes that have occured throughout the earth's history, and changes due to natural climate variability that occur across decades and centuries. In this we first take a look at climate change in earth's history that has helped shape the natural systems of the Murray-Darling (MDB) and the Mount Lofty Ranges (MLR), which provides Adelaide with its drinking water. We consider the forces that drive natural climate variability. In the second part, we introduce the new climate change force of increasing greenhouse gases, caused by human civilisations. The chapter explores future global scenarios of human behaviour and examines SA Water's role in managing its greenhouse gas emissions as it adapts to climate change, seeks to reduce its emissions, and supports necessary research. "From introduction"
Description:
In mid-2006, John Howard, conservative prime minister of Australia, convened a national history summit. The purported objective of the occasion was a commonly agreed national approach to the teaching and learning of Australian history in schools, a controversial issue at that time. This chapter, based on the personal involvement of the author in the process, outlines the background to the summit, details the inside story of the occasion and explains the political background to the John Howard’s hidden agenda in calling the 2006 history summit. This chapter discusses the events surrounding the Australian version of school history wars 2005-2007 as a memoir, but also as a study in high politics that deliberately emphasises the motivations and actions and roles of individuals, often quite obscure individuals, in the mechanics of political action and education policy formulation at the federal level.
Description:
In mid-2006, John Howard, conservative prime minister of Australia, convened a national history summit. The purported objective of the occasion was a commonly agreed national approach to the teaching and learning of Australian history in schools, a controversial issue at that time. This chapter, based on the personal involvement of the author in the process, outlines the background to the summit, details the inside story of the occasion and explains the political background to the John Howard’s hidden agenda in calling the 2006 history summit. This chapter discusses the events surrounding the Australian version of school history wars 2005-2007 as a memoir, but also as a study in high politics that deliberately emphasises the motivations and actions and roles of individuals, often quite obscure individuals, in the mechanics of political action and education policy formulation at the federal level.
Description:
Critical theory is a philosophical, sociological, and cultural studies term that relates closely to matters of legitimation, power and conflict, and argument. These are matters of central and defining interest in curriculum studies. Critical theory can be defined as an orienation, a disposition, and a way of acting on the world in order to change it. Above all critical theory is a form of social analysis that is not prepared to accept things at face value or as they are presented.