title: The design of an optimistic AND-parallel Prolog

authors: Cleary, John G.

subjects: Computer Science

abstract: A distributed AND-parallel Prolog implementation is described.  The system can correctly handle all pure Prolog programs.  In particular, it deals with the problem of distributed backtracking.  Conflicts in variable bindings are resolved by assigning a time value to every unification. Bindings with smaller time values are given precedence over those with larger time values.  The algorithm is based on the optimistic Time Warp system, with Prolog-specific optimizations.  The optimizations include two new unification algorithms that permit unification and backtracking in any order.  The result is a system which can fully exploit the parallelism available in both dependent and independent AND-parallelism.

text: The design of an optimistic AND-parallel Prolog A distributed AND-parallel Prolog implementation is described.  The system can correctly handle all pure Prolog programs.  In particular, it deals with the problem of distributed backtracking.  Conflicts in variable bindings are resolved by assigning a time value to every unification. Bindings with smaller time values are given precedence over those with larger time values.  The algorithm is based on the optimistic Time Warp system, with Prolog-specific optimizations.  The optimizations include two new unification algorithms that permit unification and backtracking in any order.  The result is a system which can fully exploit the parallelism available in both dependent and independent AND-parallelism.

year: 1993-10

title: The boundedness of Gorman’s Superposition method for free vibration analysis of plates

authors: Mochida, Yusuke

subjects: superposition method

abstract: Gorman’s Superposition method is known as one of the most efficient methods to solve the eigenvalue problems of plates because of its excellent convergence rate. However, there are few published results available that provide sufficient information on its boundedness. Here we have considered the nature of convergence of the eigenvalues for rectangular plates with the following sets of boundary conditions, completely free, fully clamped and cantilever. This paper shows numerically, the boundedness of the Superposition method for undamped vibration problems of rectangular isotropic plates subjected to different boundary conditions. The Superposition method gives upper bound results for eigenvalues of plates if the building blocks used in the Superposition method are subjected to stiffer boundary conditions than those of the original system being modelled. In contrast, the Superposition method yields lower bound results if the boundary conditions of building blocks are more flexible than those of the original system. The results would be useful to estimate the maximum possible error if the other bound can be obtained by another method.

text: The boundedness of Gorman’s Superposition method for free vibration analysis of plates Gorman’s Superposition method is known as one of the most efficient methods to solve the eigenvalue problems of plates because of its excellent convergence rate. However, there are few published results available that provide sufficient information on its boundedness. Here we have considered the nature of convergence of the eigenvalues for rectangular plates with the following sets of boundary conditions, completely free, fully clamped and cantilever. This paper shows numerically, the boundedness of the Superposition method for undamped vibration problems of rectangular isotropic plates subjected to different boundary conditions. The Superposition method gives upper bound results for eigenvalues of plates if the building blocks used in the Superposition method are subjected to stiffer boundary conditions than those of the original system being modelled. In contrast, the Superposition method yields lower bound results if the boundary conditions of building blocks are more flexible than those of the original system. The results would be useful to estimate the maximum possible error if the other bound can be obtained by another method.

year: 2012

title: Understanding the Happiness of Māori and the Role of Consumption: Experiences of the Millennial Generation

authors: de Thierry, Ebony

subjects: Māori Well-Being

abstract: Happiness is commonly perceived as the ideal state of being for  all of human kind. Although a universal definition of the term remains elusive, happiness is a goal that everybody wants to achieve. In understanding the different aspects that shape happiness, the literature has shown that this can vary depending on the cultural context. As such, this study investigates the essence of happiness as it is experienced by Māori. In understanding the experiences of the Millennial generation, the role that consumption plays is also explored. This group of young adults have been raised in an era when consumerism and cultural revitalisation are the norm.  

This investigation was guided by hermeneutic phenomenology using a kaupapa Māori research perspective. Through this, thirteen young Māori individuals were interviewed to gain their experiences of happiness. Photo elicitation techniques were utilised as a means to facilitate these interviews. Stories of the participants’ experiences of happiness were crafted and then analysed to explore the role of consumption.

Findings show that the happiness of Māori is shaped by the five themes of; sense of belonging, whānau and relationships, spirituality, achievement and success, and sense of freedom. These themes interrelate as they are underpinned by the collective values of Māori. In particular, the aspects of spirituality and sense of belonging appear to be specific to the Māori realm. These are based on customs, values and beliefs that are inherited from our ancestors yet are still prevalent today. In terms of consumption, happiness can be positively linked to experiential consumption. In this case, it can play three different roles on the happiness of Māori through either; a direct connection, an indirect connection, or a negative connection. For Māori, consumption is more likely to have an indirect connection. This implies that it is able to facilitate, maintain and enhance happiness, but is not essential to creating these feelings. This investigation contributes to the literature in four ways. First, this study serves as a starting point to developing a comprehensive framework of happiness that is specific to the culture, views and values of Māori. This will assist Māori through ensuring that they are accurately represented in policies, frameworks and statistics. Second, it proposes five guidelines for Māori which suggest how they can maximise happiness through consumption. Third, this study provides a more up-to-date understanding of the happiness of Māori at the individual level whilst incorporating the impact of collective values. Marketers, researchers and practitioners can utilise this information in an attempt to aid in improving the happiness of Māori society. Finally, it shows that consumption can continue to be positively related to happiness once basic needs have been met. The positive role that consumption can play on happiness is identified, showing that marketers and consumers can work together to achieve happiness.

text: Understanding the Happiness of Māori and the Role of Consumption: Experiences of the Millennial Generation Happiness is commonly perceived as the ideal state of being for  all of human kind. Although a universal definition of the term remains elusive, happiness is a goal that everybody wants to achieve. In understanding the different aspects that shape happiness, the literature has shown that this can vary depending on the cultural context. As such, this study investigates the essence of happiness as it is experienced by Māori. In understanding the experiences of the Millennial generation, the role that consumption plays is also explored. This group of young adults have been raised in an era when consumerism and cultural revitalisation are the norm.  

This investigation was guided by hermeneutic phenomenology using a kaupapa Māori research perspective. Through this, thirteen young Māori individuals were interviewed to gain their experiences of happiness. Photo elicitation techniques were utilised as a means to facilitate these interviews. Stories of the participants’ experiences of happiness were crafted and then analysed to explore the role of consumption.

Findings show that the happiness of Māori is shaped by the five themes of; sense of belonging, whānau and relationships, spirituality, achievement and success, and sense of freedom. These themes interrelate as they are underpinned by the collective values of Māori. In particular, the aspects of spirituality and sense of belonging appear to be specific to the Māori realm. These are based on customs, values and beliefs that are inherited from our ancestors yet are still prevalent today. In terms of consumption, happiness can be positively linked to experiential consumption. In this case, it can play three different roles on the happiness of Māori through either; a direct connection, an indirect connection, or a negative connection. For Māori, consumption is more likely to have an indirect connection. This implies that it is able to facilitate, maintain and enhance happiness, but is not essential to creating these feelings. This investigation contributes to the literature in four ways. First, this study serves as a starting point to developing a comprehensive framework of happiness that is specific to the culture, views and values of Māori. This will assist Māori through ensuring that they are accurately represented in policies, frameworks and statistics. Second, it proposes five guidelines for Māori which suggest how they can maximise happiness through consumption. Third, this study provides a more up-to-date understanding of the happiness of Māori at the individual level whilst incorporating the impact of collective values. Marketers, researchers and practitioners can utilise this information in an attempt to aid in improving the happiness of Māori society. Finally, it shows that consumption can continue to be positively related to happiness once basic needs have been met. The positive role that consumption can play on happiness is identified, showing that marketers and consumers can work together to achieve happiness.

year: 2012