Automated network resilience optimization using computational intelligence methods

This paper presents an automated optimization framework able to provide network administrators with resilient routing configurations for link-state protocols, such as OSPF or IS-IS. In order to deal with the formulated NP-hard optimization problems, the devised framework is underpinned by the use of computational in- telligence optimization engines, such as Multi-objective Evolutionary Algorithms (MOEAs). With the objective of demonstrating the framework capabilities, two il- lustrative Traffic Engineering methods are described, allowing to attain routing con- figurations robust to changes in the traffic demands and maintaining the network stable even in the presence of link failure events. The presented illustrative results clearly corroborate the usefulness of the proposed automated framework along with the devised optimization methods.

Changes in institutional governance and management of higher education in Laos: National University of Laos

PhD thesis in Educational Sciences (specialization in Politics of Education).

School governance and academic excellence: the representations of distinguished students in an annual award of excellence

Within a research project on «academic excellence in the state school», this paper is a contribution to the sociological reflection on the cultural and organisational characteristics of the school and its relationship with the academic success of students. The data we present stem from a case study underway at a secondary school in the north of Portugal, referring to the universe of students that since 2003 have distinguished themselves for achieving grades equal to or greater than 18 (on a scale of 0 to 20) and have thus been included in the school’s Framework of Excellence. From a contextual approach to this educational practice, we focused on the cultural characteristics of the school/subject as analytical support for the study of school and non-school dimensions in their mutual connections. To this end, we used the information from document analysis and data collected from a questionnaire survey administered to more than two-thirds of the students included in the above-mentioned Framework of Excellence. Subsequently, we will use the data from this survey to understand the extent to which academic excellence is perceived as an indivisible social construction of the school’s political and organisational matrix, particularly in terms of the educational and teaching guidelines adopted by the management body. We will conclude by questioning the meaning of the school’s management policies regarding the emphasis on educational outcomes, with particular focus on the representations of excellent students in the processes of school leadership, teaching organisation, school merit and justice.

Comedy shows: humour, crisis and the resilience of radio

Being a part of many radio stations' progra

Resilience of concrete structures in the marine environment through microstructural innovation

Dissertação de mestrado integrado em Engenharia Civil

Self-esteem, assertiveness and resilience in adolescents institutionalized

The institutionalization of children and adolescents has been an increasingly visible problem in modern society. Unfavourable socio-economic conditions have been joining the behavior problems and school absenteeism. When the family fails in its competence for education, social security or the Court withdraws the child or adolescent to a host institution. The aim of this research was to characterize self-esteem, assertiveness and resilience of institutionalized adolescents in the northern region of Portugal and to establish associations with these dependent variables and gender, scholar level and duration of the institutionalization. For the purpose of this study a wider questionnaire was carried out, and validated with a smaller group. It was a transversal study following a predominantly quantitative methodology, with a convenience sample. The sample included 101 adolescents (55 female and 46 males) from eight institutions, aged between 11 to 21 years old (average 15.45). For self-esteem the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (Rosenberg, 1965), already validate for Portuguese adolescents, was used. For assertiveness and resilience it was applied the Global Evaluation Scale of Assertiveness and the Global Evaluation Scale of Resilience (Jardim & Pereira, 2006) we previously adapted and validated for adolescents. Collected data was introduced in a SPSS database. A descriptive analysis was done to characterize the sample concerning all the variables. To establish associations between individual factors and dependent variables t test, correlations and non-parametric test were applied. Results indicated a relatively low self-esteem (28.03), with girls having a lower value than boys, without significant differences. No correlations were found between self-esteem and the time in the institution. Assertiveness of the sample is average (23.97) and higher for girls than boys, with a positive significant correlation with the scholar grade. Also the resilience is average (25.97), having girls a little lower mean than boys and no significant differences or correlations were found.

Automated network resilience optimization using computational intelligence methods

This paper presents an automated optimization framework able to provide network administrators with resilient routing configurations for link-state protocols, such as OSPF or IS-IS. In order to deal with the formulated NP-hard optimization problems, the devised framework is underpinned by the use of computational intelligence optimization engines, such as Multi-objective Evolutionary Algorithms (MOEAs). With the objective of demonstrating the framework capabilities, two illustrative Traffic Engineering methods are described, allowing to attain routing configurations robust to changes in the traffic demands and maintaining the network stable even in the presence of link failure events. The presented illustrative results clearly corroborate the usefulness of the proposed automated framework along with the devised optimization methods.

Contribution for a better ecological understanding of the freshwater phase of sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) in the Minho River watershed

Dissertação de mestrado em Ecology