A Phenomenological Exploration of Black Male Law Enforcement Officers' Perspectives of Racial Profiling and Their Law Enforcement Career Exploration and Commitment

This phenomenological study explored Black male law enforcement officers’ perspectives of how racial profiling shaped their decisions to explore and commit to a law enforcement career. Criterion and snow ball sampling was used to obtain the 17 participants for this study. Super’s (1990) archway model was used as the theoretical framework. The archway model “is designed to bring out the segmented but unified and developmental nature of career development, to highlight the segments, and to make their origin clear” (Super, 1990, p. 201). Interview data were analyzed using inductive, deductive, and comparative analyses. Three themes emerged from the inductive analysis of the data: (a) color and/or race does matter, (b) putting on the badge, and (c) too black to be blue and too blue to be black. The deductive analysis used a priori coding that was based on Super’s (1990) archway model. The deductive analysis revealed the participants’ career exploration was influenced by their knowledge of racial profiling and how others view them. The comparative analysis between the inductive themes and deductive findings found the theme “color and/or race does matter” was present in the relationships between and within all segments of Super’s (1990) model. The comparative analysis also revealed an expanded notion of self-concept for Black males – marginalized and/or oppressed individuals. Self-concepts, “such as self-efficacy, self-esteem, and role self-concepts, being combinations of traits ascribed to oneself” (Super, 1990, p. 202) do not completely address the self-concept of marginalized and/or oppressed individuals. The self-concept of marginalized and/or oppressed individuals is self-efficacy, self-esteem, traits ascribed to oneself expanded by their awareness of how others view them. (DuBois, 1995; Freire, 1970; Sheared, 1990; Super, 1990; Young, 1990). Ultimately, self-concept is utilized to make career and life decisions. Current human resource policies and practices do not take into consideration that negative police contact could be the result of racial profiling. Current human resource hiring guidelines penalize individuals who have had negative police contact. Therefore, racial profiling is a discriminatory act that can effectively circumvent U.S. Equal Employment Opportunities Commission laws and serve as a boundary mechanism to employment (Rocco & Gallagher, 2004).

Review of Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Allegations Involving SC Mentor, a Private Provider for the South Carolina Department of Disabilities and Special Needs

This review was requested by the Department of Disabilities and Special Needs for an independent review of allegations of abuse, neglect, and exploitation at SC Mentor, a private provider of residential services for DDSN consumers. An analysis of incidents did not indicate systemic abuse towards consumers inasmuch as the majority of the ANE reporting system contained allegations more akin to staff/facility performance issues and the vast majority of all allegations were unsustained by independent investigations. In the future, DDSN should expand the level of detail in its ANE reporting, which currently only reports total allegations and sustained criminal incidents.

Innovation in the Australian Spatial Information Industry

Business literature reveals the importance of generating innovative products and services, but much of the innovation research has been conducted in large firms and not replicated in small firms. These firms are likely to have different perspectives on innovation, which means that they will probably behave differently to large firms. Our study aims to unpack how firms in Spatial Information perceive and engage in innovation as a part of their business operation. To investigate these questions we conduct 20 in depth interviews of top management team members in Spatial Information firms in Australia. We find that small firms define innovation very broadly and measure innovation by its effect on productivity or market success. Innovation is seen as crucial to survival and success in a competitive environment. Most firms engage in product and/or service innovations, while some also mentioned marketing, process and organisational innovations. Most innovations were more exploitative rather than exploratory with only a few being radical innovations. Innovation barriers include time and money constraints, corporate culture and Government tendering practices. Our study sheds a light on our understanding of innovation in an under-researched sector; that is spatial information industry.

Selection procedures for module discovery : exploring evolutionary algorithms for cognitive science

Evolutionary algorithms are playing an increasingly important role as search methods in cognitive science domains. In this study, methodological issues in the use of evolutionary algorithms were investigated via simulations in which procedures were systematically varied to modify the selection pressures on populations of evolving agents. Traditional roulette wheel, tournament, and variations of these selection algorithms were compared on the “needle-in-a-haystack” problem developed by Hinton and Nowlan in their 1987 study of the Baldwin effect. The task is an important one for cognitive science, as it demonstrates the power of learning as a local search technique in smoothing a fitness landscape that lacks gradient information. One aspect that has continued to foster interest in the problem is the observation of residual learning ability in simulated populations even after long periods of time. Effective evolutionary algorithms balance their search effort between broad exploration of the search space and in-depth exploitation of promising solutions already found. Issues discussed include the differential effects of rank and proportional selection, the tradeoff between migration of populations towards good solutions and maintenance of diversity, and the development of measures that illustrate how each selection algorithm affects the search process over generations. We show that both roulette wheel and tournament algorithms can be modified to appropriately balance search between exploration and exploitation, and effectively eliminate residual learning in this problem.

Harnessing the fishery potential of man-made lakes for the partial commercialisation of Niger River Basin Development Authority, Minna, Nigeria

Niger River Basin Development Authority Minna (NRBDA) is one of the eleven river basins in Nigeria now undergoing transition towards partial commercialisation. In the light of this the need to be self-sustaining through exploration and exploitation of every possible areas along their operation to yield revenue cannot be over-emphasized. Therefore it is most pertinent to consider fisheries activities along their water bodies as one of the major sources of revenue by organising the local fishermen operating along the water into cooperative bodies and made to pay for fishing rights. Strategies to accomplish this objective is highlighted. The need to embark on aquaculture projects by construction of fish ponds at suitable sites along the reservoirs and developing the recreational potentials of their water bodies as sources of revenue is also stressed

Application of forecasting structural cracks technique of 3D move in Chengdao buried hill

3DMove software, based on the three-dimension structural model of geologic interpretation, can forecast reservoir cracks from the point of view of formation of the structural geology, and analyze the characteristics of the cracks. 3DMove software dominates in forecasting cracks. We forecast the developments and directions of the cracks in Chengbei buried hill with the application of forecasting technique in 3DMove software, and obtain the chart about strain distributing on top in buried hill and the chart about relative density and orientation and the chart about the analysis of crack unsealing. In Chengbei 30 buried hill zone, north-west and north-east and approximately east-west cracks in Cenozoic are very rich and the main directions in every fault block are different. Forecasting results that are also verified by those of drilling approximately accord with the data from well logging, the case of which shows that the technique has the better ability in forecasting cracks, and takes more effects on exploration and exploitation of crack reservoir beds in ancient buried hill reservoirs.

提高勘探成熟区地震资料精度的方法研究

With the Oil field exploration and exploitation, the problem of supervention and enhaning combination gas recovery was faced.then proposing new and higher demands to precision of seismic data. On the basis of studying exploration status,resource potential,and quality of 3D seismic data to internal representative mature Oil field, taking shengli field ken71 zone as study object, this paper takes advantage of high-density 3D seismic technique to solving the complex geologic problem in exploration and development of mature region, deep into researching the acquisition, processing of high-density 3D seismic data. This disseration study the function of routine 3D seismic, high-density 3D seismic, 3D VSP seismic,and multi-wave multi-component seismic to solving the geologic problem in exploration and development of mature region,particular introduce the advantage and shortage of high-density 3D seismic exploration, put forward the integrated study method of giving priority to high-density 3D seismic and combining other seismic data in enhancing exploration accuracy of mature region. On the basis of detailedly studying acquisition method of high-density 3D seismic and 3D VSP seismic,aming at developing physical simulation and numeical simulation to designing and optimizing observation system. Optimizing “four combination” whole acquisition method of acquisition of well with ground seimic and “three synchron”technique, realizing acquisition of combining P-wave with S-wave, acquisition of combining digit geophone with simulation geophone, acquisition of 3D VSP seismic with ground seimic, acquisition of combining interborehole seismic,implementing synchron acceptance of aboveground equipment and downhole instrument, common use and synchron acceptance of 3D VSP and ground shots, synchron acquisition of high-density P-wave and high-density multi-wave, achieve high quality magnanimity seismic data. On the basis of detailedly analysising the simulation geophone data of high-density acquisition ,adopting pertinency processing technique to protecting amplitude,studying the justice matching of S/N and resolution to improving resolution of seismic profile ,using poststack series connection migration,prestack time migration and prestack depth migration to putting up high precision imaging,gained reliable high resolution data.At the same time carrying along high accuracy exploration to high-density digit geophone data, obtaining good improve in its resolution, fidelity, break point clear degree, interbed information, formation characteristics and so on.Comparing processing results ,we may see simulation geophone high-density acquisition and high precision imaging can enhancing resolution, high-density seismic basing on digit geophone can better solve subsurface geology problem. At the same time, fine processing converted wave of synchron acquisition and 3D VSP seismic data,acquiring good result. On the basis of high-density seismic data acquisition and high-density seismic data processing, carry through high precision structure interpretation and inversion, and preliminary interpretation analysis to 3D VSP seismic data and multi-wave multi-component seismic data. High precision interpretation indicates after high resolution processing ,structural diagram obtaining from high-density seismic data better accord with true geoligy situation.

鄂尔多斯盆地环县地区长6-长8沉积相及储层研究

The exploration in recent years shows that the Yanchang Formation in the southwest of Ordos Basin is of great resource potential and good exploration and exploitation prospect. In the thesis ，sedimentary source analysis，sedimentary system，sedimentary microfacies，sandstones distribution and reservoir characteristic are studied and favorable oil area are forecasted in Chang6-Chang8 of Yanchang formation in HuanXian region， by mainly study on the data of field section observation ，core observation, well logging explaination and routine microscope slice identification，scanning Electron Microscope and reservoir analysis of lithology and physical property , Under the guidance of such advanced theories and methods as sedimentology，reservoir sedimentology，lithological oil pool and so on. The stratum of Chang6-Chang8 of Yanchang formation could be divided into pieces of member following the principles that firstly contrasting the big segments, then contrasting the small segments, being controlled by cycle and consulting the thickness etc.And the characteristic of stratum are detailed discussed , respectively. Based on the source direction of the central basin, heavy and light minerals are used to analyse source direction of Chang6 and Chang8 member, in HuanXian area. Research result shows that the source of Chang6 and Chang8 member is mixed provenance,including west-south,west and east-north. By the study of rock types、 sedimentary conformation、lithology and electromotive curve combination and palaeo-biology,lake、delta and braided delta mianly developed in study area are recognized, Subaqueous distributary channels in delta front and in braided delta front, and sand body in deep-lake turbidite, are the main reservoir.forthermore,the characteristic of depositional system and sandy body in space are discussed. Applied with routine microscope slice identification, Scanning Electron Microscope, reservoir lithology and physical property analysis and other analytic machinery, Feldspar-lithic fine-sandstone and feldspar fine-sandstone are mainly sandstone of Y Chang6-Chang8 in Huanxian area, small pore and tiny pore are the main pore types, tiny throat type and micro-fine throat type are widely developed , secondary dissolution porosity, intercrystal porosity, tiny pore and micro-crack are main pore types.Intergranular porosity and dissolution porosity secondary is the main pore secondary. The dominant diagenesis types in the area are compaction, cementation, replacement and dissolution. Chlorite films cementation facies, carbonate cementation facies ,mud cementation compaction facie, compaction 、pressure solution facies are the main diagenetic facies,in which Chlorite films cementation facies is the best diagenetic facies in study area. Reservoir influence factor analysis ,rock types are the main factor forming this low-pore and low-permeability of Chang6-Chang8 member in study area,and relatively higher permeability area are cortrolled by sedimentary facies distribution, diagenesis improved reservoir physical property. According to the distributing of sedimentary micro-facies and sandy body , and the test oil, favorable region in Chang6-Chang8 are forecasted.

安塞油田三叠系延长组长10油层组沉积相研究

Ordos basin is a large-scale craton overlapping basin, which locates in western North China platform and possesses abundant hydrocarbon resources. Ansai area in 2007 to extend the head of Chang10 of Yangchang Formation has made breakthrough progress in the region, long a high of Gao52 was Chang10 industrial oil flow, for oil exploration Ansai Oil Field opened a new chapter. in 2008, high of Gao52, Wang519, Gao34 producing wells area of building and found the existence of Chang10 great potential for the discovery of Chang10 Reservoir, Ansai Oil Field for a new direction, showing a good exploration development prospects.The study of occurrence and distribution features of hydrocarbon should be made by new theories and evolutions of sedimentology, sequence stratigraphy, reservoir sedimentology and petroleum geology form different angles on the base of regional geology background. Ansai Oil Field is in mid Shanbei Slope, which is a considerable producing zone of Ordos basin. Chang10 of Yangchang Formation is an important oil-bearing series, which sedimentary formation was formed in Indosinian orogeny, Late Triassic, sedimentary background is a momentary uplifting in Ordos basin, and exploration and exploitation of hydrocarbon in this area is very important. To further descripte disciplinarian of accumulation hydrocarbon, carefully study on sedimentary facies, reservoir type and disciplinarian of accumulation hydrocarbon of Chang10 of Yangchang Formation in study area is needed. By collecting date of field profile, outcrop, core and many other geological, through sedimentary and oil geological analysis, sedimentary facies types were identified, distributing of sedimentary facies and extension of sand body were analyzed too. Finally, the main controlling factors of hydrocarbon and the favorable areas were found out by deeply studying sedimentary system and disciplinarian of accumulation oil&gas in Chang10 of Yangchang Formation, Late Triassic in Ansai Oil Field. Chang10 of Yangchang Formation is main study formation, which is divided into three members (Chang101, Chang102 and Chang103), Chang101 is subdivided into three (Chang1011, Chang1012and Chang1013) reservoirs. By defining Layered borderline between every member and detailed describing rock and electro characteristic, member zonation become more reasonable and accurate also sedimentary facies and disciplinarian of accumulation oil&gas in study area are confirmed Through researching sedimentary facies, reservoir sand and hydrocarbon migration, accumulation, distribution, hydrocarbon accumulation models of Chang10 of Yangchang Formation in study area is pointed out, which is lithologic hydrocarbon reservoir and tectonic-lithologic hydrocarbon reservoir. Different play is formed by different processes and factors. Through analysis of reservoir property, trap type and accumulation model, several favorable exploration areas can be found out in Chang 10 reservoirs （Chang1011, Chang1012and Chang1013） of the Ansai Oil Field.

复杂断块油藏形成机制及剩余油预测

The central uplift in the Huimin depression is famous for its large amounts of faults and small-scale fault-block area, and it is the famed typical complicated fault-block group oil & gas field in the whole world. After many years of rolling exploration and exploitation, many complex oil &gas field have been discovered in the central uplift, and won the splendent fruit. With the gradual deepening and development of the rolling exploitation, the exploration faces more and more difficulties. Therefore, it is important to reveal the forming mechanism and distributing rule of the complex fault-block reservoir, and to realize the forecast of the complex fault-block reservoir, sequentially, expedite the exploration step. This article applies the new multi-subject theory, method and technique such as structure geometry, kinematics, dynamics, structural stress field, fluid potential field, well logging record and constrained inversion of seismic records, coherence analysis, the seal mold and seal history of oil-bounded fault etc, and try to reveal the forming mechanism and distributing law of the complex fault-block reservoir, in result, implements the forecast of the fault-block reservoir and the remaining oil distributing. In order to do so, this article synthetically carries out structural estimate, reservoir estimate, fault sealing history estimate, oil-bearing properties estimate and residual. This article also synthetically researches, describes and forecast the complex fault-block in Huimin depression by use of the techniques, e.g. seismetic data post-stack processing technique, multi-component demarcating technique, elaborate description technique for the fault-block structure, technique of layer forecasting, fault sealing analysis technique, comprehensive estimate technique of fault-block, comprehensive analysis and estimate technique of remaining oil etc. The activities of the faults varies dramatically in the Huimin depression, and most of the second-class and the third-class faults are contemporaneous faults, which control the macroscopical distribution of the reservoir in the Huimin depression. The fourth-class faults cause the complication between the oil & gas among the fault-blocks. The multi-period strong activities of the Linyi fracture resulted in the vertical migration of large amount of oil & gas along with the faults. This is the main reason for the long vertical distribution properties near the Linyi fracture in the Huimin depression. The sealing ability of the fault is controlled by the property,size and direction of the main stress, the contact relationship of the both sides of the fault, the shale polluting factor, and the configuration relationship between the fault move period and the migration period of oil & gas. The article suggest four fault-sealing modes in the research zone for the first time, which establishes the foundation for the further forecast of the complex fault-block reservoir. Numerical simulation of the structural stress field reveals the distribution law and the evolvement progress of the three-period stress field from the end of the Dongying period to the Guantao period to nowadays. This article puts forward that the Linyi and Shanghe regions are the low value of the maximum main stress data. This is combined with the fault sealing history estimate, then multi-forming-reservoir in the central uplift is put forward. In the Shanghe oilfield, the article establishes six reservoir geological modes and three remaining oil distributing modes(the plane, the inside layer and the interlayer), then puts forward six increase production measure to enhance the remaining oil recovery ratio. Inducting the exploitation of oilfield, it wins notable economic effects and social effects.

基于MRF模型的油气储层属性随机建模方法研究

Stochastic reservoir modeling is a technique used in reservoir describing. Through this technique, multiple data sources with different scales can be integrated into the reservoir model and its uncertainty can be conveyed to researchers and supervisors. Stochastic reservoir modeling, for its digital models, its changeable scales, its honoring known information and data and its conveying uncertainty in models, provides a mathematical framework or platform for researchers to integrate multiple data sources and information with different scales into their prediction models. As a fresher method, stochastic reservoir modeling is on the upswing. Based on related works, this paper, starting with Markov property in reservoir, illustrates how to constitute spatial models for catalogued variables and continuum variables by use of Markov random fields. In order to explore reservoir properties, researchers should study the properties of rocks embedded in reservoirs. Apart from methods used in laboratories, geophysical means and subsequent interpretations may be the main sources for information and data used in petroleum exploration and exploitation. How to build a model for flow simulations based on incomplete information is to predict the spatial distributions of different reservoir variables. Considering data source, digital extent and methods, reservoir modeling can be catalogued into four sorts: reservoir sedimentology based method, reservoir seismic prediction, kriging and stochastic reservoir modeling. The application of Markov chain models in the analogue of sedimentary strata is introduced in the third of the paper. The concept of Markov chain model, N-step transition probability matrix, stationary distribution, the estimation of transition probability matrix, the testing of Markov property, 2 means for organizing sections-method based on equal intervals and based on rock facies, embedded Markov matrix, semi-Markov chain model, hidden Markov chain model, etc, are presented in this part. Based on 1-D Markov chain model, conditional 1-D Markov chain model is discussed in the fourth part. By extending 1-D Markov chain model to 2-D, 3-D situations, conditional 2-D, 3-D Markov chain models are presented. This part also discusses the estimation of vertical transition probability, lateral transition probability and the initialization of the top boundary. Corresponding digital models are used to specify, or testify related discussions. The fifth part, based on the fourth part and the application of MRF in image analysis, discusses MRF based method to simulate the spatial distribution of catalogued reservoir variables. In the part, the probability of a special catalogued variable mass, the definition of energy function for catalogued variable mass as a Markov random field, Strauss model, estimation of components in energy function are presented. Corresponding digital models are used to specify, or testify, related discussions. As for the simulation of the spatial distribution of continuum reservoir variables, the sixth part mainly explores 2 methods. The first is pure GMRF based method. Related contents include GMRF model and its neighborhood, parameters estimation, and MCMC iteration method. A digital example illustrates the corresponding method. The second is two-stage models method. Based on the results of catalogued variables distribution simulation, this method, taking GMRF as the prior distribution for continuum variables, taking the relationship between catalogued variables such as rock facies, continuum variables such as porosity, permeability, fluid saturation, can bring a series of stochastic images for the spatial distribution of continuum variables. Integrating multiple data sources into the reservoir model is one of the merits of stochastic reservoir modeling. After discussing how to model spatial distributions of catalogued reservoir variables, continuum reservoir variables, the paper explores how to combine conceptual depositional models, well logs, cores, seismic attributes production history.

黄骅坳陷高尘头地区储层非均质性及成藏研究

Gaochentou region is located in the southwest direction of Gaochentou village in Huanghua city of Hebei province. In regionally structural position, It lies in Qikou sag In the middle part of Huanghua depression, which belongs to the east part of the south Dagang structure zone in the middle part of Huanghua depression. Its' very beneficial at regional structure in Gaochentou , and It becomes the advantage area for oil and gas gathered and preserved, Sandstone reservoir of Dongying Formation is main bearing bed .Dongying Formation in Gaochentou region of Huanghua depression is consisted of set of mudstone and sandstone interbeds by deposited delta fades . Dongying Formation can be divided into 3 members from above to below: the first member of Dongying Formation (FMDF), the second member of Dongying Formation (SMDF), and third member of Dongying Formation (TMDF). The lithology of the upper part of FMDF was consisted of mostly middle-grained and fine-grained sandstone, and it is small for the oil-bearing area of the sand bodies .The lithology of the lower part is coarse-grained sandstone bodies which are well connected between sandstone bodies of wells, and the lower part was main bed of oil production in Dongying Formation; SMDF and TMDF are consisted of larger scale set of mudstone, in which the sandbodies are lenticular and pinch out quickly, and the lithology was mostly fine sandstone and silt stone, in which there are little oil and gas .Because the reservoirs in this area are largely influenced by the factors such as lithology, fault and others, and the reservoirs have the strong,heterogeneity , there exists the problem of oil-down and water-up for vertical distribution of oil and gas bearing. It is not very clearly for the three dimension distribution of sandstone , and the geology researchs is not enough. So, it can't satisfy the need of further development and production for Gaochentou oilfield.Having the key problem of oil-down and water-up and the mechanism of the reservoir for Gaochentou area, There are as follow study works, the first, is study of the high-resolution correlation of sequence stratigraphy and sedimentary microfacies. Dongying Formation was divided into three parasequence sets and each parasequence set was divided into different amount of parasequences. FMDF, as the main oil and gas producing bed, can be divided into seven parasequences. Oil and gas are discovered in six parasequences except the seventh. On the basis of study of sedimentary microfacies, the sediments of Dongying Formation are considered deposited mainly in delta front subfacies. The microfacies types of Dongying Formation are sub-water distirbutary channel, sub-water natural bank, inter distributary channel bay, distributary channel mouth dam, and delta front mat sand.Seismic facies analysis and logging-constrained inversion technique were applied by Author for transverse prediction of sandstone reservoir. Having 4 modes of interwell single sandbodies correlation technique, Author have described distribution characteristics of sandbodies, and established geological reservoir model of Gaochentou reservoir.Author presented that the reservoirs characteristic have very strong heterogeneity ,and In the section of sandstone interlayed with mudstone,the folium sandstone interlayed with each other, and the wedge shaped sandbodies pinched out in the mudstone. So the pinch-out up sandstone trap and lenticular sandstone trap are easily formed. They are most small scale overlying pinches out in the place of slope. This article applies the concept of deep basin oil to resolve reasonably the problem of which the oil is below the water in Gaochentou area. Combined with the study of sedimentary facies, reservoir and other aspects, the mechanism and patterns of deep basin oil are studied on the basis of characteristics in Gaochentou area.On the basis of the above study, the mechanism of the oil and gas' migration and accumulation in isotropic sandstone and heterogeneous sandstone are thoroughly analyzed through experiments on physical modeling. Experiments on physical modeling show that the discrepancy between sand layers with different permeability and thickness has important influence on the direction, path, and injection layer of oil's migration. At the beginning of the injection of oil and gas in high permeability sand layer, the pressure is low, the migration resistance is small, and the oil and gas are more easily displacing the water in sand. So it can act as good transformation layer or reservoir. But at the beginning of the injection of oil and gas in sand layer with low permeability, the pressure is high, the migration resistance is big, and the oil and gas are more difficultly displacing the water in sand. So it can only act as bad or worse transformation layer or reservoir. Even if it cannot act as transformation layer or reservoir, it can act as water layer or dry layer. The discrepancy between sand layers on permeability and thickness can make discrepancy in injection of oil and gas between different layers. Consequently it leads to small amount of oil and gas injection in sand layers with low permeability. Ultimately it affects the oil's accumulation and distribution in different sand layers.At Last, combining analysis of the structure and pool forming condition, The thesis has established models of reservoir formation to predict the advantage distribution of oil and gas bearing , and put forward the prospective target It is not only of theoretical signification for explosion and importance, but also has realistic value in guiding the progressive petroleum exploration and exploitation.

A primer for the Environmental Impact Assessment of mining at seafloor massive sulfide deposits

Seafloor massive sulfides (SMS) contain commercially viable quantities of high grade ores, making them attractive prospect sites for marine mining. SMS deposits may also contain hydrothermal vent ecosystems populated by high conservation value vent-endemic species. Responsible environmental management of these resources is best achieved by the adoption of a precautionary approach. Part of this precautionary approach involves the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of exploration and exploitative activities at SMS deposits. The VentBase 2012 workshop provided a forum for stakeholders and scientists to discuss issues surrounding SMS exploration and exploitation. This forum recognised the requirement for a primer which would relate concepts underpinning EIA at SMS deposits. The purpose of this primer is to inform policy makers about EIA at SMS deposits in order to aid management decisions. The primer offers a basic introduction to SMS deposits and their associated ecology, and the basic requirements for EIA at SMS deposits; including initial data and information scoping, environmental survey, and ecological risk assessment. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd.

A Hybrid Swarm Based Approach in Addressing University Timetabling Problems

This paper is concerned with the application of an automated hybrid approach in addressing the university timetabling problem. The approach described is based on the nature-inspired artificial bee colony (ABC) algorithm. An ABC algorithm is a biologically-inspired optimization approach, which has been widely implemented in solving a range of optimization problems in recent years such as job shop scheduling and machine timetabling problems. Although the approach has proven to be robust across a range of problems, it is acknowledged within the literature that there currently exist a number of inefficiencies regarding the exploration and exploitation abilities. These inefficiencies can often lead to a slow convergence speed within the search process. Hence, this paper introduces a variant of the algorithm which utilizes a global best model inspired from particle swarm optimization to enhance the global exploration ability while hybridizing with the great deluge (GD) algorithm in order to improve the local exploitation ability. Using this approach, an effective balance between exploration and exploitation is attained. In addition, a traditional local search approach is incorporated within the GD algorithm with the aim of further enhancing the performance of the overall hybrid method. To evaluate the performance of the proposed approach, two diverse university timetabling datasets are investigated, i.e., Carter's examination timetabling and Socha course timetabling datasets. It should be noted that both problems have differing complexity and different solution landscapes. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method is capable of producing high quality solutions across both these benchmark problems, showing a good degree of generality in the approach. Moreover, the proposed method produces best results on some instances as compared with other approaches presented in the literature.