A friend suggested that I do programming in C++ instead of JAVA as for optimization, C++ is better than JAVA. Since he has been in the arena for quite sometime, why not follow an expert's advice huh. At least it would save me some time later, had I encounter problem with JAVA in the future. Moreover, my supervisor is well verse in C++ and he has been doing lots of programming in C++. I can surely count on him later.
As for reading, I'm currently on a thick 1080 pages of book on 'Artificial Intelligence a Modern Approach by Stuart Russell and Peter Norvig. I think it's a good book as it has been referenced in most of the papers that I read. I'm still on the topic of uninformed Search. What is uninformed search? As the name suggests, there is no information about the states beyond that provided in the problem definition (no information from the current state to the goal) Other name for it - blind search. In malay, 'cari buta tuli la ni'... Some methods for uninformed search include breadth-first search, depth-first search, depth-limited search and so on. Usually, uniformed search takes longer time to find especially if the data is so big. Well, I don't know how far it's true as I have not tested it yet. I have yet to find algorithm for Simulated Annealing which is an informed search. I found a java applet that is looking into the Travelling Salesman Problem. Informed search is supposed to be a smart search as it has some knowledge about the goal. Opps, can understand or not on what I'm talking about? Well, this is part of a life of a researcher. As I dig and dig, I found something new. Dig and dig, reminds me of the Utah miners. Don't know whether they are already dead or not, but 3 of the rescue workers are confirmed dead already while trying to rescue them! What a pity...
Friday, 17 August 2007
Wednesday, 15 August 2007
What is heuristics?
Before I got here, I friend was asking me about this question when he saw the title of a work that I planned to carry on for my PhD. I can't give him an answer at that time as the topic is quite alien to me too. But now, after three months reading on the topic, here is what I can say about heuristics.
Heuristic comes from a greek word meaning 'to find'. What to find? Well, anything you would like to find, and it is common to the search activity in the optimization process. A simple analogy that I came across recently, you can think of heuristics (the word can be used with or without 's' like physics) as a tour guide. A tour guide is good at showing you the great place where you can visit but he might miss some of the interesting places to visit. Same with heuristics, it can provide you with the solutions but the solution might not necessarily be the best solution.
Adding the word meta to it, it becomes metaheuristics. Metaheuristics are targetted at combinatorial problems; applied maths and computer science. Sounds tough huh? Well, it's what I'm researching on at this moment. My supervisor suggested that I look into the Simulated Annealing method. Once I got through with that, it would be easy to understand other methods like tabu search, hill climbing and so on.
I came across a thesis that apply Simulated Annealing in Sports Scheduling. The thesis was submitted in May for his PhD in the US. I sure respect him for getting his PhD in the States as I heard getting a PhD over there is tougher than here as they have got to go through examination before they can actually carry on with their research work. I am currently reading the thesis and I must admit that I don't understand or have yet to understand the content of the thesis. I guess I'd have to do further research, to read and read until I understand what he is talking about. After all, it's what research is all about. GALI LAGI...!
Heuristic comes from a greek word meaning 'to find'. What to find? Well, anything you would like to find, and it is common to the search activity in the optimization process. A simple analogy that I came across recently, you can think of heuristics (the word can be used with or without 's' like physics) as a tour guide. A tour guide is good at showing you the great place where you can visit but he might miss some of the interesting places to visit. Same with heuristics, it can provide you with the solutions but the solution might not necessarily be the best solution.
Adding the word meta to it, it becomes metaheuristics. Metaheuristics are targetted at combinatorial problems; applied maths and computer science. Sounds tough huh? Well, it's what I'm researching on at this moment. My supervisor suggested that I look into the Simulated Annealing method. Once I got through with that, it would be easy to understand other methods like tabu search, hill climbing and so on.
I came across a thesis that apply Simulated Annealing in Sports Scheduling. The thesis was submitted in May for his PhD in the US. I sure respect him for getting his PhD in the States as I heard getting a PhD over there is tougher than here as they have got to go through examination before they can actually carry on with their research work. I am currently reading the thesis and I must admit that I don't understand or have yet to understand the content of the thesis. I guess I'd have to do further research, to read and read until I understand what he is talking about. After all, it's what research is all about. GALI LAGI...!
Wednesday, 8 August 2007
Meeting supervisor this Friday...
I'll be meeting my supervisor this Friday, what to report? Ehmm, I admit that I'm a bit disturbed over this allowance payment. I've sent the letter back home together with supporting letter from my supervisor. Just pray that they will approve and the allowance payment problem will be resolved.
Well, life must go on. While I'm feeling down, I came across this website this morning - all-but-dissertation survival guide. The editor mentioned that studying for PhD is like playing football (American Football eh). Quote from the editor of the site, "If you don't think you have much in common with football players, let me count the ways:
1) You are both struggling toward the goal, and there are numerous obstacles blocking your advance.
2) Sometimes you get tackled along the way by unavoidable circumstances, and your progress is temporarily thwarted.
3) When things seem to be going well again, you may unexpectedly fumble, producing a setback of your own making. Equally inimical to your progress is interference.
4) Just as you recover a fumble and resume your momentum, your committee may deliver a blitz, spoiling your game plan despite your best defense.
5) You may have to punt (i.e., give up an unsuccessful effort) and try again, with renewed spirit and unwavering determination, at the next opportunity.
6) As pressure mounts, you may decide on a time out to consult with a coach.
7) Whatever happens, you keep focused on completing your drive toward the goal, and you never give up.
See what I mean? You do have a lot in common with this weekend's Super Bowl contenders. However, one major difference is that unlike quarterbacks Peyton and Rex, an ABD cannot pass the ball to anyone else. It's all yours. But at the end of the game, the hard-won trophy will be all yours as well. Never doubt the final outcome. You have demonstrated your ability and your mettle in the past (reality check!), so you know you have the skills and determination to move ahead. This is your season! You're going, going, going all the way….Touchdown! "
I'm moving ahead! My compiler problem has been resolved yesterday and I've been testing a few java programs. (Test run only :-)) Not programming yet... I'm currently looking for sample programs available on the topic of Simulated Annealing. But before that, I need to understand the concept of SA first. So, what to do? Of course, keep reading. Like Ogee said to the AF5 students last time, GALI LAGI! Nak gali la ni... Jangan gila, sudah...
Well, life must go on. While I'm feeling down, I came across this website this morning - all-but-dissertation survival guide. The editor mentioned that studying for PhD is like playing football (American Football eh). Quote from the editor of the site, "If you don't think you have much in common with football players, let me count the ways:
1) You are both struggling toward the goal, and there are numerous obstacles blocking your advance.
2) Sometimes you get tackled along the way by unavoidable circumstances, and your progress is temporarily thwarted.
3) When things seem to be going well again, you may unexpectedly fumble, producing a setback of your own making. Equally inimical to your progress is interference.
4) Just as you recover a fumble and resume your momentum, your committee may deliver a blitz, spoiling your game plan despite your best defense.
5) You may have to punt (i.e., give up an unsuccessful effort) and try again, with renewed spirit and unwavering determination, at the next opportunity.
6) As pressure mounts, you may decide on a time out to consult with a coach.
7) Whatever happens, you keep focused on completing your drive toward the goal, and you never give up.
See what I mean? You do have a lot in common with this weekend's Super Bowl contenders. However, one major difference is that unlike quarterbacks Peyton and Rex, an ABD cannot pass the ball to anyone else. It's all yours. But at the end of the game, the hard-won trophy will be all yours as well. Never doubt the final outcome. You have demonstrated your ability and your mettle in the past (reality check!), so you know you have the skills and determination to move ahead. This is your season! You're going, going, going all the way….Touchdown! "
I'm moving ahead! My compiler problem has been resolved yesterday and I've been testing a few java programs. (Test run only :-)) Not programming yet... I'm currently looking for sample programs available on the topic of Simulated Annealing. But before that, I need to understand the concept of SA first. So, what to do? Of course, keep reading. Like Ogee said to the AF5 students last time, GALI LAGI! Nak gali la ni... Jangan gila, sudah...
Thursday, 2 August 2007
What is Split program?
Split program is actually a program whereby one spend half of the time at the host University and the other half in the local university. One of the reason is to save cost; rather than spending on one person, they can send 4 people to study abroad. An analogy for this, a big piece of cake, being shared by lots of people. Why I opt for this Split program? Simply because I don't want to 'salam agong' for my PhD. Well, in actual fact, I've had my degree from US, my masters from the UK and why not Phd also from UK eh?
As a promotional activity, this is what I comment on a recent interview with the International Office here.
Programme of Study: PhD Information Technology
Entry Date: 4 May, 2007
Expected Completion Date: May 2010
Previous School/University:
Linfield College, McMinnville, Oregon, USA (for first degree), Staffordshire University (for Masters)
Why did you choose to study at Nottingham?
When I applied online, the feedback was so fast; it really was a smooth application process. The staff were very helpful and I have no problem in applying to the university.
What do you like most about the University?
The campuses look beautiful, the environment is warm and friendly, the weather is not so extreme, the library facilities are great and most importantly the supervisor is very helpful and understanding.
What do you enjoy about your course?
I enjoy discovering what I have learned in my school days being put into practice, for example, in the old days, the purpose of the mathematical calculation is simply to get the solution and to score well in the exam. I now discover the actual application of what I have learned.
Outside of your studies, what else have you been involved in at the University?
Not much involvement in the University, but I observe the education system here in the UK as I have three kids who are schooling here at the moment.
What tips would you give to other students looking to study at Nottingham/What advice would you offer to prospective (MNDP) students?
Tips for prospective students, in the plan of studies, since the government sponsors 18 months of stay here in Nottingham (with 3 times flight to and fro), spend at least the first full year here because the initial set up cost was quite high. For those with growing up kids, let them experience the education system here. Hopefully they could gain the fundamental of English and be able to survive in school in Malaysia as the government recently change the policy of teaching math and science in English.
My personal view of split program, it's a program to split your family apart. I'm with my 3 younger kids here in the UK, and my husband is in Malaysia with my 2 elder kids who will be taking their UPSR and PMR this year. They will be joining us in end of October. For that, I salute my husband for his sacrifice of taking no pay leave to be with us here. In the meantime, thanks to the technology, with the Yahoo messenger, we are able to communicate and see each other through webcam.
As a promotional activity, this is what I comment on a recent interview with the International Office here.
Programme of Study: PhD Information Technology
Entry Date: 4 May, 2007
Expected Completion Date: May 2010
Previous School/University:
Linfield College, McMinnville, Oregon, USA (for first degree), Staffordshire University (for Masters)
Why did you choose to study at Nottingham?
When I applied online, the feedback was so fast; it really was a smooth application process. The staff were very helpful and I have no problem in applying to the university.
What do you like most about the University?
The campuses look beautiful, the environment is warm and friendly, the weather is not so extreme, the library facilities are great and most importantly the supervisor is very helpful and understanding.
What do you enjoy about your course?
I enjoy discovering what I have learned in my school days being put into practice, for example, in the old days, the purpose of the mathematical calculation is simply to get the solution and to score well in the exam. I now discover the actual application of what I have learned.
Outside of your studies, what else have you been involved in at the University?
Not much involvement in the University, but I observe the education system here in the UK as I have three kids who are schooling here at the moment.
What tips would you give to other students looking to study at Nottingham/What advice would you offer to prospective (MNDP) students?
Tips for prospective students, in the plan of studies, since the government sponsors 18 months of stay here in Nottingham (with 3 times flight to and fro), spend at least the first full year here because the initial set up cost was quite high. For those with growing up kids, let them experience the education system here. Hopefully they could gain the fundamental of English and be able to survive in school in Malaysia as the government recently change the policy of teaching math and science in English.
My personal view of split program, it's a program to split your family apart. I'm with my 3 younger kids here in the UK, and my husband is in Malaysia with my 2 elder kids who will be taking their UPSR and PMR this year. They will be joining us in end of October. For that, I salute my husband for his sacrifice of taking no pay leave to be with us here. In the meantime, thanks to the technology, with the Yahoo messenger, we are able to communicate and see each other through webcam.
Monday, 30 July 2007
Split program for PhD anyone?
If you are a Malaysian and currently looking for ways and means to do your PhD, take a look at part of the letter to KPT below to help you decide whether to go for it or not.
"Before I got here, the circular about the split program was not out yet. KPT's scholarship people requested that I submit the plan of studies and I submitted my plan to be here for the first 12 months, 3 months in 2009, and the last 3 months in 2010. At that moment, I only knew that under splitprogram, we can be here in the UK for 18 months and with 3 times flighttickets. I did not know about the maximum number of 9 months stay at onetime, until I received an email from Miss K recently. When I received the first payment of RM15,940.28, I assumed that the plan of studies was approved as there was no letter accompanying the check, and as well as no detail on what the payment is for. I have made the necessary plans (including scheduled courses) with my supervisor here and have resumbitted the plan of studies to be here until June 30, 2008 (14 months), 2 months in 2009, and the final 2 months in 2010(to save on the high initial set-up cost here).
As at to date, I have not received my next 3 months allowance. My August rent is due soon and I wrote to Mr H recently. I'm really frustrated on his reply that I'm not entitled to the living allowance and since they have initially paid the allowance in advanced, they cut my next monthly allowance. And what amazed me is that the other researchers under split program recieved their living allowance as well as their monthly allowance. Why is it that some people can get and some people cannot get what they are entitled for? I'm desperate for my allowance to cover my cost here. Since you are lookinginto the quality aspect in KPT, could you please look into this matter? I'm sure you still have a soft spot on the U. You want the U to be a world class with world class lecturers and I happened to be the only split program candidate from my faculty as the other 6 offered, opt for local (they either cannot get in as the IELTS requirement are high, or not ready to spend $). How can the university be a world class if the thinking of people is not world class? It's damn expensive here and I'm sure you understand it as you have seen it through your last visit.
You mentioned that the reason why the U is offering split is to share the piece of cake with many people. Since I'm the only survivor of split from my faculty, rather than the cake got wasted, can I have a bigger piece by converting my scholarship into fulltime PhD? This will resolve the allowance problem and I can fully concentrate on my research. I'm a very determined person, once I decide to go for the PhD, I will go for it and with my determination and perserverance, I'm sure I will get it, with God'swilling, of course."
Names and university? Secret ahh...
"Before I got here, the circular about the split program was not out yet. KPT's scholarship people requested that I submit the plan of studies and I submitted my plan to be here for the first 12 months, 3 months in 2009, and the last 3 months in 2010. At that moment, I only knew that under splitprogram, we can be here in the UK for 18 months and with 3 times flighttickets. I did not know about the maximum number of 9 months stay at onetime, until I received an email from Miss K recently. When I received the first payment of RM15,940.28, I assumed that the plan of studies was approved as there was no letter accompanying the check, and as well as no detail on what the payment is for. I have made the necessary plans (including scheduled courses) with my supervisor here and have resumbitted the plan of studies to be here until June 30, 2008 (14 months), 2 months in 2009, and the final 2 months in 2010(to save on the high initial set-up cost here).
As at to date, I have not received my next 3 months allowance. My August rent is due soon and I wrote to Mr H recently. I'm really frustrated on his reply that I'm not entitled to the living allowance and since they have initially paid the allowance in advanced, they cut my next monthly allowance. And what amazed me is that the other researchers under split program recieved their living allowance as well as their monthly allowance. Why is it that some people can get and some people cannot get what they are entitled for? I'm desperate for my allowance to cover my cost here. Since you are lookinginto the quality aspect in KPT, could you please look into this matter? I'm sure you still have a soft spot on the U. You want the U to be a world class with world class lecturers and I happened to be the only split program candidate from my faculty as the other 6 offered, opt for local (they either cannot get in as the IELTS requirement are high, or not ready to spend $). How can the university be a world class if the thinking of people is not world class? It's damn expensive here and I'm sure you understand it as you have seen it through your last visit.
You mentioned that the reason why the U is offering split is to share the piece of cake with many people. Since I'm the only survivor of split from my faculty, rather than the cake got wasted, can I have a bigger piece by converting my scholarship into fulltime PhD? This will resolve the allowance problem and I can fully concentrate on my research. I'm a very determined person, once I decide to go for the PhD, I will go for it and with my determination and perserverance, I'm sure I will get it, with God'swilling, of course."
Names and university? Secret ahh...
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