Saroja Dhanapal

A multi-objective particle swarm optimization algorithm based on dynamic boundary search for constrained optimization

Abstract Due to increased search complexity in multi-objective optimization, premature convergence becomes a problem. Complex engineering problems poses high number of variables with many constraints. Hence, more difficult benchmark problems must be utilized to validate new algorithms performance. A well-known optimizer, Multi-Objective Particle Swarm Optimizer (MOPSO), has a few weakness that needs to be addressed, specifically its convergence in high dimensional problems and its constraints handling capability. For these reasons, we propose a modified MOPSO (M-MOPSO) to improve upon these aspects. M-MOPSO is compared with four other algorithms namely, MOPSO, Multi-Objective Grey Wolf Optimizer (MOGWO), Multi-Objective Evolutionary Algorithm based on Decompositions (MOEA/D) and Multi-Objective Differential Evolution (MODE). M-MOPSO emerged as the best algorithm in eight out of the ten constrained benchmark problems. It also shows promising results in bioprocess application problems and tumor treatment problems. In overall, M-MOPSO was able to solve multi-objective problems with good convergence and is suitable to be used in real world problem.

Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Field Trips in the Teaching and Learning of Biosciences

Field trips can be defined as a type of experiential learning that gets students out of the traditional classroom setting into a new mode of learning. It is advocated that field trips are one of the most important things educators can provide for their students as they not only expand students’ learning and experiences, but also increase students’ knowledge and understanding of the world in which they live. Despite ample evidence shown through research on the effectiveness of field trips which emphasizes on hands-on, real life, and practical applications of learning, the dilemma that is faced by educators lies in providing proof of student learning for the current trend in education tends to emphasize mainly on assessments. Therefore, the objectives of this study are, firstly, to evaluate the effectiveness of field trips as an educational tool to enhance student’s understanding of the subject taught and, secondly, to show whether report writing can be used as an assessment tool to evaluate the learning that takes place via field trips. Students pursuing an undergraduate degree program in biomedical science were used as the sample where they have participated in field trips which were then assessed via report writing. The results were analyzed using SPSS and the outcome indicated that there is an increased understanding of the subject among the students. The high percentage of scores in the report-writing task confirmed this finding. This was supported by a survey administered to the same sample which showed that students have a positive perception on the impact of the field trips on their understanding of the subject. The paper ends with recommendation for the incorporation of field trips in the curriculum to stimulate better understanding and increase motivation towards the learning of science. It is further advocated that report writing can be used as an effective assessment tool to evaluate this increased understanding.

An existentialist reading of K.S. Maniam’s ‘The Return’

According to Peyre (1948:21), the fathers and forefathers of existentialism were mostly Germans, but it was adapted and transformed by the French and was re-exported to the rest of the world. Peyre’s inference reduces the history of existentialism to a nutshell. Existentialism can be defined as an intellectual movement that reflects all aspects of modern life. In literature, this theory acts as a useful approach to analysing literary works in order to make sense of the complexities, contradictions and dilemmas surrounding the characters. The purpose of this research paper is to study the novel of Subramaniam Krishnan, popularly known as K. S. Maniam, an Indian Malaysian academic and novelist, from an existentialist perspective. His novels deal with the lives and problems of the post-colonial Indian Diaspora in Malaysia. In 2000, he received the Raja Rao Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Literature of the South Asian Diaspora. His first novel ‘The Return’ is an autobiographical novel which deals with cultural struggle and cultural identity. This novel will be analysed from an existential perspective. KeywordsExistentialism; Meaninglessness; Choices

Six Thinking Hats: A Study to Understand the Reasons and Extent of their Application in the English Language Classroom

A qualitative case study was carried out in a school that encourages the application of the Six Thinking Hats (STH) to understand the reasons and extent of their application in the English Language classroom. The purpose of this study is to fill the gap in the literature in this area with the view to help situate the factors affecting the STH application. Research methods applied in the research include interview as well as the distribution, collection and data analysis of both teachers and students’ survey questionnaires, using systematic and convenience sampling methods. From these, the factors affecting the application of the Six Thinking Hats in the English Language classroom was identified. Moreover, the extent to which the STH are implemented at different levels of education were found to conform with the factors of the STH application. Responses regarding the use of the Six Hats were generally positive but varied mainly according to teachers’ personal educational beliefs as well as students’ language competency levels and thinking skills. In order to increase the effectiveness of the STH application in all classes, beginning from the early levels of education, implications include a whole-school approach to create awareness and to encourage implementation. Positive implications of applying the STH is found to be related to its practicality and further recommendations as to how the STH may be applied in various classes to maximize learning outcomes by directing learners to think independently from an early age are made. Finally, areas which this study may be used for future research are also suggested. KeywordsSix Thinking Hats; English Language Classroom; Critical Thinking; Higher-Order Thinking; Metacognitive