British Columbia Institute of Technology

About: British Columbia Institute of Technology is a education organization based out in Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Smart grid & Belief revision. The organization has 458 authors who have published 785 publications receiving 16140 citations.

Resonant frequency optimization of rectangular gap coupled Microstrip Antenna using Particle Swarm Optimization algorithm

Abstract: Gap coupled Microstrip Antenna (MA) provides high bandwidth and so finds its use in various kinds of wireless communications. Optimization of microstrip patch antennas has been achieved by a technique popularly known as Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO). In this paper, PSO is used to optimize the resonant frequency of rectangular gap coupled MA. Inspection is carried out for microwave frequencies ranging between 3GHz and 18GHz. The parameters taken into consideration for optimization are patch length, patch width and gap width. Observation made from the result encourages the use of PSO for most favourable outcome.

Biphasic external defibrillation for adults in ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia.

Abstract: Cardiac arrest, as a result of ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia, is a common phenomenon, and the only treatment available is defibrillation. Currently, defibrillators deliver either a monophasic or biphasic shock, depending on the device used. In 2005, the American Heart Association published new cardiac arrest management guidelines, which included directions about energy selection for both types of defibrillators. These guidelines created a platform to address misconceptions that exist in the practice setting with regard to the use of biphasic defibrillators. The purpose of this literature review was to highlight the issues related to the practical use of biphasic energy, including optimal energy selection and safety.

Complexification of Gene Networks by Co-evolution of Genomes and Genomic Parasites

Abstract: The co-evolution of species with their genomic parasites (transposons) is thought to be one of the primary ways of rewiring gene regulatory networks (GRNs). In this communication, we computationally explore some of the essential co-evolution aspects of hosts (GRNs) with their transposons. We implemented an evolutionary search of an appropriate GRN model design on the example of the Drosophila gap-gene network. Simple artificial transposons capable of spreading and transposition were implemented. With the model, we explored the hypothesis that targeting destruction of some of the regulatory connections in the GRN via the action of transposons can produce negative selection pressure. Functionally external genes can be recruited (co-opted) into the GRN under this selection pressure following transposon rewiring of the GRN. Over evolutionary time, transposition events are able to disrupt these new regulatory connections, leading to repeated cycles of recruitment, rewiring and optimization. This process can produce increasingly large GRNs with the same basic functions.

Taxonomizing features and methods for identifying at-risk students in computing courses

Abstract: Since computing education began, we have sought to learn why students struggle in computer science and how to identify these at-risk students as early as possible. Due to the increasing availability of instrumented coding tools in introductory CS courses, the amount of direct observational data of student working patterns has increased significantly in the past decade, leading to a flurry of attempts to identify at-risk students using data mining techniques on code artifacts. The goal of this work is to produce a systematic literature review to describe the breadth of work being done on the identification of at-risk students in computing courses. In addition to the review itself, which will summarize key areas of work being completed in the field, we will present a taxonomy (based on data sources, methods, and contexts) to classify work in the area.

In-Lab Programming Tests in a Data Structures Course in C for Non-Specialists

Abstract: This paper reports on our experiences with in-lab programming tests (i.e., using a compiler and IDE) in a large undergraduate data structures course in C for non-specialists. By adding a suite of in-lab programming tests to our regular assessments (midterm, final exam, programming homework, etc.), we expected students to improve significantly in these areas: (1) programming ability as measured by final exam grades on programming-related questions, (2) confidence in programming ability, and (3) contributions/effectiveness in pair programming partnerships. Goal (1) was not met. Although Goal (2) was met, improved confidence did not translate into improved performance. Goal (3) was partially met. We present data gathered from in-lab programming test assessments, final exam programming assessments, and post-course surveys, including a two-year follow-up survey.