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This paper briefly describes an approach to determine the optimum magnetic circuit parameters to minimize low speed torque ripple for switched reluctance (SR) motors. For prediction of the torque ripple, normalized data obtained from field solution and a neural network approach is used. Comparison of experimental results with computations illustrates the accuracy of the method. The optimization method is briefly described and some results are presented.

At this work, we propose a local approximation based search method to optimize any function. For this purpose, an approximation method is combined with an estimation filter, and a new local search mechanism is constituted.

RBF network is very efficient interpolation method especially if we have sufficient reference data. Here, reference data refers to the exact value of the objective function at some points. Using this capability of RBFs, we can approximately inspect the vicinity each point in search space. Meanwhile, in order to obtain a smooth, rapid and better trajectory toward the global optimum, the alpha-beta filter can be integrated to this mechanism. For better description and visualization, the operations are defined in 2-dimensional search space; but the outlined procedure can be extended to higher dimensions without loss of generality.

When compared with our previous studies using conventional heuristic methods, approximation based curvilinear local search mechanism provide better minimization performance for almost all benchmark functions. Moreover computational cost of this method too less than heuristics. The number of iteration down to at least 1/10 compared to conventional heuristic algorithm. Additionally, the solution accuracy is very improved for majority of the test cases.

This paper proposes a new search approach to solve optimization problems with less cost. For this purpose, a new local curvilinear search mechanism is built using RBF based approximation technique and alpha-beta estimation filter.

Savant syndrome, a very rare condition in the world, refers to individuals who have extraordinary talents but might have disabilities that prevent them from maintaining their life. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the views of conservatory instructors about the education of Buğra Çankır (BC), a musical savant with autism.

As it was difficult to communicate with BC and elicit his views, interviews were conducted with his teachers, who had similar experiences in his music education process. The participants were six instructors who worked as full-time instructors in the conservatory. The participants were administered a semi-structured focus group interview form that described the difficulties, experiences, perceptions and feelings they had in their interactions with BC. Data obtained from the study were subjected to content analysis methods performed by the researchers; analysis involved identification of the codes and themes and formation of sub-themes and codes in line with these themes.

Results showed that the participants had difficulties in teaching BC because of having insufficient knowledge about his features. In addition, while planning the conservatory education processes, the participants were found to redesign the teaching content considering the features of the student.

The present case study is important in terms of revealing the problems experienced in the education processes of these individuals. More detailed qualitative studies or action research could be utilised in studies to be conducted in the future.

BC’s educational experience is the first case for educational institutions and instructors in Turkey.