Problem 44712. Sort Reversal

There are n index cards in a row, with n distinct integers written on them (one number per card) so that the numbers are sorted in decreasing order. You are only allowed to exchange pair of cards that have exactly one card between them.

Given an odd value n, what is the minimum number of exchanges required to reverse the order of arrangement?

THEORY: The problem can be solved by applying a sorting algorithm such as bubble sort or insertion sort first to the numbers in odd positions and then to the numbers in even positions.