Orientador: Denise Hortensia Lopes Garcia / Acompanha 1 CD-ROM / Tese (doutorado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Instituto de Artes / Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-14T03:14:44Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Costa_ValerioFielda_D.pdf: 3477057 bytes, checksum: 8b7774efbdce8810ad0b0d81a4c943b8 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2009 / Resumo: Esta pesquisa teve por finalidade propor a transferência da questão da indeterminação em música para o campo da morfologia musical. Avaliando obras classificadas como indeterminadas quanto à sua abertura a interpretações variadas, constatamos que a definição de uma obra enquanto flexível ou estrita depende sobremaneira de como foi encaminhado seu processo de conformação morfológica levando em consideração não apenas a relação mais ou menos direta entre partitura e resultado sonoro, mas todas as escolhas realizadas, pelo autor e/ou pelos intérpretes, considerando-as como parte essencial da definição morfológica de qualquer proposta. A obra evolui ao adaptar-se a irritações externas adquirindo formas compatíveis com o contexto em que é executada independentemente da forma como é proposta. Ao identificarmos a obra musical como essencialmente flexível - uma vez que presta-se a todo tipo de interpretação se desconsiderarmos casos ideais - passamos a enfatizar, enquanto mote de análise morfológica, as estratégias de invariância que permitem que determinado resultado musical faça sentido mesmo que sua proposição inicial seja vaga: essa noção nos permite entender o resultado musical como fruto de leituras mais ou menos disciplinadas de propostas composicionais cujos objetos teriam uma chance maior de retornarem a cada performance na medida em que as estratégias de invariância se apresentarem suficientemente robustas. Parte relevante das estratégias de invariância surge no trabalho de direção de performance e conta com o reforço de relações intersubjetivas de poder e da mediação e influência do contexto musical, sendo, portanto, ativas para além do paradigma notacional. Levamos em consideração tais características e estudamos como se dão as relações subjetivas que corroboram para que a obra adquira formatos estáveis a despeito de sua manifesta abertura. Pareceres sobre a noção de colaboração entre intérprete e compositor e sobre o papel da escuta e da memória como fatores de deriva morfológica foram também discutidos neste trabalho / Abstract: The aim of this research was to propose a transference of the indeterminacy issue to the musical morphology field. By evaluating musical works classified as indeterminated in respect of their openess to varied interpretations, we realized that the definition of a musical work in the terms of flexibility or strictness highly depends on how its morphological conformation processes was taken, considering not only the relation, more or less direct, between the music notation and the sound result, but all the choices made by the authors and/or performers, understanding them as essencial parts of the morphological definition for any proposal. The musical work evolves when adapting to external irritations, acquiring compatible forms with the context in which it is executed, independently on how it was previously proposed. When we identify the musical work as essencialy flexible - when it is opened to all kind of interpretations, not considering ideal situations - we enphatize, as a morphological subject analysis, the invariacy strategies that aloud that a specific musical result can make sense even if its first proposition was vage: this notion aloud us to understand the musical result as a product of more or less disciplinated readings of composition proposals in which the objects would have a better chance to reappear in each performance, once the invariancy strategies are strong enough. A relevant aspect of the invariancy strategies comes out with the performance direction job and counts with the support of intersubjective relations of power and the mediation and influency of the musical context, therefore, the invariancy strategies act beyond the notation paradigm. We considered those characteristics and researched the subjective relations that corroborate for the musical work to acquire stable formats, inspite of its obvius openess. Statments about the notion of the collaboration between performers and composers and about the function of hearing and memory as factors of morphological drift, were also discussed in this research / Doutorado / Doutor em Música

Classificação de imagens de textura, especialmente aquelas com mudanças significativas de rotação, iluminação, escala e ponto de vista, é um problema fundamental e desafiador na área de visão computacional. Esta tese propõe dois descritores de imagem simples, porém eficientes, chamados de Sampled Local Mapped Pattern Magnitude (SLMP_M) e Completed Local Mapped Pattern (CLMP) aplicados na classificação de textura. Os descritores propostos são parte de um aprimoramento do descritor Local Mapped Pattern (LMP) para trabalhar de maneira eficiente com imagens de textura rotacionadas. Os métodos propostos necessitam de um pré-ajuste de parâmetros que utiliza o método de otimização por enxame de partículas, e são discriminativos e robustos para a descrição de texturas rotacionadas em ângulos arbitrários. Para a validação dos descritores propostos duas bases de imagens são utilizadas, Kylberg Sintorn Rotation Dataset e Brodatz Texture Rotation Dataset, uma nova base de dados desenvolvida pela autora, formada por imagens de texturas rotacionadas do Álbum de Brodatz. As duas bases contêm imagens de texturas naturais que foram rotacionadas fisicamente no momento da captura e rotacionadas por processos computacionais. É feita também uma avaliação da influência de métodos de interpolação no processo de rotação das imagens e são comparados com diferentes descritores presentes na literatura. Cinco métodos de interpolação são investigados: Lanczos, B-spline, Cúbica, Linear e Nearest Neighbor. Os resultados experimentais demonstram que os descritores propostos nesta tese superam o desempenho dos descritores Completed Local Binary Pattern (CLBP), e dos descritores que combinam a versão generalizada das características de Fourier com variações do descritor Local Binary Pattern (LBP), LBPDFT, ILBPDFT, LTPDFT e ILTPDFT. Os resultados também demonstram que a escolha do método de interpolação no processo de rotação das imagens influencia na capacidade de reconhecimento. / Texture image classification, especially those with significant changes of rotation, illumination, scale and point of view, is a fundamental and challenging problem in the field of computer vision. This thesis proposes two simple, but efficient, image descriptors called Sampled Local Mapped Pattern Magnitude (SLMP_M) and Completed Local Mapped Pattern (CLMP) applied in texture classification. The proposed descriptors are part of an enhancement to the Local Mapped Pattern (LMP) descriptor to work efficiently with rotated texture images. The descriptors proposed requires a parameter preset by the particle swarm optimization method, they are discriminating and robust for the description of rotated textures at arbitrary angles. For the validation of the proposed descriptors two image datasets are used: Kylberg Sintorn Rotation Dataset and Brodatz Texture Rotation Dataset, a new texture dataset introduced, which contains rotated texture images from Brodatzs Album. Both databases contain images of natural textures that have been rotated by Hardware and computational procedures. An evaluation of the influence of interpolation methods on the image rotation process is also presented and compared with different descriptors in the literature. Five interpolation methods are investigated: Lanczos, B-spline, Cubic, Linear and Nearest Neighbor. The experimental results show that the descriptors proposed in this thesis outperform the performance of the Completed Local Binary Pattern (CLBP) descriptors, and the descriptors that combine the generalized version of the Fourier characteristics with variations of the descriptor Local Binary Pattern (LBP), LBPDFT, ILBDFT, LTPDFT e ILTPDFT compared. The results also prove that the selection of the interpolation method in the image rotation process influences the recognition capability.

Culture, as an advanced form of social life, is internalized within each individual as an essential component of learning, socializing, and developing (Baumeister, 2011; Greenfield et al., 2003). Self-regulated learning (SRL), as demonstrated in the literature, is essential for students’ academic success, where self-regulated learners strategically and metacognitively plan, monitor, and adapt their learning processes to achieve their goals in learning (Winne & Hadwin, 1998; Winne, 1995; Zimmerman, 2002). Because SRL theories significantly emphasize the importance of social contexts, culture is likely to influence how individuals develop and gain SRL competency. Nevertheless, there is a paucity of cross-cultural studies of SRL research; thus, this study aimed to examine and compare Chinese international and Canadian domestic students’ self-reported engagement in SRL processes and their academic performance. To achieve this purpose, we adopted an emic approach by evaluating Winne and Hadwin’s (1998) model of SRL and systematically comparing it with Chinese conceptualization of learning (e.g., Confucianism). Then, we used an advanced statistical method to investigate the measurement invariance of the Regulation of Learning Questionnaire (RLQ) designed to capture SRL as dynamic processes unfolding over time for Chinese and Canadian groups. Our findings supported configural and metric invariances across Chinese and Canadian cultural groups. Based on the evidence of partial scalar invariance, we also identified single items that contributed to scalar non-invariance. This study demonstrated the significance of examining the measurement invariance across cultures, which warrants comparability in cross-cultural comparisons, and contributed greatly to the current literature on the relation between culture and SRL. / Graduate

abstract: Over the past decade, machine learning research has made great strides and significant impact in several fields. Its success is greatly attributed to the development of effective machine learning algorithms like deep neural networks (a.k.a. deep learning), availability of large-scale databases and access to specialized hardware like Graphic Processing Units. When designing and training machine learning systems, researchers often assume access to large quantities of data that capture different possible variations. Variations in the data is needed to incorporate desired invariance and robustness properties in the machine learning system, especially in the case of deep learning algorithms. However, it is very difficult to gather such data in a real-world setting. For example, in certain medical/healthcare applications, it is very challenging to have access to data from all possible scenarios or with the necessary amount of variations as required to train the system. Additionally, the over-parameterized and unconstrained nature of deep neural networks can cause them to be poorly trained and in many cases over-confident which, in turn, can hamper their reliability and generalizability. This dissertation is a compendium of my research efforts to address the above challenges. I propose building invariant feature representations by wedding concepts from topological data analysis and Riemannian geometry, that automatically incorporate the desired invariance properties for different computer vision applications. I discuss how deep learning can be used to address some of the common challenges faced when working with topological data analysis methods. I describe alternative learning strategies based on unsupervised learning and transfer learning to address issues like dataset shifts and limited training data. Finally, I discuss my preliminary work on applying simple orthogonal constraints on deep learning feature representations to help develop more reliable and better calibrated models. / Dissertation/Thesis / Doctoral Dissertation Electrical Engineering 2020

Studies have been conducted in both the United States (US) and Argentina to validate the Spanish version of the Gamblers’ Beliefs Questionnaire (GBQ-S). While similar factor structures of the GBQ-S were found in these studies, more detailed measurement invariance has not been explored. Determining measurement invariance across cultural groups would aid researchers in understanding what types of comparisons on latent constructs can be validly made between cultures using the GBQ-S. A secondary analysis was completed with data from two prior studies in Spanish-speaking samples from the US and Argentina. A modified baseline model that captured the two latent factors of Illusion of Control and Luck/Perseverance was selected for invariance testing. The evaluation of measurement invariance within a structural equation modeling framework established configural and metric, but not scalar, invariance. The GBQ-S can be validly used to measure the same latent variables across groups with comparable strengths between its items and factors; however, latent mean comparisons across groups may require further measurement refinement. The GBQ-S demonstrated notable degrees of measurement invariance between markedly different samples, providing further evidence for the existence of similar constructs and portability of the GBQ-S across populations.

The poor retention of special education teachers negatively impacts student academic outcomes. Special education teachers commonly cite burnout as a primary reason for leaving the field; however, there is a deficit of literature available to validate claims concerning special educators and their level of burnout. This study analyzed the psychometric properties of the Maslach Burnout Inventory: Educators' Survey using a sample of 349 special education teachers from schools across the nation (201 resource room special education teachers and 148 self-contained special education teachers). The Maslach Burnout Inventory: Educators' Survey measures three factors (e.g. subscales) emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and personal accomplishment. A confirmatory factor analysis, an exploratory factor analysis, and a multi-group measurement invariance confirmatory factor analysis were conducted. The results showed measurement invariance between the two groups of teachers. During the exploratory factor analysis, a significant fourth factor, collaborative stress, emerged. These findings suggest the current factor structure of the Maslach Burnout Inventory: Educators' Inventory needs to be modified when measuring burnout among special education teachers. This includes the need to further explore how collaboration stress relates to special education teachers and how to implement formative collaboration practices to retain special education teachers.

The current investigation is post-hoc in nature and is nested in a larger research project, which aimed to explore and compare the personality characteristics, coping mechanisms and psychological well-being of South African and Swedish police trainees. The purpose of this particular study was to explore the psychometric properties of the Cloninger’s Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI) in a sample of South African Police trainees. A literature review highlighted that the TCI has the potential to be applied across various cultures without the risk of any ethnic or gender bias; this characteristic is attributed to the theoretical model underlying the TCI, which assumes that personality consists of seven universal factors, which manifest in an invariant manner across all humans. Despite this, the majority of international research focussing on the TCI version nine has been undertaken with primarily European populations and Eastern populations. Research exploring the construct equivalence, factor structure and the level of instrument bias of the TCI in any African is virtually non-existent. The current study endeavoured to address the aforementioned knowledge gap by exploring the psychometric properties of the TCI in a multi-cultural South African sample. The primary goal of the research endeavour was to explore whether the TCI can in the future be established as a valid and reliable personality assessment measure in a multi-cultural context like South Africa. Literature indicates that in the current South African psychometric context personality measures should adhere to the stipulations of the employment equity act (EEA), which especially in its amended form requires fair and just measurement. Studies such as this one can be used to adjudicate whether the TCI has the potential to be used as a fair and reliable measure, which does not violate the stipulation of the employment equity act. In this way the measure may contribute to provide evidence which can be used to make fair, just and reliable decisions not only in the South African Police Service, but also within the general public. A quantitative investigation was conducted using analysis base on Item Response Theory, specifically the Rasch model, which is considered more accurate than Classical Test Theory in assessing the psychometric functioning of dichotomous personality assessment measures. The analyses rendered information with which the researcher was able to evaluate the validity, reliability, levels of gender and cultural bias, as well as the factors rendered by the TCI. The research sample was a convenient one, comprising 1144 police trainees whom completed a test-battery of four tests, which included the TCI. The results derived from this investigation show that the primary TCI scales each measured a single factor, the presence of these factors among the current sample provide some support for the universality of the TCI; however most of these scales showed a high level of bias when measuring their respective constructs across ethnic and gender groups. The results also pointed out that numerous items and sub-scales possess a considerable level of ethnic and gender bias. There was also no attempt made to investigate the reasons underlying bias, bias may yield important information about cross-cultural differences and can also be seen as a phenomenon that requires explanation (Poortinga and Van der Flier, 1989), which means that the study created a launch pad for future investigations to explore the sources of bias. These findings have stern implications for the larger research project, as it might decrease the validity of findings derived from comparing scores across groups within the current sample, and to a lesser degree if the performance of the current sample is compared to that of the Swedish sample. It can also be argued that another implication of the study’s findings is that the information derived from the TCI cannot legally be used to make clinical or selection decisions based partially on the personality profile of individuals; however the convenient nature of the sample limits the generalizability of the investigation’s findings. This means that additional research is first required before the legitimacy of the use of the TCI in a South African context can be evaluated. / Dissertation (MA)--University of Pretoria, 2014. / tm2015 / Psychology / MA / Unrestricted

Current recommended cutoffs for determining measurement invariance have typically derived from simulation studies that have focused on multigroup confirmatory factor analysis, often using continuous data. These cutoffs may be inappropriate for ordered categorical data in a longitudinal setting. This study conducts two Monte Carlo studies that evaluate the performance of four popular model fit indices used to determine measurement invariance. The comparative fit index (CFI), Tucker-Lewis Index (TLI), and root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) were all found to be inconsistent across various simulation conditions as well as invariance tests, and thus were not recommended for use in longitudinal measurement invariance testing. The standardized root mean square residual (SRMR) was the most consistent and robust fit index across simulation conditions, and thus we recommended using ≥ 0.01 as a cutoff for determining longitudinal measurement invariance with ordered categorical indicators.

In recent years, interest in satisfaction with love life (SWLL) has increased. Empirical evidence demonstrated that SWLL favors subjective well-being, physical and mental health, marital quality and stability. In this regard, the study aimed to examine evidence based on the internal structure validity, reliability, and measurement invariance of the Peruvian version of the Satisfaction with Love Life Scale (SWLLS). The participants were 323 older adults recruited from the region of San Martin (Peru) with an average age of 68.73 years (SD = 7.17). The sample comprised of 49.5% women and 50.5% men. The results supported the one-dimensional model and adequate reliability of the SWLLS. A multi-group analysis provided evidence of configural, metric, and scale invariance across genders. The findings verified the validity and reliability of the Peruvian version of the SWLLS, which can be used to measure SWLL. / Universidad del Norte

Magister Artium (Psychology) - MA(Psych) / While research into children’s subjective well-being (SWB) has advanced over the past decade, there is a paucity of cross-cultural research, particularly in South Africa. Moreover, while the adaptation and validation of instruments in English and Afrikaans are evident, other language groups have not received much attention. This study aimed to provide structural validation of the Students’ Life Satisfaction Scale across a sample of children in South Africa using multi-group analysis across three language groups (Setswana, Xitsonga, and Tshivenda). Within this process, the study aimed to use multi-group confirmatory factor analysis (MGCFA) to compare the structural validity and measurement invariance of the three language groups. Finally, the study aimed to determine the convergent validity of the three language groups of the SLSS by regressing them onto the single-item Overall Life Satisfaction Scale (OLS). The study uses data from Wave 3 of the South African Children’s Worlds Study and included a sample of 625 children across the language groups (Setswana: n = 187; Sesotho: n = 170; and Tshivenda: n = 268). For the overall pooled sample an excellent fit was obtained for a single-factor model, including one error-covariance. Standardised regression weights of the items ranged between .43 and .73. MGCFA revealed an acceptable fit for the configural model (unconstrained loadings); however, metric (constrained loadings) and scalar invariance (constrained loadings and intercepts) was not tenable. However, through the application of partial constraints metric invariance was tenable when Item 5 (I like my life) was freely estimated, while scalar invariance was tenable when Item 1 (I enjoy my life) and Item 5 (I like my life) were freely estimated. The results suggest that the Items: My life is going well; I have a good life; The things in my life are excellent; and I am happy with my life, are comparable by correlations, regression coefficients, and latent mean scores across the three language groups. Convergent validity using the OLS was obtained for the pooled sample and across the language groups. The key contribution of the study is establishing that the Setswana, Sesotho, and Tshivenda translated and adapted versions of the SLSS are valid for use within the South African context to measure children’s SWB, and that they can be grouped together in an overall pooled sample.