Proper distribution of blood flow in the microcirculation is necessary to match changing oxygen demands in various tissues. How this coordination of perfusion and consumption occurs in heterogeneous microvascular networks remains incompletely understood. Theoretical models are powerful tools that can help bridge this knowledge gap by simulating a range of conditions difficult to obtain experimentally. Here, an algorithm is first developed to estimate blood flow rates in large microvascular networks. Then, a theoretical model is presented for metabolic blood flow regulation in a realistic heterogeneous network structure, derived from experimental results from hamster cremaster muscle in control and dilated states. The model is based on modulation of arteriolar diameters according to the length-tension characteristics of vascular smooth muscle. Responses of smooth muscle cell tone to myogenic, shear-dependent, and metabolic stimuli are included. Blood flow is simulated including unequal hematocrit partition at diverging vessel bifurcations. Convective and diffusive oxygen transport in the network is simulated, and oxygen-dependent metabolic signals are assumed to be conducted upstream from distal vessels to arterioles. Simulations are carried out over a range of tissue oxygen demand. With increasing demand, arterioles dilate, blood flow increases, and the numbers of flowing arterioles and capillaries, as defined by red-blood-cell flux above a small threshold value, increase. Unequal hematocrit partition at diverging bifurcations contributes to capillary recruitment and enhances tissue oxygenation. The results imply that microvessel recruitment can occur as a consequence of local control of arteriolar tone. The effectiveness of red-blood-cell-dependent and independent mechanisms for the metabolic response of local blood flow regulation is examined over a range of tissue oxygen demands. Model results suggest that although a red-blood-cell-independent mechanism is most effective in increasing flow and preventing hypoxia, the addition of a red-blood-cell-dependent mechanism leads to a higher median tissue oxygen level, indicating distinct roles for the two mechanisms. In summary, flow rates in large microvessel networks can be estimated with the proposed algorithm, and the theoretical model for flow regulation predicts a mechanism for capillary recruitment, as well as roles for red-blood-cell-dependent and independent mechanisms in the metabolic regulation of blood flow in heterogeneous microvascular networks.

Magistro darbe yra suformuluota problema – ar viešbučiuose funkcionuojančios organizacinės valdymo struktūros atitinka teorinius modelius, išanalizuoti ir susisteminti įvairių Lietuvos ir užsienio autorių teoriniai organizacinių valdymo struktūrų modeliai. Praktinėje dalyje pateikiamos Šiaulių viešbučių esamos organizacinės valdymo struktūros, jos išsamiai išanalizuotos, bei pateikti pasiūlimai esamai situacijai pagerinti. Tema pasirinkta, nes Lietuvai įstojus į Europos sąjungą vis svarbesnis vaidmuo yra jos reprezentacinė išvaizda. Užsienio rinkų pritraukimas skatina šalies ekonomikos augimą, naujų darbo vietų kūrimą bei turizmo konkurencingumą. Tinkamas turizmo plėtros problemų identifikavimas ir efektyvūs sprendimo būdai susiję su apgyvendinimo bazės kūrimu ir plėtojimu. Mokslinėje literatūroje gausu publikacijų apie gamybinių įmonių organizacines valdymo struktūras. Tačiau to paties pasakyti apie paslaugų sferos įmones, tiksliau apie viešbučius – negalime. Todėl iškyla prieš tai minėta mokslinė problema. / In master work there is formulated the problem – do functioning organizational frameworks of government in hotels meet theoretical patterns. There are analyzed and systematized patterns of frameworks of government of various Lithuanian and foreign authors. In practical part there are laid existing organizational frameworks of government of Siauliai hotels, they are analyzed in depth and suggestions to better an existing situation are laid. Such theme is chosen, because since Lithuania entered EU, the more important role is its representative outside. In draft of foreign market promotes economic growth of Lithuania, establishment of new workplaces and competitive ability of tourism. An appropriate identification of the problems of tourism development and effective ways of solutions are associated with establishment and development of settlement base. In scientific literature there are publications about organizational frameworks of government of industrial companies. However, we can’t declare the same about companies of services. Thus, mentioned scientific problem appears.

Part-time nurse faculty play an important role in the production and quality of the nursing workforce. However, the shortage of nurse faculty exacerbates current shortages of nurses. In Canada, the shortage is predicted to reach 60,000 full-time equivalent RNs by 2022. Therefore, retaining qualified part-time nurse faculty in academia is a key component in managing the shortage problem. The purpose of this study was to test and refine a model of part-time nurse faculty intent to remain employed in the academic organization. Cross-sectional survey methods were employed. A total of 282 part-time nurse faculty employed within Ontario, Canada colleges or universities were invited to participate. Survey instruments and items measured demographic, workplace, nurse responses to the workplace, and external variables. Correlation and multiple regression analyses were conducted using data from 119 participants (47.6% true response rate). Of the 19 variables hypothesized to affect intent to remain employed in the academic organization, seven influenced intent to remain. The resulting model indicated that the older the part-time nurse faculty member, the lower the level of intent to remain and the more years worked in the organization, the higher the level of intent to remain. The more opportunities perceived to exist outside of the employing organization, the higher the level of intent to remain. Additionally, the more satisfied part-time nurse faculty were with their job overall, the higher their level of intent to remain. In the workplace, the more support from the leader, the more formal or informal recognition received, and the more fair work procedures were perceived to be, the higher levels of part-time nurse faculty intent to remain employed in the academic organization, mediated by job satisfaction. Although age, organizational tenure, and external career opportunities are non-modifiable variables, deans and directors can encourage part-time nurse faculty to remain employed in their academic job by focusing on enhancing overall job satisfaction. Effective strategies may include formal or informal acknowledgement of good performance, consistent verbal and behavioural support, and implementation of procedural practices, such as performance evaluations and pay raises in a fair manner.

Part-time nurse faculty play an important role in the production and quality of the nursing workforce. However, the shortage of nurse faculty exacerbates current shortages of nurses. In Canada, the shortage is predicted to reach 60,000 full-time equivalent RNs by 2022. Therefore, retaining qualified part-time nurse faculty in academia is a key component in managing the shortage problem. The purpose of this study was to test and refine a model of part-time nurse faculty intent to remain employed in the academic organization. Cross-sectional survey methods were employed. A total of 282 part-time nurse faculty employed within Ontario, Canada colleges or universities were invited to participate. Survey instruments and items measured demographic, workplace, nurse responses to the workplace, and external variables. Correlation and multiple regression analyses were conducted using data from 119 participants (47.6% true response rate). Of the 19 variables hypothesized to affect intent to remain employed in the academic organization, seven influenced intent to remain. The resulting model indicated that the older the part-time nurse faculty member, the lower the level of intent to remain and the more years worked in the organization, the higher the level of intent to remain. The more opportunities perceived to exist outside of the employing organization, the higher the level of intent to remain. Additionally, the more satisfied part-time nurse faculty were with their job overall, the higher their level of intent to remain. In the workplace, the more support from the leader, the more formal or informal recognition received, and the more fair work procedures were perceived to be, the higher levels of part-time nurse faculty intent to remain employed in the academic organization, mediated by job satisfaction. Although age, organizational tenure, and external career opportunities are non-modifiable variables, deans and directors can encourage part-time nurse faculty to remain employed in their academic job by focusing on enhancing overall job satisfaction. Effective strategies may include formal or informal acknowledgement of good performance, consistent verbal and behavioural support, and implementation of procedural practices, such as performance evaluations and pay raises in a fair manner.

BACKGROUND: Exercise on Prescription (EoP) means that a doctor writes out a customized form of exercise to the patient instead of medicine, or in combination with medication. The activity becomes a part of the treatment. Since many today do not follow recommendations for physical activity occurs in the long term a number of public health diseases. EoP promotes health and prevents disease. AIM: The aim of this paper is toexamine whether EoP from a patient perspective perceived to be an efficient and effective method of treatment. METHOD: A qualitative approach was used. Semi-structured interviews were conducted by telephone. The target audience was adults over age 18 who received EoP. RESULTS: The findings of the interviews were that the experience of EoP was largely positive and that most understood why it was important to have physical activity. A visit to a health care raised the direct motivation to exercise, but declined unless follow-up occurred. Several had been needed more help and advice from a contact person or coordinator that the patient could turn to. CONCLUSION: By getting more help with motivation probably more of the respondents had received better results from EoP. / BAKGRUND: Fysisk aktivitet på recept (FaR) innebär att en läkare skriver ut en anpassad träningsform till patienten istället för medicin, eller i kombination med medicin. Aktiviteten blir en del i behandlingen. Eftersom många idag inte följer rekommendationerna för fysisk aktivitet uppstår på sikt en rad folkhälsosjukdomar. FaR främjar hälsan och förebygger sjukdom. SYFTE: Syftet med den här uppsatsen är att undersöka huruvida FaR ur ett patientperspektiv upplevs vara en effektiv och fungerande behandlingsmetod. METOD: En kvalitativ ansats har använts. Semistrukturerade intervjuer har genomförts via telefon. Målgruppen var vuxna personer över 18 år som fått FaR. RESULTAT: Det som framkom av intervjuerna var att upplevelsen av FaR i stort sett var positiv och att de flesta förstod varför det var viktigt med fysisk aktivitet. Besöket hos sjukvården höjde direkt motivationen till att träna, men sjönk om inte uppföljning skedde. Trots den positiva upplevelsen så hade det i flera fall behövts mer råd och hjälp. Det saknades i många fall en kontaktperson eller samordnare som patienten kunde vända sig till. SLUTSATS: Genom att få mer hjälp med motivation och stöttning hade troligen flera av respondenterna fått bättre resultat av FaR.

O principal objetivo dessa tese foi contribuir para a discussão sobre o seguro de renda e sua adoção no Brasil. No primeiro artigo buscou-se fornecer argumentos para posteriores discussões no que se refere ao seguro de renda. Para isso, o artigo apresentou o seguro de renda, seu funcionamento e como ele se desenvolveu nos dois principais países que o utilizaram, sendo eles os Estados Unidos e Canadá. Buscou-se ainda apresentar as principais características desse modelo de seguro, e quais são os principais modelos existentes. Esse artigo também teve como objetivo contribuir teoricamente para o desenvolvimento do tema no que se refere ao contrato ótimo de um seguro de renda. Como resultados, observou-se que a determinação endógena do prêmio e dos custos da seguradora para um contrato ótimo de seguro (de renda) são fundamentais para a solução (principalmente afetando as condições de primeira ordem) assim como os efeitos marginais de determinadas restrições impostas do ponto de vista de Pareto. Além disso, buscouse nesse trabalho tratar, do ponto de vista teórico, a capacidade de proteção de um seguro de renda quando comparado a um portfólio composto por seguros tradicionais de produtividade e mecanismos de proteção de preços, como mercados futuros ou opções. Observou-se uma limitação dos resultados e de uma melhor análise quantitativa dada a ausência de uma forma funcional, porém foi possível observar alguns resultados interessantes no que se refere à substituição entre a adoção de seguros (tradicionais) e derivativos agrícolas para proteção de preços. O segundo artigo teve como objetivo expor formas de calcular as taxas de prêmio de um hipotético seguro de renda no formato dos seguros americanos Income Protection ou Revenue Assurance, para milho para municípios do Paraná/BR, por meio do uso de cópulas na distribuição conjunta entre preços e produtividade. Buscou-se com isso contribuir para a obtenção de taxas mais precisas. Os resultados mostraram que existem significativas diferenças entre as taxas de prêmio entre os diferentes municípios e, ainda mais com relação aos diferentes meses de vencimento dos preços futuros utilizados na análise. Além disso, outras análises revelaram que o adequado planejamento do plantio, por exemplo, pelo produtor rural irá lhe garantir menores taxas de prêmio. Como uma das conclusões do trabalho, observa-se que esse tipo de ferramenta, levando-se em conta as características do país, poderia ser utilizado, principalmente com o ajuste de subvenções por parte do governo federal e/ou estadual. / The main objective of this thesis was to contribute to the discussion of income insurance and its adoption in Brazil. In the first article we attempted to provide arguments for further discussions about income insurance. The paper presented how it works and how it has developed in two major countries: the United States and Canada. It also sought to present the main characteristics of this insurance model, and what are the main existing models. This article also aims to contribute to the theoretical development of the subject with regard to the optimal contract for a income insurance policy. As a result, it was observed that the endogenous determination of the premium and costs of insurance for an optimal contract is the key to the solution (mainly affecting the first order conditions) as well as the marginal effects of certain restrictions, in view of Pareto Optimal. In addition, we sought to address in this paper, in the theoretical point of view, the protective capabilities of a secure income when compared to a \"portfolio\" composed by traditional insurance productivity and price protection mechanisms such as futures or options. There was a limitation of the results and better quantitative analysis given the absence of a functional form, but there have been some interesting results regarding the replacement of the adoption of insurance (traditional) and derivatives for the protection of agricultural prices. The second article aims to explain ways to calculate premium rates for hypothetical income insurance in the form of American Income Protection or Revenue Assurance for corn for municipalities of Parana/BR, through the use of copulas in the joint distribution between prices and productivity. Was sought to help to obtain more accurate rates. The results showed that there are significant differences in premium rates between different cities and even more about the different months of maturity of the futures prices used in the analysis. In addition, further analysis revealed that the proper planning of planting, for example, will guarantee for the farmer a lower premium rates. As one of the conclusions of the study, notes that these types of tool, taking into account the characteristics of the country, could be used, especially with the setting of grants by the federal government and/or state.

L’objectif de cette thèse était d’étudier suivant deux approches la dégradation des polydiméthylsiloxanes. L’approche expérimentale a permis d’étudier les mécanismes de rupture de chaîne et les phénomènes de réticulation du polymère lorsque ce dernier est soumis à des conditions de thermo-oxydation ou de photo-oxydation comparables à celles du vieillissement naturel. La seconde partie propose de modéliser les résultats expérimentaux par un modèle cinétique issu des calculs ab initio. L’exploitation in vitro de la dégradation du polymère a permis de mettre en évidence la formation de monoxyde de carbone et de dioxyde de carbone, ceux-ci jouant le rôle de révélateurs de rupture de liaison Si-CH3. Toutefois le comportement des PDMS sur des temps de dégradation plus importants montre clairement la formation d’oligomères cycliques par dépolymérisation de la chaîne macromoléculaire. Parallèlement la photo-oxydation de ces polymères entraîne la formation de réseaux multidimensionnels qui traduisent des phénomènes de réticulation avec formation d’acide formique. Cette étude a permis de montrer que la dégradation des PDMS, dans des conditions de vieillissement naturel, procède de deux mécanismes antagonistes, l’un favorisant la réticulation du polymère et le second sa dépolymérisation. La seconde partie de ce travail s’intéresse aux mécanismes de formation des oligomères cycliques observés expérimentalement lors de la dégradation des PDMS. Des réponses précises ont pu être amenées grâce à une analyse théorique détaillée de la constante de cyclisation de ces polymères. Cette étude nous a permis de montrer le rôle essentiel du couplage des rotateurs internes dans le calcul de la constante de cyclisation en fonction de la taille des cycles obtenus. Nos résultats théoriques reproduisent avec exactitude l’évolution de la courbe de la constante de cyclisation observée expérimentalement pour des cycles de taille inférieure à 20 motifs, à savoir un maximum global pour des cycles constitués de quatre motifs et un minimum local pour des cycles à dix motifs. Nous avons démontré que l’origine de l’évolution oscillatoire de la constante de cyclisation traduisait le changement de caractère de certains degrés de liberté entre des vibrations pures (petits cycles) et des rotations empêchées (cycles de plus grande taille). / This work aimed at investigating the degradation pathways of polydimethylsiloxanes through two perspectives. The experimental approach studied bond scission and cross-linking degradation mechanisms when the polymer is exposed to thermo- or photo-oxidation conditions that are similar to that of the natural ageing. In the second part, the experimental results are modeled with a theoretical kinetic model, based on ab initio calculations.The in-vitro study of the polymer degradation showed that formation of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide were by-products of Si-CH3 bond scissions. However, the degradation of PDMS for longer time periods showed clearly the formation of cyclic oligomers obtained through depolymerization of the macromolecule. In parallel, the photo-oxidation conditions yielded the formation of multidimensional cross-linked networks and formation of formic acid. This study showed that in the natural conditions, the degradation of PDMS proceeded through two opposite mechanisms, one that produced cross-linked networks while in the other, depolymerization was favored. In the second part, we investigated the mechanisms of the formation of cyclic oligomers that were observed experimentally during the degradation of the polymer. A detailed theoretical model was built in order to reproduce the dependence of the experimental cyclization constant with cycle size. This study showed the key role of the coupling in the treatment of hindered rotors. Our theoretical results reproduced accurately the oscillatory behavior of the cyclization constant for cycle sizes less than 20-mers, namely the global maximum for the 4-unit cyclic oligomers, and the local minimum for cycle sizes of 10 units. We have also shown that the origin of the oscillatory behavior of the cyclization constant revealed that some degrees of freedom underwent specific character transformation between a pure vibration for small cycles and hindered rotation for larger ring sizes.

Submitted by Nadir Basilio (nadirsb@uninove.br) on 2016-05-12T19:56:15Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Graziela Darla Araujo Galvão.pdf: 1495149 bytes, checksum: 1a6b1d45de12fc5fdeaf62805a43985a (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2016-05-12T19:56:15Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Graziela Darla Araujo Galvão.pdf: 1495149 bytes, checksum: 1a6b1d45de12fc5fdeaf62805a43985a (MD5) Previous issue date: 2016-02-24 / Companies are increasingly investing in innovation projects taking into account sustainability. They look for more efficient processes that reduce negative impacts on the environment and society. These new processes and products need an effective way to project management so that the gains are relevant. Decision makers seek ways or tools that connect past and present activities with future goals. To assist in decision making, and thus achieve the organization's objectives, and indicators can be used. However, indicators has its limits, and should not be used in isolation to raise aspects of the situation, to this end a framework can help. The theoretical framework and best practices influence the project management, factors also do. Thus, this dissertation projects related classification systems, innovation and sustainability by proposing a single model that points the way of working of organizations. Next was identified regions model and found in literature features expected from companies operating in these regions. A rating system was also developed to rank the organizations in different areas of the model. The organizations object of this study were also evaluated and suggestions were proposed for improvement or development for each of them. It is a qualitative study, exploratory, with multiple case studies in companies of different market segments. Four multinational and national organizations were studied. The four organizations studied seek to invest in innovation, sustainability and project management. To incorporate these issues in organizations, they invest in lectures, internal courses and some organizations in external courses. All already have the three aspects of the organization's culture, even working in different ways. The contribution to the practice will be a theoretical model for organizations to identify at what level is in innovation, project management and sustainability. Still having the possibility of improving if necessary, as there are suggestions to do so. The study identified some gaps in the literature on the subject. Thus, this research contributes in this sense, it is more a study of the issues involved. / As empresas estão cada vez mais investindo em projetos de inovação levando em conta a sustentabilidade. Buscam processos mais eficientes que reduzam os impactos negativos ao meio ambiente e à sociedade. Esses novos processos e produtos precisam de uma forma efetiva de gerenciamento de projetos para que os ganhos sejam relevantes. Os tomadores de decisões buscam formas ou ferramentas que conectem atividades passadas e presentes com as metas futuras. Para auxiliar nas tomadas de decisões, e assim alcançar os objetivos da organização, e indicadores podem ser usados. Porém, indicadores tem seus limites, e não devem ser usados de forma isolada para levantar os aspectos da situação de, neste sentido um framework poderá ajudar. A sustentação teórica e as melhores práticas influenciam no gerenciamento de projetos, fatores também o fazem. Desta forma, esta dissertação relacionou sistemas de classificação de projetos, inovação e sustentabilidade, propondo um framework que direcione a forma de atuação das organizações. Em seguida foram identificadas regiões do modelo e encontrado, na literatura, características esperadas de empresas presentes destas regiões. Elaborou-se um sistema de avaliação para classificar as organizações nas diferentes áreas do modelo. Avaliou-se também as organizações objeto do estudo e foram propostas sugestões de melhoria ou desenvolvimento para cada uma delas. Trata-se de uma pesquisa qualitativa, exploratória com estudos de casos múltiplos em empresas de diferentes seguimentos de mercado. Foram estudadas 3 organizações multinacionais e 1 nacional. As quatro organizações estudadas buscam investir em inovação, sustentabilidade e gestão de projetos. Para incorporar estes temas nas organizações, elas investem em palestras, cursos internos e, algumas organizações, em cursos externos. Todas já têm os três aspectos na cultura da organização, mesmo trabalhando de formas diferentes. A contribuição para a prática será um modelo teórico para as organizações identificarem em que nível está em inovação, gestão de projetos e sustentabilidade. Tendo ainda a possibilidade de melhorarem, caso necessário, pois há sugestões para tal. O estudo identificou algumas lacunas sobre o tema na literatura. Desta forma, esta pesquisa contribui neste sentido, pois é mais uma pesquisa dos temas em questão.

This dissertation studies the economics of strategic misreporting and the effect of different anti-misreporting approaches based on theoretical, experimental, and quasi-experimental evidence. In Essay 1, I propose a theoretical model to study the efficacy of absolute and relative inspection standards in reducing misreporting when agents are heterogeneous in their reporting cost. I extend from previous theoretical studies by examining explicitly the performance of competitive endogenous audit rule (i.e., tournament audit) compared to the random audit as a function of agent’s heterogeneity parameter. I find that a tournament audit reduces average misreporting and the dispersion of misreporting relative to a random audit, and that the magnitude of the reduction is independent of the degree of heterogeneity among agents. A larger number of audits (presumably delivered by a softer budget constraint), a higher degree of imperfect monitoring, and larger risk aversion among agents reduce the effectiveness of the tournament audit in lowering misreporting. However, the magnitude of the reduction remains independent of heterogeneity in those cases.<div><br></div><div>Theoretical predictions from the first essay are built on a strategic equilibrium concept that relies on rather sophisticated assumptions. Testing these predictions in a controlled environment is thus of empirical importance. In Essay 2, I study misreporting decisions in laboratory experiments, and I test predictions from the first essay. The game played by subjects carefully recreates the environment used to generate theoretical predictions. The experiments have two sources of exogenous variation. The first varies the audit scheme, while the second varies heterogeneity in the cost of reporting. This allows me to test the key predictions from Essay 1 by comparing outcomes across different combinations of treatments. The experimental results largely support the theoretical predictions that a tournament audit reduces misreporting, both with homogeneous and heterogeneous agents. It also supports the prediction that the magnitude of the reduction in misreporting under a tournament audit relative to the random audit is largely independent of the degree of heterogeneity. However, the misreporting reduction is smaller than predicted, as subjects in the experiment tend to misreport less in the random audit baseline. This result is consistent with subjects being risk averse as characterized in Essay 1. Similarly, efficiency gains associated with lower misreporting are smaller than predicted.<br></div><div><br></div><div>In the third essay, I study a reform that conferred Chinese provincial authorities more monitoring power over air pollution performance by cities in those provinces. I use quasi-experimental methods to quantify the effects of this reform on misreporting by local authorities. Implemented in 2016, the reform gave the provincial authorities direct access to local (municipal) pollution monitoring stations, thereby making it harder for local authorities to misreport after the reform. The reform was introduced only in some provinces, many treated and untreated provinces have similar pollution trends before the reform and significant overlap on observable characteristics. These features aid me in establishing a causal effect of the reform on misreporting. The estimation involves two steps. First, I quantify different types of misreporting following recently proposed methodologies. Second, I regress estimated misreporting on the reform indicator using a difference in difference estimator. I found that the reform reduces hard misreporting, which takes place when local authorities interfere with the pollution monitoring facility, both during regular days and during heavily polluted days. The reform does not appear to reduce soft misreporting, which takes place when local authorities tamper with the pollution data. The results are robust to a number of robustness tests, and suggest that through proper institutional reform, the upper-level government can prevent certain types of misreporting at the local level. <br></div><div><br></div><div>This dissertation delivers a characterization of strategic misreporting by heterogeneous agents and studies the impact of different anti-misreporting schemes based on theoretical, experimental, and observational evidence. Results from this dissertation provide evidence that regulators can use mechanisms that: 1) curb misreporting without enhancing monitoring (tournament audits), or 2) that enhance monitoring to ultimately curb misreporting (adoption of monitoring technologies), or 3) a combination of both. This is important given the pervasiveness of misreporting among regulated agents, and substantial heterogeneity among those agents. <br></div>

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