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This dissertation consists of three independent essays addressing several key issues related to the empirical application of optimum currency area. The first essay explores the features of the CFA franc zone by operationalizing Robert Mundell’s (1952) criteria for an optimum currency area. A vector autoregression method is used in modeling national outputs as determined by global, regional and country-specific shocks. It finds that domestic outputs of the CFA franc zone countries are strongly influenced by country-specific shocks. These results suggest that the CFA franc zone countries are structurally different from each other and the monetary union may have been a costly arrangement for the member countries. The second essay focuses on the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union (ECCU). A 2-vairable vector autoregressive model is estimated to investigate the extent of symmetric shocks in the small open economies of the ECCU. The paper finds that domestic outputs of the ECCU countries are strongly influenced by regional shocks. These results indicate that the ECCU countries are structurally similar to each other and exchange arrangements appear to have well served the region and the group of countries is more likely to be an optimum currency area. The third essay explores the possibility of a currency union in East Asia. In this essay, the extent of global and regional integration in East Asia is investigated using the stock price index as a measure of economic performance. A similar VAR model is employed to separate the underlying shocks into global, regional and country-specific shocks. The estimation results show that country-specific shocks play a dominant role in East Asia although their role appears to have declined over time, especially after the 1997 financial crisis. Global and regional shocks are responsible for small but increasing shares of stock price fluctuations in most countries. The results indicate that, despite years of liberalization and regional integration, economies in East Asia remain dissimilar and are subject to asymmetric shocks and it might be costly for East Asian countries to abandon monetary policy independence to form a monetary union and that a more flexible exchange rate regime might be desirable.

The purpose of the study was to investigate how the online, computer-based learner's personal learning profile (Preference), the content delivery method supplemented with visual content based on Neil Fleming's VARK (visual, aural, read/write, kinesthetic) model (Content), and the interaction of Preference and Content, influenced learner performance (Performance) and/or learner self-reported satisfaction (Satisfaction). Participants were drawn from a population of undergraduates enrolled in a large public southwestern research university during the fall 2015 semester. The 165 student participants (13.79% completion rate) were comprised of 52 (31.5%) females and 113 (68.5%) males age 18-58+ years with 126 (76.4%) age 18-24 years. For race/ethnicity, participants self-identified as 1 (0.66%) American Indian/Alaska Native, 21 (12.7%) Asian/Pacific Islander, 27 (16.4%) Black, non-Hispanic, 28 (17%) Hispanic, 78 (47.3%) White, non-Hispanic, 10 (6.1%) other. Reported socioeconomic status was 22 (13.3%) withheld, 53 (32.1%) did not know, 45 (27.3%) low, 13 (7.9%) moderately low, 16 (9.7%) middle, 8 (4.8%) upper middle, and 8 (4.8%) upper. This causal-comparative and quasi-experimental, mixed-method, longitudinal study used researcher-developed web-based modules to measure Performance and Satisfaction, and used the criterion p < .05 for statistical significance. A two-way, 4 x 3 repeated measures (Time) analysis of variance (RM-ANOVA) using Preference and Content was statistically significant on each Performance measure over Time, and at two measures on Satisfaction over Time. The RM-ANOVA was statistically significant on between-subjects main effect Performance for read/write modality Content compared to aural and kinesthetic Content. There were no statistically significant main effects observed for Satisfaction. A Pearson r correlation analysis showed that participants that were older, married, and of higher socioeconomic status performed better. The correlation analysis also showed that participants who performed better reported greater likelihood to take online courses in the future, higher motivation, sufficient time and support for studies, and sufficient funding for and access to the Internet. The study results suggested that regardless of Preference, using read/write modality Content based on the VARK model while maintaining the verbal language can yield better Performance outcomes. The study results also suggested that while maintaining the verbal language, Preference, and Content based on the VARK model do not distinguish learner Satisfaction outcomes. However, because Satisfaction has been shown to impact Performance, efficacy, and retention, it matters to educational institutions. Future research should consider more granular models and factorial research methods, because models that utilize a single representative construct score can mask effects when analyzing Performance and Satisfaction.

O presente trabalho apresenta uma análise do desempenho de estacas hélice contínua e ômega, com ênfase na influência do processo de execução e aspectos executivos. É feita uma revisão bibliográfica apresentando a evolução executiva das estacas, o processo executivo e aspectos relevantes à correta execução destas estacas, características dos materiais que influenciarão o desempenho, efeitos da execução das estacas no sistema estaca-solo e uma análise da influência da geometria da ponta no desempenho das estacas. Três casos de obras são mostrados. Primeiramente uma obra que, devido a alterações das propriedades do concreto, substituiu-se estacas hélice contínua por ômega, como solução ao problema apresentado. Em seguida, mostra-se a execução de estacas ômega na Estação Vila das Belezas. Por último, o interessante caso de utilização de estacas hélice contínua como elemento de contenção nas obras do projeto integração centro, na Estação Luz, onde a proximidade de prédios antigos era fator limitante na escolha do tipo de fundação. Apresenta-se, ainda, uma análise comparativa do desempenho de estacas hélice contínua e ômega por meio de resultados de provas de carga, e uma análise do desempenho inesperado, da ponta, de uma estaca ômega, por meio de interpretação de prova de carga na estaca e do parâmetro R de Cambefort. São apresentados, também, os métodos de previsão de capacidade de carga de estacas hélice contínua e ômega, de extrapolação da curva carga x recalque e de separação das cargas de atrito e ponta, que foram utilizados nas análises de desempenho das estacas. / This research work presents an analysis of the performance of CFA and omega piles, with emphasis on the influence of execution processes. A review of previous work is presented, showing the construction evolution of these piles, it’s execution process and relevant aspects concerning the correct execution of these piles, as well as material properties effecting on it’s behavior, execution effects on the pile-soil system and an analyses of the influence of the pile’s tip on it’s performance. Three cases of foundation works are shown. First of all, a piled foundation in which CFA piles were changed to omega piles, due to alterations in the concrete properties. After that, an omega pile execution on Vila das Belezas subway station is shown. At last, an interesting case of CFA piles as a retaining wall, on Luz subway station, where proximity old buildings restrained the choice of retaining methods. A comparative analysis of the performance of omega and CFA piles, based on load tests, is also shown, as well as an analysis of the unexpected behavior of an omega pile tip, based on an interpretation of load test and Cambefort’s R parameter. In addition to this, the predict methods of bearing capacity, the methods of extrapolation of the load-settlement curve and the methods of the separation of the shaft friction and the end bearing, which were used in the performance analysis of the piles, are also presented.

O presente trabalho apresenta uma análise do desempenho de estacas hélice contínua e ômega, com ênfase na influência do processo de execução e aspectos executivos. É feita uma revisão bibliográfica apresentando a evolução executiva das estacas, o processo executivo e aspectos relevantes à correta execução destas estacas, características dos materiais que influenciarão o desempenho, efeitos da execução das estacas no sistema estaca-solo e uma análise da influência da geometria da ponta no desempenho das estacas. Três casos de obras são mostrados. Primeiramente uma obra que, devido a alterações das propriedades do concreto, substituiu-se estacas hélice contínua por ômega, como solução ao problema apresentado. Em seguida, mostra-se a execução de estacas ômega na Estação Vila das Belezas. Por último, o interessante caso de utilização de estacas hélice contínua como elemento de contenção nas obras do projeto integração centro, na Estação Luz, onde a proximidade de prédios antigos era fator limitante na escolha do tipo de fundação. Apresenta-se, ainda, uma análise comparativa do desempenho de estacas hélice contínua e ômega por meio de resultados de provas de carga, e uma análise do desempenho inesperado, da ponta, de uma estaca ômega, por meio de interpretação de prova de carga na estaca e do parâmetro R de Cambefort. São apresentados, também, os métodos de previsão de capacidade de carga de estacas hélice contínua e ômega, de extrapolação da curva carga x recalque e de separação das cargas de atrito e ponta, que foram utilizados nas análises de desempenho das estacas. / This research work presents an analysis of the performance of CFA and omega piles, with emphasis on the influence of execution processes. A review of previous work is presented, showing the construction evolution of these piles, it’s execution process and relevant aspects concerning the correct execution of these piles, as well as material properties effecting on it’s behavior, execution effects on the pile-soil system and an analyses of the influence of the pile’s tip on it’s performance. Three cases of foundation works are shown. First of all, a piled foundation in which CFA piles were changed to omega piles, due to alterations in the concrete properties. After that, an omega pile execution on Vila das Belezas subway station is shown. At last, an interesting case of CFA piles as a retaining wall, on Luz subway station, where proximity old buildings restrained the choice of retaining methods. A comparative analysis of the performance of omega and CFA piles, based on load tests, is also shown, as well as an analysis of the unexpected behavior of an omega pile tip, based on an interpretation of load test and Cambefort’s R parameter. In addition to this, the predict methods of bearing capacity, the methods of extrapolation of the load-settlement curve and the methods of the separation of the shaft friction and the end bearing, which were used in the performance analysis of the piles, are also presented.

Les pays africains de la zone CFA ont connu ces dernières années de multiples transformations économiques d'une part à travers les mesures initiées par les bailleurs de fonds bilatéraux et multilatéraux et d'autre part à travers les politiques d'intégration économique et monétaire. Ainsi, en partant de l'hypothèse selon laquelle du fait de ces nombreuses interventions, ces systèmes économiques incorporent divers phénomènes tels que les changements structurels et les dépendances inter-économies, nous avons étudié leurs principales implications sur la croissance, la convergence et la prévisibilité du taux de croissance. L'accent est d'abord mis sur les traits majeurs des politiques d'intégration dans le cadre d'une union monétaire tout en soulignant les éventuelles incidences de telles politiques sur la dynamique économique des pays membres principalement en termes de modélisation économétrique de la croissance et de la convergence. Les différentes études réalisées sur la base d'outils économétriques adaptés ont permis d'aboutir à des résultats nouveaux relatifs au processus de croissance et de convergence de ces économies comparativement à ceux basés sur les outils classiques de modélisation économétrique. Il ressort également de cette étude que la présence de facteurs communs et de ruptures structurelles est fortement liée aux politiques d'intégration mises en oeuvre au sein de la zone CFA. Ces résultats révèlent aussi que les chocs produisent des effets hétérogènes et ont généralement des dates d'occurrence différentes selon les pays et qu'il est nécessaire de faire varier les réponses de politique économique d'un pays à l'autre pour une croissance durable et mieux partagée.

To reduce cost, many digital cameras use a single sensor array instead of using three arrays for the red, green and blue. Thus at each pixel location only the red, green or blue intensity value is available. And to generate a complete color image, the camera must estimate the missing two values at each pixel location .Color filter arrays are used to capture only one portion of the spectrum (Red, Green or Blue) at each location. Various arrangements of the Color Filter Array (CFA) are possible, but the Bayer array is the most commonly used arrangement and we will deal exclusively with the Bayer array in this thesis. Since each of the three colors channels are effectively downsampled, it leads to aliasing artifacts. This thesis will analyze the effects of aliasing in the frequency- domain and present a method to reduce the deterioration in image quality due to aliasing artifacts. Two reference algorithms, AH-POCS (Adams and Hamilton - Projection Onto Convex Sets) and Adaptive Homogeneity-Directed interpolation, are discussed in de- tail. Both algorithms use the assumption that there is high correlation in the high- frequency regions to reduce aliasing. AH-POCS uses alias cancellation technique to reduce aliasing in the red and blue images, while the Adaptive Homogeneity-Directed interpolation algorithm is an edge-directed algorithm. We present here an algorithm that combines these two techniques and provides a better result on average when compared to the reference algorithms.

This diploma thesis focuses on the construction of a construction technological project for the construction of the Central Charging Station in Púchov. The building is located in the industrial area of Púchov and in the area of Continental Matador Rubber. In the thesis is elaborated technical report for building technological project, co-ordination situation of construction with wider transport routes, time and financial object plan, study of the realization of the main technological stages, construction site design, design of main building machines and mechanisms, time schedule of main building, securing material resources for the monolithic part of the building. In the thesis are made, technological rules for drilled pilots and ceiling structure above the first overground floor. Technological regulations follow control and test plans. Other assignments that have been made in this work, such as the occupational safety and health plan, the design and comparison of cranes and the item budget.

This Master`s thesis deals with properties of current feedback operational amplifier. The main goal of this work is creation design process of current feedback operational amplifier by using CMOS technology AMIS 0,7 µm. Next goal of this work is attestation of funciton our design process. Last goal is creation the datasheet of our amplifier.

This study aimed to observe measurement invariance between community college students and university students in response to the Community of Inquiry (CoI) Survey instrument. Most studies of the CoI survey instruments have recorded and validated the instruments considering undergraduate or graduate students. This study sought to validate and prove the survey tool as a reliable instrument for the community college population. The study employed SEM and meta-analytic procedures to observe measurement invariance between a Monte Carlo generated general university sample population and the community college survey population. The findings are discussed, as well as the implications for CoI studies in the community college.