Modelling one-dimensional data can be performed by different wellknown ways. Modelling two-dimensional data is a more open question. There is no unique way to describe dependency of two dimensional data. In this thesis dependency is modelled by copulas. Insurance data from two different regions (Göinge and Kronoberg) in Southern Sweden is investigated. It is found that a suitable model is that marginal data are Normal Inverse Gaussian distributed and copula is a better dependence measure than the usual linear correlation together with Gaussian marginals.

Made available in DSpace on 2016-08-29T11:12:55Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 tese_4309_DISSERTAÇÃO - Tempo, path dependence e instabilidade - as convergências entre Keynes e Sraffa.pdf: 740150 bytes, checksum: 45037124a0591263a839cfa4822a5bd8 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2012-06-01 / TEMPO, PATH DEPENDENCE E INSTABILIDADE: AS CONVERGÊNCIAS ENTRE KEYNES E SRAFFA A dissertação analisa alguns tópicos convergentes nas teorias de Keynes e de Sraffa. Aborda a questão do tempo na teoria econômica e da path dependence na teoria neoclássica. Estuda o problema dos preços de produção e as condições para que eles funcionem como centros de gravidade. Através da Teoria Geral de Keynes, examina uma determinada forma de path dependence, aquela que diz respeito à influência das expectativas de curto prazo sobre as expectativas de longo prazo. Além disso, analisa como a teoria keynesiana trata dois temas específicos: um relacionado às flutuações endógenas da economia, e outro relacionado à instabilidade do processo econômico. Para tanto, utiliza, além da Teoria Geral, outros autores que trataram sobre o tema, como Harrod, Kregel e Setterfield. Por meio da teoria de Sraffa, mostra que não é possível formular um modelo com uma posição de equilíbrio de longo prazo. Tal fato resulta em instabilidade do processo econômico, em oposição à estabilidade gerada pelo modelo de crescimento de Solow. Por fim, trata sobre questões relacionadas à natureza do capital.

Research in the field of drug dependence and recovery emphasises the need for more understanding of the concept of recovery from dependent drug use. This study explored the ways in which dependent drug users recover from drug dependency in a Christian faith-based agency in Lagos, Nigeria. The strategy employed was a qualitative research design using a case study approach. Instruments for data collection were qualitative interviews and observation methods; agency records were also accessed for background information purposes. Three stages of the recovery process were explored: motivation for recovery, disengagement from drugs and maintenance of recovery. In each of these stages, psychological, socio-environmental and spiritual elements were identified as significant factors in the recovery process. The offer of treatment from a Christian faith-based agency seemed to be the most important factor in motivating informants to engage in treatment in the first place. At the disengagement stage, psychological and socio-environmental issues came to the fore, with a personal commitment to change and support from significant others including peers becoming important. Spiritual factors played a significant part at this time, however, including teaching and Bible reviews and prayers. Maintenance of recovery was found to be facilitated by psychological strategies such as positive self-talk and avoidance of triggers of drug dependency; by socio-environmental factors including supportive relationships; and by spiritual elements, which centred on the adoption of a Christian lifestyle. The findings conclude that although recovery from drug dependence is achieved through various routes, the most significant factor for the informants in this study was the spiritual intervention received.

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Student Number : 9100202J - MPH research report - School of Therapeutic Sciences - Faculty of Health Science / Background and purpose of the research The magnitude of disability observed in stroke survivors is believed to be dependent, in part, on the severity of neurological deficits incurred. As important, but less well understood, is the contribution of physical and environmental factors. The objectives of this study were to establish the degree of functional independence of patients who have had a stroke and to establish factors that influence functional independence post stroke. Research methods and procedures employed This was a quantitative research using a descriptive cross sectional study design. A sample of convenience was derived from patients who had a stroke more than six weeks previously from clinics and a hospital in Johannesburg. The Barthel Index was used to establish the degree of functional independence, and a self-designed questionnaire was used to establish factors that influence functional independence of patients who have had a stroke. Intra and inter rater reliability tests were done to validate the questionnaire. The questionnaire was interviewer administered. Caregivers were interviewed in cases where patients had receptive aphasia. Results: Ninety three percent of the patients were functionally independent post discharge. Younger patients had the highest likelihood of improved functional independence than the older age group (p = 0.003); married patients recovered functional independence faster than those who were single (p = 0.05). The following factors also improved chances of being functionally independent: having bowel continence (p = 0.003); staying in hospital for less than two weeks and more than six weeks; and participating in community (p = 0.02) and household activities (p = 0.01). Having a caregiver decreased the chances of regaining functional independence (p = 0.04). Factors which were found to have no influence on functional independence post stroke were: gender (p = 0.99); education level (p =0.78); duration of stroke (p = 0.58); side of stroke (p = 0.12); shoulder pain (p = 0.90); leg pain (p = 0.22); urinary incontinence (p = 0.53); financial role (p = 0.156); monthly income (p = 0.73); and depression (p = 0.30). Conclusion: Age, marital status, duration of hospital stay and the presence of a caregiver, as well as bowel continence are the factors that influence functional independence post stroke.