Com o avanço técnico-científico e a necessidade de rapidez nas comunicações dos diversos segmentos da economia e da vida moderna, a utilização de fones de ouvido não se restringe mais somente aos serviços de Telefonia (telefonistas, atendentes, técnicos e cabistas), operadores de telemarketing ou teleatendimento, mas também a outras profissões como pilotos de aeronaves e de helicópteros, músicos, operadores de áudio e vídeo, além de profissionais de inúmeras outras atividades que necessitam utilizar fones para comunicações, como na indústria naval, do petróleo, da mineração (telemineração, mineração remota), etc. Com isso, a avaliação de risco de surdez ocupacional deve ser adequada à realidade de milhares de pessoas hoje envolvidas com a utilização de fones de ouvido. Essa questão se amplia quando se considera uma legião de pessoas que diariamente passa horas ouvindo música em seus tocadores digitais de música com o volume tão alto que qualquer um ao lado delas pode também ouvir os mesmos sons. Principalmente devido aos outros tipos de exposição, mais difundidos, a exposição ocupacional ao ruído é um assunto bastante discutido, e há, inclusive, critérios adequados de avaliação dos níveis sonoros, que estão, no entanto, voltados para os sons que podem ser medidos na zona auditiva em campo aberto, mas não no interior do pavilhão auricular, que é o caso do presente trabalho. Considerando tal lacuna relacionada aos critérios adotados na avaliação dos níveis sonoros, este trabalho objetiva: estudar os trabalhos sobre as medições sonoras que são atualmente realizadas no interior do pavilhão auricular; demonstrar que o estudo da avaliação do nível sonoro em atividades que utilizam fones de ouvido ainda é incipiente, complexo e oneroso; identificar qual(is) norma(s) é(são) mais adequada(s) para avaliar os níveis de ruído em fones. Para tanto, fez-se uma revisão da literatura, utilizando como materiais e métodos, de forma comparativa, os resultados das experiências e dos estudos do autor e de outros especialistas frente às normas disponíveis pertinentes relativas aos critérios metodológicos de medição dos níveis de ruído em fones de ouvido. Concluindo, esta pesquisa traz importantes parâmetros necessários para uma avaliação confiável e subsídios para o desenvolvimento de uma Instrução Técnica ou elaboração de uma Norma de Higiene Ocupacional NHO específica para este tipo de avaliação. / New electronic technologies have improved the communication systems in general ways, and consequently sound devices have become better, cheaper and widely used. In the professional field, millions of workers use every day headsets and headphones talking to clients, transmitting information and news to control centers, and also listening music. It is a common practice among telephone operators, telemarketing attendees, pilots, musicians, police officers, etc; also, young people using modern sound and video players with individual speakers. If on one side the communication systems are much better, on other way the sound pressure levels inside of headsets or headphones are a big concern, especially when people are listening their favorite songs. Sometimes the sound levels are so high that anyone around is able to listen its music. It is a fact very known that the acoustic energy may destroy the cochlea cells after long noise exposures at high levels. Therefore, million of users of those electronic apparatus are exposure to a potential hearing loss risk in spite of experimenting pleasure moments or just doing their job. The problem of hearing losses is more complicate to headset or headphone users because there is not criterion very well established as it is common to general workers. The standards for prevention of hearing losses are addressed to environment noise that is measured outside of the auricular pavilion. The technology applied to measure sound levels inside of auricular pavilion is complex and there are a few instruments available in the market. However, the most important limitation is absence of technical criteria that define which acoustic situations could be considered a hearing loss risk. Considering all these limitations, this paper has the following objectives: review technical articles that present evaluations of noise inside of auricular pavilion; demonstrate that published studies in this matter are embryonic face to complexity and costs involved with; identify the most appropriate standard to evaluate noise levels inside of auricular pavilion. Thus, the Material and Methods adopted in this paper are based on a comparative review of the literature available, including results from experiences developed by the own author, and other data published by several experts. The numbers, records and levels, etc presented here are related to the respective methods or criteria. Therefore, the information, data, discussion, analyses, and conclusions presented in this paper are addressed to motivate new studies and debates that may result in a new national or international standard easier and less expensive than those are complied today. New proceedings should be developed with clear instructions that avoid misunderstanding and guide different practitioners to reproduce studies with similar methodologies. Concluding, this paper introduces important parameters that are necessary to evaluate noise generated by headphones in workplaces, and, also, gives some guidelines and subsidies to develop a measuring procedure or a technical standard related to occupational hygiene in this matter.

Esta tese apresenta um estudo para a utilização de Redes Neurais Artificiais (RNA) no processo de avaliação e ordenamento de alternativas de projetos de transporte. Partindo-se da ideia de que esse processo constitui-se em um padrão que pode ser captado pelas RNA, a verificação deste argumento foi feita selecionando-se um contexto de avaliação, definindo-se variáveis a serem consideradas no processo de avaliação, e criando-se estruturas de RNA para treinamento com base em outras avaliações já realizadas. Nesta pesquisa foram utilizados 180 \"Estudos de Casos\" recebidos de 32 Estados americanos. Esses dados serviram de entrada para um processo de aprendizagem utilizando-se o simulador \"Neural Planner 4.52\", que baseia-se em redes \"Multilayer Perceptron (MLP)\" e no treinamento em \"Backpropagation\". Várias redes foram treinadas para que fosse definida aquela com um melhor desempenho para o reconhecimento dos padrões existentes nesses casos apresentados. Os 486 experimentos demonstraram índices de acertos superiores a 92% que podem ser visualizados no programa computacional denominado \"EVALUATOR\", uma interface entre o simulador de RNA e usuários. Conclui-se, portanto, que as RNA podem reconhecer os padrões implícitos em avaliações anteriores e servem para avaliar e ordenar alternativas de outros projetos apresentados que pertençam ao mesmo contexto utilizado para treinamento. / This thesis presents a research aimed at the use of Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) for appraising and ranking transportation project alternatives. Based on the principle that this process of appraisal and ranking constitutes a pattern that can be perceived by ANN, the verification of this hypothesis was conducted selecting an evaluation context, defining variables to be considered in the process, and creating ANN structures for training based on other evaluation cases. In this research, 180 \"Case Studies\" from 32 American states were used. These data were used as input to a learning process using the simulator \"Neural Planner 4.52\", which is based on \"Multilayer Perceptron (MLP)\" networks and uses a \"Backpropagation\" training algorithm. Several networks were trained to obtain the one most capable of recognizing the patterns of the projects analyzed. More than 92% of the 486 experiments presented right indexes, as shown by a software called \"EVALUATOR\", a user interface between ANN simulator. The conclusion is that ANN can recognize the implicit patterns in previous evaluations and can be used to appraise and rank alternatives from other projects belonging to the same context used for the ANN training.

Esta tese apresenta um estudo para a utilização de Redes Neurais Artificiais (RNA) no processo de avaliação e ordenamento de alternativas de projetos de transporte. Partindo-se da ideia de que esse processo constitui-se em um padrão que pode ser captado pelas RNA, a verificação deste argumento foi feita selecionando-se um contexto de avaliação, definindo-se variáveis a serem consideradas no processo de avaliação, e criando-se estruturas de RNA para treinamento com base em outras avaliações já realizadas. Nesta pesquisa foram utilizados 180 \"Estudos de Casos\" recebidos de 32 Estados americanos. Esses dados serviram de entrada para um processo de aprendizagem utilizando-se o simulador \"Neural Planner 4.52\", que baseia-se em redes \"Multilayer Perceptron (MLP)\" e no treinamento em \"Backpropagation\". Várias redes foram treinadas para que fosse definida aquela com um melhor desempenho para o reconhecimento dos padrões existentes nesses casos apresentados. Os 486 experimentos demonstraram índices de acertos superiores a 92% que podem ser visualizados no programa computacional denominado \"EVALUATOR\", uma interface entre o simulador de RNA e usuários. Conclui-se, portanto, que as RNA podem reconhecer os padrões implícitos em avaliações anteriores e servem para avaliar e ordenar alternativas de outros projetos apresentados que pertençam ao mesmo contexto utilizado para treinamento. / This thesis presents a research aimed at the use of Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) for appraising and ranking transportation project alternatives. Based on the principle that this process of appraisal and ranking constitutes a pattern that can be perceived by ANN, the verification of this hypothesis was conducted selecting an evaluation context, defining variables to be considered in the process, and creating ANN structures for training based on other evaluation cases. In this research, 180 \"Case Studies\" from 32 American states were used. These data were used as input to a learning process using the simulator \"Neural Planner 4.52\", which is based on \"Multilayer Perceptron (MLP)\" networks and uses a \"Backpropagation\" training algorithm. Several networks were trained to obtain the one most capable of recognizing the patterns of the projects analyzed. More than 92% of the 486 experiments presented right indexes, as shown by a software called \"EVALUATOR\", a user interface between ANN simulator. The conclusion is that ANN can recognize the implicit patterns in previous evaluations and can be used to appraise and rank alternatives from other projects belonging to the same context used for the ANN training.

<p>The purpose of this thesis is to explore what software evaluation methods are currently available that can assist organizations and companies in procuring a software solution for some particular task or purpose for a specific type of business. The thesis is based on a real-world scenario where a company, Volvo Technology Corporation (VTEC), is in the process of selecting a new intellectual property management system for their patent department. For them to make an informed decision as to which system to choose, an evaluation of market alternatives needs to be done. First, a set of software evaluation methods and techniques are chosen for further evaluation. An organizational study, by means of interviews where questions are based on the ISO 9126-1 Software quality model, is then conducted, eliciting user opinions about the current system and what improvements a future system should have. The candidate methods are then evaluated based on the results from the organizational study and other pertinent factors in order to reach a conclusion as to which method is best suited for this selection problem. The Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) is deemed the best choice.</p>

Increasingly, virtual reality therapy (VRT) technologies are being used to augment pediatric rehabilitation. The mechanisms underlying success/failure of VRTs are not well understood. This thesis proposed an innovative 3-phase framework for evaluating VRT technologies with respect to neuroplasticity based on results of a scoping review of 21 studies. A case study was undertaken to demonstrate use of the framework to design and evaluate ‘Musical Steps’, a VRT technology aimed at promoting heel contact in toe-walking children. 5 therapists and 4 children were engaged in this study. The system accurately detected 88%(SD=7%) of heel contacts and was rated positively in usability testing (phase 1). Feasibility studies indicated that, while enjoyable, children did not understand the feedback provided and hence, heel contact was not increased (phase 2). These findings will direct future reiterations prior to evaluating clinical impact (phase 3). The proposed framework may enhance design and translation of therapeutically relevant VRTs.

Objective: This thesis aimed to advance the study of sustainability through the exploratory use of a conceptual framework for the investigation of a collaborative project. Methods: A qualitative case study design, utilizing document analysis and key informant interviews, was used to conduct a three-year follow-up of a collaborative mental health project. The study design and directed content analysis were informed by the Scheirer and Dearing (2011) conceptual framework. Results: The sustained outcomes identified by the six participating agencies included: institutionalized project components, maintained client benefits, continued collaboration and sustained attention to the issue. The sustainability of project components was associated with complex interactions between the innovation, organization, and community factors investigated. Conclusions: The study illustrated the importance of evaluating multiple aspects of sustainability to fully capture a project’s long-term effect. Complex systems theory was proposed to describe the interactions observed and as a direction for further development of the conceptual framework.

The underwater mining has increased in the recent years and the growing awareness of the potential impacts on the environment, as results of increasing the encroachment on the marine environment. Therefore, the debate has increased about how to protect this environment by using the scientific research that\'s relevant to the various environmental effects and developing the equipment used in dredging. There is a wide diversity of underwater mining equipments, such as continuous and non-continuous dredging which used for production of sand, gravel, alluvial deposits and raw material. There are a relation between increasingly dredging activities in the recent years and their impacts on the aquatic environment. These impacts are causes by changes in the topography of the sea floor such as turbidity, noise and other environmental impacts. Today, there is an international framework of legislation which has been developed for dredging projects. This contains rules and regulations which must be followed by mining companies and have to implemented by national authorities. The European countries also develop their legislation to control on the dredged material which deposit on land and sea. This legislation is constantly changing related to scientific knowledge and increasing the implementation frameworks. Also, the people become more sensitive to emissions that have a negative attitude towards dredging in the neighborhood. In addition, dredging techniques give rise to objections, which eventually led to think in more environmentally-friendly production methods. After that, the use of dredger is the only alternative in some project. The question is what are the true benefits of these techniques and what is the relation between possible improvements and technological potential as well as the costs. Therefore, it is intended to assess mining techniques in the context of their environmental impact and the costs. There are many systematic approaches which have been used for evaluation and determination of the environmental performances of different dredging equipment, techniques and procedures. Moreover, the new future developments and latest proposals in the dredging industry have been presented. Also, the new proposal to reduce the turbidity and suspended material effect which is the most important environmental impacts during dredging operations has presented. This research work gives a description of underwater mining techniques and different way of evaluating the dredging equipment’s in term of environmental, economic and social aspects. Also, this work presents two different methods of evaluation. The first approach is the statistical analyses method by using the modern Fuzzy evaluation concept. The second slant is a mathematical accounting method by using the information from the Egyptian case study, in order to reach the most environmental-friendly dredging techniques by taking into account the economic and social point of views. The final evaluation showed that the suction and bucket ladder dredger are the best choices. The assessment was made after comparing many parameters such as performance, characteristics, working depth, soil types and project area. Also, this work presents two different new practices for extraction of the underwater placer deposits which occur on the Egyptian Mediterranean coast. The first technique uses floating processing unit in the in situ area, which gets the extracted material and treated it to reduce the transportation costs. The second technique has divided the working area to many stages which make the suction dredger used also for transporting the material into the beach. The pipeline will be the best method of transportation by using the power of suction, which reduce also the transportation costs and also avoid the environmental effects.

Increasingly, virtual reality therapy (VRT) technologies are being used to augment pediatric rehabilitation. The mechanisms underlying success/failure of VRTs are not well understood. This thesis proposed an innovative 3-phase framework for evaluating VRT technologies with respect to neuroplasticity based on results of a scoping review of 21 studies. A case study was undertaken to demonstrate use of the framework to design and evaluate ‘Musical Steps’, a VRT technology aimed at promoting heel contact in toe-walking children. 5 therapists and 4 children were engaged in this study. The system accurately detected 88%(SD=7%) of heel contacts and was rated positively in usability testing (phase 1). Feasibility studies indicated that, while enjoyable, children did not understand the feedback provided and hence, heel contact was not increased (phase 2). These findings will direct future reiterations prior to evaluating clinical impact (phase 3). The proposed framework may enhance design and translation of therapeutically relevant VRTs.

Objective: This thesis aimed to advance the study of sustainability through the exploratory use of a conceptual framework for the investigation of a collaborative project. Methods: A qualitative case study design, utilizing document analysis and key informant interviews, was used to conduct a three-year follow-up of a collaborative mental health project. The study design and directed content analysis were informed by the Scheirer and Dearing (2011) conceptual framework. Results: The sustained outcomes identified by the six participating agencies included: institutionalized project components, maintained client benefits, continued collaboration and sustained attention to the issue. The sustainability of project components was associated with complex interactions between the innovation, organization, and community factors investigated. Conclusions: The study illustrated the importance of evaluating multiple aspects of sustainability to fully capture a project’s long-term effect. Complex systems theory was proposed to describe the interactions observed and as a direction for further development of the conceptual framework.

The object of the work: 2005 – 2006 season Lithuanian basketball league competitions sponsorship Research hypothesis: Lithuanian basketball league clubs sponsorship, positively impacts sponsors awareness, image and sales boosting. The purpose of the work: To evaluate sponsorship equity fore sponsors of Lithuanian basketball league clubs. Tasks of the work: a. To analyze sponsorship conceptions and place in marketing communications mix. b. To analyze sponsorship strategies. c. To analyze methods and models evaluating sponsorship success. d. Empirically calculate sponsorship equity fore sponsors of Lithuanian basketball league clubs. Conclusions: 1. Sponsorship can be either philanthropic or commercial. Philanthropic sponsorship implies the support of a cultural or social cause. But In most situations, sponsorship is commercial, i.e. the firm associates itself with a public event in order to gain direct commercial benefits: increase in consumer awareness, improvement in image, sales, etc. spon¬sorship is noted to be strategically different from advertising in certain respects unlike advertising, the medium and the creative message cannot always be tightly controlled by the sponsor, because sponsorship is often seen as indirectly influencing consumer perceptions of the brand, whereas the traditional advertising media are associated with directly influencing consumer perception. 2. Sponsorship strategies split between sponsorship strategies and counter-strategies... [to full text]