<p> Partial Evaluation (PE) is a program transformation technique that generates a specialized version of a program with respect to a subset of its inputs. PE is an automatic approach to program generation and meta-programming. This thesis presents a method of partially evaluating Maple programs using a fully online methodology.</p> <p> We present an implementation called MapleMIX, and use it towards two goals. Firstly we show how MapleMIX can be used to generate optimized versions of generic programs written in Maple. Secondly we use MapleMIX to mine symbolic computation code for residual theorems, which we present as precise solutions to parametric problems encountered in Computer Algebra Systems.</p> <p> The implementation of MapleMIX has been modularized using a high-level intermediate language called M-form. Several syntax transformations from Maple to M-form make it an ideal representation for performing program specialization. Many specialization techniques have been explored including a novel online approach to handle partially-static data structures and an on-the-fly syntax transformation technique that propagates loop context into the body of dynamic conditionals.</p> / Thesis / Master of Science (MSc)

The focus of this research is to develop a prototype expert system for softwood lumber grading. The grading rules used in the knowledge base of the system are based on Western Lumber Grading Rules 88 published by the Western Wood Products Association. The system includes 27 grades in Dimension, Select/Finish, and Boards categories. The system is designed to be interactive and menu-driven. The user input to the system consists of lumber size, grade category, and type, location and size of defects for each face. The system then infers the grade corresponding to each face, and an overall grade for the lumber. The system provides limited explanation capabilities. Evaluation of the system was performed using 85 samples of pre-graded Siberian larch 2x4x12s in Structural Light Framing category. The initial evaluation was performed using the two wide faces of boards. Results indicated a 60 percent match between the grade assigned by the human expert and the system. The largest cause of deviation was exclusion of defects on the two narrow faces. The knowledge base was expanded to include the two narrow faces; the match rate improved to 76.5 percent. Evaluations for other grading categories need to be conducted in the future to assess the adequacy of the knowledge base. The prototype development concentrates on selected defect characteristics for each grade. These characteristics are clearly defined and described in the rule book, and are usually the most frequently encountered defects on softwood lumber. The knowledge base needs to be refined and expanded if additional factors such as knot positions relative to each other, warp, manufacturing imperfections and clustering of defects are to be considered. / Graduation date: 1993

The paper applies a non-parametric propensity score matching approach to evaluate the effects of two types of farm programs (agri-environment (AE) programs and the less favoured area (LFA) scheme) on input use and farm output of individual farms in Germany. The analysis reveals a positive and significant treatment effect of the LFA scheme for farm sales and the area under cultivation. Participants in AE schemes are found to significantly increase the area under cultivation (in particular grassland), resulting in a decrease of livestock densities. Furthermore, participation in AE programs significantly reduced the purchase of farm chemicals (fertilizer, pesticide). We also find substantial differences in the treatment effect between individual farms (heterogeneous treatment effects). Farms which can generate the largest benefit from the program are most likely to participate. (authors' abstract) / Series: Department of Economics Working Paper Series

Made available in DSpace on 2015-05-14T13:16:35Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 arquivototal.pdf: 1396998 bytes, checksum: 019e01e164e5fe647df4a319e00df2dd (MD5) Previous issue date: 2010-03-16 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior - CAPES / Mass migration of man from the countryside to cities throughout the second half of the twentieth century, in a sense, relates to the lack of public policies for rural areas and increasing investment in the urban setting, back-feeding the vicious cycle of urban chaos and little development of small towns and camps inside the country. In order to improve the living conditions of family farmers and peasants set in the countryside in 1999 was implemented the National Program to Strengthen Family Agriculture - PRONAF. In 2004, new credit lines were established, among them, PRONAF young man who is a special category to encourage youth to stay in rural areas. It is intended for children of farmers between 16 and 29 years and aims to promote the future of Brazilian agriculture and combating rural depopulation. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of this program on the quality of life (QVS) and subjective well-being (BES) of the young recipients, comparing them with a natural control group, as well as their conditions of life and work, considering the environmental conditions they face. The QVS is how the individual assesses his position in life in its cultural context and socio-economic and in relation to their expectations and goals. BES refers to how people evaluate their lives, composed by a set of emotional responses, the balance of positive affect and negative, about the cognitive and life satisfaction of the individual. There were 400 subjects, 200 residents in the hinterland and 200 residents of the swamp Paraiba, evenly distributed by gender. We used the WHOQOL-Bref, to assess the QVS, the scale of life satisfaction and affect scale, to assess the BES, all adapted and validated for this population. Data collection was performed in their homes and workplaces, and observing the ethical principles regarding research with human beings. The results indicate satisfactory levels of QVS and BES among young farmers, but there is no significant impact PRONAF on these constructs. Yet the program was evaluated positively by both non-beneficiaries and the benefit that point improvement in living conditions and work. It was found that PRONAF Young has reached the target audience to which it is intended in the regions studied. Being released mainly by unions and associations, access to credit was considered easy by most. The applicability of resources happens differently between residents in the wetlands, which invest in dairy cattle, and in the dry zone, which apply in crafts. The payment of the benefit has been or is being carried out without difficulty by the majority. The impact of PRONAF should be considered, however this is insufficient to ensure proper enforcement of the objectives proposed by the program. Despite positive influence on your audience, this is not enough to transform the reality of young farmers. This study seeks to contribute to an assessment of the impacts of PRONAF, in order to improve the implementation of state investments. Also, try to reflect on the actual conditions under which young people are currently living residents in the field besides the expansion of the theoretical and scientific studies for the rural environment and more specifically to psychology, with theoretical foundations for understanding the environment and Brazilians who live in rural areas. / A migração em massa do homem do campo para as cidades ao longo da segunda metade do século XX, de certo modo, relaciona-se com a escassez de políticas públicas destinadas para o meio rural e o aumento de investimentos para o meio urbano, retroalimentando o ciclo vicioso do caos urbano e do pouco desenvolvimento das pequenas cidades e dos campos no interior do país. A fim de melhorar as condições de vida das famílias agricultoras e fixar os camponeses na zona rural, em 1999 foi implantado o Programa Nacional de Fortalecimento da Agricultura Familiar PRONAF. Em 2004, novas linhas de crédito foram implantadas, dentre elas, o PRONAF jovem que é uma categoria especial para incentivar a permanência de jovens no meio rural. Destina-se aos filhos de agricultores entre 16 e 29 anos e objetiva fomentar o futuro da agricultura brasileira e combater o êxodo rural. Pretende-se neste estudo verificar o impacto deste programa sobre a qualidade de vida subjetiva (QVS) e o bem-estar subjetivo (BES) dos jovens beneficiados, comparando-os com um grupo controle natural, bem como sobre suas condições de vida e trabalho, considerando as condições edafoclimáticas a que estão submetidos. A QVS é a forma como o indivíduo avalia sua posição na vida, no seu contexto cultural e sócio-econômico e em relação a suas expectativas e objetivos. O BES refere-se à forma como as pessoas avaliam suas vidas, sendo esta composta por um conjunto de respostas emocionais, o balanço dos afetos positivos e negativos, e cognitivas acerca da satisfação com a vida do indivíduo. Participaram 400 sujeitos, dos quais 200 residem no sertão e 200 residem no brejo paraibano, distribuídos equitativamente por sexo. Utilizou-se o WHOQOL-Bref, para avaliar a QVS, a escala de satisfação com a vida e a escala de afetos, para avaliar o BES, todas adaptadas e validadas para esta população. A coleta de dados foi realizada em suas residências e locais de trabalho, obedecendo aos princípios éticos referentes à pesquisa com seres humanos. Os resultados apontam para índices satisfatórios de QVS e BES entre os jovens agricultores, porém não há impacto significativo do PRONAF sobre estes construtos. Apesar disso o programa foi avaliado positivamente tanto pelos não-beneficiados como pelos beneficiados que apontam melhoria nas condições de vida e de trabalho. Verificou-se que o PRONAF Jovem não tem atingido o público-alvo ao qual se destina nas regiões estudadas. A divulgação é realizada principalmente através dos sindicatos e associações e o acesso ao crédito foi considerado fácil pela maioria. A aplicabilidade dos recursos acontece de forma diferenciada entre os residentes na zona úmida, que investem em gado de leite, e na zona seca, que aplicam em artesanato. O pagamento do benefício foi ou está sendo efetuado sem dificuldades pela grande maioria. O impacto do PRONAF deve ser considerado, contudo este é insuficiente para garantir o cumprimento adequado dos objetivos propostos pelo programa. Apesar de exercer influência positiva sobre seu público-alvo, esta não é bastante para transformar a realidade dos jovens agricultores. Este estudo contribuiu para uma avaliação dos impactos do PRONAF, fornecendo informações que possibilitam mudanças e melhorias na aplicação dos investimentos do Estado. Além disso, promoveu reflexões sobre as reais condições em que vivem atualmente os jovens residentes no campo, além da ampliação do corpo teórico e científico para estudos sobre o ambiente rural e mais especificamente para a psicologia, com subsídios teóricos para o entendimento do ambiente e dos brasileiros que residem no meio rural.

CoordenaÃÃo de AperfeiÃoamento de Pessoal de NÃvel Superior / nÃo hà / Delinear um paradigma conceitual de avaliaÃÃo aplicÃvel em programa de educaÃÃo profissional em instituiÃÃes do Sistema âSâ atuantes em Fortaleza, no CearÃ, apresenta-se como um desafio, posto que suas bases conceituais ainda sÃo adstritas devido à inexistÃncia de estudos que descrevam o processo de avaliaÃÃo dos programas de formaÃÃo, considerando suas caracterÃsticas e especificidades de suas prÃticas e teorias sob a Ãgide da regulaÃÃo avaliativa contemporÃnea. Portanto, o cerne do estudo emerge como uma proposta de aplicaÃÃo que venha a atender as especificidades do fenÃmeno e assegurar a articulaÃÃo entre os predicados das pessoas em formaÃÃo, os programas educacionais e ajustamento Ãs requisiÃÃes do mundo do trabalho. A pesquisa desenvolve-se em espaÃo metodolÃgico quadripolar; assim, o campo cientÃfico està estruturado em quatro polos distintos, que se complementam e interagem enquanto eixos de mesma prÃtica metodolÃgica: epistemolÃgico, teÃrico, morfolÃgico e tÃcnico. O polo epistemolÃgico ampara-se nos preceitos da epistemologia kunhiana, ou seja, paradigma, ciÃncia normal e visÃo do aprendizado cientÃfico, posto que sÃo coerentes à compreensÃo da natureza da avaliaÃÃo de programas educacionais, assim como no tangente ao contexto atual da educaÃÃo profissional no Brasil. O teÃrico, enquanto campo dos conceitos, recinto das formulaÃÃes sistemÃticas do objeto em estudo, propÃe regras de interpretaÃÃo dos fatos, de especificaÃÃo, bem como definiÃÃo das soluÃÃes provisoriamente oferecidas, constituindo o quadro de referÃncia do estudo que descreve as perspectivas teÃricas da avaliaÃÃo de programas educacionais e as concepÃÃes de EducaÃÃo Profissional. Portanto, guia a elaboraÃÃo das conjecturas, perpetrando as devidas correlaÃÃes com a epistemologia. O morfolÃgico integra a seÃÃo na qual sÃo incluÃdos os quadros de anÃlise, os sistemas ou mesmo modelos e refere-se Ãs regras de estruturaÃÃo, de formaÃÃo ou construÃÃo do objeto cientÃfico, por meio de modelos ou de simulaÃÃo de problemÃticas. Elenca a estruturaÃÃo das teorias a forma de aplicaÃÃo dos modelos de avaliaÃÃo de programas educacionais. Por fim, desenvolve-se o polo tÃcnico, que apresenta o detalhamento do processo de coleta de dados, objetivando o confronto deste com a teoria que os suscitou. Descreve o percurso da pesquisa de natureza quanti-qualitativa, que utiliza como procedimento metodolÃgico o estudo de caso, cujo lÃcus do estudo se constitui com a segunda turma (2014-2016) do Programa de FormaÃÃo e Desenvolvimento de Trainees do ServiÃo de Apoio Ãs Micro e Pequenas Empresas (SEBRAE/CE). Os dados em campo foram coletados atravÃs de observaÃÃo, diÃrio de campo e instrumental aplicado aos atores envolvidos do inÃcio ao fim do processo educacional. Assim, o presente estudo trata da elaboraÃÃo de uma proposta de avaliaÃÃo aplicÃvel ao Programa de FormaÃÃo e Desenvolvimento de Trainees do SEBRAE/CE desenvolvida a partir do mapeamento das estruturas essenciais de avaliaÃÃo inseridas nos componentes do Modelo de AvaliaÃÃo Integrado e Somativo (MAIS), ponderado na perspectiva dos vÃrios informantes e constituindo-se como um contributo para seu exercÃcio. / Outlining a conceptual evaluation paradigm applicable to a professional education program in institutions of the "S" System operating in Fortaleza, CearÃ, presents itself as a challenge since its conceptual bases are still attached due to the lack of studies that describe the process of Evaluation of training programs, considering their characteristics and specificities of their practices and theories, under the aegis of contemporary evaluative regulation. Therefore the core of the study emerges as an application proposal that will attend to the specificities of the phenomenon and ensure the articulation between the characteristics of the people in formation, of the educational programs and adjustment to the requisitions of the world of work. The research is developed in a quadripolar methodological space, so the scientific field is structured in four distinct poles, which complement and interact as axes of the same methodological practice: epistemological, theoretical, morphological and technical. The epistemological pole is based on the precepts of kunhian epistemology, that is, paradigm, normal science and the vision of scientific learning, since they are coherent the understanding of the nature of the evaluation of educational programs, as well as tangent to the current context of professional education in the Brazil. Theorist as a field of concepts, the precinct of the systematic formulations of the object under study, proposes rules for the interpretation of the facts, for specification, as well as definition of the solutions provisionally offered, constituting the frame of reference of the study that describes the theoretical perspectives of the evaluation of programs Educational and vocational education concepts. Therefore it guides the elaboration of conjectures, perpetrating the correct correlations with epistemology. The morphological integrates the section in which the analysis tables are included, the systems or even models refers to the rules of structure, formation or construction of the scientific object, through models or even of simulation of problems. Elenates the structuring of the theories the form of application of the evaluation models of educational programs. Finally the technical pole that presents the detail of the process of data collection is developed, objectifying the confrontation with the theory that gave rise to them. Describes the course of the research of quantitative-qualitative nature, which uses as a methodological procedure the case study, whose locus of the study is constituted with the second group (2014-2016) of the Program of Training and Development of Trainees of the Service of Support to Micro And Small Business (SEBRAE / CE). Field data were collected through observation, field diary and instrumental applied to the actors involved from the beginning to the end of the educational process. Thus, the present study deals with the elaboration of an evaluation proposal applicable to the SEBRAE / CE Trainee Training and Development Program developed from the mapping of the essential evaluation structures inserted into the components of the Integrated and Summative Evaluation Model (MAIS) weighted in the perspective of the various informants constituting as a contribution to its exercise.

Introduction: Prenatal care has high priority in public health policy in Brazil, due to it is strong influence on rates of maternal and infant morbidity and mortality. Evaluation processes of the quality of care for pregnant women are important tools for optimizing the impact of health services on maternal and fetal health. The goal of the study was to evaluate the quality of prenatal care offered to pregnant women in Fortaleza (CE), using parameters established by the Ministry of health, aiming to contribute to the improvement of care for women in pregnancy and childbirth. Methodology: The cross-sectional study was based on the V Study on Maternal and Child Health of Cearà(PESMIC), a population survey carried out in a sample of women of reproductive age living in Fortaleza. From the 2.553 surveyed women, 195 reported a birth in the previous 12 months, being the target of the analysis. The quality of care was a evaluated in three levels of complexity: Level 1, the onset and frequency of consultations; Level 2, Level 1 plus the completion of laboratory tests, and level 3, Levels 1 and 2, plus the achievement of clinical and obstetric procedures. The chi-square test was used to evaluate the statistical significance (ÃÂ=0,05) of associations between characteristics of pregnant women and prenatal care. Results: Pregnant adolescents were associated with fewer consultations (p=0,057) and HIV testing (p=0,014), as compared with adults. Pregnant women without a partner had a later start of the prenatal care (p=0,004) and fewer consultations (p=0,032), than those living with a partner. Pregnant women with years of schooling up to 8 years were associated with fewer visits (p=0,024) and lower guidance relating to breast feeding (p=0,001), compared to those with more than 8 years of schooling. Family income of up to 2 minimum wages were associated to a later beginning of the prenatal care (p=0,018) and lower referral to delivery care facilities (p=0,018), as compared to those with income above 2 minimum wages. Pregnant women who had the SUS as a health care provider, were associated with an late pre natal care (p=0,001), fewer consultations (p=0,002), less breastfeeding advice (p=0,029), and lower referral to delivery care facilities (p=0,017) as compared to those who had health insurance. The assessment of the quality of care found that only 63% of pregnant women started and managed to hold consultations at the appropriate time (Level 1). When this parameter was added to the performing of basic laboratory tests (Level 2), the percentage was only slightly reduced, to 55%. However, when these two levels were considered in conjunction with Level 3 (clinical and obstetric procedures performed by professionals) the percentage of adequacy has dropped dramatically, reaching only 3,6 %. Conclusion: Despite it is high coverage, prenatal care in Fortaleza should be reconsidered qualitatively. It is recommended a broad discussion of the results of this assessment with managers, health professionals and community, as well as the organization of a training program for improving the technical quality of the care provided by such professionals. ÃâÆ / IntroduÃÃoo: A atenÃÃo prÃ-natal destaca-se como prioridade em saÃde no Brasil, por ser um fator de marcada influÃncia sobre as taxas de morbimortalidade materna e infantil do PaÃ. Processos avaliativos da qualidade da atenÃÃo àgestante, por sua vez, sÃo importantes instrumentos para a otimizaÃÃo do impacto dos serviÃos de saÃde sobre a saÃde materno-fetal. O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar a qualidade da atenÃÃo prÃ-natal ofertada Ãs gestantes de Fortaleza-CE, tendo como parÃmetros os indicadores preconizados pelo MinistÃrio da SaÃde, visando a contribuir para a melhoria da assistÃncia à mulher no ciclo gravaÂdico-puerperal. Metodologia: O estudo transversal teve como base a V Pesquisa de SaÃde Materno-Infantil do Cearà (PESMIC), com uma amostra de 2.553 mulheres em idade reprodutiva residentes em Fortaleza, das quais 195 referiram gravidez nos pravios doze meses anteriores à entrevista, compreendendo os anos de 2007 e 2008. A qualidade da atenÃÃo foi avaliada em trÃss nÃÂveis de complexidade: no NÃÂvel 1, o inÃÂcio e frequencia das consultas; no NÃvel 2, o NÃÂvel 1 mais a realizaÃÃo dos exames laboratoriais; e no NÃÂvel 3, os NÃÂveis 1 e 2, mais a realizaÃÃo dos procedimentos clÃÂnico-obstÃtricos. O teste do Qui-quadrado foi utilizado para avaliar a significÃncia estatÃÂstica (ÃÂ=0,05) das associaÃÃes entre as caracterÃÂsticas das gestantes e as do prÃ-natal. Resultados: Gestantes adolescentes estiveram associadas a um menor nÃmero de consultas (p=0,057) e a uma menor realizaÃÃo do teste HIV (p=0,014), em comparaÃÃo a gestantes adultas. Gestantes sem companheiro estiveram associadas a um inÃÂcio de prÃÂ-natal tardio (p=0,004) e a um menor nÃmero de consultas (p=0,032) quando comparadas as que viviam com companheiro. Gestantes com nÃÂvel de escolaridade de atà oito anos de estudo estiveram associadas a um menor nÃmero de consultas (p=0,024) e menor orientaÃÃo referente ao aleitamento materno (p=0,001) em comparaÃÃo aquelas de mais de oito anos de estudo. Gestantes com renda familiar de atà dois salÃÂrios mÃnimos estiveram associadas a um inÃÂcio do prÃ-natal tardio (p=0,018) e a um menor encaminhamento ao parto (p=0,018) em comparaÃÃo as que referiram renda superior a dois salÃrios. Gestantes que tinham o SUS como provedor de saÃde estiveram associadas a um inÃÂcio de prÃ-natal tardio (p=0,001), a um menor nÃmero de consultas (p=0,002), a uma menor orientaÃÃo ao aleitamento (p=0,029) e menor encaminhamento ao parto (p=0,017) em comparaÃÃo as que possuÂam plano de saÃde. Na avaliaÃÃo da qualidade da atenÃÃo, observou-se que somente 63% das gestantes iniciaram e conseguiram realizar as consultas na Ãpoca adequada (NÃvel 1); quando esse parÃmetro foi acrescido da realizaÃÃo dos exames laboratoriais bÃsicos (NÃvel 2) , este percentual de adequaÃÃoo reduziu-se levemente para 55%. Entretanto quando estes dois nÃÂveis foram considerados em conjunto com o NÃÂvel 3 (procedimentos clÃÂnico-obstÃtricos realizados pelos profissionais), o percentual de adequaÃÃo caiu drasticamente, alcanÃando apenas 3,6%. ConclusÃo: Apesar da elevada cobertura, a atenÃÃo prÃ-natal no MunicÃpio de Fortaleza deve ser reconsiderada qualitativamente. Recomenda-se ampla discussÃo dos resultados desta avaliaÃÃo com gestores, profissionais de saÃde e comunidade, bem como a organizaÃÃo de um programa de sensibilizaÃÃo e capacitaÃÃo para a melhoria da qualidade tÃcnica da assistÃncia prestada por estes profissionais.

The scope of this project includes a re-engineering of the internal architecture of the Solicitation Management System (SMS), a web-based application that facilitates the running of grant proposal solicitations for the Office of Technology Transfer and Commercialization at California State University San Bernardino (CSUSB). A goal of the project is to increase consistency and efficiency of the code base of the system, making it easier to understand, maintain, and extend. The previous version of SMS was written to rely on the Spring and Hibernate frameworks. The project includes a restructuring of the system to remove reliance on the Spring framework, but maintain reliance on Hibernate. The result is an updated version of the SMS. The system was written using current technologies such as Java, JSP, and CSS.

The Online Solicitation Management System (OSMS) is a web-based system designed for California State University, San Bernardino's Office of Technology Transfer and Commercialization (OTTC) to run grant proposal solicitations more efficiently. The system accepts grant proposals, finds the best matched evaluators, calculates evaluation scores, and generated reports. Users in the system are divided into five (5) different roles: system administrator, program officer, staff, evaluator and applicant.

This project updated the California State University, San Bernardino's Office of Technology Transfer and Commercialization's Solicitation Management System (SMS) software, used to facilitate the processing of grant proposal solicitations. The SMS software update improved the interface so that it is more user-friendly, increased the processing speed, and added additional functions necessary to comply with new requirements. The software was rewritten using the Spring and Hibernate frameworks.

The main purpose of this project is to develop new functionalities for the Solicitation Management System (SMS) to support the Office of Technology Transfer and Commercialization (OTTC), California State University San Bernardino (CSUSB) and the Center for the Commercialization of Advanced Technology (CCAT), San Diego State University (SDSU) for the 2008 solicitation, which opened on 28 Jan 2008. SMS is a system built to facilitate the processing of grant proposal solicitations. The SMS was first built in 2004 and was primarily used by the OTTC, CSUSB for its solicitation activities. The new version of the SMS is more user friendly, so that it is easier for users to use and comprehend. The purpose of this software is to aid the processing of a solicitation for organizations that conduct solicitations for grant proposals.