For a number of years there has been a growing awareness of the importance of shareholder value for financial strategy and management. At the same time, there has been growing concern that the traditional accounting measures of performance have serious inherent limitations that may lead to poor financial decision-making. This study starts off by providing an overview of the main accounting earnings-based measures, as well as the most important criticisms leveled against them. The concepts of Economic Value Added (EVA) and Market Value Added (MVA), which are currently regarded as the most important indicators of shareholder value and financial performance, are examined, along with some research evidence supporting them (and other evidence opposing them). Various aspects of EVA and MVA are discussed, including different ways of calculating them, and their link to other financial concepts such as net present value (NPV) and operating and financial leverage. After a discussion of the main drivers of EVA, namely the Return on Invested Capital (ROIC), the weighted average cost of capital (WACC), the performance spread and the invested capital (IC), the financial strategy matrix is introduced. The financial strategy matrix has been used in this study to evaluate companies in terms of internal value creation (performance spreads) and cash flow management (sales growth compared to the sustainable growth rate). A selection of companies listed on the JSE was ranked according to their relative performance in terms of internal value creation (performance spreads) and the results of some individual companies and sectors were placed on the financial strategy matrix. The statistical tests done on the data have indicated that the sales growth minus the sustainable growth rate does not contribute significantly to shareholder value and an alternative variable was recommended. Further tests have revealed that significant correlation between MVA and EVA could only be found if the median results over a ten-year period were used. The correlation between MVA and the main drivers of EVA was found to be weak on a year-on-year basis. It is hoped that the results and perspectives gained from this study will be helpful to financial managers who aim to optimize their approach to shareholder value management. / Thesis (DCom (Financial Management))--University of Pretoria, 2005. / Financial Management / unrestricted

Magíster en Psicología Educacional / El propósito de esta tesis es realizar un aporte a la comprensión de la participación docente en la escuela del Chile actual. Se propone como objetivo principal de investigación el “comprender los sentidos que le otorgan los docentes de enseñanza media a la participación en espacios de encuentro formales e informales dentro de su establecimiento escolar municipal en la Región Metropolitana”, el cual se desglosa en tres objetivos específicos: “describir los significados que otorgan los docentes a la participación en espacios de encuentro formales e informales en la escuela”; “conocer los espacios de encuentro formales e informales que los docentes identifiquen como auténticamente participativos”; y “describir la importancia que le dan los docentes a la construcción de espacios de encuentro auténticamente participativos en la escuela”. Para dar cuenta de estos objetivos se realizó un análisis crítico del discurso de los docentes, desde la perspectiva teórica-metodológica del modelo tridimensional de Norman Fairclough. En el estudio se realizaron dos grupos focales a docentes de dos establecimientos educacionales de dependencia municipal, que imparten enseñanza media en la Región Metropolitana. Se analiza la tensión entre el discurso participativo oficial y el discurso producido por los sujetos en torno a los sentidos otorgados a la participación docente. Se destaca entre los resultados más relevantes la colonización de los discursos docentes, que se enmarcan generalmente en el orden discursivo hegemónico, predominando la participación funcional sobre la auténtica. Pese a esto, se presentan algunos quiebres y disonancias, la mayoría de ellos producidos en torno a la asociatividad, trabajo colaborativo y fortalecimiento del tejido social en la escuela

La sincronización de sistemas dinámicos consiste en lograr que dos o más sistemas, que evolucionan en forma independiente, converjan hacia una trayectoria común, mediante la aplicación de señales externas adecuadas sobre uno de los sistemas. Como ejemplos de aplicaciones reales, donde la sincronización juega un rol importante, podemos citar el proceso de modificación del ciclo respiratorio de pacientes sometidos a anestesia general por medio de ventiladores mecánicos y la emisión de luz de manera coordinada de las luciérnagas en los periodos de apareamiento. En sistemas complejos de ingeniería, la sincronización se manifiesta en problemas donde se busca unificar el comportamiento de muchos sistemas individuales (sistemas multiagente), mediante la modificación del comportamiento de cada agente. En el estudio de la sincronización de sistemas dinámicos, es posible afirmar que los mayores aportes realizados por los investigadores corresponden a problemas de sincronización de sistemas de orden entero (sistemas con derivadas de orden entero), tanto para el caso de parámetros conocidos (sincronización no adaptable) como para el caso en que dichos parámetros no se conocen (sincronización adaptable). Menos abundantes son los trabajos relacionados con la sincronización no adaptable de sistemas de orden fraccionario (sistemas con derivadas de orden fraccionario) y prácticamente no existen, hasta el momento, soluciones teóricas completas para el caso de la sincronización adaptable de sistemas de orden fraccionario. En este último caso, sólo se pueden encontrar intentos aislados basados en simulaciones que buscan entender esta problemática. La presente Tesis, tiene por objetivo justamente plantear, diseñar y estudiar nuevas metodologías que permitan llevar a cabo la sincronización de dos sistemas no lineales del tipo Lorenz, de orden fraccionario y de parámetros desconocidos, que evolucionan en forma separada. La hipótesis de trabajo que se desea demostrar en esta investigación, postula que es posible realizar la sincronización de esta clase de sistemas, a pesar del desconocimiento que se tenga de sus parámetros. Este proceso de sincronización será llevado a cabo mediante el empleo de controladores basados en parámetros, empleando un proceso de identificación paramétrica del sistema (técnica indirecta) o bien sin un esquema de identificación paramétrica (técnica directa). La solución propuesta para el problema de sincronización se enfoca desde la perspectiva del control adaptable y del diseño de observadores adaptables (estado y parámetros). Esto permite diseñar leyes de control adecuadas, que sincronizan ambos sistemas, incluso empleando una sola señal de control. Para ello, se utilizarán técnicas de cálculo fraccionario y metodologías para el análisis de estabilidad de sistemas enteros y fraccionarios, entre otras. Las estrategias de sincronización desarrolladas en este trabajo y validadas mediante simulaciones, muestran ventajas con respecto a esquemas de sincronización actualmente utilizados (fraccionarios o no fraccionarios). Para ello, se ha realizado un estudio comparativo, a nivel de simulaciones, de los métodos de sincronización propuestos, con aquellos más relevantes existentes en la literatura técnica.

Made available in DSpace on 2014-06-12T23:01:49Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 arquivo8656_1.pdf: 842819 bytes, checksum: 5d6bc581edbfa8c4b60e93eacfb698b4 (MD5) license.txt: 1748 bytes, checksum: 8a4605be74aa9ea9d79846c1fba20a33 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2003 / O envelhecimento populacional tem sido considerado como crescente "fenômeno social" de extrema relevância, a partir da segunda metade do século XX. OBJETIVO - O autor realiza um estudo de prevalência-ponto para a detecção de depressão em comorbidade com enfermidades clínicas durante a internação hospitalar nas enfermarias de clínica médica do Hospital das Clínicas da UFPE (Universidade Federal de Pernambuco). METODOLOGIA Verificação da ocorrência de depressão em idosos utilizando-se uma entrevista estruturada, a "Structural Clinical Interview for DSM-IV - Clinical Version" (SCID - CV), aliada à escala de avaliação para depressão de Montgomery - Asberg (MADRS). RESULTADOS - O pesquisador encontrou uma prevalência de 40% de depressão na referida população estudada. COMENTÁRIOS - Estes dados, demonstram a incidência de depressão durante a evolução de uma doença clínica no período de internação como fator complicador para o estado de saúde geral, a qualidade de vida e a recuperação da doença, sendo também considerada por inúmeros autores como fator de risco independente para mortalidade em um período menor que um ano. CONCLUSÕES Considera-se, pelos dados obtidos, que seja dada a devida importância à aproximação das equipes clínicas e a interconsulta psiquiátrica no sentido de promover intervenções precoces que evitem as graves repercussões desta comorbidade e conclui-se que a adoção de um instrumento de "screening", como a Montgomery - Asberg (MADRS), de fácil aplicabilidade, funcionaria como decisivo recurso, perfeitamente viável, na detecção imediata de casos de depressão nos idosos durante internação hospitalar

Canine babesiosis typically causes a haemolytic anemia and results in hypoxia and sepsis, which can eventually result in multiple organ dysfunction. Human patients with severe injury or disease such as shock, sepsis and malaria often have persistent hyperlactataemia, and there is a correlation between blood lactate and survival rate. There are various similarities between human malaria and canine babesiosis, eg. anaemia, renal failure, cerebral forms, coagulopathy, hepatopathy, pulmonary oedema, and shock. In severe malaria, lactate levels in blood rise in direct proportion to the severity of the disease. Venous lactate concentrations measured at 4 hours after admission appears to be the best prognostic indicator in severe malaria. In dogs blood lactate has been shown to be of prognostic value in patients with gastric dilatationvolvulus and in dogs admitted to intensive care units. Blood lactate has also been shown to be of prognostic value in equine colic. Blood lactate was determined in ninety dogs with naturally occurring canine babesiosis. Forty-five dogs (50%) presented with hyperlactataemia (blood lactate > 2.5mmol/L) and 20 (22.2%) with hypoglycaemia (blood glucose < 3.3 mmol/L). Measurements significantly associated with mortality were hypoglycaemia on admission, blood lactate > 5mmol/L on admission, blood lactate > 2.5 mmol/L at 8, 16 and 24 hours after admission, and increase or < 50% decrease in blood lactate within 8 and 16 hours after admission. Blood lactate persistently > 4.4 mmol/L indicated a very poor prognosis. The study concluded that serial blood lactate measurements are useful in predicting survival in dogs with severe and complicated canine babesiosis. / Dissertation (MMed Vet (Med))--University of Pretoria, 2004. / Companion Animal Clinical Studies / unrestricted

To investigate the structural/anatomical components of the static stabilisers of the canine glenohumeral joint (GHJ). The GHJ of 22 complete cadaver specimens (44 limbs) were manipulated to estimate laxity at joint angles of 150º, 135º and 90º (palpation study). Following the removal of the peri-articular muscles, laxity was measured in 32 of these limbs after applying a 15N force to the scapula in a variety of directions whilst the humerus was fixed to a jig. This was repeated for the abovementioned angles in intact joints and after venting and flushing to eliminate the limited joint volume and adhesion/cohesion (LJV/AC) mechanisms (biomechanical study). Results of the palpation and biomechanical studies were compared. Anatomical dissections were also performed to better describe the structures constituting the static GHJ stabilisers. The palpation study revealed a marked variation between joints although there was a tendency for progressive laxity as the joint was flexed. This finding was supported by the biomechanical study which also demonstrated no significant difference between intact and vented joints except in a cranio-caudal direction at 135º and 90º, and in a medial/lateral direction at 135º. Static stabilisers contributed to the stability of the GHJ in extension but permitted an ever-increasing range of motion as the joint was flexed. The results of the palpation study did not correlate well with the objective measurements of the biomechanical study. Manipulation is unlikely to be a reliable method for determining subtle joint laxity in the GHJ. The static stabilisers do not appear to play a significant role in providing joint constraint during normal range of motion (except in extension). Diagnoses of pathological laxity attributable to dysfunction of the static stabilisers should be made with caution and surgical treatments should take cognisance of the abovementioned biomechanical features. Anatomical structures providing constraint to joint mobility are described. / Dissertation (MMedVet (chir)(small animals))--University of Pretoria, 2004. / Companion Animal Clinical Studies / unrestricted

Standard thoracic and abdominal radiographic and abdominal ultrasonographic procedures were developed in the common marmoset. A description and reference values for the corresponding radiographic anatomy, including the relevant skeletal system, and normal abdominal echoanatomy is provided. Radiographs and ultrasonographic examinations were evaluated from 17 anaesthetized healthy mature marmosets ranging from 1.5 to 9 years and 328 g to 506 g. Left-to-right lateral recumbent and ventrodorsal whole body radiographs made at end inspiration are recommended. Radiographic images of the heart, lungs, liver, gastric axis, and at least one kidney could be evaluated consistently. A generalized interstitial/peribronchial pattern was normally present. The mean of the vertebral heart size +/- SD on dorsoventral or ventrodorsal views was 9.42 (+/- 0.44), ranging from 8.8 to 10.6. Abdominal contrast was mostly poor. The gastrointestinal structures could often only be identified due to their luminal gas. The right liver lobes were prominent and extended caudally far beyond the costal arch. The pylorus was located centrally and the spleen could not be seen, which is similar to the cat. Additionally, pancreas, lymph nodes, urinary bladder and ureters were not seen. There was a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) between female and male kidney length. Good ultrasonographic images of the kidneys, bladder, spleen, adrenal glands, liver and the gastrointestinal tract could be obtained. The pancreas, caecum and abdominal lymph nodes were not seen. The spleen was the least echogenic organ, followed by the medium echogenic liver and the sometimes isoechoic, but mostly hyperechoic renal cortex. The kidneys had poor corticomedullary distinction. The gallbladder had a bi- to multilobed appearance with a wide, tortuous cystic duct. The adrenal glands were readily seen, but should not be confused with the adjacent spleen. The prominent right liver lobes, the central pyloric position, and the statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) between female and male kidney length was consistent with the radiographic findings. A statistically significant (p < 0.05) difference between female and male right adrenal gland length was present. This study emphasizes that significant species specific differences exist between dogs and cats and the common marmoset. Simply applying canine or feline radiographic or ultrasonographic interpretation principles may result in misdiagnosis. / Dissertation (MMedVet (Diagnostic Imaging))--University of Pretoria, 2004. / Companion Animal Clinical Studies / unrestricted

Unemployment is a universal problem more especially for the developing countries. Unemployment has an impact on the individual and on the economic well-being of the country. This will however, have a very detrimental effect on the community life and community development at local levels. The political leadership of every country has to deal with an unemployment problem since unemployment leads to poverty, low quality of life, social, political and economic ills. Hence, the purpose of this research is to investigate the socio-economic impact of unemployment in South Africa. Chapter two of this research deals with literature survey and it defines the unemployed person as the one who did not work during the seven days prior to the interview, wants to work and is available to start work within a week of interview and has taken active steps to look for work or start some form of self-employment in the four weeks prior to the interview. Different types of unemployment, namely: frictional, cyclical, structural, and seasonal are used to address the problem of unemployment successfully. This provides some indication of the possible reasons for the cause of unemployment and some possible ideas on how the problem should be addressed. Meanwhile people voluntarily remain unemployed while seeking out and weighing up suitable job vacancies, cyclical unemployment results from both economic downswings and upswings of the business cycle such as retrenchments and Rand appreciation. Structural unemployment and seasonal unemployment refers to the overall inability of the economy to provide employment to the total labour force and normal expected changes in economic activities during the course of a single year. Unemployment in South Africa is also said to be marginal in nature in that there is ample evidence of wage differential for apparently similar workers which could motivate some search unemployment. The candidates of low-wage are the informal sector and the subsistence sectors with the informal sector appearing to be for the most part of disguised unemployment. Keynesian and Monetarists approaches are used to give the theoretical explanation of the causes of unemployment. Keynesian explain the causes of unemployment as insufficient aggregate demand and shocks from the supply side of the economy which could be either internal or external such as draught and economic sanctions. In contrary, Monetarists maintains that unemployment is caused by the forces of demand and supply and that the economy is self-stabilising in case there are no disturbances. Hence, the government should practice fiscal subsistence. Research methodology is outlined in chapter three. This chapter talks about the measurement techniques, the necessity of a literature survey, and the nature of the study. Chapter four presents some results and interpretations through the use of statistical figures or tables. Unemployment in South Africa and its socio-economic impact is also discussed in this chapter. The fifth chapter is based on policy recommendations for the alleviation of unemployment in South Africa such as, RDP and GEAR etc. The last chapter is conclusion and it focuses on the social and economic costs of unemployment to the society. / Dissertation (MPhil (Labour Relations Management))--University of Pretoria, 2005. / Human Resource Management / unrestricted

Trabajo de Investigación Requisito para optar al Título de Cirujano Dentista / Autor no autoriza el acceso a texto completo de su documento / Entre los agentes que inhiben la neurotransmisión del dolor, los más prescritos son los antiinflamatorios no esteroidales, que poseen un mecanismo de acción y efectos adversos comunes. Para contrarrestar éstos últimos, se han desarrollado combinaciones de fármacos que aumenten los efectos analgésicos y disminuyan las reacciones adversas. En este trabajo se evaluó la actividad antinociceptiva e interacción de dexketoprofeno y meloxicam, por el ensayo algesiométrico de la formalina orofacial. Se utilizaron ratones a los que se les inyectó en el labio superior, en forma subcutánea, 20 L de solución de formalina al 5%, midiéndose el tiempo de frotamiento de la zona perinasal, durante los 5 minutos inmediatos a la inyección, que corresponde a la fase I (algesia aguda), y desde los 20 min. post-inyección hasta los 30 min., correspondiente a la fase II (algesia inflamatoria). La administración intraperitoneal previa de dexketoprofeno o de meloxicam, produjo un efecto analgésico dosis dependiente tanto en la fase I como en la II. En ambas fases meloxicam demostró ser más potente que dexketoprofeno. El análisis isobolográfico de la coadministración de dexketoprofeno con meloxicam i.p., demostró una interacción sinérgica. Este resultado confirma la utilidad de la asociación de ambos AINEs, probablemente debido a la distinta selectividad que poseen sobre las COXs.

Thesis (MTech (Architectural Technology))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2020 / No Abstract available