Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) is a controversial and widely misunderstood syndrome which encompasses mood, behavior, and physical symptoms that occur cyclically and are associated with the menstrual cycle. Many women report suffering from recurring PMS symptoms severe enough to create a temporary physical or mental incapacitation which may affect the marital relationship. A study was initiated to document bi-phasic personality and marital changes related to PMS. This sample consisted of 119 adult females and their husbands, ranging in age between 18 and 60, who sought diagnosis and treatment at the Utah PMS Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. Within this clinical sample, comparisons were made between those who appeared to have the most positive indicators of PMS, as identified by the Dalton Diagnostic Pointer, the monthly symptom calendar, and the dOCtor's diagnostic impression, and those who did not, according to the same criteria. The marital relationship was assessed by both husband and wife during the follicular (approximately day 6 to day 14) and luteal (approximately day 14 to first day of menses) phases of the menstrual cycle using the Locke-Wallace Marital Adjustment Scale. Personality changes were measured by the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPO, which was administered to the wife only during both phases. Repeated measures analysis of variance was used to determine if I) for the entire sample, there are differences in women's mental health, and marital adjustment (as reported by both husband and wife) between the two cyclic phases, and 2) whether or not mental health and marital adjustment changes are similar between those women with positive indicators of PMS, versus those without. Final results of this study show that, overall, the entire sample is reporting significantly less healthy personality adjustment for the wife, as well as lower marital adjustment for both husband and wife during the symptomatic phase. There are some indications that, although these changes are present in both groups (those with PMS and those without), the changes are less dramatic for those women and couples with less likelihood of PMS. These findings have important implications for counselors and marriage therapists in that PMS has been shown to be related to psychological dysfunction and marital stress. Diagnosticians who test women during the symptomatic phase and obtain test results which are not representative of the client"s overall health and well-being would also benefit from the results of this study. These findings have important implications for counselors and marriage therapists in that PMS has been shown to be related to psychological dysfunction and marital stress. Diagnosticians who test women during the symptomatic phase and obtain test results which are not representative of the client"s overall health and well-being would also benefit from the results of this study.

It is estimated that up to 85% of premenopausal women experience at least one premenstrual symptom and 15-20% meet clinical criteria for premenstrual syndrome (PMS). PMS has a high morbidity level and reduces the quality of life for many women of reproductive age, with pharmaceutical treatments having limited efficacy and substantial side effects. Physical activity has been recommended as a method of reducing menstrual symptom severity. However, little evidence exists to support a clear relationship between physical activity and PMS. Using a cross-sectional design, we evaluated the relationship between physical activity and PMS and menstrual symptoms among 186 women aged 18-30 who participated in the University of Massachusetts Vitamin D Study. PMS and menstrual symptoms were assessed with a modified version of the Calendar of Premenstrual Experiences. A total of 44 women met established criteria for PMS, while 46 met criteria for controls. Physical activity was assessed using a validated questionnaire and calculated as metabolic equivalent task-hours (METs) per week. Diet and other lifestyle factors were assessed by questionnaire. After adjusting for age and depression diagnosis, we found that each 10 MET-hour/week increase in physical activity was associated with a non-significant 3% increase in prevalence of PMS (95% CI: 0.94-1.14). After adjusting for BMI and percent body fat, results were similar (OR=1.02, 95% CI: 0.93-1.13). We found no evidence that physical activity was associated with the occurrence of specific menstrual symptoms among all 186 women. Results do not support a significant relationship between physical activity and prevalent PMS.

One phase of formation of medium- and low-mass stars is the optically visible phase known as the pre-main-sequence or PMS phase. In order to further the understanding of this phase, more of these PMS objects need to be identified and classified. Previous techniques have used photometry to identify possible PMS objects by their characteristic Hα emission. Once identified these objects can be studied spectroscopically yielding complete PMS classification. This study develops a method to locate these emission objects that overcomes two limitations of previous techniques. The first limitation is the need for the creation of reddening maps. It is eliminated by the creation of a reddening free Hα wide/narrow index for the selection of emission objects. The second limitation is the requirement of the creation of mosaics to study the entire region of interest. This limitation is overcome by the construction of a wide-angle observation facility. This makes it possible to obtain the entire region of interest in a single frame. Once tested to ensure the validity of the method, the wide-angle Hα wide/narrow procedure is applied to several young open clusters. The development of the index and the results of its application to the clusters are presented. Also, an examination into how the results can be used to address some of the questions currently surrounding the PMS is included. Finally, a guideline for the implementation of the method into future studies is discussed.

Although there have been warnings about the decline in the U.S. transportation infrastructure for the last two decades, the infrastructure's service condition remains barely above current requirements, and is insufficient to meet future demands of growth and economic development. This deterioration and obsolescence primarily derives from a lack of investment, inappropriate management, and growing travel demands. The objective of this research is to develop a model, using a system dynamics methodology, that serves as an instrumentality for generating scenarios for facilitating highway infrastructure management -- policy-making, planning, budgeting, and programming for the Virginia highway system. The Highway Management System (H~1S) model, developed in this research, is a system dynamics model equipped with capabilities for analyzing and solving the meta-problems related to highway infrastructure planning and management. The HMS consists of five subsystems: 1) Physical Subsystem (Pavement Management System, and Bridge Management System), 2) Evaluation Subsystem, 3) Functional Subsystem, 4) Financial Subsystem, and 5) Administration Subsystem. Through steady state analysis, an understanding of the relationship between state variables and decision variables can be obtained. The nomographs corresponding to the steady state solutions of the HMS are the analytically-based, manual means of gaining understanding by tracing paths from decision variables to state variables. Simulations were performed using the HMS, based on various budget-size and allocation scenarios for the I-81 corridor. The results indicate that the service condition of the highway will be diminished and will return to its pre-expansion condition in several years, if the maintenance budget is not increased according to the expansion. The HMS is a useful tool for decision-makers and engineers attempting to analyze and solve meta-problems related to transportation infrastructure management. The HMS presents a whole picture of the highway system according to various policy options. This systems approach to highway management also can be applied to the management of other infrastructure, and eventually it should be possible to achieve an integrated infrastructure management system. / Ph. D.

Yes / Designing and implementing Performance Measurement System (PMS) is an integral part of management control systems. This paper presents an original and novel approach to designing and benchmarking of PMSs for a manufacturing environment through a hybrid framework which overcomes the shortcomings of earlier models. A detailed review was taken of previous models and their limitations were identified. The present hybrid PMS model seeks to improve the earlier research models by the following novel approach: implementation of a Knowledge Based (KB) expert system, Gauging Absences of Pre-requisite (GAP) analysis and Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) methodology in an integrated KBPMS. The paper has shown that the present hybrid (KB-AHP-GAP) approach to developing a KBPMS model is a realistic methodology. The combination of the KB-AHP-GAP approach allows detailed benchmarking of the PMS existing within a manufacturing organisation. Furthermore, this approach can assist in identifying and prioritising the key decisions that need to be actioned to overcome the existing PMS shortcomings.

Made available in DSpace on 2016-03-15T19:32:37Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Diego dos Santos Pereira.pdf: 13715091 bytes, checksum: c581c352c61d60dafad4a6bee2ef3048 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2013-01-30 / Fundo Mackenzie de Pesquisa / This research aimed to verify how the performance measurement system (PMS) and the quality management system (QMS) work in small and medium-sized Brazilian enterprises in the light of the typology proposed by Garengo (2009). The study was conducted by means of two questionnaires, two semi-structured interviews and the analysis of the performance measures used by five small/medium-sized enterprises based in the State of São Paulo. Using a qualitative approach, this exploratory research were interviewed PMS s and QMS s managers, and the data from the first interview were analyzed using the technique of content analysis and has been subsequently triangulated with other data collected. It was found that four out of five companies have a junction in PMS and QMS, with respect to performance measures, despite of the degree of the quality management maturity is not related to the stage of the PMS evolution. It was also found that in three out of five companies quality management area is responsible for coordinating the process of PMS use, without effective participation from the controlling and/or accounting areas in this process. The typology of Garengo (2009), used to check the stage of the PMS evolution, was validated and can be used in practice by professionals in organizations to diagnose and improve the PMS in their enterprises. From the findings of this research, companies with QMS certified by ISO, particularly with higher degree of quality management maturity, can be encouraged to implement or improve the PMS in their organizations. The results of this study should be considered in the light of its limitations, especially the impossibility of its generalization to the overall universe of SMEs, to the extent that there was used the qualitative approach, without the aim of extrapolating the results for other enterprises. In this sense, quantitative research should be carried out in order to verify these results in a more representative set of SMEs. Finally, it is suggested that research could be carried out to study in more depth the PMS evolution in SMEs, with longitudinal case studies, for example. / Esta pesquisa teve como propósito verificar como funcionam o sistema de mensuração de desempenho (SMD) e o sistema de gestão da qualidade (SGQ) em pequenas e médias empresas brasileiras à luz da tipologia proposta por Garengo (2009). O estudo foi conduzido mediante a aplicação de dois questionários fechados, duas entrevistas semiestruturadas e da análise dos indicadores de desempenho utilizados por cinco pequenas/médias empresas com sede no Estado de São Paulo. Com abordagem qualitativa, nesta pesquisa exploratória foram entrevistados os gestores do SMD e do SGQ, sendo que os dados da primeira entrevista foram analisados com a técnica de análise de conteúdo, tendo sido, na sequência, triangulados com os demais dados coletados. Verificou-se que quatro das cinco empresas pesquisadas possuem uma junção do SMD com o SGQ, no que tange aos indicadores de desempenho, a despeito de o grau de maturidade da gestão da qualidade não estar relacionado com o estágio de evolução do SMD. Verificou-se ainda que em três das cinco empresas a área da gestão da qualidade é a responsável por coordenar o processo de uso do SMD, sem que haja uma participação efetiva da área de controladoria e/ou contabilidade nesse processo. A tipologia de Garengo (2009), usada para verificar o estágio de evolução do SMD, foi validada, podendo ser utilizada na prática pelos profissionais nas organizações para diagnosticar e melhorar o SMD nas suas empresas. A partir dos achados desta pesquisa, os profissionais de empresas com SGQ certificados pela ISO, principalmente aquelas maior grau de maturidade na gestão da qualidade, podem ser encorajados a implementar ou melhorar o SMD nas suas organizações. Os resultados deste estudo devem ser considerados à luz de suas limitações, sobretudo a impossibilidade de sua generalização para o universo geral das PME, na medida em que houve o emprego de abordagem qualitativa, sem o objetivo de extrapolação dos resultados para outras empresas. Nesse sentido, pesquisas quantitativas podem vir a ser realizadas com o objetivo de verificar esses resultados em um conjunto mais representativo de PME. Por fim, sugere-se que pesquisas venham a ser desenvolvidas para estudar em maior profundidade como ocorre a evolução dos SMD em PME, a partir de estudos de caso longitudinais, por exemplo.

Bakgrund: Premenstruell dysforisk störning (PMDS) är en allvarlig form av premenstruellt syndrom (PMS) som drabbar 3–8% av kvinnor i reproduktiv ålder. Emotionell dysreglering är kardinalsymptom för PMDS. Orsaken är ännu ej är helt klarlagd, men troligen råder hormonell överkänslighet i centrala nervsystemet. Identifikation, bemötande och omvårdnad från hälso- och sjukvårdspersonal är avgörande för bibehållen livskvalitet. Syfte: Syftet är att undersöka kvinnors upplevelser av premenstruell dysforisk störning. Metod: Litteraturöversikt med kvalitativ metod och induktiv ansats. Artikelsökningen gjordes i databaserna MEDLINE, CINAHL och PsycInfo. Tolv artiklar från år 2006–2022 inkluderades i resultatet. Fribergs dataanalysmodell användes. Resultat: I resultatet framkom två huvudteman; Begränsningar till följd av PMDS samt försök att hantera PMDS, vilka underbyggdes av sex subteman. Slutsats: Till följd av PMDS upplevdes sociala, känslomässiga, utbildnings- och yrkesmässiga begränsningar. Kvinnor försökte hantera livet med PMDS på olika sätt. Vikten av att såväl kvinnor själva som hälso- och sjukvårdspersonal besitter kunskap om PMDS var avgörande för att undvika onödigt lidande och försämrad livskvalité. / Background: Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is a severe type of Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) affecting 3–8% of women at reproductive age. Emotional dysregulation is the primary symptom for PMDD. The cause is not yet entirely confirmed but probably it is due to hormonal oversensitivity in the central nervous system. Health professionals' identification, respond and nursing is crucial in order to substantiate women's perceived quality of life. Aim: The aim is to describe women’s experiences of premenstrual dysphoric disorder. Method: A literature review with qualitative method and inductive research approach. The result was based on twelve articles from year 2006-2022 which underwent examination according to templates from Friberg’s analysis model. Result: Two main themes were identified as Limitations due to PMDD and women’s ways of handling the life with PMDD. Those were supported by 6 sub-themes. Conclusion: Social, emotional, educational and work-related limitations due to PMDD were presented along with women´s different ways of trying to handle their life with PMDD. It was found highly important that both women themselves and health professionals have knowledge about PMDD in order to avoid unnecessary suffering and negatively affected quality of life.

[pt] Embora o tema Sistema de Medição de desempenho – SMD venha sendo objeto de muitos estudos por acadêmicos e práticos, a literatura acadêmica ainda carece de estudos que abordem, de forma específica, cada fase do ciclo de vida do SMD. O mesmo se reflete na indústria, onde são feitos grandes esforços nas fases de desenho e implantação e verifica-se menos atenção na fase de revisão. Nesse contexto, esta dissertação tem a proposta de apresentar um framework hábil para ser aplicado em revisões de SMD. Posteriormente, este estudo também se propôs a relatar um estudo de caso de revisão de SMD numa cadeia de suprimentos no setor de óleo e gás. Como produto final, apresenta-se o framework e uma nova lista de indicadores que está em fase de estudo para implantação na empresa estudada. / [en] Although the subject Performance Measurement System (PMS) has been the subject of many academic and practical studies, the academic literature still lacks studies that specifically address each phase of the PMS life cycle. The same is reflected in the industry, where there are major efforts in the design and deployment phases and less attention in the review phase. In this context, this dissertation proposes to present a framework that can be applied to PMS reviews. Subsequently, this paper also proposed to report a case study of PMS revision in an oil and gas supply chain. As final product, the framework is presented and a new list of indicators is being studied for implementation in the company studied.

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[pt] São muitas as definições para Sistema de Medição de Desempenho (SMD) na literatura acadêmica, o que demonstra a relevância do tema para os dias atuais. Várias empresas já adotaram um SMD visando monitorar de forma mais eficiente o desdobramento da sua estratégia a partir de indicadores de desempenho, assim como a elaboração de ações corretivas quando da identificação de desvios. O SMD, segundo definição utilizada na dissertação, é um sistema (software, métricas, processo) que executa a medição de desempenho de forma mais consistente e eficiente. Algumas características de um bom SMD: possui indicadores financeiros e não financeiros; auxilia na previsão do que poderá acontecer ao negócio e/ou na constatação do que ocorreu e constrói uma sistemática para avaliação das métricas, assegurando que elas estimulem ações corretivas. Conceitualmente o desenvolvimento de um SMD pode ser dividido em fases, a saber: (1) design (ou construção), (2) implantação, (3) uso e revisão. Todas as fases são igualmente importantes, embora haja mais trabalhos publicados relativos à fase de design. Durante a construção de um SMD, uma das principais dificuldades é a escolha das métricas para compor o sistema. Essa escolha é chave para que os indicadores reflitam de forma adequada a natureza do negócio e possam orientar um trabalho mais assertivo dentro da organização. O desenho de um processo colaborativo e a escolha de uma boa ferramenta tecnológica para auxiliar na avaliação do desempenho também são elementos importantes para o êxito do novo sistema. A diretoria de Logística do Abastecimento da Petrobras percebeu a necessidade de implantação de um SMD para medir seu desempenho de maneira mais integrada, completa e eficaz. Anteriormente ao estudo apresentado nessa dissertação, a diretoria realizava sua avaliação de desempenho de forma muito restrita, e com o uso de indicadores que calculavam simples comparações entre realizado e planejado. A medição de desempenho da época avaliava apenas parte das operações realizadas e não contava com o patrocínio dos gerentes mais altos. Neste contexto, o objetivo desta dissertação é o de analisar o desenho de um SMD na operação de logística de abastecimento da Petrobras dando enfoque na transição entre o desenho e a implantação do sistema. A partir desta pesquisa, foi feito o primeiro diagnóstico de como o desempenho era medido, definiu-se um plano de ação com 29 meses de trabalho para que o SMD estivesse ativo: indicadores prontos, sistema de informação em uso e processo de avaliação estabelecido. Durante o período do projeto foram necessários alguns replanejamentos de escopo por conta de atrasos ou por novas decisões tomadas (como, por exemplo, a decisão de criar um protótipo). Foram seguidos três passos principais no desenrolar do estudo de caso: (1) avaliação do contexto, coleta de dados e planejamento da ação, (2) a fase de design e seu desenvolvimento e (3) avaliação final. Revisão bibliográfica, entrevistas e seminários foram adotados como ferramentas para a pesquisa. Para a construção do SMD foi necessária uma completa avaliação das métricas existentes, sistemas e dados disponíveis para realização do diagnóstico do estado inicial e o planejamento das ações futuras. A partir desse planejamento foram discriminadas as etapas de escolha das métricas e desenho do processo, de pesquisa da solução tecnológica, implantação e avaliação. O projeto originou um conjunto de lições aprendidas para futuros sistemas, sendo uma delas, e principal, as vantagens de se considerar determinadas práticas durante a etapa de design que permitem tratamentos antecipados de possíveis problemas da fase de implantação de um SMD. / [en] Performance Measurement System (PMS) is already a consecrated tendency among companies concerned with an entire and solid set of metrics, process and system to support performance assessment efficiently. The design of a PMS requires deep evaluation of the current measurement situation used, concrete managers engagement and clarity in the objectives and goals to be achieved with the new system. There is little research evidence that illustrates the transition between design and implementation phases of a PMS. Within this context, this dissertation presents a case study carried out at Petrobras concerning the design of a PMS for its Downstream Logistics Division and the preparation of its implementation. The value of applying some practices during design phase in order to prevent implementation problems is considered in the case. Throughout the initiative, conceptual ideas generated by the design team needed to be tested and sometimes adapted in order to provide a better implementation. As consequence, the transition between design and implementation phases revealed to be an important and delicate moment, directly responsible for the success of the PMS implementation. If definitions established and decisions taken during design phase are not properly addressed, it runs the risk of loosing the main purposes of the new system; this particular aspect is discussed in the dissertation regarding the case study observations.