The goal of this thesis is to study the complexity of NP-Hard problems, using the Max-Cut and the Max-k-Cut problems, and the study of fitness landscapes. The Max-Cut and Max-k-Cut problems are well studied NP-hard problems specially since the approximation algorithm of Goemans and Williamson (1995) which introduced the use of SDP to solve relaxed problems. In order to prove the existence of a performance guarantee, the rounding step from the SDP solution to a Max-Cut solution is simple and randomized. For the Max-k-Cut problem, there exist several approximation algorithms but many of them have been proved to be equivalent. Similarly as in Max-Cut, these approximation algorithms use a simple randomized rounding to be able to get a performance guarantee. Ignoring for now the performance guarantee, one could ask if there is a rounding process that takes into account the structure of the relaxed solution since it is the result of an optimization problem. In this thesis we answered this question positively by using clustering as a rounding method. In order to compare the performance of both algorithms, a series of experiments were performed using the so-called G-set benchmark for the Max-Cut problem and using the Random Graph Benchmark of Goemans1995 for the Max-k-Cut problem. With this new rounding, larger cut values are found both for the Max-Cut and the Max-k-Cut problems, and always above the value of the performance guarantee of the approximation algorithm. This suggests that taking into account the structure of the problem to design algorithms can lead to better results, possibly at the cost of a worse performance guarantee. An example for the vertex k-center problem can be seen in Garcia-Diaz et al. (2017), where a 3-approximation algorithm performs better than a 2-approximation algorithm despite having a worse performance guarantee. Landscapes over discrete configurations spaces are an important model in evolutionary and structural biology, as well as many other areas of science, from the physics of disordered systems to operations research. A landscape is a function defined on a very large discrete set V that carries an additional metric or at least topological structure into the real numbers R. We will consider landscapes defined on the vertex set of undirected graphs. Thus let G=G(V,E) be an undirected graph and f an arbitrary real-valued function taking values from V . We will refer to the triple (V,E,f) as a landscape over G. We say two configurations x,y in V are neutral if f(x)=f(y). We colloquially refer to a landscape as 'neutral'' if a substantial fraction of adjacent pairs of configurations are neutral. A flat landscape is one where f is constant. The opposite of flatness is ruggedness and it is defined as the number of local optima or by means of pair correlation functions. These two key features of a landscape, ruggedness and neutrality, appear to be two sides of the same coin. Ruggedness can be measured either by correlation properties, which are sensitive to monotonic transformation of the landscape, and by combinatorial properties such as the lengths of downhill paths and the number of local optima, which are invariant under monotonic transformations. The connection between the two views has remained largely unexplored and poorly understood. For this thesis, a survey on fitness landscapes is presented, together with the first steps in the direction to find this connection together with a relation between the covariance matrix of a random landscape model and its ruggedness.

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Users of internet browsers are constantly monitored, without their consent. By using the JavaScript APIs, it is possible to obtain various information about the browser, which together form a browser fingerprint, which can then be misused. Therefore, the goal of this work is to use a robust fingerprint protection solution of Brave browser and port it to the JavaScript Restrictor extension. In this work, the problematics of obtaining an fingerprint and countermeasures in the Brave browser are analyzed and then compared with the current protection in the JSR extension. The method of porting of Brave's countermeasures is presented and subsequently the procedure of implementation of these defense elements into the browser extension is described. The resulting implementation has been tested and evaluated, with the new protection appearing to be effective.

This thesis studies inference to the complier treatment effect denoted LATE. The standard approach is to base the inference on the two-stage least squares (2SLS) estimator and asymptotic Neyman inference, i.e., the t-test. The paper suggests a Fisher Randomization Test based on the t-test statistic as an alternative to the Neyman inference. Based on the setup with a randomized experiment with noncompliance, for which one can identify the LATE, I compare the two approaches in a Monte Carlo (MC) simulations. The results from the MC simulation is that the Fisher randomization test is not a valid alternative to the Neyman’s test as it has too low power.

Bakgrund: I Sverige är bröstcancer den vanligaste cancerformen hos kvinnor. Att drabbas av bröstcancer medför ofta stora psykiska och fysiska påfrestningar och besvären kvarstår i många fall efter avslutad behandling. I dagsläget finns det endast begränsade rehabiliteringsalternativ för de som drabbats. Tidigare forskning har visat att fysisk aktivitet ger positiva effekter hos personer som drabbats av bröstcancer. Yoga är en träningsform som kombinerar fysisk aktivitet med meditativa tekniker och kan anpassas till deltagarens förutsättningar oavsett hälsotillstånd.  En ökad kunskap om yogans effekter kan ge sjuksköterskor en förståelse för hur yoga kan användas inom rehabilitering för att hjälpa den som drabbats av bröstcancer under återhämtningsprocessen. Syfte: Syftet med litteraturstudien var att beskriva effekten av yoga vid bröstcancer, där den metodologiska aspekten belyser vilka fysiska och psykiska effekter yoga har på personer som drabbats av bröstcancer. Metod: En beskrivande litteraturstudie där tolv randomiserade kontrollerade studier granskats och sammanställts för att svara på syftet.   Huvudresultat: Resultatet visade på fler förbättringar inom psykiska symtom än vid fysiska symtom. I resultatet framkom att yoga har en direkt effekt på fatigue och livskvalitet med en kvarstående effekt efter avslutad behandling jämfört med kontrollgrupper. Även resultatet för menopausala symtom visade på en tydlig minskning efter yogainterventionen. Däremot visade resultatet för sömnkvalitet endast på förbättringar om yoga utövades minst två gånger i veckan. Slutsats: Även om utfallet av litteraturstudien gav ett blandat resultat speglar huvudresultatet yogans positiva effekter på psykiska symtom hos personer som drabbats av bröstcancer. En ökad kunskap om yogans effekter kan ge sjuksköterskor en bättre förståelse för hur yoga kan användas inom rehabilitering med syfte att ge en förbättrad livskvalitet för den specifika patientgruppen. / Background: In Sweden, breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in women. Being affected by breast cancer often causes great mental and physical stress and the problems persist in many cases after treatment is completed. Currently, there are only limited rehabilitation options for those affected. Previous research has shown that physical activity produces positive effects in people suffering from breast cancer. Yoga is a form of exercise that combines physical activity with meditative techniques and can be adapted to the conditions of the participant regardless of state of health. An increased knowledge of the effects of yoga can give nurses an understanding of how yoga can be used in rehabilitation to help those affected by breast cancer during the recovery process.   Aim: The aim of this literary review was to describe the effects of yoga in breast cancer, where the methodological aspect highlights the physical and psychological effects yoga has on people affected by breast cancer. Method: A descriptive literary review where twelve randomised controlled studies have been reviewed and complied to answer the purpose. Main result: The results showed more improvements in psychological symptoms than in physical symptoms. The result showed that yoga has a direct effect on fatigue and quality of life with a lasting effect after completion of treatment compared to control groups. The results for menopausal symptoms also showed a clear decrease after the yoga intervention. In contrast, sleep quality results showed improvement only if yoga was practiced at least twice a week. Conclusion: Although the outcome of the literature study produced a mixed result, the main result reflects the yoga's positive effects on the mental symptoms of people suffering from breast cancer. Increased knowledge of the effects of yoga can give nurses a better understanding of how yoga can be used in rehabilitation with the aim of providing an improved quality of life for the specific patient group.

Orientador: Marla Andreia Garcia de Avila / Coorientador: Magda Cristina Queiroz Dell'Acqua / Banca: Marla Andréia Garcia de Avila / Banca: Silvia Caldeira / Banca: Maria Belén Salazar Posso / Resumo: As metodologias ativas e os métodos inovadores de ensino-aprendizagem mostram uma movimentação do ensinar para o aprender e o desvio do foco do docente para o aluno, que assume a corresponsabilidade pelo seu aprendizado. A Aprendizagem Baseada em Equipes (ABE) é uma ferramenta relativamente nova, baseada em equipes, construtivismo, raciocínio aprofundado e no pensamento crítico. Objetivo. Analisar após 30 dias a apreensão do conhecimento em segurança cirúrgica em alunos de um curso de graduação em enfermagem, comparando aula expositiva dialogada presencial à aula com a utilização da ABE; Elaborar um produto e validar esse vídeo educativo direcionado aos professores do ensino superior. Método. O estudo foi realizado em duas etapas, (entre os meses de janeiro a março de 2017). A primeira, um ensaio clínico randomizado, desenvolvido na Universidade Estadual Paulista "Júlio de Mesquita Filho", na Faculdade de Medicina de Botucatu, Curso de Graduação em Enfermagem junto à Disciplina de Enfermagem em Centro Cirúrgico. A amostra foram os alunos regularmente matriculados no 3º ano de graduação em enfermagem da disciplina. Foram randomizados em dois grupos, um com 14 alunos para intervenção experimental (ABE) e outro com 14 alunos para o grupo controle (aula expositiva dialogada). O desfecho primário foi a apreensão do conhecimento, após 30 dias da realização das aulas, comparando-se os grupos. A segunda etapa consistiu em uma pesquisa metodológica, de caráter descr... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: As active methodologies and innovative teaching-learning methods, they show a move from teaching to learning and diverting the focus from the teacher to the student, who takes on a correspondence for their learning. Team-Based Learning (TBL) is a relatively new solution in equipment, constructivism, in-depth reasoning, and critical thinking. Objective. To analyze after 30 days the knowledge acquisition in surgical safety in students of a nursing undergraduate course, comparing the classroom with the use of TBL; Elaborate a product and validate this educational video directed to teachers of higher education. Method. The study was carried out in two stages (between January and March 2017). The first, a randomized clinical trial, developed at the Paulista State University "Júlio de Mesquita Filho", at the Faculty of Medicine of Botucatu, Undergraduate Degree following the course of Nursing in the Operating Room. A sample of the students regularly enrolled in the 3rd year of undergraduate nursing in the discipline. They were randomized into two groups, one with 14 students for the experimental intervention (TBL) and the other with 14 students for the control group (expository class). The primary endpoint was a knowledge seizure, 30 days after the classes, comparing the groups. The available information notice, technical description, categorized development, and no level and validation of an instrument warning, by our available numerical instrument powder. Th... (Complete abstract click electronic access below) / Mestre

The number of annual implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) implants has substantially increased over the last 5 years and is expected to grow rapidly. Implantable cardioverter defibrillators have a proven mortality benefit by terminating the life-threatening arrhythmias, even near end of life. In patients with moderate/severe symptomatic heart failure, enough clinical literature representing mortality benefits has been published, but limited numbers of studies have reviewed the dwindling risk-benefit profile near end of life, studying quality of life (QoL)/psychosocial impact. Criteria outlining either continued use or deactivation policy/procedures near end of life have not been clearly defined and/or largely implemented, which in turn requires more focused research using multifactorial approach to determine improved patient-centered outcomes.

Clinical trials are used to determine the efficacy and safety of a medication prior to approval for commercial use and to influence the prescribing habits of clinicians. The lack of uniformity in the diagnostic thresholds used in clinical trials on osteoporosis makes it difficult to compare the results of these trials. The use of placebo, different anatomical sites, T-score cutoff points, and risk factors precludes any meaningful comparison being made between the outcomes of clinical trials. Finally, the lack of uniform reporting format makes it difficult to retrieve important information to compare one medication to another. Because the diagnostic thresholds used affect the outcomes of these trials, health care providers need to be aware of these criteria to determine whether the results of a particular clinical trial can be applied to a particular patient.

Many systems designed by electrical & computer engineers rely on electromagnetic (EM) signals to transmit, receive, and extract either information or energy. In many cases, these systems are large and complex. Their accurate, cost-effective design requires high-fidelity computer modeling of the underlying EM field/material interaction problem in order to find a design with acceptable system performance. This modeling is accomplished by projecting the governing Maxwell equations onto finite dimensional subspaces, which results in a large matrix equation representation (Zx = b) of the EM problem. In the case of integral equation-based formulations of EM problems, the M-by-N system matrix, Z, is generally dense. For this reason, when treating large problems, it is necessary to use compression methods to store and manipulate Z. One such sparse representation is provided by so-called H^2 matrices. At low-to-moderate frequencies, H^2 matrices provide a controllably accurate data-sparse representation of Z. The scale at which problems in EM are considered ``large'' is continuously being redefined to be larger. This growth of problem scale is not only happening in EM, but respectively across all other sub-fields of computational science as well. The pursuit of increasingly large problems is unwavering in all these sub-fields, and this drive has long outpaced the rate of advancements in processing and storage capabilities in computing. This has caused computational science communities to now face the computational limitations of standard linear algebraic methods that have been relied upon for decades to run quickly and efficiently on modern computing hardware. This common set of algorithms can only produce reliable results quickly and efficiently for small to mid-sized matrices that fit into the memory of the host computer. Therefore, the drive to pursue larger problems has even began to outpace the reasonable capabilities of these common numerical algorithms; the deterministic numerical linear algebra algorithms that have gotten matrix computation this far have proven to be inadequate for many problems of current interest. This has computational science communities focusing on improvements in their mathematical and software approaches in order to push further advancement. Randomized numerical linear algebra (RandNLA) is an emerging area that both academia and industry believe to be strong candidates to assist in overcoming the limitations faced when solving massive and computationally expensive problems. This thesis presents results of recent work that uses a random sampling method (RSM) to implement algebraic operations involving multiple H^2 matrices. Significantly, this work is done in a manner that is non-invasive to an existing H^2 code base for filling and factoring H^2 matrices. The work presented thus expands the existing code's capabilities with minimal impact on existing (and well-tested) applications. In addition to this work with randomized H^2 algebra, improvements in sparse factorization methods for the compressed H^2 data structure will also be presented. The reported developments in filling and factoring H^2 data structures assist in, and allow for, the further pursuit of large and complex problems in computational EM (CEM) within simulation code bases that utilize the H^2 data structure.

En économie du développement, la culture d’évaluation s’est renforcée pour mieux orienter l’aide vers les actions qui ont démontré la preuve de leur efficacité. Dans ce contexte aux pratiques renouvelées, un essor des méthodes expérimentales s’est fait jour dans le domaine de l’évaluation, notamment à travers la méthode des évaluations aléatoires qui est fortement promue par le laboratoire J-PAL, et notamment par Esther Duflo. Contribuant empiriquement à la constitution d’un « fonds scientifique capitalisable » grâce aux connaissances mises à jour, mais comportant des failles persistantes, nous procédons dans cette thèse à une analyse critique de la méthode, avec l’appui d’une récente littérature économique française et anglophone.De plus, nous avons mené une enquête par questionnaire auprès de parents d’élèves du primaire à Madagascar, notre terrain d’étude. Pour la réaliser, nous nous sommes basés sur une évaluation aléatoire qui avait été menée dans ce pays par une doctorante affiliée au J-PAL, et qui concluait à un impact positif d’un traitement à base d’information statistique sur les rendements de l’éducation, délivrée aux parents d’élèves du primaire. En reproduisant ce traitement dans notre enquête, nous avons voulu savoir si l’on pouvait aboutir à des résultats similaires bien que la méthode employée varie. Nous retrouvons globalement les conclusions de l’auteure de l’évaluation aléatoire, bien que nous utilisions une méthode moins purement quantitative. / In development economics, the culture of evaluation is being strengthened to specify which development actions could be effective, and thus allows a better targeting of aid on the actions that have proven their effectiveness. Within this context of renewed practices, an expansion of experimental methods in the evaluation field has emerged, in particular through the method of randomized evaluations strongly promoted by the J-PAL laboratory, particularly by the emblematic figure of Esther Duflo. Contributing empirically to the composition of a « scientific capitalizable fund » thanks to the updated knowledge, but still including persistent limits, we set into this thesis about a critical analysis of this method, with the mobilization of some recent French and English economic literature.Moreover, we conducted a questionnaire survey to primary school pupils’ parents in Madagascar, our field study. To carry out it, we used a randomized evaluation that had been conducted in this country by a PhD student affiliated with the J-PAL and whose finding was the positive effect of some statistical information treatment on returns to education towards primary school pupils’ parents. By reproducing this treatment in our study, we wanted to know whether it was possible to achieve similar results even though the applied method varies. It’s globally matching up with the conclusions of the author of the randomized evaluation, even if we use a less purely quantitative method.