Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / The objective main this study it were to analyze, through of indicators competitiveness of trade exterior, the exportations evolution of Northeast region and of the nine state (Alagoas, Bahia, Ceará, Maranhão, Paraíba, Pernambuco, Piauí, Rio Grande do Norte e Sergipe) in the period of 1995-2004. The specifics objectives it were: contexting the insert s Northeast region in the national economy; locating, through of the computing of indicators competitiveness, the sectors more dynamics, those that presented bigger productive, competitiveness and specialization to each state and region in the period in analyze; for last, it seeked to analyze the evolution of the exportations region through of the sift-share method. It conclusion were that composition exportations is of commodities and/or goods with small value in the international market. The region it owns a list of exportation focused in few goods, although the regions that buy the goods Northeast s regions are dynamics. The Northeast is very vulnerable the external demand. / O presente trabalho teve como objetivo principal analisar, por meio de indicadores de comércio exterior, a evolução das exportações da região Nordeste e dos seus nove estados (Alagoas, Bahia, Ceará, Maranhão, Paraíba, Pernambuco, Piauí, Rio Grande do Norte e Sergipe) no período de 1995 a 2004. Os objetivos específicos foram: contextualizar a inserção da economia nordestina na economia internacional; localizar, via cálculo de indicadores de competitividade, os setores mais dinâmicos, ou seja, aqueles que apresentaram maior grau de competitividade e especialização produtiva para cada estado nordestino e, para toda a região no período considerado; por fim, buscou-se analisar a evolução das exportações nordestinas através do método diferencial-estrutural. Concluiu-se que a pauta de exportação compõe-se basicamente de commodities e/ou de produtos de baixo valor agregado. A região possui uma pauta concentrada em poucos setores, embora as regiões de destino das exportações sejam dinâmicas. Mesmo assim, a região é bastante vulnerável às oscilações da demanda externa. / Mestre em Economia

abstract: In modern electric power systems, energy management systems (EMSs) are responsi-ble for monitoring and controlling the generation system and transmission networks. State estimation (SE) is a critical `must run successful' component within the EMS software. This is dictated by the high reliability requirements and need to represent the closest real time model for market operations and other critical analysis functions in the EMS. Tradi-tionally, SE is run with data obtained only from supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) devices and systems. However, more emphasis on improving the performance of SE drives the inclusion of phasor measurement units (PMUs) into SE input data. PMU measurements are claimed to be more accurate than conventional measurements and PMUs `time stamp' measurements accurately. These widely distributed devices meas-ure the voltage phasors directly. That is, phase information for measured voltages and currents are available. PMUs provide data time stamps to synchronize measurements. Con-sidering the relatively small number of PMUs installed in contemporary power systems in North America, performing SE with only phasor measurements is not feasible. Thus a hy-brid SE, including both SCADA and PMU measurements, is the reality for contemporary power system SE. The hybrid approach is the focus of a number of research papers. There are many practical challenges in incorporating PMUs into SE input data. The higher reporting rates of PMUs as compared with SCADA measurements is one of the salient problems. The disparity of reporting rates raises a question whether buffering the phasor measurements helps to give better estimates of the states. The research presented in this thesis addresses the design of data buffers for PMU data as used in SE applications in electric power systems. The system theoretic analysis is illustrated using an operating electric power system in the southwest part of the USA. Var-ious instances of state estimation data have been used for analysis purposes. The details of the research, results obtained and conclusions drawn are presented in this document. / Dissertation/Thesis / M.S. Electrical Engineering 2013

Cette thèse étudie quelques aspects de la contagion financière en Europe, pendant la crise des subprimes et celle des dettes souveraines européennes. Ainsi, dans le premier chapitre, nous étudions la transmission du stress financier de la zone euro aux pays de l’Europe Orientale, et centrale (PECO). Notre objectif est d’examiner empiriquement le lien entre la dégradation de l’environnement financier de la zone euro -pendant ces deux crises- et les variations de la volatilité sur les marchés boursiers des PECO. Dans le deuxième chapitre, notre objectif est d’étudier la contagion entre les marchés boursiers des PECO et de la zone euro. Pour ce faire, nous optons pour la méthodologie de Flavin et al. (2008) fondée sur une approche unifiée qui permet de tester à la fois la shift et la pure contagion. Enfin, dans le troisième chapitre, nous nous intéressons aux effets des crises financières récentes sur les rendements des actions bancaires de 15 pays. Notre contribution à la littérature est double. Tout d’abord, nous utilisons un modèle multifactoriel des rendements des actions bancaires augmenté par un facteur de risque souverain. En outre, nous optons pour un modèle de régression avec transition douce (STR) qui permet une définition endogène des périodes de crises et capte les changements de paramètres associés à la shift contagion. / This thesis examines some aspects of the financial contagion in Europe during the subprime crisis and the European sovereign debt. The aim of the first chapter is to study the transmission of financial stress in the Eurozone to Central and Eastern European countries (CEE). Our goal is to empirically examine the relationship between the degradation of the financial environment of the Eurozone -during these two crises- and the variations of volatility on the CEE’s stock markets. In the second chapter, we investigate contagion between pairs of Eurozone and CEE’s stock market. For this purpose, we opt for the methodology of Flavin et al. (2008) based on a unified approach that allows for testing both shift and bi-directional pure contagion. In the third chapter, we analyze the influence of the recent European sovereign debt crisis on banks’ equity returns for 15 countries. Our contribution to the literature is twofold. First, we use an explicit multifactor model of equity returns extended with a sovereign risk factor. Second, we adopt a Smooth Transition Regression (STR) framework that allows for an endogenous definition of crisis periods and captures the changes in parameters associated with shift contagion.

This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of the Quiet earplug noise protectors worn by a group of South African industrial workers exposed to excessive noise in the workplace. This was achieved by investigating the prevalence and amplitudes of distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs), as they have been found to be sensitive to the effects of noise on the cochlea (Vinck, Van Cauwenberge, Leroy,&Corthals, 1999, p. 52). DPOAEs were recorded before and after noise exposure and were compared in order to determine whether the earplugs are providing sufficient protection against cochlear damage. DPOAEs were recorded using a test protocol where the primaries are fixed at L1 = 60dB SPL and L2 = 35dB SPL (L1 - L2 = 25dB) with an f2/f1 ratio of 1.18. The f2 frequencies were selected to correspond closely to the audiometric test frequencies of 2000Hz, 3000Hz, 4000Hz, 6000Hz and 8000Hz. The study found the prevalence of DPOAEs to be statistically stable and repeatable. This was true for DPOAEs measured successively during the same test sitting, as well as comparing prevalence determined before and after exposure to eight hours of noise. DPOAE prevalence alone was therefore not found to be a good indication of the temporary threshold shift (TTS) associated with the effects of noise on the cochlea. However, a significant finding of the study was that normal DPOAEs were recorded in only six right ears (24%) and seven left ears (28%) before noise exposure, even though all the subjects presented with hearing thresholds better than 25dB SPL. This may mean that cochlear pathology is already evident in some of the subjects tested. Further results of the study showed DPOAE amplitudes to be sensitive to the negative effects of excessive noise, as there was a significant difference between DPOAE amplitudes measured before and after the noise exposure. DPOAE amplitudes, specifically in the frequencies that are known to be affected by noise such as 4000Hz and 6000Hz, measured after the work-shift were significantly smaller than those measured before exposure to noise. Although correct usage of the earplugs could not be controlled for the duration of the noise exposure, each subject was instructed on the correct usage of the hearing protection before entering the noise zone. Bearing this limitation of the study in mind, because DPOAE amplitudes were reduced the implication is that the Quiet earplugs are not providing sufficient protection against the harmful effects of noise. / Dissertation (M (Communication Pathology))--University of Pretoria, 2005. / Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology / Unrestricted

Vena contracta width (VCW) and effective regurgitant orifice area (EROA) are well established methods for evaluating mitral regurgitation using transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). For color-flow Doppler (CF) measurements Nyquist limit of 50–60 cm/s is recommended. Aim of the study was to investigate the effectiveness of a baseline shift of the Nyquist limit for these measurements. After a comprehensive 2-dimensional (2D) TEE examination, the mitral regurgitation jet was acquired with a Nyquist limit of 50 cm/s (NL50) along with a baseline shift to 37.5 cm/s (NL37.5) using CF. Moreover a real time 3-dimensional (RT 3D) color complete volume dataset was stored with a Nyquist limit of 50 cm/s (NL50) and 37.5 cm/s (NL37.5). Vena contracta width (VCW) as well as Proximal Isovelocity Surface Area (PISA) derived EROA were measured based on 2D TEE and compared to RT 3D echo measurements for vena contracta area (VCA) using planimetry method. Correlation between VCA 3D NL50 and VCW NL50 was 0.29 (p<0.05) compared to 0.6 (p<0.05) using NL37.5. Correlation between VCA 3D NL50 and EROA 2D NL50 was 0.46 (p<0.05) vs. 0.6 (p<0.05) EROA 2D NL37.5. Correlation between VCA 3D NL37.5 and VCW NL50 was 0.45 (p<0.05) compared to 0.65 (p<0.05) using VCW NL37.5. Correlation between VCA 3D NL37.5 and EROA 2D NL50 was 0.41 (p<0.05) vs. 0.53 (p<0.05) using EROA 2D NL37.5. Baseline shift of the NL to 37.5 cm/s improves the correlation for VCW and EROA when compared to RT 3D NL50 planimetry of the vena contracta area. Baseline shift in RT 3D to a NL of 37.5 cm/s shows similar results like NL50.

The Use of a Standardized System of Communication to Change the Perception of Handoff Communication in a Psychiatric Setting by Alicia Renee' Plunkett MSN, Walden University 2007 MSHA, University of St. Francis, 2005 BSN, University of Memphis, 1995 Project Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Nursing Practice Walden University December 2014 The Joint Commission's review of sentinel events indicated that communication errors were the cause of over 65% of the sentinel events occurring in healthcare. The nursing profession has the responsibility of providing 24-hour care in an acute care setting and nurses are thus the primary participants in the handoff communication process. The purpose of this project was to assess the nursing staff's perception of handoff and to create a process for handoff communication. The most common framework for correcting communication errors in the literature is the Situation, Background, Assessment, and Recommendation framework, which was used as a guide for developing a process and form for handoff in this facility. The "Clinical Handover Staff Survey" developed by O'Connell, MacDonald, and Kelly (2008) was modified for use in this study. This survey was distributed to nurses and mental health technicians in 2 acute care units within a standalone acute care psychiatric hospital (n = 140). The quantitative survey identified 3 common barriers to the process in this facility that included: (a) interruptions, (b) subjective terminology used to describe patients, and (c) the lack of confidence in the information presented. After the implementation of a new process and form, the staff members were resurveyed to measure their post implementation perceptions of the handoff process. In each of the 3 areas measured, the implementation of a new process and form allowed the facility to see changes in the staffs' perceptions of the handoff process. The changes seen in this facility further indicate the need for education, standardization, and a continued focus on improving and mastering the important task of handoff communication. Improving handoff communication prevents errors in patient care from occurring, therefore decreasing mortality and morbidity rates.

The research problem is the increasing numbers of overweight and obese nurses working the night shift. Study on overweight and obesity among female Filipino nurses has not been conducted. It was important to conduct a research study among female Filipino nurses to find out if there are statistically significant associations between night shift work and weight gain. The purpose of this correlational and cross-sectional study was to determine if there are statistically significant associations between insufficient sleep, abnormal eating patterns, working 12-hour shifts, years of working night shift, age, stress, marital status, nursing units, decreased physical activity, and level of weight gain among female Filipino nurses working the night shift in the hospital. The theoretical base of this study was the locate evidence, evaluate evidence, assess evidence, and informed decision model. The survey questionnaire was constructed and an online survey through Survey Monkey was used to access nurses via a convenience sampling. Data were analyzed using Spearman correlation, multiple regression, and ANOVA. According to study findings, there were significant associations between insufficient sleep, abnormal eating patterns, marital status, 12-hour shifts, number of years working on night shift, and increased in body mass index. The implications for social change include information that nurses can use to better understand the negative implications of night shift work on health. At the organizational level, this study provides information for administrators and nursing leaders that might facilitate change in policies by improving working conditions for nurses.

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Reed-Solomon codes are a well known family of error-correcting codes with many good properties. However, they require a finite field to operate, limiting the alphabet size to a prime power. In this work, we build a weaker algebraic structure which supports alphabet of any integer size and requires only standard addition, multiplication and division to implement. Then we study a family of error-correcting codes based on matrix multiplication over this structure. We also adapt the Reed-Solomon code principle on this code family and study its properties. We prove and verify experimentally that while a random code of this family has high distance, the Reed-Solomon adaptation fails to perform well. 1

Diese Arbeit geht der Frage nach, ob MPn im Schwedischen syntaktisch Satzadverbien sind. Es wird gezeigt, dass sie sich syntaktisch von Satzadverbien unterscheiden und sich ferner in zwei getrennte Typen von MPn unterteilen lassen. Hierzu wird eine syntaktische Analyse vorgestellt, die diese Unterscheidung in dem phrasalen Status der MPn widerspiegelt. Die syntaktische Analyse wird durch sechs Experimente empirisch bestätigen. Ferner wird gezeigt, dass, um die Linearisierung von Elementen im Mittelfeld, am Beispiel von MPn, DPn und Objektpronomen im Mittelfeld, erklären zu können, nicht nur syntaktische Argumente herangeführt werden können, sondern auch phonologische Aspekte berücksichtigt werden müssen. / This thesis answers the question whether the MPs in Swedish are different from sentence adverbs on the level of syntax. It shows that MPs do differ from sentence adverbs, and further, that the MPs must be divided into two types. I present a syntactic analysis of the MPs that accounts for the two types of MPs as elements of distinct phrasal statuses. The syntactic analysis is tested empirically in six experiments and the results verified the analysis. Further I show that in order to account for the linearisation of MPs and object pronouns in the middle field, not only syntactic but also phonological properties of all elements must be taken into consideration.