The purpose of this qualitative study was to determine how a university aligns the budget allocation process to the strategic plan process. This case study was conducted at a four-year, liberal arts university in the southeastern part of the United States. The qualitative data was collected through personal individual interviews from a purposeful sample of administrators at the university who were knowledgeable about the budget allocation process and the strategic plan. Data were also collected through a document review from items publically accessible online and information received from the interviews. By analyzing data derived from the interviews and document review, three themes were identified, inclusive process, data informed decisions, and leadership driven. Findings from this study may be useful at other universities that are aligning their budget allocation process to the strategic plan. This information is valuable to state legislators who are evaluating how universities spend state money.

The amount of biomedical information that is disseminated over the Web increases every day. This rich resource is used to find solutions to challenges across the life sciences. The Semantic Web for life sciences shows promise for effectively and efficiently locating, integrating, querying and inferring related information that is needed in daily biomedical research. One of the key technologies in the Semantic Web is ontologies, which furnish the semantics of the Semantic Web. A large number of biomedical ontologies have been developed. Many of these ontologies contain overlapping information, but it is unlikely that eventually there will be one single set of standard ontologies to which everyone will conform. Therefore, applications often need to deal with multiple overlapping ontologies, but the heterogeneity of ontologies hampers interoperability between different ontologies. Aligning ontologies, i.e. identifying relationships between different ontologies, aims to overcome this problem. A number of ontology alignment systems have been developed. In these systems various techniques and ideas have been proposed to facilitate identification of alignments between ontologies. However, there still is a range of issues to be addressed when we have alignment problems at hand. The work in this thesis contributes to three different aspects of identification of high quality alignments: 1) Ontology alignment strategies and systems. We surveyed the existing ontology alignment systems, and proposed a general ontology alignment framework. Most existing systems can be seen as instantiations of the framework. Also, we developed a system for aligning biomedical ontologies (SAMBO) according to this framework. We implemented various alignment strategies in the system. 2) Evaluation of ontology alignment strategies. We developed and implemented the KitAMO framework for comparative evaluation of different alignment strategies, and we evaluated different alignment strategies using the implementation. 3) Recommending optimal alignment strategies for different applications. We proposed a method for making recommendations.

No description available.

In this study, a process in which a headquarters was changing its way and extent of control exertion on a foreign subsidiary was investigated from an agency theoretical perspective. Two particular characteristics of principal-agent relationships were particularly scrutinized; information asymmetry and aligning interests. These issues were investigated in-depth through interviews, direct observations and document analysis, in order to examine whether they were identified by the headquarters as major problems and accordingly triggered the change initiative. The agency theoretical perspective was subsequently related to theories on organizational interest alignment, in order to examine whether the agency theoretical prescriptions on appropriate control mechanisms seemed appropriate with respect to individuals’ motivation to align their interests’ with organizational goals. The findings suggested that hedonic intrinsic motivation, which is achieved through enjoyable, self-decided and competence-enhancing work tasks, played a more important role than extrinsic rewards, which is contrary to agency theory which emphasizes extrinsic incentives.

Submitted by Maria Medeiros (maria.dilva1@ufcg.edu.br) on 2018-08-20T12:32:16Z No. of bitstreams: 1 ADRIANO DE SOUSA CABRAL - DISSERTAÇÃO (PPGEM) 2017.pdf: 4297640 bytes, checksum: 947cc1f3c800182da45417aaab2b3861 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-20T12:32:16Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 ADRIANO DE SOUSA CABRAL - DISSERTAÇÃO (PPGEM) 2017.pdf: 4297640 bytes, checksum: 947cc1f3c800182da45417aaab2b3861 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2017-07-26 / O objetivo desta pesquisa foi analisar se a Termografia pode auxiliar na detecção de falhas em elementos de máquinas, notadamente rolamentos autocompensadores com 2 carreiras de esferas. A motivação surgiu da necessidade de verificar os pontos de falhas existentes nestes elementos mecânicos visando minimizar e/ou eliminar paradas inesperadas que possam comprometer o bom funcionamento dos mesmos e consequentemente das máquinas às quais estão inseridos. A pesquisa é classificada como investigativa, documental, prescritiva, qualitativa e quantitativa. A metodologia utilizada fez uso de bancada de testes composta por elementos mecânicos diversos a citar: motor elétrico controlado por inversor de frequência, amortecedores de vibração (vibra-stop), polias e correias, mancais de rolamentos, carga em eixo, câmera térmica e rolamentos autocompensadores modificados com defeitos nas pistas interna e externa em cenário com condições de controle e não-controle de temperatura ambiente, umidade relativa, rotação do motor, velocidade do ar, temperatura refletida e emissividade. Como resultado, observou-se que houve alteração significativa de temperatura nas pistas interna e externa dos rolamentos com falha do tipo sulco. Por outro lado, não foram percebidas alterações significativas nas pistas interna e externa do rolamento com falha por desgaste por abrasão. Por fim, conclui-se, neste trabalho, que a hipótese inicial foi parcialmente confirmada, isto é, a Termografia pode sim auxiliar a detectar as falhas mecânicas, mas falhas do tipo sulco e não as falhas do tipo desgaste abrasivo. / The aim of this study was to verify if Thermography can help in the diagnosis of failures in machine elements, notably self-aligning bearings with 2 rows of balls. The motivation arose from the need to verify the fault points existing in these mechanical elements to minimize and / or eliminate unexpected stops that could compromise the proper functioning of themselves and consequently of the machines of which they are part of. This study is classified as investigative, documentary, prescriptive, qualitative and quantitative. The methodology made use of test bench composed of several mechanical elements: electric motor controlled by frequency inverter, vibration-stop buffers, pulleys and belts, house bearings, radial load, thermal camera and self-aligning bearings with inner and outer race fault in a scenario with control conditions and non-control of ambient temperature, relative humidity, engine speed, air velocity, reflected temperature and emissivity. It was confirmed that there was a significant temperature change in the inner and outer races of groove-type failure bearings. On the other hand, no significant changes were observed in the inner and outer races of the bearing with abrasion wear failure. Finally, it was concluded in this work that the initial hypothesis was partially confirmed, that is, the Thermography can help to detect mechanical failures in groove type failures but not abrasive wear type failures.

The topic of this master degree thesis is Formula Car Steering System Design. The thesis analyses principles connected with the steering system, such as aligning torque, camber variation from steering or spindle height change, as well as the influence of the steering wheel geometry on these principles. The main part of this thesis is steering system designing for practical purposes in international competitions of university teams. The simulation of parts is processed by finite element method. Also included are the load transfer and the tyre data sets topics. The thesis concludes with a list of several examples of car setup for cornering.

Este trabalho examina a disciplina legal da remuneração dos administradores das sociedades anônimas. A análise é feita a partir de três perspectivas: (i) a dos incentivos que as estruturas de remuneração podem gerar ao desempenho dos administradores; (ii) a dos problemas e conflitos que a remuneração pode causar, notadamente entre os acionistas controladores e os não controladores, bem como entre os administradores e os acionistas; e (iii) a das soluções que a remuneração proporciona, sobretudo ao alinhar os interesses dos administradores com os da companhia e dos acionistas. Entre os objetivos esperados estão a contribuição para as discussões teóricas sobre a remuneração dos administradores e o aperfeiçoamento da aplicação da sua disciplina legal. Para tanto, serão de especial importância os comentários sobre a necessidade de aprimoramento das práticas de governança corporativa, em particular (i) a transparência, como mitigador de assimetria informacional e indutor de comportamentos adequados; e (ii) o comitê de remuneração, como elemento agregador de independência e redutor dos conflitos de interesse. Do ponto de vista estrutural, o trabalho divide-se em 6 capítulos. O primeiro contextualiza a importância da discussão teórica sobre o tema à luz de três recentes eventos: (i) a edição da Instrução CVM nº 480, de 2009; (ii) o crescimento do mercado de capitais brasileiro; e (iii) a dispersão da propriedade acionária observada em algumas companhias e a relação entre essa dispersão e a remuneração dos administradores. O segundo capítulo faz uma incursão na discussão sobre a remuneração dos administradores nos Estados Unidos, tratando dos problemas de agência e da remuneração como solução parcial para os referidos problemas ou parte integrante deles. O terceiro capítulo cuida da disciplina da remuneração dos administradores na Lei nº 6.404, de 1976. Os capítulos 4 e 5 tratam de modo específico de duas das modalidades de remuneração historicamente mais importantes nas companhias brasileiras: a participação nos lucros e a remuneração baseada em ações, particularmente as opções de compra de ações. Por fim, o sexto capítulo fecha o trabalho com considerações finais sobre a análise realizada e sobre as reflexões e estudos ainda a serem conduzidos. / The aim of this study is to examine the legal framework of executive compensation in Brazilian corporations. The analysis is conducted from three perspectives: (i) the incentives that compensation structures can create towards the enhancement of executives performance; (ii) the problems and conflicts arising from compensation schemes, particularly between controlling and non-controlling shareholders, as well as between managers and shareholders in general; and (iii) the solutions provided by compensation schemes, especially by aligning the interests of managers with those of the company and its shareholders. Some of its intended objectives are contributing to theoretical discussions about executive compensation and improving the application of its legal framework. For these purposes, comments on the need for improvement of corporate governance practices are noteworthy, particularly when it comes to: (i) disclosure, as a measure capable of mitigating information asymmetry and inducing appropriate behavior; and (ii) the compensation committee, as an element capable of promoting independence and reducing conflicts of interest. In terms of structure, this study is divided into six (6) chapters. The first chapter contextualizes the importance of theoretical discussion on the topic, taking into account three recent events: (i) the issue of CVM Instruction No. 480, of 2009, by the Brazilian Securities and Exchange Commission; (ii) the growth of the Brazilian capital market; and (iii) the ongoing shareholding dispersion noticed in some companies and the relationship between such dispersion and executive pay. The second chapter tours the discussion about executive compensation in the United States, dealing with agency problems and with compensation schemes as either part of such problems or a partial remedy to them. The third chapter addresses the legal framework of executive compensation as established by Law No. 6,404, of 1976. Chapters 4 and 5 encompass two specific compensation schemes among the most historically important ones for Brazilian companies: profit sharing and equity-based compensation, particularly stock options. At last, Chapter 6 concludes this study with final remarks on the analysis conducted herein and on the reflections and studies to be yet carried out.

In thesis themes of typography and computer font of OpenType format is described in details. At the beginning attention is paid to historical development of typeface, where stress is laid mainly on development of Roman and white letter with their characteristics. Having presented basis of typography work is concentrated on topic of digital font with emphasis on possibilities of OpenType format. Further its characteristics and advantages were listed compared to another formats and it was evaluated as format appropriate also for creating font in education process. Letterspacing and kerning were mentioned between basic graphical modifications in creating fonts. In theoretical part of the thesis they were examined in available programs designed for creating font in OpenType format. Except free available means into summary were included also commercial types due to absence of more advanced instruments and functions with free available applications. In evaluation was found that the most convenient for education is Fontlab Fontographer commercial program, free Type lite and Fontforge indicated for Open-source platform. Practical part of the thesis is focused on two chosen programs for creating main font characteristics. The goal was to detect if it is possible to reach identical results when using both programs. Fontographer program enabled to use wide tool palette dedicated to vector graphic processing by means of Adobe Illustrator similar instrument. In the case of Type lite program there were rather less instruments, what is sufficient for elementary work and familiarization with creating of digital typeface. Freeware shortage is basic absence of kerning, spacing or hinting functions. Comparing program possibilities, it falls that freeware programs based on OS Windows with their functionality are sufficient only for entry level users. The best option within free available programs is Fontforge for OS Linux which supports mentioned typographic functions. Fontographer was recommended for teaching of basic characteristics of OpenType font format. Another goal of the thesis was creating of recommended work procedure for creating basic characteristics of OpenType font for students, that is enclosed at the end of the thesis.

The aim of this study was to examine the alignment of teaching, learning and assessment in English home language in grade 10 in Johannesburg District 9. A literature study investigated the theoretical background to Outcomes-based education, the definition of outcomes, Outcomes-based assessment and the role of feedback in the alignment of teaching, learning and assessment. In addition this alignment in English home language was explored. For the qualitative investigation teachers from three schools participated in individual interviews and a content analysis. Major findings included: the teachers were intuitively aware of the importance of the alignment of teaching, learning and assessment, the implementation of the alignment was also intuitive and not explicitly planned. The teachers did not understand the assessment standards attached to each learning outcome. Continuous assessments were not used for learning. The study concludes with recommendations to improve the alignment of teaching, learning and assessment in English home language. / Educational Studies / M.Ed. (Specialisation in Curriculum Studies)

The aim of this study was to examine the alignment of teaching, learning and assessment in English home language in grade 10 in Johannesburg District 9. A literature study investigated the theoretical background to Outcomes-based education, the definition of outcomes, Outcomes-based assessment and the role of feedback in the alignment of teaching, learning and assessment. In addition this alignment in English home language was explored. For the qualitative investigation teachers from three schools participated in individual interviews and a content analysis. Major findings included: the teachers were intuitively aware of the importance of the alignment of teaching, learning and assessment, the implementation of the alignment was also intuitive and not explicitly planned. The teachers did not understand the assessment standards attached to each learning outcome. Continuous assessments were not used for learning. The study concludes with recommendations to improve the alignment of teaching, learning and assessment in English home language. / Educational Studies / M.Ed. (Specialisation in Curriculum Studies)