This exploratory qualitative case study provides a description of the Glencree Centre for Peace and Reconciliation’s practice in addressing deep-rooted conflict, from the Republic of Ireland. This research grew out of practical problems from the field of conflict resolution in Canada, in particular interest-based mediation, in addressing deep-rooted conflict. Using an extended epistemology, data is harvested from praxis to create naturalistic generalizations: guidelines for addressing deep-rooted conflict. The research findings are the result of a synthesis of three data sources: interviews with facilitators from Glencree, textual data, and nearly five months of onsite observation. The main themes derived from the research include: Glencree’s Diverse Practice; Glencree’s Approach to Conflict; Glencree’s Identity; Glencree’s Approach to Deep-Rooted Conflict; and Implementing Glencree’s Approach. This study is intended as a snapshot in time of a set of dynamic and emergent ideas addressing conflict in practice. Through an inductive research design, findings from praxis are related to theory from the field of conflict resolution. In addition, implications for addressing deep-rooted conflict are identified, including Glencree’s emphasis on the need for flexibility as a characteristic for conflict work, and an underlying worldview incorporating aspects of dynamic systems theory and chaos theory.

This exploratory qualitative case study provides a description of the Glencree Centre for Peace and Reconciliation’s practice in addressing deep-rooted conflict, from the Republic of Ireland. This research grew out of practical problems from the field of conflict resolution in Canada, in particular interest-based mediation, in addressing deep-rooted conflict. Using an extended epistemology, data is harvested from praxis to create naturalistic generalizations: guidelines for addressing deep-rooted conflict. The research findings are the result of a synthesis of three data sources: interviews with facilitators from Glencree, textual data, and nearly five months of onsite observation. The main themes derived from the research include: Glencree’s Diverse Practice; Glencree’s Approach to Conflict; Glencree’s Identity; Glencree’s Approach to Deep-Rooted Conflict; and Implementing Glencree’s Approach. This study is intended as a snapshot in time of a set of dynamic and emergent ideas addressing conflict in practice. Through an inductive research design, findings from praxis are related to theory from the field of conflict resolution. In addition, implications for addressing deep-rooted conflict are identified, including Glencree’s emphasis on the need for flexibility as a characteristic for conflict work, and an underlying worldview incorporating aspects of dynamic systems theory and chaos theory.

This thesis constitutes a narrative that explores an alternative meaning construction for the experience of loss. During the telling of this story, I consider the appropriateness of adopting the 'new paradigm' approach for this particular thesis, and the constructivist and social constructionist epistemological assumptions underlying such an approach. I delve into the use of 'self as researcher under this epistemological umbrella. This is followed by an exploration of 'chaos theory' and its application to social systems. And finally, I consider the usefulness of this theory in constructing meanings for loss experiences on various systemic levels within my own family system. / Psychology / M.A.(Clinical Psychology)

The thesis deals with the design and optimization of artificial neural networks (specifically nonlinear autoregressive networks) and their subsequent usage in predictive application of stock market time series.

This thesis deals with a complex analysis and prediction of foreign exchange markets. It uses advanced artificial intelligence methods, namely neural networks and chaos theory. It introduces unconventional approaches and methods of each of these areas, compares them and uses on a real problem. The core of this thesis is a comparison of several prediction models based on completely different principles and underlying theories. The outcome is then a selection of the most appropriate prediction model called NAR + H. The model is evaluated according to several criteria, the pros and cons are discussed and approximate expected profitability and risk are calculated. All analytical, prediction and partial algorithms are implemented in Matlab development environment and form a unified library of all used functions and scripts. It also may be considered as a secondary main outcome of the thesis.

Gegenstand dieser Dissertation ist eine umfassende Analyse der Stabilität von Asteroidenbahnen im Edgeworth-Kuiper-Gürtel am Beispiel der 3:5-, 4:7- und der 1:2-Bahnresonanz mit Neptun. Einen weiteren Schwerpunkt der Arbeit bildet die Untersuchung der numerischen Berechenbarkeit der Lyapunov-Zeit von Asteroidenbahnen. Ausgehend von einer allgemeinen Beschreibung der bei numerischen Berechnungen auftretenden Rundungs- und Diskretisierungsfehler wird deren Wachstum bei numerischen Integrationen ermittelt. Diese, teilweise maschinenabhängigen, Fehler beeinflussen die berechnete Trajektorie des Asteroiden ebenso wie die daraus abgeleitete Lyapunov-Zeit. Durch Beispielrechnungen mit unterschiedlichen Rechnerarchitekturen und Integrationsmethoden wird der Einfluss auf die erhaltenen Lyapunov-Zeiten eingehend untersucht. Als Maß zur Beschreibung dieser Abhängigkeit wird ein Berechenbarkeitsindex $\kappa$ definiert. Weiterhin wird gezeigt, dass die allgemeine Struktur des Phasenraumes robust gegenüber diesen Änderungen ist. Unter Nutzung dieser Erkenntnis werden anschließend ausgewählte Bahnresonanzen im Edgeworth-Kuiper-Gürtel untersucht. Grundlegende Charakteristika, wie die Resonanzbreiten, werden dabei aus einfachen Modellen abgeleitet. Eine möglichst realitätsnahe Beschreibung der Stabilität wird durch numerische Integration einer Vielzahl von Testkörpern zusammen mit den Planeten Jupiter bis Neptun erreicht. Die erhaltenen Ergebnisse werden dabei mit der beobachteten Verteilung der Asteroiden im Edgeworth-Kuiper-Gürtel verglichen. ---- Hinweis: Beim Betrachten der pdf-Version dieses Dokumentes mit dem Acrobat Reader mit einer Version kleiner 8.0 kann es unter Windows zu Problemen in der Darstellung der Abbildungen auf den Seiten 46, 72, 74, 79 und 86 kommen. Um die Datenpunkte zu sehen ist eine Vergrößerung von mehr als 800% notwendig. Alternativ kann in den Grundeinstellungen der Haken für das Glätten von Vektorgraphiken entfernt werden. / This dissertation presents a comprehensive description of the stability of asteroid orbits in the Edgeworth-Kuiper belt taking the 3:5, 4:7 and 1:2 mean motion resonance with Neptune as example. Further emphasis is given to the numerical computability of the Lyapunov time of asteroids. Starting with a general description of rounding and approximation errors in numerical computations, the growth of these errors within numerical integrations is estimated. These, partly machine-dependent errors influence the calculated trajectory of the asteroid as well as the derived Lyapunov time. Different hardware architectures and integration methods were used to investigate the influence on the computed Lyapunov time. As a measure of this dependence a computability index $\kappa$ is defined. Furthermore it is shown, that the general structure of phase space is robust against these changes. Subsequently, several selected mean motion resonances in the Edgeworth-Kuiper belt are investigated using these findings. Basic properties, like the resonance width, are deduced from simple models. To get a realistic description of the stability, a huge number of test particles was numerically integrated together with the planets Jupiter to Neptune. The obtained results are compared to the observed distribution of asteroids in the Edgeworth-Kuiper belt. ---- Additional information: If the pdf-file of this document is viewed using Acrobat Reader with a version less 8.0 under Windows the figures on page 46, 72, 74, 79 and 86 are shown incomplete. To see the data points a zoom factor larger than 800% is necessary. Alternatively the smoothing of vector graphics should be disabled in the settings of the reader.

La presente investigación abordó, inicialmente, la teoría de la complejidad como base de entendimiento de los sistemas adaptativos complejos y la aplicación de algunas variantes de esta teoría, como la teoría fractal en el campo de la gestión estratégica en las organizaciones. Para lograr un mejor entendimiento de estos enfoques se dividió el estudio en dos etapas. La primera explicó el desarrollo y evolución de las teorías del caos y la complejidad en la administración y la segunda presentó el paradigma de la dinamicidad y la aplicación del enfoque fractal en el ámbito de la gestión empresarial, así como su estudio. El desarrollo constante de la ciencia y la tecnología aplicada a la gestión y los cambios de paradigmas presentados a lo largo de su evolución, desde la Revolución Industrial a la era del conocimiento, han llevado a la aplicación de diversas teorías científicas cuya aplicación inicial distaba de centrarse en la gestión empresarial y que, sin embargo, ha contribuido a un mejor entendimiento de esta. Tal es el caso de la teoría de la fractalidad y su origen en las ciencias abstractas producto del paso de la geometría clásica a la geometría fractal. En el caso de este estudio, se mostró el aporte de la teoría de la complejidad para facilitar la comprensión de los fenómenos organizacionales, traduciéndose su aplicación al desarrollo de figuras como la “fábrica fractal- organización fractal”, como soporte de los debates de la ciencia y la tecnología de la administración o su utilización como base para el diseño y construcción de los sistemas, subsistemas, modelos, métodos y procedimientos. También se mostró la evolución de los principales aportes teóricos respecto a la teoría de la complejidad, sus bases, definiciones, principios y aplicaciones y, por último, el comportamiento como sistemas complejos expuestos en las organizaciones. / This research initially presents the theory of complexity as a basis of understanding of complex adaptive systems, and the application of some variants of this theory such as fractal theory, in the field of strategic management in organizations. To achieve a better understanding of these approaches, the study has been divided into two stages: 1) Development and evolution of chaos and complexity in administration; 2) The Paradigm of dynamicity and application of the fractal approach in the field of business management and its study. The constant development of science and technology applied to the management and paradigm shifts presented throughout its evolution from the industrial revolution to the age of knowledge has led to the application of various scientific theories whose initial application was far from focusing on business management and which, however, has contributed to a better understanding of it. This is the case of the theory of fractality whose origin in abstract sciences resulting from the transition from classical geometry to fractal geometry. The contribution of the theory of complexity to facilitate the understanding of organizational phenomena will be shown; translating its application in the development of figures such as the “fractal factory- fractal organization” to support the debates of the science and technology of administration or its use as support for the design and construction of systems, subsystems, models, methods and procedures. It shows the evolution of the main theoretical contributions regarding the theory complexity, its bases or definitions, principles and applications and, finally, behavior as complex systems exposed in organizations. / Trabajo de Suficiencia Profesional

The purpose of this study is to explore the nature of dynamic relationships within families, and indicating how the decision to divorce may result from a family's difficulty in adjusting to new changes and stressors. Thus, divorce results in the redefinition of a nuclear system. This study made use of social constructionism as its epistemological framework. By means of in-depth one-on-one interviews, the researcher was able to hear the narratives of all six participants. Hermeneutics was used to analyze the data. The participants' stories were reencountered through the researcher's own frame of reference in which common themes of the divorce process were co-constructed. These themes were later elaborated on and a comparative analysis was undertaken to link them to the available literature. The information gained from the study could contribute to existing research on the impact of divorce, family reorganization following a divorce, and offer a new perspective in understanding family systems. / Clinical Psychology / M.A. (Clinical Psychology)

The study examines cognitive rationality as to()l for problemsolving within the context of a movement from determinism and monolithic universal Reason towards indeterminism and plurality. It is contended that theories of literature do not provide an adequate conceptual framework, and therefore, extensive use is made of pluralist fallibilism (Popper, Helmut Spinner) and chaos theory. The philosophy of Friedrich Nietzsche is viewed as a decisive influence in the shift towards plurality and scepticism. In chapter 2, Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes stories, a novel by Agatha Christie and Gaston Leroux's Le mystere de Ia chambre jaune are discussed as examples of optimistic rationalism. Chapter 3 indicates that Eco's II nome della rosa emphasizes the conjectural nature of truth and objective knowledge, underpinned by a 'soft' rationalism which amounts to monopolistic pluralism. Chapter 4 analyses the defeat of cognitive rationality by the complex interaction of a multiplicity of independent causal series. The detectives' relationship with the feminine exemplifies the interpenetration of rationality and the instinctual, while the mystery of the feminine is a metaphor for impenetrable complexity. Chapter 5 shows that hypotheses concerning random complex systems remain inconclusive. However, as the trajectory of a complex system can be regulated, so reason can be viewed as the underlying regulative pattern (strange attractorl for an infinite proliferation of hypotheses. Thus, despite .shifting conceptions of rationality and order, all the detectives in the study accept objective truth as regulative principle and are involved in a search for objective knowledge / Afrikaans & Theory of Literature / D.Litt. et Phil. (Theory of literature)

Made available in DSpace on 2016-01-26T12:51:15Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 isabelathomaztakakura_dissert.pdf: 1870282 bytes, checksum: 871ee642969bbc10aeb356aeefd91988 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2007-05-10 / Recent studies have shown that low heart rate variability (HRV) is a clear indication of an increased risk for severe ventricular arrhytmia and sudden cardiac. However, the traditional techniques of data analysis in time and frequency domain are often not sufficient to characterize the complex dynamics of heart beat generation. Hence, different attempts have been reported to apply the concept of nonlinear dynamics (chaos domain) to this problem as the methods Detrended Fluctuation Analysis (DFA), Autocorrelation (Tau), Hurst Exponent (HE), Lyapunov Exponent (LE), Poincaré Plot (SD1 e SD2). Objective: We speculated that patients with decreased chaotic behavior in the preoperative period would tend to present higher morbidity and mortality in the length of postoperative stay. Methods: Seventy-two non-selected patients (mean age 58.4±10.2 years) with coronary artery disease and elective coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) indication, were studied. We had their HRV with Polar Advanced S810 and analyzed with the above chaos, time and frequency domain variables. The occurrences of relevant events during the length of postoperative stay as neurological, infectious and renal complications, severe arrhytmias or death were compared. The Fisher s Test was used to compare the occurrence of events. We described Sensibility, Specificity, Positive Predictive Value, Positive Likelihood Ratio and ODDS Ratio (CI 95%). Results: In comparison of groups death versus no death (Scenario 1) of the Lyapunov Exponent, for example, the ODDS Ratio was 11.5 (CI 95% 1.261 to 104.92, P=0.0171). The Scenario 3 (2 or more events versus 0 to 1 event) xxiv showed the Odds Ratio 12.414 (CI 95% 1.515 to 101.72, P=0.0048). Conclusions: The patients with decreased HRV evaluated from some nonlinear dynamic analysis methods before CABG surgery present higher morbidity and mortality in the length of postoperative stay. / Estudos recentes têm mostrado que a baixa variabilidade da freqüência cardíaca (VFC) é um claro indicador de maior risco para arritmia ventricular grave e morte súbita. Contudo, as técnicas tradicionais de análises de dados no domínio do tempo e da freqüência nem sempre são suficientes para caracterizar a dinâmica complexa da geração do batimento cardíaco. Conseqüentemente, diferentes tentativas têm sido feitas para aplicar o conceito de dinâmica não-linear (domínio do caos) para este problema, como os métodos não-lineares: Análise de Flutuações Depurada de Tendências (DFA), Autocorrelação (Tau), Expoente de Hurst (HE), Expoente de Lyapunov (LE), Desvio-padrão da perpendicular à linha de identidade no gráfico de Poincaré (SD1e SD2). Objetivo: Assim, o objetivo deste trabalho foi demonstrar se a redução do comportamento caótico (avaliado por métodos de dinâmica nãolinear) no período pré-operatório à revascularização do miocárdio acarretaria maior morbidade e mortalidade no período pós-operatório, durante a internação. Método: No presente estudo, 72 pacientes não-selecionados (média de idade de 58,4±10,2 anos) com doença arterial coronária e indicação eletiva de cirurgia foram incluídos e sua VFC foi captada pelo Polar Advanced S810 por meio da análise dos intervalos RR. A VFC foi analisada por variáveis do domínio do tempo (SDNN, RMSSD), do domínio da freqüência (LF nu, HF nu, a relação LF/HF) e do domínio do caos, citadas acima. A ocorrência de eventos relevantes durante o pós-operatório foi avaliada, como complicações neurológicas, infecciosas e renais, arritmias graves ou morte. O Teste Exato de xxii Fisher foi usado para comparar a ocorrência de eventos. Também foram registrados a Sensibilidade, Especificidade, Valor Preditivo Positivo, Valor Preditivo Negativo, Likelihood Ratio Positivo e ODDS Ratio com 95% de Intervalo de Confiança para a ocorrência de eventos. Um valor de P ≤ 0.05 foi considerado significante. Resultados: De acordo com medidas feitas pelo Expoente de Lyapunov, por exemplo, o Cenário 1 (comparando grupo de pacientes que faleceram no pós-operatório hospitalar com o grupo dos que não faleceram) evidenciou Odds Ratio de 11,5 (IC 95% 1,261 a 104,92) com valor de P de 0,0171 e o Cenário 3 (2 ou mais eventos contra 0 a 1 evento) evidenciou Odds Ratio de 12,414 (IC 95% 1,515 a 101,72) com valor de P de 0,0048. Conclusão: A avaliação da VFC por métodos de dinâmica não-linear em pacientes no período pré-operatório da cirurgia de revascularização do miocárdico, mostrou tratar-se de ferramenta promissora como preditora de maior morbidade e mortalidade durante o período de pós-operatório hospitalar.