The utilisation of navigation systems in cars has given rise to road safety concerns, and the design and functionality of such systems must therefore be adjusted to the users’ needs, since they have to divide their attention between driving and the operation of the navigation system. The study was aimed at finding the optimum system response time (SRT) which would enable a driver to focus as much as possible on the road while attaining an efficient task completion time using an electronic navigational system. The research project consists of two separate experiments and was completed by 10 subjects. Experiment 1 included a temporal reproduction task and a secondary memory task. The subjects had to memorise two symbols and then reproduce six time spans ranging from 1 to 30 s to provide a baseline measurement of their time estimation abilities. Experiment 2 consisted of a simulated automobile driving task. While driving in the simulator the subjects completed a memorising task displayed on a touch screen. The task was presented with seven different system response times (SRTs) ranging from 0 to 30 s. The effects of different SRTs on the eye movement from road to monitor, regarding the duration of fixation and the frequency of change were evaluated. The distribution of gazes to the secondary task was analysed to provide information about the time estimation performance in the driving simulator. Other dependent variables tested were the accuracy of selected items, memory game performance, drive performance and the subjective state of the test person. The results of this study can be employed to find the optimum duration of inter-task delays for in-vehicle technical devices. / Psychology / M.A. (Psychology)

Background and aims: Heart failure (HF) is a life threatening condition and optimal handling is necessary to reduce risk of therapy failure. The aims of this thesis were: (Paper I) to examine whether BNP (B-type natriuretic peptide)-guided HF treatment improves morbidity and mortality when compared with HF therapy implemented by a treating physician at sites experienced in managing patients with HF according to guidelines; (Paper II) to investigate how to define a responder regarding optimal cut-off level of BNP to predict death, need for hospitalisation, and worsening HF and to determine the optimal time to apply the chosen cut-off value; (Paper III) to evaluate how Health-Related Quality of Life (HR-QoL) is influenced by natriuretic peptide guiding and to study how HR-QoL is affected in responders compared to non-responders; (Paper IV) to evaluate the impact of patient age on clinical outcomes, and to evaluate the impact of duration of the HF disease on outcomes and the impact of age and HF duration on BNP concentration. Methods: A randomized, parallel group, multi-centre study was undertaken on 279 patients with HF and who had experienced an episode of worsening HF with increased BNP concentration. The control group (n=132) was treated according to HF guidelines and in the BNP-guided group (n=147) the HF treatment algorithm goal was to reduce BNP concentration to < 150 ng/L in patients < 75 years and <300 ng/L in patients > 75 years (Paper I), and to define the optimal percentage decrease in BNP and at what point during the follow-up to apply the definition (Paper II). To compare the BNP-guided group with the conventional HF treated group (Paper I), and responders and non-responders (Paper II) regarding HR-QoL measured with Short Form 36 (SF-36) at study start and at study end (Paper III) and to evaluate if age or HF duration influenced the HF outcomes and the influence of BNP on age and HF duration (Paper IV). Results: The primary outcome (mortality, hospitalisation and worsening HF) was not improved by BNP-guided HF treatment compared to conventional HF treatment or in any of the secondary outcome variables (Paper I). Applying a BNP decrease of at least 40 percent in week 16 (compared to study start) and/or a BNP<300 ng/L demonstrated the best risk reduction for cardiovascular mortality, by 78 percent and 89 percent respectively for HF mortality (Paper II). The HR-QoL improved in four domains in the BNP-guided group and in the control group in six of eight domains; however there were no significant differences between the groups (Paper III). For responders the within group analysis showed improvement in four domains compared to the non-responders that improved in one domain; however there were no significant differences between the two groups. There were improvements in HR-QoL in all four groups (Paper III). Age did not influence outcome but HF duration did. HF duration was divided into three groups: HF duration less than 1 year (group 1), 1-5 years (group 2) and >5 years (group 3). A 1.65-fold increased risk could be demonstrated in those with HF duration of more than five years compared to patients with short HF duration. The BNP concentration was increased with increased age, and there was a better response regarding BNP decrease in NP-guiding in patients with short HF duration, independent of age (Paper IV). Conclusions: There were no significant differences between BNP-guided HF treatment group and the group with conventional HF treatment as regards mortality, hospitalisation or HR-QoL. The responders to HF treatment showed a significantly better outcome in mortality and hospitalisation compared to non-responders but no significant differences in HR-QoL. The duration of HF might be an important factor to consider in HF treatment by BNP-guiding in the future.

No description available.

本研究運用的投資組合理論(Portfolio Theory)與免疫理論(Immunization Theory)建構資產負債管理模型，希望在於免除利率風險下，能夠極大化勞保基金的投資報酬率。本研究探討勞保老年給付年金制實行後，勞保基金在資產負債管理之下最適資產配置。我們以勞保局編印之「勞工保險統計年報」中勞保基金民國81年到91年實際投資的資料及勞保局委託研究之精算報告對於老年給付年金制實行後未來勞保基金的給付預測值，在不同年金選擇率以及不同的費率與控管年限下，根據勞保基金資產與負債的存續期間，建議勞保基金最適的投資組合，並計算資產負債管理成本，研究結果發現： 1 年金選擇率為100％及80%時，勞保費率提高至8.3%僅能確保未來30年與40年勞保基金不會因為利率變動而導致基金破產甚至無力清償，但考慮年限為50年時，國內市場無法找到存續期間可以配合的投資工具，無法規避利率風險。年金選擇率為50%時，由於未來各年之勞保的給付獲得舒緩，使得資產配置所需的存續期間也降低，故當勞保費率提高 至8%即可確保勞保基金未來50年可以規避利率風險的危機，且在國內市場上可以找到投資工具配合。 2. 要使勞保基金免於利率風險的考慮年限越長，其投資組合的重心應該從現行的銀行存款移轉到債券及股票與受益憑證。 3. 進行資產負債管理是需要成本的，若以資產負債管理前後效率前緣下的投資報酬率的差異為資產負債管理成本，在年金選擇率100%時資產負債管理平均成本為0.3695%；選擇率80%時平均成本為0.434%；年金選擇率為50%時資產負債管理平均成本為0.384%，研究結果顯示資產負債管理平均成本都低於0.5%以下，故建議勞保基金應盡早進行資產負債管理以因應老年給付年金化後利率風險對於勞保基金財務上的衝擊。 / This paper investigates the Asset-Liability Management for Labor Insurance Fund. We utilize Immunization Theory and Portfolio Theory selection model to immunize the surplus of Labor Insurance Funds against interest-rate fluctuations and to maximize expected return of Labor Insurance Funds simultaneously. In addition, we use the data from Labor Insurance Funds from 1992 to 2002 to demonstrate the implementation of our model. We calculate the optimal asset allocation and the ALM cost under different lump-sum/annuity selection ratio、time horizon and contribution rates. The empirical results from this study show that： 1. Assuming 100% and 80% participants choice annuity, to prevent the insolvency of Labor Insurance Fund from interest-rate fluctuations in 30 and 40 years, the Labor Insurance premium must increase to 8.3%. Assuming 50% participants choice annuity, to prevent the insolvency of Labor Insurance Fund from interest-rate fluctuations in 50 years, the Labor Insurance premium must increase to 8%. 2. To prolong the period over which the Labor Insurance Funds can immunize its surplus against interest-rate fluctuations, a large proportion of the investment asset should be allocate from bank deposit to bond and stock. 3. ALM needs cost. Assuming 100% participants choice annuity, the average ALM cost is 0.3695%.Assuming 80% participants choice annuity, the average ALM cost is 0.434%.Assuming 50% participants choice annuity, the average ALM cost is 0.384%. We find the average ALM cost is very small under any lump-sum/annuity selection ratio. Therefore, we suggest Bureau of Labor Insurance should start to implement ALM as soon as possible to avoid the affect of interest-rate fluctuations.

在這篇文章中，我們由單擺運動的觀念得出深層地震持續時間的估計，以及討論了關於地震方程的良至性與週期性，並且得出關於持續時間的表現公式。最後，利用台北中央氣象局關於地震記錄的數據，來驗證我們以上的結果。 / In this paper, we obtain the duration of deep earthquakes coming from the concept of pendulum motion. We consider the well-posedness and periodicity of the solutions for the seismic equation and get representation formula of duration for the equation. We revise the validity of our work by using numerical data gained from Center Weather Bureau in Taipei, Taiwan.

La condensation : un outil conceptuel pour la théorie de l’art / Résumé. Notre étude sur la condensation tente de montrer l’intérêt d’une voie peu explorée dans le débat sur la nature de l’art, à savoir l’économie sensible des représentations symboliques. Nous donnons tout d’abord consistance au concept de condensation en suivant les écrits de Freud. Freud, un des rares auteurs à avoir thématisé cette notion, fournit dans L’interprétation des rêves les linéaments principaux du concept. Dans l’analyse de cet ouvrage, notre effort se porte sur la distinction entre une approche plastique et une approche symbolique de la condensation, c’est-à-dire l’obtention d’une condensation par composition de différentes figures ou par répétition d’une même représentation. En relation marginale avec la condensation, la méthode d’analyse des rêves nous montre l’importance des thèmes de l’idiosyncrasie et de la totalisation, lesquelles se révéleront en affinité étroite avec celui de la condensation. Nous procédons ensuite à l’analyse du second ouvrage d’importance rapporté à la condensation chez Freud, Le mot d’esprit et sa relation à l’inconscient. L’accent est porté, d’une part, sur la relation entre condensation et économie, et, d’autre part, sur la distinction entre deux états ou attitudes d’esprit révélée par le Witz. Sur base de la thématisation freudienne, nous poursuivons la construction du concept de condensation à partir de l’expérience esthétique ordinaire. Cela comprend, tout d’abord, la simple considération du fonctionnement collégial et simultané de nos différents sens. Nous procédons ensuite à l’analyse de deux modes de représentation, tous deux fondés sur un rapport sensible au réel : la photographie et le cinéma. Par ces analyses, nous tentons de mettre en lumière les caractères élémentaires de la représentation sensible. Avec la photographie nous abordons l’économie sensible de la représentation, c’est-à-dire les transformations quantitatives et qualitatives qui sont au fondement du concept de condensation. Avec l’analyse du cinéma comme mode de représentation, l’effort est porté sur l’explicitation de la tension paradoxale entre présence et représentation dans le droit fil des développements sur le jeu des dimensions sensibles et l’hétérogénéité impliqués dans la représentation photographique. Cette deuxième partie assoit la validité objective du concept de condensation. Dans un troisième temps, nous étayons cette validité objective du concept en la rapportant aux différents intervenants impliqués dans la réalité artistique (principalement, œuvre, créateur, récepteur). Enfin nous confrontons le concept de condensation à deux aspects de la théorie de l’art : un versant spéculatif, l’antinomie du jugement de goût avec les questions de la subjectivité et de l’objectivité, mais aussi et surtout celle de la communicabilité ; un versant plastique, les œuvres atypiques de Marcel Duchamp. Préalablement à l’analyse de ces deux aspects, nous consacrons un chapitre important à une définition du signe tenant compte de la responsabilité du sujet dans la constitution sémiotique. C’est sous le paramètre de la liberté dans notre rapport au symbolique que se rejoignent les deux aspects de la théorie de l’art abordés. Condensation: A Conceptual Tool for the Theory of Art / Summary. This thesis investigates the question of art’s nature from an angle not much explored, i.e. following the perceptible economy of symbolic representations. Firstly we give consistency to the concept of condensation by analysing Freudian texts. Freud is indeed the only salient author who has focused on condensation and exploited it in the context of his own works. In The Interpretation of Dreams, we concentrate on the distinction between a plastic approach and a symbolic one, i.e. obtaining a condensation by composition of different figures or by repeating the same chosen representation. In addition, the method of analysis of dreams shows us the importance of two themes: idiosyncrasy and totalisation. In the other main book related to condensation, the Joke and its Relation to Unconscious, we stress, on the one hand, the connection between economy and condensation, and, on the other, the distinction between two different states of mind created by the analysis of the joke and its mechanisms. On the bases of these Freudian texts, we carry on constructing the condensation concept by analysing our ordinary aesthetic experience. First, it means merely considering the collective and simultaneous functioning of our five senses. Second, we analyse two modes of representation, both based on a perceptible connection to reality: photography and cinematography. Through this analysis, we bring to light the elementary features of perceptible representation. With photography, we examine the quantitative and qualitative transformations that are essential to the condensation concept. With cinematography, we try to elucidate the paradoxical tension between the actual presence and representation of the same object. This second part sets up the objective validity of the condensation concept. At a third stage, we strengthen this concept’s objective validity by linking it to the main entities involved in art (works, creators, receptors). Finally, we confront the condensation concept with two aspects of art theory: one speculative part, the antinomy of taste with questions of subjectivity, objectivity and especially communicability, and another plastic part, the atypical works of Marcel Duchamp. We also dedicate one chapter to the revaluation of the Saussurian sign theory including the responsibility of the subject in semiotic constitution. Art and condensation are so closely related to the theme of liberty in our relationship to symbolic representations.

Two heretofore unanalyzed aspects are addressed in this dissertation: 1. Building a model capable of predicting phone duration of Lithuanian. All existing investigations of phone durations of Lithuanian were performed by linguists. Usually these investigations are the kind of exploratory statistics and are limited to a single factor, affecting phone duration, analysis. Phone duration dependencies on contextual factors were estimated and written in explicit form (decision tree) in this work by means of machine learning method. 2. Construction of language independent method for creating phone duration models using very large, multi-speaker, automatically annotated speech corpus. Most of the researchers worldwide use speech corpus that are: relatively small scale, single speaker, manually annotated or at least validated by experts. Usually the referred reasons are: using multi-speaker speech corpora is inappropriate because different speakers have different pronunciation manners and speak in different speech rate; automatically annotated corpuses lack accuracy. The created method for phone duration modeling enables the use of such corpus. The main components of the created method are: the reduction of noisy data in speech corpus; normalization of speaker specific phone durations by using phone type clustering. The performed listening tests of synthesized speech, showed that: the perceived naturalness is affected by the underlying phones durations; The use of contextual... [to full text] / Disertacijoje nagrinėjamos dvi iki šiol netyrinėtos problemos: 1. Lietuvių kalbos garsų trukmių prognozavimo modelių kūrimas Iki šiol visi darbai, kuriuose yra nagrinėjamos lietuvių kalbos garsų trukmės, yra atlikti kalbininkų, tačiau šie tyrimai yra daugiau aprašomosios statistikos pobūdžio ir apsiriboja pavienių požymių įtakos garso trukmei analize. Šiame darbe, mašininio mokymo algoritmo pagalba, požymių įtaka garsų trukmei yra išmokstama iš duomenų ir užrašoma sprendimo medžio pavidalu. 2. Nuo kalbos nepriklausomų garsų trukmių prognozavimo modelių kūrimo metodas, naudojant didelės apimties daugelio, kalbėtojų automatiškai, anotuotą garsyną. Dėl skirtingų kalbėtojų tarties specifikos ir dėl automatinio anotavimo netikslumų, kuriant garsų trukmės modelius visame pasaulyje yra apsiribojama vieno kalbėtojo ekspertų anotuotais nedidelės apimties garsynais. Darbe pasiūlyti skirtingų kalbėtojų tarties ypatybių normalizavimo ir garsyno duomenų triukšmo atmetimo algoritmai leidžia garsų trukmių modelių kūrimui naudoti didelės apimties, daugelio kalbėtojų automatiškai anotuotus garsynus. Darbo metu atliktas audicinis tyrimas, kurio pagalba parodoma, kad šnekos signalą sudarančių garsų trukmės turi įtakos klausytojų/respondentų suvokiamam šnekos signalo natūralumui; kontekstinės informacijos panaudojimas garsų trukmių prognozavimo uždavinio sprendime yra svarbus faktorius įtakojantis sintezuotos šnekos natūralumą; natūralaus šnekos signalo atžvilgiu, geriausiai vertinamas yra... [toliau žr. visą tekstą]

Listening to music usually elicits emotions that can vary considerably in their intensity over the course of listening. Yet, after listening to a piece of music, people are easily able to evaluate the music's overall emotional intensity. There are two different hypotheses about how affective experiences are temporally processed and integrated: (1) all moments' intensities are integrated, resulting in an averaged value; (2) the overall evaluation is built from specific single moments, such as the moments of highest emotional intensity (peaks), the end, or a combination of these. Here we investigated what listeners do when building an overall evaluation of a musical experience. Participants listened to unknown songs and provided moment-to-moment ratings of experienced intensity of emotions. Subsequently, they evaluated the overall emotional intensity of each song. Results indicate that participants' evaluations were predominantly influenced by their average impression but that, in addition, the peaks and end emotional intensities contributed substantially. These results indicate that both types of processes play a role: All moments are integrated into an averaged value but single moments might be assigned a higher value in the calculation of this average.

Previous studies that examined human judgments of frequency and duration found an asymmetrical relationship: While frequency judgments were quite accurate and independent of stimulus duration, duration judgments were highly dependent upon stimulus frequency. A potential explanation for these findings is that the asymmetry is moderated by the amount of attention directed to the stimuli. In the current experiment, participants\' attention was manipulated in two ways: (a) intrinsically, by varying the type and arousal potential of the stimuli (names, low-arousal and high-arousal pictures), and (b) extrinsically, by varying the physical effort participants expended during the stimulus presentation (by lifting a dumbbell vs. relaxing the arm). Participants processed stimuli with varying presentation frequencies and durations and were subsequently asked to estimate the frequency and duration of each stimulus. Sensitivity to duration increased for pictures in general, especially when processed under physical effort. A large effect of stimulus frequency on duration judgments was obtained for all experimental conditions, but a similar large effect of presentation duration on frequency judgments emerged only in the conditions that could be expected to draw high amounts of attention to the stimuli: when pictures were judged under high physical effort. Almost no difference in the mutual impact of frequency and duration was obtained for low-arousal or high-arousal pictures. The mechanisms underlying the simultaneous processing of frequency and duration are discussed with respect to existing models derived from animal research. Options for the extension of such models to human processing of frequency and duration are suggested.

I am working with software in academia for more than an decade and I had the "Moment" quite often. Palladio appeared just like an ordinary tool to solve my problem. Then, I changed a single parameter of my simulation---some hours later we hunted for a bug in the depths of Palladio. Based on the open source development model of Palladio and a very elegant structure of the source code, we were able to find the root cause of the problem very fast. To start fixing the problem, we "just" had to know when---in simulation time---a measurement of the SimuLizar simulator is valid. This paper summarizes our technical and philosophical discussions that ware needed to make Palladio deliver correct results and not to get lost in the depths of time and duration.