Syftet med denna undersökning är att få kunskaper om skillnader i läsförståelse som existerar mellan pojkar och flickor. Detta görs genom analys av resultat från ett läsförståelseprov. Undersökningen analyserar hur skillnaderna ser ut mellan grupperna generellt men även med avseende på olika läsprocesser, uppgiftsformat och texttyper. Materialet består av ett läsförståelseprov som genomförts av 520 elever i årskurs 7 inom ramen för LISA-projektet vid Karlstads universitet. Undersökningens resultat visar att flickorna presterade bättre än pojkarna på provet som helhet och på samtliga undersökta aspekter. De största skillnaderna fanns på uppgifter som mäter förmågan att tolka text samt de uppgifter där eleverna själva behövde skriva sitt svar, constructed response-uppgifter. Små skillnader fanns på uppgiften som prövade förmågan att reflektera och utvärdera text och på de uppgifter som var av flervalsformat, multiple choice-uppgifter. De uppgifter som visade minst skillnader mellan grupperna var de som baserades på icke-löpande text, denna skillnad var även den enda som inte var statistiskt signifikant. Detta skulle kunna förklaras genom bristande motivation men även genom textens innehåll som skulle kunna kategoriseras som pojkvänligt. Gällande uppgiftsformat bekräftar resultaten det som tidigare forskning har visat: CR-uppgifter gynnar flickornas resultat. I kontrast till detta skiljer sig resultatskillnaderna fördelat på läsprocess från tidigare mätningar som istället visat störst skillnader på processen reflektera. Detta skulle kunna förklaras av att det analyserade provet består av en stor andel multiple choice-uppgifter istället för constructed response-uppgifter. / The aim with this study is to acquire knowledge of differences in result between boys’ and girls’reading comprehension. This is made by analyzing the results from a test on reading comprehension. The study analyzes the general differences between the genders but also how the results differ based on difference aspects of reading, task formats and text types. The material consists of a test on reading comprehension that has been performed by students in the seventh grade within the frames of the LISA-project at Karlstad’s university. The results of the study show that the girls outperformed the boys both on the test as a whole but also on all of the analyzed aspects. The biggest differences were found on tasks that measure the students’ability to interpret the text. Big differences are also found on constructed response tasks. Thesmallest differences are found on tasks that measure the students’ ability to reflect on the textand the multiple-choice tasks. Small differences were found on tasks that were based on non- continuous texts. This was also the only difference that was not statistically significant. Thiscould be explained by lack of motivation but also by the text’s content which could be labeledas boy-friendly. The result regarding task format confirms what earlier research has shown. CR-tasks favor the girls’ results. In contrast to this, the result differences based on different aspects of reading showed small differences on the aspect reflect which in earlier research has been the aspect with the biggest differences. This could be explained by the construction of the analyzed test which is constructed of mostly MC-tasks rather than CR-tasks.

A produção de mosaicos fotográficos é uma atividade de apoio bastante importante em diversas áreas tais como a geração de mapas, o monitoramento ambiental e o gerenciamento agrícola. A fotogrametria, e em especial a aerofotogrametria, é a ciência que trata, entre outros tópicos, da geração de mosaicos através de procedimentos trabalhosos, o que torna sua manutenção uma tarefa difícil e de alto custo. O Projeto ARARA (Aeronaves de Reconhecimento Assistidas por Rádio e Autônomas) representa uma alternativa de baixo custo para a aquisição de fotografias aéreas. Câmeras digitais de pequeno formato a bordo das aeronaves permitem a obtenção automática das fotografias necessárias para a geração de mosaicos. Este trabalho propõe uma metodologia para a geração e a atualização de mosaicos compostos por fotografias aéreas oblíquas digitais e de pequeno formato, adquiridas com o auxílio das aeronaves do Projeto ARARA. As fotografias podem ser submetidas a procedimentos que associam técnicas de ortoretificação e processamento digital de imagens para corrigir suas distorções geométricas e radiométricas. A metodologia apresentada neste trabalho procura evitar a necessidade de pontos de controle no solo e focaliza a geração automática ou semi-automática dos mosaicos. Procedimentos automáticos têm o potencial de permitir a utilização de uma grande quantidade de fotografias de pequeno formato em substituição às fotografias normalmente utilizadas pela aerofotogrametria convencional. / The generation of photographic mosaics is an important activity in many areas such as map production, environment monitoring and agricultural management. Photogrammetry, and specially aero-photogrammetry, are the sciences that deal, among other subjects, with mosaic generation using time consuming procedures, making the maintenance and updating of photographic mosaics a difficult and high-cost task. The ARARA Project (Autonomous and Radio Assisted Reconaissance Aircrafts), presents a low cost alternative to acquire aerial photographs. An onboard, small format digital camera can take automatically the photographs used for the mosaic generation. This work proposes a methodology for mosaic generation and updating using oblique, digital, small format aerial photographs taken by ARARA aircraft. Photographs can be corrected both geometrically and radiometrically by orthorectification and digital image processing procedures. The methodology presented in this work avoids the use of ground control points, focusing on the automatic and semi-automatic mosaic generation. An automatic procedure make possible the use of a large number of small format photographs to replace the photographs normally used in conventional aerophotogrammetry.

Neste trabalho a técnica de multiportadoras OFDM (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing), aplicada a sistemas ópticos, é estudada, com foco principal na geração e transmissão dos chamados supercanais ópticos modulados em altíssimas taxas (até Terabits/s). O OFDM prevê um melhor aproveitamento da largura de banda e, quando comparada à técnica FDM (Frequency Division Multiplexing), permite uma redução de aproximadamente 50% do espectro ocupado. Esta economia proporcionada pela técnica torna-a forte candidata para uso em redes ópticas reconfiguráveis, pois provê melhor eficiência espectral aos sinais com reconfiguração de tráfego remoto. Dois cenários serão abordados: o primeiro, em que o sinal com multiportadoras moduladas de forma híbrida (QAM - quadradure amplitude modulation) é gerado no domínio elétrico para, em seguida, modular uma portadora óptica; e o segundo, no qual as multiportadoras são geradas no domínio óptico e, posteriormente, moduladas individualmente também no domínio óptico - e neste caso o formato de modulação pode variar. Para o segundo caso, três técnicas de geração de supercanais serão estudadas e avaliadas a fim de se realizar uma comparação entre elas. Neste trabalho também serão comparadas as técnicas de recepção óptica direta e coerente, aplicadas a sistemas OFDM. Os resultados para o estudo da geração de multiportadoras ópticas, obtidos através de simulações no software Optisystem v. 9.0, são validados por resultados experimentais obtidos no Laboratório de Comunicações Ópticas da Fundação CPqD. / This manuscript presents a study on the multicarrier modulation technique OFDM (Orthogonal frequency division multiplexing) applied to optical systems. The OFDM technique provides a better use of bandwidth and, compared with FDM (Frequency Division Multiplexing), provides a nearly 50% reduction of the occupied bandwidth. This feature makes the OFDM technique an ideal candidate for reconfigurable optical networks because it allows better spectral efficiency to the signals with remote traffic reconfiguration. The study focuses, mainly, on the theoretical investigation of OFDM applied to the transmission of the so-called optical superchannels, modulated at very high bit rates (above Terabits/s). Two scenarios are discussed: in the first, the multicarrier signal, modulated in a hybrid format (QAM - quadrature amplitude modulation), is generated in the electrical domain before modulating the optical carrier, and in the second the multicarrier beam is generated in the optical domain and subsequently each subcarrier is digitally modulated. In this second approach, three superchannel generation techniques are studied and evaluated for being compared. This work will also compare the direct and coherent detection techniques applied to OFDM systems. The results for the optical multicarrier generation study, obtained by numerical simulation (platform Optisystem v. 9.0), are validated by experimental results obtained at the Laboratory of Optical Communication CPqD Foundation.

There are many different programs that can perform Computer Aided Design (CAD). In order for these programs to share data, file translations need to occur. These translations have typically been done by IGES and STEP files. With the work done at the BYU CAD Lab to create a multi-engineer synchronous heterogeneous CAD environment, these translation processes have become synchronous by using a server and a database to manage the data. However, this system stores part data in a database. The data in the database cannot be used in traditional Product Lifecycle Management systems. In order to remedy this, a new database was developed that enables every edit made in a CAD part across multiple CAD systems to be stored as well as worked on simultaneously. This allows users to access every action performed in a part. Branching was introduced to the database which allows users to work on multiple configurations of a part simultaneously and reduces file save sizes for different configurations by 98.6% compared to those created by traditional CAD systems.

Multidimensional forced-choice questionnaires can reduce the impact of numerous response biases typically associated with Likert scales. However, if scored with traditional methodology these instruments produce ipsative data, which has psychometric problems, such as constrained total test score and negative average scale inter-correlation. Ipsative scores distort scale relationships and reliability estimates, and make interpretation of scores problematic. This research demonstrates how Item Response Theory (IRT) modeling may be applied to overcome these problems. A multidimensional IRT model for forced-choice questionnaires is introduced, which is suitable for use with any forced-choice instrument composed of items fitting the dominance response model, with any number of measured traits, and any block sizes (i.e. pairs, triplets, quads etc.). The proposed model is based on Thurstone's framework for comparative data. Thurstonian IRT models are normal ogive models with structured factor loadings, structured uniquenesses, and structured local dependencies. These models can be straightforwardly estimated using structural equation modeling (SEM) software Mplus. Simulation studies show how the latent traits are recovered from the comparative binary data under different conditions. The Thurstonian IRT model is also tested with real participants in both research and occupational assessment settings. It is concluded that when the recommended design guidelines are met, scores estimated from forced-choice questionnaires with the proposed methodology reproduce the latent traits well.

L'objectif de notre thèse est de contribuer à la conception de situations informatiques diffuses efficaces énergétiquement et appropriables par les habitants au quotidien. Pour cela, à partir d'une approche centrée sur l'activité, nous caractérisons les contextes d'activité quotidienne, ce qui permet d'élaborer nos principes de conception et des scénarios. Cette recherche est menée en référence au cadre du " cours d'action " (Theureau, 2004) ainsi qu'à une approche critique et située (e.g., Barad, 2007; Suchman, 2007) de l'agentivité physique sous-tendant l'action collective, via la notion de " cours d'agencement ". Les spécificités de l'informatique diffuse (e.g., en réseau disséminé dans l'environnement) et des situations domestiques investiguées (e.g., plusieurs pièces et étages) nous amènent à créer une méthodologie pour l'analyse formelle du collectif et les scénarios : le format " multi-portées ". Sur ces bases, nous caractérisons les contextes d'activité de plusieurs familles vivant dans des maisons à forte consommation énergétique. Nos résultats mettent en évidence les préoccupations des habitants, les jeux de suspension/actualisation à travers le temps, ou de préoccupations multiples à l'instant " t " et les anticipations qui les structurent. Nous caractérisons également des contextes d'articulations collectives, montrant que les membres de la famille sont engagés dans des préoccupations à la fois similaires et différentes, oscillant entre convergence et divergence à différentes échelles de temps. Enfin, nous comparons 85 agencements du collectif dans l'habitat et les types d' " (im)possibilités " perceptives et pratiques qui en émergent entre humains, objets et espaces physiques. Ces résultats permettent d'alimenter notre modèle de conception de situations informatiques diffuses appropriables et efficaces énergétiquement. Après avoir présenté les orientations et principes de conception généraux, nous construisons des scénarios collectifs d'" interactions incidentes/intentionnelles " (Dix, 2002) entre humains et réseaux, puis nous définissons comment le futur système devra fonctionner afin d'être appropriable et efficace énergétiquement. Ce travail montre qu'il est possible et nécessaire de concevoir l'efficience énergétique des réseaux socio-techniques tout en donnant des possibilités d'action et d'appropriation à l'humain.

本研究旨在探討管理當局發佈自願性盈餘預測意願、預測精確度、預測型態與管理當局能力之關聯性，並進一步檢測能力較佳之管理當局所發佈之盈餘預測對投資人是否具增額資訊內涵。 實證分析結果顯示管理當局能力與管理當局發佈盈餘預測之機率呈顯著正相關，亦即管理當局能力愈好，發佈盈餘預測之機率愈高；再者，本研究發現能力愈佳之管理當局，其盈餘預測之精確度亦會較高；而實證結果亦顯示當管理當局能力較好時，較願意以資訊量較多之完整式財務預測型態發佈財務預測。增額測試結果則顯示市場對於能力較佳之管理當局發佈之自願性盈餘預測反應程度較高。 / The primary objective of this thesis is to explore whether the managerial ability is related to management earnings forecast, earnings forecast accuracy , and disclosure format. Additionally, this thesis investigates whether managerial ability increases the informativeness of management earnings forecast for (potential) investors. Empirical results show that managers with superior ability tend to announce management earnings forecast and when managers have better ability, they shall announce more precise management earnings forecast. About disclosure format, this thesis finds that managers with superior ability prefer to announce complete earnings forecasts than simple ones. Additionally, market reaction will be more to the informativeness of management earnings forecast which made by managers with better ability.

Cette recherche explore d'une part les relations entre le format de publicité et l'intrusion publicitaire perçue, et cherche d'autre part à comprendre les conséquences de cette dernière sur les réponses attitudinales et les intentions de comportement de l'internaute, notamment en termes de résistance. L'intrusion publicitaire est envisagée comme une perception négative qui pourrait être déclenchée par l'affichage de certains formats. La première partie de ce travail vise à appréhender l'impact de l'intrusion publicitaire perçue, la seconde permet d'opérationnaliser le concept et de tester le modèle de recherche. L'étude des conséquences de l'utilisation des formats de publicité permet de rendre compte de leur influence sur l'intrusion publicitaire, mais aussi sur l'attitude envers le format et à l'égard de l'annonce. Les conséquences de l'intrusion perçue sont étudiées, permettant ainsi d'affirmer que l'intrusion publicitaire perçue influence simultanément les réponses attitudinales et les intentions de comportement. Enfin, des relations invariantes selon le format de publicité utilisé pour diffuser l'annonce sont mises en évidence

本研究以中國2007年至2013年盈餘預測的A股上市公司為主體。探討管理當局發佈強制性盈餘預測的預測形態、預測誤差以及市場反應與管理當局能力之關聯性，並進一步檢測管理當局能力是否影響到其對於強制性盈餘預告門檻的規避以及對於來年發佈自願性業績預測的意願。 實證的結果顯示管理當局能力越好其提供的強制性盈餘預測的形式越精準其預告資訊含量越多；再者，管理當局能力越好，其盈餘預測的誤差越低；實證結果也證明了市場對於能力較佳之管理當局所發佈的強制性盈餘預測的反應程度也較高。增額測試的結果顯示管理當局能力佳者盈餘品質較佳，具體表現為：相較於能力差的管理者，管理當局能力較好時不會通過盈餘管理去避免導因於產生增長50%或是下降50%而強制發佈盈餘預告的門檻。另外，管理當局能力越好，其在隔年度發佈自願性盈餘預測的幾率也越高。 關鍵詞：管理當局能力、強制性盈餘預測、預測形態、盈餘預測誤差、市場反應 / This thesis focuses on mandatory forecast issued from 2007 to 2013 in China and investigate whether managerial ability is related to mandatory forecasts types, forecast error and market reaction. Additionally, this thesis also examines whether managerial ability decrease the likelihood to avoid mandatory forecast thresholds. Finally, whether the managerial ability will increase the probability of issuing voluntary forecasts in the following year is an interesting but unsolved issue; I will fill the gap. Empirical results show that managers with superior ability tend to issue mandatory forecasts in the more precise type. As for the accuracy, the mandatory forecasts issued by better managers tend to have less error. I also find that managerial ability can promotes the informativeness of management earnings forecasts for the public. Additionally, high ability managers are less likely to avoid the thresholds of mandatory forecasts. Furthermore, better managers are more likely to issue voluntary forecasts in the following year of mandatory forecasts. Key Words: Managerial Ability, Mandatory Earnings Forecast, Forecast Format, Forecast Error, Market Reaction.

Made available in DSpace on 2014-12-17T15:47:49Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 NatalHC.pdf: 2764921 bytes, checksum: 846252ab05f6de9b65d1cf7bbe1aba09 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2008-08-04 / In this work we propose a technique that uses uncontrolled small format aerial images, or SFAI, and stereohotogrammetry techniques to construct georeferenced mosaics. Images are obtained using a simple digital camera coupled with a radio controlled (RC) helicopter. Techniques for removing common distortions are applied and the relative orientation of the models are recovered using projective geometry. Ground truth points are used to get absolute orientation, plus a definition of scale and a coordinate system which relates image measures to the ground. The mosaic is read into a GIS system, providing useful information to different types of users, such as researchers, governmental agencies, employees, fishermen and tourism enterprises. Results are reported, illustrating the applicability of the system. The main contribution is the generation of georeferenced mosaics using SFAIs, which have not yet broadly explored in cartography projects. The proposed architecture presents a viable and much less expensive solution, when compared to systems using controlled pictures / No presente trabalho, descrevemos uma metodologia para a constru??o de mosaicos georreferenciados a partir de imagens a?reas de pequeno formato, ou SFAI, consideradas n?o controladas. T?cnicas de Est?reo-Fotogrametria e de Vis?o Computacional s?o aplicadas para auxiliarem em resultados de qualidade e confiabilidade. As imagens s?o obtidas atrav?s de uma c?mera digital comum acoplada a um helic?ptero aeromodelo. T?cnicas para eliminar distor??es comuns s?o aplicadas e a orienta??o relativa dos modelos ? realizada baseada na geometria projetiva. Pontos reais do terreno s?o usados para executar a orienta??o absoluta, al?m de uma defini??o de escala e de um sistema de coordenadas que relaciona a imagem medida no terreno. O mosaico ser? manipulado em um SIG, fornecendo informa??o ?til a diferentes tipos de usu?rios, tais como pesquisadores, institui??es governamentais, pescadores e empresas de turismo. Resultados s?o gerados, ilustrando a aplicabilidade do sistema. A principal contribui??o ? a gera??o de mosaicos georreferenciados usando imagens a?reas de pequeno formato, o que tem sido pouqu?ssimo explorado em projetos de cartografia. A arquitetura proposta apresenta uma solu??o vi?vel e bem barata quando comparada com sistemas que utilizam imagens controladas