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In the present dissertation, we investigate two different nonparametric models; empirical Bayes model and functional deconvolution model. In the case of the nonparametric empirical Bayes estimation, we carried out a complete minimax study. In particular, we derive minimax lower bounds for the risk of the nonparametric empirical Bayes estimator for a general conditional distribution. This result has never been obtained previously. In order to attain optimal convergence rates, we use a wavelet series based empirical Bayes estimator constructed in Pensky and Alotaibi (2005). We propose an adaptive version of this estimator using Lepski’s method and show that the estimator attains optimal convergence rates. The theory is supplemented by numerous examples. Our study of the functional deconvolution model expands results of Pensky and Sapatinas (2009, 2010, 2011) to the case of estimating an (r + 1)-dimensional function or dependent errors. In both cases, we derive minimax lower bounds for the integrated square risk over a wide set of Besov balls and construct adaptive wavelet estimators that attain those optimal convergence rates. In particular, in the case of estimating a periodic (r + 1)-dimensional function, we show that by choosing Besov balls of mixed smoothness, we can avoid the ”curse of dimensionality” and, hence, obtain higher than usual convergence rates when r is large. The study of deconvolution of a multivariate function is motivated by seismic inversion which can be reduced to solution of noisy two-dimensional convolution equations that allow to draw inference on underground layer structures along the chosen profiles. The common practice in seismology is to recover layer structures separately for each profile and then to combine the derived estimates into a two-dimensional function. By studying the two-dimensional version of the model, we demonstrate that this strategy usually leads to estimators which are less accurate than the ones obtained as two-dimensional functional deconvolutions. Finally, we consider a multichannel deconvolution model with long-range dependent Gaussian errors. We do not limit our consideration to a specific type of long-range dependence, rather we assume that the eigenvalues of the covariance matrix of the errors are bounded above and below. We show that convergence rates of the estimators depend on a balance between the smoothness parameters of the response function, the iii smoothness of the blurring function, the long memory parameters of the errors, and how the total number of observations is distributed among the channels.

Banking services are perhaps the largest industry that caters to -the needs of various segments of the population reflecting the diverse Diasporas of the society. Moreover, perceived service quality tends to play a significant role in high involvement (high interaction between customers and service providers) industries like banks. Also, banks often have long-term business relationships with customers. In addition, the banking sector is large enough to capture and represent almost all the critical features of the customer-perceived service quality and the critical dimensions of excellence that the management may have to encounter, in order to effectively manage a service organisation. . However, there is considerable lack of literature with respect to service industry management, especially in the banking industry of developing economies. Therefore an analysis of banks in the UAE from a 'service-quality perspective' may sound interesting at this juncture. Such an investigation is vital for the bankers in order to enhance their business performance. The main objective of this research is to develop a theoretical framework to understand and explore CSFs for banks that succeed in the field of TQM and to identify marketoriented activities that are affected by the use of this approach. This research adapts an interdisciplinary approach that makes use of TQM, service quality, IT, and information systems literature. It takes a holistic view of TQM in the banking sector and considers the different stages of implementation and implications of the TQM. The research design involves a combination of quantitative and qualitative methodologies to incorporate: (1) TQM development; (2) the identification of key TQMsuccess factors commonly cited in the literature, and endorsed by practitioners and experts as important to effective TQM implementation; (3) an in-depth case studies. approach to understand how TQM processes, and critical success factors identified are addressed and implemented; and (4) the possible impact of TQM practices on efficiency. Furthermore, the research framework, which emerged from the literature search, is tested and validated by rigorous quantitative analysis using SPSS. The statistical analysis using Factor Analysis, Regression Analysis, One-Sample Test and Ranking Analysis to test a series of relationships and research constructs to provide solid support for the resulting relationships. i The study has identified twelve CSFs for the successful implementation of TQM: (1) Top Management Support, (2) Strategy, (3) Continuous Improvement, (4) Benchmarking, (5) Customer Focus, (6) Quality Department, (7) Human Resource Management, (8) Quality Technology,. (9) Service Design, (10) Employees, (11) Servicescapes, (12) Quality Systems. Furthermore, it *has been found that the organisational experiences of TQM implementation in-the service- sector in UAE are far from being mature. There is a lot of evidence with reference to the survey results and case studies presented in this study that TQM is still a new management concept, and is widely unknown. In many cases, there is some reluctance to introduce it. . The study has pointed out the CSFs for successful TQM implementation because it is vital for organisations to capture the minds of everybody, starting at the top and permeating throughout the whole organisation and beyond. The philosophy maintains that an organisation's primary objective is to enhance its ability to meet customer requirements by improving the quality of its services. People are the most important management resource and ultimate goal of business. TQM generally means a quest for excellence, creating the right attitudes and controls to make prevention of any possible errors, and optimise customer satisfaction by increased efficiency and effectiveness. Further, this study points out TQM as being an organisation-wide activity which has to reach every employee. Therefore, TQM has been an. approach for continuously improving the quality of services delivered through the participation at all levels and functions of the organisation. From this study, it is evident that the effectivetransformation to TQM has been linked to the extent to which firms implement certain CSFs. This study contributes to the emerging literature on TQM in banking sector in a number of specific ways: (1) It provides new theoretical grounds for studying TQM in banking sector in the context of CSFs that affect competition in the dynamic marketplace; (2) It computes and analyses the total quality management indices with respect to the 16 factors which have been developed from the literature for the banking industry as a whole; (3) It ascertains the level of TQM implementation in the UAE banking scene; (4) It Offers key insights on the criticality of the different TQM dimensions with respect to the banking sector in UAE and (5) It provides a foundation and proposals for future research and investigation.

<p> Eleven facies types, distinguished on the basis of internal grain size and primary sedimentary structure, were obsereved at the central region of the Brampton esker. These facies were then used to perform an empirical test of H.C. Saunderson's model of eskerine sedimentation for this part of the esker. Primarily, the vertical sequence of facies consisted of: (a) cross-bedded gravel representing the front of a prograding delta; (b) delta-front sands that are poorly sorted and characterized by massive structure and parallel lamination; (c) cross-bedded coarse sand recording the migration of sand waves across the topset; (d) trough-shaped cross-laminae of fine sand indicating current ripple migration on top of the sand waves; (e) draped lamination grading into cross-laminae of fine sand showing stoss-side preservation as the ratio of suspended sediment to bed load decreased; and (f) thick layers of silt and clay deposited in stagnant water conditions brought about by delta abandonment. Cut-and-fill structures were also present, giving evidence of distributary channels traversing the delta. </p> <p> Saunderson's model adequately explains the origin of sediments in the central region of the esker, but some modifications were made on the basis of new evidence revealed by a recently uncovered exposure. </p> <p> The sedimentary enviroment was that of a delta which consisted of a topset network of distributary channels prograding into a glaciolacustrine enviroment. / Thesis / Candidate in Philosophy

<p> This thesis explored the feasibility of using a decision-making approach to explain changing agricultural land-use patterns in the rural-urban fringe. The change in farm ownership to a non-farmer user was assumed to reflect a change in land use. A basic objective was to identify and describe the types of elements which composed the farmers mode of perception of the decision-making context. Variations in the modes of perception were then related to an array of socio-economic characteristics of the landowner. </p> <p> The investigation confirmed the utility of the decision-making approach and confirmed the importance of the land appreciation component to the decision context. The selling price which the farmer appraised his property at was critical in determining whether the property was sold. Empirical analysis suggested a significant relationship between the selling price and the economic viability of the farm operation.</p> / Thesis / Master of Arts (MA)

<p> In this paper, empirical tests of a dynamic urban growth model are discussed. It is assumed that population change in any urban region is a function of the population size of the urban centres in the system and of the distances between them. A set of linear equations is simultaneously estimated by a least squares procedure. The parameters of the model; the equilibrium population of each urban region, the rate of natural increase, and the propensity to migrate between urban regions, are calculated from the regression coefficients. By estimating a series of equations at different times, a set of parameter estimates are obtained. The parameter estimates fluctuate erratically. Recommendations for further research include the redefinition of the model, and of the urban system. </p> / Thesis / Master of Arts (MA)

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Globalization is the promise of the future, and it presents, quite literally, a world of opportunities not available in the past. International collaborations in science, research, and business now enjoy increased probabilities of success, in part, because of the advance in technology and the possibility of instantaneous communications. The convenience, simplicity and affordability of technology are helping to make the world accessible to almost everyone. With new availability of international concerns and the growth of global partnerships in all areas of interest, an increased need arises for agreements that memorialize collaborators' commitments, responsibilities and obligations. There is a corresponding concern that the agreements be enforceable across national and international lines should anything go wrong. There is no collaboration, partnership or venture that will not be touched in some way by the law. Whose law governs and how rules and regulations of different nations will be applied are of escalating concern. Empirically examining the state of international contract law is the overarching focus of my research. Adopting a research methodology involving both quantitative and qualitative techniques, I am investigating whether any consistency exists between attorneys of different practice sectors (academic, government, corporate and private) considering choice of law, enforcement of contract provisions, and the inclusion of preventative measures of international contracts. My results contribute to the future success of international collaborations of all concerns by empirically identifying the need for increased education on various dispute resolution options, as well as the effect cultural awareness has on the drafting of international contracts.

The field of software engineering embraces measurement, analysis and modeling of software. Software metrics are often based on counting, whereas this thesis adopts information theory. The goal of this research is to show that information theory-based metrics proposed by Allen can be useful for software development projects compared to counting-based metrics. Briand, et.al. have defined five families of measures based on counting the elements of a graph. This research considers a hypergraph system. Parallel Mathematical Library Project (PMLP) was used as the case study. Abstract semantic graphs were generated for the C++ source files of PMLP in the form of nodes * hyperedges tables, which are measured for counting and information theory-based measures. Analysis showed that information theory-based metrics provide fine-grained distinctions among the modules, compared to the counting-based metrics. The case study measurements conformed to the properties proposed by Briand et.al. as well.

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