An increase in worldwide investments during the past several decades has pro-pelled scienti c breakthroughs in nanoscience and technology research to new and exciting levels. To ensure that these discoveries lead to commercially viable prod-ucts, it is important to address some of the fundamental engineering and scientific challenges related to nanodevices. Due to the centrality of reliability to product integrity, nanoreliability requires critical analysis and understanding to ensure long-term sustainability of nanodevices and systems. In this study, we construct a relia-bility framework for nanoscale dielectric lms used in Metallic Oxide Semiconductor (MOS) devices. The successful fabrication and incorporation of metallic oxides in MOS devices was a major milestone in the electronics industry. However, with the progressive scaling of transistors, the dielectric dimension has progressively decreased to about 2nm. This reduction has had severe reliability implications and challenges including: short channeling e ects and leakage currents due to quantum-mechanical tunneling which leads to increased power dissipation and eventually temperature re-lated gate degradation. We develop a framework to characterize and model reliability of recently devel-oped gate dielectrics of Si-MOS devices. We accomplish this through the following research steps: (i) the identi cation of the failure mechanisms of Si-based high-k gates (stress, material, environmental), (ii) developing a 3-D failure simulation as a way to acquire simulated failure data, (iii) the identi cation of the dielectric failure prob-ability structure using both kernel estimation and nonparametric Bayesian schemes so as to establish the life pro le of high-k gate dielectric. The goal is to eventually develop the appropriate failure extrapolation model to relate the reliability at the test conditions to the reliability at normal use conditions. This study provides modeling and analytical clarity regarding the inherent failure characteristics and hence the reliability of metal/high-k gate stacks of Si-based sub-strates. In addition, this research will assist manufacturers to optimally characterize, predict and manage the reliability of metal high-k gate substrates. The proposed reliability framework could be extended to other thin lm devices and eventually to other nanomaterials and devices.

Good conceptual cost estimates is one of the most important factors affecting the project success. Investment decisions taken and budget preparations are performed from the results of the conceptual estimates. Also, the most difficult cost estimation is the early estimates where there is very limited information. This thesis provides a model for the cost estimation of the housing projects at the conceptual stage, considering not only the total area of the construction, but also considering fractional areas, as kitchen area, bathroom area, living room area and etc. Moreover, model outputs a range of costs considering quality of the construction instead of a point estimate which allows investors to see the possible costs of the project by their choice of luxury.

Dans ce travail, nous allons établir des estimations de dispersion et des applications aux inégalités de Strichartz pour les solutions de l’équation des ondes dans un domaine cylindrique convexe Ω ⊂ R³ à bord C∞, ∂Ω ≠ ∅. Les estimations de dispersion sont classiquement utilisées pour prouver les estimations de Strichartz. Dans un domaine Ω général, des estimations de Strichartz ont été démontrées par Blair, Smith, Sogge [6,7]. Des estimations optimales ont été prouvées dans [29] lorsque Ω est strictement convexe. Le cas des domaines cylindriques que nous considérons ici généralise les resultats de [29] dans le cas où la courbure positive dépend de l'angle d'incidence et s'annule dans certaines directions. / In this work, we establish local in time dispersive estimates and its application to Strichartz estimates for solutions of the model case Dirichlet wave equation inside cylindrical convex domains Ω ⊂ R³ with smooth boundary ∂Ω ≠ ∅. Let us recall that dispersive estimates are key ingredients to prove Strichartz estimates. Strichartz estimates for waves inside an arbitrary domain Ω have been proved by Blair, Smith, Sogge [6,7]. Optimal estimates in strictly convex domains have been obtained in [29]. Our case of cylindrical domains is an extension of the result of [29] in the case where the nonnegative curvature radius depends on the incident angle and vanishes in some directions.

Bayesian reference analysis is a method of determining the prior under the Bayesian paradigm. It incorporates as little information as possible from the experiment. Estimation of the ratio of two independent Poisson rates is a common practical problem. In this thesis, the method of reference analysis is applied to derive the posterior distribution of the ratio of two independent Poisson rates, and then to construct point and interval estimates based on the reference posterior. In addition, the Frequentist coverage property of HPD intervals is verified through simulation.

No description available.

This thesis presents a methodology to incorporate reservoir uncertainties and estimate the loss in project value when facility planning decisions are based on erroneous estimates of input variables. We propose a tank model along with integrated asset development model to simulate the concept selection process. The model endogenizes drilling decisions and includes an option to expand. Key decision variables included in the model are number of pre-drill wells, initial facility capacity and number of well slots. Comparison is made between project value derived under erroneous estimates for reserve size and under an alternate hypothesis. The results suggest loss in project value of up to 40% when reservoir estimates are erroneous. Moreover, both optimistic and pessimistic reserve estimates results in a loss in project value. However, loss in project value is bigger when reserve size is underestimated than when it is overestimated. / text

Neste trabalho estendemos os modelos mistos semiparamétricos propostos por Zhang et al. (1998) para uma classe mais geral de modelos, a qual denominamos modelos mistos aditivos semiparamétricos com erros de contornos elípticos. Com essa nova abordagem, flexibilizamos a curtose da distribuição dos erros possibilitando a escolha de distribuições com caudas mais leves ou mais pesadas do que as caudas da distribuição normal padrão. Funções de verossimilhança penalizadas são aplicadas para a obtenção das estimativas de máxima verossimilhança com os respectivos erros padrão aproximados. Essas estimativas, sob erros de caudas pesadas, são robustas no sentido da distância de Mahalanobis contra observações aberrantes. Curvaturas de influência local são obtidas segundo alguns esquemas de perturbação e gráficos de diagnóstico são propostos. Exemplos ilustrativos são apresentados em que ajustes sob erros normais são comparados, através das metodologias de sensibilidade desenvolvidas no trabalho, com ajustes sob erros de contornos elípticos. / In this work we extend the models proposed by Zhang et al. (1998) to a more general class of models, know as semiparametric additive mixed models with elliptical errors in order to allow distributions with heavier or lighter tails than the normal ones. Penalized likelihood equations are applied to derive the maximum likelihood estimates which appear to be robust against outlying observations in the sense of the Mahalanobis distance. In order to study the sensitivity of the penalized estimates under some usual perturbation schemes in the model or data, the local influence curvatures are derived and some diagnostic graphics are proposed. Motivating examples preliminary analyzed under normal errors are reanalyzed under some appropriate elliptical errors. The local influence approach is used to compare the sensitivity of the model estimates.

For over a decade, researchers at Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute (HBOI) have conducted surveys of the bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) population of Indian River Lagoon (IRL) in Florida. I have constructed a 4-stage population model using the statistical program R. The model is used to conduct a viability analysis by analyzing the relationship between birth, calf and adult survival rates. The power analysis compares survey frequency to expected confidence intervals in estimating abundance. The sensitivity analysis shows that the population is most sensitive to changes in adult survival, followed by birth rate and calf survival. The model shows a strong chance of viability over a 50 year time span. The population is vulnerable to long periods of decline if birth, calf or adult survival rates fall below certain thresholds. Overall, the model simulates the future impacts of demographic change, providing a tool for conservation efforts. / Includes bibliography. / Thesis (M.S.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2014. / FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection

by Keung Wing-fai, Frederick. / Thesis (M.B.A.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 1994. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 107-111). / ABSTRACT --- p.i / ACKNOWLEDGMENT --- p.iv / TABLE OF CONTENTS --- p.v / LIST OF TABLES --- p.viii / LIST OF FIGURE --- p.ix / CHAPTER / Chapter I --- INTRODUCTION TO STUDY --- p.1 / State of Art --- p.1 / Objectives of the Study --- p.4 / Methodology --- p.4 / A Model for study --- p.4 / Deductive Method --- p.6 / Inductive Method --- p.8 / Framework of Study --- p.8 / Chapter II --- QUANTITY SURVEYING AS A SERVICE --- p.10 / Introduction --- p.10 / Quantity Surveying in the Surveying Profession --- p.11 / Land Surveying --- p.13 / Quantity Surveying --- p.13 / General Practice Surveying --- p.13 / Building Surveying --- p.14 / Quantity Surveying in the Construction Industry --- p.14 / The Construction Process --- p.14 / Roles of Key Participants in the Construction Process --- p.17 / Relationship of Key Participants in the Construction Process --- p.18 / Principal Services of the Quantity Surveying Profession --- p.21 / Preliminary Cost Advice --- p.21 / Cost Planning --- p.22 / Contracting Methods --- p.22 / Tendering --- p.23 / Valuation of Construction Work --- p.24 / Project Management --- p.24 / Chapter III --- DEVELOPMENT OF THE QUANTITY SURVEYING PROFESSION --- p.25 / Life Cycle Analysis of the Profession --- p.25 / Concept of Product Life Cycle --- p.25 / Concept of Profession --- p.27 / Noel McDonagh and Professor Peter Brandon's Framework --- p.27 / Profession Life Cycle of Quantity Surveying Applications (Services) --- p.28 / Profession Life Cycle of Quantity Surveying Skills --- p.32 / Profession Life Cycle of Quantity Surveying Knowledge --- p.35 / Future Development of the Quantity Surveying Profession --- p.36 / Application of the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) Model to the Quantity Surveying Profession --- p.36 / Application of Ansoff's Product/Market Expansion Grid to the Formulation of Development Strategies for the Quantity Surveying Profession --- p.39 / Sequence of Development of New Services --- p.42 / Chapter IV --- ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS OF THE QUANTITY SURVEYING PROFESSION IN HONG KONG --- p.45 / Economic Environment --- p.45 / Economic Background of Hong Kong --- p.45 / Construction Industry in Hong Kong --- p.47 / Estimation of Private Sector Quantity Surveying Market Size and Profitability of the Quantity Surveying Profession in Hong Kong --- p.48 / Competitive (Immediate) Environment --- p.49 / Competitors --- p.50 / Potential Entrants --- p.52 / Substitutes --- p.53 / Buyers --- p.54 / Suppliers --- p.56 / Conclusions --- p.56 / Chapter V --- EXPLORATION OF OPPORTUNITIES FOR QUANTITY SURVEYING PROFESSION IN THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA --- p.57 / Introduction --- p.57 / Major Factors Affecting Foreign Investment in China --- p.58 / Special Economic Zone --- p.61 / Professional Design Services in China --- p.62 / The Role of Quantity Surveyors in the PRC --- p.63 / Chapter VI --- STRATEGIC CHOICES TO QUANTITY SURVEYING CONSULTANCY FIRMS IN HONG KONG --- p.65 / Segmentation of Market --- p.65 / Market Segmentation by Client Types --- p.66 / Market Segmentation by Work Types --- p.70 / Opportunities and Threats --- p.71 / Levels of Strategies --- p.72 / Literature Review on Strategies --- p.73 / Strategic Directions for Private Sector Quantity Surveying Consultant Firms in Hong Kong --- p.76 / Chapter VII --- RESULTS OF QUESTIONNAIRE TO LOCAL QUANTITY SURVEYING CONSULTANCY FIRMS --- p.87 / Introduction --- p.87 / Collective Results --- p.89 / Characteristic of Firms --- p.89 / Carrying Out of Corporate Planning --- p.90 / Jobs-in-hand and Income Classification --- p.92 / Jobs-in-hand classified according to Work Types --- p.92 / Jobs-in-hand classified according to Client Types --- p.93 / Income classified according to Service Types --- p.93 / Strategic Directions for the Hong Kong Office --- p.94 / Relative Importance of Future Clients --- p.98 / Chapter VIII --- CONCLUSIONS --- p.100 / Strategic Direction of The Quantity Surveying Profession as a Whole in Hong Kong --- p.100 / Strategic Directions of Individual Quantity Surveying Practices in Hong Kong --- p.102 / Summary --- p.105 / REFERENCES --- p.107 / BIBLIOGRAPHY --- p.110 / APPENDIX / Chapter 1. --- "Questionnaire on ""Strategic Management of Quantity Surveying firms in Hong Kong"""

In this thesis we analyse the high-order in time discontinuous Galerkin nite element method (DGFEM) for second-order in time linear abstract wave equations. Our abstract approximation analysis is a generalisation of the approach introduced by Claes Johnson (in Comput. Methods Appl. Mech. Engrg., 107:117-129, 1993), writing the second order problem as a system of fi rst order problems. We consider abstract spatial (time independent) operators, highorder in time basis functions when discretising in time; we also prove approximation results in case of linear constraints, e.g. non-homogeneous boundary data. We take the two steps approximation approach i.e. using high-order in time DGFEM; the discretisation approach in time introduced by D Schötzau (PhD thesis, Swiss Federal institute of technology, Zürich, 1999) to fi rst obtain the semidiscrete scheme and then conformal spatial discretisation to obtain the fully-discrete formulation. We have shown solvability, unconditional stability and conditional a priori error estimates within our abstract framework for the fully discretized problem. The skew-symmetric spatial forms arising in our abstract framework for the semi- and fully-discrete schemes do not full ll the underlying assumptions in D. Schötzau's work. But the semi-discrete and fully discrete forms satisfy an Inf-sup condition, essential for our proofs; in this sense our approach is also a generalisation of D. Schötzau's work. All estimates are given in a norm in space and time which is weaker than the Hilbert norm belonging to our abstract function spaces, a typical complication in evolution problems. To the best of the author's knowledge, with the approximation approach we used, these stability and a priori error estimates with their abstract structure have not been shown before for the abstract variational formulation used in this thesis. Finally we apply our abstract framework to the acoustic and an elasto-dynamic linear equations with non-homogeneous Dirichlet boundary data.