O objetivo deste trabalho foi estudar as principais características do mercado brasileiro de etanol hidratado com a finalidade de avaliar a viabilidade de seu mercado futuro na BVMF-BOVESPA. Para tanto, foram estabelecidos quatro linhas de pesquisa. No primeiro texto é realizada uma abordagem histórica, contemplando os anos iniciais dos primeiros contratos de açúcar e etanol no Brasil, analisando-os também sob uma perspectiva institucional. Constatou-se que o etanol é um produto não perecível e homogêneo considerando o mercado local; no entanto foi verificada a existência de custos de transação, relativa concentração de mercado e a preferência dos agentes em operar em Bolsas internacionais, possuidoras de maior liquidez. O segundo texto abarca o relançamento do contrato de etanol da Bolsa ocorrido em 2010, e da modificação da commodity subjacente, ao contemplar no novo contrato o etanol hidratado em detrimento do anidro. A análise deste texto restringiu-se em critérios mensuráveis e foram avaliados a volatilidade de preços do mercado spot, a correlação de retornos entre os preços spot de etanol e preços futuros de potenciais substitutos, efetividade de hedging e cross-hegding, e o grau de concentração de mercado. Todos os fatores analisados foram favoráveis ao sucesso do mercado futuro de etanol hidratado, exceto o grau de concentração do setor de distribuição, que embora não demonstrou estar em níveis preocupantes, cresceu significativamente ao longo do período analisado. O terceiro texto analisa as relações entre os preços spot e futuros de etanol hidratado no Brasil. Constatou-se que os preços possuem uma relação de equilíbrio de longo prazo, e que os preços do mercado futuro auxiliam na previsão dos preços do mercado spot, bem como os preços do mercado spot ajudam na previsão dos preços do mercado futuro. Verificou-se, no entanto, que os preços futuros possuem um papel limitado na interação com os preços spot, sendo este último responsável pelo processo de descoberta de preços de longo prazo. Por fim, o quarto texto realizou uma pesquisa de campo junto aos agentes comercializadores de etanol localizados nas unidades produtoras, com o objetivo de verificar de maneira qualitativa os principais entraves ao desenvolvimento dos contratos futuros de etanol hidratado na BVMF-BOVESPA. Foram encontrados vários empecilhos, entre os quais se destacam a concorrência com a gasolina, a inadequação do desenho contratual, a possibilidade de maiores ganhos via grupos de comercialização e através de operações na entressafra, o grau de concentração das distribuidoras e a falta de interesse das distribuidoras em operar nos mercados futuros de etanol no Brasil. / The purpose of this text is to study the main characteristics of Brazilian hydrous ethanol in order to assess the viability of its future market at BVMF-BOVESPA. Four lines research are presented. In the first text is made a historical approach which covers the early years of the first sugar and ethanol contracts in Brazil, analyzing them also from an institutional perspective. It was found that ethanol is a non-perishable commodity and homogeneous in the local market context, however were verified the existence of significant transaction costs, some level of market concentration and agents preferences of operate in international benchmark commodities futures. The second text covers the launching of ethanol´s new contract occurred in May 2010 and the substitution of underlying commodity, hydrous ethanol of the expense at anhydrous. The analysis of this text were restricted to measurable criteria, and were assessed volatility of spot prices, correlations of returns between spot and futures prices, hedging and cross-hedging effectiveness, and the degree of market concentration. All factors analyzed were favorable to success of hydrous ethanol future contract, except the degree of market concentration. Although it was not show high levels of concentration, it was increasing consistently over the period. The third paper analyses spot and futures ethanol prices relationship in Brazil. It was found that both prices has a long run equilibrium and futures prices help to predict spot prices, as well spot prices help to predict spot prices. However, were found that futures prices has a limited role on determination of spot prices, and the latter is responsible for price discovery process in the long run. Finally, the fourth text held a field survey with marketing agents located in mills, in order to verify in qualitative terms the main barriers to the development of hydrous ethanol futures markets in Brazil. Several obstacles were found and stand out the competition with gasoline, lack of contract design, the possibility of major profits in spot market through commercialization pools or off-season sales in specific periods, the degree of concentration in hydrous ethanol wholesale industry and lack of interest from distributors industry in operating in Brazilian ethanol futures markets.

Orientador: Paulo Sergio Scarazzato / Dissertação (mestrado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Faculdade de Engenharia Civil, Arquitetura e Urbanismo / Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-23T13:21:03Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Neves_GustavoDuarte_M.pdf: 5576485 bytes, checksum: 9dec07c5babe82849171924bb8f746c9 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2013 / Resumo: A constante procura por eficiência em projetos de iluminação nas edificações tem envolvido os profissionais da construção civil, engenharias e arquitetura em buscar por informações confiáveis que melhor adéquem às inúmeras fontes de iluminação artificial disponíveis. Este estudo, de maneira cronológica, ilustra a evolução da iluminação nas edificações, considerando seus avanços em diferentes períodos da história. Também apresenta dados analíticos sobre a luz e como a fisiologia do olho humano percebe tais fatores. Devido a sua eficiência luminosa, as lâmpadas fluorescentes têm sido constantemente utilizadas em ambientes que necessitam de grande quantidade de fluxo luminoso e baixo consumo de energia elétrica. Desta forma, este estudo explica o princípio de funcionamento das lâmpadas de descarga de baixa pressão, tanto as fluorescentes tubulares quanto as lâmpadas de catodo frio. Embora pertencentes ao mesmo grupo de lâmpadas, há diferenças entre suas características técnicas - o que, por ventura, pode indicar maior ou menor eficiência em sua aplicação. Tais diferenças são fundamentais para que se possa descrevê-las e compará-las quanto a viabilidade econômica de sua aplicação. Assim, o objetivo deste estudo é apresentar o comparativo de dois tipos de lâmpadas de descarga de baixa pressão - as lâmpadas fluorescentes tubulares e as lâmpadas de catodo frio - quanto a sua eficiência e os benefícios da eventual substituição (retrofit), sem que seja prejudicada a qualidade da iluminação para a realização das tarefas pelos usuários das edificações. Com base nos comparativos técnico (das características peculiares destas lâmpadas) e financeiro (investimento, custos de operação e de manutenção dos sistemas de iluminação), foi possível calcular os índices econômicos como Payback, VPL (Valor Presente Líquido) e TIR (Taxa Interna de Retorno), e dessa forma, oferecer argumentos para tomada de decisão do investidor. E, devido ao seu maior tempo de vida útil e baixo consumo de energia elétrica, como resultado, verifica-se a viabilidade econômica para o catodo frio, com emissão do fluxo luminoso equivalente, indicando o retorno sobre o investimento inicial em 3,5 anos, com taxas de retorno de 34,30%, se considerado o período de vida útil da lâmpada / Abstract: The constant search for efficiency in lighting projects on buildings has involved professionals in the construction, engineering and architecture to look for reliable information that best suit the numerous artificial light sources available. This study, chronologically, illustrates the evolution of lighting in buildings, considering its advances in different periods of history. It also presents analytical data on the light and how the physiology of the human eye perceives these factors. Because of its luminous efficiency, fluorescent lamps have been constantly used in environments that require large amount of luminous flux and low power consumption. Thus, this study explains the operation's principle of low pressure discharge lamps, both as tubular fluorescent lamps and cold cathode. Although belonging to the same lamps' group, there are differences between its technical characteristics - which, perchance, may indicate a greater or lesser efficiency in your application. Such differences are fundamental so that you can describe and compare them as economic feasibility of its application. The objective of this study is to present a comparison of two types of low pressure discharge lamps - fluorescent lamps and cold cathode lamps - as its efficiency and benefits of possible replacement (retrofit), without hampering lighting quality for the building users' tasks. Based on technical (the peculiar characteristics of these lamps) and financial comparative (investment, operating costs and lighting systems maintenance), it was possible to calculate economic index as Payback, NPV (Net Present Value) and IRR (Internal Rate of Return), and thus, provide arguments for investor's decision making. And, due to their longer life span and low power consumption, as a result, there is economic feasibility for the cold cathode, with equivalent lumen emission, indicating the return on the initial investment in 3.5 years with rates of return of 34.30%, considered the lamp life span / Mestrado / Arquitetura, Tecnologia e Cidade / Mestre em Arquitetura, Tecnologia e Cidade

Abstract Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has excellent soft tissue contrast, which can be enhanced by different contrast agents, multiplanar imaging capability and high temporal and spatial resolution. Even blood vessels can be easily visualised, and MRI parameters are sensitive to temperature. Therefore, MRI has the greatest potential for guiding and monitoring interventional and surgical procedures. The aim of this study was to design and evaluate new solutions for MR-guided procedures and surgery, to develop the technique and to assess the feasibility of MR-guided nerve root infiltration, bone biopsy and sacroiliac (SI) joint arthrography. The possibilities for versatile use of MR scanners were studied with a setup where an MR scanner with a 0,23 T open magnet was installed in a full-scale operating room (OR) to allow diagnostic MRI examinations, research, radiological interventions and neurosurgical operations to be performed in the same facility. All of the 144 MR-guided radiological interventions and neurosurgical operations performed in Oulu University Hospital between February 1999 and September 2000 were included in the study. The studied setup was a functionally feasible solution for combined neurosurgical and radiological use. To further improve MR-guided interventions, a new user interface was developed and preliminary tested with simulated clinical experiments. The new user interface seemed to be easily adobted by radiologists for interventional procedures. MR-guided nerve root infiltrations were studied by using MRI guidance on 34 consequent patients referred for first sacral root infiltration. Needle placement into the first sacral nerve root sheath was successful in 34 of the 35 (97%) cases, and the average duration of the procedure was 32 minutes. Bone biopsies were performed using a bone biopsy set designed in our institution to be connected to an optical tracking system. The feasibility of this new guiding system was evaluated with biopsies from five different anatomical areas. The bone biopsy system was successfully applied to all patients and provided a safe and accurate guidance method for all phases of the procedure. Twenty patients with low back pain suspected to arise from the SI joint underwent MR-guided SI joint arthrography. The procedure was successfully performed in all cases. The needle guiding with optical tracking inside the soft tissues proved to be accurate enough for successful procedures. In conclusion, versatile use of MR scanners for diagnostic imaging, radiological procedures and neurosurgery is feasible if planned properly. The prototype of a new user interface for MR-guided procedures allows radiologist to fully control the MR-scanner during the procedure. MRI is a suitable and accurate guidance method for musculoskeletal interventions.

Data aggregation is extensively used in data management systems nowadays. Based on a data aggregation taxonomy named DAGGTAX, we propose an analytic process to evaluate the run-time platform and time-related parameters of Data Aggregation Processes (DAP) in a real-time system design, which can help designers to eliminate infeasible design decisions at early stage. The process for data aggregation design and analysis mainly includes the following outlined steps. Firstly, the user needs to specify the variation of the platform and DAP by figuring out the features of the system and time-related parameters respectively. Then, the user can choose one combination of the variations between the features of the platform and DAP, which forms the initial design of the system. Finally, apply the analytic method for feasibility analysis by schedulability analysis techniques. If there are no infeasibilities found in the process, then the design can be finished. Otherwise, the design must be altered from the run-time platform and DAP design stage, and the schedulability analysis will be applied again for the revised design until all the infeasibilities are fixed. In order to help designers to understand and describe the system and do feasibility analysis, we propose a new UML (Unified Modeling Language) profile that extends UML with concepts related to real-time data aggregation design. These extensions aim to accomplish the conceptual modeling of a real-time data aggregation. In addition, the transferring method based on UML profile to transfer the data aggregation design into a task model is proposed as well. In the end of the thesis, a case study, which applies the analytic process to analyze the architecture design of an environmental monitoring sensor network, is presented as a demonstration of our research.

Many different algal species can provide an acceptable protein ingredient, with good digestibility, for shrimp feeds. Compared to fish meal, similar protein, carbohydrate, and lipid levels can be found in select algal species. Traditional shrimp diets in aquaculture rely on fish meal and fish oil from pelagic fish fisheries. A reduction or elimination of these ingredients would reduce the dependency of shrimp aquaculture on offshore fisheries and increase economic competiveness. Biofuel production produces algal by-products of potential use to aquaculturists that might reduce or eliminate the need for fisheries products in shrimp feed. Established uses for by-products from biofuel production include fertilizer for crops, fodder for swine and poultry, and production of methane and alcohol fuels. However, using biofuel production by-products as a protein and carbohydrate source for the Pacific white shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei, has not been investigated. Therefore, a series of feeding experiments were conducted to evaluate if the algae used to produce biofuel could be a suitable main protein source in formulated diets for L. vannamei. The feasibility of substituting biofuel algae by-product for fish meal in the juvenile L. vannamei (0.0306 ± 0.0011 g) diet was evaluated, and an adequate substitution ratio was determined. Eighteen experimental diets were evaluated using 60, 80, and 100% fish meal substitution levels. Chaetoceros calcitrans, Nannochloropsis salina, and Pavlova sp. were chosen as the algae sources as they have potentially high use in biodiesel production due to their high lipid content and each has been included in established larval shrimp aquaculture operations. Each diet varied the level of fish meal substitution (60, 80, or 100%) and either contained dried algal biomass or, alternatively, dried algal biomass with reduced lipid content to simulate algal biomass post-biodiesel production. The diets were compared, relative to their effect on weight gain in juvenile L. vannamei, to each other and to a commercially available diet (CONTROL) and a diet formulated using the ingredients used in all of the experimental diet formulations but without algal biomass (BASAL). The shrimp were held individually in 355-ml Styrofoam cups filled with 200-ml seawater with a salinity of 32 parts per thousand (ppt) salinity under a 12:12 light:dark photoperiod. Water exchange was 90% per day for six days and 100% on the seventh day when weights were taken. Each of the twenty diets was presented daily to seven replicate cups, each cup containing a single shrimp, for six weeks. Food was presented once per day to satiation, which was determined by the shrimp refusing additional feed. Each animal was weighed weekly. After six weeks, the shrimp were harvested and final weights were taken. The analysis of differences between strains, levels, and lipids indicated there was a significant difference between all of the algal-based diets and the control. Overall, significantly better growth rates were observed in the diets with less fish protein replacement. The 60% fish meal replaced diets outperformed the diets that had 80 or 100% fish meal replacement. There were no significant differences in nutritional value among the algal species. Survival rates, from an aquaculture perspective, were acceptable for all treatments (>71%). Results from these studies demonstrated that formulated diets using algal biomass from biodiesel production can be the primary protein source for L. vannamei postlarvae.

This study evaluated the POINTE Program, a manualized behavioral intervention designed for use by dance instructors to improve student dance performance using behavioral coaching procedures. This study consisted of three phases. Phase 1 was a formative evaluation of the POINTE Program, which assessed the technical adequacy of the manual. Feedback from 3 experts in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and 4 dance instructors were used to improve the manual content in this phase. Overall, the experts and instructors viewed the POINTE Program as providing accurate information on the basic ABA backgrounds and suggesting behavioral coaching procedures appropriate for use in a training context to address the needs of dance students although certain terms and procedures needed clarification, and minimizing ABA terms and creating videos were required based on their feedback before conducting Phase 2 evaluation. In Phase 2, the feasibility of the POINTE Program was examined with 4 instructors and their 4 students using a multiple-baseline design and structured individual interviews. The results indicated the dance instructors could assess their target student’s skills, select and implement a coaching procedure with fidelity, and monitor student progress without much difficulty. They suggested the provision of consultation in the form of performance feedback, addition of session scripts, and clarification over certain aspects of the coaching procedures following their use of the program. In the final phase, the potential efficacy of the refined POINTE Program was examined using a multiple-baseline design with 4 instructors and their 4 students, which demonstrated that dance instructors could successfully implement behavioral coaching procedures with a minimal feedback support through the use of POINTE Program components, demonstrating the feasibility and potential efficacy of the use of the POINTE Program by dance instructors to enhance student dance performance.

Abstract This thesis focuses on a systematic assessment of the feasibility and performance of situated crowdsourcing, as well as a basic understanding of the behaviours of its workers. While these aspects have been extensively studied for online and mobile crowdsourcing, this is not the case for situated crowdsourcing mainly due to its relative novelty. Such an assessment is crucial for the development of the crowdsourcing research agenda, so that task requesters and researchers alike can leverage, whenever appropriate, situated technologies for crowdsourcing efforts with more confidence. The key findings of this thesis illustrate how appropriately designed crowdsourcing tasks can perform well even in a complex deployment setting: situated technologies in public spaces. In the articles presented in this thesis, we empirically demonstrate that situated crowdsourcing performance can compete with other means of collecting crowd contributions. While situated technologies have been reported in the past to suffer from credibility and misappropriation issues, one should not forego the use of these technologies for crowdsourcing purposes assuming that the tasks are not haphazardly designed. The thesis also explores the behaviours of situated crowdsourcing workers through in-situ observations, video analysis and longitudinal individual tracking. Towards the end of the thesis, we revisit the research questions put forth in the thesis, and highlight how they were answered. We then discuss the benefits and drawbacks of situated crowdsourcing, and the differences between using non-personal and personal devices for this purpose. In both cases, the decisions made by the task requesters or researchers will ultimately depend on their goals and the task itself. We conclude the thesis by restating the thesis’ research agenda, reflecting on the challenges and opportunities of situated crowdsourcing, and our future work within this area. / Tiivistelmä Tämä väitöskirja keskittyy paikkasidonnaisen joukkoälyn käyttökelpoisuuden sekä tehokkuuden järjestelmälliseen arviointiin. Väitöskirja pyrkii myös ymmärtämään joukkoälyjärjestelmien työntekijöiden käyttäytymistä ohjaavia tekijöitä alustavalla tasolla. Paikkasidonnaisuus on tekijä, jota useimmiten verkossa tai mobiililaitteissa tehtävässä joukkotyötutkimuksessa ei ole mahdollista ymmärtää perusteellisesti. Paikkasidonnaisuus muodostaa kuitenkin elintärkeän osan joukkoälytutkimuksessa, ja sitä hyväksikäyttämällä sekä joukkotyön teettäjät että joukkoälytutkijat voivat soveltuvissa tilanteissa hyödyntää paikkasidonnaisia teknologioita luotettavamman joukkoälytiedon tuottamiseen. Väitöskirjan keskeisimmät löydökset osoittavat kuinka tarkoituksenmukaisesti toteutetut joukkoälytehtävät tuottavat luotettavaa tietoa, jopa monimutkaisissa käyttöympäristöissä kuten paikkasidonnaisia teknologioita hyödyntävissä julkisissa tiloissa. Väitöskirjan artikkelit osoittavat empiirisesti paikkasidoinnaisen joukkoälyn olevan kilpailukykyinen muiden joukkoälyteknologioiden kanssa, vaikka paikkasidonnaisten teknologioiden on aiemmin osoitettu kärsivän uskottavuuden puutteesta sekä väärinkäytöstä. Tämän väitöskirjan löydökset osoittavat, että oikein suunnitellut joukkoälytehtävät sopivat hyvin käytättäväksi kyseisten teknologioiden kautta. Suorituskyvyn sekä tehokkuuden lisäksi väitöskirjassa esitellään empiirisiin havaintoihin, videoanalyysiin, sekä yksilöiden pitkäkestoiseen tutkimukseen pohjautuvia löydöksiä joukkoälytyöntekijöiden käyttäytymismalleista. Väitöskirjan loppuosa käsittelee henkilökohtaisten ja julkisten laitteiden hyötyjä sekä haittapuolia suhteessa paikkasidonnaisten joukkoälyjärjestelmien käyttöön. Löydökset osoittavat, että kummassakin tapauksessa laitetyypin valintaa ohjaavat joukkoälytyön teettäjien tai tutkijoiden asettamat tavoitteet, sekä kyseessä olevat joukkoälytehtävät. Väitöskirjan päätteeksi palataan asetettuihin tutkimuskysymyksiin sekä vastaaviin löydöksiin, ja pohditaan paikkasidonnaisen joukkoälyn tuomia haasteita, mahdollisuuksia sekä tulevaisuuden visioita.

The thesis is focused on feasibility study, which respect subsidy policy Operational Programme ICT and shared services for obtain grant from EU funds. Introduces part of the thesis contains desciption of parts the feasibility study and supporting a grant from Operational Programme Enterprise and Innovations for Competitiveness intended mainly for small and medium-sized enterprises.

This study launches a program of research that targets the unmet mental health needs of children living in urban poverty by infusing evidence-based practices and mental health promotion into peer-mediated recreational activities delivered in community-based after-school programs (ASP). We examined the feasibility and promise of a Peer-Assisted Social Learning (PASL) model to promote social competence among low-income, minority youth. In collaboration with our community partner, we developed and implemented a series of 21 recreational activities designed to generate natural opportunities for peer-facilitated problem solving. Socially skilled children were identified by ASP staff and paired with less-skilled peers to maximize opportunities for social learning and minimize the demands placed on staff. Thirty children at an Experimental site participated in PASL activities, while 31 children at a Comparison ASP participated in recreation-as-usual activities. Five Experimental staff received training and participated in 10 weekly supervision meetings to support PASL implementation. Feasibility was assessed using measures of child and staff attendance, participation, and engagement in PASL, as well as staff adherence to and competence with implementation. Promise was assessed pre- and post-PASL, using measures including staff-reported social skills, children’s problem-solving strategies, and peer reported social standing (i.e., likability ratings, peer nominations, and social network mapping). Strong evidence emerged for fidelity of implementation (adherence, competence) and broader feasibility (attendance, participation, enthusiasm). Promise effects were mixed; children who participated in PASL demonstrated improvements in problem behavior and social skills, but also exhibited increased reliance on aggressive strategies to solve problems and some declines in peer-reported social standing. Implications related to the capacity of ASPs to incorporate evidence-based practices for mental health promotion into natural routines are discussed.

Pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer death in Canada. Significant advancements in chemotherapy for advanced pancreatic cancer have resulted in the need for a quantitative comparison between these treatments on a relative scale. Therefore, a systematic review and Bayesian network meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials was conducted using gemcitabine, the standard treatment, as the reference comparator. Based on results from the network meta-analysis, in which optimal treatments were identified and side effects of each treatment evaluated, an Internet-based patient decision aid was developed in order to present the benefits and risks of each therapy option: (1) Best supportive care (2) gemcitabine (3) FOLFIRINOX. The objective of the decision aid was to guide patients through the decision-making process based on their individual preferences and values. The decision aid was deemed to be acceptable and feasible based on results from a pilot study conducted at The Ottawa Hospital Cancer Centre.