Mémoire numérisé par la Direction des bibliothèques de l'Université de Montréal.

This dissertation consists of two essays: one looks at the relation between firm focus and hedging in the REIT industry, and the other compares bank board structures in China and the US. The first essay presented in Chapter 2 examines the relation between corporate hedging and firm focus in the REIT industry by using a sample of REITs in 2005 and in 2007. We find 46.41% utilization rate in 2005 and 43.41% in 2007. Consistent with our hypothesis, we find that, relative to diversified firms, focused firms are more likely to engage in hedging. Focused firms also tend to be involved in greater amount of hedging. We also document a negative relation between hedging and transparency, although the evidence is not overwhelming. Consistent with previous literature, there is a strong firm size effect. The second essay presented in Chapter 3 examines the relation between bank performance and board structure by using a sample of 74 US banks and 53 Chinese banks for the period 2002 to 2006. Indeed, the empirical relation between board structure and performance is virtually non-existing in China. In particular, for the US sample, the board size is found to be significantly and negatively correlated with ROA, but a larger board also tends to be associated with lower costs. For Chinese banks, the evidence indicates that governance variables are not significantly correlated with performances with the exception of block ownership: there is strong evidence that the relation between block ownership and bank performance is negative. Additionally, we find substantial differences in board structure between the two countries; in particular the average board size and the proportion of outside directors for US banks are almost twice of those in China.

This study contributes to the debate about the importance of focus on form to adult second language acquisition with an investigation of a Portuguese-speaking adult's acquisition of English present perfect from a historical, correlational, and qualitative viewpoint. Using a husband-wife interaction in the L1, it investigates whether explicit grammar instruction and error correction can lead to automatic production. The focus of the study, the distinction between L1 present simple and L2 present perfect, is contrasted with a control distinction: L1 stative and L2 progressive. The importance of these distinctions is that both are semantically challenging for the L2 acquirer; therefore, they might require focus on form. This study argues against claims based on Krashen's input hypothesis that only comprehensible input can promote acquisition and that explicit data and negative evidence only affect performance. The results confirm the importance of noticing (Schmidt and Frota, 1986) as an essential aspect of adult second language acquisition. With a thorough look at the semantics of the present perfect, the study shows that focus on form is highly recommended for the acquisition of complex structures.

This thesis project was carried out at Sandvik Coromant in Västberga, Sweden with the purpose of developing a new laboratory test method for volumetric assessment of crater wear on inserts for steel turning. The test method was developed with the Sandvik Coromant´s existing crater wear measurement method as a starting point. Crater wear is currently measured as the projected area of exposed substrate, meaning where all coating layers have been removed. Based on earlier research on volume wear assessment, a focus variation microscope was selected to carry out 3D scans. To accurately measure the removed volume, an initial reference scan is required to capture individual variations existing on samples. The insert is then scanned after turning and compared with its reference. Factors affecting accuracy as well as possible improvements were identified as: Sample preparation, scan settings (resolution, quality) and data processing (alignment of scans, volume calculation etc.). Guiding alignment markers were created by laser ablation to help with alignment.  CloudCompare software was used to process the scanned 3D point clouds. A step by step routine was developed to ensure consistent results. The repeatability was assessed showing 8% standard deviation in volume for a shallow crater within the coating to 2% for a large crater worn into the substrate. The new method provides the possibility to measure wear while still inside the coating, which has been previously unavailable data. This enables measurement of the contribution of each specific coating layer on the wear resistance such as wear rate of a single layer instead of a combined wear rate for all layers. Detailed coating wear analysis is a valuable tool for development of optimized coatings. The developed wear measurement method was implemented on a case study which demonstrated the capabilities regarding its ability to resolve performance differences in experimental coatings. Additional wear parameters were used beside crater volume to support wear rate analysis and novel ways of representing volume wear parameters were presented.

This study examines the influence of various facets of perceived risk on the attitudes toward really new services (RNS) and adoption intentions. Although there is considerable research examining perceived risk and consumer adoption of innovations, three aspects of the relationship have been neglected. First, much of the research on really new innovations is product-focused with little attention to services. Second, there is limited research examining perceived risk as a multidimensional construct. Third, consumer characteristics that affect the relationship between perceived risks and adoption intentions have not been included in most of the innovation studies. Thus, this study seeks to provide answers to the questions of “which types of perceived risk are more likely to affect adoption intentions of RNS?” and “which consumer characteristics affect the relationship between perceived risks and adoption intentions of RNS?”. The findings of the study show the influence of perceived risk in the service innovations area. We contribute to theory and practice by identifying the specific risks that cause consumers to resist adopting RNS as well as showing the explanatory power of Regulatory Focus Theory (RFT) to understand why consumers react differently when they encounter service innovations. / Includes bibliography. / Dissertation (Ph.D.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2017. / FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection

O objetivo deste estudo transversal foi a aplicação do enfoque de risco de acordo com a metodologia proposta pela Organização Mundial da Saúde em uma favela com alta mobilização social e organização comunitária, na zona leste do município de São Paulo. Foram identificadas familias (n=458) que possuiam crianças abaixo de cinco anos de idade (n=694), homogeneamente distribuidas entre sexo e faixa etária. A realização de entrevistas com as mães e tomada de medidas antropométricas das crianças permitiram identificar os fatores de risco e a desnutrição proteico-calórica (D.P.C.). A comunidade foi caracterizada em termos dos perfis do meio ambiente, da família, da mãe e da criança. A prevalência encontrada utilizando-se a classificação de Gomez, foi de 70,3 por cento eutróficos, 25,6 por cento desnutridos de I grau; 3,4 por cento desnutridos de II grau; e 0,6 por cento de III grau. Para o diagnóstico da desnutrição optou-se pelo padrão de referência NCHS, adotando-se o percentil 10 como nivel crítico e o indicador para peso/idade ( 19,7 por cento da população total). As 60 variáveis independentes identificadas foram analisadas considerando-se as categorias de \"risco\" e \"não risco\" para desnutrição. Foram selecionadas 17 variáveis estatisticamente associadas por meio do teste x2 (p<0.05) e Odds-Ratio. Os fatores de risco que compuseram a escala foram: água de torneira para beber, presença de chuveiro e de descarga na bacia, tamanho da família, número de cômodos na casa, presença de geladeira e de liquidificador, baixo peso ao nascer, morbidade e tipos de morbidade, diarréia, assistência médica, paridade, estado civil, suplementação alimentar, idade da mãe e pré-natal. Para alguns fatores de risco clássicos, como aleitamento materno, não ficou evidenciada a associação significante nesta comunidade de estudo. As variáveis da categoria risco que estatisticamente estavam associadas à desnutrição foram agrupadas e constituíram Escala de Risco, com faixas estatisticamente definidas, estabelecendo-se pontos de corte nas faixas, com base na validade por meio de modelo de regressão logística. Os achados demonstraram que esta escala é indicada pois foi desenvolvida baseada em dados reais da comunidade, com sensibilidade=85,606060 por cento e especificidade=31,760435 por cento . Concluiu-se que a referida escala pode ser usada pela comunidade e pelos serviços locais de saúde no combate conjunto a desnutrição. / The aim of this transversal study was to apply the nutritional approach, based on the World Health Organization risk approach methodology, on an slum in the east side of São Paulo city. From the slum, a highly organized community, were selected families (n=458) with children under five years old (n=694), with uniform sex and age distribution. The interviews with the mothers and the anthropometry measurements allowed the identification of the risk factors (independent variables) and the protein-energy malnutrition (dependent variable). The community was characterized in terms of environment, family/mother and children profiles. The adoption of Gomez-type nutrition classification presented prevalence of 70.3 per cent standard; 25.6 per cent first degree malnutrition; 3.4 per cent second degree malnutrition and 0.6 per cent third degree malnutrition. The malnutrition diagnosis used the NCHS - National Center for Health Statistics percentiles, adopting the 10th percentile as the critical level and the weight-for-age index (19.7 per cent of the total population). From the 60 independent variables analyzed as \"risk\" and \"no risk\" categories for the malnutrition, 17 were selected through the testing for significance -x2- p<0.05 as well as it was applied the Odds-Ratio to evaluate the strength of the association. The 17 risk factors that composed the risk scale were: drinking water; existing blender and refrigerator; shower and flush; family size; dwelling number of room; birth weight; morbidity and kinds of morbidity; diarrhoea; parity; marital status; medical assistance; nutritional supplementation; mother\'s age; and prenatal. Some classic risk factors, such as breast feeding, didn\' t present significance for the studied community. The risk scale was statistically defined in zones, establishing cut points based on the validity through multiple regression model. The findings showed that this scale is indicated because it was carried out based on actual community data, with sensibility = 85.606060 per cent and specifieity = 31.760435 per cent . In conel usion, is suggested the use of the scale in the community and by the local health services for joint action against the malnutrition.

A pesquisa em foco propõe o estudo e a análise crítico-literária da obra A mãe de Máximo Górki, considerada geralmente como matriz do Realismo Socialista. Aborda-se o romance a partir de um viés estético, que entrelaça forma e conteúdo. Objetiva-se apreender a organização de idéias e seu conteúdo por meio do desvelamento de sua composição romanesca, esquadrinhando os procedimentos e mecanismos artísticos utilizados pelo autor na estruturação interna de sua obra. Dentre esses procedimentos, é de importância substancial o modo de construção narrativa, que entrelaça narrador, foco narrativo e o narrado, de maneira peculiar. Como sabemos, é o ponto de vista do narrador que organiza a narrativa, espacial e temporalmente. No romance de Górki, essa parece ser justamente a problemática central, chave de entrada para uma compreensão mais completa da obra. O romance possui um narrador em terceira pessoa, o que pressuporia um foco narrativo com o máximo de onisciência possível. Contudo, Górki na posição de criador optou por reduzir essa onisciência em favor de um foco narrativo que não é o do narrador neutro e onisciente, mas de uma personagem que participa do narrado a mãe. É exatamente nesse jogo e é nele que a análise penetra que se encontra a complexidade artística de A mãe, cuja aparência se apresenta em forma simples. Fosse apenas uma defesa apaixonada do movimento socialista substrato da obra , talvez Górki tivesse escolhido narrar tudo do ponto de vista do filho, enaltecendo ainda mais a figura de um herói. Todavia, seus objetivos tanto artísticos, quanto sociais estão para, além disso. A opção de foco narrativo realizada por Górki demonstra também uma intenção do autor de atingir uma camada popular de leitores, conclusão última a que a pesquisa chega. / The research proposes to focus the study and analysis of literary-critical work The mother by Maxim Gorky, generally regarded as the matrix of Socialist Realism. Addressing to the novel from a bias aesthetic form and content interweaving. The objective was to seize the organization of ideas and content through the unveiling of his novelistic composition, scanning the art procedures and mechanisms used by the author in the internal structure of his work. Among these procedures, is of substantial importance of how to construct narrative that interweaves the narrator, narrative focus and narrated in a peculiar way. As we know, is the narrator\'s point of view that organizes the narrative space and time. In Gorky\'s novel, this seems to be precisely the central issue, key input for a more complete understanding of the work. The novel has a narrator in third person, which imply a narrative focus of omniscience with the maximum possible. However, Gorky - on the creator - has opted to reduce the omniscience in favor of a narrative focus that is not neutral and the omniscient narrator, but a character who participates in the narrated the mother. This is exactly the game and that\'s where the penetrating analysis which is the complexity of artistic The mother, whose appearance is presented in a simple manner. It was just a passionate defense of the socialist movement the substrate of the work perhaps Gorky had chosen to recount everything from the point of view of the child, further enhances the figure of a hero. However, your goals - both artistic and social - are beyond that. The choice of narrative focus held by Gorky also demonstrates an author\'s intention to achieve a layer of popular readers, last conclusion to get that research.

This thesis presents a comprehensive study of the Japanese double-ga construction and offers an explanation as to why the Japanese double-ga construction does not allow scrambling. In chapter 2, the particle-ga and the particle-wa are defined as the focus marker and the topic marker respectively. The different shades of meaning that both particles have are also explained. Chapter 3 illustrates the Japanese double -ga construction. Chapter 4 deals with the impossibility of scrambling in the double-particle constructions. A strong parallelism is shown between the double-ga construction and the double-wa construction. The claim is that there are three "pragmatic slots" that the particle-ga and -wa can occupy in the sentence. The rigid-fixed-order of these three slots contributes to the prohibition of scrambling.

Diplomová práce se zabývá tématikou využití mužů a žen v televizní reklamě. V teoretické části jsou vymezeny pojmy jako marketingová komunikace, reklama, rámcově problematika genderu a jsou zde uvedeny výsledky výzkumů společností Median a Factum Invenio. Po teoretické části následuje obsahová analýza televizních reklam a focus group. Završením práce je porovnání výsledků získaných uvedenými metodami a vyvození závěrů.

A pesquisa em foco propõe o estudo e a análise crítico-literária da obra A mãe de Máximo Górki, considerada geralmente como matriz do Realismo Socialista. Aborda-se o romance a partir de um viés estético, que entrelaça forma e conteúdo. Objetiva-se apreender a organização de idéias e seu conteúdo por meio do desvelamento de sua composição romanesca, esquadrinhando os procedimentos e mecanismos artísticos utilizados pelo autor na estruturação interna de sua obra. Dentre esses procedimentos, é de importância substancial o modo de construção narrativa, que entrelaça narrador, foco narrativo e o narrado, de maneira peculiar. Como sabemos, é o ponto de vista do narrador que organiza a narrativa, espacial e temporalmente. No romance de Górki, essa parece ser justamente a problemática central, chave de entrada para uma compreensão mais completa da obra. O romance possui um narrador em terceira pessoa, o que pressuporia um foco narrativo com o máximo de onisciência possível. Contudo, Górki na posição de criador optou por reduzir essa onisciência em favor de um foco narrativo que não é o do narrador neutro e onisciente, mas de uma personagem que participa do narrado a mãe. É exatamente nesse jogo e é nele que a análise penetra que se encontra a complexidade artística de A mãe, cuja aparência se apresenta em forma simples. Fosse apenas uma defesa apaixonada do movimento socialista substrato da obra , talvez Górki tivesse escolhido narrar tudo do ponto de vista do filho, enaltecendo ainda mais a figura de um herói. Todavia, seus objetivos tanto artísticos, quanto sociais estão para, além disso. A opção de foco narrativo realizada por Górki demonstra também uma intenção do autor de atingir uma camada popular de leitores, conclusão última a que a pesquisa chega. / The research proposes to focus the study and analysis of literary-critical work The mother by Maxim Gorky, generally regarded as the matrix of Socialist Realism. Addressing to the novel from a bias aesthetic form and content interweaving. The objective was to seize the organization of ideas and content through the unveiling of his novelistic composition, scanning the art procedures and mechanisms used by the author in the internal structure of his work. Among these procedures, is of substantial importance of how to construct narrative that interweaves the narrator, narrative focus and narrated in a peculiar way. As we know, is the narrator\'s point of view that organizes the narrative space and time. In Gorky\'s novel, this seems to be precisely the central issue, key input for a more complete understanding of the work. The novel has a narrator in third person, which imply a narrative focus of omniscience with the maximum possible. However, Gorky - on the creator - has opted to reduce the omniscience in favor of a narrative focus that is not neutral and the omniscient narrator, but a character who participates in the narrated the mother. This is exactly the game and that\'s where the penetrating analysis which is the complexity of artistic The mother, whose appearance is presented in a simple manner. It was just a passionate defense of the socialist movement the substrate of the work perhaps Gorky had chosen to recount everything from the point of view of the child, further enhances the figure of a hero. However, your goals - both artistic and social - are beyond that. The choice of narrative focus held by Gorky also demonstrates an author\'s intention to achieve a layer of popular readers, last conclusion to get that research.