Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited / In the past ten years reliable high-speed satellite systems have pushed slower less reliable communication systems to the bottom of the list for development programs. Concern over reduced budgets, vulnerability of expensive satellite systems, and recent advances in HF technology are creating new interest in upgrading existing HF communication systems. Nondevelopment Items (NDI) are defined as the use of off-the-shelf commercial items instead of costly, time-consuming conventional research and development programs. The Navy Department's current policies are designed to insure the maximum use of NDI to fulfill Navy requirements. The speed of HF systems can be improved using current signaling and modulation techniques, and reliability can be increased by error-correcting codes or error detection used in conjunction with automatic repeat request (ARQ) schemes. Improved HF systems not only provide survivable back-up capability, but increased capacity for present communication needs. / http://archive.org/details/longhaulcommunic00elli / Lieutenant, United States Navy

With the emergence of the Internet of Things (IoT), wireless body area networks (WBANs) are becoming increasingly pervasive in everyday life. Most WBANs are currently working at the IEEE 802.15.4 Zigbee standard. However there are growing interests to investigate the performance of BANs operating at higher frequencies (e.g. millimetre-wave band), due to the advantages offered compared to those operating at lower microwave frequencies. This thesis aims to realise printed conductive traces on flexible substrates, targeted for high frequency wearable electronics applications. Specifically, investigations were performed in the areas pertaining to the surface modification of substrates and the electrical performance of printed interconnects. Firstly, a novel methodology was proposed to characterise the dielectric properties of a non-woven fabric (Tyvek) up to 20 GHz. This approach utilised electromagnetic (EM) simulation to improve the analytical equations based on transmission line structures, in order to improve the accuracy of the conductor loss values in the gigahertz range. To reduce the substrate roughness, an UV-curable insulator was used to form a planarisation layer on a non-porous substrate via inkjet printing. The results obtained demonstrated the importance of matching the surface energy of the substrate to the ink to minimise the ink de-wetting phenomenon, which was possible within the parameters of heating the platen. Furthermore, the substrate surface roughness was observed to affect the printed line width significantly, and a surface roughness factor was introduced in the equation of Smith et al. to predict the printed line width on a substrate with non-negligible surface roughness (Ra ≤ 1 μm). Silver ink de-wetting was observed when overprinting silver onto the UV-cured insulator, and studies were performed to investigate the conditions for achieving electrically conductive traces using commercial ink formulations, where the curing equipment may be non-optimal. In particular, different techniques were used to characterise the samples at different stages in order to evaluate the surface properties and printability, and to ascertain if measurable resistances could be predicted. Following the results obtained, it was demonstrated that measurable resistance could be obtained for samples cured under an ambient atmosphere, which was verified on Tyvek samples. Lastly, a methodology was proposed to model for the non-ideal characteristics of printed transmission lines to predict the high frequency electrical performance of those structures. The methodology was validated on transmission line structures of different lengths up to 30 GHz, where a good correlation was obtained between simulation and measurement results. Furthermore, the results obtained demonstrate the significance of the paste levelling effect on the extracted DC conductivity values, and the need for accurate DC conductivity values in the modelling of printed interconnects.

Cette thèse est consacrée à l'étude de quelques régimes asymptotiques de l'équation de Schrödinger semi-classique, en présence d'une non-linéarité non-locale de type Hartree. Elle comporte 3 parties, sous forme de 4 chapitres et une annexe. L'objet de la première partie, constituée du premier et deuxième chapitre, est l'étude du comportement asymptotique du modèle précédent pour un noyau singulier autour de l'origine, pour une condition initiale asymptotiquement de type WKB, en régime faiblement non-linéaire. Dans le premier chapitre nous montrons que sous certaines conditions de régularité sur la condition initiale, la solution est encore de type WKB à l'ordre principal, un résultat que nous obtenons dans le cadre fonctionnel de l'algèbre de Wiener. Nous donnons une preuve alternative au résultat précédent dans le cas particulier de l'équation de Schrödinger-Poisson dans le cadre fonctionnel d'espace de Sobolev rescalé, où la considération de correcteurs est nécessaire pour construire une solution approchée et pouvoir décrire la solution à l'ordre principal. La deuxième partie de cette thèse, objet du troisième chapitre, est consacrée à l'étude de la propagation de paquets d'onde pour un système couplé d'équations de Hartree en régime semi-classique, en présence de potentiels extérieurs sous-quadratiques. Nous décrivons analytiquement et numériquement le comportement asymptotique à l'ordre principal des fonctions d'onde solution du système, lorsqu'elles sont soumises à une condition initiale en forme de paquets d'onde, pour différentes tailles de non-linéarité. La dernière partie est constituée du quatrième chapitre et de l'annexe. Dans le quatrième chapitre nous considérons le problème de Cauchy de l'équation de Hartree avec noyau homogène ou dont la transformée de Fourier est dans un espace de Lebesgue, dans le cadre fonctionnel de l'algèbre de Wiener. Nous montrons quelques résultats sur le caractère bien posé du problème pour les noyaux considérés, dans des espaces faisant intervenir l'algèbre de Wiener. Nous concluons par une annexe dans laquelle nous considérons le problème de Cauchy de l'équation de Schrödinger-Poisson, en présence d'un potentiel extérieur indépendant du temps, dans les espaces de Sobolev pondérés. Nous étendons des résultats déjà obtenus sur l'existence de solutions globales dans les espaces de Sobolev sans poids lorsque le potentiel extérieur est nul, en montrant l'existence de solutions globales en temps dans les espaces de Sobolev pondérés pour toute régularité. / This thesis is devoted to the study of some asymptotic regimes of the semi-classical Schrödinger equation, in the presence of a nonlocal nonlinearity of Hartree-type . The purpose of the first part, consisting of the first and second chapter is the study of the asymptotic behavior of the previous model with a singular kernel around the origin for an initial data asymptotically of WKB-type, in a weakly nonlinear regime. In the first chapter we show that under some regularity conditions on the initial data, the solution still is of WKB-type at leading order, a result that we get in the functional framework of the Wiener algebra . We give an alternative proof to the previous result in the particular case of the Schrödinger-Poisson equation in the functional framework of rescaled Sobolev space, where the consideration of correctors is necessary to construct an approximate solution to describe the solution at leading order.The second part of this thesis, the subject of the third chapter is devoted to the study the propagation of wave packets for a coupled system of Hartree equations in a semi-classical regime , in the presence of sub-quadratic external potentials. We describe analytically and numerically the asymptotic behavior of the leading order of the wave functions solution of the system, for an initial data in the form of wave packets for different sizes of nonlinearity.The final part consists of the fourth chapter and appendix.In the fourth chapter we consider the Cauchy problem of the Hartree equation with a homogeneous kernel or of Fourier transform in a Lebesgue space, in the functional framework of the Wiener algebra. We show some results on the well-posedness of the problem for the considered kernels, in spaces involving the Wiener algebra.We conclude with an appendix in which we consider the Cauchy problem for the Schrödinger-Poisson equation in the presence of a time independent external potential in the weighted Sobolev spaces. We extend the results already obtained on the existence of global solutions in Sobolev spaces without weight when the external potential is reduced to zero, by showing the existence of global solutions in time in the weighted Sobolev spaces for all regularity.

In this thesis, we inquire interdependencies and comovements between CEE capital markets within each other. German market is also included in the analysis as a benchmark to CEE capital markets. We have chosen German capital market as it represents more developed market from the same geographical region. We study a unique high-frequency dataset of 5 minutes, 30 minutes and 1 hour data frequencies covering the the crisis period and post-crisis "tranquil" period. Daily data frequency is also involved in the analysis. Using different econometric techniques, we found no steady long-term relationships among stock market indices. The only strong relationship was detected between the DAX and WIG20 indices during both crisis and "tranquil" periods. The frequency of interactions changed across periods. The strongest interdependencies were recognized in 5 minute data frequency which indicates fast reactions between markets. Information inefficiency was revealed between markets according to cointegration tests in most cases.

This work combines discrete and continuous methods while modeling connect- edness of financial tick data. As discrete method we are using vector autore- gression. For continuous domain Hawkes process is used, which is special case of point process. We found out that financial assets are connected in non- symmetrical fashion. By using two methodologies we were able to model bet- ter how are the series connected. We confirmed existence of price leader in our three stock portfolio and modeled connectedness of jumps between stocks. As conclusion we state that both methods yields important results about price nature on the market and should be used together or at least with awareness of second approach. JEL Classification C32, G11, G14 Keywords Vector Autoregression, Hawkes process, High- frequency analysis, Connectedness Author's e-mail petr.petras@email.cz Supervisor's e-mail krehlik@utia.cas.cz

Doctor Educationis / Ototoxic induced hearing loss is a common adverse event related to aminoglycosides used in Multi Drug Resistant -Tuberculosis treatment. Exposure to ototoxic drugs damages the structures of the inner ear. Symptomatic hearing loss presents as tinnitus, decreased hearing, a blocked sensation, difficulty understanding speech, and perception of fluctuating hearing, dizziness and hyperacusis/recruitment. The World Health Organization (1995) indicated that most cases of ototoxic hearing loss globally could be attributed to treatment with aminoglycosides. The aim of the study was to determine the proportion of DR-TB patients initiated on treatment at three decentralized sites during a defined period (1st October to 31st December 2015) who developed ototoxic induced hearing loss and the corresponding risk factors, whilst receiving audiological monitoring with an extended high frequency audiometer (KUDUwave). A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted. Cumulatively across the three decentralized sites, 69 patient records were reviewed that met the inclusion criteria of the study. The mean age of the patients was 36.1, with a standard deviation (SD) of 10.7 years; more than half (37) were female. Ototoxicity , a threshold shift, placing patients at risk of developing a hearing loss was detected in 56.5% (n=39)of patients and not detected in 30.4%(n=21).The remaining 13,1% (n=9)is missing data. As a result, the regimen was adjusted in 36.2% of patients. . From the 53 patients who were tested for hearing loss post completion of the injectable phase of treatment, 22.6% (n=12) had normal hearing, 17.0 % (n=9) had unilateral hearing loss, and 60.4% (n=32) had bilateral hearing loss. Therefore, a total of 41 patients had a degree of hearing loss: over 30% (n=22)had mild to moderate hearing loss, and only about 15% (n=11)had severe to profound hearing loss. Analysis of risk factors showed that having ototoxicity detected and not adjusting regimen significantly increases the risk of patients developing a hearing loss. The key findings of the study have shown that a significant proportion of DR-TB patients receiving an aminoglycoside based regimen are at risk of developing ototoxic induced hearing loss, despite receiving audiological monitoring with an extended high frequency audiometer that allows for early detection of ototoxicity (threshold shift).

The primary aim of the research was to describe hearing function in a group of children with chronic renal dysfunction receiving treatment in an academic hospital in Johannesburg, South Africa. Specific objectives in the study were to determine the prevalence of hearing loss in paediatric patients with chronic renal dysfunction; to describe the type, degree and configuration of the hearing loss; and to establish if there was a relationship between the presenting hearing loss and the severity of renal dysfunction, the different treatment regimens, duration of renal dysfunction, and the duration of treatment. One hundred children between the ages five -18 years participated in the study and comprised 65 males and 35 females. The mean age of the participants was 11.68 years. A cross-sectional, descriptive, quantitative research design was employed. All participants underwent a case history interview and a full audiological examination which included an otoscopic examination, immittance testing (tympanometry and ipsilateral acoustic reflex testing), pure tone audiometry including extended high frequency testing up to 16 kilohertz as well as diagnostic distortion product otoacoustic emission testing. A record review was also done. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse the collected data. Inferential statistics included parametric measures using multiple regression measures as well as non parametric measures using the Kruskal-Wallis statistical analysis. Results revealed that there was a high prevalence of hearing loss in children with chronic renal dysfunction. Results from the extended high frequency pure tone testing as well as the diagnostic distortion product testing revealed that the most common hearing loss was a low and high to ultrahigh frequency mild sensorineural hearing loss. The study showed that there was no relationship between the severity of hearing loss and the severity of renal dysfunction, or the duration of renal dysfunction and the duration of treatment. However, the study showed that there was a relationship between the severity of hearing loss and certain treatments, that is, v haemodialysis and the use of ototoxic medication such as loop diuretics, tuberculosis medication, and antimalarial medication. As the potential to miss hearing loss in this population is high, the research highlighted the importance of extended high frequency audiometry as well as diagnostic distortion product otoacoustic emission testing for the use of ototoxic monitoring in patients with chronic renal dysfunction. The research also highlighted the need for further research in this area as well as the need for educating medical personnel and caregivers working with children with chronic renal disease.

Atualmente, o circuito de moagem da Votorantim Metais Zinco Morro Agudo (VMZMA) inclui dois moinhos de bolas com capacidade combinada média de 145 t/h, sendo 95 t/h processadas na Linha 1 e 50 t/h na Linha 2. A alimentação de ambas as linhas provém de uma única pilha pulmão, formada pela fração passante em peneira de 10 mm, resultante dos estágios de britagem. As duas linhas de moagem operam de forma independente, cada uma sob circuito fechado com as respectivas baterias de ciclones de 10 polegadas de diâmetro. O produto nominal do circuito deve apresentar 75% passantes na malha 44 m. A operação atual do circuito apresenta carga circulante elevada, da ordem de 400%, bem como eventos regulares de curto-circuito (by-pass) de grossos para o overflow dos ciclones, o que resulta em produto mais grosso do que o estipulado para a moagem. Com o intuito de analisar a eficiência de moagem foram realizadas campanhas de amostragem no circuito industrial da VMZMA, cujo resultado apontou para um melhor desempenho de um dos moinhos. Os dados obtidos por meio das amostragens e de caracterização tecnológica serviram de base para a calibração dos modelos matemáticos dos equipamentos de processo. Simulações indicaram potencial elevado de aumento de capacidade do circuito mediante o emprego de peneiras de alta frequência em substituição ou combinação com ciclones existentes. Recomenda-se avaliar o potencial de melhoria de desempenho metalúrgico no processo de flotação de produtos de peneiramento, ante a produtos de ciclones. / Votorantim Metais Zinco Morro Agudo (VMZMA) grinding circuit has a combined capacity of 145 t/h i.e. 95 t\\h in Line 1 and 50 t/h in Line 2. The feed comprises crushed 10 mm obtained in a three-staged crushing circuit. The two ball mills operate in independent parallel lines configured in a closed circuit with 10 inch cyclones, resulting in a 75% passing in 0.044 mm nominal products. The operation shows a high recirculating load (~400%), as well as frequent oversize by pass to the products, which results in a relatively coarse product. Survey campaigns were conducted in the grinding circuit for assessing its overall performance, as well as for fitting the corresponding mathematical models. The results indicated a better performance associated with one of the two existing ball mill lines. The simulations indicate a high potential for increasing the circuit throughput by introducing high frequency screens in substitution or in combination with the existing cyclones. Further studies were recommended for assessing the metallurgical performance associated with the product, as compared with cyclone products.

Neste trabalho realizamos um amplo estudo de simulação com o objetivo principal de avaliar o desempenho de carteiras de mínima variância global construídas com base em modelos de previsão da volatilidade que utilizam dados de alta frequência (em comparação a dados diários). O estudo é baseado em um abrangente conjunto de dados financeiros, compreendendo 41 ações listadas na BM&FBOVESPA entre 2009 e 2017. Nós avaliamos modelos de previsão de volatilidade que são inspirados na literatura ARCH, mas que também incluem medidas realizadas. Eles são os modelos GARCH-X, HEAVY e Realized GARCH. Seu desempenho é comparado com o de carteiras construídas com base na matriz de covariância amostral, métodos de encolhimento e DCC-GARCH, bem como com a carteira igualmente ponderada e o índice Ibovespa. Uma vez que a natureza do trabalho é multivariada, e a fim de possibilitar a estimação de matrizes de covariância de grandes dimensões, recorremos à especificação DCC. Utilizamos três frequências de rebalanceamento (diária, semanal e mensal) e quatro conjuntos diferentes de restrições sobre os pesos das carteiras. A avaliação de desempenho baseia-se em medidas econômicas tais como retornos anualizados, volatilidade anualizada, razão de Sharpe, máximo drawdown, Valor em Risco, Valor em Risco condicional e turnover. Como conclusão, para o nosso conjunto de dados o uso de retornos intradiários (amostrados a cada 5 e 10 minutos) não melhora o desempenho das carteiras de mínima variância global. / In this work we perform an extensive backtesting study targeting as a main goal to assess the performance of global minimum variance (GMV) portfolios built on volatility forecasting models that make use of high frequency (compared to daily) data. The study is based on a broad intradaily financial dataset comprising 41 assets listed on the BM&FBOVESPA from 2009 to 2017. We evaluate volatility forecasting models that are inspired by the ARCH literature, but also include realized measures. They are the GARCH-X, the High-Frequency Based Volatility (HEAVY) and the Realized GARCH models. Their perfomances are benchmarked against portfolios built on the sample covariance matrix, covariance matrix shrinkage methods, DCC-GARCH as well as the naive (equally weighted) portfolio and the Ibovespa index. Since the nature of this work is multivariate and in order to make possible the estimation of large covariance matrices, we resort to the Dynamic Conditional Correlation (DCC) specification. We use three different rebalancing schemes (daily, weekly and monthly) and four different sets of constraints on portfolio weights. The performance assessment relies on economic measures such as annualized portfolio returns, annualized volatility, Sharpe ratio, maximum drawdown, Value at Risk, Expected Shortfall and turnover. We also account for transaction costs. As a conclusion, for our dataset the use of intradaily returns (sampled every 5 and 10 minutes) does not enhance the performance of GMV portfolios.

Para verificar a contribuição da audiometria em altas freqüências (9 a 20 kHz) e das emissões otoacústicas - produto de distorção para a identificação de alterações auditivas em indivíduos com desordem pigmentar do tipo vitiligo, 30 indivíduos portadores de vitiligo foram avaliados audiologicamente, e comparados a um grupo controle. Tanto para as altas freqüências (9 a 20 kHz) como para as emissões otoacústicas foram observadas diferenças significantes entre os grupos, que não foram evidenciadas na audiometria convencional (0,25 a 8 kHz). Os resultados sugerem prejuízo nas funções auditivas para o grupo com desordem pigmentar do tipo vitiligo. / In order to verify the contribution of the high frequency audiometry (9 to 20 kHz) and distortion product- otoacoustic emissions for the identification of auditory impairments in individuals with pigmentary disorder type vitiligo, 30 individuals with vitiligo were evaluated, and compared with a control group. As much for the high frequencies (9 the 20 kHz) as for the otoacoustic emissions, significant differences were observed between the groups, that were not evidenced in the conventional audiometry (0,25 the 8 kHz). The results suggest damage in the auditory functions for the group with pigmentary disorder type vitiligo