<p>An entity capable of assessing its and others action capabilities possess the power to predict how the involved entities may change their world. Through this knowledge and higher level of situation awareness, the assessing entity may choose the actions that have the most suitable effect, resulting in that entity’s desired world state.</p><p>This thesis covers aspects and concepts of an arbitrary planning system and presents a threat analyzer architecture built on the novel planning system Goal-Oriented Action Planning (GOAP). This planning system has been suggested for an application for improved missile route planning and targeting, as well as being applied in contemporary computer games such as F.E.A.R. – First Encounter Assault Recon and S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow of Chernobyl. The GOAP architecture realized in this project is utilized by two agents that perform action planning to reach their desired world states. One of the agents employs a modified GOAP planner used as a threat analyzer in order to determine what threat level the adversary agent constitutes. This project does also introduce a conceptual schema of a general planning system that considers orders, doctrine and style; as well as a schema depicting an agent system using a blackboard in conjunction with the OODA-loop.</p>

[pt] Apesar do acentuado crescimento do uso de dispositivos móveis no contexto de viagens, muitas lacunas de pesquisa ainda estão presentes. A tese se propõe a medir a influência dos traços de personalidade (introversão, abertura a experiências, instabilidade emocional, necessidade de excitação) sobre os construtos dos modelos de aceitação de tecnologia (utilidade percebida, facilidade percebida de uso, confiança e risco percebidos), além da conectividade ubíqua percebida. Buscou-se também verificar os possíveis efeitos de moderação das gerações sobre algums relações do modelo proposto com equações estruturais. Uma fase qualitativa exploratória foi conduzida com 15 entrevistados, que forneceram indicações para composição de uma survey aplicada a 912 respondentes. Na amostra da geração X (N igual a 587), a abertura a experiências apresentou efeito significativo sobre a utilidade utilidade percebida e risco. Já a necessidade de excitação apresentou efeito significativo sobre a confiança. Tanto a utilidade apresentou efeito significativo sobre a atitude, quanto também a facilidade de uso, a confiança e a conectividade ubíqua percebida. A conectividade ubíqua percebida também apresentou efeito significativo sobre a utilidade e sobre a facilidade de uso percebida. Já a atitude apresentou efeito significativo sobre a intenção de compra. Como resultados da amostra da geração Y (N igual a 312), dos traços de personalidade, apenas a necessidade de excitação apresentou efeito significativo sobre a confiança. Semelhante à amostra da geração X, tanto a utilidade apresentou efeito significativo sobre a atitude, quanto também sobre a facilidade de uso e confiança. Na geração Y, a conectividade ubíqua percebida também apresentou efeito significativo sobre a utilidade e sobre a facilidade de uso percebida, assim como a atitude apresentou efeito significativo sobre a intenção de compra. Foi verificado efeito moderador significativo das gerações sobre algumas das relações propostas no modelo principal e nos modelos alternativos. Os traços de personalidade não se mostraram como antecedentes tão cruciais para se prever relações com os construtos de adoção de tecnologia (facilidade de uso, utilidade confiança e risco), atitude e intenção de compra. No entanto a conectividade ubíqua e o efeito das gerações sobre alguns elementos da compra via dispositivos móveis, parecem ser elementos importante para serem incluídos em análises gerenciais que venham a ser realizada no contexto dos turismo mediado por dispositivos móveis. / [en] Despite the sharp growth in the use of mobile devices in the context of travel, many research gaps are still present. The thesis brings as innovation the combination of constructs of technology acceptance models, personality traits and the moderation effect of the generations, aiming to propose and test a new model with structural equations. A qualitative exploratory phase was conducted with 15 interviewees, who provided indications for the composition of a survey applied in 912 respondents. Personality traits (introversion, openness to experiences, emotional instability, need for excitement) with internal aspects of the system (perceived utility, perceived ease of use, perceived trust and risk), and perceived ubiquitous connectivity were proposed. Finally, other relationships between the internal aspects of the system were proposed with the attitude when making purchases through mobile devices and the intention to purchase tourist products and services. A possible moderating effect of the generations on these relationships was also tested. In the generation X sample (N equal to 587), the openness to experiences had a significant effect on perceived utility and risk. The need for arousal had a significant effect on trust. Utility had a significant effect on attitude, as well as on perceived ease of use, trust and perceived ubiquitous connectivity. Perceived ubiquitous connectivity also had a significant effect on utility and on perceived ease of use. On the other hand, the attitude had a significant effect on purchase intention. The results on generation Y sample (N equal to 312) revealed that of all the personality traits tested, only the need for arousal had significant effect on trust. Similar to the generation X sample, utility had a significant effect on attitude, as well as on pereceived ease of use and trust. In the Y generation, perceived ubiquitous connectivity also had a significant effect on utility and on perceived ease of use, as well as attitude had a significant effect on purchase intention. In addition a few significant moderating effect of the generation was verified over some of the relationships proposed. Personality traits did not evidence to be so crucial in order to predict relationships with technology adoption constructs (e.g. ease of use, trust, risk, and usefulness), attitude, and purchase intent. However, the ubiquitous connectivity and the effect of generations on some elements of mobile devices purchase seem to be important elements to be included in future managerial analyzes in the context of mobile tourism.

“Contributory intent” refers to the situation where, besides the defendant being at fault and causing harm to the plaintiff, the plaintiff also intentionally causes harm to him- or herself. “Contributory intent” can have the effect of either excluding the defendant’s liability (on the ground that the plaintiff's voluntary assumption of risk or intent completely cancels the defendant's negligence and therefore liability), or limiting the defendant’s liability (where both parties intentionally cause the plaintiff's loss thereby resulting in the reduction of the defendant’s liability). Under our law the "contributory intent" of the plaintiff, can either serve as a complete defence in terms of common law or it can serve to limit the defendant's liability in terms of the Apportionment of Damages Act 34 of 1956. The “Apportionment of Loss Bill 2003” which has been prepared to replace the current Act provides for the applicability of “contributory intent” as a defence limiting liability, but it is yet to be promulgated. / Criminal and Procedural Law / LL. M.

This article considers the nature of interpretation as important question in constitutional interpretation from a theonomic epistemological perspective. Theonomic epistemology is summarily described. The modem language philosophy's view of the nature of interpretation is then investigated, after which a theonomic definition of interpretation and hermeneutics is suggested. Different approaches to interpretation commonly found in legal practice are evaluated on the basis of the suggested definition. The theonomic approach is then applied to another issue in constitutional interpretation, the nature of the judicial function, and broad guidelines are given for the practical application of theonomic epistemological considerations. / Hierdie artikel ondersoek die wese van interpretasie as belangrike vraagstuk by grondwetuitleg vanuit die perspektief van die teonome epistemologie. Die teonome epistemologie word oorsigtelik beskryf. Die modeme taalfilosofie se beskouing van interpretasie word dan behandel, waama 'n teonome definisie van interpretasie en hermeneutiek voorgestel word. Die verskillende uitlegbenaderings wat algemeen in die praktyk voorkom, word aan die hand van die voorgestelde definisie geevalueer. Vervolgens word die teonome benadering op 'n ander vraagstuk van grondwetuitleg - die aard van die regterlike funksie - toegepas, en word bree riglyne vir toepassing van teonome epistemologiese oorwegings in die praktyk van regspraak gegee. / Department of Constitutional International and Indigenous Law / LL.M.

Since the pre-requisites for common-purpose liability where there was no prior agreement were laid down in S V Mgedezi 1989 (1) SA 687 (A), the appellate division has moved to resolve related controversial issues. These include the question whether a joiner-in is a perpetrator or accomplice, and whether he should be convicted of murder or attempted murder. It is the question of dissociation which has remained elusive. Courts accept that a person should only be criminally liable when his dissociation from a common purpose takes place after the commencement of execution stage is reached. My submission is that whether one dissociates himself should be a question of fact, to be determined according to the circumstances of each case. Such determination should pay close attention to the doctrine of proximity. Where a person played a minor role, or acted under the influence of a dominant partner, this should be reflected in the punishment imposed. / Criminal and Procedural Law / LL.M. (Criminal & Procedural Law)

[pt] Este estudo busca compreender os fatores que influenciam a intenção de compra e o boca-a-boca positivo de sites de reserva online. Essa análise é feita para entender os motivos que levam as pessoas a aderir este tipo de serviço através da internet, mesmo tendo o meio online aproximado os consumidores de turismo de seus fornecedores, como sites de hotéis e companhias aéreas. Busca se explicar, portanto, quais são os principais motivos de atração deste tipo de serviço. Dessa forma, é proposto um modelo para avaliar como os construtos de comunicabilidade, complexidade, vantagem relativa e risco percebido, mediados pela atitude, influenciam a intenção de compra e o boca-a-boca positivo. O modelo foi testado por meio de uma equação estrutural, com dados coletados através de um questionário aplicado de forma online para a avaliação de cada construto. Os resultados obtidos confirmam a confiança do modelo e as hipóteses apresentadas, com um bom nível de explicação das variáveis dependentes. O estudo apresenta elementos consistentes que podem ser trabalhados pelas empresas que atuam neste segmento, para impulsionar a utilização e propagação dos sites de reservas, e também pontos de atenção que devem ser considerados pelos concorrentes deste tipo de serviço. Assim, é apresentado um modelo parcimonioso, que explica consistentemente a intenção de compra e o boca-a-boca positivo de sites de reservas online. / [en] This study aimed at understanding the factors that influence the purchase intention and the positive word-of-mouth of online booking sites. The purpose was to understand the reasons that lead people to use and recommend this type of service in the internet, even though the online media approached tourism consumers from their suppliers, such as hotel websites and airlines. Therefore, it tries to explain what the main reasons for attraction of this type of service. In this way, a model is proposed to evaluate how the constructs of perceived risk, complexity, relative advantage and communicability, mediated by attitude, influence the intention to purchase and the positive word-of-mouth. The model was tested using a structural equation, with data collected through an online questionnaire administered in order to evaluate each construct. The results confirm the confidence of the model and support the research hypotheses, with a good level of explanation of the dependent variables. The study presents consistent elements that can be considered by the companies that are in this segment to boost the use and the positive world of mouth of reservation sites, as well as points of attention that should be considered by the competitors of this type of service. Thus, a parsimonious model is presented, which consistently explains the purchase intention and the positive word-of-mouth of online booking sites.

Made available in DSpace on 2015-05-08T14:53:27Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 arquivototal.pdf: 1842165 bytes, checksum: 59f17268b1e23252f9bc9e0e37474638 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2012-12-21 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / In recent years, several studies have been published dealing on factors that influence consumer purchase intent in various economic sectors. In this line of work, we are specifically for the sector of collective buying, obtain regression models that could contribute to the study of the relationship between the purchase intention and the characteristics of market segments. The aim is to assist in the inclusion of this variable purchase intention in the process of choosing a target group, guiding decisions to meet more effectively service consumers. To achieve this goal, initially interviewed 384 Internet users in the city of João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brazil. Then the data obtained from interviews, were used to estimate those models. These models were based on assumptions of theories of the cognitive approach of consumer behavior, especially the Theory of Reasoned Action. The instrument used for data collection was a questionnaire containing market research questions related to psychological factors, socio-cultural and situational consumer. The most successful model was a generalized additive model with nine variables and nonparametric one end, obtained from smoothing splines. This model had a pseudo-R2 of 0,89 and allowed to reach a percentage of correct trials of the observations of the sample equal to 94%. With the aid of simulations, it was observed how the proposed model type is capable of assisting in selection of a target with a higher interest in the use of the service. It was also shown how the model can be used to evaluate production systems, in relation to more efficient service to customers intend to use the service. The generalized additive models were effective for identifying the presence of nonlinear relationships and were able to generate a high explanatory power of the propensity of individuals to use specific service. / Nos últimos anos, vários estudos foram publicados versando sobre fatores que influenciam a intenção de compra do consumidor em diversos setores econômicos. Nesta linha de trabalho, procurou-se, especificamente para o setor de compra coletivas, obter modelos de regressão que pudessem contribuir para o estudo da relação entre a intenção de compra e as características de segmentos de mercado. Visa-se com isso auxiliar na inclusão da variável intenção de compras no processo de escolha de um público-alvo, orientando decisões para satisfazer com maior eficiência consumidores do serviço. Para alcançar o objetivo, entrevistaram-se inicialmente 384 usuários de Internet da cidade de João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brasil. Em seguida os dados obtidos a partir de entrevistas, foram usados para estimar aqueles modelos. Esses modelos foram baseados em pressupostos de teorias da abordagem cognitiva do comportamento do consumidor, especialmente da Teoria da Ação Racional. O instrumento usado para a coleta de dados foi um questionário de pesquisa de mercado contendo questões ligadas a fatores psicológicos, sócio-culturais e situacionais do consumidor. O modelo mais bem sucedido foi um modelo aditivo generalizado com nove variáveis e com um termo não paramétrico, obtido a partir do método de suavização splines. Esse modelo apresentou um pseudo-R2 igual a 0,89 e possibilitou alcançar um percentual de acertos nos julgamentos das observações da amostra igual a 94%. Com o auxílio de simulações, verificou-se de que modo o tipo de modelo proposto é capaz de auxiliar na escolha de um público-alvo com maior interesse no uso do serviço. Apresentou-se ainda a maneira pela qual o modelo pode ser usado para avaliar sistemas produtivos, em relação ao atendimento mais eficiente de clientes que têm a intenção de utilizar o serviço. Os modelos aditivos generalizados mostraram-se eficientes para identificar a presença de relações não lineares e foram capazes de gerar um poder explicativo alto da propensão de indivíduos para utilizar um serviço específico.

Mens Rea is a figure of Criminal Law which is very difficult to determine, especially if it is intended to appreciate the intention that a person has while commiting a crime, as well as the difference between intent and guilt is not clear in many cases.For that reason, the author of this article explains different theories that aim to determine when intent exists. Some of these theories are centered in objective factors (normative), which come from the law; and other theories are centered in internal, subjective factors (psychological). Then, the author presents the problems that affect each of the mentioned theories and explains what should be taken into account to elaborate a more efficient theory of Mens Rea. / El dolo es una figura de difícil determinación en el Derecho Penal, en especial si se pretende valorar la intención que tiene una persona al momento de cometer un delito, así como la diferencia entre el dolo y la culpa no es clara en muchos casos.Por ese motivo, el autor del presente artículo explica distintas teorías que pretenden establecer cuándo existe dolo; algunas centradas en factores objetivos, provenientes de la norma (normativas); y otras orientadas a factores internos, subjetivos (psicológicas). Luego, plantea los problemas que afectan a cada una de las teorías planteadas y explica lo que se debería tomar en cuenta para elaboraruna teoría del dolo más eficiente.

Given the unresolved status of the cases of victims of forced sterilizations during the government of Alberto Fujimori, this report aims to identify criterias of rationality from criminal doctrine and jurisprudence developed over the years, that will enable judicial officers to get a fair decision, consistent with a Constitutional Democracy, when determining criminal responsibility.Also, with the review of Salomon Lerner and Yvan Montoya, renowned lawyers defenders of human rights and knowledgeable in the subject. / Ante la situación irresuelta de las denuncias de las victimas deesterilizaciones involuntarias durante el gobierno de Alberto Fujimori, el presente informe pretende identificar criterios de racionalidad provenientes de la doctrina y jurisprudencia penal que le permitan a los operadores judiciales obtener una decisión justa y acorde a una Democracia Constitucional, al momento de determinar la responsabilidad penal.Asimismo, se cuenta con los comentarios del Dr. Salomón Lerner y Dr. Yvan Montoya, reconocidos abogados defensores de los derechos humanos y entendidos en el tema.

Variationsmängder är en egenskap i barnriktat tal som karaktäriseras av successiva yttranden i vilka den vuxne talaren upprepar och omformulerar sitt budskap med en konstant intention. Syftet med studien var att undersöka variationsmängder över tid i tal riktat till barn i åldrarna 7-33 månader. Målet var att studera vilka typer av yttranden som dominerar variationsmängderna vid olika åldrar, samt vilka yttrandetyper som tenderade att förekomma tillsammans inom variationsmängderna. Vidare undersöktes intention och tempusförändringar hos verb i dessa variationsmängder. Ett skript skrevs för att kategorisera yttrandetyper med data från en korpus över barnriktat tal. Resultatet undersöktes sedan kvantitativt utifrån fyra åldersgrupper. Yttrandenas komplexitet inom variationsmängder visade sig stiga ju äldre barn det rörde sig om. Vidare sågs en skillnad i den vuxnes intention då barnen blev äldre, samt en minskning i användandet av interjektioner i kombination med ja/nej-frågor och komplexa satser ju äldre barnen blev. En tolkning av resultatet föreslogs vara att den vuxne själv tenderar att hålla i båda sidor av konversationen då de talar med yngre barn till skillnad från när de talar med äldre, mer verbala, barn som själva kan bidra med svaret. / Variation sets are a feature in child-directed speech characterized by successive utterances in which the adult speaker repeats and reorders their message with a constant intent. The aim of this study was to investigate variation sets over time in speech directed to children in the ages 7-33 months. The purpose was to study which types of utterances that dominates the variation sets at different ages, and which utterance-types that tend to co-occur within the variation sets. Furthermore intent was studied as well as change in verb tense in these variation sets. A script was written to categorize types of utterances with data from a corpus consisting of child directed speech. A quantitative research was performed on the results based on four different age groups. The complexity of the utterances within variation sets was shown to grow with the increasing age of the children. Furthermore a noticeable difference was observed in the intent of the adult speaker, correlating with the age of the child, and also a decrease in use of interjection combined with yes/no- questions and complex utterances the older the children were. A suggested interpretation of the result was that the adult tend to take both sides of the conversation when the children are young as opposed to when they speak to older, more verbal, children that can provide the answer themselves.