Neste trabalho são discutidos os procedimentos simplificados para a consideração da não linearidade física (NLF) e da não linearidade geométrica (NLG) na análise de edifícios de concreto armado. Deste modo, pretende-se estabelecer o grau de confiabilidade desses processos. Algumas prescrições para redução na inércia dos elementos estruturais são comparadas com os resultados obtidos através de modelos em elementos finitos, permitindo, assim, a avaliação destas prescrições. Um estudo detalhado do parâmetro &#947z, como majorador dos esforços em primeira ordem para a obtenção dos esforços finais em segunda ordem, é efetuada, de modo que se possa estabelecer, de forma mais clara, as vantagens e as limitações deste parâmetro. / This work shows some simplified procedures to consider physical non-linearity (FNL) and geometrical non-linearity (GNL), for reinforced concrete buildings, and discusses its reliability. For FNL, prescriptions for stiffness reduction of structural elements are compared with the results obtained from finite elements analysis, in order to verify its assessment. For GNL, a detailed study of the accuracy of &#947z parameter to evaluate final second order effects is made. The behavior of the parameter along the height of the building and for each effort considered is shown.

This diploma thesis consist of overview for position measuring methods and is mainly focused on design of non-standard inductive and incremental sensor. Specifications of those sensors is based on requirements set by MESING company. Also contains verification and testing measurement of completed sensor.

Photoconductive microwave switches can be used in place of traditional microwave switches to reconfigure antennas and RF circuits. The switch, which consists of a silicon die placed over a gap in transmission line, is controlled by illumination via a fibre optic cable. Hence there is no requirement to design electrical biasing lines which may affect RF performance. This benefit is the main motivation behind further developing and understanding the photoconductive switch. The second motivation is the growing demand for reconfigurable antennas which necessitate certain switching requirements; one specific area of interest is in cognitive radio applications. However, in order to use such a switch in RF circuitry, the photoconductive nature of the switch must be understood. This is addressed in this thesis presenting and applying analytical equations which dictate the material properties in photoconductive silicon. These equations are then used to generate a 3D EM simulation model to investigate transmission loss in the photoconductive switch. The concept of signal planarity is investigated so as to give some insight into the best way to package the switch. In order to potentially reduce loss and facilitate a packaged device, the fabrication of the switch is investigated. Namely, the treatment of the silicon and the addition of contacts on the silicon are discussed as possible methods to improve switch performance. Lastly, linearity, power handing and switching times are presented for the photoconductive switch. This characterisation is important with regards to understanding which types of application the switch can be used in. In particular the single tone and two tone linearity of the switch is measured these values have not previously been reported for this type of photoconductive switch. The results are encouraging and support further development of the switch into a packaged product to be used in reconfigurable antennas and circuitry.

Firms have since long given their regular customers special treatment. With the help of IT, many firms have established formal ways to do this. An example is a so-called customer rewards program (CRP), by which the firm rewards the customer for repeated purchase. Firms allocate large resources in these programs with millions of customers enrolled. Hence, it seems important that the CRP works effectively. By effective we mean that it increases sales. Whether it is effective or not is a matter of how it is designed. A CRP typically comes with membership levels. We study how many membership levels the firm should offer in an effective program. We also study if customers prefer individual or group rewards and whether a CRP can break and create habitual purchasing behavior. In the study, we also analyze under what conditions the customer prefers a CRP over a sales promotion. In general, the study adds to the understanding of Customer Rewards Programs as an incentive structure. There are many different ways to design these incentives and especially the continuing development of IT is expected to influence the future design and role of these types of programs. This study is part of the Swedish Research School of Management and Information Technology (MIT) which is one of 16 national research schools supported by the Swedish Government. MIT is jointly operated by the following institutions: Blekinge Institute of Technology, Gotland University College, Jönköping International Business School, Karlstad University, Linköping University, Lund University, Mälardalen University College, Stockholm University, Växjö University, Örebro University, IT University of Göteborg, and Uppsala University, host to the research school. At the Swedish Research School of Management and Information Technology (MIT), research is conducted, and doctoral education provided, in three fields: management information systems, business administration, and informatics.

This objective of this project is to develop an understanding of the ink and its interaction with substrate of Penny & Giles controls Ltd's conductive plastic potentiometers, so as to develop alternate ink, substrate and processing methods. Conductive plastic potentiometers comprises, a track containing polymer binder and carbon black, printed on a base plastic substrate. The objectives have to take into account the performance ofthe potentiometers, which are to be improved or maintained. The first stage of the project was concerned with investigating the properties of the carbon black used in the inks, which have a major effect on the performance of the potentiometers. Ten different carbon blacks with different properties were selected. The carbon blacks properties for most of these were characterised by techniques that included transmission electron microscopy, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, laser induced mass spectrometry and the scanning electron microscope. Inks were made with most of individual carbon blacks, and then tracks were produced on the diallyl phthalate plastic substrate. The electric resistance of these tracks was measured allowing the effect of carbon black properties on performance of the track to be studied. Various carbon black were found to provide similar performance to the Vegetabke MR842N, carbon black used currently. The next stage was the investigation of effect of binder on the performance of resistor using the same techniques as used in the first stage so that comparison could be made with the current binder. A phenolic binder was used and again showed similar properties to the DAIP binder used currently

L'objectif central de cette thèse est d'étudier le comportement de fraude fiscale des contribuables quand ils ne déclarent qu'une partie de leur revenu. Le premier chapitre complète la littérature existante en étudiant le niveau de déclaration du revenu et les effets de changements des taux de taxe, de pénalité et de probabilité de contrôle, en considérant des fonctions d'imposition et de pénalité non linéaire, dans le cadre de la théorie de l'espérance de l'utilité.Le cadre fourni par la théorie des perspectives cumulatives est ensuite utilisé dans le second chapitre. L'accent est mis sur la dépendance des décisions du contribuable vis-à-vis du revenu de référence introduit par cette théorie. Le troisième chapitre caractérise le barème optimal d'imposition du revenu et la stratégie de contrôle et de pénalité que doit mettre en place l'État quand le comportement de fraude des contribuables vérifie les propriétés de la théorie des perspectives. / This dissertation analyzes the tax evasion behavior of taxpayers when they do not declare their entire income. The first chapter studies the declaration of the taxpayer and the effects of changes in the tax rate, the penalty rate and the probability of audit. The tax and the penalty functions are assumed to be non linear. The setting is provided by expected utility theory. The setting provided by cumulative prospect theory is used in the second chapter. Reference dependence, which is a central point in this theory, is particularly studied. The third chapter characterizes the optimal income tax and audit schemes under taxe evasion behavior, when of tax payers behave as predicted by prospect theory.

[pt] Os principais problemas causados pela passagem de múltiplas portadoras por dispositivos não lineares são, conhecidamente, a conversão AM/AM, a conversão AM/PM, e a intermodulação. Estes problemas estão presentes tanto na transmissão via satélite, onde amplificadores de alta potência (HPAs) e transponders não lineares estão presentes, quando na radiodifusão terrestre onde, com o objetivo de ampliar ao máximo o tamanho da área geográfica na qual o serviço é oferecido, são utilizados amplificadores de alta potência operando em sua região não-linear. Neste contexto encontram-se os sinais multiportadora do tipo OFDM, amplamente utilizados na radiodifusão de sinais digitais de TV. Com o objetivo de minorar efeitos de canais não lineares sobre sinais OFDM, o presente trabalho propõe a utilização de um esquema de pré-distorção não linear modelado matematicamente através de uma série complexa de potências. Duas estratégias são consideradas no dimensionamento do esquema de pré-distorção: a redução da soma das potência dos produtos de intermodulação de ordens especificadas e a equalização das potências dos diversos produtos de intermodulação. Analises de configurações baseadas nestas duas estratégias são apresentadas juntamente com resultados numéricos envolvendo situações específicas de interesse. / [en] The main problems of multiple carriers through non-linear devices are, AM / PM conversion, conversion AM / PM conversion, and intermodulation. These problems are usually present in satellite transmissions, where high-power amplifiers (HPAs) and nonlinear transponders are used, as well as in terrestrial broadcasting systems where, in order to enlarge the service area(geographical area in which the service is offered). High-power amplifiers operating in their non-linear region are used. The multicarrier transmission called OFDM, which is widely used in TV broadcasting digital signals falls in this context. In order to alleviate the effects of nonlinear channels on OFDM signals, the present study suggests the use of a pre-distortion system mathematically described through a complex power series. Two Strategies are considered in order to determine the pre-distortion system parameters: the reduction of the intermodulation power sum associated to intermodulation products of any specified order, and the equalization of the intermodulation power associated to intermodulation product of various orders. Analysis of configurations based on these two strategies are presented together with numerical results involving situations of specific interest.

O principal objetivo deste trabalho é analisar a interação tridimensional entre núcleos e as estruturas usuais de contraventamento, tais como, treliças, pórticos e pilares isolados, considerando a influência da flexibilidade das suas fundações no equilíbrio final do sistema estrutural, sobretudo quando são introduzidos os efeitos da não linearidade geométrica. A influência dos trechos rígidos e das excentricidades entre os eixos longitudinais dos elementos, incidentes em um mesmo ponto nodal, também é pesquisada na rigidez global do sistema. Para possibilitar estas análises, elaborou-se um programa em linguagem FORTRAN 90 com recursos para processar estruturas complexas. A automação dos cálculos fundamenta-se no método dos deslocamentos e nas técnicas de análise matricial. Na determinação da rigidez do sistema aplicou-se o princípio da energia potencial total mínima. As estruturas dos edifícios usadas na aferição dos resultados, fornecidos pelo referido programa, são reticuladas e suas lajes funcionam corno diafragmas horizontais infinitamente rígidos nos seus planos e sem qualquer resistência à flexão. Os efeitos de segunda ordem são computados através de um processo de cálculo iterativo, onde a matriz de rigidez da estrutura tem seus coeficientes afetados pelo esforço normal e no caso dos sistemas com núcleos, além deste, os momentos fletores e os bimomentos. / The principal aim of this work is to analyse the tridimesional interaction between cores and the usual bracing structure, such as, trusses, frames and isolated column, considering their foundation flexibility in the structural system final equilibrium, even when the geometric non linear effects are introduced. The offsets and the eccentricities among longitudinal axis of the elements, incidents in the same nodal point, is researched in the system global stiffness as well. To make this analysis possible, a program in FORTRAN 90 language was made with resourses to process complex structures. The calculus automation is based on the stifthess method and on the matricial analysis technique. To obtain the system stiffness, the minimum total potential energy principle was applied. The building structures used to check the results, given by the mentioned program, are reticulated and their slabs works as horizontal diaphragm, infinitely stitfened in their planes and without any beding resistance. The second order effects are computed thru a iterative calculus process, where the structrure stiffness matrix has its coefficients affected by the axjal force and in cases of systems with cores, besides it, the bending moments and the bimoments.

Este trabalho trata da evolução natural do modelo de cálculo em regime elástico linear, largamente empregado no dimensionamento de pavimentos de concreto armado, para modelos com maior capacidade de representação. Implementados a um sistema computacional, elementos finitos de barra de Euler são aplicados à representação das vigas e dos pilares, e elementos finitos de placa de Kirchoff, à representação das lajes. A descrição do comportamento nãolinear físico desses elementos é introduzida por relações constitutivas atuais, e em dois campos: através das relações de momento fletor por curvatura incorporadas a elementos não-estratificados; e pela introdução de relações constitutivas uniaxiais para o concreto e o aço, a elementos estratificados. As possíveis formas de emprego dos modelos não-lineares no dimensionamento estrutural, e os principais problemas envolvidos com esse tema são discutidos e, após um estudo crítico sobre algumas das propostas atualmente empregadas, apresenta-se uma abordagem original do problema. Ao final, o dimensionamento de elementos estruturais isolados possibilita uma comparação entre as propostas, e apresenta subsídios para a evolução dos procedimentos empregados no dimensionamento de pavimentos usuais de concreto armado / This work deals with the natural evolution of the design model based on linear elasticity, widely employed on reinforced concrete floor designs, to an improved design model. Both Euler beam finite elements employed to describe beam and column behavior and Kirchoff plate element applied to represent the slab behavior are implemented to a computational system. The description of the non-linear behavior to these elements is introduced by current constitutive relationships in two fields: through the moment-curvature relationships applied to non-layered elements and by introducing uniaxial constitutive relations to both concrete and steel reinforcement, applied to layered elements. The possible ways of employing non-linear models to the structural design, and the main problems involved in that area are discussed and, after a critical study on some of the proposals currently employed, an original one is presented. Finally, the design of isolated structural elements enables one to establish a comparison among the proposals, and presents backgrounds for the evolution of the procedures employed to the design of usual reinforced concrete floors

Modelos não lineares como o Logístico e o Gompertz são amplamente usados para descrever vários processos biológicos por meio da curva de crescimento dada pela equação do modelo. O objetivo deste trabalho foi ajustar o modelo Chanter, assim como o Logístico e o Gompertz, utilizando um conjunto de dados do fruto do cacaueiro. O modelo Chanter é um híbrido entre o modelo Logístico e o modelo Gompertz cujos parâmetros podem ser interpretados similarmente. A comparação sobre a qualidade do ajuste entre os modelos foi feita utilizando as seguintes medidas estatísticas: o critério de informação de Akaike (AIC), o critério Peso de Akaike, o critério de informação de Bayes (BIC), o desvio padrão residual (DPR) e as medidas de não linearidade vício de Box e curvatura de Bates e Watts além de um estudo de simulação. Verificou-se que o modelo Chanter dentre os modelos estudados neste trabalho é o mais adequado para o ajuste dos dados do fruto do cacaueiro. / Nonlinear models such as Logistic and Gompertz are widely used to describe several biological processes using a growth curve given by the equation of the model. The objective of this work was to adjust the Chanter model, as well as the Logistic and the Gompertz, using a data set of cocoa fruit. The Chanter model is a hybrid between the Logistic model and the Gompertz model whose parameters can be interpreted similarly. A comparison of the quality of fit between the models was made using the following statistical measures: the Akaike information criterion (AIC), the Akaike weight criterion, Bayes information criterion (BIC), residual standard deviation (RSD), and measures of non-linearity Box addiction and Bates and Watts curvature as well as a simulation study. It was verified that the Chanter model is the most suitable one among the studied models for modeling the cocoa data.