There has been an increase in the use of information technology in the hospital environment over the past decade and the use of computers by Nursing Managers is rapidly increasing. The latter poses a challenge to Nurse Managers, as their computer literacy status is unknown. This is evident from the fact that prior to 1996 there was only four computers at one of the private hospitals used in this study. Computer skills were never a requirement when applying for the position of Nurse Manager; and there is still currently no formal computer training provided for Nurse Managers or Acting Nurse Managers. Resources are however available in the hospitals to assist the managers with various computer problems but it is not known if these resources equip managers with the appropriate tools to become efficient in their role. The lack of formal training and lack of assessment of resources to determine whether the computer needs of Nurse Managers are met results in a lot of time being wasted and many frustrations experienced among Nurse Managers. The researcher was therefore motivated by the latter problem to explore and describe the computer literacy status of Nurse Managers in order to make recommendations to management regarding the research findings. The researcher selected a quantitative, explorative, contextual and descriptive survey design. The research population was made up of all Nurse Managers and Acting Nurse Managers at the time of the study. A 100 percent sample was utilised and comprised thirty-four respondents who made up the entire group of Nurse Managers and Acting Nurse Managers at the time of the study. A structured, self-administered questionnaire was used in Phase One of the research and in Phase Two a data observation sheet was used to test the respondents and to collect the necessary data. This data was manually processed and analysed by the iii researcher. All ethical considerations were honoured throughout the research process. The main findings of the research study reflected that the respondents had a below average ability to use various software packages such as Microsoft Word, EXCEL and Power Point. Findings further revealed that the respondent’s literacy levels were average with regard to the use of peripheral components of the computer such as the use of the mouse and keyboard. The respondents rated their competency level as average with regard to using a computer. Due to the limitations and small sample size used in the study the researcher recommends that further research using a larger sample by expanding the research into the other private hospitals in the group through out South Africa should take place in order to produce more constructive results than this study.

[pt] O título parte de um termo de Rodrigo Naves sobre a obra do artista Nelson Felix em sua maneira de articular elementos naturais e procura o relacionar, como parte e continuidade de artistas contemporâneos — e especificamente de elaboração mental em substituição da composição tradicional — com a corrente de pensamento das ciências sociais e naturais que teoriza o chamado Antropoceno. Sua obra é tida aqui como foco por trabalhar de modo mais direto (e indireto ao mesmo tempo) com materiais do mundo dito natural e social/cultural em diversas escalas de tempo e por manter ainda assim dimensões subjetivas, inacessíveis e indeterminadas de significado. Algumas noções recentes relacionadas ao Antropoceno por Dipesh Chakrabarty, Bruno Latour e Donna Haraway, e outras sobre a modernidade e a história da arte por Hannah Arendt e Erwin Panofsky, entre outros, são colocadas antes de olharmos para um conjunto de obras do artista. Nesta ordem, procura-se perceber as relações possíveis na arte contemporânea brasileira com tais conceitos debatidos hoje na urgente discussão sobre essa nova época geológica. / [en] The title comes form a term used by Rodrigo Naves about the art work Nelson Felix and seeks to relate it as a part and continuity of contemporary artists — and specifically of mental elaboration that tries to replace the traditional composition — with the current Line of thought from the social and natural sciences that theorizes the socalled Anthropocene. His work is taken as a subject here because it works more directly (and at the same time indirect) with the materials from the natural and social / cultural world, in addition to maintaining inaccessible and indeterminate dimensions of meaning. In this way, some recents notions about the Anthropoce articulated by Dipesh Chakrabarty, Bruno Latour and Donna Haraway with others about the modernity from Hannah Arendt, Erwin Panofsky, among others are placed together before looking to a group of works by the artist. This way we seek to understand the possible relations in Brazilian contemporary art with such urgent concepts debated today in the discussion about this new geological epoch.

Decentralisation of the multidrug resistant tuberculosis (MDR TB) programme to primary health care (PHC) facilities in the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan was implemented in order to improve the effectiveness of MDR TB services. This study explored the knowledge gaps of nurses at PHC facilities as regards MDR TB. A quantitative, cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted; data was collected using a structured questionnaire. Non-probability sampling was applied in this study. A convenient sampling technique was used and 25 of the 42 facilities were selected. Thirty-two respondents completed the questionnaire with a response rate of 64%. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the data. Only 38% of the nurses had been trained on MDR TB. Overall scores were high with a mean knowledge score of 61%. However there were knowledge gaps regarding side effects of MDR TB medication. This study revealed gaps in knowledge of certain areas of MDR TB management / Health Studies / M.A. (Public Health)

My recent engagement as music director and conductor of Robert Nelson’s A Room with a View (1992, rev. 2004) has offered me the valuable opportunity to work on an opera side by side with its composer. The purpose of this dissertation is to reconstruct the various stages of the process of creation, interpretation, and performance of a contemporary opera, addressing aspects of the collaboration between the composer and the conductor. The methodology used in my research is based primarily on direct observation and interview. The investigation is conducted from the perspective of a “participant-observer,” due to my personal involvement in the project, as music director and conductor first, and then as interviewer and researcher. The document will be organized in three sections: - the first chapter will establish the context and specific features of my research, providing a scholarly background in relation to the study of the relationship between composer and conductor; - the second chapter will focus on the process of composition in all its stages. I have defined this as the “extended creative process” of A Room with a View; - the third chapter will discuss the Michigan State University production of the opera, considering several aspects of the artistic collaboration between Robert Nelson and me, as well as my involvement in the process as conductor. Through my research, I wish to provide useful insight into the crucial aspects of the composition and the production of new music. In addition, the project aims to offer a fresh contribution to the investigation of the relationship between composers and interpreters, and perhaps could provide some background reference for an interrogation about the current state and the future of American opera.

本篇論文共一冊，約二萬餘字，分為五章。第一章為緒論，簡述研究動機，研究目的 ，有關文獻及本文結構。第二章為群狀可靠度數據之最適驗證檢定，以Nelson（ １ ９７７ ）的方法，提出logistic分配未知母數平均數μ的驗證檢定表及局部最強力 檢定統計量ｓ，由本表能設計最適檢查時間，以期獲得最適驗證效果，將檢測之數據 代入ｓ統計量，求得該值即可很快得到產品是否通過驗證檢定的結論。第三章為設限 樣本可靠度數據之最適驗證檢定，提出在固定費用下，單一或多重設限時間及樣本大 小之最適安排。第四章為逐次檢定，提出以群狀測試數據之逐次檢定及其操作特性曲 線，最後第五章為結論及日後研究發展方向。

Culturally specific development of Emotional Literacy (EL) skills suggest that self report and observer ratings on EL scales would differ across cultures. This study is the first of two which explores and compares the Nfer-Nelson Emotional Literacy scale (Faupel, 2003) scores reported in the manual with those found in an Irish sample with a view to demonstrating its appropriateness as a cross cultural measure of EL. The three part scale comprise student (N=188), teacher (N=163) and parent (N=175) scales. The scales were completed in schools with a disadvantaged (74% of sample) or non-disadvantaged status (26%). Irish scores were organised into categories using percentile ranges to allow for comparative analysis with the original UK sample. Overall patterns of scores were similar but the cut off point for children in need of intervention was higher in the Irish sample. Within sample differences were explored using t-tests and children from disadvantaged backgrounds rated themselves with statistically lower EL than their non-disadvantaged counterparts. Inter-correlations were run to explore the relationships between and within the three scales. A mixed pattern of correlations was found and some evidence supporting Goleman’s construct of EL came from strong consistent relationships (correlation range 0.41-0.77) between the empathy and self-regulation subscales in the three scales. Differences between teacher scores suggests cultural differences in perception of EL and strong relationships between parent and student scales suggests a qualitatively stronger understanding of emotions shared between Irish children and parents compared with their counterparts in the UK. A major limitation of this study is that the Irish sample was largely disadvantaged (74%), whereas the UK sample was nationally representative. Abstract (paper 2/2) This is the second of two papers which explores and compares the Nfer-Nelson Emotional Literacy scale in an Irish context. Emotional Literacy (EL) Scores obtained in paper one are used to explore the reliability (Study 1) and predictive validity (study 2) of the tripartite Nfer-Nelson scale. This scale is comprised of parent, teacher and student scales. Reliability is established, using internal consistency measures for the Total EL for all three scales (α range 0.77-0.92) and also for the majority of component subscales in the teacher scale (α range 0.77-0.88). The children (n= 153) who completed the student scale for paper one were assessed for their academic achievement using a reading attainment test, the Mary Immaculate College Reading Attainment Test (MICRA-T) and also for self esteem using The Culture Fair Self Esteem Inventory (CFSEI). Bivariate regression analysis indicated that academic achievement is predicted by the majority of the components (r range 0.247-0.329) comprising EL and the Total EL (r=0.314) from the teacher scale. Self esteem is predicted by all the components (r range 0.212-0.272) and the Total EL (r=0.285) from the teacher scale and the majority of components (r range 0.2-0.361) and the Total EL (r= 0.384) from the student scale. The items which constitute the scales were investigated and overlaps between the: self-awareness subscale and self esteem items as well as: motivation subscale and aspects of academic achievement bring the discreteness of the associated EL subscales into question. Statistical findings suggest the cross cultural use of the Nfer-Nelson scale. However, difficulties with the face validity of the scale items question the appropriateness of the items used to assess the EL construct. These findings suggest the EL construct to be otherwise acceptable

In practice, yield curves, i.e. plots of relation between yields and times to maturity for a group of comparable securities, are an important tool for assets and liabilities pricing as well as for financial decision making. The theoretical risk-free yield curve represents the term structure of interest rates that are used e.g. in insurance industry for pricing the liabilities, for which reserves are created, or also as a benchmark for pricing other assets in the market. When constructing the yield curve, it is not possible to observe yields of a group of assets for all maturities. That is why we use various mathematical methods which enable us to construct the yield curve also for unobserved maturities. In this thesis, some of these methods are introduced. The Svensson's method is one of the most important and frequently used ones. We use this method to derive the coupon curve from Czech government bonds aiming to construct the risk-free zero coupon yield curve. Later on, we use different weights for particular bonds trying to improve pricing of all the bonds based on the derived curve. Then, we also look for the curve that minimizes the mean squared error of estimated (compared to observed) prices. Because problems with liquidity can appear especially for long maturities, we apply all of the procedures to a...

M.A. (Communication) / The two research questions explored in this study are: a) What is the potential effectiveness of Mandela's rhetorical choices in the light of the primary and media audiences and the situation, in the selected speeches and visual material? b) What rhetorical shifts occurred in the speeches delivered between 1990 and 1994? In view of the fact that this study is political in nature and falls within the parameters of political communication, the field of political communication as it relates to rhetoric and public speaking specifically, was discussed. The nucleus of Aristotle's theory of rhetoric was discussed in conjunction with modern theories and research, with the purpose of establishing theoretical grounds for effective political oratory. To explore the two research questions, the neo-Aristotelian model of rhetorical criticism was utilised. By using this model it was possible to measure the effectiveness or potential effectiveness of Nelson Mandela's choice of strategy in the series of speeches and visual material selected. The model also prescribes a methodology whereby the important variables in political oratory are measured, including language, the credibility of the speaker, emotional strategies, logical argumentation, organisation and nonverbal behaviour. For purposes of evaluation the model prescribes an ideal model of persuasion. The ancient and modern rhetorical theory discussed in the study was utilised to construct standards by which Mandela's speeches were evaluated. The model also enabled the critic to focus on the speaker, Nelson Mandela and his political messages, while considering the rhetorical transaction, including the audiences and situation as a whole. The primary audience considered in this study consists of the mainly black supporters of the ANC who received Mandela's political messages at mass rallies. It was determined that this audience had a positive orientation towards the speaker, his messages and the ANC. Important national media audiences were also fsolated and include Whites, Indians, Coloureds, the IFP and the PAC. These audiences maintained a more negative orientation towards the speaker, his messages and the ANC. The international community in general was also considered.

[pt] Ao nos depararmos com o conjunto da obra de Nelson Rodrigues, observamos uma unidade que extrapola qualquer divisão por gênero. Antes de ser dramaturgo, romancista, contista ou cronista, Nelson é, acima de tudo, um escritor comprometido com a criação artesanal de uma língua própria, que chamaremos de dialeto rodrigueano. Ao longo deste trabalho, analisaremos as principais marcas textuais que compõe este complexo dialeto, tendo como objetivo primordial provar que as intenções artísticas do autor eram muito mais ambiciosas do que podem parecer aos leitores pouco iniciados em seu universo. / [en] When we come across with the set of Nelson Rodrigues workmanship, we observe a unit that surpasses any division by genre. Before becoming a playwright, novelist, short story writer or chronicler, Nelson is, above of everything, a writer compromised to the artisan creation of a proper language, that we will call rodrigueano dialect. Throughout this work, we will analyze the main textual marks that make up this complex dialect, with the primary aim to prove that the artistic intentions of the author were much more ambitious than may appear to readers as a little initiated in your universe.

by Chiu Man-cheong and Lo Kin-chung. / Thesis (M.B.A.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 1994. / Includes bibliographical references (leave 1 (4th gp.)). / ABSTRACT --- p.iii / TABLE OF CONTENTS --- p.iv / ACKNOWLEDGEMENT --- p.vi / Chapter / Chapter I. --- INTRODUCTION --- p.1 / Chapter II. --- LITERATURE REVIEW --- p.4 / Variations --- p.7 / Ratio Analysis --- p.13 / Applications on Real Markets --- p.14 / Chapter III. --- METHODOLOGY --- p.16 / Wave Counting --- p.20 / Fibonacci Targets --- p.22 / Data Source --- p.23 / A Note on Notations --- p.23 / Chapter IV. --- RATIO ANALYSIS --- p.25 / Fibonacci Relationships --- p.25 / Results of Ratio Analysis --- p.28 / Wave 2 --- p.29 / Wave 3 --- p.30 / Wave 4 --- p.30 / Wave 5 --- p.31 / Summary of Results / Chapter V. --- FORMULATION OF TRADE PLANS AND RESULTS OF SIMULATED TRADING --- p.32 / Formulation of Trade Plans --- p.33 / Trade Plan No. 1 --- p.35 / Pre-conditions of Trade --- p.35 / Trade Initiation --- p.36 / Cut-loss Mechanism --- p.38 / Profit Taking --- p.39 / Trade Plan No. 2 --- p.41 / Pre-conditions of Trade --- p.42 / Trade Initiation --- p.42 / Cut-loss Mechanism --- p.43 / Profit Taking Point --- p.44 / Trade Opportunities Scan --- p.46 / Trade Case 1 --- p.52 / Pre-conditions --- p.52 / Trade Initiation --- p.52 / Profit-taking/Cut-loss --- p.53 / Trade Case 2 --- p.54 / Pre-conditions --- p.54 / Trade Initiation --- p.55 / Profit-taking/Cut-loss --- p.56 / Trade Case 5 --- p.57 / Pre-conditions --- p.57 / Trade Initiation --- p.58 / Profit-taking/Cut-loss --- p.58 / Results of Simulated Trade --- p.59 / Discussions on Simulated Trading --- p.62 / Chapter VI. --- WAVE ANALYSIS AND MARKET PERSPECTIVES --- p.65 / Analysis of the Broadest Swing --- p.66 / Phase 1 Price Movement --- p.67 / Phase 2 Price Movement --- p.70 / Future Market Perspectives --- p.78 / Chapter VII. --- DISCUSSIONS --- p.82 / Experience in Wave Counting --- p.82 / Limitations of Elliott Wave --- p.85 / Practical Issues --- p.86 / Chapter VIII. --- CONCLUSIONS --- p.92 / APPENDICES --- p.A-l / Chapter 1. --- RESULTS OF RATIO ANALYSIS --- p.A-2 / Chapter 2. --- DETAILS OF SIMULATED TRADING --- p.A-3 / BIBLIOGRAPHY --- p.B-l