SUMMARY Management of Public Health THE PATIENTS’ ACCESSIBILITY AND SATISFACTION WITH PRIMARY HEALTH CARE SERVICE IN PANEVEZYS RURAL DISTRICT Violeta Grigiene Supervisor Jadvyga Petrauskienė, Dr. Sc., Prof., Department of Social medicine, Faculty of Public Health, Kaunas University of Medicine, - Kaunas, 2005. P.64. The aim. To evaluate the patients’ accessibility and satisfaction with primary health care service in Panevezys rural district. Methods. The anonymous questionnaire study was performed among the patients in Panevezys rural district’s outpatient clinic and its departments (office of Paistrys general practitioner and Smilgiai dispansary). 400 patients participated in the study, 359 answered the questionnaire (response rate 89%). Statistical analysis was performed using MS EXCEL 2000 standard statistical programming packets. Results. The results indicated that waiting times in dispensary were shorter to compare with the patients from outpatient clinic, at the registration room (70.2%), at the physician room (61.7%), 71.8% waist less time to access health care institution. But the patients in outpatient clinic have better access to necessary drugs as compared to dispensary (40.4% and 20.2%, respectively). The majority of the respondents (76.0% in dispensary and 80.7% in outpatient clinic) preferred the physician would live and work more close to the living place. The registrations by telephone rates were as twice higher among the outpatient clinic patients as... [to full text]

The discipline of marketing is evolving from a product centric paradigm where all value is invested in the product by the supplier and it is exchanged for a market determined price by means of an arm’s length transaction, to a service centric paradigm where value is co-created by customer and supplier through complex relationships in which the rewards are determined through negotiation. This study recognizes that in practice a supplier will and ought to continue to have some customer relationships that are transactional and others that involve higher levels of value co-creation. A five point continuum of relationships from transactional to strategic alliance is defined. Dyadic data in which customer and supplier are asked to evaluate the same relationship from their respective points of view are analyzed resulting in a portfolio of a supplier’s relationships that include each of the five levels. Three structured equation models are validated: first, the customer’s assessment of the level of relationship as a function of new, behaviorally anchored measures; second, the supplier’s assessment as a function of new, behaviorally anchored measures of investment; third, the differences between customer and supplier assessments as a function of differences in ratings of new, behaviorally anchored measures. Additionally, segmentation of the customer base is identified based on the level of assessment of the current and desired future level of relationship. Servicing processes are defined to enable the supplier to match the right offerings to each level of customer thereby optimizing their investment in their customer portfolio.

The traditional way to analyze stocks and portfolios within the area of finance have been restricted to Sharpe and Markovitz. The Omega function and its properties enlighten the field of finance and differs from the traditional ways when it comes to the volatility of the stocks. The Omega function, the Sharpe performance criteria and mean-variance model by Markovitz will be used. All calculations are done in Matlab and the data sheets are excel tables. The aim of this thesis is to investigate the nordic small cap market by using the Omega function, Sharpe performance criteria and the mean variance model by Markovitz. In order to to see how the purposed methods differs.

The increasing economic competition drives the industry to implement tools that improve their processes efficiencies. The process automation is one of these tools, and the Real Time Optimization (RTO) is an automation methodology that considers economic aspects to update the process control in accordance with market prices and disturbances. Basically, RTO uses a steady-state phenomenological model to predict the process behavior, and then, optimizes an economic objective function subject to this model. Although largely implemented in industry, there is not a general agreement about the benefits of implementing RTO due to some limitations discussed in the present work: structural plant/model mismatch, identifiability issues and low frequency of set points update. Some alternative RTO approaches have been proposed in literature to handle the problem of structural plant/model mismatch. However, there is not a sensible comparison evaluating the scope and limitations of these RTO approaches under different aspects. For this reason, the classical two-step method is compared to more recently derivative-based methods (Modifier Adaptation, Integrated System Optimization and Parameter estimation, and Sufficient Conditions of Feasibility and Optimality) using a Monte Carlo methodology. The results of this comparison show that the classical RTO method is consistent, providing a model flexible enough to represent the process topology, a parameter estimation method appropriate to handle measurement noise characteristics and a method to improve the sample information quality. At each iteration, the RTO methodology updates some key parameter of the model, where it is possible to observe identifiability issues caused by lack of measurements and measurement noise, resulting in bad prediction ability. Therefore, four different parameter estimation approaches (Rotational Discrimination, Automatic Selection and Parameter estimation, Reparametrization via Differential Geometry and classical nonlinear Least Square) are evaluated with respect to their prediction accuracy, robustness and speed. The results show that the Rotational Discrimination method is the most suitable to be implemented in a RTO framework, since it requires less a priori information, it is simple to be implemented and avoid the overfitting caused by the Least Square method. The third RTO drawback discussed in the present thesis is the low frequency of set points update, this problem increases the period in which the process operates at suboptimum conditions. An alternative to handle this problem is proposed in this thesis, by integrating the classic RTO and Self-Optimizing control (SOC) using a new Model Predictive Control strategy. The new approach demonstrates that it is possible to reduce the problem of low frequency of set points updates, improving the economic performance. Finally, the practical aspects of the RTO implementation are carried out in an industrial case study, a Vapor Recompression Distillation (VRD) process located in Paulínea refinery from Petrobras. The conclusions of this study suggest that the model parameters are successfully estimated by the Rotational Discrimination method; the RTO is able to improve the process profit in about 3%, equivalent to 2 million dollars per year; and the integration of SOC and RTO may be an interesting control alternative for the VRD process. / O aumento da concorrência motiva a indústria a implementar ferramentas que melhorem a eficiência de seus processos. A automação é uma dessas ferramentas, e o Real Time Optimization (RTO) ou Otimização em Tempo Real, é uma metodologia de automação que considera aspectos econômicos e restrições de processos e equipamentos para atualizar o controle do processo, de acordo com preços de mercado e distúrbios. Basicamente, o RTO usa um modelo fenomenológico em estado estacionário para predizer o comportamento do processo, em seguida, otimiza uma função objetivo econômica sujeita a esse modelo. Embora amplamente utilizado na indústria, não há ainda um consenso geral sobre os benefícios da implementação do RTO, devido a algumas limitações discutidas no presente trabalho: incompatibilidade estrutural entre planta e modelo, problemas de identificabilidade e baixa frequência de atualização dos set points. Algumas metodologias de RTO foram propostas na literatura para lidar com o problema da incompatibilidade entre planta e modelo. No entanto, não há uma comparação que avalie a abrangência e as limitações destas diversas abordagens de RTO, sob diferentes aspectos. Por esta razão, o método clássico de RTO é comparado com metodologias mais recentes, baseadas em derivadas (Modifier Adaptation, Integrated System Optimization and Parameter estimation, and Sufficient Conditions of Feasibility and Optimality), utilizando-se o método de Monte Carlo. Os resultados desta comparação mostram que o método clássico de RTO é coerente, desde que seja proporcionado um modelo suficientemente flexível para se representar a topologia do processo, um método de estimação de parâmetros apropriado para lidar com características de ruído de medição e um método para melhorar a qualidade da informação da amostra. Já os problemas de identificabilidade podem ser observados a cada iteração de RTO, quando o método atualiza alguns parâmetros-chave do modelo, o que é causado principalmente pela ausência de medidas e ruídos. Por esse motivo, quatro abordagens de estimação de parâmetros (Discriminação Rotacional, Seleção Automática e Estimação de Parâmetros, Reparametrização via Geometria Diferencial e o clássico Mínimos Quadrados não-lineares) são avaliados em relação à sua capacidade de predição, robustez e velocidade. Os resultados revelam que o método de Discriminação Rotacional é o mais adequado para ser implementado em um ciclo de RTO, já que requer menos informação a priori, é simples de ser implementado e evita o sobreajuste observado no método de Mínimos Quadrados. A terceira desvantagem associada ao RTO é a baixa frequência de atualização dos set points, o que aumenta o período em que o processo opera em condições subotimas. Uma alternativa para lidar com este problema é proposta no presente trabalho, integrando-se o RTO e o Self-Optimizing Control (SOC) através de um novo algoritmo de Model Predictive Control (MPC). Os resultados obtidos com a nova abordagem demonstram que é possível reduzir o problema da baixa frequência de atualização dos set points, melhorando o desempenho econômico do processo. Por fim, os aspectos práticos da implementação do RTO são discutidos em um estudo de caso industrial, que trata de um processo de destilação com bomba de calor, localizado na Refinaria de Paulínia (REPLAN - Petrobras). Os resultados deste estudo sugerem que os parâmetros do modelo são estimados com sucesso pelo método de Discriminação Rotacional; que o RTO é capaz de aumentar o lucro do processo em cerca de 3%, o equivalente a 2 milhões de dólares por ano; e que a integração entre SOC e RTO pode ser uma alternativa interessante para o controle deste processo de destilação.

Orientador: Jônatas Manzolli / Acompanhado de 1 DVD / Tese (doutorado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Instituto de Artes / Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-16T00:39:52Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Furlanete_FabioParra_D.pdf: 3804356 bytes, checksum: 366c9164940cf5018b191cc60707d3d8 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2010 / Resumo: Este trabalho investiga o possível papel para o compositor em uma situação de interação musical coletiva e propõe estrategias para sua atuação nesse contexto. Apresenta exemplos dessas estrategias em trabalhos composicionais e implementa um desses trabalhos na forma de uma ferramenta digital que permite ao compositor modelar contextos interativos, elaborar regras de interação e interferir nos processos enquanto eles ocorrem. A implementação das ferramentas digitais é feita na forma de um sistema para modelagem sonora coletiva que usa o projeto de jogos digitais como modelo para interação musical entre agentes artificiais e jogadores humanos em rede. Nosso trabalho tem como foco as regras de interação e como elas podem ser projetadas gerar resultados esteticamente atraentes e que ao mesmo tempo não restrinjam excessivamente a autonomia criativa dos jogadores. Essas regras devem ser aplicáveis tanto no contexto da Arte-Educação quanto no da performance. Acreditamos que o conhecimento da área de design de jogos em rede é útil para o projeto de tais regras. / Abstract: This work investigates the possible role for the composer in a situation of collective musical interaction and proposes strategies for their action in this context. It presents examples of these strategies in compositional works and implements them in the form of computer tools that allows the composer to model interactive contexts, develop rules of interaction and interfere with the processes as they occur. The implementation of the computer tools is in the form of a system for collective sound shaping. It uses digital games design patterns as models for musical interaction between artificial agents and human players in a network. Our work aimed to the interaction rules and how they can be designed to provide interactions whose outcome is aesthetically appealing and, at the same time, to not restrict the creative autonomy of the players. These rules should be applicable both in the context of Art Education and in the performance. We believe that knowledge of the project area network gaming is useful for the design of such rules. / Doutorado / Doutor em Música

This diploma thesis deals with the proposal of improving company competition standing with the use of optimization and reorganization of production in ACO Industries k.s. This thesis also deals with supporting tools for reorganization and optimization of production, such as for example “slim production”. The main contribution of this work is reduction of time and money needed for production in order for the company to effectively increase the production rate, aiming at doubling the production and turnover in 2020.

This dissertation is focused on target trajectory identification using CW radar sensor network measuring. An omni-directional radar based on single mixing is considered for measurement in ballistic tunnel, where information about direction of target approaching is a priory known. Applied experimental radar network setup with system controller and acquisition units is demonstrated. Mathematical models and optimized structures have been developed for fitting of system parameters and presented in the theoretical part. The second part is aimed to the multi-trajectory identification. New methodical techniques of this work consist in identification of the points of the closest approach with V model function and utilizing gradient methods for path identification.

Web page loading time is one of the critical challenges on the Internet. This topic attracts more researchers as it largely reflects the user satisfaction. A web page resources typically consists of Hyper Text Markup Language (HTML), Cascading Style-Sheet (CSS), JavaScript (JS), media files, etc. As the complexity of the web page increases, the size of files fetched from server also increases which causes delay in transmitting, loading, parsing and rendering the web page. The web page is not rendered until HTML, CSS and JS files are loaded and parsed. Not all such files are needed to be rendered for the first page. Optimizing and loading only critical les required for the first page, can considerably reduce time taken to load the web page. After the first page is rendered, the rest of the files can be loaded and executed. In this thesis, we focus on improving the time taken for First Meaningful Paint(FMP) of website by loading the critical files initially. We used Design Science Research( DSR) methodology and created a PhantomJS application, to identify and segregate used and unused CSS for the first meaningful paint of the web page. We also analyzed script files to load only critical files required for FMP and the rest later. We evaluated our experiment by studying a case on Axis Communications AB and measured its website's performance to find if our experiment reduced FMP time. It showed improvement in time taken for FMP from 1284ms to 372.6ms. Based on the results, we suggest to web developers to separate and load the files required for FMP and load the rest of the files needed for the website later, so that the first page is rendered quickly.

A seleção de fornecedores de transporte é um desafio cada vez maior. O crescimento da rede de clientes a ser coberta demanda uma alocação eficiente em termos de custo não suprida por mecanismos tradicionais de negociação. Neste âmbito, o leilão combinatório torna-se uma alternativa de negociação ao permitir capturar sinergias entre os trajetos que devem ser atendidos. Em conseqüência disso, diminui-se o custo de transporte do fornecedor que se reflete nos menores preços de suas propostas e finalmente no custo total de compra do serviço. Por outro lado, esta decisão envolve fatores além do custo total; a mensuração destes torna-se importante para identificar fornecedores que melhor se ajustam aos requerimentos do comprador. No entanto, é fundamental escolher um método adequado para sua avaliação porque este influência a decisão final. Este problema de compra de serviços de transporte é conhecido na literatura como Winner Determination Problem (WDP) que, devido a sua complexidade, possui uma resolução limitada. Após revisão teórica, foi observado que os estudos relacionados à área de transporte focalizavam o desenvolvimento de modelos matemáticos que fossem representativos da realidade. Alguns destes modelos abordam a utilização de múltiplos critérios atribuindo um coeficiente que pondera cada critério. Evidenciou-se a necessidade do desenvolvimento de um algoritmo alternativo que além de facilitar sinergias entre trajetos, fosse abrangente o suficiente para tratar múltiplos critérios em instâncias compatíveis com problemas reais. Logo, com o intuito de contribuir com a literatura foi adaptado um algoritmo matemático otimizante ao problema de compras de fornecedores de transporte com base no algoritmo de Sandholm (2002). Este algoritmo aplica leilão combinatório de compras, apoiando-se na teoria da análise de decisão para mensurar critérios relevantes do comprador. Inicialmente, o algoritmo minimiza o custo total do comprador designando combinações de trajetos e fornecedores; depois é modificado para o tratamento multi-critério. Os resultados obtidos foram comparados com o software comercial CPLEX. / Selecting suppliers is a crescent challenge for the enterprises. The extent of the client web that needs to be served demands efficient allocations, in terms of cost, that are not addressed by traditional mechanisms. In this scenario, another mechanism came to be: the combinatorial auction. In this one, suppliers can express their synergies on routes they wish to supply. This leads to lowering their transportation costs, which is reflected in lower bidding prices as well as in the total cost of service. On the other hand, the selection of a supplier involves other criteria besides cost. The definition of these is essential to define which supplier fits the needs of the buyer. That is why it is of most importance to choose the right method to evaluate these needs, as it defines the final choice. This problem is known as Winner Determination Problem (WDP) and due to its complexity, possesses a feeble solution. After compiling what has been done about the subject, it was noticed that in the field of transport, studies are focused on mathematical models that represent reality. Some models address criteria assigning coefficients to the objective function by weighting on it. Clearly, there was a need for alternative algorithms that would, besides promoting synergies on routes, also treat multi-criteria problems close to reality. Therefore, searching for a valid contribution in the field, an adaption of an optimizing algorithm based on Sandholm (2002)s was made. The algorithm applies combinatorial auction, supported by decision analysis for measuring relevant buyers criteria. First, the main algorithms objective is to minimize buyers costs by combining routes and suppliers; then, a modified approach considers multi criteria. Results were then compared to the commercial software CPLEX.

O objetivo do presente trabalho foi avaliar se as companhias seguradoras no Brasil otimizaram a alocação de seus ativos no período de 2001 a 2007. Dessa forma, baseando-se na carteira de investimentos dessas companhias e na teoria clássica de seleção de carteiras, formulada por Markowitz (1952), é possível avaliar a eficiência da alocação de todos os ativos. Assim, o trabalho buscou ilustrar a aplicação de um método de avaliação de ativos, bastante semelhante ao proposto por Leal, Silva e Ribeiro (2001) .Onde através da simulação de fronteiras eficientes, busca considerar a existência dos erros de estimação presentes nos retornos e covariâncias utilizados na teoria de Markowitz (1952). Os resultados obtidos mostraram que, segundo o método utilizado, a maioria dessas instituições alocou seus ativos de forma eficiente durante o período estudado. / The main purpose of this work was to evaluate if the insurance companies in Brazil are optimizing their asset allocation for the period of 2001 to 2007. So, based on the investment portfolios of these companies and on Markowitz (1952) Portfolio Selection Theory, it is possible to evaluate the investments in all the asset area. In this way, this work illustrated the application of an asset evaluation model, very similar to the one proposed by Leal, Silva and Ribeiro (2001), that, by simulating efficient frontiers, tries to consider the existence of estimation errors on the returns and covariances used as inputs on Markowitz (1952) Portfolio Selection Theory. The results have shown that, according to the applied methodology, the majority of these institutions allocated their assets efficiently during the studied period.