abstract: Government performance and accountability have grown to be predominant areas within public administration literature over the last forty years. The research presented in this dissertation examines the relationship between citizen satisfaction and local government performance. Citizen review of service delivery provides vital feedback that facilitates better resource management within local government. Using data from a single jurisdiction, two aspects of citizen satisfaction are reviewed. This includes citizen review of overall city performance, and citizen satisfaction with individual service delivery. Logit regression analysis is used to test several factors that affect citizen evaluation of service delivery in local government, while ordinary least squares regression is used to test the relationship between personal factors and citizen evaluation of specific local services. The results generated four major findings that contribute to the scholarly body of knowledge and local government knowledge application. First, citizens who are predisposed to supporting the local jurisdiction are more likely to rate service delivery high. Second, customer service is important. Third, those who experience government services similarly will collectively react similarly to the service experience. Finally, the length of residency has an impact on satisfaction levels with specific services. Implications for the literature as well as for practice are discussed. / Dissertation/Thesis / Ph.D. Public Administration 2012

Correlated ordinal data typically arises from multiple measurements on a collection of subjects. Motivated by an application in credit risk, where multiple credit rating agencies assess the creditworthiness of a firm on an ordinal scale, we consider multivariate ordinal regression models with a latent variable specification and correlated error terms. Two different link functions are employed, by assuming a multivariate normal and a multivariate logistic distribution for the latent variables underlying the ordinal outcomes. Composite likelihood methods, more specifically the pairwise and tripletwise likelihood approach, are applied for estimating the model parameters. Using simulated data sets with varying number of subjects, we investigate the performance of the pairwise likelihood estimates and find them to be robust for both link functions and reasonable sample size. The empirical application consists of an analysis of corporate credit ratings from the big three credit rating agencies (Standard & Poor's, Moody's and Fitch). Firm-level and stock price data for publicly traded US firms as well as an unbalanced panel of issuer credit ratings are collected and analyzed to illustrate the proposed framework.

The problem of this study was to assess sociometric status and selected variables relative to the selection and training of counselors. The relationship of sociometric status and six variables were investigated. The six variables were counselor evaluation rating, grade earned in a graduate course in group counseling, GRE score, chronological age, gender, and possibility of modification of preliminary perceptions of social choice by a graduate level course in group counseling. It was concluded that sociometrically highly chosen counselors-in-training tend to receive high counselor evaluation ratings. Those individuals who received high grades in a group counseling course that is part lecture and part experiential (participation in a laboratory group) also tended to receive high sociometric scores. This was not true for the students enrolled in a graduate admission seminar course that was all lecture. The sociometric status of counselors-in-training does not appear to be related to GRE scores, age, or gender. The mean sociometric status score of the group studied was not significantly modified by a graduate course in group counseling.

O objetivo do presente estudo foi verificar as relações entre a percepção de esforço (PE) e diferentes cargas em exercícios de força (EF), em sujeitos adultos sedentários, ativos e treinados. Trinta homens com idade entre 18 e 34 anos, foram divididos em três grupos experimentais (GE) de 10 sujeitos cada, sendo os mesmos classificados pelo seu histórico recente (12 meses) de prática de exercícios físicos: grupo de sedentários (GSE), grupo de treinados em força (GTF) e o grupo de fisicamente ativos (GAT). A avaliação da força máxima foi estabelecida através do teste de uma repetição máxima (1RM) nos EF supino (SUP) e pressão de pernas (PP). Através da realização de séries de 12 repetições, diferentes cargas foram aplicadas até que os 4 índices de esforço percebido (IEP – 11, 13, 15 e 17 da Escala RPE de Borg) fossem determinados. O ritmo foi controlado (3 segundos para cada repetição), as cargas foram ocultas, os intervalos controlados (3 a 5 minutos), a ordem dos IEP randomizados, a PE localizada e determinada após a realização da série. Após identificada a carga correspondente à cada IEP, a mesma foi relativizada em percentuais pelo teste de 1RM correspondente (%1RM). A análise estatísitica foi realizada através da análise de variância com bloqueamento e pela correlação de Spearman, sendo o nível de significância de p < 0,05, com os dados processados no software SPSS v. 13. Os resultados indicaram altas (r = 0,826 a 0,922) e significativas (p < 0,05) correlações entre os IEP e o %1RM, conforme GE e EF. Um comportamento similar foi encontrado entre os EF. Maiores cargas estão relacionadas com maiores IEP, sendo diferenciado entre os GE. O GTF utiliza um maior %1RM em relação ao GSE, enquanto que o GAT, apresentou um comportamento intermediário em relação aos demais grupos. Menor variabilidade das respostas do %1RM é verificada nos IEP maiores. Desta forma, acreditamos que a utilização da percepção de esforço pode ser um instrumento confiável na mensuração da intensidade do treinamento de força. / The aim of this study was to verify the relationship between the perceived exertion (PE) and different intensity in strength exercise (SE), in sedentary, active and trained adults subjects. Thirty males with 18 and 34 years old, were matched in 3 experimental groups (EG) with 10 subjects in each group, classified for their recent description (12 months) of physical exercises activities: sedentary group (GSE), strength training group (GST) and the physically active group (GPA). The maximum strength was measured through the 1 repetition maximum test (1RM) on the bench press and leg press exercise. With the accomplishment of sets of 12 repetitions, different loads were applied until the 4 ratings of perceived exertion (Borg’s RPE Scale - 11, 13, 15 and 17 ratings) were determined. The rhythm was controlled (3 seconds for each repetition), the loads were blinded to subjects, the intervals were controlled (3 - 5 minutes), the order of the RPE and exercise were randomized, and the active muscular PE were assessed following each set. After determination of corresponding load to each RPE, it was related by percentages for the corresponding 1RM (%1RM). Statistical analysis was carried by analysis of variance with lock-in and for the correlation of Spearman, with significant level p < 0,05, processing wit SPSS v. 13 software. The results indicated high (r = 0,826 a 0,922) and significant (p < 0,05) correlation between RPE and %1RM, as EG and SE. Similar results were found between the SE. Higher loads are related with higher RPE, with different behavior between EG. The GST uses higher %1RM in relation to the GSE, while the GAT, presented an intermediate behavior related to the other groups. Lower variability of responses of %1RM is observed in higher RPE. Thus, we believe that utilization of perception exertion can be a trustworthy instrument in the measurements of intensity in strength training.

Verb-particle constructions are one of the most complex components of the English language. Understanding and producing such difficult constructs in a second language (L2) is a challenge for L2 learners of English. This research was based on the study by Blais and Gonnerman (2013). The purpose of the current study was to measure American and Saudi participants' sensitivity to the degree of semantic similarity between verb/verb-particle constructions. The survey of similarity ratings was administered to 107 American native English speakers and 67 Saudi English learners. The participants were asked to rate 78 items based on their knowledge of the semantic similarity between verb/verb-particle pairs. Results revealed two major findings; American native speakers and Saudi English learners did not behave consistently with the similarity rating task, and the results did not support the previous categorizations of 78 items that established by Blais and Gonnerman. Extrapolating from these findings, it appears that similarity judgments of verb/verb-particle pairs may be sample-specific, even among native speakers. Therefore, it is questionable whether Blais and Gonnerman's instrument can be used to reliably compare the judgments of different samples of native and non-native speakers.

Detta projekt undersöker möjligheterna att bedöma   discar avsedda för discgolf efter en skala grundad i vetenskapliga tester.   Tester görs i vindtunneln hos Sportstech Research Centre vid   Mittuniversitetet i Östersund i samarbete med Kastaplast AB. Lyckade tester   skulle kunna leda till standardiserade och mer noggranna bedömningar av   discar. Något som underlättar för både kunder och tillverkare. Avsikten är   att framförallt bedöma en discs speedrating men projektet undersöker också   möjligheterna för att se samband gällande glide och turn. Testerna kan även   så ett frö till vidare tester för att skapa djupare förståelse för discars   beteende i luften. / This project   examines the possibilities of rating discs intended for use in discgolf after   a scale based on scientific tests. Tests are conducted in the wind tunnel at   Sportstech Research Centre at Mid Sweden University in Östersund in   collaboration with Kastaplast AB. Successful tests could lead to standardized   and more accurate ratings of disc that would facilitate for both customers   and manufacturers. Intentions are to foremost rate a discs speed rating but   will also examine the possibilities of seeing connections regarding glide and   turn. Tests may also lead to future studies regarding the understanding of   disc flight. / <p>Betyg: 181001</p>

SEMINARIO DE TÍTULO INGENIERO COMERCIAL, MENCIÓN ECONOMÍA. / En este trabajo se proponen dos métodos alternativos para rankear colegios a aquel que resulta de utilizar el puntaje promedio del establecimiento educacional en pruebas estandarizadas. Estos consideran la estrecha relación entre insumos y productos que tiene cualquier proceso productivo conocido. Si el objeto del ranking es asignar recursos públicos, producir aprendizaje entre las unidades educativas o proveer información a la comunidad, aquellos construidos bajo lo sugerido en este trabajo son superiores. Utilizando una muestra de colegios chilenos de distinta dependencia administrativa se encuentra que la representatividad de cada tipo de colegio en el ranking cambia. Bajo el punto de vista de eficiencia en el uso de los recursos, los resultados muestran que los colegios particulares subvencionados y municipales son tan o más eficientes que los colegios particulares pagados.

O objetivo do presente estudo foi verificar as relações entre a percepção de esforço (PE) e diferentes cargas em exercícios de força (EF), em sujeitos adultos sedentários, ativos e treinados. Trinta homens com idade entre 18 e 34 anos, foram divididos em três grupos experimentais (GE) de 10 sujeitos cada, sendo os mesmos classificados pelo seu histórico recente (12 meses) de prática de exercícios físicos: grupo de sedentários (GSE), grupo de treinados em força (GTF) e o grupo de fisicamente ativos (GAT). A avaliação da força máxima foi estabelecida através do teste de uma repetição máxima (1RM) nos EF supino (SUP) e pressão de pernas (PP). Através da realização de séries de 12 repetições, diferentes cargas foram aplicadas até que os 4 índices de esforço percebido (IEP – 11, 13, 15 e 17 da Escala RPE de Borg) fossem determinados. O ritmo foi controlado (3 segundos para cada repetição), as cargas foram ocultas, os intervalos controlados (3 a 5 minutos), a ordem dos IEP randomizados, a PE localizada e determinada após a realização da série. Após identificada a carga correspondente à cada IEP, a mesma foi relativizada em percentuais pelo teste de 1RM correspondente (%1RM). A análise estatísitica foi realizada através da análise de variância com bloqueamento e pela correlação de Spearman, sendo o nível de significância de p < 0,05, com os dados processados no software SPSS v. 13. Os resultados indicaram altas (r = 0,826 a 0,922) e significativas (p < 0,05) correlações entre os IEP e o %1RM, conforme GE e EF. Um comportamento similar foi encontrado entre os EF. Maiores cargas estão relacionadas com maiores IEP, sendo diferenciado entre os GE. O GTF utiliza um maior %1RM em relação ao GSE, enquanto que o GAT, apresentou um comportamento intermediário em relação aos demais grupos. Menor variabilidade das respostas do %1RM é verificada nos IEP maiores. Desta forma, acreditamos que a utilização da percepção de esforço pode ser um instrumento confiável na mensuração da intensidade do treinamento de força. / The aim of this study was to verify the relationship between the perceived exertion (PE) and different intensity in strength exercise (SE), in sedentary, active and trained adults subjects. Thirty males with 18 and 34 years old, were matched in 3 experimental groups (EG) with 10 subjects in each group, classified for their recent description (12 months) of physical exercises activities: sedentary group (GSE), strength training group (GST) and the physically active group (GPA). The maximum strength was measured through the 1 repetition maximum test (1RM) on the bench press and leg press exercise. With the accomplishment of sets of 12 repetitions, different loads were applied until the 4 ratings of perceived exertion (Borg’s RPE Scale - 11, 13, 15 and 17 ratings) were determined. The rhythm was controlled (3 seconds for each repetition), the loads were blinded to subjects, the intervals were controlled (3 - 5 minutes), the order of the RPE and exercise were randomized, and the active muscular PE were assessed following each set. After determination of corresponding load to each RPE, it was related by percentages for the corresponding 1RM (%1RM). Statistical analysis was carried by analysis of variance with lock-in and for the correlation of Spearman, with significant level p < 0,05, processing wit SPSS v. 13 software. The results indicated high (r = 0,826 a 0,922) and significant (p < 0,05) correlation between RPE and %1RM, as EG and SE. Similar results were found between the SE. Higher loads are related with higher RPE, with different behavior between EG. The GST uses higher %1RM in relation to the GSE, while the GAT, presented an intermediate behavior related to the other groups. Lower variability of responses of %1RM is observed in higher RPE. Thus, we believe that utilization of perception exertion can be a trustworthy instrument in the measurements of intensity in strength training.

CAPES / Recentemente, alguns sistemas estão sendo transferidos para a plataforma web. Muitos serviços e aplicações, incluindo sistemas de simulação e planejamento de energia e sistemas de automação, são desenvolvidos com interfaces baseadas na Internet. A usabilidade é a principal característica de uma interface e está associada com as funcionalidades de um sitema. Ela descreve o quão bem um produto pode ser utilizado para os fins propostos por seus usuários com eficácia, eficiência e satisfação. Este trabalho apresenta a aplicação de técnicas de Reconhecimento de Padrões na detecção e classificação automática de problemas de usabilidade na interface de um sistema web. O foco inicial do trabalho é centrado na identificação de possíveis problemas de usabilidade em formulários web. Os potenciais problemas de usabilidade do formulário web são definidos a partir das recomendações descritas na literatura. As tarefas realizadas pelo usuário são obtidas através da análise da interação do usuário armazenada em arquivos de log. A classificação de quais tarefas são realizadas conforme o esperado e quais são consideradas potenciais problemas de usabilidade é realizada através de uma Rede Neural Artificial. / Recently, some systems have been transferred to the web-based platform. Many services and applications, including those of power systems simulating and planning and automation systems, are developed with Internet-based interface. Usability is mainly a characteristic of the interface and is associated with the functionalities of the systems. It describes how well a product can be used for its intended purpose by its users with efficiency, effectiveness and satisfaction. This paper presents the application of pattern recognition techniques in automatic detection and classification of usability problems in the interface of a web system. The initial focus of this work is focused on identifying potential usability problems in web forms. The potential usability problems of the web form are defined based on the recommendations described in the literature. The tasks performed by the user are obtained through analysis of user interaction stored in log files. The classification of tasks which are performed as expected and what are considered potential usability problems is performed by an Artificial Neural Network.

CAPES / Recentemente, alguns sistemas estão sendo transferidos para a plataforma web. Muitos serviços e aplicações, incluindo sistemas de simulação e planejamento de energia e sistemas de automação, são desenvolvidos com interfaces baseadas na Internet. A usabilidade é a principal característica de uma interface e está associada com as funcionalidades de um sitema. Ela descreve o quão bem um produto pode ser utilizado para os fins propostos por seus usuários com eficácia, eficiência e satisfação. Este trabalho apresenta a aplicação de técnicas de Reconhecimento de Padrões na detecção e classificação automática de problemas de usabilidade na interface de um sistema web. O foco inicial do trabalho é centrado na identificação de possíveis problemas de usabilidade em formulários web. Os potenciais problemas de usabilidade do formulário web são definidos a partir das recomendações descritas na literatura. As tarefas realizadas pelo usuário são obtidas através da análise da interação do usuário armazenada em arquivos de log. A classificação de quais tarefas são realizadas conforme o esperado e quais são consideradas potenciais problemas de usabilidade é realizada através de uma Rede Neural Artificial. / Recently, some systems have been transferred to the web-based platform. Many services and applications, including those of power systems simulating and planning and automation systems, are developed with Internet-based interface. Usability is mainly a characteristic of the interface and is associated with the functionalities of the systems. It describes how well a product can be used for its intended purpose by its users with efficiency, effectiveness and satisfaction. This paper presents the application of pattern recognition techniques in automatic detection and classification of usability problems in the interface of a web system. The initial focus of this work is focused on identifying potential usability problems in web forms. The potential usability problems of the web form are defined based on the recommendations described in the literature. The tasks performed by the user are obtained through analysis of user interaction stored in log files. The classification of tasks which are performed as expected and what are considered potential usability problems is performed by an Artificial Neural Network.