Les Systèmes à Evénements Discrets (SED) peuvent être définis comme des systèmes dans lesquels les variables d'état changent sous l'occurrence d'évènements au fil du temps. Les SED mettant en jeu des phénomènes de synchronisation peuvent être modélisés par des équations linéaires dans les algèbres de type (max,+). L'analyse d'atteignabilité est une problématique majeure pour les systèmes dynamiques. L'objectif est de calculer l'ensemble des états atteignables d'un système dynamique pour toutes les valeurs admissibles d'un ensemble d'états initiaux. Le problème de l'analyse d'atteignabilité pour les systèmes Max-Plus Linéaire (MPL) a été, proprement, résolu en décomposant le système MPL en une combinaison de systèmes affines par morceaux où les composantes affines du système sont représentées par des matrices de différences bornées (Difference Bound Matrix, DBM). La contribution principale de cette thèse est de présenter une procédure similaire pour résoudre le problème de l'atteignabilité pour des systèmes MPL incertains (uMPL), c'est-à-dire des systèmes MPL soumis à des bruits bornés, des perturbations et/ou des erreurs de modélisation. Tout d'abord, nous présentons une procédure permettant de partionner l'espace d'état d'un système uMPL en parties représentables par des DBM. Ensuite, nous étendons l'analyse d'atteignabilité des systèmes MPL aux systèmes uMPL. Enfin, les résultats sur l'analyse d'atteignabilité sont mis en oeuvre pour résoudre le problème d'atteignabilité conditionnelle, qui est étroitement lié au calcul du support de la densité de probabilité impliquée dans le problème de filtage stochastique / Discrete Event Dynamic Systems (DEDS) are discrete-state systems whose dynamics areentirely driven by the occurrence of asynchronous events over time. Linear equations in themax-plus algebra can be used to describe DEDS subjected to synchronization and time delayphenomena. The reachability analysis concerns the computation of all states that can bereached by a dynamical system from an initial set of states. The reachability analysis problemof Max Plus Linear (MPL) systems has been properly solved by characterizing the MPLsystems as a combination of Piece-Wise Affine (PWA) systems and then representing eachcomponent of the PWA system as Difference-Bound Matrices (DBM). The main contributionof this thesis is to present a similar procedure to solve the reachability analysis problemof MPL systems subjected to bounded noise, disturbances and/or modeling errors, calleduncertain MPL (uMPL) systems. First, we present a procedure to partition the state spaceof an uMPL system into components that can be completely represented by DBM. Then weextend the reachability analysis of MPL systems to uMPL systems. Moreover, the results onreachability analysis of uMPL systems are used to solve the conditional reachability problem,which is closely related to the support calculation of the probability density function involvedin the stochastic filtering problem. / Os Sistemas a Eventos Discretos (SEDs) constituem uma classe de sistemas caracterizada por apresentar espaço de estados discreto e dinâmica dirigida única e exclusivamente pela ocorrência de eventos. SEDs sujeitos aos problemas de sincronização e de temporização podem ser descritos em termos de equações lineares usando a álgebra max-plus. A análise de alcançabilidade visa o cálculo do conjunto de todos os estados que podem ser alcançados a partir de um conjunto de estados iniciais através do modelo do sistema. A análise de alcançabilidade de sistemas Max Plus Lineares (MPL) pode ser tratada por meio da decomposição do sistema MPL em sistemas PWA (Piece-Wise Affine) e de sua correspondente representação por DBM (Difference-Bound Matrices). A principal contribuição desta tese é a proposta de uma metodologia similar para resolver o problema de análise de alcançabilidade em sistemas MPL sujeitos a ruídos limitados, chamados de sistemas MPL incertos ou sistemas uMPL (uncertain Max Plus Linear Systems). Primeiramente, apresentamos uma metodologia para particionar o espaço de estados de um sistema uMPL em componentes que podem ser completamente representados por DBM. Em seguida, estendemos a análise de alcançabilidade de sistemas MPL para sistemas uMPL. Além disso, a metodologia desenvolvida é usada para resolver o problema de análise de alcançabilidade condicional, o qual esta estritamente relacionado ao cálculo do suporte da função de probabilidade de densidade envolvida o problema de filtragem estocástica.

Methodologies designed to support new product development are receiving increasing interest in recent literature. A significant percentage of new product failure is attributed to a mismatch between designed product features and consumer liking. A variety of methodologies have been proposed and tested for consumer liking or preference prediction, ranging from statistical methodologies e.g. multiple linear regression (MLR) to non-statistical approaches e.g. artificial neural networks (ANN), support vector machines (SVM), and belief rule-based (BRB) systems. BRB has been previously tested for consumer preference prediction and target setting in case studies from the beverages industry. Results have indicated a number of technical and conceptual advantages which BRB holds over the aforementioned alternative approaches. This thesis focuses on presenting further advantages and applications of the BRB methodology for consumer liking prediction. The features and advantages are selected in response to challenges raised by three addressed case studies. The first case study addresses a novel industry for BRB application: the fast moving consumer goods industry, the personal care sector. A series of challenges are tackled. Firstly, stepwise linear regression, principal component analysis and AutoEncoder are tested for predictors’ selection and data reduction. Secondly, an investigation is carried out to analyse the impact of employing complete distributions, instead of averages, for sensory attributes. Moreover, the effect of modelling instrumental measurement error is assessed. The second case study addresses a different product from the personal care sector. A bi-objective prescriptive approach for BRB model structure selection and validation is proposed and tested. Genetic Algorithms and Simulated Annealing are benchmarked against complete enumeration for searching the model structures. A novel criterion based on an adjusted Akaike Information Criterion is designed for identifying the optimal model structure from the Pareto frontier based on two objectives: model complexity and model fit. The third case study introduces yet another novel industry for BRB application: the pastry and confectionary specialties industry. A new prescriptive framework, for rule validation and random training set allocation, is designed and tested. In all case studies, the BRB methodology is compared with the most popular alternative approaches: MLR, ANN, and SVM. The results indicate that BRB outperforms these methodologies both conceptually and in terms of prediction accuracy.

Cette thèse présente l'étude de la réduction de modèles pour les réseaux électriques et les réseaux de transmission. Un point de vue mathématique a été adopté pour la réduction de modèles. Les réseaux électriques sont des réseaux immenses et complexes, dont l'analyse et la conception nécessite la simulation et la résolution de grands modèles non-linéaires. Dans le cadre du développement de réseaux électriques intelligents (smart grids) avec une génération distribuée de puissance, l'analyse en temps réel de systèmes complexes tels que ceux-ci nécessite des modèles rapides,fiables et précis. Dans la présente étude, nous proposons des méthodes de réduction de de modèles à la fois a priori et a posteriori, adaptées aux modèles dynamiques des réseaux électriques.Un accent particulier a été mis sur la dynamique transitoire des réseaux électriques, décrite par un modèle oscillant non linéaire et complexe. La non-linéarité de ce modèle nécessite une attention particulière pour bénéficier du maximum d'avantages des techniques de réduction de modèles.Initialement, des méthodes comme POD et LATIN ont été adoptées avec des degrés de succès divers. La méthode de TPWL, qui combine la POD avec des approximations linéaires multiples, a été prouvée comme étant la méthode de réduction de modèles la mieux adaptée pour le modèle dynamique oscillant.Pour les lignes de transmission, un modèle de paramètres distribués en domaine fréquentiel est utilisé. Des modèles réduits de type PGD sont proposés pour le modèle DP des lignes de transmission. Un problème multidimensionnel entièrement paramétrique a été formulé, avec les paramètres électriques des lignes de transmission inclus comme coordonnées additionnelles de la représentation séparée. La méthode a été étendue pour étudier la solution du modèle des lignes de transmission pour laquelle les paramètres dépendent de la fréquence. / This thesis presents the study of the model order reduction for power grids and transmission networks. The specific focus has been the transient dynamics. A mathematical viewpoint has been adopted for model reduction. Power networks are huge and complex network, simulation for power grid analysis and design require large non-linearmodels to be solved. In the context of developing “SmartGrids” with the distributed generation of power, real time analysis of complex systems such as these needs fast,reliable and accurate models. In the current study we propose model order reduction methods both a-priori and aposteriori suitable for dynamic models of power grids.The model that describes the transient dynamics of the power grids is complex non-linear swing dynamics model. The non-linearity of the swing dynamics model necessitates special attention to achieve maximum benefit from the model order reduction techniques. In the current research, POD and LATIN methods were applied initially with varying degrees of success. The method of TPWL has been proved as the best-suited model reduction method for swing dynamics model ; this method combines POD with multiple linear approximations.For the transmission lines, a distributed parameters model infrequency-domain is used. PGD based reduced-order models are proposed for the DP model of transmission lines. A fully parametric problem with electrical parameters of transmission lines included as coordinates of the separated representation. The method was extended to present the solution of frequency-dependent parameters model for transmission lines.

[pt] A partir de melhorias incrementais em uma conhecida rede neural convolucional (U-Net), diferentes técnicas são avaliadas quanto às suas performances na tarefa de segmentação semântica em imagens sísmicas. Mais especificamente, procura-se a identificação e delineamento de estruturas salinas no subsolo, o que é de grande relevância na indústria de óleo e gás para a exploração de petróleo em camadas pré-sal, por exemplo. Além disso, os desafios apresentados no tratamento destas imagens sísmicas se assemelham em muito aos encontrados em tarefas de áreas médicas como identificação de tumores e segmentação de tecidos, o que torna o estudo da tarefa em questão ainda mais valioso. Este trabalho pretende sugerir uma metodologia adequada de abordagem à tarefa e produzir redes neurais capazes de segmentar imagens sísmicas com bons resultados dentro das métricas utilizadas. Para alcançar estes objetivos, diferentes estruturas de redes, transferência de aprendizado e técnicas de aumentação de dados são testadas em dois datasets com diferentes níveis de complexidade. / [en] Through incremental improvements in a well-known convolutional neural network (U-Net), different techniques are evaluated regarding their performance on the task of semantic segmentation of seismic images. More specifically, the objective is the better identification and outline of subsurface salt structures, which is a task of great relevance for the oil and gas industry in the exploration of pre-salt layers, for example. Besides that application, the challenges imposed by the treatment of seismic images also resemble those found in medical fields like tumor detection and tissue segmentation, which makes the study of this task even more valuable. This work seeks to suggest a suitable methodology for the task and to yield neural networks that are capable of performing semantic segmentation of seismic images with good results regarding specific metrics. For that purpose, different network structures, transfer learning and data augmentation techniques are applied in two datasets with different levels of complexity.

[pt] Este trabalho estuda o texto de Jó 14,13 17, considerando sua data de redação, de forma a permitir a compreensão do contexto e consequente significado teológico. Com a datação do texto, as fontes históricas, bíblicas e não bíblicas permitem concluir o contexto histórico, econômico, social e religioso da época, e suas implicações na vida do povo de Israel. Comenta-se o significado dos termos e expressões usados no texto poético. Estabelece-se, então, o que motivou o autor a desejar ser escondido no sheol, por tempo determinado, até YHWH desistir de sua ira e voltar a se recordar dele. Analisa-se, também, como a doutrina da retribuição influenciou o conflito que surgiu no meio da comunidade e como ele foi enfrentado. A poesia de Jó 14,13 17 é parte do esforço desenvolvido para solução dos conflitos sociais causados pela miséria e sofrimento do povo. Enquadra-se no contexto do trabalho pastoral que conclamou a classe social alta a uma atitude de solidariedade, como resposta à convocação de YHWH ao homem. / [en] The present paper studies the text of Job 14 two point 13 17, taking into account the time and the context in which it was written in order to allow the understanding of its theological significance. Given the information on the text dating, historical, biblical and non-biblical sources establish the historical, economic, social and religious context of that time, and its implication on the lives of the People of Israel. The meaning of terms and expressions are analyzed in the poetic text. This study establishes what prompted the author’s wish to be hidden in Sheol for a given time, awaiting for the divine wrath to end, of provided that YHWH could still remember him. This paper also analyses how the doctrine of retribution influenced the conflict that arose in middle of the community and how it was faced. The poetry of Job 14 two point 13 17 is part of the effort to solve social conflicts caused by the misery and suffering of the people. This text falls within the context of the pastoral work developed, which urged the upper class to show an attitude of solidarity as a response to the summons of YHWH to man.

Business today is conducted within societies facing complex global challenges and unprecedented demands for effective, ethical, and excellent business leadership that proactively manages its societal impacts. Integrating economic success with service of the common good requires a sound, shared understanding of “positive” executive business leadership to guide executive selection, education and development, and practice. This thesis formulates and theoretically grounds a general theory of positive executive business leadership. Integrative Executive Leadership (“IEL”) addresses the individual, pairs/groups/teams, organizational, and societal levels of business. Within these contexts, IEL exercises positive integrative agency through multi-stakeholder professional stewardship, integrated performance management, and living codes of ethics. This requires the practice of five mutually-reinforcing positive behavioural repertoires: contemplative self-leadership, functional-relational facilitative leadership, full range managerial-leadership, visionary strategic leadership, and transforming-developmental leadership. These are reinforced by five positive philosophies or styles of leadership: authentic, moral, spiritual, servant, and wise leadership. Consequently, IEL is predicated upon essential competencies, attainments, and positive dispositions. Especially, IEL requires the cultivation of positive psychological states, traits, and virtues, eudaimonic character, postautonomous levels of ego development, psychological complexity, integrative consciousness and flow. In addition to promoting intrinsic morality, these farther reaches of human nature contribute to effective and excellent leadership performance. Integrative Executive Leaders do well by doing good. IEL was developed through multiparadigm theory-building, adopting a pragmatic epistemology, and employing a transdisciplinary, positive scholarship approach to integrate the findings from a broad range of qualitative and quantitative research from the humanities and the social sciences. IEL theory articulates important theoretical relationships derived from: leading insights from management and organization theory; salient research findings from the social sciences and the humanities; insights from positive psychology, positive organizational behaviour, positive organizational scholarship, constructive developmental psychology, transpersonal psychology, and integrated empirical ethics; interpretive analyses of the biographies of great world leaders; and, a rich case study of an extraordinary executive business leader. Accordingly, IEL is advanced as an emergent theory with both theoretical grounding and empirical reference. The path forward requires further transdisciplinary, multiparadigm, multi-method research to further develop and refine IEL and establish it as a grounded theory of positive executive business leadership.

Business today is conducted within societies facing complex global challenges and unprecedented demands for effective, ethical, and excellent business leadership that proactively manages its societal impacts. Integrating economic success with service of the common good requires a sound, shared understanding of “positive” executive business leadership to guide executive selection, education and development, and practice. This thesis formulates and theoretically grounds a general theory of positive executive business leadership. Integrative Executive Leadership (“IEL”) addresses the individual, pairs/groups/teams, organizational, and societal levels of business. Within these contexts, IEL exercises positive integrative agency through multi-stakeholder professional stewardship, integrated performance management, and living codes of ethics. This requires the practice of five mutually-reinforcing positive behavioural repertoires: contemplative self-leadership, functional-relational facilitative leadership, full range managerial-leadership, visionary strategic leadership, and transforming-developmental leadership. These are reinforced by five positive philosophies or styles of leadership: authentic, moral, spiritual, servant, and wise leadership. Consequently, IEL is predicated upon essential competencies, attainments, and positive dispositions. Especially, IEL requires the cultivation of positive psychological states, traits, and virtues, eudaimonic character, postautonomous levels of ego development, psychological complexity, integrative consciousness and flow. In addition to promoting intrinsic morality, these farther reaches of human nature contribute to effective and excellent leadership performance. Integrative Executive Leaders do well by doing good. IEL was developed through multiparadigm theory-building, adopting a pragmatic epistemology, and employing a transdisciplinary, positive scholarship approach to integrate the findings from a broad range of qualitative and quantitative research from the humanities and the social sciences. IEL theory articulates important theoretical relationships derived from: leading insights from management and organization theory; salient research findings from the social sciences and the humanities; insights from positive psychology, positive organizational behaviour, positive organizational scholarship, constructive developmental psychology, transpersonal psychology, and integrated empirical ethics; interpretive analyses of the biographies of great world leaders; and, a rich case study of an extraordinary executive business leader. Accordingly, IEL is advanced as an emergent theory with both theoretical grounding and empirical reference. The path forward requires further transdisciplinary, multiparadigm, multi-method research to further develop and refine IEL and establish it as a grounded theory of positive executive business leadership.

The lives of women are largely hidden in the Old Testament. New archaeological investigationsinto the households of Iron Age I have brought forward new evidence that sheds light on theauthority status and roles of women in the pre-monarchic tribal community. Conventional theory perceives that women were always oppressed and marginalised under a malevolentsystem of male rule in the Bible. The evidence indicates differently. Investigations in thedomestic sphere, where the household processes were under women’s control and management, imply that women held authority that was equal to male power in the public domain. It has been revealed that women held significant positions in the public sphere as well.This study, therefore, is an investigation into women’s status and the wide-ranging socioeconomicand religious roles they held within a system of male rule that allowed women theirauthority and autonomy in a unique period of Israelite history. / Biblical and Ancient Studies / M. Th. (Biblical Archaeology)

ISAGENis a tool for the automatic generation of structurally complex test inputs that imitate real communication in the context of modern information systems . Complex, typically tree-structured data currently represents the standard means of transmitting information between nodes in distributed information systems. Automatic generator ISAGENis founded on the methodology of data-driven testing and uses concrete data from the production environment as the primary characteristic and specification that guides the generation of new similar data for test cases satisfying given combinatorial adequacy criteria. The main contribution of this thesis is a comprehensive proposal of automated data generation techniques together with an implementation, which demonstrates their usage. The created solution enables testers to create more relevant testing data, representing production-like communication in information systems.

<div> This thesis proposes an artificial neural network (NN) model to predict fuel consumption in heavy vehicles. The model uses predictors derived from vehicle speed, mass, and road grade. These variables are readily available from telematics devices that are becoming an integral part of connected vehicles. The model predictors are aggregated over a fixed distance traveled (i.e., window) instead of fixed time interval. It was found that 1km windows is most appropriate for the vocations studied in this thesis. Two vocations were studied, refuse and delivery trucks.</div><div><br></div><div> The proposed NN model was compared to two traditional models. The first is a parametric model similar to one found in the literature. The second is a linear regression model that uses the same features developed for the NN model.</div><div><br></div><div> The confidence level of the models using these three methods were calculated in order to evaluate the models variances. It was found that the NN models produce lower point-wise error. However, the stability of the models are not as high as regression models. In order to improve the variance of the NN models, an ensemble based on the average of 5-fold models was created. </div><div><br></div><div> Finally, the confidence level of each model is analyzed in order to understand how much error is expected from each model. The mean training error was used to correct the ensemble predictions for five K-Fold models. The ensemble K-fold model predictions are more reliable than the single NN and has lower confidence interval than both the parametric and regression models.</div>