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The purpose of this research is to diagnose the operational financial situation of the port terminals of Ecuador during the period 2015 - 2019, by analyzing their Operational Needs of Funds against the relationship they show with the Working Capital, profitability and indebtedness; established as independent variables. A correlational descriptive methodology was applied for quantitative data, consisting of six port terminals belonging to the Association of Private Port Terminals of Ecuador and the Maritime Chamber of Ecuador. This study reveals negative averages for Operating Needs of Funds and Working Capital Fund; a situation that produces spontaneous financing due to a situation of illiquidity and preponderance of financing with suppliers, but that shows a positive relationship with profitability levels. However, since there is sufficient spontaneous financing, there is evidence of a high percentage of indebtedness in the long term. These results translate into opportunities to strengthen investments in the Ecuadorian port sector., El propósito de esta investigación consiste en diagnosticar la situación financiera operativa de las terminales portuarias del Ecuador durante el período 2015 – 2019, mediante el análisis de sus Necesidades Operativas de Fondos frente a la relación que muestran con el Fondo de Maniobra, rentabilidad y endeudamiento; establecidas como variables independientes. Se aplicó una metodología descriptiva correlacional para datos cuantitativos, constituidos por seis terminales portuarias pertenecientes a la Asociación de Terminales Portuarios Privados del Ecuador y a la Cámara Marítima del Ecuador. El presente estudio devela promedios de Necesidades Operativas de Fondos y Fondo de Maniobra negativos; situación que produce una financiación espontánea debido a una situación de iliquidez y preponderancia del financiamiento con proveedores, pero que demuestra una relación positiva con los niveles de rentabilidad. Sin embargo, al existir financiación espontánea suficiente, se evidencia un elevado porcentaje de endeudamiento en el largo plazo. Dichos resultados se traducen en oportunidades de fortalecimiento en las inversiones del sector portuario ecuatoriano.

Understanding the factors that drive extreme water levels is key to an accurate assessment of flood hazard. The city of Venice has always been affected by flooding due to extreme water levels. In this study, we examine the factors driving and influencing extreme water levels in the Venice lagoon, aiming at deriving accurate extreme water level estimates in the Venice lagoon. Due to the shallowness of the Venice lagoon, extreme water levels are influenced by both atmospheric forcing (surge) and water level of the lagoon (tide and bottom level) and interactions between these two. Furthermore, these extreme water levels have been changing over time due to variations in the bottom level. These variations are reportedly due to local (anthropogenic and natural) subsidence and sea level rise. In this study we resort to the available long-term water level observations of the Punta della Salute tide-gauge. Given the effects of subsidence and sea level rise in these data, we start by homogenizing the data by removing these trends and jumps from the time-series. Using the homogenized time-series, we study the influence of the dependence between tide and surge components on the extreme water level estimates. Finally, we quantify the effect in the estimates of modelling this dependence in the extreme value models. To homogenize the data and better understand the underlying trends, a time-series analysis was performed on the time-series of water level observations. Mann-Kendall tests for monotonic trend were performed, followed by an analysis using changepoint detection methods. Changepoint detection was performed using the RHtest and BEAST methods on the Punta della Salute time-series as well as time-series from neighbouring tide-gauge stations. Ultimately trend decomposition using the BEAST method was used to detrend and homogenize the Punta della Salute time-series. After detrending, the tide and surge components were separated using tidal harmonic analysis and re, Civil Engineering

Under ekonomiska konjunkturcykler är sambandet mellan grundläggande makroekonomiska variabler och aktiemarknadens avkastning högst intressant att undersöka. Syftet med denna uppsats är att undersöka hur aktiepriser på den svenska- och amerikanska aktiemarknaden påverkas av relevanta makroekonomiska faktorer under tidsperioden 1970–2021. Genom ko-integrationstest, Vector Error Correction modeller och kausalitetstest på årsdata finner vi signifikanta resultat för att den svenska aktiemarknaden divergerar från jämvikt av en chock i penningmängd. För den amerikanska aktiemarknaden finner vi fler signifikanta resultat och att en chock i statsskulden skapar en divergerande effekt i fjärde laggen men en konvergerande effekt i andra. För att fördjupa undersökningen genomförs en bivariat analys för att undersöka hur aktiepriser påverkas av BNP som en indikation på ekonomisk tillväxt och även hur aktiepriser påverkas av lång och kort ränta som en konjunkturindikator. Resultaten varierar för Sverige och USA. Det kausala sambandet mellan aktiepris och BNP visar att aktiepris påverkar BNP för Sverige. För USA finner vi däremot inga signifikanta resultat gällande det kausala sambandet. För sambandet mellan amerikanskt aktiepris mot kort och lång ränta så visade det sig att kort ränta orkar divergens mot jämvikt för aktiemarknaden. För Sverige påvisade resultaten att kort ränta orsakar konvergens och lång ränta divergens vid en chock i aktiemarknaden., During economic cycles, the relationship between fundamental macroeconomic variables and stock market returns is highly interesting to examine. The purpose of this thesis is to investigate how share prices in the Swedish and American stock markets are affected by relevant macroeconomic factors during the period 1970–2021. Through co-integration tests, Vector Error Correction models and causality tests on annual data, we find significant results for the Swedish stock market to diverge from equilibrium by a shock in the money supply. For the US stock market, we find more significant variables and a result that a shock in the central government debt creates a divergent effect in the fourth layer but a converging effect in the second. To deepen the survey, a bivariate analysis is carried out to examine how share prices are affected by GDP as an indication of economic growth and how share prices are affected by long-term and short-term interest rates as a business cycle indicator. The results vary for Sweden and the USA. The causal relationship between share price and GDP shows that share price affects GDP for Sweden. For the United States, however, we find no significant results regarding the causal relationship. For the relationship between the US share price against short and long interest rates, it turned out that short interest rates can withstand divergence towards equilibrium for the stock market. For Sweden, the results showed that short-term interest rates cause convergence and long-term interest rate divergence in the event of a shock in the stock market.

Statistical techniques have been improved over the years and can now be applied to practically anything, including sports. Sports analytics are a hot topic right now due to the huge amount of data available for analysis. This data can be analyzed for both improving the performance of the athletes and finding exogenous variables that may affect the results. This work aims to predict Women Tennis matches in the Grand Slams and understand what affects performances of the players and how. The objectives are interesting because they are chosen based on what a tennis fan would want to know. The statistical techniques used are descriptive to understand the performances, and predictive to predict the winners using six different models.

Out of Home advertising is traditional outdoor advertising. Over the last decade the digital Out of Home advertising possibilities have grown substantially. These possibilities include hour-based advertisement schedules, rapidly implemented changes to advertisements and obtaining location data from consumers being exposed to advertisements. Investigating these possibilities further for improving customer engagement and optimising target group reach is of great importance in marketing and marketing science. This thesis will focus on exposure data obtained from vehicle locations in central London. Using this data we want to model the frequency with which individuals see advertisements and research the overlap in exposures of individuals to multiple media vehicles where advertisements are displayed. We focus on modelling exposures of individuals to two vehicles, comparing different types of bivariate distributions. In this thesis we present the comparison of two models: an adapted version of the Sarmanov bivariate distribution and copulas. We refer to these models as the Danaher and Copula model respectively. The fitting and simulations of the models are based on bivariate data of two specified vehicles, to be able to comment on the overlap between these vehicles. To investigate the performance of the models all combinations of vehicles are modelled after which the results are combined. Both models simulate small frequencies of exposures of individuals adequate, but for more extreme values both models fail to represent the observed data. Especially the simulation of overlap is done poorly by the models. Several approaches have been tried to improve the models' performance, without much success. The analysis shows that the data at hand requires more sophisticated methods to handle joint exposure and more research needs to be done. In addition the variable distance is added to the research problem, which intuitively has great influence on the overlap be, Electrical Engineering

Under ekonomiska konjunkturcykler är sambandet mellan grundläggande makroekonomiska variabler och aktiemarknadens avkastning högst intressant att undersöka. Syftet med denna uppsats är att undersöka hur aktiepriser på den svenska- och amerikanska aktiemarknaden påverkas av relevanta makroekonomiska faktorer under tidsperioden 1970–2021. Genom ko-integrationstest, Vector Error Correction modeller och kausalitetstest på årsdata finner vi signifikanta resultat för att den svenska aktiemarknaden divergerar från jämvikt av en chock i penningmängd. För den amerikanska aktiemarknaden finner vi fler signifikanta resultat och att en chock i statsskulden skapar en divergerande effekt i fjärde laggen men en konvergerande effekt i andra. För att fördjupa undersökningen genomförs en bivariat analys för att undersöka hur aktiepriser påverkas av BNP som en indikation på ekonomisk tillväxt och även hur aktiepriser påverkas av lång och kort ränta som en konjunkturindikator. Resultaten varierar för Sverige och USA. Det kausala sambandet mellan aktiepris och BNP visar att aktiepris påverkar BNP för Sverige. För USA finner vi däremot inga signifikanta resultat gällande det kausala sambandet. För sambandet mellan amerikanskt aktiepris mot kort och lång ränta så visade det sig att kort ränta orkar divergens mot jämvikt för aktiemarknaden. För Sverige påvisade resultaten att kort ränta orsakar konvergens och lång ränta divergens vid en chock i aktiemarknaden., During economic cycles, the relationship between fundamental macroeconomic variables and stock market returns is highly interesting to examine. The purpose of this thesis is to investigate how share prices in the Swedish and American stock markets are affected by relevant macroeconomic factors during the period 1970–2021. Through co-integration tests, Vector Error Correction models and causality tests on annual data, we find significant results for the Swedish stock market to diverge from equilibrium by a shock in the money supply. For the US stock market, we find more significant variables and a result that a shock in the central government debt creates a divergent effect in the fourth layer but a converging effect in the second. To deepen the survey, a bivariate analysis is carried out to examine how share prices are affected by GDP as an indication of economic growth and how share prices are affected by long-term and short-term interest rates as a business cycle indicator. The results vary for Sweden and the USA. The causal relationship between share price and GDP shows that share price affects GDP for Sweden. For the United States, however, we find no significant results regarding the causal relationship. For the relationship between the US share price against short and long interest rates, it turned out that short interest rates can withstand divergence towards equilibrium for the stock market. For Sweden, the results showed that short-term interest rates cause convergence and long-term interest rate divergence in the event of a shock in the stock market.

Background: Litter size at birth (LSB) is one of the most important economic traits in sheep and could be used in genetic improvement schemes for meat production. LSB is inherently a categorical trait and should be analysed with threshold models. Objective: Bayesian threshold models were used to analyze sheep LSB to estimate genetic parameters. Methods: Data was based on 7,901 LSB records from 14,968 dams and 682 sires collected from 1986 to 2012 at Makouie Sheep Breeding Station in Iran. Means of posterior distributions (MPDs) of LSB's genetic parameters were estimated, and the best-fitted models were selected using the deviance information criterion. Results: In the repeated measurement analysis, the estimated direct and maternal heritabilities, and permanent environmental effect (±SE), according to the best-fitted model (model 5), were 0.01 (0.010), 0.02 (0.014), and 0.01 (0.011), respectively. In the univariate analysis, the best estimates of direct and maternal heritabilities were 0.12 (0.064) and 0.08 (0.045), respectively. An increasing trend for direct and maternal heritabilities was observed in parity 2 (0.15 (0.082) and 0.25 (0.083), respectively). In the bivariate analysis, the best estimates of direct and maternal heritabilities for LSB were 0.03 (0.027) and 0.22 (0.041), respectively. The direct and maternal genetic correlations among parities were 0.25 (0.054) and 0.12 (0.021), respectively. Conclusions: The results showed a considerable influence of environmental factors on LSB in each parity of sheep; also, statistically different genetic parameters (p<0.05) were obtained from one parity to another, indicating the different and large influences of genetic and environmental factors for each parity., Antecedentes: O tamanho da ninhada ao nascer (LSB) é inerentemente uma característica categórica e deve ser analisada com modelos de limiar. LSB é uma das características mais importantes de produção de carne em ovinos e pode ser usado em esquemas de melhoramento genético para a produção de carne. Objetivo: Modelos de limiar bayesiano foram usados para analisar o tamanho da ninhada de ovelhas ao nascer (LSB) para estimar parâmetros genéticos. Métodos: Os dados foram baseados em 7.901 registros LSB de 14.968 ovelhas e 682 carneiros coletados de 1986 a 2012 na Estação de Criação de Ovinos Makouie no Irã. Médias de distribuições posteriores (MPDs) dos parâmetros genéticos de LSB foram estimadas e os modelos mais bem ajustados foram selecionados usando o critério de informação de desvio. Resultados: Nas análises de medidas repetidas, as herdabilidades diretas e maternas estimadas e o efeito do ambiente permanente (±SE), de acordo com o modelo mais bem ajustado (modelo 5), foram 0,01 (0,010), 0,02 (0,014) e 0,01 (0,011), respectivamente. Na análise univariada, as melhores estimativas das herdabilidades direta e materna foram 0,12 (0,064) e 0,08 (0,045), respectivamente. Uma tendência crescente para as herdabilidades direta e materna foi observada na paridade 2 (0,15 (0,082) e 0,25 (0,083), respectivamente). Na análise bivariada, as melhores estimativas de herdabilidades direta e materna para LSB foram 0,03 (0,027) e 0,22 (0,041), respectivamente. As correlações genéticas diretas e maternas entre os partos foram 0,25 (0,054) e 0,12 (0,021), respectivamente. Conclusões: Os resultados mostraram uma influência considerável dos fatores ambientais na LSB em cada paridade de ovelhas; também, parâmetros genéticos estatisticamente diferentes (p<0,05) foram obtidos de uma paridade para outra, indicando as diferentes e grandes influências de fatores genéticos e ambientais para cada paridade em ovinos. Os resultados deste estudo podem ser ainda mais definidos usando dados SNPs de to, Antecedentes: El tamaño de la camada al nacer (LSB) es inherentemente un rasgo categórico y debe analizarse con modelos de umbral. El LSB es uno de los rasgos de producción de carne más importantes en las ovejas y podría usarse en esquemas de mejora genética para la producción de carne. Objetivo: Se utilizaron modelos de umbral bayesiano para analizar el tamaño de la camada de ovejas al nacer (LSB) y estimar parámetros genéticos. Métodos: Los datos se basaron en 7.901 registros de LSB de 14.968 ovejas y 682 carneros recolectados de 1986 a 2012 en la estación de cría de ovejas Makouie en Irán. Se estimaron las medias de distribuciones posteriores (MPD) de los parámetros genéticos de LSB y se seleccionaron los modelos mejor ajustados utilizando el criterio de información de desviación. Resultados: En los análisis de medición repetida, la heredabilidad materna y directa estimada y el efecto ambiental permanente (±SE), según el modelo mejor ajustado (modelo 5), fueron 0,01 (0,010), 0,02 (0,014) y 0,01 (0,011), respectivamente. En el análisis univariado, las mejores estimaciones de heredabilidad directa y materna fueron 0,12 (0,064) y 0,08 (0,045), respectivamente. Se observó una tendencia creciente de heredabilidades directas y maternas en la paridad 2 (0,15 (0,082) y 0,25 (0,083), respectivamente). En el análisis bivariado, las mejores estimaciones de heredabilidad directa y materna para LSB fueron 0,03 (0,027) y 0,22 (0,041), respectivamente. Las correlaciones genéticas directas y maternas entre partos fueron 0,25 (0,054) y 0,12 (0,021), respectivamente. Conclusiones: Los resultados mostraron una influencia considerable de los factores ambientales sobre el LSB en cada parto de las ovejas; además, se obtuvieron parámetros genéticos estadísticamente diferentes (p<0.05) de un parto a otro, indicando las diferentes y grandes influencias de factores genéticos y ambientales para cada parto en ovejas. Los resultados de este estudio se pueden precisar aún más utilizando datos

Out of Home advertising is traditional outdoor advertising. Over the last decade the digital Out of Home advertising possibilities have grown substantially. These possibilities include hour-based advertisement schedules, rapidly implemented changes to advertisements and obtaining location data from consumers being exposed to advertisements. Investigating these possibilities further for improving customer engagement and optimising target group reach is of great importance in marketing and marketing science. This thesis will focus on exposure data obtained from vehicle locations in central London. Using this data we want to model the frequency with which individuals see advertisements and research the overlap in exposures of individuals to multiple media vehicles where advertisements are displayed. We focus on modelling exposures of individuals to two vehicles, comparing different types of bivariate distributions. In this thesis we present the comparison of two models: an adapted version of the Sarmanov bivariate distribution and copulas. We refer to these models as the Danaher and Copula model respectively. The fitting and simulations of the models are based on bivariate data of two specified vehicles, to be able to comment on the overlap between these vehicles. To investigate the performance of the models all combinations of vehicles are modelled after which the results are combined. Both models simulate small frequencies of exposures of individuals adequate, but for more extreme values both models fail to represent the observed data. Especially the simulation of overlap is done poorly by the models. Several approaches have been tried to improve the models' performance, without much success. The analysis shows that the data at hand requires more sophisticated methods to handle joint exposure and more research needs to be done. In addition the variable distance is added to the research problem, which intuitively has great influence on the overlap be, Electrical Engineering

De nombreuses études établissent une relation entre la sécurité routière et l’environnement bâti et routier ainsi que les caractéristiques individuelles des piétons. Cependant, peu d’études s’intéressent aux influences de ces variables sur le sentiment de sécurité des piétons. Ce mémoire s’inscrit donc dans cette démarche, avec une attention particulière donnée à la comparaison des systèmes de gestion des traversées piétonnes aux intersections avec feux de circulation, d’où l’intérêt de Montréal et de Québec (Canada) comme terrains d’étude. En effet, la priorité piétonne via des phasages exclusifs est une pratique systématique à Québec contrairement à Montréal. L’objectif est donc d’explorer la relation entre le risque perçu et vécu des piétons et ces différences de phasage, mais aussi avec les caractéristiques des intersections et des piétons eux-mêmes. Les données proviennent d’observations et de questionnaires in situ et ont servi à effectuer des analyses bivariées (Khi carré et ANOVA) et une analyse multiniveau. Nos résultats montrent que ce sont surtout le phasage des feux et les caractéristiques de l’environnement bâti et routier qui ont une influence sur le sentiment de sécurité (vitesse maximale autorisée, volume de véhicule, volume de piétons, etc.) Ces résultats contribuent à une meilleure compréhension des dynamiques aux intersections avec feux et à leur phasage, ainsi qu’à une meilleure évaluation des enjeux liés à l’insécurité ressentie des piétons. Numerous studies establish a relationship between road safety and the built and road environment as well as the individual characteristics of pedestrians. However, few studies are interested in the influences of these variables on pedestrians’ feelings of safety. This dissertation focuses on that issue. Specifically, it compares the feelings of safety for the management systems for pedestrian crossings at intersections with traffic lights in Montreal and Quebec City (Canada). In Quebec City, ped

[ES] A pesar de que la brecha laboral entre hombres y mujeres ha disminuido en las últimas décadas en varios países europeos, la desigualdad sigue siendo significativa. Esta diferencia representa uno de los objetivos en los que se focaliza la Comisión Europea para conseguir la igualdad de género, ya que se desea que se corrijan las diferencias de características socioeconómicas para así poder eliminar la brecha laboral Para el estudio de este tema introduciremos algunas definiciones que van relacionadas al tema a tratar como la brecha salarial y el techo de cristal ya que es significativo para entender la relación con la brecha laboral en los países de la Unión Europea. El estudio de este trabajo consistirá en corroborar la existencia de la brecha laboral en los distintos países de la Unión Europea a través del uso de técnicas estadísticas como análisis univariante, análisis bivariante y modelos ARIMA mediante los datos obtenidos de la base de datos de Eurostat., [EN] Despite the fact that the employment gap between men and women has decreased in recent decades in several European countries, inequality is still significant. This difference represents one of the objectives on which the European Commission focuses in order to achieve gender equality, since it is desired that the differences in socio-economic characteristics be corrected in order to eliminate the employment gap. For the study of this topic we will introduce some definitions that are related to the topic to be dealt with, such as the wage gap and the glass ceiling, as it is significant to understand the relationship with the employment gap in the countries of the European Union. The study of this work will consist of corroborating the existence of the employment gap in the different countries of the European Union through the use of statistical techniques such as univariate analysis, bivariate analysis and ARIMA models using data obtained from the Eurostat database.

De nombreuses études établissent une relation entre la sécurité routière et l’environnement bâti et routier ainsi que les caractéristiques individuelles des piétons. Cependant, peu d’études s’intéressent aux influences de ces variables sur le sentiment de sécurité des piétons. Ce mémoire s’inscrit donc dans cette démarche, avec une attention particulière donnée à la comparaison des systèmes de gestion des traversées piétonnes aux intersections avec feux de circulation, d’où l’intérêt de Montréal et de Québec (Canada) comme terrains d’étude. En effet, la priorité piétonne via des phasages exclusifs est une pratique systématique à Québec contrairement à Montréal. L’objectif est donc d’explorer la relation entre le risque perçu et vécu des piétons et ces différences de phasage, mais aussi avec les caractéristiques des intersections et des piétons eux-mêmes. Les données proviennent d’observations et de questionnaires in situ et ont servi à effectuer des analyses bivariées (Khi carré et ANOVA) et une analyse multiniveau. Nos résultats montrent que ce sont surtout le phasage des feux et les caractéristiques de l’environnement bâti et routier qui ont une influence sur le sentiment de sécurité (vitesse maximale autorisée, volume de véhicule, volume de piétons, etc.) Ces résultats contribuent à une meilleure compréhension des dynamiques aux intersections avec feux et à leur phasage, ainsi qu’à une meilleure évaluation des enjeux liés à l’insécurité ressentie des piétons. Numerous studies establish a relationship between road safety and the built and road environment as well as the individual characteristics of pedestrians. However, few studies are interested in the influences of these variables on pedestrians’ feelings of safety. This dissertation focuses on that issue. Specifically, it compares the feelings of safety for the management systems for pedestrian crossings at intersections with traffic lights in Montreal and Quebec City (Canada). In Quebec City, ped

Aquest article té per objectiu analitzar com el tipus d'Estat de Benestar, la ideologia, el nivell educatiu i la situació laboral afecten les actituds cap a la immigració dels ciutadans. Per a això, hem utilitzat la ronda 7 de l'European Social Survey realitzada l'any 2014 que reuneix observacions de més de 30 països amb un mòdul dedicat, en especial, a les actituds davant la immigració i els seus antecedents. Amb una mostra final de 35.988 observacions per a 5 variables, hem dut a terme quatre anàlisis bivariats - un per a cada variable independent -, prova de Chi-Quadrat i V de Cramer. Entre els principals resultats trobem que pertànyer a un país del règim anglosaxó, posseir un nivell educatiu baix, trobar-se en una situació de no-activitat laboral i tenir una ideologia de dretes són alguns dels factors que més incideixen en les actituds negatives cap a la immigració., Este artículo tiene por objetivo analizar cómo el tipo de Estado de Bienestar, la ideología, el nivel educativo y la situación laboral afectan a las actitudes hacia la inmigración de los ciudadanos. Para ello, hemos utilizado la ronda 7 de la European Social Survey llevada a cabo el año 2014 que reúne observaciones de más de 30 países con un módulo dedicado, en especial, a las actitudes hacia la inmigración y sus antecedentes. Con una muestra final de 35.988 observaciones para 5 variables, hemos llevado a cabo cuatro análisis bivariados - uno para cada variable independiente -, prueba de Chi-Cuadrado y V de Cramer. Entre los principales resultados encontramos que pertenecer a un país del régimen anglosajón, poseer un nivel educativo bajo, encontrarse en una situación de no-actividad laboral y tener una ideología de derechas son algunos de los factores que más inciden en las actitudes negativas hacia la inmigración., The objective of this article is to analyse how the type of welfare state, ideology, educational level, and employment status affect citizens' attitudes towards immigration. We have used round 7 of the European Social Survey carried out in 2014, which collects observations from more than 30 countries with a module dedicated, especially, to attitudes towards Immigration and its background. With a final sample of 35,988 observations for 5 variables, four bivariate analyses have been carried out -one for each independent variable-, Chi-Squared test and Cramer's V test. Among the main results, we find that belonging to a country of the Anglo-Saxon system, having a low educational level, being in a situation of non-work activity and having a right-wing ideology are some of the factors that most negatively influence the attitudes towards immigration.

[ES] A pesar de que la brecha laboral entre hombres y mujeres ha disminuido en las últimas décadas en varios países europeos, la desigualdad sigue siendo significativa. Esta diferencia representa uno de los objetivos en los que se focaliza la Comisión Europea para conseguir la igualdad de género, ya que se desea que se corrijan las diferencias de características socioeconómicas para así poder eliminar la brecha laboral Para el estudio de este tema introduciremos algunas definiciones que van relacionadas al tema a tratar como la brecha salarial y el techo de cristal ya que es significativo para entender la relación con la brecha laboral en los países de la Unión Europea. El estudio de este trabajo consistirá en corroborar la existencia de la brecha laboral en los distintos países de la Unión Europea a través del uso de técnicas estadísticas como análisis univariante, análisis bivariante y modelos ARIMA mediante los datos obtenidos de la base de datos de Eurostat., [EN] Despite the fact that the employment gap between men and women has decreased in recent decades in several European countries, inequality is still significant. This difference represents one of the objectives on which the European Commission focuses in order to achieve gender equality, since it is desired that the differences in socio-economic characteristics be corrected in order to eliminate the employment gap. For the study of this topic we will introduce some definitions that are related to the topic to be dealt with, such as the wage gap and the glass ceiling, as it is significant to understand the relationship with the employment gap in the countries of the European Union. The study of this work will consist of corroborating the existence of the employment gap in the different countries of the European Union through the use of statistical techniques such as univariate analysis, bivariate analysis and ARIMA models using data obtained from the Eurostat database.

[ES] A pesar de que la brecha laboral entre hombres y mujeres ha disminuido en las últimas décadas en varios países europeos, la desigualdad sigue siendo significativa. Esta diferencia representa uno de los objetivos en los que se focaliza la Comisión Europea para conseguir la igualdad de género, ya que se desea que se corrijan las diferencias de características socioeconómicas para así poder eliminar la brecha laboral Para el estudio de este tema introduciremos algunas definiciones que van relacionadas al tema a tratar como la brecha salarial y el techo de cristal ya que es significativo para entender la relación con la brecha laboral en los países de la Unión Europea. El estudio de este trabajo consistirá en corroborar la existencia de la brecha laboral en los distintos países de la Unión Europea a través del uso de técnicas estadísticas como análisis univariante, análisis bivariante y modelos ARIMA mediante los datos obtenidos de la base de datos de Eurostat., [EN] Despite the fact that the employment gap between men and women has decreased in recent decades in several European countries, inequality is still significant. This difference represents one of the objectives on which the European Commission focuses in order to achieve gender equality, since it is desired that the differences in socio-economic characteristics be corrected in order to eliminate the employment gap. For the study of this topic we will introduce some definitions that are related to the topic to be dealt with, such as the wage gap and the glass ceiling, as it is significant to understand the relationship with the employment gap in the countries of the European Union. The study of this work will consist of corroborating the existence of the employment gap in the different countries of the European Union through the use of statistical techniques such as univariate analysis, bivariate analysis and ARIMA models using data obtained from the Eurostat database.

[ES] A pesar de que la brecha laboral entre hombres y mujeres ha disminuido en las últimas décadas en varios países europeos, la desigualdad sigue siendo significativa. Esta diferencia representa uno de los objetivos en los que se focaliza la Comisión Europea para conseguir la igualdad de género, ya que se desea que se corrijan las diferencias de características socioeconómicas para así poder eliminar la brecha laboral Para el estudio de este tema introduciremos algunas definiciones que van relacionadas al tema a tratar como la brecha salarial y el techo de cristal ya que es significativo para entender la relación con la brecha laboral en los países de la Unión Europea. El estudio de este trabajo consistirá en corroborar la existencia de la brecha laboral en los distintos países de la Unión Europea a través del uso de técnicas estadísticas como análisis univariante, análisis bivariante y modelos ARIMA mediante los datos obtenidos de la base de datos de Eurostat., [EN] Despite the fact that the employment gap between men and women has decreased in recent decades in several European countries, inequality is still significant. This difference represents one of the objectives on which the European Commission focuses in order to achieve gender equality, since it is desired that the differences in socio-economic characteristics be corrected in order to eliminate the employment gap. For the study of this topic we will introduce some definitions that are related to the topic to be dealt with, such as the wage gap and the glass ceiling, as it is significant to understand the relationship with the employment gap in the countries of the European Union. The study of this work will consist of corroborating the existence of the employment gap in the different countries of the European Union through the use of statistical techniques such as univariate analysis, bivariate analysis and ARIMA models using data obtained from the Eurostat database.

Predicting anomalous emission of pollutants into the atmosphere well in advance is crucial for industries emitting such elements, since it allows them to take corrective measures aimed to avoid such emissions and their consequences. In this work, we propose a functional location-scale model to predict in advance pollution episodes where two pollutants are involved. Functional generalized additive models (FGAMs) are used to estimate the means and variances of the model, as well as the correlation between both pollutants. The method not only forecasts the concentrations of both pollutants, it also estimates an uncertainty region where the concentrations of both pollutants should be located, given a specific level of uncertainty. The performance of the model was evaluated using real data of SO 2 and NO x emissions from a coal-fired power station, obtaining good results

The design of offshore and coastal hydraulic structures is very much dependent on the hydraulic boundary conditions, such as significant wave height, mean wave period and wave direction, among other parameters. A proper design value of these parameters is required during the design process, based on the corresponding safety philosophy and the lifetime of the structure. In this context, an extreme event is characterised by a combination of unfavourable parameters. However, the interdependencies between the parameters are not always accounted for in the design process, despite the fact that some parameters are clearly related. This potentially leads to an overly conservative or optimistic design. To complicate matters further, a given sea state might consist of a combination of wind wave and swell systems, sometimes coming from different directions and with different spectral shapes. Different combinations of crossing wave systems might lead to the same total significant wave height, mean wave period and mean wave direction. Only analysing the total wave parameters might oversimplify the situation in the presence of combined wave systems. In this thesis a methodology has been developed to establish extreme offshore wave conditions given the presence of these combined wave systems. A time series that partitions the total wave into a wind wave- and swell component is used as input for the analysis. The location of interest being off the coast of southern Brazil, where combined sea states are observed regularly. The main objective is to compute design values for all wave parameters of interest. With these design values a number of extreme offshore sea states are described in terms of a single total wave system and equivalent combinations of two wave systems. The former resulting in a single-peaked wave spectrum and the latter in an equivalent double-peaked wave spectrum. The extreme offshore sea states are transformed to the nearshore and compared. The, Civil Engineering | Hydraulic Engineering

[ES] El presente trabajo persigue investigar en el tejido empresarial alcoyano. Como punto de partida, se toma información sobre las principales pymes atendiendo a los criterios de ventas y resultado, para a continuación calcular una serie de ratios financieros centrados en la liquidez y el endeudamiento. Con el fin de obtener conclusiones sobre el comportamiento de estas empresas y, entre otros, el sector al que pertenecen, el número de empleados y el resultado del ejercicio, se recurre a los análisis univariante y bivariante. El período temporal que se abarca es 2013-2017, lo cual permite profundizar en la situación financiera posterior al estallido de la reciente crisis financiera internacional. En este contexto, se analizan, además, las posibilidades de obtención de crédito de las pymes en el territorio alcoyano., [EN] The present work seeks to investigate the Alcoy business fabric. As a starting point, information is taken on the main SMEs based on the criteria of sales and results, and then calculates a series of financial ratios focused on liquidity and indebtedness. In order to obtain conclusions on the behavior of these companies and, among others, the sector to which they belong, the number of employees and the result for the year, univariate and bivariate analyzes are used. The time period covered is 2013-2017, which allows for a deeper understanding of the financial situation after the outbreak of the recent international financial crisis. In this context, the possibilities of obtaining credit from SMEs in the Alcoy territory are also analyzed.

[ES] El presente trabajo persigue investigar en el tejido empresarial alcoyano. Como punto de partida, se toma información sobre las principales pymes atendiendo a los criterios de ventas y resultado, para a continuación calcular una serie de ratios financieros centrados en la liquidez y el endeudamiento. Con el fin de obtener conclusiones sobre el comportamiento de estas empresas y, entre otros, el sector al que pertenecen, el número de empleados y el resultado del ejercicio, se recurre a los análisis univariante y bivariante. El período temporal que se abarca es 2013-2017, lo cual permite profundizar en la situación financiera posterior al estallido de la reciente crisis financiera internacional. En este contexto, se analizan, además, las posibilidades de obtención de crédito de las pymes en el territorio alcoyano., [EN] The present work seeks to investigate the Alcoy business fabric. As a starting point, information is taken on the main SMEs based on the criteria of sales and results, and then calculates a series of financial ratios focused on liquidity and indebtedness. In order to obtain conclusions on the behavior of these companies and, among others, the sector to which they belong, the number of employees and the result for the year, univariate and bivariate analyzes are used. The time period covered is 2013-2017, which allows for a deeper understanding of the financial situation after the outbreak of the recent international financial crisis. In this context, the possibilities of obtaining credit from SMEs in the Alcoy territory are also analyzed.

[ES] El presente trabajo persigue investigar en el tejido empresarial alcoyano. Como punto de partida, se toma información sobre las principales pymes atendiendo a los criterios de ventas y resultado, para a continuación calcular una serie de ratios financieros centrados en la liquidez y el endeudamiento. Con el fin de obtener conclusiones sobre el comportamiento de estas empresas y, entre otros, el sector al que pertenecen, el número de empleados y el resultado del ejercicio, se recurre a los análisis univariante y bivariante. El período temporal que se abarca es 2013-2017, lo cual permite profundizar en la situación financiera posterior al estallido de la reciente crisis financiera internacional. En este contexto, se analizan, además, las posibilidades de obtención de crédito de las pymes en el territorio alcoyano., [EN] The present work seeks to investigate the Alcoy business fabric. As a starting point, information is taken on the main SMEs based on the criteria of sales and results, and then calculates a series of financial ratios focused on liquidity and indebtedness. In order to obtain conclusions on the behavior of these companies and, among others, the sector to which they belong, the number of employees and the result for the year, univariate and bivariate analyzes are used. The time period covered is 2013-2017, which allows for a deeper understanding of the financial situation after the outbreak of the recent international financial crisis. In this context, the possibilities of obtaining credit from SMEs in the Alcoy territory are also analyzed.

[ES] El presente trabajo persigue investigar en el tejido empresarial alcoyano. Como punto de partida, se toma información sobre las principales pymes atendiendo a los criterios de ventas y resultado, para a continuación calcular una serie de ratios financieros centrados en la liquidez y el endeudamiento. Con el fin de obtener conclusiones sobre el comportamiento de estas empresas y, entre otros, el sector al que pertenecen, el número de empleados y el resultado del ejercicio, se recurre a los análisis univariante y bivariante. El período temporal que se abarca es 2013-2017, lo cual permite profundizar en la situación financiera posterior al estallido de la reciente crisis financiera internacional. En este contexto, se analizan, además, las posibilidades de obtención de crédito de las pymes en el territorio alcoyano., [EN] The present work seeks to investigate the Alcoy business fabric. As a starting point, information is taken on the main SMEs based on the criteria of sales and results, and then calculates a series of financial ratios focused on liquidity and indebtedness. In order to obtain conclusions on the behavior of these companies and, among others, the sector to which they belong, the number of employees and the result for the year, univariate and bivariate analyzes are used. The time period covered is 2013-2017, which allows for a deeper understanding of the financial situation after the outbreak of the recent international financial crisis. In this context, the possibilities of obtaining credit from SMEs in the Alcoy territory are also analyzed.

[ES] El conocimiento actual que se posee sobre los principales mecanismos que se desencadenan durante el parto y los distintos cambios anatómicos y fisiológicos que ocurren durante el periodo de embarazo presenta un amplio camino por explorar. La caracterización y análisis de las señales electrofisiológicas del útero pueden ayudar a asentar los conocimientos existentes, poniendo al alcance de los facultativos información adicional que permita, por ejemplo, diferenciar aquellos sujetos que van a dar a luz de forma inminente de aquellos que no. Existen principalmente dos técnicas de monitorización de la actividad uterina, alternativas a los registros tradicionales de señales de presión: la electrohisterografía (EHG) y la magnetomiografía (MMG). La mayor parte de los estudios se han realizado sobre registros de EHG, sin embargo, los registros de señales magnéticas presentan ciertas ventajas frente a las eléctricas. Por esto, el objetivo de este trabajo fin de grado ha sido caracterización de registros MMG mediante parámetros temporales, espectrales, de no-linealidad y de sincronización con la finalidad de determinar qué indicadores permiten discriminar si el parto se va a dar en menos de 48 horas. Además, se pretende determinar si estos parámetros presentan valores mayores o menores para el grupo de parto (<48h) frente al de no-parto (>=48h) y en qué zonas del abdomen esas diferencias son más acusadas. También se ha estudiado qué tipo de análisis, univariado o bivariado, de las señales presenta mayor capacidad discriminatoria y si el uso de señales bipolares presenta una ventaja frente a las señales monopolares. Para ello, se utilizó una base de datos pública, disponible en Physionet, de señales de magnetomiografía uterina compuesta por 25 registros de 25 mujeres que se encontraban entre las semanas 37 y 42 de gestación. En primer lugar, se realizó la detección semiautomática de canales anómalos. Seguidamente se procedió al cómputo de parámetros temporales, espectrales, [EN] The current knowledge on the main mechanisms that set off during labor and the different anatomical and physiological changes that happen during the gestation period have a long way to go. The characterization and the uterine electrophysiological signals analysis can help to consolidate the already existing knowledge, by putting within the reach of the physicians additional information that would allow, for example, to discriminate those subjects that are going into imminent labor from those who are not. Mainly there are two monitoring techniques for assessing uterine activity: the electrohysterography (EHG) and the magnetomyography (MMG). Most of the studies in this field have been carried out on EHG signals, nevertheless, the magnetic signals registers present certain advantages over the electric ones. Therefore, the aim of the present work is to characterize MMG records through temporal, spectral, non-lineal and synchronization parameters with the object to determinate which indicators allow to identify the expectant mothers who will deliver in less than 48h. Furthermore, is it intended to analyse if these features present higher or lower values between the labor group (<48h) and the non-labor group (>48h) and in which abdomen areas these differences are more pronounced. It will also be studied which signal analysis, univariate or bivariate, present a higher discriminatory capacity and if the use of bipolar signals gives an advantage over the monopolar signals. For this purpose, a public database of MMG signals, available on Physionet, was used. The database includes of 25 MMG records of 25 pregnant women that were at 37-40 weeks of gestation. First, the semiautomatic detection of anomalous sensors was made. Next, several temporal, spectral, non-lineal (in their univariate and bivariate versions) and synchronization parameters were extracted from three different average signals (monopolar, horizontal bipolar and vertical bipolar). Once these parameters were

[ES] El conocimiento actual que se posee sobre los principales mecanismos que se desencadenan durante el parto y los distintos cambios anatómicos y fisiológicos que ocurren durante el periodo de embarazo presenta un amplio camino por explorar. La caracterización y análisis de las señales electrofisiológicas del útero pueden ayudar a asentar los conocimientos existentes, poniendo al alcance de los facultativos información adicional que permita, por ejemplo, diferenciar aquellos sujetos que van a dar a luz de forma inminente de aquellos que no. Existen principalmente dos técnicas de monitorización de la actividad uterina, alternativas a los registros tradicionales de señales de presión: la electrohisterografía (EHG) y la magnetomiografía (MMG). La mayor parte de los estudios se han realizado sobre registros de EHG, sin embargo, los registros de señales magnéticas presentan ciertas ventajas frente a las eléctricas. Por esto, el objetivo de este trabajo fin de grado ha sido caracterización de registros MMG mediante parámetros temporales, espectrales, de no-linealidad y de sincronización con la finalidad de determinar qué indicadores permiten discriminar si el parto se va a dar en menos de 48 horas. Además, se pretende determinar si estos parámetros presentan valores mayores o menores para el grupo de parto (<48h) frente al de no-parto (>=48h) y en qué zonas del abdomen esas diferencias son más acusadas. También se ha estudiado qué tipo de análisis, univariado o bivariado, de las señales presenta mayor capacidad discriminatoria y si el uso de señales bipolares presenta una ventaja frente a las señales monopolares. Para ello, se utilizó una base de datos pública, disponible en Physionet, de señales de magnetomiografía uterina compuesta por 25 registros de 25 mujeres que se encontraban entre las semanas 37 y 42 de gestación. En primer lugar, se realizó la detección semiautomática de canales anómalos. Seguidamente se procedió al cómputo de parámetros temporales, espectrales, [EN] The current knowledge on the main mechanisms that set off during labor and the different anatomical and physiological changes that happen during the gestation period have a long way to go. The characterization and the uterine electrophysiological signals analysis can help to consolidate the already existing knowledge, by putting within the reach of the physicians additional information that would allow, for example, to discriminate those subjects that are going into imminent labor from those who are not. Mainly there are two monitoring techniques for assessing uterine activity: the electrohysterography (EHG) and the magnetomyography (MMG). Most of the studies in this field have been carried out on EHG signals, nevertheless, the magnetic signals registers present certain advantages over the electric ones. Therefore, the aim of the present work is to characterize MMG records through temporal, spectral, non-lineal and synchronization parameters with the object to determinate which indicators allow to identify the expectant mothers who will deliver in less than 48h. Furthermore, is it intended to analyse if these features present higher or lower values between the labor group (<48h) and the non-labor group (>48h) and in which abdomen areas these differences are more pronounced. It will also be studied which signal analysis, univariate or bivariate, present a higher discriminatory capacity and if the use of bipolar signals gives an advantage over the monopolar signals. For this purpose, a public database of MMG signals, available on Physionet, was used. The database includes of 25 MMG records of 25 pregnant women that were at 37-40 weeks of gestation. First, the semiautomatic detection of anomalous sensors was made. Next, several temporal, spectral, non-lineal (in their univariate and bivariate versions) and synchronization parameters were extracted from three different average signals (monopolar, horizontal bipolar and vertical bipolar). Once these parameters were

[ES] El conocimiento actual que se posee sobre los principales mecanismos que se desencadenan durante el parto y los distintos cambios anatómicos y fisiológicos que ocurren durante el periodo de embarazo presenta un amplio camino por explorar. La caracterización y análisis de las señales electrofisiológicas del útero pueden ayudar a asentar los conocimientos existentes, poniendo al alcance de los facultativos información adicional que permita, por ejemplo, diferenciar aquellos sujetos que van a dar a luz de forma inminente de aquellos que no. Existen principalmente dos técnicas de monitorización de la actividad uterina, alternativas a los registros tradicionales de señales de presión: la electrohisterografía (EHG) y la magnetomiografía (MMG). La mayor parte de los estudios se han realizado sobre registros de EHG, sin embargo, los registros de señales magnéticas presentan ciertas ventajas frente a las eléctricas. Por esto, el objetivo de este trabajo fin de grado ha sido caracterización de registros MMG mediante parámetros temporales, espectrales, de no-linealidad y de sincronización con la finalidad de determinar qué indicadores permiten discriminar si el parto se va a dar en menos de 48 horas. Además, se pretende determinar si estos parámetros presentan valores mayores o menores para el grupo de parto (<48h) frente al de no-parto (>=48h) y en qué zonas del abdomen esas diferencias son más acusadas. También se ha estudiado qué tipo de análisis, univariado o bivariado, de las señales presenta mayor capacidad discriminatoria y si el uso de señales bipolares presenta una ventaja frente a las señales monopolares. Para ello, se utilizó una base de datos pública, disponible en Physionet, de señales de magnetomiografía uterina compuesta por 25 registros de 25 mujeres que se encontraban entre las semanas 37 y 42 de gestación. En primer lugar, se realizó la detección semiautomática de canales anómalos. Seguidamente se procedió al cómputo de parámetros temporales, espectrales, [EN] The current knowledge on the main mechanisms that set off during labor and the different anatomical and physiological changes that happen during the gestation period have a long way to go. The characterization and the uterine electrophysiological signals analysis can help to consolidate the already existing knowledge, by putting within the reach of the physicians additional information that would allow, for example, to discriminate those subjects that are going into imminent labor from those who are not. Mainly there are two monitoring techniques for assessing uterine activity: the electrohysterography (EHG) and the magnetomyography (MMG). Most of the studies in this field have been carried out on EHG signals, nevertheless, the magnetic signals registers present certain advantages over the electric ones. Therefore, the aim of the present work is to characterize MMG records through temporal, spectral, non-lineal and synchronization parameters with the object to determinate which indicators allow to identify the expectant mothers who will deliver in less than 48h. Furthermore, is it intended to analyse if these features present higher or lower values between the labor group (<48h) and the non-labor group (>48h) and in which abdomen areas these differences are more pronounced. It will also be studied which signal analysis, univariate or bivariate, present a higher discriminatory capacity and if the use of bipolar signals gives an advantage over the monopolar signals. For this purpose, a public database of MMG signals, available on Physionet, was used. The database includes of 25 MMG records of 25 pregnant women that were at 37-40 weeks of gestation. First, the semiautomatic detection of anomalous sensors was made. Next, several temporal, spectral, non-lineal (in their univariate and bivariate versions) and synchronization parameters were extracted from three different average signals (monopolar, horizontal bipolar and vertical bipolar). Once these parameters were

The design of offshore and coastal hydraulic structures is very much dependent on the hydraulic boundary conditions, such as significant wave height, mean wave period and wave direction, among other parameters. A proper design value of these parameters is required during the design process, based on the corresponding safety philosophy and the lifetime of the structure. In this context, an extreme event is characterised by a combination of unfavourable parameters. However, the interdependencies between the parameters are not always accounted for in the design process, despite the fact that some parameters are clearly related. This potentially leads to an overly conservative or optimistic design. To complicate matters further, a given sea state might consist of a combination of wind wave and swell systems, sometimes coming from different directions and with different spectral shapes. Different combinations of crossing wave systems might lead to the same total significant wave height, mean wave period and mean wave direction. Only analysing the total wave parameters might oversimplify the situation in the presence of combined wave systems. In this thesis a methodology has been developed to establish extreme offshore wave conditions given the presence of these combined wave systems. A time series that partitions the total wave into a wind wave- and swell component is used as input for the analysis. The location of interest being off the coast of southern Brazil, where combined sea states are observed regularly. The main objective is to compute design values for all wave parameters of interest. With these design values a number of extreme offshore sea states are described in terms of a single total wave system and equivalent combinations of two wave systems. The former resulting in a single-peaked wave spectrum and the latter in an equivalent double-peaked wave spectrum. The extreme offshore sea states are transformed to the nearshore and compared. The, Civil Engineering | Hydraulic Engineering

This is an author-created, un-copyedited versíon of an article published in Physiological Measurement. IOP Publishing Ltd is not responsíble for any errors or omissíons in this versíon of the manuscript or any versíon derived from it. The Versíon of Record is available online at http://doi.org/10.1088/1361-6579/aaad56., [EN] Preterm birth (PTB) is one of the most common and serious complications in pregnancy. About 15 million preterm neonates are born every year, with ratios of 10-15% of total births. In industrialized countries, preterm delivery is responsible for 70% of mortality and 75% of morbidity in the neonatal period. Diagnostic means for its timely risk assessment are lacking and the underlying physiological mechanisms are unclear. Surface recording of the uterine myoelectrical activity (electrohysterogram, EHG) has emerged as a better uterine dynamics monitoring technique than traditional surface pressure recordings and provides information on the condition of uterine muscle in different obstetrical scenarios with emphasis on predicting preterm deliveries. Objective: A comprehensive review of the literature was performed on studies related to the use of the electrohysterogram in the PTB context. Approach: This review presents and discusses the results according to the different types of parameter (temporal and spectral, non-linear and bivariate) used for EHG characterization. Main results: Electrohysterogram analysis reveals that the uterine electrophysiological changes that precede spontaneous preterm labor are associated with contractions of more intensity, higher frequency content, faster and more organized propagated activity and stronger coupling of different uterine areas. Temporal, spectral, non-linear and bivariate EHG analyses therefore provide useful and complementary information. Classificatory techniques of different types and varying complexity have been developed to diagnose PTB. The information derived from these different types of EHG parameters, either individually or in combination, is able to provide more accurate predictions of PTB than current clinical methods. However, in order to extend EHG to clinical applications, the recording set-up should be simplified, be less intrusive and more robust-and signal analysis should be automated without requiring

This is an author-created, un-copyedited versíon of an article published in Physiological Measurement. IOP Publishing Ltd is not responsíble for any errors or omissíons in this versíon of the manuscript or any versíon derived from it. The Versíon of Record is available online at http://doi.org/10.1088/1361-6579/aaad56., [EN] Preterm birth (PTB) is one of the most common and serious complications in pregnancy. About 15 million preterm neonates are born every year, with ratios of 10-15% of total births. In industrialized countries, preterm delivery is responsible for 70% of mortality and 75% of morbidity in the neonatal period. Diagnostic means for its timely risk assessment are lacking and the underlying physiological mechanisms are unclear. Surface recording of the uterine myoelectrical activity (electrohysterogram, EHG) has emerged as a better uterine dynamics monitoring technique than traditional surface pressure recordings and provides information on the condition of uterine muscle in different obstetrical scenarios with emphasis on predicting preterm deliveries. Objective: A comprehensive review of the literature was performed on studies related to the use of the electrohysterogram in the PTB context. Approach: This review presents and discusses the results according to the different types of parameter (temporal and spectral, non-linear and bivariate) used for EHG characterization. Main results: Electrohysterogram analysis reveals that the uterine electrophysiological changes that precede spontaneous preterm labor are associated with contractions of more intensity, higher frequency content, faster and more organized propagated activity and stronger coupling of different uterine areas. Temporal, spectral, non-linear and bivariate EHG analyses therefore provide useful and complementary information. Classificatory techniques of different types and varying complexity have been developed to diagnose PTB. The information derived from these different types of EHG parameters, either individually or in combination, is able to provide more accurate predictions of PTB than current clinical methods. However, in order to extend EHG to clinical applications, the recording set-up should be simplified, be less intrusive and more robust-and signal analysis should be automated without requiring

Data on the differential impact of physical activity on perceived health status (PHS) in a large adult congenital heart disease (ACHD) patient population are lacking. We conducted a cross-sectional assessment of 4,028 ACHD patients recruited from 24 ACHD-specialized centers in 15 countries across 5 continents to examine the association between physical activity and PHS in a large international cohort of ACHD patients. A linear analog scale of the EuroQol-5D 3 level version and the 12-item Short Form Health Survey-version 2 were used to assess self-reported health status and the Health-Behavior Scale-Congenital Heart Disease was used as a subjective measurement of physical activity type, participation, and level. Correlation analyses and Wilcoxon Rank Sum tests examined bivariate relations between sample characteristics and PHS scores. Then, multivariable models were constructed to understand the impact of physical activity on PHS. Only 30% of our sample achieved recommended physical activity levels. Physically active patients reported better PHS than sedentary patients; however, the amount of physical activity was not associated with PHS. Further statistical analyses demonstrated that specifically sport participation regardless of physical activity level was a predictor of PHS. In conclusion, the majority of ACHD patients across the world are physically inactive. Sport participation appears to be the primary physical activity-related driver of PHS. By promoting sport-related exercise ACHD specialists thus may improve PHS in ACHD patients.Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc.

Data on the differential impact of physical activity on perceived health status (PHS) in a large adult congenital heart disease (ACHD) patient population are lacking. We conducted a cross-sectional assessment of 4,028 ACHD patients recruited from 24 ACHD-specialized centers in 15 countries across 5 continents to examine the association between physical activity and PHS in a large international cohort of ACHD patients. A linear analog scale of the EuroQol-5D 3 level version and the 12-item Short Form Health Survey-version 2 were used to assess self-reported health status and the Health-Behavior Scale-Congenital Heart Disease was used as a subjective measurement of physical activity type, participation, and level. Correlation analyses and Wilcoxon Rank Sum tests examined bivariate relations between sample characteristics and PHS scores. Then, multivariable models were constructed to understand the impact of physical activity on PHS. Only 30% of our sample achieved recommended physical activity levels. Physically active patients reported better PHS than sedentary patients; however, the amount of physical activity was not associated with PHS. Further statistical analyses demonstrated that specifically sport participation regardless of physical activity level was a predictor of PHS. In conclusion, the majority of ACHD patients across the world are physically inactive. Sport participation appears to be the primary physical activity-related driver of PHS. By promoting sport-related exercise ACHD specialists thus may improve PHS in ACHD patients.Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc.

Carotenoids have shown an interindividual variability that may be due to genetic factors. The only study that has reported heritability of serum α- and β-carotene has not considered the environmental component. This study aimed to estimate the contribution of both genetic and common environmental effects to the variance of carotenoid concentrations and to test whether their phenotypic correlations with cardiometabolic risk factors are explained by shared genetic and environmental effects. Plasma carotenoid concentrations (α-carotene, β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, lutein, lycopene, zeaxanthin, and total carotenoids) of 48 healthy subjects were measured. Heritability estimates of carotenoid concentrations were calculated using the variance component method. Lutein and lycopene showed a significant familial effect (p = 6 × 10−6 and 0.0043, respectively). Maximal heritability, genetic heritability, and common environmental effect were computed for lutein (88.3%, 43.8%, and 44.5%, respectively) and lycopene (45.2%, 0%, and 45.2%, respectively). Significant phenotypic correlations between carotenoid concentrations and cardiometabolic risk factors were obtained for β-cryptoxanthin, lycopene, and zeaxanthin. Familial resemblances in lycopene concentrations were mainly attributable to common environmental effects, while for lutein concentrations they were attributable to genetic and common environmental effects. Common genetic and environmental factors may influence carotenoids and cardiometabolic risk factors, but further studies are needed to better understand the potential impact on disease development.

[ES] La innovación que efectúan las pymes productivas españolas es fundamental para mejorar la competitividad y el crecimiento económico del país. Concurren diversos estudios cuantitativos relacionados con las pymes que hacen Investigación, Desarrollo Tecnológico e Innovación Tecnológica (I+D+i), pero si una sociedad decide empezar a innovar no dispone de referencias sobre cuáles son las estructuras, organizaciones, funcionamientos, etc. Que disponen las empresas que ya innovan. Se dispone de una sistemática de análisis propia para estudiar a las pymes productivas españolas que realizan proyectos de I+D+i, centrada en factores de empresa, de proyectos y mixtos, que se sustenta en una entrevista para los directivos de las pymes, un análisis de los proyectos basado en los Informes Motivados Vinculantes (IMV) y una valoración de los principales datos presentados en el Registro Mercantil. Utilizando dicha sistemática, se caracteriza una muestra de 80 pymes productivas. Tal y como se justifica en el desarrollo de la sistemática, las entidades analizadas tienen una característica común y es que han conseguido al menos un IMV, en alguna de las anualidades trabajadas. Al analizar dicho conjunto de sociedades y de proyectos, se ha conseguido caracterizar la muestra de empresas y proyectos, tanto a nivel univariante como bivariante.

[EN] The innovation that Spanish productive SMEs make is essential to improve competitiveness and economic growth. Numerous quantitative studies related to SMEs that do Research, Technological Development and Technological Innovation (R&D&I) exist, but if a company decides to start innovating, there are no references on structures, organizations, performances, etc. available in companies that already innovate. It has a systematic self-analysis to study the Spanish productive SMEs performing R&D&I, focusing on factors of company projects and mixed, which is based on an interview for SME managers analysis of projects based on Binding Motivated Reports (BMR) and an assessment of the main data presented in the Trade Register. As justified in developing systematic, the analyzed entities have a common characteristic and it is that they have achieved at least one IMV in any of the annualities worked. In analyzing this set of companies and projects, it has been managed to characterize the sample of companies and projects, both at an univariate and a bivariate level., [ES] La innovación que efectúan las pymes productivas españolas es fundamental para mejorar la competitividad y el crecimiento económico del país. Concurren diversos estudios cuantitativos relacionados con las pymes que hacen Investigación, Desarrollo Tecnológico e Innovación Tecnológica (I+D+i), pero si una sociedad decide empezar a innovar no dispone de referencias sobre cuáles son las estructuras, organizaciones, funcionamientos, etc. Que disponen las empresas que ya innovan. [1 - 8]. Se dispone de una sistemática de análisis propia para estudiar a las pymes productivas españolas que realizan proyectos de I+D+i, centrada en factores de empresa, de proyectos y mixtos, que se sustenta en una entrevista para los directivos de las pymes, un análisis de los proyectos basado en los Informes Motivados Vinculantes (IMV) y una valoración de los principales datos presentados en el Registro Mercantil [9]. Utilizando dicha sistemática, se caracteriza una muestra de 80 pymes productivas. Tal y como se justifica en el desarrollo de la sistemática, las entidades analizadas tienen una característica común y es que han conseguido al menos un IMV, en alguna de las anualidades trabajadas. Al analizar dicho conjunto de sociedades y de proyectos, se ha conseguido caracterizar la muestra de empresas y proyectos, tanto a nivel univariante como bivariante.

[ES] La innovación que efectúan las pymes productivas españolas es fundamental para mejorar la competitividad y el crecimiento económico del país. Concurren diversos estudios cuantitativos relacionados con las pymes que hacen Investigación, Desarrollo Tecnológico e Innovación Tecnológica (I+D+i), pero si una sociedad decide empezar a innovar no dispone de referencias sobre cuáles son las estructuras, organizaciones, funcionamientos, etc. Que disponen las empresas que ya innovan. Se dispone de una sistemática de análisis propia para estudiar a las pymes productivas españolas que realizan proyectos de I+D+i, centrada en factores de empresa, de proyectos y mixtos, que se sustenta en una entrevista para los directivos de las pymes, un análisis de los proyectos basado en los Informes Motivados Vinculantes (IMV) y una valoración de los principales datos presentados en el Registro Mercantil. Utilizando dicha sistemática, se caracteriza una muestra de 80 pymes productivas. Tal y como se justifica en el desarrollo de la sistemática, las entidades analizadas tienen una característica común y es que han conseguido al menos un IMV, en alguna de las anualidades trabajadas. Al analizar dicho conjunto de sociedades y de proyectos, se ha conseguido caracterizar la muestra de empresas y proyectos, tanto a nivel univariante como bivariante.

[EN] The innovation that Spanish productive SMEs make is essential to improve competitiveness and economic growth. Numerous quantitative studies related to SMEs that do Research, Technological Development and Technological Innovation (R&D&I) exist, but if a company decides to start innovating, there are no references on structures, organizations, performances, etc. available in companies that already innovate. It has a systematic self-analysis to study the Spanish productive SMEs performing R&D&I, focusing on factors of company projects and mixed, which is based on an interview for SME managers analysis of projects based on Binding Motivated Reports (BMR) and an assessment of the main data presented in the Trade Register. As justified in developing systematic, the analyzed entities have a common characteristic and it is that they have achieved at least one IMV in any of the annualities worked. In analyzing this set of companies and projects, it has been managed to characterize the sample of companies and projects, both at an univariate and a bivariate level., [ES] La innovación que efectúan las pymes productivas españolas es fundamental para mejorar la competitividad y el crecimiento económico del país. Concurren diversos estudios cuantitativos relacionados con las pymes que hacen Investigación, Desarrollo Tecnológico e Innovación Tecnológica (I+D+i), pero si una sociedad decide empezar a innovar no dispone de referencias sobre cuáles son las estructuras, organizaciones, funcionamientos, etc. Que disponen las empresas que ya innovan. [1 - 8]. Se dispone de una sistemática de análisis propia para estudiar a las pymes productivas españolas que realizan proyectos de I+D+i, centrada en factores de empresa, de proyectos y mixtos, que se sustenta en una entrevista para los directivos de las pymes, un análisis de los proyectos basado en los Informes Motivados Vinculantes (IMV) y una valoración de los principales datos presentados en el Registro Mercantil [9]. Utilizando dicha sistemática, se caracteriza una muestra de 80 pymes productivas. Tal y como se justifica en el desarrollo de la sistemática, las entidades analizadas tienen una característica común y es que han conseguido al menos un IMV, en alguna de las anualidades trabajadas. Al analizar dicho conjunto de sociedades y de proyectos, se ha conseguido caracterizar la muestra de empresas y proyectos, tanto a nivel univariante como bivariante.

Background: Patients in Australia have restricted access to anti-TNF antibody therapies with little ability to dose adjust. We assessed predictors of anti-TNF drug levels and anti-drug antibodies (Ab) in a real world Australian IBD cohort and factors for sub-therapeutic anti-TNF levels and anti-drug Ab. Method(s): All patients who had infliximab (IFX) or adalimumab (ADA) trough levels and antibodies tested from three major Melbourne IBD centers were included. Clinical variables and a qualitative physician global assessment (PGA) of the disease activity at the time of testing (active or remission) were analysed along with biomarkers. IFX and ADA levels were measured by ELISA (Matriks Biotek). For both anti-TNFs, <3 mug/ml was considered sub-therapeutic. Anti-drug Ab were tested by ELISA, but only when anti-TNF levels were below 0.33 mg/ml. Performance characteristic including area-underthe- curve receiver-operator characteristics (AUROC) were determined. Result(s): Of 114 patients tested, 69 (61%) were assessed due to loss of response (LOR), 40 (35%) in routine monitoring, 3 (3%) due to adverse effects and 2 (2%) for other. Median levels were similar in LOR vs monitoring (IFX 2.4 vs 3.6 mg/ml, p = 0.27; ADA 3.0 vs 3.6 mug/ml, p = 0.72, respectively; Mann-Whitney). CRP levels inversely correlated with IFX (Spearman r = -0.38; p = 0.0004) and ADA levels (r = -0.51; p = 0.02). Bivariate analysis demonstrated 45 of 92 (49%) treated with IFX and 9 of 22 (41%) with ADA had sub-therapeutic levels. Sub-therapeutic levels were best detected by a combination of disease activity assessed by both PGA and elevated CRP for both IFX (AUROC 0.75, sensitivity 90%, specificity 37%) and ADA (AUROC 0.80, sensitivity 83%, specificity 63%). PGA or CRP alone did not predict therapeutic levels. 21 of 70 patients with subtherapeutic levels of IFX changed therapy (10 escalated dosage, 5 added immunomodulator, 4 switched in class, 2 surgery), compared with 10 of 43 with therapeutic levels (p =

Background: Patients in Australia have restricted access to anti-TNF antibody therapies with little ability to dose adjust. We assessed predictors of anti-TNF drug levels and anti-drug antibodies (Ab) in a real world Australian IBD cohort and factors for sub-therapeutic anti-TNF levels and anti-drug Ab. Method(s): All patients who had infliximab (IFX) or adalimumab (ADA) trough levels and antibodies tested from three major Melbourne IBD centers were included. Clinical variables and a qualitative physician global assessment (PGA) of the disease activity at the time of testing (active or remission) were analysed along with biomarkers. IFX and ADA levels were measured by ELISA (Matriks Biotek). For both anti-TNFs, <3 mug/ml was considered sub-therapeutic. Anti-drug Ab were tested by ELISA, but only when anti-TNF levels were below 0.33 mg/ml. Performance characteristic including area-underthe- curve receiver-operator characteristics (AUROC) were determined. Result(s): Of 114 patients tested, 69 (61%) were assessed due to loss of response (LOR), 40 (35%) in routine monitoring, 3 (3%) due to adverse effects and 2 (2%) for other. Median levels were similar in LOR vs monitoring (IFX 2.4 vs 3.6 mg/ml, p = 0.27; ADA 3.0 vs 3.6 mug/ml, p = 0.72, respectively; Mann-Whitney). CRP levels inversely correlated with IFX (Spearman r = -0.38; p = 0.0004) and ADA levels (r = -0.51; p = 0.02). Bivariate analysis demonstrated 45 of 92 (49%) treated with IFX and 9 of 22 (41%) with ADA had sub-therapeutic levels. Sub-therapeutic levels were best detected by a combination of disease activity assessed by both PGA and elevated CRP for both IFX (AUROC 0.75, sensitivity 90%, specificity 37%) and ADA (AUROC 0.80, sensitivity 83%, specificity 63%). PGA or CRP alone did not predict therapeutic levels. 21 of 70 patients with subtherapeutic levels of IFX changed therapy (10 escalated dosage, 5 added immunomodulator, 4 switched in class, 2 surgery), compared with 10 of 43 with therapeutic levels (p =

Large multisite efforts (e.g., the ENIGMA Consortium), have shown that neuroimaging traits including tract integrity (from DTI fractional anisotropy, FA) and subcortical volumes (from T1-weighted scans) are highly heritable and promising phenotypes for discovering genetic variants associated with brain structure. However, genetic correlations (rg) among measures from these different modalities for mapping the human genome to the brain remain unknown. Discovering these correlations can help map genetic and neuroanatomical pathways implicated in development and inherited risk for disease. We use structural equation models and a twin design to find rg between pairs of phenotypes extracted from DTI and MRI scans. When controlling for intracranial volume, the caudate as well as related measures from the limbic system - hippocampal volume - showed high rg with the cingulum FA. Using an unrelated sample and a Seemingly Unrelated Regression model for bivariate analysis of this connection, we show that a multivariate GWAS approach may be more promising for genetic discovery than a univariate approach applied to each trait separately.

The purpose of this thesis is to determine the effect of race on job satisfaction, and the effect of race on those factors considered to be determinants of job satisfaction. The data used for the research was obtained from a survey of military personnel conducted by the Rand Corporation in early 1979. The data was used to test bivariate and multivariate models with job satisfaction as the dependent variable, and factors thought to be determinants of job satisfaction as independent variables. The types of statistical methods employed to detect the effect of race in the various models were, ANOVA, GLM, Factor Analysis, and Regression Analysis. The results of the analysis indicated that race was a significant factor in the determination of job satisfaction, but that the effect of race in models of job satisfaction was very small., http://archive.org/details/theeffectofraceo1094521294, Lieutenant, United States Navy, Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.

Hidden regular variation is a sub-model of multivariate regular variation and facilitates accurate estimation of joint tail probabilities. We generalize the model of hidden regular variation to what we call hidden domain of attraction. We exhibit examples that illustrate the need for a more general model and discuss detection and estimation techniques., The original document contains color images.

Conflict has many causes. Assertions have been made about the relationship of conflict with several factors based on theories, beliefs and principles. Identifying and explaining the determinants of armed conflict in the Philippines is expected to lead to better comprehension and insights on its resolution. Four independent variables are examined as predictors of conflict: ethnicity, poverty, governance, and literacy. The research primarily utilizes empirical data and projects it in map overlays with the use of the ArcGIS. Bivariate and multivariate statistical models are estimated to derive the relationship between the variables and conflict and to validate the hypothetical claims., The original document contains color images.

Firm Fixed Price (FFP) and Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract types have been utilized the most for construction in the Iraq and Afghanistan theaters. Often construction occurs in contested regions that are known to be particularly challenging, unpredictable, and unstable. The objective of this study was to analyze the performance of these two contract types in the contingency environment, and to determine what internal and external factors influence contact success the most. First, the author evaluated existing construction performance data using bivariate analysis and analysis of variance to identify differences in contract type. Next, a quantitative/qualitative questionnaire was administered to contracting personnel to obtain their opinions on the factors that they perceived to have the most impact on contingency contract performance. The synthesis of this information was used to determine what key performance/risk measures affected the success of each contract type the most, and what measures could be beneficial for evaluating contingency construction contract success in the future. The findings showed that there was no proven advantage in cost performance for either contract type. FFP contracts controlled schedule growth significantly better than CPFF contracts, and CPFF contracts resulted in a better quality product. Overall, understanding project performance in a contingency environment involves examining a number of variables that may impact projects in unique ways based on the chosen contract type., The original document contains color images.

It s shown that a number of variational problems can be cast as finding the maxinfpoints (or minsup-points) of bifunctions (= bivariate functions). These variational problems include: linear and nonlinear complementarity problems, fixed points, variational inequalities, inclusions, noncooperative games, Walras and Nash equilibrium problems. One can then appeal to the theory of lopsided convergence for bifunctions to derive stability results for each one of these variational problems.

The purpose of this research is to determine an appropriate method for estimating cargo airdrop collateral damage risk. Specifically, this thesis answers the question: How can mission planners accurately predict airdrop collateral damage risk? The question is answered through a literature review and a thorough examination of a data set of real world airdrop scoring data. The data were examined to determine critical factors that affect airdrop error risks as well as to determine the characteristics of airdrop error patterns. Through this research it was determined that bivariate normal distributions with parameters pairs determined by empirical data are appropriate for modeling cargo airdrop errors patterns. Collateral risk is estimated by summing numerical integrations of a fit bivariate normal distribution for each drop type across rectangular representations of drop field objects in the field of concern. Airdrop altitude and chute type are found to make a statistically significant difference in airdrop error patterns while airdrop aircraft type does not appear to have a significant effect. This research methodology is implemented in an EXCEL spreadsheet tool that can be easily used by airdrop mission planners including an extension, requested by the research sponsors, to handle bundled drops that fall in a linear spread., The original document contains color images.

Does third party military intervention help or hurt an incumbent government during an insurgency? This study attempts to answer this question by testing prevailing military theories of counterinsurgency in the context of third party intervention using basic tests for statistical significance and bivariate contingency. The results show that intervention on behalf of a counterinsurgent decreases the likelihood of a successful government outcome, and specifically, interventions in general, interventions involving the deployment of combat forces, interventions involving military occupation, and interventions by democratic states decrease the likelihood of counterinsurgent success. Early intervention, meaning the commitment of third-party support within the first year of conflict, does not appear to have a significant effect on counterinsurgency success. Likewise, the decision to end an intervention early does not appear to significantly alter the chance of counterinsurgent failure. Interventions in support of an "indirect" approach to counterinsurgencies are the only cases that exhibit a significant improvement for the chances of successful outcome., The original document contains color images.

BACKGROUND: Many women who experience sexual problems or who have been subjected to sexual abuse, do not seek help, and often health professionals avoid raising such issues. The aim of this study was to describe young women's sexual health and their views on a dialogue about aspects of sexuality in connection with a gynecologic examination. METHOD: Cross-sectional study. Women, 23, 26 and 29 years of age, called for gynecologic screening between March and July 2006 (n=488; response rate 75%). Descriptive statistics, multiple logistic regression and bivariate analysis were used. RESULTS: The majority (95%) had a positive attitude towards sexuality, although many women reported sexual problems, and one-fifth (22%) were dissatisfied with their sex life. Women considered it appropriate to be asked about sexuality in general (92%), while a majority (72%) found questions about sexual abuse appropriate. However, depending on the area, the majority (76-99%) had never been asked such questions. Demographic variables, aspects of life, sexuality and sexual abuse were irrelevant for whether women considered it appropriate to be asked questions about aspects of sexuality, by a midwife/doctor in connection with a gynecologic examination. Conclusion: The result can activate health professionals to initiate a dialogue about sexual issues among young women. In this way, many women who experience sexual problems or have been subjected to sexual abuse, may be provided the opportunity to improve their sexual health.

Background HIV/AIDS related stigma interferes with the provision of appropriate care and support for people living with HIV/AIDS. Currently, programs to address the stigma approach it as if it occurs in isolation, separate from the co-stigmas related to the various modes of disease transmission including injection drug use (IDU) and commercial sex (CS). In order to develop better programs to address HIV/AIDS related stigma, the inter-relationship (or 'layering') between HIV/AIDS stigma and the co-stigmas needs to be better understood. This paper describes an experimental study for disentangling the layering of HIV/AIDS related stigmas. Methods The study used a factorial survey design. 352 medical students from Guangzhou were presented with four random vignettes each describing a hypothetical male. The vignettes were identical except for the presence of a disease diagnosis (AIDS, leukaemia, or no disease) and a co-characteristic (IDU, CS, commercial blood donation (CBD), blood transfusion or no co-characteristic). After reading each vignette, participants completed a measure of social distance that assessed the level of stigmatising attitudes. Results Bivariate and multivariable analyses revealed statistically significant levels of stigma associated with AIDS, IDU, CS and CBD. The layering of stigma was explored using a recently developed technique. Strong interactions between the stigmas of AIDS and the co-characteristics were also found. AIDS was significantly less stigmatising than IDU or CS. Critically, the stigma of AIDS in combination with either the stigmas of IDU or CS was significantly less than the stigma of IDU alone or CS alone. Conclusion The findings pose several surprising challenges to conventional beliefs about HIV/AIDS related stigma and stigma interventions that have focused exclusively on the disease stigma. Contrary to the belief that having a co-stigma would add to

Objective - To assess the effects of acute exposure to simulated high altitude on baroreflex control of mean cerebral blood flow velocity (MCFV). Patients and methods - We compared beat-to-beat changes in RR interval, arterial blood pressure, mean MCFV (by transcranial Doppler velocimetry in the middle cerebral artery), end-tidal CO2, oxygen saturation and respiration in 19 healthy subjects at baseline (Albuquerque, 1779 m), after acute exposure to simulated high altitude in a hypobaric chamber (barometric pressure as at 5000 m) and during oxygen administration (to achieve 100% oxygen saturation) at the same barometric pressure (HOX). Baroreflex control on each signal was assessed by univariate and bivariate power spectral analysis performed on time series obtained during controlled (15 breaths/min) breathing, before and during baroreflex modulation induced by 0.1-Hz sinusoidal neck suction. Results - At baseline, neck suction was able to induce a clear increase in low-frequency power in MCFV (P0.001) as well as in RR and blood pressure. At high altitude, MCFV, as well as RR and blood pressure, was still able to respond to neck suction (all P0.001), compared to controlled breathing alone, despite marked decreases in end-tidal CO2 and oxygen saturation at high altitude. A similar response was obtained at HOX. Phase delay analysis excluded a passive transmission of low-frequency oscillations from arterial pressure to cerebral circulation. Conclusions - During acute exposure to high altitude, cerebral blood flow is still modulated by the autonomic nervous system through the baroreflex, whose sensitivity is not affected by changes in CO2 and oxygen saturation levels.

This study determined, evaluated, and proposed ways to mitigate factors contributing to overcrowding and wait times experienced by patients admitted through the Brooke Army Medical Center Emergency Department. Data was collected on 343 patients admitted between August 8 and September 4, 2005. Bivariate correlation analysis revealed staffing, ED census, and day as contributors to wait time. Based on these results, the following recommendations were made: consolidate sign-in and triage; restructure and/or retrain nursing teams; change staff days to days with the highest wait times; increase use of Fast Track; improve automation; and use a direct admissions system.

This document contains the technical appendixes for a study that describes American public opinion toward the use of military force in support of the global war on terrorism (GWOT), delineates the sources of support and opposition, and identifies potential fault lines in support. The main document is Eric V. Larson and Bogdan Savych, American Public Support for U. S. Military Operations from Mogadishu to Baghdad, Santa Monica, CA: RAND Corporation, MG-231-A, 2004. These appendixes describe bivariate and multivariate statistical analyses of respondent-level public opinion data from polling during the final stages of the U.S. military intervention in Somalia, the peace operations in Haiti, Bosnia, and Kosovo, the war against the Taliban and Al Qaeda in Afghanistan, and the overthrow of Saddam Hussein's Baathist regime in Iraq., ISBN 0-8330-3683-1.