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This article examines the effects of terrorism on foreign direct investment (FDI) flows to Burkina Faso. The study uses data for the period 2015 - 2018, collected from the Global Terrorism Database and the World Bank. Using ordinary least squares (OLS) technique for data analysis, two models have been tested. Model 1 tests the immediate effect of terrorism on FDI flows. As for model 2, it takes into account the lag and is based on the principle that the effect of terrorist attacks is not immediate on FDI flow. The results of the two models show that terrorism does not explain the changes in FDI inflows to Burkina Faso over the period 2015 - 2018. But the study has important limitations: the sample size is very small for a matter of data availability. In addition, the models used do not take into account the media echo of terrorist attacks. This can be explained by a difficulty in quantifying this variable. However, despite these limitations and the results obtained through ordinary least squares (OLS) technique, it has been recognized that terrorist activity is a real obstacle to the country's economic growth. On the basis of this conclusion, recommendations and avenues for future research were highlighted., Le présent article examine les effets du terrorisme sur les flux d'investissements directs étrangers (IDE) au Burkina Faso. L'étude utilise des données pour la période 2015 - 2018, recueillies dans la base de données sur le terrorisme mondial et auprès de la Banque mondiale. Deux modèles ont été testés en utilisant la technique des moindres carrés ordinaires (MCO) pour l'analyse des données. Le modèle 1 teste l'effet immédiat du terrorisme sur les flux d'IDE. Quant au modèle 2, il prend en compte le retard et repose sur le principe que l'effet des attaques terroristes n'est pas immédiat sur les flux d'IDE. Les résultats des deux modèles montrent que le terrorisme n'explique pas l'évolution des flux d'IDE au Burkina Faso sur la période 2015 - 2018. Mais l'étude présente des limites importantes : la taille de l'échantillon est très limitée pour une question de disponibilité des données. En outre, les modèles utilisés ne tiennent pas compte de l'écho médiatique des attaques terroristes. Cela s'explique par une difficulté de quantification de cette variable. Cependant, malgré ces limites et les résultats obtenus par la technique des moindres carrés ordinaires (MCO), il a été reconnu que l'activité terroriste est un véritable obstacle à la croissance économique du pays. Sur la base de cette conclusion, des recommandations et des pistes de recherche pour l'avenir ont été mises en évidence.

International audience; Le maintien en condition opérationnelle de systèmes industriels est un facteur de compétitivité important ; et une bonne stratégie de maintenance du système assure une disponibilité élevée des équipements, tout en minimisant les coûts liés aux interventions. La modélisation et la simulation de tels systèmes, incluant leurs stratégies associées de maintenances, permet d'en étudier les indicateurs de performance sous-jacents (disponibilité, coûts, etc.). Dans cette communication, nous présentons un schéma de modélisation AltaRica 3.0 de combinaison de différentes politiques de maintenance de différents composants d'un système.

This study has highlighted the trend of recently-reported dengue cases after the implementation of the Movement Control Orders (MCOs) caused due to COVID-19 pandemic in Malaysia. The researchers used the dengue surveillance data published by the Malaysian Ministry of Health during the 3 phases of MCO (which ranged between 17th March 2020 and 28th April 2020) was used for determining the cumulative number of dengue patients. Thereafter, the dengue cases were mapped using the Geographical Information System (GIS). The results indicated that during the 42 days of MCO in Peninsular Malaysia, 11,242 total cases of dengue were reported. The daily trend of the dengue cases showed a decrease from 7268 cases that occurred before the MCOs to 4662 dengue cases that occurred during the initial 14 days of the COVID-19 pandemic (i.e., MCO I), to 3075 cases occurring during the MCO II and 3505 dengue cases noted during MCO III. The central peninsular region showed a maximal decrease in new dengue cases (52.62%), followed by the northern peninsular region (1.89%); eastern coastal region (1.25%) and the southern peninsular region (1.14%) during the initial MCO implementation. However, an increase in the new dengue cases was noted during the MCO III period, wherein all states showed an increase in the new dengue cases as compared during MCO II. The decrease in the pattern was not solely based on the MCO, hence, further investigation is necessary after considering different influencing factors. These results have important implication for future large-scale risk assessment, planning and hazard mitigation on dengue management., Highlights • Dengue has been described as a “silent killer” amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. • The MCOs implemented by the Malaysian government to break the COVID-19 infection chain have positively affected the onset of new dengue cases. • The highest reduction of new dengue cases were reported in the central peninsular region (52.62%), followed by the northern peninsular region (1.89%), eastern coastal region (1.25%) and the southern peninsular region (1.14%). • New dengue cases increased during the MCO3 period, with the increase of reported dengue cases in all states in Peninsular Malaysia.

IntroductionEnforcement of Movement Control Order (MCO) due to COVID-19 pandemic had impacted people's behaviour on their health, social and economic. Unhealthy lifestyle behaviours such as tobacco use, poor eating behaviour, lack of physical activity and increased screen time are among the behaviours that are expected to occur during lockdown. Besides maintaining a healthy lifestyle at home, each individual also responsible to prevent spread of COVID-19 by practicing the recommended preventive behaviours. Preventive behaviours refer to the defree the individual practices behaviour to avoid becoming infected with the disease. Thus, this study aims to assess the Malaysian lifestyle behaviours, preventive behaviours during MCO and also the effects of MCO. Materials and Methods[Refer to Poster]. Results[Refer to Poster]. Discussion / ConclusionSignificant behaviour changes were identified during MCO. Continuous efforts in promoting healthy lifestyle and encouraging positive behaviour changes are needed in reducing COVID-19 transmission and embracing the "New Normal".

introductionCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was declared a global pandemic as of 11 March 2020 [1]. Immediately, the Malaysian government initiated a nationwide Movement Control Order (MCO) of various phases (starting 18 March 2020) to stop the spread of this potentially deadly infection. Having adequate knowledge regarding COVID-19 is paramount, especially for healthcare workers (HCWs).This study aims to assess COVID-19 knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) among HCWs in Perlis and recognize the challenges they faced while working during the MCO period. Materials and MethodsStudy design: Multicentric cross-sectional web-based survey.Study population: HCWs in Perlis • Data collection period: 29th May to 27th July 2020 • Study site: Government and private healthcare facilities in Perlis.Data collection tool: A 4 knowledge, 9 attitude and 4 practice item validated questionnaire (Cronbach’s alpha=0.71, 0.72, 0.72 respectively). 14 items assessed the MCO challenges. The survey consists of 6 sections (Table 1). Links to the online questionnaire were later generated and shared to WhatsApp groups of HCWs in Perlis. Each eligible and consenting participant completed an online informed consent form before answering the questionnaire. Data analysis: Using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 20.0 [2]. Descriptive analysis focused on frequencies and percentages. Chi-square and Fisher’s exact test used to determine association between selected demographic variables and KAP scores. Statistical significance level was set at p Results373 respondents (Table 2) were included in the final analysis, of which 48.0% (n=179) were nurses, 14.8% (n=55) doctors, 10.7% (n=40) administrative staffs and others (26.5%, n=99). HCWs from various government and private health sites participated. • Pearson's chi-square test indicated significant association between KAP scores and occupational status (p 10 years of working experience; n=179 (48.0%). KAP scores: Majority of HCWs (69.7%, n=260) had good knowledge (mean score=2.9±1.01), optimistic attitude (52.3%, n=195) and good practice (56.0%, n=209) towards COVID-19. Knowledge: Almost all HCWs obtained correct responses for all knowledge item questions. Most knew that COVID-19 was not transmitted via airborne; n=220 (59.0%), the virus cannot penetrate the skin of your hands and infect you; n=239 (64.1%), many infections were not caused by having contact with positive COVID-19 animals; n=283 (75.9%) and social distancing is important in preventing the spread of the disease; n=356 (95.4%).Attitude: 145 (38.9%) of HCWs did not fear of getting infected by COVID-19 when they go to work, were confident that Perlis will be able to maintain its green zone status (n=173, 46.4%), were strongly confident Malaysia will win the battle against COVID-19 (n=181, 48.5%), were confident that one day there will be a cure for this infection (n=189, 50.7%), agreed that we should still have roadblocks located within the city to help reduce movement of people in the state of Perlis (n=134, 35.9%), strongly agreed that we should improve our inter-state boarder security and control (n=229, 61.4%), agreed that we should extend our MCO (n=142, 38.1%) and strongly agreed that good health is more valuable than good economy (n=161, 43.2%). Practice: Most HCWs who participated always practice hand hygiene (n=262, 70.2%), mask wearing (n=232, 62.2%), use of hand sanitizer (n=217, 58.2%) and social distancing (n=238, 63.8%) when necessary.MCO challenges: Main challenges were difficulty going out shopping for daily essentials (36.5%, n=136), had less quality time with children due to work (22.5%, n=84) and difficulty meeting with family members (33.0%, n=123). Discussion / ConclusionDiscussion: COVID-19 is a novel infectious disease. HCWs should constantly update their knowledge on COVID-19 based on current clinical evidences. Several Asian studies demonstrated high levels of COVID-19 knowledge among HCWs [3-4], similar to the results of our study. To the researchers' knowledge, this is the first study to investigate KAP towards COVID-19 in Perlis. • Conclusion: In this study, HCWs had good COVID-19 knowledge, optimistic attitude and good practice. Main challenges identified working during the MCO were difficulty going out shopping for daily essentials, having less quality time with children due to work and difficulty meeting family members

IntroductionThe COVID-19 pandemic has shaken the world since December 2019. Malaysia was not spared from this unprecedented crisis. The Malaysian government had declared Enhanced Movement Control Order (EMCO) in breaking the chain of COVID-19 transmissions in red zone areas in Hulu Langat, Selangor. For the EMCO, Hulu Langat District Health Office (PKDHL) had been responsible to provide the public health responses and measures in the area under the purview of Selangor State Health Department. The Hulu Langat District Health Officer who is a public health specialist led the taskforce for the planning, monitoring and implementing the public health activities while providing the medical services to the people. In this study, we aimed to identify the epidemiological characteristics of COVID-19 in Kampung Sungai Lui, Hulu Langat and the role of EMCO as a chain breaker for COVID-19. MethodsA retrospective cross-sectional study was done from March 30, 2020, until May 5, 2020, in the EMCO area in Kampung Sungai Lui, Hulu Langat. This study site was purposely selected due to a sudden surge of positive cases in the area that requires fast and critical public health measures. We collected primary data through Active Case Detection (ACD) and Passive Case Detection (PCD) and the 1,989 population was screened. The epidemiological characteristics and clinical manifestations were analysed using Microsoft Excel 2018 Software. Results[Refer to Poster]. ConclusionA responsive public health measures with comprehensive early detection and adherence of Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) play a pivotal role in breaking the transmission chain of fast-spreading COVID-19 clusters. Epidemiological characterisation of COVID-19 confirmed cases, provides the basis in the development of effective control strategies.

IntroductionThe Malaysian Government imposed the Movement Control Order (MCO) to mitigate the COVID-19 pandemic. Public were urged to comply with the instructions. This study aimed to better understand factors of adherence towards these measures: 1) Stay at home, 2) Remain wherever you are and 3) Only 1 person per family is allowed to go out to buy groceries. Methods[Refer to Poster]. Results[Refer to Poster]. ConclusionMalaysian public are seen agreeable to the instructions but future studies need to identify the level of compliance to mitigate the COVID-19 outbreak.

IntroductionThere are two methods for cause of death certification based on the place of occurrence of the death. Death in hospitals is certified by physicians as medically-certified deaths and death at home are certified by local police station as non-medically certified deaths. Excess community deaths from non-Covid causes had been seen across Europe during the pandemic. ObjectiveThis study aimed to demonstrate the trend of home death in the district of Taiping, Perak during the Movement Control Order (MCO) 1 period which was from March to April 2020. MethodologyRetrospective cross sectional study.Data for home death was obtained from the Taiping Police Department. Data for total number of admission during MCO1 obtained from the Hospital Record Office. ResultsThe average bed occupancy rate (BOR) for this hospital in 2019 was 75%. The BOR was 78% in the month of February 2020, but reduced to 68% and 58% in March and April respectively. Death occurring at home seen increased from 69 cases, 86 cases to 100 cases in the month of February, March and April 2020 respectively. 60% of the cause of death recorded from death at home was “sakit tua” (died due to old age). ConclusionAs BOR decrease, the number of home death increased during MCO 1. There are many ways to look at this and definitely warrant more than “sakit tua” as a cause of death. It may be related to collateral damage of the lockdown or sick people are too scared to go to hospital during MCO. Verbal autopsy (VA) can be applied to increase the accuracy of COD but are subjected to recall bias unless it is done as soon as a home death is reported. Currently, VA is conducted by trained medical personnel. We proposed that training of non-medical personnel is needed for a more accurate COD for death occurring at home, especially during the time of pandemic in the future.

IntroductionThe impact of COVID-19 may be stressful for some people. Fear and anxiety about a new disease can be overwhelming and cause strong emotions. Thus, coping with stress in a healthy way may enable people to manage and prepare for any circumstances related to the COVID-19 pandemic. This study explores on how the public deal / cope with stressful situations during Movement Control Order (MCO). Materials and Methods [Refer to Poster]. Results[Refer to Poster]. Discussion / ConclusionThis study found the highest mean value for coping strategies was practising a healthy lifestyle, followed by talking to other trusted people (ie. family members and friends), seeking help by contacting healthcare personnel and avoid smoking / consuming alcohol and taking drugs. Finding also revealed no significant difference between coping strategies with gender, age and household income (p>0.05). Understanding public coping strategies during COVID-19 pandemic is essential for mental health interventions and policy making.

IntroductionCurrently, Malaysian are facing new challenges with the impact of COVID-19 especially with the enforcement of Movement Control Order (MCO). This pandemic is creating a significant impact on every individual and overall population; lifestyle changes, food access issues, panic buying, family relationships, financial disruptions and beyond. This study aims to identify the difference of the effects of MCO with selected demographics. Methodology[Refer to Poster]. Results and Findings[Refer to Poster]. Discussion / ConclusionThis study found a significant difference between the effects of MCO with marital status and race (p0.05). Continuous efforts in developing and conveying taylored messages to the specific target group such as urge the public to keep calm, do not panic for unreasonable or unnecessary matters and seek social and spiritual support are crucial inf acing all challenges of the pandemic. &nbsp

introductionThe MCO was an essential move taken by the government to combat COVID-19 pandemic. However, the unprecedented restrictions imposed has affected the daily lives of the public. This study was conducted to determine the problems faced by the public during the MCO and CMCO. MethodologyAn online cross-sectional study using anonymous survey forms was distributed via social media on 17/4/2020–24/4/2020(MCO) and 5/6/2020–19/6/2020(CMCO). The results were analysed using SPSS Version 22 and presented as frequencies and percentages. Results[Refer to Poster]. Discussion / ConclusionIn general, the percentage of people whom faced problems in MCO doubled in CMCO. Emotional difficulty being confined was the most reported problem. This is consistent with reports stating a third of calls received by crisis support organisations were psychologically-related. Inability to get basic necessities reduced almost half which may be explained by the loosening up of restrictions during CMCO. In conclusion, the public has experienced a multi-facet of dynamic problems which needs to be considered in future plans of MCO.

This thesis analyzed the potential operational benefits and force structure reductions to the U.S. Combat Logistics Force provided by the single fuel concept (SFC). We used inventory pooling analysis to examine historical combatant demand patterns for F-76 and JP-5 to determine whether the SFC would expand afloat storage capacity and increase refueling logistics responsiveness through demand variability reduction across fleets. We then developed an unclassified major combat operations (MCO) deterministic scenario involving multiple task groups within the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command area of responsibility. We used a steady-state model to calculate the number of shuttle ships and stations ships required to support the scenario using the SFC, as compared to F-76 and JP-5. This thesis demonstrated adopting JP-5 as the Navy’s single fuel would increase maritime refueling service capacity at sea and reduce the number of ships required to support MCOs with long transit distances between defense fuel support points and the area of operations. Outstanding Thesis Lieutenant Commander, United States Navy Lieutenant, United States Navy Lieutenant Commander, United States Navy Approved for public release. distribution is unlimited

Aim The first Covid-19 cases were reported in Malaysia on 25 January 2019 followed by a quiescent period before an upward swing of the cases at the end of February 2020, partly attributed to mass gathering during a religious event. This short communication aims to provide an overview of the measures taken by the Malaysian Government in response to Covid-19, and of the effectiveness of the Movement Control Order. Subjects and methods This short communication reviews articles and government announcements related to containment measures and the Movement Control Order of Malaysia, and graphically presents data pertinent to Covid-19 in Malaysia in order to show the relationship between fluctuations in Covid-19 cases and movement control. Results At the onset of the Covid-19 outbreak, Malaysia had initiated travel restrictions and quarantine; but with a persistent increase in new Covid-19 cases, the Movement Control Order was finally rolled out on 18 March 2020, requiring closure of all businesses except those providing essential services and items. Enforcement of the order was tightened progressively, resulting in significant improvement of compliance, while other interventions such as tracking of potential contacts and medical screening were underway, and the media continued to provide updates and general advices. The numbers of new and active Covid-19 cases started showing evident downtrends from mid-April, thus indicating the effectiveness of movement control and its compliance. Conclusion The article provides insight into crucial factors contributing to the success of movement control to effectively contain Covid-19, and highlights the need to prevent future upsurge through continuous monitoring and enforcement.

Ce séminaire a eu lieu en visioconférence; International audience; Dans la littérature, les chercheurs mettent souvent en exergue un impact positif et significatif de l’éducation à l’entrepreneuriat sur la volonté de créer de même que sur la concrétisation de ce projet à terme. Si des programmes de formations ont émergé un peu partout sur le territoire burkinabé, notamment dans certains établissements d'enseignements supérieurs, il n’existe cependant aucune étude à notre connaissance qui a examiné leur impact sur l’intention d’entreprendre. Cette étude propose ainsi d’analyser l’influence de l’éducation à l’entrepreneuriat – le fait de participer à une formation en entrepreneuriat - sur le niveau de compétence et l’intention entrepreneuriale de 767 étudiants provenant des universités Ouaga I et II. Les méthodes mobilisées dans cette étude sont l’analyse des variances (ANOVA) et des moindres carrés ordinaire (MCO). Les résultats obtenus indiquent que l’éducation à l’entrepreneuriat (le fait de participation à une formation en entrepreneuriat) influence positivement et significativement, leur niveau de maitrise de compétences, de même que leur aspiration entrepreneuriale. Cependant, les résultats de cette étude méritent d’être prolongée car nous suspectons la présence de biais d’endogéneité.

[Resumen]: El objetivo del presente trabajo es identificar los distintos factores que inciden en la asistencia a los estadios de fútbol. Para ello se lleva a cabo una revisión de la literatura previa en el campo del análisis de demanda de partidos de fútbol para poner en contexto las variables con las que se analizará la asistencia a los encuentros de la Primera División española. Con la finalidad de obtener evidencia empírica sobre el papel de las distintas variables potencialmente explicativas, se estima un modelo de regresión en el que la variable dependiente es el logaritmo de la asistencia. La estimación se realiza por el método de Mínimos Cuadrados Ordinarios (MCO) con datos de las temporadas 2014/15 y 2015/16. Los principales resultados que arroja este estudio vienen a poner de manifiesto que las variables de índole económica, las que reflejan el coste de oportunidad y las que aproximan el atractivo ex ante del partido son relevantes a la hora de explicar la demanda de partidos en el estadio. Por contra, las variables que tratan de aproximar el rendimiento del equipo y la incertidumbre en el resultado no parecen tener un efecto significativo sobre la asistencia. [Abstract]: The objective of this paper is to identify the different factors that affect attendance at football stadiums. To this end, a review of the previous literature in the field of demand analysis of football matches is carried out in order to put into context the variables that will be used to analyze the attendance at the games of the Spanish First Division. In order to obtain empirical evidence on the role of the different potentially explanatory variables, a regression model is estimated in which the dependent variable is the logarithm of the assistance. The estimate is made by the Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) method with data from the 2014/15 and 2015/16 seasons. The main results of this study show that variables of an economic nature, those that reflect the opportunity cost and those that approximate the ex ante appeal of the match are relevant when explaining the demand for matches in the stadium. On the other hand, the variables that try to approximate the performance of the team and the uncertainty of outcome do not seem to have a significant effect on attendance. Traballo fin de grao (UDC.ECO). Economía. Curso 2018/2019

En el presente trabajo se demostrará la existencia de cambio estructural dentro de la política monetaria en Colombia, con base en modelos y reglas de política; curva LM y regla de Taylor para el periodo 1995-2016 (Series trimestrales). Se realizan estimaciones econométricas bajo la metodología de Mínimos Cuadrados Ordinarios (MCO), regresiones lineales multivariadas en series de tiempo, modelos Autorregresivos y Mínimos Cuadrados Generalizados (para la corrección de los modelos); junto con las respectivas pruebas de hipótesis sobre los supuestos de estabilidad, que verifiquen o no la existencia de cambio estructural. Desde la argumentación de estas relaciones causales de política monetaria, como la definición de los determinantes macroeconómicos de oferta demanda monetaria y tasas de interés, se alcanza consistencia teórica y valides estadística de los ejercicios de regresión, para la construcción de ecuaciones representativas de modelos de estabilización y esquemas de política monetaria (curvas LM y MP) Sobre los que se concluye confirmando la existencia de cambio estructural, en varios puntos de las series, para el periodo comprendido entre los años 1997-2001. Contenido. INTRODUCCIÓN. 1. MARCO TEÓRICO. 1.1. Regla de Taylor 1.1.1. Descripción de la regla 1.2. Curva LM 1.2.1. Teoría cuantitativa del dinero 1.2.2. Preferencia por la liquidez 1.3. Política Monetaria 1.4. Aproximación Teórica y Conceptual del Cambio Estructural. 2. DESCRIPCIÓN Y ANÁLISIS DE LAS SERIES. 2.1. Datos 25 2.2. Estadística Descriptiva 3. MODELOS EMPÍRICOS PARA LA IDENTIFICACION CAMBIO ESTRUCTURAL, CURVA LM Y REGLA DE TAYLOR. 3.1. Forma Funcional de los Modelos 3.2. Regresión Curva LM 3.2.1. Construcción de la ecuación Curva LM 3.2.2. Cambio estructural LM 3.3. Regresión Curva MP Corto y Largo Plazo 3.3.1. Modelos curvas MP (t) 3.3.2. Modelo de rezago distribuido (t-i) 3.3.3. Construcción de la ecuación curva MP 3.3.4. Cambio estructural curva MP 3.4. Modelos Autorregresivos 4. CONCLUSIONES. 5. REFERENCIAS. 6. ANEXOS. 6.1. Tablas 6.2. Ilustraciones 6.3. Gráficos In the present work it will be shown existence of structural change inside on Monetary politics in Colombia, based on models and rules the politics; LM Curve and Taylor´s Rule for the period 1995-2016 (Quarterly series). They are made econometrics estimates under the methodology the Ordinary Least Squares (OLS), Multivariate linear regressions in time series, Autoregressive models and Generalized Least Squares (for the correction of the models); together whit respective hypothesis test on the assumption of stability that verify or not the existence of structural change. From the argumentation of these causal relationships of the monetary, as the definition of macroeconomics determinates of supply, demand of money and interest rate, get theoretical consistency and statistical validity of regression exercises for the construction of representative equations of stabilization models and monetary policy schemes (LM and MP curves). On which it concluded conforming the existence of structural change, in several points of the series, for the period between the year 1977-2001. Pregrado

[ES]El presente Trabajo de Fin de Grado trata, en primera instancia, de proporcionar una visión detallada sobre el cáncer de mama en mujeres, tanto a nivel mundial, como en Estados Unidos, España y País Vasco. Además, se consideran las distintas variables sociodemográficas (raza, estado civil, origen hispano y edad) que pueden afectar a la tasa de incidencia del cáncer de mama, y se determina si hay alguna relación entre estas variables y el grado del tumor en el momento del diagnóstico. También se analiza a través de la especificación y estimación de un modelo econométrico, el efecto de dichas variables sobre el tamaño del tumor de las mujeres. Los datos utilizados en el presente trabajo han sido obtenidos de la base de datos: SEER CANCER RESEARCH DATABASE, del Instituto Nacional de Cáncer de Estados Unidos (2017). [EN] This current Final Project deals firstly with a detailed view about breast cancer in women, explaining in detail the situation worldwide, as well as in USA, Spain and in the Basque Country. In addition, the different sociodemographic variables (race, marital status, Hispanic origin and age) that can cause or affect the incidence rate of breast cancer are considered, and it is determined if there is any relationship between these variables and the grade of the tumour. Moreover, it is also analyzed the effect of those variables on the tumor size of women through the specification and estimation of an econometric model. The data that has been used for this work have been obtained from a database from SEER CANCER RESEARCH DATABASE of the National Cancer Institute of the United States (2017).

This study compared the dosimetric performance of (a) volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) with standard optimization (STD) and (b) multi‐criteria optimization (MCO) to (c) intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) with MCO for hippocampal avoidance whole brain radiation therapy (HA‐WBRT) in RayStation treatment planning system (TPS). Ten HA‐WBRT patients previously treated with MCO‐IMRT or MCO‐VMAT on an Elekta Infinity accelerator with Agility multileaf collimators (5‐mm leaves) were re‐planned for the other two modalities. All patients received 30 Gy in 15 fractions to the planning target volume (PTV), namely, PTV30 expanded with a 2‐mm margin from the whole brain excluding hippocampus with margin. The patients all had metastatic lesions (up to 12) of variable sizes and proximity to the hippocampus, treated with an additional 7.5 Gy from a simultaneous integrated boost (SIB) to PTV37.5. The IMRT plans used eight to eleven non‐coplanar fields, whereas the VMAT plans used two coplanar full arcs and a vertex half arc. The averaged target coverage, dose to organs‐at‐risk (OARs) and monitor unit provided by the three modalities were compared, and a Wilcoxon signed‐rank test was performed. MCO‐VMAT provided statistically significant reduction of D100 of hippocampus compared to STD‐VMAT, and Dmax of cochleas compared to MCO‐IMRT. With statistical significance, MCO‐VMAT improved V30 of PTV30 by 14.2% and 4.8%, respectively, compared to MCO‐IMRT and STD‐VMAT. It also raised D95 of PTV37.5 by 0.4 Gy compared to both MCO‐IMRT and STD‐VMAT. Improved plan quality parameters such as a decrease in overall plan Dmax and total monitor units (MU) were also observed for MCO‐VMAT. MCO‐VMAT is found to be the optimal modality for HA‐WBRT in terms of PTV coverage, OAR sparing and delivery efficiency, compared to MCO‐IMRT or STD‐VMAT.

This paper features a tri-criteria analysis of Eurekahedge fund data strategy index data. We use nine Eurekahedge equally weighted main strategy indices for the portfolio analysis. The tri-criteria analysis features three objectives: return, risk and dispersion of risk objectives in a Multi-Criteria Optimisation (MCO) portfolio analysis. We vary the MCO return and risk targets and contrast the results with four more standard portfolio optimisation criteria, namely the tangency portfolio(MSR), the most diversified portfolio (MDP), the global minimum variance portfolio (GMW), and portfolios based on minimising expected shortfall (ERC). Backtests of the chosen portfolios for this hedge fund data set indicate that the use of MCO is accompanied by uncertainty about the a priori choice of optimal parameter settings for the decision criteria. The empirical results do not appear to outperform more standard bi-criteria portfolio analyses in the backtests undertaken on our hedge fund index data.

Este articulo propone analizar el mercado de los profesionales en salud oral en la formación universitaria y los posgrados. A partir de la estimación de mínimos cuadrados ordinarios, se encuentra que para en cada uno de los niveles analizados existe una relación negativa entre el salario y el número de graduados, excepto para la cirugía donde la relación fue positiva. This article proposes to analyze the market of professionals in oral health in university education and postgraduate courses. From the estimation of ordinary least squares, it is found that in each of the levels analyzed there is a negative relation between the salary and the number of graduates, except for the surgery where the relationship was positive. Especialista en Gerencia de Instituciones de Seguridad Social en Salud Especialización

Dans le cadre de la tarification à l’activité, les établissements de santé ont l’obligation de garantir l’exhaustivité et la qualité des données transmises aux tutelles. En effet, certains actes médicaux et dispositifs médicaux implantables impactent directement les recettes. Aussi, disposer d’outils performants de traçabilité et pertinent en associations pour les actes et les DMI représente un enjeu important.

Solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) interconnects, which are made of chromia-forming ferritic stainless steels, are used to connect individual SOFCs in series to increase the overall cell voltage output. They are usually exposed to high operating temperature (around 800oC) and both oxidative and reductive atmosphere. Mn1.5Co1.5O4 (MCO) spinel is used for SOFC interconnect coating to decrease the oxidation rate and the chromium migration, and to increase the SOFC lifetime. The current preferred coating method is air-plasma spray (APS) which has transfer efficiency of only around 40%, and is relatively expansive. The objective of this project is to develop powder coating technology as an alternative in SOFC interconnect coating, given its environmental friendliness, recyclability and cost-effectiveness. However, the key problems of powder coating techniques are how to make MCO powder well dispersed in polymer matrix (also known as coating binder, i.e. the resin and corresponding curing agent) and to form uniform film after binder burn off. Four techniques of mixing and dispersing MCO powder were investigated in this project. Slurry powder coating showed a big tendency to form a good film, a further optimization is needed. Both thermally compacted and cold pressed powder coatings showed poor quality and severe defects of non-uniformity. The formed film by extruded powder coating exhibited excellent adhesion, moderate hardness and high gloss. This technique is the best of four and is used for SOFC interconnect testing. For SOFC interconnects by extruded powder coating, thickness of the coating observed by cross-section analysis was fairly uniform, which is a key advantage of this technique. But a significant change in coating morphology was observed after thermal treatment, mainly due to the high dosage of binder used in the formulation. Extruded powder coating is promising but needs to be further optimized for SOFC application.

"Mediante un an´alisis emp´ırico de datos panel sectorial, el cual permite evidenciar v´ınculos espec´ıficos, se identifican spillovers entre la Inversi´on Extranjera Directa (IED) e indicadores de desempe˜no macroecon´omico para la econom´ıa mexicana. Los resultados muestran que: a) la IED presenta dos tipos de concentraci´on particulares, una por entidad federativa y otra por sectores de la actividad econ´omica, b) los flujos de IED que se dirigen a M´exico buscan principalmente eficiencias de producci´on, c) dichos flujos se explican por el crecimiento econ´omico, la productividad laboral y la competitividad internacional. Con estos hallazgos, puede decirse que la pol´ıtica econ´omica federal debe orientarse a la instrumentaci´on de acciones que permitan a las empresas localizadas absorber la IED. El panel sectorial es un m´etodo poco usado que desagrega relaciones macroecon´omicas permitiendo identificar impactos m´as eficientes."

弘前大学農学生命科学部学術報告. 7, 2005, p.9-13

En este trabajo se comparan tres modelos para proyección de la demanda de energía eléctrica en Bogotá, Colombia, a largo plazo (10 años), para una empresa distribuidora y comercializadora de energía en la ciudad. Inicialmente se muestra el contexto del sector eléctrico y se explican los motivos por los cuales este pronóstico resulta importante para la empresa. Posteriormente se evalúan diferentes variables que pueden aportar a la elaboración de los modelos, y se muestra una revisión general de metodologías utilizadas en la literatura nacional e internacional para realizar pronósticos similares. Se seleccionan estas alternativas: un modelo de regresión lineal basado en mínimos cuadrados ordinarios, un modelo ARIMA y un modelo VAR. Luego de especificar detalladamente los modelos, se chequean supuestos teóricos y se muestran los resultados de pronóstico. Finalmente se plantean las conclusiones y recomendaciones de posibilidades de mejoras a realizar sobre los modelos aquí estudiados. Abstract This paper compares three econometric models for long term electricity consumption in Bogotá, Colombia (within 10 years), for a company which distributes and sells energy utilitities in the city. Initially the context of the electricity sector is analyzed as well as the main reasons are exposed to show why this type of forecast is relevant to the company. Different variables are evaluated in order to contribute to the development of the models. The paper provides a general review of methodologies used at national and international levels for similar forecasts, among which these three alternatives were selected: the linear regression model based on OLS, the ARIMA model and the VAR model. After specifying in detail each model, theoretical assumptions are verified and the results of forecasts are presented. Conclusions and recommendations suggest possible guidelines to improve the models exposed in this paper- Maestría

The prime thrust of this dissertation is to advance the development of fuel cell dioxygen reduction cathodes that employ some variant of multicopper oxidase enzymes as the catalyst. The low earth-abundance of platinum metal and its correspondingly high market cost has prompted a general search amongst chemists and materials scientists for reasonable alternatives to this metal for facilitating catalytic dioxygen reduction chemistry. The multicopper oxidases (MCOs), which constitute a class of enzyme that naturally catalyze the reaction O2 + 4H+ + 4e- → 2H2O, provide a promising set of biochemical contenders for fuel cell cathode catalysts. In MCOs, a substrate reduces a copper atom at the type 1 site, where charge is then transferred to a trinuclear copper cluster consisting of a mononuclear type 2 or “normal copper” site and a binuclear type 3 copper site. Following the reduction of all four copper atoms in the enzyme, dioxygen is then reduced to water in two two-electron steps, upon binding to the trinuclear copper cluster. We identified an MCO, a laccase from the hyperthermophilic bacterium Thermus thermophilus strain HB27, as a promising candidate for cathodic fuel cell catalysis. This protein demonstrates resilience at high temperatures, exhibiting no denaturing transition at temperatures high as 95°C, conditions relevant to typical polymer electrolyte fuel cell operation. In Chapter I of this thesis, we discuss initial efforts to physically characterize the enzyme when operating as a heterogeneous cathode catalyst. Following this, in Chapter II we then outline the development of a model capable of describing the observed electrochemical behavior of this enzyme when operating on porous carbon electrodes. Developing a rigorous mathematical framework with which to describe this system had the potential to improve our understanding of MCO electrokinetics, while also providing a level of predictive power that might guide any future efforts to fabricate MCO cathodes with optimized electrochemical performance. In Chapter III we detail efforts to reduce electrode overpotentials through site-directed mutagenesis of the inner and outer-sphere ligands of the Cu sites in laccase, using electrochemical methods and electronic spectroscopy to try and understand the resultant behavior of our mutant constructs. Finally, in Chapter IV, we examine future work concerning the fabrication of enhanced MCO cathodes, exploring the possibility of new cathode materials and advanced enzyme deposition techniques.

The purpose of this work is to evaluate the volumetric‐modulated arc therapy (VMAT) multicriteria optimization (MCO) algorithm clinically available in the RayStation treatment planning system (TPS) and its ability to reduce treatment planning time while providing high dosimetric plan quality. Nine patients with localized prostate cancer who were previously treated with 78 Gy in 39 fractions using VMAT plans and rayArc system based on the direct machine parameter optimization (DMPO) algorithm were selected and replanned using the VMAT‐MCO system. First, the dosimetric quality of the plans was evaluated using multiple conformity metrics that account for target coverage and sparing of healthy tissue, used in our departmental clinical protocols. The conformity and homogeneity index, number of monitor units, and treatment planning time for both modalities were assessed. Next, the effects of the technical plan parameters, such as constraint leaf motion CLM (cm/°) and maximum arc delivery time T (s), on the accuracy of delivered dose were evaluated using quality assurance passing rates (QAs) measured using the Delta4 phantom from ScandiDos. For the dosimetric plan's quality analysis, the results show that the VMAT‐MCO system provides plans comparable to the rayArc system with no statistical difference for V95% (p

National audience; Le propos mobilise des concepts et outils de l'économie géographique et de l'économie régionale en vue de leur application à l'étude des activités de défense. Deux points sont ici développés. En s'appuyant sur un cadre d'analyse issu de l'économie géographique, le premier point propose une grille de lecture permettant de comprendre l'organisation spatiale des activités de défense. Nous nous intéressons plus particulièrement aux différents facteurs qui influencent cette réorganisation spatiale à partir de l'exemple du Maintien en Condition Opérationnelle (MCO) des matériels de défense. En mobilisant un cadre d'analyse plus issu de l'économie régionale, le second point s'intéresse à l'étude des conséquences des restructurations de la défense et plus particulièrement des conséquences économiques et sociales des réorganisations spatiales de la défense. Nous présentons notamment une réflexion sur des orientations de recherches empiriques originales susceptibles d'être conduites en matière d'analyse régionale des activités de défense en France.

This research discusses public policies related to the spatial organization of defense production as a public good with industrial dimensions. Our framework enables to incorporate the spatial factor in modeling such a production. How to integrate geographical space in defense economics? How does space structure the organization of defense production? Conversely, how does defense production structure space? Our research deals with the case of France and more particularly with the Maintenance Repair and Overhaul (MRO) of French defense equipment. In France, according to the Direction Générale de l’Armement, MRO costs represent between 35% and 50% of the whole life cycle cost of defense equipment. In 2012, they accounted for about 15% of total French defense budget. Optimizing MRO costs has become a top priority issue since the beginning of the 1990s. Such costs are still of concern during the 2010-2014 period, since maintenance equipment expenditures are rising about 8.7% on average. A good management of MRO aims at keeping – or improving – the availability of defense equipment while at the same time reducing MRO costs. With this objective and considering the evolution of the sizes of army sections and their equipment, the spatial organization of MRO appears as a structuring dimension from both static and dynamic perspectives. The dissertation is organized in four chapters: Chapter I is a literature review that legitimates the methodological approach adopted in this research. We survey the regional economics literature that has mainly focused on the location of defense activities within their surrounding economic environment. Chapter II examines the contemporary transformations in French defense (doctrine, budget and size of the army) in order to identify the geographic consequences of such changes. Chapter III deals with the evolution of MRO since the end of the Cold War. We study the evolution of the availability of military platforms, the MRO costs evolution and the main reforms that the French State put in place to improve the management of MRO. Chapter IV discusses the optimal spatial organization of defense MRO. Our model suggests that space provides an opportunity to optimize MRO cost. However, it remains a constraint that is hard to cope with, because of transport costs but also due to the military nature of MRO. We model a strategic constraint with an Operational Social Cost.This constraint takes into account the intrinsic specificities of military activities (e.g. availability of military platforms, strategic imposed locations). It allows us to underline and to discuss the balance of forces between agglomeration and dispersion in the production of defense MRO. The main contribution of this research is to incorporate space in modeling defense production. We defend the idea that the organization of defense production cannot be understood without taking space into account. Optimizing the defense effort is based on a spatial dimension inherent to the concept of defense itself and the territory that has to be defended. As a result, economic research about optimality in the spatial organization of defense should fit in a spatial framework. Beyond MRO matters, our methodology can be applied to other dimensions of defense and more particularly in a multinational framework with two countries, several countries or within an alliance., Cette thèse questionne les choix de politiques publiques relatifs à l’organisation spatiale de la production de défense en tant que bien public. Notre cadre d’analyse permet d’intégrer le facteur spatial dans la modélisation de cette production.Comment intégrer l’espace en économie de la défense ? Comment l’espace structure-t-il l’organisation de la production de défense ? Et inversement, comment la production de défense structure-t-elle l’espace ? Notre travail s’intéresse plus particulièrement au cas de la France et plus précisément de la maintenance ou Maintien en Condition Opérationnelle (MCO) des matériels de défense. En France, selon la Direction Générale de l’Armement, les coûts de MCO se situent généralement entre 35 % et 50 % du coût global de possession des matériels. En 2012, ils représentaient environ 15 % du budget de la défense. La maîtrise de ces coûts est devenue un enjeu de premier ordre depuis les années 1990. Ils constituent un problème d’actualité : sur la période 2010-2014, ces dépenses vont augmenter de 8,7 % en moyenne. La bonne maîtrise du MCO vise à maintenir – ou améliorer – la disponibilité des matériels de défense tout en réduisant les coûts du MCO. Dans cet objectif, l’organisation spatiale du MCO est une dimension structurante d’un point de vue statique comme dynamique, compte tenu des évolutions à la fois du format des armées et de leurs équipements. La thèse est organisée autour de quatre chapitres : Le premier chapitre fait une revue de la littérature concernant les relations entre les activités de défense et les territoires dans lesquelles elles s’inscrivent. Le deuxième chapitre examine les transformations contemporaines de la défense française en termes de doctrine, de budget et de dimensionnement des armées pour identifier les conséquences géographiques de ces transformations. Le troisième chapitre s’intéresse à l’évolution du MCO des matériels de défense depuis la fin de la guerre froide. Nous étudions plus spécifiquement la disponibilité des matériels, l’évolution des coûts du MCO et les réformes mises en place par le décideur public pour améliorer le MCO. Le quatrième chapitre questionne l’organisation spatiale optimale du MCO. Notre modélisation montre que l’espace peut être un instrument d’optimisation des coûts du MCO des matériels de défense. Cependant, il demeure une contrainte dont il est difficile de s’affranchir en raison de l’existence de coûts de transport, mais aussi et surtout de la nature même des activités de défense. Nous modélisons alors une contrainte stratégique sous la forme d’un coût social opérationnel. Cette contrainte tient compte des spécificités intrinsèques des activités militaires (e.g. disponibilité des matériels, localisations stratégiques imposées). Elle nous permet de souligner et de discuter l’équilibre de forces qui existe entre agglomération et dispersion dans la production de MCO. L’apport de cette thèse est de permettre d’intégrer le facteur spatial dans la modélisation de la production de défense. Nous défendons l’idée que la compréhension de l’organisation de la production de défense ne peut se faire en faisant abstraction de l’espace. L’optimisation de l’effort de défense repose sur une dimension spatiale inhérente au concept même de défense et de territoire à défendre. En conséquence, les recherches sur l’optimalité de l’organisation de la production de défense ne peuvent que s’inscrire dans un cadre d’analyse spatiale. Cette méthodologie peut s’appliquer à d’autres dimensions de la défense que le MCO et dans un cadre multinational entre deux pays, plusieurs pays ou au sein d’une alliance.

Cette communication présente les résultats d'une première série de travaux menés dans le cadre d'une problématique relative à l'acquisition de technologies de type HUMS (Healt and Usage Monitoring Systems). Elle décrit la méthodologie outillée qui a été appliquée à des systèmes de défense terrestres permettant de déterminer l'intérêt économique et opérationnel de ces moyens. Cette méthodologie s'appuie d'une part sur des estimations de type coût global de possession et indicateurs d'efficacité opérationnelle et d'autre part sur un modèle mathématique permettant de simuler la mise en œuvre de technologies HUMS. Ces travaux permettent de rappeler que la mise en place d'une politique de maintenance conditionnelle, voire prévisionnelle mettant en œuvre des technologies de supervision devrait s'accompagner d'une estimation formelle de leur apports économiques et opérationnels. La méthodologie outillée qui a été développée dans ces travaux s'est finalement révélée comme un véritable outil d'aide à la décision plus qu'un simple modèle de simulation.

El presente estudio analiza las elasticidades de demanda e ingreso de la energía eléctrica para uso doméstico e industrial para Colombia (2000-2011), mediante la estimación de ecuaciones de demanda por MCO. Asimismo, se estiman impactos en variables macroeconómicas que generarían variaciones en el precio de la energía eléctrica, mediante un VARX frecuentista y un VARX bayesiano (BVARX), utilizando la metodología apriorística de Sims y Zha (1998). Se concluye que la energía eléctrica es un bien normal para la industria y necesario para la demanda doméstica. Además, se tiene que frente a incrementos en el precio de la energía de aproximadamente un 20%, el crecimiento trimestral del PIB disminuye hasta en un 1%, estabilizándose año y medio después de ocurrir el choque positivo.------------------------------------This study analyzes the elasticities of demand and income from electricity for domestic and industrial use, for Colombia (2000-2011), by estimating demand equations by OLS. The impacts on macroeconomic variables, which generate changes in the price of electricity, are also estimated by using a VARX Frequentist and a Bayesian VARX (BVARX) and by using the a priori methodology of Sims and Zha (1998). It is concluded that electricity is a normal good for the industry and a necessary good for the domestic demand. Furthermore, when energy prices increase approximately 20%, the quarterly GDP growth falls to 1% and it is stabilized one year and a half after the positive shock., Artículo revisado por pares