Continuous variable polarization entanglement, experiment and analysis

We generate and characterize continuous variable polarization entanglement between two optical beams. We first produce quadrature entanglement, and by performing local operations we transform it into a polarization basis. We extend two entanglement criteria, the inseparability criteria proposed by Duan et al (2000 Phys. Rev. Lett. 84 2722) and the Einstein–Podolsky–Rosen (EPR) paradox criteria proposed by Reid and Drummond (1988 Phys. Rev. Lett. 60 2731), to Stokes operators; and use them to characterize the entanglement. Our results for the EPR paradox criteria are visualized in terms of uncertainty balls on the Poincaré sphere. We demonstrate theoretically that using two quadrature entangled pairs it is possible to entangle three orthogonal Stokes operators between a pair of beams, although with a bound √3 times more stringent than for the quadrature entanglement.

Mapping the royal road and other hierarchical functions

In this paper we present a technique for visualising hierarchical and symmetric, multimodal fitness functions that have been investigated in the evolutionary computation literature. The focus of this technique is on landscapes in moderate-dimensional, binary spaces (i.e., fitness functions defined over {0, 1}(n), for n less than or equal to 16). The visualisation approach involves an unfolding of the hyperspace into a two-dimensional graph, whose layout represents the topology of the space using a recursive relationship, and whose shading defines the shape of the cost surface defined on the space. Using this technique we present case-study explorations of three fitness functions: royal road, hierarchical-if-and-only-if (H-IFF), and hierarchically decomposable functions (HDF). The visualisation approach provides an insight into the properties of these functions, particularly with respect to the size and shape of the basins of attraction around each of the local optima.

A categoria dos auditores fiscais da Receita Federal do Brasil : a (des) construção da identidade profissional

Este artigo busca revelar o processo de desenvolvimento da categoria dos auditores fiscais da Receita Federal do Brasil (AFRFBs), a partir das mudanças no contexto social e profissional, e a forma como essas mutações concorreram para a construção de uma identidade profissional própria desses servidores. O que se pretende é entender como o contexto político-econômico vem alterando as percepções que esses profissionais têm de si próprios e como as reformas transformaram o modo de exercerem suas funções. A pesquisa, que se dá a partir de uma proposta de transação "quanti-quali", permitiu explorar, na trilha teórica de Dubar, aspectos relevantes do contínuo processo de construção das identidades profissionais ou de perfis identitários desses servidores. Os conhecimentos sobre o trabalho e as formas de identificação profissional na categoria dos auditores fiscais da Receita Federal do Brasil podem contribuir para a reflexão sobre relações de trabalho e processos de gestão pública no Brasil.

Caracterização da matéria orgânica nas zonas ripárias em diferentes condições de preservação no Cerrado do Planalto Central do Brasil

Tese (doutorado)—Universidade de Brasília, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ecologia, 2016.

IDEA MANAGEMENT SYSTEM - AN ESSENTIAL COMPONENT IN THE CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT OF QUALITY AND INNOVATION

It is known the power of ideas is tremendous. But there are employees in many companies who have good ideas but not put them into practice. On the other hand, there are many others who have good ideas and are encouraged to contribute their ideas for innovation in the company. This study attempts to identify factors that contribute to success in managing ideas and consequent business innovation. The method used was the case study applied to two companies. During the investigation, factors considered essential for the success of an idea management program were identified, of which we highlight, among others, evidences the results, involvement of the top management, establishment of goals and objectives; recognition; dissemination of good results. Companies with these implemented systems, capture the best ideas from their collaborators and apply them internally. This study intends to contribute to business innovation in enterprises through creation and idea management, mainly through collecting the best ideas of their own employees. The results of this study can be used to help improving deployed suggestions systems, as well as, all managers who wish to implement suggestions systems/ideas management systems.

Theory of reasoned action for continuous improvement capabilities: a behavioral approach

The importance of interaction between Operations Management (OM) and Human Behavior has been recently re-addressed. This paper introduced the Reasoned Action Theory suggested by Froehle and Roth (2004) to analyze Operational Capabilities exploring the suitability of this model in the context of OM. It also seeks to discuss the behavioral aspects of operational capabilities from the perspective of organizational routines. This theory was operationalized using Fishbein and Ajzen (F/A) behavioral model and a multi-case strategy was employed to analyze the Continuous Improvement (CI) capability. The results posit that the model explains partially the CI behavior in an operational context and some contingency variables might influence the general relations among the variables involved in the F/A model. Thus intention might not be the determinant variable of behavior in this context.

A questão do género em Moçambique: contributo para uma análise da sua problemática

RESUMO:O desenvolvimento entendido como um processo político, económico e social, visando uma melhoria constante do bem-estar de toda a população, requer a alocação e utilização de recursos para benefício social e económico da sociedade. Porém, em Moçambique, neste processo, o crescimento e progressão dos grupos sociais ainda é desigual, ocorrendo uma certa marginalização e menor participação nos processos de tomada de decisão, das mulheres e dos grupos desfavorecidos. O presente estudo, subordinado ao tema: “A Questão do Género em Moçambique: Contributo para uma análise da sua problemática”, procurou compreender a importância e o contributo das mulheres moçambicanas inseridas em diferentes áreas de desenvolvimento e o seu empoderamento. O estudo foi centrado nas diversas formas de luta e de intervenção contra a pobreza e a exclusão social. A metodologia do presente trabalho consistiu numa pesquisa empírica através da observação participante, onde foram feitas entrevistas, utilizando guiões pré-elaborados que permitiram recolher os perfis sociológicos das ONGs que trabalham directamente com as questões de género. Foram entrevistadas mulheres que ocupam lugares-chave nas instituições governamentais e algumas parlamentares. Foi igualmente consultada a documentação oficial bem como os dados estatísticos que abordam questões ligadas ao género. As observações feitas indicam-nos que a mulher em Moçambique busca gradualmente o seu espaço no desenvolvimento da sociedade, não se esgotando a sua participação apenas nos processos decisórios a nível governamental e das ONGs, antes estendendo-se ao associativismo nos mais diversos campos sociais. A mulher moçambicana participa hoje, individualmente ou organizada em grupo, em lutas e reivindicações colectivas, tendo crescido positivamente ao conseguir ultrapassar diversos obstáculos. A título de conclusão recomenda-se a inclusão de profissionais da área social nos programas de desenvolvimento. Seria uma forma de fortalecer os avanços já alcançados. A presença de assistentes sociais nos órgãos públicos e noutros sectores mais sensíveis, iria por certo permitir reduzir as preocupações dos que buscam estes serviços. ABSTRACT: The present study on the subject: “The Question of Gender in Mozambique: Development and Issues”, demand to understand the importance and contribution that non-governmental organizations provides on the effort of Mozambican woman in having in the society the space that on right belongs to her. The development understood as the economic, social, cultural and political process that aimed a continuous improvement of the population welfare, require the allocation and use of resources for social and economic benefit of society. However in many countries, as is the case of Mozambique, this process is the advancement of certain groups accompanied by the marginalization, exclusion and subordination of others, especially women. Despite improvement in education and combating poverty, access to education for women remains an unusual reality and poverty persists to affect much of Mozambican women, thus causing its social exclusion. On the other hand, although the law recognizes gender equality, women are still oppressed and often the only career that is destined is to be married, take care of the field and having children. However, several exceptions have occurred in which women have to take political positions and functions exclusively reserved to men before. Women's organizations and women leaders participating in favour of the defence of other women have been contributing to its success. UFUPISHO:Maendeleo, yanayosikiwa kama utaratibu wa jamii, ambao unalinga hali njema ya mustarehe wa watu wote wa nchi, yanahitaji toleo na utumizi wa vifaa kwa fadhili ya jamii na ya kiuchumi ya watu jamii. Walakini katika Mozambiki, mwendeleo unaotukia utaratibuni huu hauko sawa. Funzo hili la kuhusu jambo: “ Swali la jinsi ya kuwa kiume au kike Mozambiki: Maendeleo na Tatizo “, lilitafuta kufahamu muhimu na msaada wa wanawake wa Mozambiki katika maeneo mbalimbali ya maendeleo na ongezo la uwezo wao. Funzo lilifanywa juu ya namna nyingi za mapigano na uamuzi kwa kupingana na umaskini na ondoleo katika jamii. Taratibu ya funzo hili ilikuwa uchunguzi jarabati katika onyo la kushirika,ambamo yalifanywa mahojiano, yakitumia maongozi yaliyofanywa mbele ambayo yaliruhusu kujua tabia za elimujamii za “ONGs” ambazo zinafanya kazi juu ya maswali ya jinsi ya kuwa kiume au kike. Walihojiwa wanawake ambao wanamiliki kazi muhimu katika mashirika ya serikali na wanawake wa bunge. Zilichunguwa pia hati rasmi na takwimu zinazohusu maswali ya jinsi ya kuwa kiume au kike. Maonyo yaliyofanywa yanatuonyesha ya kwamba mwanamke katika Mozambika anatafuta kidogo kidogo nafasi yake maendeleoni ya watu jamii, asipojichosha tu kwa kushirika katika taratibu za kubezwa za serikali za “ONGs” na ushirikiano, ukijitanda kwa maeneo ya jamii makubwa zaidi. Mwanamke wa Mozambiki anashirika peke au kwa kundi, akiunganika mapiganoni na madaini ya pamoja, akigua na akiweza kupita vizuizi vingi. Inashauriwa kwamba kama namna ya kuimarisha maendeleo na kwa sababu mwanamke yuko katika sehemu nyingi za jamii, anaingia ndani ya sekta mbalimbali za ufundi kama kwa mfano msaidizi wa jamii. Kuwapo kwa msaidizi wa jamii katika mashirika ya umma na katika sekta nyingine mbalimbali kutaruhusu kumaliza shughuliko ya wale ambao wanatafuta kazi hizi.

Health education: the role and functions of the specialist and the generalist

Education for health is a process in which all public health and medical care personnel are involved. People learn both formally (planned learning experiences) and informally (unplanned learning experiences). Since the patient, the client, the consummer and the community expect public health and medical care personnel to assist them with health and disease issues and problems, the response of the professional "educates" the customer whether the professional intends to educate or not. Therefore, it is incumbent on all public health and medical care professionals to understand their educational functions and their role in health education. It is also important that the role of the specialist in education be clear. The specialist, as to all other specialists, has an in-depth knowledge of his area of expertise, i.e., the teaching/learning process; s/he may function as a consultant to others to enhance the educational potential of their role or s/he may work with a team or with communities or groups of patients. Specific competencies and knowledge are required of the health education specialist; and there is a body of learning and social change theory which provides a frame of reference for planning, implementing and evaluating educational programs. Working with others to enhance their potential to learn and to make informed decisions about health/disease issues is the hallmark of the health education specialist.

Equilibrium self-assembly of colloids with distinct interaction sites: Thermodynamics, percolation, and cluster distribution functions

We calculate the equilibrium thermodynamic properties, percolation threshold, and cluster distribution functions for a model of associating colloids, which consists of hard spherical particles having on their surfaces three short-ranged attractive sites (sticky spots) of two different types, A and B. The thermodynamic properties are calculated using Wertheim's perturbation theory of associating fluids. This also allows us to find the onset of self-assembly, which can be quantified by the maxima of the specific heat at constant volume. The percolation threshold is derived, under the no-loop assumption, for the correlated bond model: In all cases it is two percolated phases that become identical at a critical point, when one exists. Finally, the cluster size distributions are calculated by mapping the model onto an effective model, characterized by a-state-dependent-functionality (f) over bar and unique bonding probability (p) over bar. The mapping is based on the asymptotic limit of the cluster distributions functions of the generic model and the effective parameters are defined through the requirement that the equilibrium cluster distributions of the true and effective models have the same number-averaged and weight-averaged sizes at all densities and temperatures. We also study the model numerically in the case where BB interactions are missing. In this limit, AB bonds either provide branching between A-chains (Y-junctions) if epsilon(AB)/epsilon(AA) is small, or drive the formation of a hyperbranched polymer if epsilon(AB)/epsilon(AA) is large. We find that the theoretical predictions describe quite accurately the numerical data, especially in the region where Y-junctions are present. There is fairly good agreement between theoretical and numerical results both for the thermodynamic (number of bonds and phase coexistence) and the connectivity properties of the model (cluster size distributions and percolation locus).

On differentiability and analyticity of positive definite functions

We derive a set of differential inequalities for positive definite functions based on previous results derived for positive definite kernels by purely algebraic methods. Our main results show that the global behavior of a smooth positive definite function is, to a large extent, determined solely by the sequence of even-order derivatives at the origin: if a single one of these vanishes then the function is constant; if they are all non-zero and satisfy a natural growth condition, the function is real-analytic and consequently extends holomorphically to a maximal horizontal strip of the complex plane.

Optimal design of piezolaminated structures using B-spline strip finite element models

A package of B-spline finite strip models is developed for the linear analysis of piezolaminated plates and shells. This package is associated to a global optimization technique in order to enhance the performance of these types of structures, subjected to various types of objective functions and/or constraints, with discrete and continuous design variables. The models considered are based on a higher-order displacement field and one can apply them to the static, free vibration and buckling analyses of laminated adaptive structures with arbitrary lay-ups, loading and boundary conditions. Genetic algorithms, with either binary or floating point encoding of design variables, were considered to find optimal locations of piezoelectric actuators as well as to determine the best voltages applied to them in order to obtain a desired structure shape. These models provide an overall economy of computing effort for static and vibration problems.

Stratification of the earth beneath the Azores from P and S receiver functions

Seismic recordings of IRIS/IDA/GSN station CMLA and of several temporary stations in the Azores archipelago are processed with P and S receiver function (PRF and SRF) techniques. Contrary to regional seismic tomography these methods provide estimates of the absolute velocities and of the Vp/Vs ratio up to a depth of similar to 300 km. Joint inversion of PRFs and SRFs for a few data sets consistently reveals a division of the subsurface medium into four zones with a distinctly different Vp/Vs ratio: the crust similar to 20 km thick with a ratio of similar to 1.9 in the lower crust, the high-Vs mantle lid with a strongly reduced VpNs velocity ratio relative to the standard 1.8, the low-velocity zone (LVZ) with a velocity ratio of similar to 2.0, and the underlying upper-mantle layer with a standard velocity ratio. Our estimates of crustal thickness greatly exceed previous estimates (similar to 10 km). The base of the high-Vs lid (the Gutenberg discontinuity) is at a depth of-SO km. The LVZ with a reduction of S velocity of similar to 15% relative to the standard (IASP91) model is terminated at a depth of similar to 200 km. The average thickness of the mantle transition zone (TZ) is evaluated from the time difference between the S410p and SKS660p, seismic phases that are robustly detected in the S and SKS receiver functions. This thickness is practically similar to the standard IASP91 value of 250 km. and is characteristic of a large region of the North Atlantic outside the Azores plateau. Our data are indicative of a reduction of the S-wave velocity of several percent relative to the standard velocity in a depth interval from 460 to 500 km. This reduction is found in the nearest vicinities of the Azores, in the region sampled by the PRFs, but, as evidenced by SRFs, it is missing at a distance of a few hundred kilometers from the islands. We speculate that this anomaly may correspond to the source of a plume which generated the Azores hotspot. Previously, a low S velocity in this depth range was found with SRF techniques beneath a few other hotspots.

A non-pixel image reader for continuous image detection based on tandem heterostructures

An optically addressed read-write sensor based on two stacked p-i-n heterojunctions is analyzed. The device is a two terminal image sensing structure. The charge packets are injected optically into the p-i-n writer and confined at the illuminated regions changing locally the electrical field profile across the p-i-n reader. An optical scanner is used for charge readout. The design allows a continuous readout without the need for pixel-level patterning. The role of light pattern and scanner wavelengths on the readout parameters is analyzed. The optical-to-electrical transfer characteristics show high quantum efficiency, broad spectral response, and reciprocity between light and image signal. A numerical simulation supports the imaging process. A black and white image is acquired with a resolution around 20 mum showing the potentiality of these devices for imaging applications.

Checklist cirúrgica: contributo para uma intervenção na área da segurança do doente

Mestrado em Intervenção Sócio-Organizacional na Saúde - Área de especuialização: Políticas de administração e gestão de serviços de saúde.