A low complexity cross-correlation interference mitigation technique for GNSS

The finite length Gold codes used in satellite navigation systems limit their dynamic range, resulting in the introduction of unwanted peaks that can mask out signals of interest. In this paper, a novel cross-correlation interference mitigation technique dealing with this issue is introduced. A brief overview of the multiple access interference problem inherent in satellite navigation systems using the code division multiple access technique is followed by the details of the proposed method. Simulation case studies and analyses of the results detailing weak signal scenarios, carried out entirely using the Global Navigation System Scope, are presented. A comparison of the results is given in the conclusions section along with remarks on the performance of the proposed method and future work to be carried out.

An exploration of pre-attentive visual discrimination using event-related potentials

The Mismatch Negativity (MMN) has been characterised as a ‘pre-attentive’ component of an Event-Related Potential (ERP) that is related to discriminatory processes. Although well established in the auditory domain, characteristics of the MMN are less well characterised in the visual domain. The five main studies presented in this thesis examine visual cortical processing using event-related potentials. Novel methodologies have been used to elicit visual detection and discrimination components in the absence of a behavioural task. Developing paradigms in which a behavioural task is not required may have important clinical applications for populations, such as young children, who cannot comply with the demands of an active task. The ‘pre-attentive’ nature of visual MMN has been investigated by modulating attention. Generators and hemispheric lateralisation of visual MMN have been investigated by using pertinent clinical groups. A three stimulus visual oddball paradigm was used to explore the elicitation of visual discrimination components to a change in the orientation of stimuli in the absence of a behavioural task. Monochrome stimuli based on pacman figures were employed that differed from each other only in terms of the orientation of their elements. One such stimulus formed an illusory figure in order to capture the participant’s attention, either in place of, or alongside, a behavioural task. The elicitation of a P3a to the illusory figure but not to the standard or deviant stimuli provided evidence that the illusory figure captured attention. A visual MMN response was recorded in a paradigm with no task demands. When a behavioural task was incorporated into the paradigm, a P3b component was elicited consistent with the allocation of attentional resources to the task. However, visual discrimination components were attenuated revealing that the illusory figure was unable to command all attentional resources from the standard deviant transition. The results are the first to suggest that the visual MMN is modulated by attention. Using the same three stimulus oddball paradigm, generators of visual MMN were investigated by recording potentials directly from the cortex of an adolescent undergoing pre-surgical evaluation for resection of a right anterior parietal lesion. To date no other study has explicitly recorded activity related to the visual MMN intracranially using an oddball paradigm in the absence of a behavioural task. Results indicated that visual N1 and visual MMN could be temporally and spatially separated, with visual MMN being recorded more anteriorly than N1. The characteristic abnormality in retinal projections in albinism afforded the opportunity to investigate each hemisphere in relative isolation and was used, for the first time, as a model to investigate lateralisation of visual MMN and illusory contour processing. Using the three stimulus oddball paradigm, no visual MMN was elicited in this group, and so no conclusions regarding the lateralisation of visual MMN could be made. Results suggested that both hemispheres were equally capable of processing an illusory figure. As a method of presenting visual test stimuli without conscious perception, a continuous visual stream paradigm was developed that used a briefly presented checkerboard stimulus combined with masking for exploring stimulus detection below and above subjective levels of perception. A correlate of very early cortical processing at a latency of 60-80 ms (CI) was elicited whether stimuli were reported as seen or unseen. Differences in visual processing were only evident at a latency of 90 ms (CII) implying that this component may represent a correlate of visual consciousness/awareness. Finally, an oddball sequence was introduced into the visual stream masking paradigm to investigate whether visual MMN responses could be recorded without conscious perception. The stimuli comprised of black and white checkerboard elements differing only in terms of their orientation to form an x or a +. Visual MMN was not recorded when participants were unable to report seeing the stimulus. Results therefore suggest that behavioural identification of the stimuli was required for the elicitation of visual MMN and that visual MMN may require some attentional resources. On the basis of these studies it is concluded that visual MMN is not entirely independent of attention. Further, the combination of clinical and non-clinical investigations provides a unique opportunity to study the characterisation and localisation of putative mechanisms related to conscious and non-conscious visual processing.

Reflections Upon the Experience of Longitudinal Research into Cultural Event Production in a Developing Destination

Longitudinal studies have the capacity to provide more nuanced explanations of tourism and event phenomena, taking account of complexity, change and context. This paper is a self-reflexive, methodological study of research practice. It investigates my experience of engaging with cultural event producers in an emerging destination over a seven-year period. Focussing on my research journey, it considers the social and relational dynamics associated with longitudinal research. Reciprocal relations and co-production of cultural events reveal nuanced information and expose fluid relationships and networks. Long-term engagement uncovers evolving practices and develops understanding of event processes embedded within their wider context.

On the solubility of three disperse anthraquinone dyes in supercritical carbon dioxide: new experimental data and correlation

Solubility measurements of quinizarin. (1,4-dihydroxyanthraquinone), disperse red 9 (1-(methylamino) anthraquinone), and disperse blue 14 (1,4-bis(methylamino)anthraquinone) in supercritical carbon dioxide (SC CO2) were carried out in a flow type apparatus, at a temperature range from (333.2 to 393.2) K and at pressures from (12.0 to 40.0) MPa. Mole fraction solubility of the three dyes decreases in the order quinizarin (2.9 x 10(-6) to 2.9.10(-4)), red 9 (1.4 x 10(-6) to 3.2 x 10(-4)), and blue 14 (7.8 x 10(-8) to 2.2 x 10(-5)). Four semiempirical density based models were used to correlatethe solubility of the dyes in the SC CO2. From the correlation results, the total heat of reaction, heat of vaporization plus the heat of solvation of the solute, were calculated and compared with the results presented in the literature. The solubilities of the three dyes were correlated also applying the Soave-Redlich-Kwong cubic equation of state (SRK CEoS) with classical mixing rules, and the physical properties required for the modeling were estimated and reported.

Dynamic analysis of earthquake phenomena by means of pseudo phase plane

This paper analyses earthquake data in the perspective of dynamical systems and its Pseudo Phase Plane representation. The seismic data is collected from the Bulletin of the International Seismological Centre. The geological events are characterised by their magnitude and geographical location and described by means of time series of sequences of Dirac impulses. Fifty groups of data series are considered, according to the Flinn-Engdahl seismic regions of Earth. For each region, Pearson’s correlation coefficient is used to find the optimal time delay for reconstructing the Pseudo Phase Plane. The Pseudo Phase Plane plots are then analysed and characterised.

High resolution stratigraphy and miocene facies correlation in Lisbon and Setúbal Peninsula (Lower Tagus basin, Portugal)

Correlation between facies associations (marine, estuarine and distal fluviatile environments) and disconformities, observed between Foz da Fonte (SW of Setúbal Peninsula) and Santa Iria da Azóia (NE of Lisbon) are presented. The precise definition of the marine-continental facies relationships improved very much the chronology of the depositional sequence boundaries. Tectonic and eustatic controls are discussed on the basis of subsidence rates variation.

Marketing experiencial, emoções, satisfação e lealdade

O marketing transacional apresenta-se nos dias de hoje insuficiente para fazer face às exigências de um consumidor mais participativo, seletivo e crítico. No mercado global, industrializado e em constante evolução tecnológica, é, cada vez mais, difícil obter um grau de diferenciação assente apenas nos benefícios funcionais e racionais. O marketing transacional evoluiu para o marketing relacional, constituindo o cliente o centro do processo de trocas. A economia das experiências alterou a forma como as marcas trabalham o mercado, introduzindo o conceito de experiências, o que por sua vez conceptualizou o marketing experiencial, orientado para a gestão da experiência do cliente, transformando o ato de consumo em algo memorável, cheio de estímulos sensoriais e emocionais, convertendo-se, por vezes, no próprio produto, seja ele de âmbito industrial, desportivo ou mesmo cultural. Este grau de envolvimento do cliente com a marca é elemento gerador de emoção, de satisfação, de lealdade e de valor. Este trabalho pretendeu analisar a importância e os componentes estimuladores do marketing experiencial e a sua relação com as emoções, satisfação e a lealdade dos consumidores no evento cultural “Serralves em festa 2013”. Para tal, utilizamos uma metodologia de investigação quantitativa, com recurso a análise de equações estruturais, suportada por uma pesquisa teórica. O estudo empírico realizado, baseado num inquérito por questionário, possibilitou obter uma amostra de 264 respostas válidas. Após a validação e melhoria das escalas de medida dos conceitos, os resultados destas e do modelo estrutural demonstraram valores adequados. Estudaram-se e comprovaram-se as relações previstas nas hipóteses, nomeadamente, a relação positiva do impacto das experiências no comportamento do consumidor, designadamente, na sua emoção e satisfação e o impacto destas na sua lealdade. Entre as variáveis estudadas foram obtidos interessantes níveis de correlação e capacidades preditivas.

3D-nanostructured Au electrodes for the event-specific detection of MON810 transgenic maize

In the present work, the development of a genosensor for the event-specific detection of MON810 transgenic maize is proposed. Taking advantage of nanostructuration, a cost-effective three dimensional electrode was fabricated and a ternary monolayer containing a dithiol, a monothiol and the thiolated capture probe was optimized to minimize the unspecific signals. A sandwich format assay was selected as a way of precluding inefficient hybridization associated with stable secondary target structures. A comparison between the analytical performance of the Au nanostructured electrodes and commercially available screen-printed electrodes highlighted the superior performance of the nanostructured ones. Finally, the genosensor was effectively applied to detect the transgenic sequence in real samples, showing its potential for future quantitative analysis.

Information provision improvement with a geofencing event-bases system

Nowadays there is a big percentage of the population, specially young users, which are smartphone users and there is a lot of information to be provided within the applications, information provision should be done carefully and should be accurate, otherwise an overload of information will be produced, and the user will discard the app which is providing the information. Mobile devices are becoming smarter and provide many ways to filter information. However, there are alternatives to improve information provision from the side of the application. Some examples are, taking into account the local time, considering the battery level before doing an action and checking the user location to send personalized information attached to that location. SmartCampus and SmartCities are becoming a reality and they have more and more data integrated every day. With all this amount of data it is crucial to decide when and where is the user going to receive a notification with new information. Geofencing is a technique which allows applications to deliver information in a more useful way, in the right time and in the right place. It consists of geofences, physical regions delimited by boundaries, and devices that are eligible to receive the information assigned to the geofence. When devices cross one of these geofences an alert is pushed to the mobile device with the information.

The economic impact of the event Volta a Portugal em Bicicleta 2015

This thesis is a Field Lab project requested by the organizer of the Volta a Portugal em Bicicleta 2015, Podium Events. Its purpose is to determine the economic impact of the event for the 21 host economies and Portugal as a whole. The Volta started in Viseu and ended in Lisboa, and lasted for two weeks from the 29th July until the 8th August. Results were computed by accessing data provided by the different economic agents involved in the event (spectators, attendees and organizer), through face-to-face surveys and contact via e-mail. The Volta generated a total economic impact of €76.261.876. Keywords: Cycling,

Has the time for renewables finally arrived? – An event study on EPA’s Clean Power Plan

The recent proposals presented by EPA aimed to reduce the dependency of fossil fuels and to lower current emissions levels, hoping to gradually shift electric generation units to renewable energy sources. Actually, the Final Rule Proposal announcement day exhibited a negative Abnormal Return on Fossil Fuels but the following days had positive Abnormal Returns, mostly due to legislative change perceived by financial markets which eased up implementation periods of the proposed measures in the Final Rule when compared to the Draft Rule. Oppositely, Renewables and Solar Portfolios exhibited negative Cumulative Abnormal Returns over the period surrounding the Final Rule.

The economic impact of the event Volta a Portugal em Bicicleta 2015

This thesis is a Field Lab project requested by the organizer of the Volta a Portugal em Bicicleta 2015, Podium Events. Its purpose is to determine the economic impact of the event for the 21 host economies and Portugal as a whole. The Volta started in Viseu and ended in Lisboa, and lasted for two weeks from the 29th July until the 8th August. Results were computed by accessing data provided by the different economic agents involved in the event (spectators, attendees and organizer), through face-to-face surveys and contact via e-mail. The Volta generated a total economic impact of €76.261.876.

The dynamics of interfaces: Seven authors in search of encounters across levels of description of an event involving a mother, father, and baby

The interfaces between the intrapsychic, interactional, and intergenerational domains are a new frontier. As a pilot, we exposed ourselves to a complex but controllable situation as viewed by people whose main interest is in one of the three interfaces; we also fully integrated the subjects in the team, to learn about their subjective perspectives and to provide them with an enriching experience. We started with a brief "triadification" sequence (i.e., moving from a "two plus one" to a "three together" family organization). Considering this sequence as representing at a micro level many larger family transitions, we proceeded with a microanalytic interview, a psychodynamic investigation, and a family interview. As expected, larger patterns of correspondences are emerging. Central questions under debate are: What are the most appropriate units at each level of description and what are their articulations between these levels? What is the status of "triadification"? Les interfaces entre les domaines intrapsychiques, interactionnels et intergénérationnels représentent une nouvelle frontiére. A titre exploratoire, nous nous sommes exposés à une situation complexe mais contrǒlable ainsi que le voient ceux dont I'intérět principal se porte sur l'une de ces trois interfaces. Nous avons aussi entièrement intégré les sujets dans l'équipe, de facon à comprendre leur perspective subjective et à leur offrir une expérience enrichissante. Nous avons commencé avec une brève séquence de "triadification," c'est-à-dire passer d'une organisation familiale "deux plus un" à Ltne organisation familiale "trois (add sentenc)ensemble." Considérant cette séquence comme representative à un niveau microscopique de transitions familiales bien plus larges, nous avons procedé à l'entretien microanalytique, à une enquěte psychodynamique et à un entretien familial. Comme prévu, de grands patterns de correspondances émergent. Les questions essentielles sur lesquelles portent le débat sont: quelles les unités les plus appropiées à chaque niveau de description et quelles sont les articulations entre ces niveaux? Quel est le statut de la "triadification"?

Quantifying consistency of Event Related Potentials across subjects based on single-trial topographic analysis

Introduction: Non-invasive brain imaging techniques often contrast experimental conditions across a cohort of participants, obfuscating distinctions in individual performance and brain mechanisms that are better characterised by the inter-trial variability. To overcome such limitations, we developed topographic analysis methods for single-trial EEG data [1]. So far this was typically based on time-frequency analysis of single-electrode data or single independent components. The method's efficacy is demonstrated for event-related responses to environmental sounds, hitherto studied at an average event-related potential (ERP) level. Methods: Nine healthy subjects participated to the experiment. Auditory meaningful sounds of common objects were used for a target detection task [2]. On each block, subjects were asked to discriminate target sounds, which were living or man-made auditory objects. Continuous 64-channel EEG was acquired during the task. Two datasets were considered for each subject including single-trial of the two conditions, living and man-made. The analysis comprised two steps. In the first part, a mixture of Gaussians analysis [3] provided representative topographies for each subject. In the second step, conditional probabilities for each Gaussian provided statistical inference on the structure of these topographies across trials, time, and experimental conditions. Similar analysis was conducted at group-level. Results: Results show that the occurrence of each map is structured in time and consistent across trials both at the single-subject and at group level. Conducting separate analyses of ERPs at single-subject and group levels, we could quantify the consistency of identified topographies and their time course of activation within and across participants as well as experimental conditions. A general agreement was found with previous analysis at average ERP level. Conclusions: This novel approach to single-trial analysis promises to have impact on several domains. In clinical research, it gives the possibility to statistically evaluate single-subject data, an essential tool for analysing patients with specific deficits and impairments and their deviation from normative standards. In cognitive neuroscience, it provides a novel tool for understanding behaviour and brain activity interdependencies at both single-subject and at group levels. In basic neurophysiology, it provides a new representation of ERPs and promises to cast light on the mechanisms of its generation and inter-individual variability.

Correlation of wear in vivo and six laboratory wear methods.

OBJECTIVE: We examined the correlation between clinical wear rates of restorative materials and enamel (TRAC Research Foundation, Provo, USA) and the results of six laboratory test methods (ACTA, Alabama (generalized, localized), Ivoclar (vertical, volumetric), Munich, OHSU (abrasion, attrition), Zurich). METHODS: Individual clinical wear data were available from clinical trials that were conducted by TRAC Research Foundation (formerly CRA) together with general practitioners. For each of the n=28 materials (21 composite resins for intra-coronal restorations [20 direct and 1 indirect], 5 resin materials for crowns, 1 amalgam, enamel) a minimum of 30 restorations had been placed in posterior teeth, mainly molars. The recall intervals were up to 5 years with the majority of materials (n=27) being monitored, however, only for up to 2 years. For the laboratory data, the databases MEDLINE and IADR abstracts were searched for wear data on materials which were also clinically tested by TRAC Research Foundation. Only those data for which the same test parameters (e.g. number of cycles, loading force, type of antagonist) had been published were included in the study. A different quantity of data was available for each laboratory method: Ivoclar (n=22), Zurich (n=20), Alabama (n=17), OHSU and ACTA (n=12), Munich (n=7). The clinical results were summed up in an index and a linear mixed model was fitted to the log wear measurements including the following factors: material, time (0.5, 1, 2 and 3 years), tooth (premolar/molar) and gender (male/female) as fixed effects, and patient as random effect. Relative ranks were created for each material and method; the same was performed with the clinical results. RESULTS: The mean age of the subjects was 40 (±12) years. The materials had been mostly applied in molars (81%) and 95% of the intracoronal restorations were Class II restorations. The mean number of individual wear data per material was 25 (range 14-42). The mean coefficient of variation of clinical wear data was 53%. The only significant correlation was reached by OHSU (abrasion) with a Spearman r of 0.86 (p=0.001). Zurich, ACTA, Alabama generalized wear and Ivoclar (volume) had correlation coefficients between 0.3 and 0.4. For Zurich, Alabama generalized wear and Munich, the correlation coefficient improved if only composites for direct use were taken into consideration. The combination of different laboratory methods did not significantly improve the correlation. SIGNIFICANCE: The clinical wear of composite resins is mainly dependent on differences between patients and less on the differences between materials. Laboratory methods to test conventional resins for wear are therefore less important, especially since most of them do not reflect the clinical wear.