Non-parametric comparison of histogrammed two-dimensional data distributions using the Energy Test

When monitoring complex experiments, comparison is often made between regularly acquired histograms of data and reference histograms which represent the ideal state of the equipment. With the larger HEP experiments now ramping up, there is a need for automation of this task since the volume of comparisons could overwhelm human operators. However, the two-dimensional histogram comparison tools available in ROOT have been noted in the past to exhibit shortcomings. We discuss a newer comparison test for two-dimensional histograms, based on the Energy Test of Aslan and Zech, which provides more conclusive discrimination between histograms of data coming from different distributions than methods provided in a recent ROOT release.The Science and Technology Facilities Council, U

Regional and sectoral foreign direct investment in Portugal since joining the European union: a dynamic portrait

Despite the very few studies regarding FDI in Portuguese regions - especially regarding its effects - FDI can be an important catalyst for regional economic development and growth. This work studies the existing FDI in the Portuguese regions, analysing its distribution by NUTS III, the sectors in which FDI has more weight in each region, as well as it evolution between 1986 and 2009. Although the relative weight of FDI firms in Portugal remained constant over the years analysed (around 1%), at the same time, these firms spread to all regions of the country, besides the main economic and services agglomerations (Lisboa and Porto). The regions attracted FDI not only for the sectors in which they have already been specialized, but also for other activities, diversifying the regional productive structure of the country. The increase and diversification of FDI coincided with the tertiarization of the economy, being closer to the productive specialization pattern of the country, while continuing to focus mainly on manufacturing.info:eu-repo/semantics/submittedVersio

Endometrial polyps in postmenopausal women

The malignancy risk of endometrial polyps in postmenopausal women was correlated with the presence or absence of abnormal uterine bleeding. Of 481 postmenopausal women who presented with endometrial polyps at diagnostic hysteroscopy between 2004 and 2007, 48.9% were asymptomatic and 51.1% had postmenopausal uterine bleeding. Transvaginal ultrasound revealed abnormal endometrial thickness in 60.0% vs. 57.7%, polyps in 37.9% vs. 32.9%, endometrial tumors in 1.3% vs. 0.8%, and submucosal myomas in 0.9% vs. 2.0% by the absence or presence of bleeding. Around three-fourth of the polyps were removed. Histopathologic diagnoses showed mucous polyps in 93.7 of asymptomatic women compared to 80.7% of those with bleeding, while endometrial tumors were only seen in those bleeding (7.2%). The malignancy risk within endometrial polyps in postmenopausal women varies with the presence of vaginal bleeding, and is minimal in asymptomatic women

Earnings quality and governance quality: a comparative analysis between traditional and new Brazilian capital market

This research focuses on the relationship between the quality of financial reporting and the level of corporate governance of Brazilian firms, particularly between New Market and Traditional Market. We measure earnings quality based on a widely used accruals model. Governance quality is represented by the type of market the firms chooses to be listed in. Firms that opt for the New Market must apply more stringent governance principles. The empirical analysis shows evidence of a positive relationship between the quality of financial reporting and the level of corporate governance. Thus, firms listed on the New Market characterized by better governance practices evidence better quality financial reporting.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Reflectance of Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) for Xenon Scintillation Light

Gaseous and liquid xenon particle detectors are being used in a number of applications including dark matter search and neutrino-less double beta decay experiments. Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is often used in these detectors both as electrical insulator and as a light reflector to improve the efficiency of detection of scintillation photons. However, xenon emits in the vacuum ultraviolet wavelength region (175 nm) where the reflecting properties of PTFE are not sufficiently known. In this work we report on measurements of PTFE reflectance, including its angular distribution, for the xenon scintillation light. Various samples of PTFE, manufactured by different processes (extruded, expanded, skived and pressed) have been studied. The data were interpreted with a physical model comprising both specular and diffuse reflections. The reflectance obtained for these samples ranges from about 47% to 66% for VUV light. Fluoropolymers, namely ETFE, FEP and PFA were also measured

Parallel

In this paper we present Parallel, a videogame with a powerful story of mystery, suspense and puzzle-solving. Parallel provides an interactive storyline where the actions players take throughout the game will define the course of the story and alter events. The environment created in the game is unique and it was improved from testing with several subjects on a prototype of the tutorial. Parallel’s main potential is the sense of immersion it can provide with its obscure environment, dynamic dialogs using an artificial intelligent agent and its interactive storyline.info:eu-repo/semantics/acceptedVersio

Air quality modelling as a tool for sustainable urban traffic management

This work intends to assess the impact of road traffic management on urban air quality at the street level. At the core of the applied methodology is the numerical modelling of wind flow and air pollutants dispersion in a typical European urban environment. Through the application of a Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) model, the synergies between the 3D configuration of the street-canyon, in addition to the impacts on the dispersion of CO and PM10 emitted by vehicles, were evaluated. Air quality simulations were performed for a study domain of approximately 2501000 m2 in the downtown of a medium sized Portuguese town, with average daily traffic of 21,400 vehicles. Different traffic scenarios were analysed based on the modification of the number and location of traffic lanes for typical meteorological boundary conditions. Complex dispersion patterns were obtained due to the effect of buildings and trees on the wind flow. Moreover, simulations for the different scenarios have shown distinct behaviours of the air pollutants due to the prevailing wind direction and road positioning. It was concluded that, for typical conditions, the closure of the two traffic lanes located on the south side of the main avenue and the two adjacent streets is the best solution for air quality improvement. This scenario leads to a 31% reduction in CO and PM10 concentrations on the North sidewalk and 81% on the South sidewalk when comparing to present conditions. The other alternative leads to a reduction of, respectively, 70% and 20%. The first scenario also leads to maximum decreases of 57% and 59%, respectively, in the CO and PM10 peak concentrations. These conclusions stress the importance of integrating the knowledge provided by the application of CFD models in urban planning and road traffic management with the goal of promoting urban sustainability.publishe