Covariant spectator theory for the electromagnetic three-nucleon form factors: Complete impulse approximation

We present the first calculations of the electromagnetic form factors of $^3$He and $^3$H within the framework of the Covariant Spectator Theory (CST). This first exploratory study concentrates on the sensitivity of the form factors to the strength of the scalar meson-nucleon off-shell coupling, known from previous studies to have a strong influence on the three-body binding energy. Results presented here were obtained using the complete impulse approximation (CIA), which includes contributions of relativistic origin that appear as two-body corrections in a non-relativistic framework, such as "Z-graphs", but omits other two and three-body currents. We compare our results to non-relativistic calculations augmented by relativistic corrections of ${\cal O}(v/c)^2$.Comment: 30 pages, 13 figures, 6 table

Capital mobility, balance of payments constraints, and economic growth: an empirical dynamic analysis

This paper analyses empirically the relationship between economic growth and the openness of the financial account of the balance of payments. It takes into consideration the balance of payments’ constrained growth, as well as the difficulties in the empirical literature in measuring capital mobility. Starting from the capital mobility index we estimate a panel across 80 countries, both developed and developing between 1997-2003. Results suggest that more capital mobility in developing countries affects growth negatively, whereas it possibly stimulates growth in developed countries.Economic Growth, Capital Mobility, Dynamic Panel

Architecture and documentation integrated method for the design and reuse of frameworks

Tese de Doutoramento em Electrónica Industrial - Ramo de Conhecimento Informática IndustrialFundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT

Assessing the Efficiency of Mother-to-Child HIV Prevention in Low- and Middle-Income Countries using Data Envelopment Analysis

AIDS is one of the most significant health care problems worldwide. Due to the difficulty and costs involved in treating HIV, preventing infection is of paramount importance in controlling the AIDS epidemic. The main purpose of this paper is to explore the potential of using Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) to establish international comparisons on the efficiency implementation of HIV prevention programmes. To this effect we use data from 52 low- and middle-income countries regarding the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV. Our results indicate that there is a remarkable variation in efficiency of prevention services across nations, suggesting that a better use of resources could lead to more and improved services, and ultimately, prevent the infection of thousands of children. These results also demonstrate the potential strategic role of DEA for the efficient and effective planning of scarce resources to fight the epidemic.HIV Prevention; DEA; Mother-to-Child HIV Transmission.

Studying DNA Double-Strand Break Repair: An Ever-Growing Toolbox

To ward off against the catastrophic consequences of persistent DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs), eukaryotic cells have developed a set of complex signaling networks that detect these DNA lesions, orchestrate cell cycle checkpoints and ultimately lead to their repair. Collectively, these signaling networks comprise the DNA damage response (DDR). The current knowledge of the molecular determinants and mechanistic details of the DDR owes greatly to the continuous development of ground-breaking experimental tools that couple the controlled induction of DSBs at distinct genomic positions with assays and reporters to investigate DNA repair pathways, their impact on other DNA-templated processes and the specific contribution of the chromatin environment. In this review, we present these tools, discuss their pros and cons and illustrate their contribution to our current understanding of the DDR.European Research Council (ERC-2014-CoG 647344

Library for Simplified Timer Implementation using Standard C++

Temporization is a crucial aspects of control, automation and robotics systems. C++ is used in the development of such systems, especially if they are more complex and powerful. Because, the language and standard library do not support non-blocking timers with callbacks for event-driven programming, developers resort to libraries and frameworks that offer such functionality. However, their timer implementations are dependent on platform specificities and thus have more limited portability. C++11 has introduced features that enable standard implementations of timers. We propose a library that implements timers with simplified usage relatively to well-known libraries. The proposed library is contrasted with timers of two well know libraries, through a series of usage scenarios. We describe the design and provide performance measurements. The results show that it is faster and offers more accurate temporization.(undefined)info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

A Multiple Criteria Framework to Evaluate Bank Branch Potential Attractiveness

Remarkable progress has occurred over the years in the performance evaluation of bank branches. Even though financial measures are usually considered the most important in assessing branch viability, we posit that insufficient attention has been given to other factors that affect the branches’ potential profitability and attractiveness. Based on the integrated used of cognitive maps and MCDA techniques, we propose a framework that adds value to the way that potential attractiveness criteria to assess bank branches are selected and to the way that the trade-offs between those criteria are obtained. This framework is the result of a process involving several directors from the five largest banks operating in Portugal, and follows a constructivist approach. Our findings suggest that the use of cognitive maps systematically identifies previously omitted criteria that may assess potential attractiveness. The use of MCDA techniques may clarify and add transparency to the way trade-offs are dealt with. Advantages and disadvantages of the proposed framework are also discussed.