Parameterized Construction of Program Representations for Sparse Dataflow Analyses

Data-flow analyses usually associate information with control flow regions. Informally, if these regions are too small, like a point between two consecutive statements, we call the analysis dense. On the other hand, if these regions include many such points, then we call it sparse. This paper presents a systematic method to build program representations that support sparse analyses. To pave the way to this framework we clarify the bibliography about well-known intermediate program representations. We show that our approach, up to parameter choice, subsumes many of these representations, such as the SSA, SSI and e-SSA forms. In particular, our algorithms are faster, simpler and more frugal than the previous techniques used to construct SSI - Static Single Information - form programs. We produce intermediate representations isomorphic to Choi et al.'s Sparse Evaluation Graphs (SEG) for the family of data-flow problems that can be partitioned per variables. However, contrary to SEGs, we can handle - sparsely - problems that are not in this family

The role of loyalty in private label consumer based brand equity

Private label products have become so appealing that not even big retail chains can dismiss them. Initially seen as cheap alternatives, they now compete with premium national brand products, since consumers perceive them as legitimate and trustworthy brands. It’s imperative that brand equity dimensions are seen through the light of private labels. The main focus of this thesis is to better understand the relationship between private label loyalty and consumer based brand equity, improving and applying previous scales and frameworks to a new universe. This framework relates the different dimensions of brand equity with brand equity itself, also looking at the hierarchical relationship between them. It takes into account the brand equity dimensions derived from private label brand research and their influence on the brand equity based dimensions. Regarding conclusions, in order to increase brand awareness, retailers should invest in strategies such as store taste tests, comparisons with other brands, samples or coupons, or invest in extrinsic cues like package design, labeling and branding strategies. Low product risk is essential to foster product quality, reliability and consistency. Only a risk-free product will be able to grow, allowing it to become a familiar item in the consumer’s basket. The most relevant factors in influencing the purchase of private label goods are brand familiarity, perceived value and perceived risk of goods. In the end, it’s seen the influence that perceived value has on the whole process, impacting private label antecedents, CBBE antecedents and brand loyalty itself.Produtos de marca branca tornaram-se tão apelativos que nem mesmo as grandes cadeias de retalhistas os podem ignorar. Inicialmente vistos como alternativas baratas, agora competem com produtos de marca de fabricante, dado que são vistos pelo consumidor como marcas legítimas e de confiança. É imperativo que as dimensões de brand equity sejam vistas através da posição das marcas brancas. O principal foco desta tese é compreender melhor a relação entre produtos de marca branca e brand equity, melhorando e aplicando as escalas e frameworks existentes a um novo universo. Este framework relaciona as diferentes dimensões de brand equity consigo mesma, olhando também para a sua relação hierárquica. Tem em conta as dimensões de brand equity de produtos de marca branca e a sua influência em dimensões de brand equity. Relativamente a conclusões, para aumentar brand awareness, os retalhistas devem investirr em estratégias como provas em loja, comparação com outras marcas, amostras e cupões, ou investiver em sinais extrinsicos como embalagem, rótulo, estratégias de gestão de marca. Produtos de baixo risco são essenciais para fomentar qualidade, confiança e consistência. Apenas um produto de baixo risco poderá crescer e tornar-se familiar para o consumidor. Os factores mais relevantes para influenciar a compra de produtos de marca branca são a familiaridade da marca, o “valor” e o risco desses produtos. No final, é vista a influência que o “valor” do produto tem em todo o processo, tendo impacto nos antecedentes de marca branca, nos antecedentes de brand equity e na lealdade em si

Did the three point line change influence the female youth basketball? Analysis of the predictive factors from winning teams (U-16 and U-20)

The main purpose of this study was to analyze the behavior of winning teams in youth basketball, considering in particular the increasing distance from the three point line, among other changes introduced by FIBA (International Amateur Basketball Federation). More precisely identify which and how the game-related statistics indicators present in the equation of "4 Factors - ROBOSCOUT" discriminate the winning teams, considered in function of category/season. Data referred to 485 matches of the European Championships in 2010 and 2011 (S16-2010, n = 140, S20-2010, n = 104, S16-2011, n = 131, S20-2011, n = 110) was analyzed, focusing on the following variables: final score, offensive rebounds, opponent defensive rebounds, turnovers, field goal attempt; 2 and 3-point field-goals and free-through (attempted, failed and made). Although at first view, the main differences appear to be related to the age factor, namely the effectiveness of the field-goals and turnovers per possession, the results obtained using analysis of variance (MANOVA) shows that since 2010 to 2011 seasons the game becomes more homogeneous between S16 and S20 categories, disappearing values statistically significant as the 3-points made and 2-points attempted. Curiously, in U20 category the values given in the 3-point field-goals, considering the significant difference for the attempted and the observed virtually identical percentages, it suggested a better selection of shot in 2011 compared to2010 season. Despite the consciousness that an understanding of performance in youth basketball need a multivariate perspective, it is expected that these results may help in future research and female basketball coaches in the development of training programs and planning competitions

ICT in Higher Education: a case-study of mediated blended-learning

Teaching in on-line and collaborative situations requires a variety of responses including changes in pedagogy as instructors taking the role of facilitators of information while guiding students toward solutions. In order for online learning to be successful, therefore, teachers as well as learners will need to explore new roles in the teaching-learning relationship. In this paper, the authors propose to examine how educators can mediate instruction by first designing their course goals and objectives and then consider how the on-line environment can best serve the instructional objectives and plan appropriate activities and assessment. We seek to explore the use of online environments as the bridge between real world and reflective knowledge

Determinants of the intention to use performance-enhancing substances among Portuguese gym users

The present study examined the determinants of the intentions to use prohibited performance- enhancing substances (PES) and the hypothesis of gender and PES use influencing Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) variables. A TPB approach was used. A convenience sample of Portuguese gym users (n = 453) completed an anonymous web-based survey. Variance-based structural equation modeling, multigroup analysis strategy, latent mean analysis approach and one-way ANOVA analysis were used. The findings showed that, at structural level, results support the TPB framework in terms of characterizing and predicting intentions to PES use in the gym users sample, and that subjective norms were the strongest predictor of PES use intentions. Female and male differed in intentions to use PES, subjective norms and beliefs. However, the predictive model in study remains invariable in both groups. Concerning PES use, results showed the existence of a significant difference, regarding all the TPB´s constructs of the PES users and nonusers’ groups, and that the predictive capacity of each predictor was different for each group. Psychological strategies should be based on subjective norms, alongside beliefs and attitudes towards PES use, since these variables influence the intention to use PES in that particular population

Influential factors in the evaluation of agricultural lands in the Huambo province, Angola

The possession and appraisal of agricultural fields have significant economic and social impacts. The objective of this study is to examine the perception of farmers in the Huambo Province, Angola, regarding the characteristics that enhance and diminish the value of agricultural lands in the process of buying and selling. The utilized quantitative methodology is based on a questionnaire administered to farmers in the Huambo Province. The sample size consists of 644 respondents. The results allow us to conclude that the income generated from farming activities and the presence of infrastructure greatly facilitate the appraisal of agricultural fields. Conversely, the absence of legal ownership documentation and conflicts related to land ownership reduce the value of the fields. The exploratory factor analysis identified seven determinant factors, responsible for explaining 61.334% of the total variance, in the appraisal of agricultural fields: inherent location characteristics of the property, market dynamics related to agricultural fields, the availability of water on the property, proximity to tourist destinations, physical conditions of the fields, the positive externalities generated, and the advantages offered by the fields. We believe that this study will assist appraisers, farmers, and public administration in understanding the factors that positively and negatively impact the appraisal of agricultural fields

Gender Differences in Multidimensional Poverty in Brazil: A Fuzzy Approach

This study aims to improve the measurement of multidimensional poverty for the purpose of analyzing gender differences while considering the limitations of household surveys. To effectively analyze gender disparities, it addresses three issues that are often overlooked in the literature: disregard for within-household inequalities in household-level indicators; disregard for ineligible populations in indicators that represent only a specific group; and disregard for intermediate deprivation situations in cutoff-based poverty estimations. Using data from the Brazilian Consumer Expenditure Survey 2017–2018, we create two indexes with indicators that are key aspects in gender and feminist analyses. Applying a fuzzy approach and the Alkire–Foster method, we estimate multidimensional poverty and gender differences from three perspectives: intrahousehold, interhousehold, and intracouple. We also calculate inequality among the poor and intracouple gender gaps proposing fuzzy versions for these analyses. The main findings suggest that women are disadvantaged in terms of work and time quality, economic security, and access to resources—all of which are crucial components of agency or degree of empowerment

Financial Literacy Perception Scale for the Portuguese Population

This study aims to propose and validate a financial literacy perception scale for the Portuguese population. The utilized methodology was quantitative, based on a two-part questionnaire survey. The first part studies the sociodemographic profile and the second part evaluates the respondent's perception of financial literacy. The sample consisted of 830 Portuguese individuals, over 18 years old. The main results of this study demonstrate that the financial literacy perception scale presents a tri-factorial structure with satisfactory validity and reliability levels. The three obtained factors are 1-2 years financial planning and goals, long term savings and an affinity for numerical calculation. This study contributes to the increase of scientific knowledge in the field of financial literacy, to the assistance of financial education policymakers in the reformulation of their policies and to the creation of tools to help consumer financial behavior.JEL Codes - G02; G11; G2

How to Evaluate Fibrosis in IBD?

In this review, we will describe the importance of fibrosis in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) by discussing its distinct impact on Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) through their translation to histopathology. We will address the existing knowledge on the correlation between inflammation and fibrosis and the still not fully explained inflammation-independent fibrogenesis. Finally, we will compile and discuss the recent advances in the noninvasive assessment of intestinal fibrosis, including imaging and biomarkers. Based on the available data, none of the available cross-sectional imaging (CSI) techniques has proved to be capable of measuring CD fibrosis accurately, with MRE showing the most promising performance along with elastography. Very recent research with radiomics showed encouraging results, but further validation with reliable radiomic biomarkers is warranted. Despite the interesting results with micro-RNAs, further advances on the topic of fibrosis biomarkers depend on the development of robust clinical trials based on solid and validated endpoints. We conclude that it seems very likely that radiomics and AI will participate in the future non-invasive fibrosis assessment by CSI techniques in IBD. However, as of today, surgical pathology remains the gold standard for the diagnosis and quantification of intestinal fibrosis in IBD.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Risk Planning and Management in Portuguese Companies - A Statistical Approach

The purpose of this article is to study risk management planning and risk management in Portuguese companies. The methodology used is of a quantitative nature, based on a questionnaire survey that analyzes the risk management planning and risk management of 1647 Portuguese companies from different sectors of activity. The results allow us to conclude that the aspects that most manifest themselves in the perceptions of risk management planning are having a management plan that includes the relationship with customers, suppliers, and employees, as well as an updated security plan. This study intends to contribute to academic knowledge and for companies to know and master the concepts of risk management planning and risk management in its different aspects, helping the adoption of strategies to better plan risk management. The results make it possible to understand the differences in planning and risk management between larger and smaller companies, between older and younger companies, and between family and non-family companies. These results can contribute to increasing corporate sustainability and improving performance in planning and managing corporate risks.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio