Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Motor markers'
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1
Wright, David James. "Movement-related cortical potential markers of motor skill learning." Thesis, Manchester Metropolitan University, 2012. http://e-space.mmu.ac.uk/347080/.
Abstract:
In this thesis the cortical processes involved in motor skill learning were examined. Electroencephalography (EEG) was used to record the movement-related cortical potential (MRCP): an event-related potential reflecting the cortical activity involved in motor planning and preparation, prior to performance of a guitar playing task. A series of five experiments was conducted to investigate how the MRCP may vary depending on a performer’s skill level and how it may change with skill learning. In Study 1 a scale-playing task on the guitar, from which it was possible to accurately record the MRCP, was identified. In Study 2, the MRCP was recorded during scale-playing on the guitar from a group of experienced guitarists and a group of non-musicians who had no prior musical training and no experience of playing any musical instrument. Differences in the amplitude and onset times of the MRCP components were compared across groups, with results indicating that the experienced guitarists allocated less cortical activity to planning the performance of the scale than the non-musicians. The purposes of Studies 3, 4, and 5 were to establish the extent to which these between-group differences were the result of training by the experienced guitarists. In Study 3 the effect of short-term practice on movement-related cortical activity was investigated and, contrary to the hypothesis, found an increase in cortical activity involved in movement preparation following practice on the guitar. In Studies 4a and 4b the effect of long-term motor practice on the MRCP was explored. Non-musicians took part in a five and ten week training programme, learning to play the guitar. Study 4a reported a decrease in cortical activity in certain parts of the motor cortex following five weeks of learning to play a scale on the guitar. When the training programme was extended to ten weeks in Study 4b however, an increase in cortical activity was found in certain areas of the motor cortex. Study 4c investigated the effect of a period of de-training on the MRCP in five participants. Results from these participants indicated a decrease in MRCP amplitude following training. This reduced amplitude was also found following a five-week period of de-training. Finally, in Study 5, within-session changes in cortical activity were investigated over an extended ten-week learning period. The combined results of Studies 3 and 5 indicate that there may be an increase in both pre- and primary motor cortex activity during the initial phase of motor skill learning, followed by a decrease in motor cortex activity once the performer becomes competent in the task. From the results of these studies, it was concluded that the process of motor skill learning is likely to be more complex than is currently stated in the literature. Rather than a simple linear decrease in the amount of cortical activity involved in motor planning as a result of learning, it is more likely that fluctuations in cortical activity occur at different stages in the learning period, which may, over time, lead to a reduced activity being required during motor preparation.
2
Agyapong-Badu, S. "Non-invasive bio-markers of motor performance with ageing." Thesis, University of Southampton, 2014. https://eprints.soton.ac.uk/372918/.
Abstract:
Objective tests of motor function suitable for older people in epidemiological studies and community settings are lacking. The current study aimed to establish non-invasive biomarkers using conventional and novel tests that do not rely entirely on volition, and identify suitable analysis techniques for complex data. It was hypothesised that novel technologies would improve the discriminant validity of motor function testing. In 138 self-reported healthy males and females (65 young, mean age±SD = 25.7±4.8 years; 73 older, 74.9±5.9 years), nine tests (25 parameters) included: hand grip and quadriceps strength; respiratory muscle strength (peak flow); thigh composition (ultrasound imaging); muscle mechanical properties (Myoton technology); upper limb kinematics (Motor Task Manager); timed up and go; stair climbing; balance. Three questionnaires and one mobility assessment were administered including the health related quality of life (SF36). Four experiments tested hypotheses regarding the influence of recording conditions on mechanical properties to validate the novel MyotonPRO device. Reliability of all tests was confirmed and, as expected, data indicated reduced function with ageing (all p<0.05), with the majority showing gender differences. Some mechanical properties were significantly influenced by testing site, muscle length, contractile status and prior activity. Seven of the 25 parameters (5novel) had high discriminant ability for classifying healthy adults into age/gender groups analysed by linear discriminant function using a stepwise approach. Novel technologies, notably mechanical properties of muscle and thigh composition (relative contribution of muscle and subcutaneous fat on ultrasound scans), improved classification accuracy (from 75% to 89%) when combined with conventional tests, supporting the hypothesis and providing potential screening tools independent of participant effort. High discriminant ability (73 to 80%) was also found for classification based on functional measures. This research has advanced the approach to functional assessment and analysis by producing a comprehensive battery of non-invasive biomarkers with high discriminant ability for indicating musculoskeletal health, providing reference data for comparison with clinical populations. The most sensitive novel biomarkers did not require volition, highlighting potential powerful tests for vulnerable older people with pain or cognitive impairment.
3
Stephens, Aubree. "Non-motor symptoms and their use as markers for prodromal and early Parkinson's disease." Thesis, Uppsala universitet, Institutionen för organismbiologi, 2021. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:uu:diva-445208.
Abstract:
Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder. It is a disease with a broad spectrum of symptoms, both motor and non-motor, but is often only diagnosed when the motor symptoms begin to appear. By this time however, a large amount of the dopaminergic neurons of the substantia nigra pars compacta have already deteriorated. It is therefore of great interest to be able to diagnose the disease earlier on in its progression and perhaps slow down or halt its course. Recent literature has supported the idea that non-motor symptoms begin to appear years, perhaps even decades, before the motor symptoms are visible. This makes them a prime candidate for diagnosing PD earlier on. With the aim of assessing the prevalence of different NMS in prodromal and early Parkinson’s, 19 studies addressing different NMS were analyzed. It was found that NMS are prevalent in both prodromal and early PD. The strongest prodromal predictors for PD were found to be olfactory dysfunction and REM-sleep behavior disorder (RBD).
4
Cantone, Mariagiovanna. "Vascular dementia: from clinical to biochemical and neurophysiological markers." Doctoral thesis, Università di Catania, 2015. http://hdl.handle.net/10761/3783.
Abstract:
BACKGROUND: Vascular Dementia can be considered the second most common cause of dementia after Alzheimer s disease. However, unlike the degenerative dementias, it s possible to carry out preventive strategies. Recently, neurophysiological techniques and in particular transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), have been tested in patients with dementia in order to pick up early cerebral functional changes. The present research aimed to investigate cortical excitability in elderly patients with leukoaraiosis
METHODS: Motor cortex excitability, intracortical inhibition and facilitation circuits and central cholinergic function were evaluated in patients with a clinical features of vascular cognitive impairment-no dementia. The neuropsychological profile and the vascular burden at brain magnetic resonance imaging were concomitantly explored.
RESULTS: No differences were found for measures of motor cortex excitability between patients and controls. A significant enhancement of intracortical facilitation was observed in patients. Moreover central cholinergic circuits seem to be spared in patients.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: This study provides the first evidence of functional changes in intracortical excitatory neuronal circuits in patients with vascular cognitive impairment-no dementia, a finding which is in line with previous research on vascular dementia. Central cholinergic functioning seems to be spared in patients. This functional integrity differs from that reported in patients with Alzheimer s disease or mild cognitive impairment, underlying the distinctive involvement of the cholinergic pathway in degenerative dementia and vascular form, even in their early or preclinical stage. The non-invasive evaluation of the pathophysiological and neurochemical mechanisms underlying dementia highlights the emerging role of TMS as a powerful tool in the diagnosis and management of different dementing processes.
5
Alessandria, Maria <1979>. "Sleep motor activity in parkinsonian syndromes at onset: a prospective study to determine potential diagnostic and prognostic markers." Doctoral thesis, Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna, 2014. http://amsdottorato.unibo.it/6657/1/ALESSANDRIA_TESI.pdf.
Abstract:
Aim of this study is to describe the possible diagnostic value of sleep disturbances in the differential diagnosis of neurodegenerative diseases characterized by parkinsonism at onset. 42 consecutive patients with parkinsonian features and disease duration up to 3 years were included in the BO-ProPark study. Each patient was evaluated twice, at baseline (T0) and 16 months later (T1). Patients were diagnosed as Parkinson disease (PD, 27 patients), PD plus (PD with cognitive impairment/dementia or dysautonomia, 4 patients) and parkinsonian syndrome (PS, 11 patients). All patients underwent a full night video-polysomnography scored by a neurologist blinded to the clinical diagnosis. Sleep efficiency and total sleep time were reduced in all patients; wake after sleep onset was higher in patients with atypical parkinsonisms than in PD patients. No significant differences between groups of patients were detected in other sleep parameters. The mean percentage of epochs with enhanced tonic muscle EMG activity during REM sleep was higher in PD plus and PS than in PD. No difference in phasic muscle EMG activity during REM sleep was seen between the two groups. REM behaviour disorder was more frequent in PD plus and PS than in PD patients. Our data suggest that REM sleep motor control is more frequently impaired at disease onset in patients with PS and PD plus compared to PD patients. The presence of RBD or an enhanced tonic muscle EMG activity in a patient with recent onset parkinsonian features should suggest a diagnosis of atypical parkinsonism, rather than PD. More data are needed to establish the diagnostic value of these features in the differential diagnosis of parkinsonisms. The evaluation of sleep disorders may be a useful tool in the differential diagnosis of parkinsonism at onset.
6
Alessandria, Maria <1979>. "Sleep motor activity in parkinsonian syndromes at onset: a prospective study to determine potential diagnostic and prognostic markers." Doctoral thesis, Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna, 2014. http://amsdottorato.unibo.it/6657/.
Abstract:
Aim of this study is to describe the possible diagnostic value of sleep disturbances in the differential diagnosis of neurodegenerative diseases characterized by parkinsonism at onset. 42 consecutive patients with parkinsonian features and disease duration up to 3 years were included in the BO-ProPark study. Each patient was evaluated twice, at baseline (T0) and 16 months later (T1). Patients were diagnosed as Parkinson disease (PD, 27 patients), PD plus (PD with cognitive impairment/dementia or dysautonomia, 4 patients) and parkinsonian syndrome (PS, 11 patients). All patients underwent a full night video-polysomnography scored by a neurologist blinded to the clinical diagnosis. Sleep efficiency and total sleep time were reduced in all patients; wake after sleep onset was higher in patients with atypical parkinsonisms than in PD patients. No significant differences between groups of patients were detected in other sleep parameters. The mean percentage of epochs with enhanced tonic muscle EMG activity during REM sleep was higher in PD plus and PS than in PD. No difference in phasic muscle EMG activity during REM sleep was seen between the two groups. REM behaviour disorder was more frequent in PD plus and PS than in PD patients. Our data suggest that REM sleep motor control is more frequently impaired at disease onset in patients with PS and PD plus compared to PD patients. The presence of RBD or an enhanced tonic muscle EMG activity in a patient with recent onset parkinsonian features should suggest a diagnosis of atypical parkinsonism, rather than PD. More data are needed to establish the diagnostic value of these features in the differential diagnosis of parkinsonisms. The evaluation of sleep disorders may be a useful tool in the differential diagnosis of parkinsonism at onset.
7
Mollica, Maria Antonella. "Nuevos instrumentos subjetivos y objetivos para evaluar la fase preclínica de la enfermedad de Alzheimer." Doctoral thesis, Universitat de Barcelona, 2017. http://hdl.handle.net/10803/458516.
Abstract:
En la última década, frente al fracaso de los tratamientos farmacológicos para detener el proceso patológico de la enfermedad de Alzheimer, la fase preclínica se ha convertido en un importante foco de investigación, puesto que se ha postulado que la intervención temprana puede ofrecer la mejor oportunidad de éxito terapéutico. En este contexto, el enfoque de la investigación se ha ampliado desde las fases clínicas de la enfermedad hacía fases preclínicas, donde pueden aparecer tanto una percepción subjetiva de declive como posibles disfunciones cognitivas o motoras sutiles detectables por nuevos test computarizados más sensibles que las pruebas neuropsicológicas clásicas. En la presente tesis, que incluye 4 trabajos científicos, hemos desarrollado nuevos instrumentos para evaluar tanto el rendimiento subjetivo como el objetivo en la fase preclínica. En el grupo preclínico, el declive cognitivo subjetivo referido por el informador, evaluado a través del nuevo cuestionario, fue mayor que en el grupo control. Además, en comparación con el grupo control, el grupo preclínico mostró un peor rendimiento en las pruebas experimentales de coordinación visuomotora y control motor. Por último, el rendimiento en estas medidas experimentales se encontró asociado con los niveles de β-amiloide (el primer biomarcador afectado en el continuum de la enfermedad de Alzheimer) en la muestra de individuos cognitivamente sanos. Los resultados de la presente tesis sugieren que nuevas herramientas de evaluación del deterioro cognitivo subjetivo y de funciones cognitivo-motoras específicas (y quizás más cercanas y más sensibles a los precoces cambios neuronales que ocurren en la enfermedad de Alzheimer), como la velocidad y la variabilidad intra-individual, pueden ofrecer información adicional única en la identificación de individuos que presentan un substrato patológico de la enfermedad de Alzheimer, sin exhibir por ello síntomas clínicos.In the last decade, against the failure of pharmacological treatments to stop the pathological process of Alzheimer's disease, the preclinical phase has become an important focus of research, since it has been postulated that early intervention may offer the best opportunity for therapeutic success. In this context, the research approach has expanded from the clinical phases of the disease to preclinical stages, where both subjective perception of decline and possible subtle cognitive or motor dysfunctions can be detected by new computerized tests, which may be more sensitive than classic neuropsychological measures. In the present thesis, which includes 4 scientific papers, we have developed new instruments to evaluate both subjective and objective performance in the preclinical phase. In the preclinical group, the subjective cognitive decline reported by the informant, evaluated through the new questionnaire, was greater than in the control group. In addition, compared to the control group, the preclinical group showed worse performance in the experimental tests of visuomotor coordination and motor control. Finally, performance in these experimental measures was found to be associated with the levels of β-amyloid (the first biomarker affected in the continuum of Alzheimer's disease) in the sample of cognitively healthy individuals. The results of the present thesis suggest that new tools for evaluating subjective cognitive impairment and specific cognitive-motor functions (and perhaps closer and more sensitive to the early neural changes that occur in Alzheimer's disease), such as speed and intra-individual variability, may offer unique additional information in the identification of individuals presenting a pathological substrate for Alzheimer's disease, without thereby exhibiting clinical symptoms.
8
Plonka, Alexandra. "Diagnostic précoce et différentiel des Aphasies Primaires Progressives : apport d'analyses motrices et langagières." Electronic Thesis or Diss., Université Côte d'Azur, 2023. http://www.theses.fr/2023COAZ6015.
Abstract:
L'Aphasie Primaire Progressive (APP) est un syndrome neurodégénératif caractérisé initialement par un trouble isolé du langage et dont le diagnostic est principalement clinique. Trois formes principales d'APPs sont décrites dans la littérature : l'APP logopénique (APPl), l'APP sémantique (APPvs) et l'APP non fluente/agrammatique (APPnf). Les dernières données de la littérature ont mis en évidence un diagnostic tardif, parfois erroné, associé à la nécessité d'une prise en charge précoce. La création de nouveaux outils pour le diagnostic et la classification des APPs semblent à ce jour indispensables pour une prise en charge précoce et adaptée des patients.L'objectif de cette thèse est de vérifier l'intérêt de l'analyse de marqueurs utilisant les nouvelles technologies tels que les paramètres d'activité motrice (graphique et gestuelle) et les paramètres d'activité langagière (linguistique et acoustique) au sein de l'évaluation orthophonique afin d'améliorer le diagnostic précoce et différentiel des APPs.Dans un premier temps, ce travail de thèse a permis d'analyser les spécificités du diagnostic des APPs parmi les 167 191 diagnostics enregistrés au sein de la Banque Nationale Alzheimer en France entre 2010 et 2016. Nous avons mis en évidence une errance et des erreurs de diagnostic des patients présentant une APP. Ces résultats soulignent l'importance du développement d'outils intégrables à la pratique orthophonique et permettant une meilleure précision dans le diagnostic.Suite à ces constats, dans un second temps et à travers différentes études, nous avons démontré l'intérêt de l'utilisation des nouvelles technologies facilement intégrables à une démarche diagnostique. Par l'utilisation de tablettes tactiles, nous avons démontré l'intérêt de l'analyse des paramètres graphiques, comme la pression d'écriture et les stroke, pour le diagnostic différentiel des patients atteints d'APP en comparaison avec des Malades d'Alzheimer (MA) ou de patient atteint d'Atrophie Corticale Postérieure. Ces paramètres se sont avérés également d'utilité dans une démarche de classification des trois sous-types principaux d'APPs.Pour compléter l'évaluation des stroke pour lesquels les comportements gestuels lors des temps de levers de crayons ne peuvent être récupérés directement sur tablette électronique, nous nous sommes intéressés à l'évaluation du geste d'écriture dans le cadre d'une atteinte de type APPnf. L'analyse vidéo a montré un intérêt complémentaire pour le diagnostic plus spécifique de ce variant non fluent.Dans un troisième temps, et dans une perspective d'analyse multimodale, nous avons vérifié l'intérêt de l'apport d'analyses langagière et acoustique des patients présentant une APP.Le « sentence span », épreuve de répétitions de phrases, a été utilisé pour comparer l'empan mnésique de patients atteints d'APP et de patients atteints de MA. Nos résultats ont mis en évidence un empan verbal significativement différent.L'analyse vocale a permis, au-delà du diagnostic différentiel APP/MA et via des marqueurs acoustiques temporels et prosodiques, de différencier les profils physiopathologiques des patients APPl.Enfin, dans un contexte de post-pandémie Covid-19 et plus spécifiquement du fait des troubles neurologiques constatés dans le cadre de Covid-longs, nous avons, par le biais d'une revue systématique de la littérature et d'un consensus d'experts, interrogé la pertinence de l'utilisation de ces marqueurs moteurs et langagiers pour le diagnostic précoce de la MA. En effet, les atteintes cognitives dans les Covid-longs risquent, dans le futur, de compliquer le diagnostic précoce des pathologies neurodégénératives du fait de troubles communsPrimary Progressive Aphasia (PPA) is a neurodegenerative syndrome initially characterized by an isolated language disorder and which diagnosis is mainly clinical. Three main PPA subtypes have been described in the literature: logopenic PPA (lvPPA), semantic PPA (svPPA) and non-fluent/agrammatic PPA (nfavPPA). The latest data in the literature have highlighted a late diagnosis, sometimes erroneous, associated with the need for an early medical-care management. The creation of new tools for the diagnosis and classification of PPAs seems to be crucial for an early and adapted patients' care.The objective of this thesis is to verify the interest of the analysis of markers using new technologies such as motor activity parameters (graphic and gestural) and language activity parameters (linguistic and acoustic) within the speech therapy evaluation, to improve the early and differential diagnosis of PPAs.Initially, this thesis work made it possible to analyze the specificities of the PPA diagnosis among the 167,191 diagnoses recorded in the French National Alzheimer Bank between 2010 and 2016. We highlighted diagnostic wavering and misdiagnosis of patients with PPA. These results underline the importance of developing tools that can be integrated into speech therapy practice and that can allow a greater accuracy in diagnosis.Following these observations, we have demonstrated the interest of using new technologies that can be easily integrated into a diagnostic approach. By using touch tablets, we have demonstrated the interest of the analysis of graphic parameters, such as writing pressure and strokes, for the differential diagnosis of PPA patients in comparison with patients with Alzheimer's Disease (AD) or patient with Posterior Cortical Atrophy. These parameters have also proven to be useful in the classification of the three main subtypes of PPA.To complete the evaluation of strokes for which the gestural behaviors during the pencil lifting times cannot be directly recovered on an electronic tablet, we were interested in the evaluation of the writing gesture in the context of a nfavPPA type of impairment. The video analysis showed a complementary interest for the more specific diagnosis of this non-fluent variant.In a third step, and in a perspective of multimodal analysis, we verified the interest of the contribution of language and acoustic analyses of patients with PPA.The ‘sentence span' test was used to compare the memory span of PPA and AD patients. Our results showed a significantly different verbal span.The vocal analysis allowed us, beyond the differential diagnosis PPA/AD and via temporal and prosodic acoustic markers, to differentiate the physiopathological profiles of lvPPA patients.Finally, in a post-Covid-19 pandemic context and more specifically because of the neurological disorders observed in post-acute Covid-19 syndrome, we questioned, through a systematic review and an experts' consensus, the relevance of using these motor and language markers for the early diagnosis of AD. Indeed, cognitive impairments in post-acute Covid-19 syndrome may, in the future, complicate the early diagnosis of neurodegenerative diseases due to common disorders
9
CRIPPA, ALESSANDRO. "MOTOR IMPAIRMENTS AS A BIO-BEHAVIORAL MARKER OF AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER." Doctoral thesis, Università degli Studi di Milano-Bicocca, 2018. http://hdl.handle.net/10281/199065.
Abstract:
I Disturbi dello Spettro Autistico (in inglese Autism Spectrum Disorders, ASD) rappresentano un insieme di disturbi del neurosviluppo fortemente eterogenei nella loro manifestazione, con una molteplicità di cause, differenti percorsi evolutivi e livelli di compromissione funzionale. L’alta ereditarietà degli ASD porta a considerare una forte implicazione di fattori genetici nella sua eziologia, ma l’ampia eterogeneità clinica all’interno del fenotipo comportamentale risulta essere un importante ostacolo nell’identificazione dei geni coinvolti. Inoltre, la eterogeneità tipica degli ASD rende estremamente difficoltosa la ricerca di trattamenti personalizzati e di una medicina di precisione. A partire da queste considerazioni, negli ultimi anni si è sviluppata una crescente richiesta di sviluppare marcatori affidabili per un disturbo come ASD, attualmente diagnosticato sulla base di una valutazione clinica dei sintomi.
Lo scopo del presente progetto è stato quello di fornire ulteriori evidenze scientifiche in supporto dell’utilizzo di deficit motori come marcatore comportamentale e biologico degli ASD. Le difficoltà motorie sono infatti una delle caratteristiche più frequentemente associate al disturbo, con un’importante prevalenza ed un impatto significativo sulla qualità della vita e sullo sviluppo sociale del bambino. Precisamente, in questa tesi abbiamo indagato il pattern di cammino e l’adattamento motorio ad una perturbazione discreta in bambini con ASD usando una innovativa piattaforma integrata basata su realtà virtuale immersiva (Cap. 1). Abbiamo inoltre sviluppato un metodo di classificazione basato su un approccio machine learning per confrontare la cinematica del movimento di raggiungimento ed inserimento di una pallina in bambini con e senza ASD (Cap. 2). Infine, usando l’imaging di diffusione del tensore (DTI), abbiamo esplorato l’ipotesi di una ridotta conettività a lungo raggio tra le regioni cerebrali frontali e posteriori, dato il ruolo cruciale di tali connessioni in funzioni quali il linguaggio, la prassia, l’imitazione e la coordinazione motoria (Cap. 3).
I risultati hanno mostrato un pattern di cammino alterato in bambini con ASD e minore adattamento alla perturbazione. Tale ridotto livello di adattamento è risultato relato in modo significativo a una maggior gravità della sintomatologia autistica. Relativamente alla classificazione basata su cinematica, il nostro metodo machine-learning si è dimostrato efficace nel discriminare bambini con ASD da bambini con sviluppo tipico con un’accuratezza media pari al 84.9%. L’identificazione di queste caratteristiche potrebbe essere potenzialmente utile nel supportare e facilitare le diagnosi clinica dei Disturbi dello Spettro Autistico. Infine lo studio DTI ha rivelato alterazioni nella diffusività della materia bianca a livello del fascicolo longitudinale superiore sinistro in un gruppo di bambini con ASD ad alto funzionamento.
Nel complesso, i risultati della presente tesi supportano l’ipotesi di un possibile marcatore motorio di ASD multi-dominio (i.e., comportamentale, computazionale e di neuroimmagine), potenzialmente utile per identificare specifico endofenotipo all’interno della sindrome autistica. Tale caratterizzazione può aumentare sensibilmente il potere predittivo di indagini rispetto modelli eziopatogenetici del disturbo, mediante studi di neuroimmagine e analisi genetica.Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a highly heterogeneous neurodevelopmental disorders with multiple causes, courses, and a wide range in symptom severity. Although the etiology of the disorder is generally considered multifactorial, high heritability estimates suggest a critical role for genetic factors. However, the notable clinical heterogeneity within the broad behavioral phenotype has been a major obstacle to gene identification. Furthermore, the hallmark heterogeneity of ASD makes the quest for personalized treatment and potential precision medicine inherently difficult. Starting from these considerations, in the last years there has been an increasing need for developing a reliable marker for ASD, currently diagnosed on the basis of the clinical judgment of symptoms. The purpose of the present project was to provide further evidence supporting the use of motor impairments as a bio-behavioral marker of ASD. Indeed, abnormalities in motor behavior are one of the features most frequently associated to the disorder and can have a significant impact on quality of life and social development. Specifically, in this thesis we investigated the gait pattern and the motor adaptation to discrete gait perturbations in school-aged children with ASD using an innovative multi-sensor platform based on immersive virtual reality (Chapter 1). Further, we developed a supervised machine-learning method to identify and correctly discriminate preschool children with ASD from typically developing children by means of kinematic analysis of a simple reach, grasp and drop task (Chapter 2). Finally, using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), we explored the hypothesis of reduced long-range connectivity between frontal lobes and posterior brain regions in ASD given the key role of these pathways for language, praxis, imitation, and basic motor coordination (Chapter 3). Results highlighted an altered gait pattern in children with ASD and slower rates of adaptation to the perturbation. Diminished learning adaptation was also significantly related with more severe autistic traits. With respect to classification based on kinematics analysis, our machine-learning method reached a good mean individual classification in the comparisons between children with ASD and healthy controls (overall mean accuracy = 84.9%). Thus, we demonstrated that machine-learning classification approach might be helpful for supporting the clinical practice of diagnosing ASD, even fostering a computer-aided diagnosis perspective. Last, the DTI study provided evidence for alterations in white matter diffusivity of the left superior longitudinal fasciculus in a well-characterized group of high-functioning children with ASD. All in all, our findings offer insight on a possible, multi-domain (i.e., behavioral, computational, and imaging) motor signature of autism that is potentially useful to identify a well-defined subset of patients, thus reducing the clinical heterogeneity within the broad behavioral phenotype. This may guide further exploration of neuropathology of the disorder adding power to genetic analysis.
10
Oliveira, Alessandro V. M. "Three essays on competition in airline markets with recent liberalisation." Thesis, University of Warwick, 2004. http://wrap.warwick.ac.uk/2627/.
Abstract:
This thesis aims at investigating the behaviour of airlines in recently liberalised markets, by making use of the Brazilian air transportation as a case study. In order to accomplish this objective, the following three essays were developed: a study of low cost carrier entry behaviour, an analysis of the pricing behaviour of the major incumbents in the industry, and, finally, an assessment of airline conduct in the most important market in the country. All essays contain empirical investigation performed by making use of data supplied by Brazil’s Department of Civil Aviation, DAC. In the first essay, the entry of Gol Airlines on several Brazilian domestic routes, in 2001 and 2002, is analysed in order to draw inference on the competition between a discounter in rapid expansion and the full-service carriers. A route-choice model is estimated by making use of a flexible post-entry equilibrium profits equation and accounting for endogeneity of the main variables. The second essay aims at empirically investigating the pricing behaviour of the legacy carriers in Brazil, with special focus on reactions to the entry of Gol, in 2001. A study of localised competitive advantage regarding the determinants of pricing power is performed along with the analysis of the pattern of price reactions by the incumbents. A single econometric framework is designed and estimated with panel data controlling for city-specific effects. And finally, the third essay aims at assessing the impacts of economic liberalisation on the route Rio de Janeiro - São Paulo. By making use of both a two-stages budgeting representation of the demand system, and a competition model with product heterogeneity among rivals, and based on the framework of the New Empirical Industrial Organisation, it was possible to examine the existence of a structural change on airlines’ conduct parameters due to the regulatory reform.
11
Demartini, B. "EMOTIONAL AND COGNITIVE ABNORMALITIES IN PATIENTS AFFECTED BY FUNCTIONAL MOTOR SYMPTOMS: TOWARDS A BIOLOGICAL MARKER." Doctoral thesis, Università degli Studi di Milano, 2018. http://hdl.handle.net/2434/534421.
Abstract:
INTRODUCTION: Functional motor symptoms (FMS) encompass weakness and movement disorders (e.g. tremor, ballism, gait disturbances, dystonia or tic) that are genuine but are not due to an organic cause. According to the recent edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), they are part of the wide spectrum of Conversion Disorders (Functional Neurological Symptom Disorders), which also include non-epileptic seizures and functional sensory disturbances. Although their high prevalence, aetiological mechanisms underlying FMS are still unknown.
AIMS: Aim of this thesis was to determine a possible biological marker for FMS. To this aim, I first examined the role of emotional and cognitive abnormalities in patients affected by FMS. In particular, I aimed to explore: 1. the prevalence of alexithymia; 2. the degree of interoceptive awareness; 3. the deception ability (as a measure of mild multifacet cognitive impairment); 4. the neuromodulatory effect of a single anodic Transcranial Direct-Current Stimulation (tDCS) on interoceptive sensitivity and on spatial attention in a sample of patients affected by FMS and in a sample of healthy subjects served as a control group. Second, I aimed to explore the level of various brain metabolites (N-Acetyl-aspartate - a neuronal marker, creatine - an energy buffer and shuttle, myo-inositol - a glial cell marker, choline - involved in cell membrane synthesis and degradation and the sum of glutamate - the major excitatory neurotransmitter - and glutamine) in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC)/medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and in the occipital cortex (OCC) (control region), using magnetic resonance spectroscopy as neuroimaging technique, in a group of patients with FMS and in a group of healthy controls.
MATERIALS & METHODS: For each part of the study, I enrolled a number of patients with FMS and a number of age and gender-matched healthy controls. Methods included: rating scales for the assessment of psychological variables (alexithymia, depression, anxiety, personality disorders, self-objectification, quality of life), the heart beat detection task for the assessment of interoceptive awareness, the guilty knowledge task (GKT) to detect the deception ability and the Posner paradigm to detect the spatial attention. A single anodic tDCS session over the right posterior parietal cortex was used to assess the neuromodulatory effect. To explore the level of various brain metabolites I used magnetic resonance spectroscopy.
RESULTS: My results showed that patients with FMS have: 1. significantly higher level of alexithymia than healthy controls; 2. significantly lower degree of interoceptive awareness than healthy controls; 3. significantly longer reaction times at the GKT than healthy controls. I also showed that there was a significant difference between the levels of interoceptive awareness after real and sham tDCS stimulation in the whole group of participants. When considering the two groups separately, this difference still remained significance only in patients with FMS. Finally, a significant increase in glutamate+glutamine/creatine was found in the ACC/mPFC but not the OCC in patients with FMS.
CONCLUSION: My results contribute to the understanding of the aetiopathogenesis of functional motor symptoms, opening a novel window for future research and possibly novel treatments.
12
Wuolikainen, Anna. "Metabolomics studies of ALS a multivariate search for clues about a devastating disease /." Doctoral thesis, Umeå : Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Neuroscience, Umeå university, 2009. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:umu:diva-26894.
13
Enjin, Anders. "Neural Control of Movement : Motor Neuron Subtypes, Proprioception and Recurrent Inhibition." Doctoral thesis, Uppsala universitet, Genetisk utvecklingsbiologi, 2011. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:uu:diva-147361.
Abstract:
Movement is central for life, and all animals depend on accurate regulation of movement for purposeful behavior. There is great diversity of movements, ranging between simple and vital breathing movements to minute and subtle movements of the face used to communicate emotions. Consequently, motor neurons, which are the only route of central nervous system output, are essential for all motor behaviors. To control the many motor behaviors expressed by an animal, motor neurons are exposed to a large number and variety of modulating synaptic inputs and have evolved into subtypes with specific functions. In this thesis, motor neuron subtypes and the synaptic input to motor neurons from Renshaw cells and Ia afferents have been studied. Novel molecular markers that identify subtypes of motor neurons are described. Three markers, Chodl, Calca and ERRβ, have been used to study the degeneration of subtypes of motor neurons in a mouse model of the neurodegenerative disease amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Another marker, 5-ht1d, has been used to record the electrophysiological character of gamma motor neurons. In mice that lack 5-ht1d, motor neurons develop with reduced proprioceptive input. Remarkably, these mice had fewer foot faults than control animals when challenged to cross a narrow beam suggesting that the amplitude of monosynaptic proprioceptive input to motor neurons is not essential for motor coordination. In a final set of experiments, genetic removal of vesicular transport of neurotransmitter from Renshaw cells suggest that Renshaw cells are not integral for motor circuit function or motor behaviors. However, they are involved in the development of motor circuits in the spinal cord. Together, this thesis provides novel molecular tools for studies of motor neuron subtypes and novel data regarding the development and function of spinal motor circuits.
14
Birky, Alicia K. "Socio-technical transition as a co-evolutionary process innovation and the role of niche markets in the transition to motor vehicles /." College Park, Md. : University of Maryland, 2008. http://hdl.handle.net/1903/8157.
Abstract:
Thesis (Ph. D.) -- University of Maryland, College Park, 2008.Thesis research directed by: Robert H. Smith School of Business. Dept. of Logistics, Business, and Public Policy. Title from t.p. of PDF. Includes bibliographical references. Published by UMI Dissertation Services, Ann Arbor, Mich. Also available in paper.
15
Vignochi, Carine Moraes. "Análise dos marcadores bioquímicos fosfatase alcalina óssea específica e deoxipiridinolina no metabolismo ósseo de recém-nascidos pré-termo submetidos a fisioterapia motora." reponame:Biblioteca Digital de Teses e Dissertações da UFRGS, 2010. http://hdl.handle.net/10183/30941.
Abstract:
Introdução: Recém-nascidos prematuros hospitalizados costumam receber manuseio mínimo com objetivo de protegê-los de estresse. Como resultado desta inatividade pode ocorrer aumento da reabsorção óssea e desmineralização. Objetivo: Avaliar a formação óssea de recém-nascidos prematuros antes e após um protocolo de fisioterapia motora, por meio dos marcadores bioquímicos fosfatase alcalina óssea específica (FAO) e deoxipiridinolina urinária (DPID). Método: Ensaio clínico randomizado que incluiu 30 recém-nascidos com idades gestacionais de até 35 semanas e peso adequado para a idade gestacional randomizados em grupo controle (GC) e grupo fisioterapia (GF). No GF foi aplicado o protocolo de fisioterapia motora que consistiu de 15 minutos diários de movimentos passivos com compressões articulares suaves, cinco dias por semana. Diariamente foram obtidos dados sobre alimentação e peso corporal. FAO e DPID foram coletados na entrada e na alta hospitalar, em ambos os grupos. Foi realizado teste de ANCOVA para comparar as médias dos grupos. Resultados: No início do estudo a idade gestacional, a idade gestacional corrigida, o peso de nascimento e o gênero foram similares entre os grupos. Na oferta de nutrientes, tempo de uso de nutrição parenteral total e ventilação mecânica os grupos mostraram-se homogêneos. No GF o aumento nos níveis de FAO foi de 22,44 ± 3,49 U/L após a intervenção, ao passo que o GC apresentou aumento de 2,87 ± 3,99 U/L (p= 0,003). No GF houve redução nos níveis de DPID de 28,21 ± 11,05 nmol/mmol, enquanto no GC houve aumento de 49,95 ± 11,05 nmol/mmol (p<0,001). Conclusão: Uma proposta de intervenção fisioterapêutica aplicada por meio de exercícios passivos e por um curto período de tempo (15 minutos), diariamente ao longo de quatro semanas, associada com adequada alimentação, resulta em efeitos favoráveis ao metabolismo ósseo dos recém-nascidos prematuros. Os benefícios da prevenção e do tratamento da doença metabólica óssea da prematuridade, além de uma alimentação adequada, devem incluir estes exercícios passivos com suaves compressões articulares a fim de melhorar a qualidade óssea do prematuro.Introduction: Preterm infants need minimal handling in order to protect them from stress, resulting in bone resorption and demineralization. Objetives: To evaluate bone formation in newborn preterm infants before and after a physical therapy protocol, by means of biochemical markers bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BAP) and urinary deoxypyridinoline (DPD). Method: Randomized controlled clinical trials included 30 newborn preterm infants with gestational ages of 35 weeks or less and appropriate weight for gestational age were randomized into control group (CG) and physiotherapy group (PG). Physical therapy protocol consisted of 15 minutes of daily passive movements with gentle joint compression, five days a week. Daily data were obtained on feeding and body weight. BAP and DPD were collected before and after intervention in both groups. ANCOVA test was performed to compare the means of both groups. Results: At baseline, gestational age and corrected gestational age, birth weight and gender were similar between groups. The supply of nutrients, time of use of Total Parenteral Nutrition and mechanical ventilation were similar among groups. The increase of BAP levels for PG was 22.44 ± 3.49 U/L, whereas CG presented an increase of 2.87 ± 3.99 U/L (p= 0.003). There was a reduction on DPD levels for PG of 28.21 ± 11.05 nmol/mmol, and an increase of 49.95 ± 11.05 nmol/mmol (p< 0.001) in GC. Conclusion: Physiotherapy intervention results in beneficial effects to bone metabolism of preterm infants and should be included in the standard care of preterm infants.
16
Fořtová, Lenka. "Rozvoj jednotného trhu jako motoru hlubší integrace a posílení postavení Evropské unie." Master's thesis, Vysoká škola ekonomická v Praze, 2013. http://www.nusl.cz/ntk/nusl-192573.
Abstract:
This thesis deals with the process of development and completing of the EU single market. It analysis whether the development of the EU market deepens the integration in other than economical areas of the European integration and how does this process influence and improves the position of EU as an actor of international relations. The thesis compares two chosen period of time -- from 1985 to 1993 and from 2007/8 to present, and looks for such a model of EU integration development. In the chosen periods the analyse of strategic documents The White Paper on Completing the Internal Market and the Single Market acts is done. These documents are perceived as the triggers of the political integration deepening. Finally the development and state of EC/EU actorness is examined by a theory of four basic dimension of actorness taking into account its different sources. The conclusion of the thesis confirms or disproves the presented model of integration and compares the two chosen periods.
17
Norén, Pontus. "Svensk Bilprovning : Omregleringarna och dess effekter." Thesis, Uppsala universitet, Ekonomisk-historiska institutionen, 2017. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:uu:diva-325510.
Abstract:
The Swedish motor-vehicle inspection has worked very well and was monopolized in 1965. After the monopolization, the company AB Svensk Bilprovning was formed and had a monopoly until 2010 when the bourgeois government deregulated the monopoly for the motor-vehicle inspection services. It had been discussed earlier around the 1990s but the planned deregulation of the service did not occur. The main reason for the deregulation was for the service to act on a competitive market which would improve it in several aspects. One of the main aspects were the availability. The deregulation in 2010 had positive effects and mainly the availability increased throughout Sweden. In year 2014 the social-democratic party were not satisfied before or after deregulation even though it improved the service. The bourgeois on the other hand were very satisfied of the results.
18
Böckeler, Tobias Edwin [Verfasser], Patrick [Gutachter] Michl, Andreas [Gutachter] Berger, and Benjamin [Gutachter] Walter. "Wertigkeit des magnetischem Marker Imaging MMI zur Charakterisierung von migratorischen Motor-Komplexen des oberen Gastrointestinaltraktes bei Diabetes mellitus und diabetischer autonomer Neuropathie / Tobias Edwin Böckeler ; Gutachter: Patrick Michl, Andreas Berger, Benjamin Walter." Halle (Saale) : Universitäts- und Landesbibliothek Sachsen-Anhalt, 2020. http://d-nb.info/1210732130/34.
19
Coventry, Michelle Anne. "A critical analysis of the VAT implications of over-allowances in the South African motor retail industry." Diss., University of Pretoria, 2012. http://hdl.handle.net/2263/23047.
Abstract:
The VAT treatment of over-allowances in the motor retail industry has proved contentious for South African Revenue Services (“SARS”). VAT legislation dictates that notional VAT may be claimed on the lower of the open market value and the consideration paid. The industry, however, claims notional VAT on the actual consideration paid for a used vehicle on the basis that a higher output VAT will be declared on the consequent sale of the new vehicle. This is because the over-allowance is offset against the lower discount granted. SARS allows this practice on account of SARS’ own issuance of a binding general ruling, provided certain criteria are met. This ruling is contained in the VAT Guide to Motor Dealers. This study performs an analysis of the current practice by South African motor retailers pertaining to over-allowances. The aim of the study is to determine the impact on the industry of the issuance of the Guide, both practically and from the perspective of compliance, focussing on VAT legislation and Competition Commission legislation. The study discusses the requirements contained in the Guide in the light of the Competitions Act and the practical benefits, and concludes that the industry is satisfied with the issuance of the Guide, despite its silence on the interpretation of certain key criteria. The industry has chosen to assume that, as SARS has acted reasonably in the issuance of the Guide, it would not expect the industry to deviate from any other legislation, including the Competitions Act. If SARS is not satisfied with this interpretation, the Guide will have to be amended to include definitions of terms such as “permissible discount”. AFRIKAANS : Die hantering van die toelating van oormatige BTW in die motorvoertuig-kleinhandelsindustrie is, insover dit die Suid-Afrikaanse Inkomstediens (“SAID”) betref, omstrede. BTW-wetgewing bepaal dat geagte BTW gehef mag word op die laagste van ope markwaarde en die werklike bedrag betaal. In die motorvoertuigindustrie word BTW egter altyd gehef op die werklike bedrag betaal vir ‘n gebruikte voertuig met die veronderstelling dat hoër uitset BTW verklaar gaan word met die verkoop van ‘n nuwe voertuig wat die inruiltransaksie tot gevolg gaan hê. Daar word geredeneer dat die oortoelating van BTW uitgekanselleer gaan word deur ‘n laer afslag op die nuwe verkope. As gevolg van bindende bepalings in die BTW Handleiding vir Motorhandelaars, wat uitgereik is deur die SAID en die nakoming van sekere voorwaardes deur die motorhandelaars, laat die SAID hierdie praktyk toe. In hierdie mini-verhandeling word die vereistes wat in die Handleiding vervat is teen die agtergrond van die Wet op Mededinging en die praktiese voordele daarvan bespreek. Die gevolgtrekking is dat die motorvoertuigindustrie tevrede is met die uitreiking van die Handleiding vir motorhandelaars ongeag die feit dat sekere sleutel aspekte nie in die Handleiding voldoende toegelig word nie. Die motorindustrie het die aanname gemaak dat SAID redelikerwys opgetree het deur die Handleiding uit te reik en sal daarom nie verwag dat die industrie van enige ander wetgewing sal afwyk nie, insluitende die Wet op Mededinging. As die SAID nie tevrede is met hierdie interpretasie nie sal dit beteken dat die Handleiding aangepas sal moet word om ander relevante terminologieë soos “toelaatbare afslag” beter te omskryf en te verduidelik. Copyright 2011, University of Pretoria. All rights reserved. The copyright in this work vests in the University of Pretoria. No part of this work may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, without the prior written permission of the University of Pretoria. Please cite as follows: Coventry, MA 2011, A critical analysis of the VAT implications of over-allowances in the South African motor retail industry, MCom dissertation, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, viewed yymmdd < http://upetd.up.ac.za/thesis/available/etd-03092012-112915 / > F12/4/77/gmDissertation (MCom)--University of Pretoria, 2012.
Taxation
unrestricted
20
Vránová, Markéta. "Návrh na zlepšení vybraného pojistného produktu společnosti Česká pojišťovna a.s." Master's thesis, Vysoké učení technické v Brně. Fakulta podnikatelská, 2007. http://www.nusl.cz/ntk/nusl-221546.
Abstract:
This diploma thesis analyses problems connected with motor insurance of the company Česká pojišťovna a.s. and contains the project to improvement the offer of this product in order to be competitive and corresponding to the requirements of client.
21
Lima, Jorge Facà Franklin de. "Modelos de simulaÃÃo na anÃlise antitruste: aplicaÃÃo na fusÃo entre General Motors e PSA Peugeot Citroen." Universidade Federal do CearÃ, 2012. http://www.teses.ufc.br/tde_busca/arquivo.php?codArquivo=11024.
Abstract:
nÃo hÃEsta dissertaÃÃo apresenta uma anÃlise de simulaÃÃo de fusÃo no mercado brasileiro de automÃveis. O objetivo central da anÃlise à computar os efeitos da fusÃo entre a General Motors e a PSA Peugeot CitroÃn, apÃs o anÃncio da criaÃÃo de uma AlianÃa EstratÃgica Global entre as duas empresas. Os resultados do equilÃbrio pÃs-fusÃo sÃo simulados pelo modelo PCAIDS (Proportionality-Calibrated Almost Ideal Demand System), proposto por Epstein e Rubinfeld (2002), que simula a fusÃo de duas empresas em um mercado oligopolizado. Os resultados do exercÃcio de simulaÃÃo confirmaram os aumentos esperados nos preÃos dos produtos. Este resultado à condizente com a expectativa de que as fusÃes implicam em aumentos de preÃos de mercado e, sem ganhos de eficiÃncia econÃmica, podem impor perdas para os consumidores.
This dissertation presents a simulation analysis of fusion in the Brazilian automobile. The central objective of the analysis is to compute the effects of the merger between General Motors and PSA Peugeot CitroÃn, after the announcement of the creation of a Global Strategic Alliance between the two companies. The results of the post-merger equilibrium are simulated PCAIDS (Proportionality-Calibrated Almost Ideal Demand System), proposed by Epstein and Rubinfeld (2002), which simulates the merger of two firms in an oligopoly market. The results of the simulation exercise confirmed the expected increases in product prices. This result is consistent with the expectation that mergers involve increases in market prices and without economic efficiency gains, impose losses for consumers.
22
Roblová, Eliška. "Profitabilita pojištění motorových vozidel na českém pojistném trhu." Master's thesis, Vysoká škola ekonomická v Praze, 2015. http://www.nusl.cz/ntk/nusl-264621.
Abstract:
The diploma thesis is focused on the motor damage and the motor third party liability insurance profitability evaluation of the czech insurance market. In the first part both the czech market devolopment and the current law-making issues with the evaluation of the czech market key indicators are briefly described. Next part of the thesis is focused on the non life insurance market quantitative characteristic in the period from 2003 to 2015. Next part of the thesis deals with the motor damage and the motor third party liability insurance characteristics. In the last two chapters the thesis examines the motor damage and the motor third party liability market with the following evaluation of their profitability by using the combined ratio indicator.
23
Holcmanová, Eva. "Návrh na rozšíření firmy o veřejnou čerpací stanici pohonných hmot." Master's thesis, Vysoké učení technické v Brně. Fakulta podnikatelská, 2012. http://www.nusl.cz/ntk/nusl-223654.
Abstract:
The aim of this diploma thesis is to draw up a business plan regarding an extension of an existing car repair service by adding a public fuel filling station to it. The public fuel filling station will be built directly within the area of the existing car repair service located in the village of Jemnice, in the district of Žďár nad Sázavou. The theoretical part generally describes the business activity, possible forms of business and individual analyses used in this diploma thesis. The second part briefly describes the chosen company, for which the above mentioned draft of the businnes plan is intended. The last part of the diploma thesis presents the actual construction plan of the public fuel filling station based on the elaborated analyses, including the time schedule of the execution.
24
Rudberg, Zacharias, and Oscar Sandelin. "The Challenges of a B2B Market Entry within the Automotive Industry." Thesis, KTH, Skolan för industriell teknik och management (ITM), 2019. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:kth:diva-264118.
Abstract:
This thesis investigates the factors to consider when implementing a business to business market entry strategy within the automotive industry. The aforementioned is conducted through an exploratory case study at a global industrial firm providing a comprehensive range of products and services within the motor vehicle industry. The case study is made on the foundation of existing theory, previous empirical research and interviews with relevant companies within the industry. The thesis provides an overview of the factors to be considered when executing a business to business market entry strategy on the automotive market based on existing literature and empirical research. Furthermore, the six main challenge areas that the case company faces in its work with entering a new market is displayed. These challenges are; (1) internal communication, (2) customer relations, (3) technical requirements, (4) strategic initiatives, (5) management support and (6) organizational alignment. In addition to the six challenges, potential strategic initiatives are discussed within each of the challenge areas. The six challenge framework can be used as a framework for other industrial firms striving to implement an industrial business to business market entry strategy. The main theoretical contribution of this thesis is the identification of challenges during a market entry within the automotive industry. Furthermore, the thesis concludes that the implementation of a market entry strategy can provide greater challenges than the development of the strategy itself, which is supported by both literature and empirical findings. Related to this, a misalignment between the business type and the marketing strategy type within the case company is identified.Detta examensarbete undersöker vilka faktorer som bör beaktas vid implementering av strategier för att ta sig in på en ”business-to-business”-marknad inom fordonsindustrin. Detta görs genom en explorativ fallstudie på ett globalt industriföretag som säljer ett stort antal produkter och tjänster till fordonsindustrin. Fallstudien är grundad i litteratur, tidigare empiriska studier och intervjuer med relevanta företag inom industrin. Examensarbetet ger en översikt av de faktorer som bör beaktas då man implementerar en “business to business”-marknadsstrategi inom fordonsindustrin baserat på existerande litteratur och en empirisk undersökning. De sex främsta utmaningarna som fallstudieföretaget står inför identifieras, vilka är (1) intern kommunikation, (2) kundrelationer, (3) tekniska krav, (4) strategiska initiativ, (5) ledningsstöd och (6) organisatorisk sammstämmighet. Utöver de sex utmaningarna diskuteras potentiella strategiska initiativ inom varje utmaningsområde. De sex utmaningarna kan användas som ett ramverk för andra industriföretag som söker att implementera en marknadsstrategi. Det huvudsakliga teoretiska bidraget av detta examensarbete är identifiktationen av de utmaningar som uppstår vid en markandsingång inom fordongsindustrin. Dessutom visar examensarbetet att implementeringen av en marknadsstrategi kan visa sig vara en större utmaning än att ta fram densamma, vilket stöds av både litteraturen och den empiriska undersökningen. Relaterat till föregående kunde vi identifiera en obalans mellan fallstudieföretagets affärstyp och marknadsstrategi.
25
Elmoussaoui, Abdeloihid. "Application de l’analyse factorielle et de la classification automatique à une étude chronologique multidimensionnelle : cas du marché pétrolier français." Paris 6, 1986. http://www.theses.fr/1986PA066504.
Abstract:
Analyse statistique de la consommation de quatre produits pétroliers dans les départements français durant les mois successifs de la décennie 1972-1981. Des analyses partielles permettent de voir l'évolution diachronique à long terme et les influences saisonnières. Une analyse de synthèse permet de voir les disparités interdépartementales.
26
Fulopova, B. "Development of a quantitative technique to assay changes in markers of neural plasticity in response to intermittent theta burst stimulation." Thesis, 2015. https://eprints.utas.edu.au/23564/1/Fulopova_whole_thesis.pdf.
Abstract:
Delivery of intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS) can modulate cortical excitability, and if delivered prior to motor training, it can facilitate performance. These effects suggest that iTBS can induce long term potentiation (LTP) like changes within the associated brain areas. However, currently there is a lack of physiological evidence for such processes. Evidence for molecular changes obtained using animal models of iTBS is inconclusive, and methodologically varied. In addition, the use of human sized coil in laboratory rodents further compromises translational merits of obtained findings. Present study is conducted as part of a larger project that uses translational approach to study neurophysiological mechanisms of iTBS in rodents with species specific stimulation coil. Using immunohistochemical analysis of mouse brain sections, changes in presynaptic LTP marker Synaptophysin were investigated in eight animals that demonstrated increased forelimb reaching accuracy over 10 days in a skilled-motor-task after receiving iTBS. Changes in expression of Synaptophysin were compared between three groups (iTBS, sham, handling control), within three brain regions (primary motor cortex, dorsal striatum, piriform cortex). In all three regions, there were no significant differences found between the three groups, suggesting that after 10 days of training, homeostatic process of synaptic scaling may have taken place.
27
Stark, Sandra Kathleen. "A quasi-experimental analysis of second graders with dyslexia using the motor markers in the cerebellar deficit hypothesis." 2013. https://scholarworks.umass.edu/dissertations/AAI3589184.
Abstract:
Developmental dyslexia is a specific impairment of reading ability in the presence of normal intelligence and adequate reading instruction. Current research has linked dyslexia to genetic underpinnings, which are identifiable. Furthermore, there are cognitive processes that are influenced by unique genetically programmed neural networks that determine the manner in which a dyslexic child learns to read. As a result of these breakdowns in cognitive processing, specific breakdowns are noted using measurable assessments. The constellation of measurable symptoms or markers can differentiate the dyslexic child from other children who are typically developing readers or those who are poor readers for reasons not related to genetic pre-programming. Identification of children with dyslexia is critical in providing the appropriate services and remedial models as early intervention in the classroom is of the utmost importance. This study will investigate one aspect, motor function and motor processes that are purported to be one dimension associated with a breakdown in reading acquisition. According to the Cerebellar Deficit Hypothesis, motor function is one valid process and salient feature by which true dyslexia can be identified in children during the second grade year of their education. By the second grade, most typically developing children have acquired the fundamentals of reading. As such, early identification and appropriate intervention for children with dyslexia can be targeted as soon as possible to ensure long-term success and quality of life in these individuals.
28
Huyck, Susan. "Modeling times of maximum biomarker excretion." 2010. http://hdl.rutgers.edu/1782.2/rucore10003400001.ETD.000052346.
29
Jian, Huiping, and 簡慧萍. "Investigation and Design of Recommendation Systems for Expertise Service- Using Salon and Motor Markets as Examples." Thesis, 2012. http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/43511293337949346436.
Abstract:
碩士國立暨南國際大學
資訊管理學系
100
According to the information provided by Yellow page of Chunghwa Telecom Co., Ltd., there are over 12,000 stores in domestic hairstyle market and approximately 15,000 motorcycle maintenance/repair service providers have been registered. While there are many suppliers providing professional service such as salons and motorcycle maintenance/repair, the quality of professional service is difficult to measure because of serious information asymmetry. Customers need information for making decision for a right service provider. Network developed, too much information on the burden of consumers in search of waste too much time, causing a serious problem of information overloading. Furthermore, although there are many Web sites provide recommendation functions, websites with recommendations for professional salons and motorcycle maintenance/repair services is still lacking. Most of these shops are small businesses with limited information technology capacity and resources, and it will be difficult to build websites independently. Consequently, this research aims to build professional service platform. This platform lets individuals an easy way to find the information they need about professional services. Consumers can also use platform recommended mechanisms and sharing experience as decision-making reference to other consumers. Therefore, this platform provides a media that allows information exchange among consumers and between professional service providers and consumers. This platform creates a market mechanism to improve service quality of professional service providers, which in turns enhancing consumer satisfaction.
30
YEH, Yang-Shan, and 葉仰山. "A COMPARISON STUDY OF MULTINATIONAL OIL COMPANIES’ ENTRY STRATEGY IN MOTOR FUELS RETAILING MARKETS IN TAIWAN AND CHINA." Thesis, 2005. http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/88741609917965609954.
Abstract:
碩士國立臺灣大學
國際企業管理組
93
The petroleum market in Taiwan has been gone through deregulation procedure as its own schedule. China committed in entering WTO to open its motor fuels retailing market for foreigners’ participation in end of 2004 and scheduled to further open its fuels wholesale market in end of 2006. Many multinational oil companies express strong interests in Chinese motor fuels retailing market. They aggressively participate in Chinese motor fuels retailing market and make different progress. According to current Chinese economic size and economic growth rate, the estimation of crude demand will continually tremendously increase in the future. The efficiency of the entire petroleum industry attracts a lot of attentions from the public, especially in the trend of the rising crude price. This study is to understand (A) the Taiwanese and Chinese petroleum industry policies and the latest motor fuels retailing market environments, (B) the causes of the petroleum market deregulation and the schedules, (C) the privatization procedure of local national oil companies, and (D) the cases of multinational oil companies’ motor fuels retailing market entry strategy in Taiwan and China. Through reviews of the choices of entry mode by the multinational oil companies in entering the Taiwan and China motor fuels retailing markets in different stages of the deregulation and the strategies of the local national oil companies under the pressures of company privatization in the responses of multinational oil companies’ motor fuels retail market entry, this study concludes that; (A) It will enhance the stability of motor fuels retailing market prices in Taiwan that the motor fuels suppliers operate more retail stations in the market. And this study does not anticipate there will be any wholesales price war in China upon wholesales market is opened in 2006 since the fuels pricing is constrained by regulations in China. (B) Taiwan’s petroleum market was deregulated as its own planned schedule, while China was opened its fuels retailing markets per the commitments of WTO entry. There is quite huge difference in the deregulation time frame between Taiwan and China. And there are no regulated retail motor fuels prices currently in Taiwan, while there are directive fuels pricing mechanisms in China. (C) The privatization pace of national oil companies is different in Taiwan and China. The labor union in Taiwanese national oil company has strong influences on the progress of the company privatization. And there are no disadvantages in retail and wholesale motor fuels market competitiveness for national oil company according to CPC’s experiences, no matter the national oil company is privatized. (D) The multinational oil companies, with the same criteria, will select the countries with larger market size and higher market growth rate to be the market entry candidates. And most of multinational oil companies, with less than 50% equity, form joint venture companies with the local national oil companies to develop the joint-brand retail networks in China.
31
Burks, Stephen V. "The origins of parallel segmented labor and product markets: A reciprocity-based agency model with an application to motor freight." 1999. https://scholarworks.umass.edu/dissertations/AAI9920589.
Abstract:
Why do some workers who apparently perform similar tasks and exercise similar job skills get paid very different wages? And, why do firms have the boundaries we observe; in particular, why do firms using closely related production technologies and serving closely related markets specialize instead of merging? That is, how do labor and product market segments emerge, and why might they persist in a competitive economy? I offer an integrated explanation for the striking case of the emergence of such market segments in for-hire motor freight, after its deregulation in 1980. Using firm-level data, I provide econometric evidence of the survival value of carrier specialization, as a result of either original status or strategic change, into one of two types. I also document the associated bimodal segmentation of the labor market for drivers/freight handlers. I argue that a difference in optimal human resource policies between the two types of firms is an important cause of the parallel segmentations. Differences in how similar production technologies are used to serve the two markets mean that firms have different optimal solutions to the agency problem they face in motivating employees, leading to high powered incentives at reservation wages in one case, and low powered incentives with positive rents in the other. But this difference in compensation schemes sharply increases the agency or transaction costs involved in bringing both types of production under common hierarchical control, due to pay equity effects, while the corresponding benefits are modest, leading most firms to specialize. To formalize this account, I extend a simple version of the standard “risk-sharing” principal agent framework by adding a reciprocity component, producing a new model with endogenous segmentation of the specified type. The new model also provides new hypotheses about the source of union wage differentials, and details a mechanism by which technological change can lead to increasing inequality in labor incomes that is distinct from the usual differential returns to skills account.
32
Chang, Ching-Yuan, and 張清淵. "Sharing Economy: Marketing Strategy Research of Internet+Sharing Marketers-A Case Study of Taiyuanxing Motor Company Group." Thesis, 2018. http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/g6j55y.
33
Herholz, David. "Profiling the inherent vulnerability of motor neuron subtypes." Doctoral thesis, 2011. http://hdl.handle.net/11858/00-1735-0000-0006-AE3F-7.
34
Winter, Brett. "A case study determining the relevance of motor body repairs focusing on niche markets outside the insurance industry, to establish a position of competitive advantage." Thesis, 2002. http://hdl.handle.net/10413/2804.
Abstract:
When one thinks of motor vehicle accident damage repairs, one often thinks of unscrupulous operators and a scurrilous industry. While this is regrettably often the case, there is a counterpoint, being the significant number of motor body repair firms that have invested significant sums in establishing accredited and certified motor body repair outlets, and who offer a premium service. The industry is one that is regulated by the South African Motor Body Repair Association, a body that seeks to dictate a standard of repairs by dictating membership eligibility relative to investment in equipment. Most unfortunately, this stipulation does not adequately take into account the flow of work that there may be from the motor vehicle insurance industry, and many repairers find themselves having to resort to nefarious means to ensure that business comes their way. The author of this report is a co-owner of an advanced major structural motor body repairer. Rather than stooping to unethical practices, the owners have sought to undertake a position appraisal and gap analysis with the intention of uncovering the strategic alternatives available to their firm. The firm has implemented the strategic choices highlighted by this report to good effect and has enjoyed enhanced revenue streams and business competitiveness as a result of undertaking this exercise. This report serves to document the highlights of that process.Thesis (MBA)-University of Natal, Durban, 2002.
35
Butterworth, Bryan. "The impact of the institutional structure on wages and employment: a case study of the motor industry and the iron steel engineering and metallurgical industry bargaining councils with reference to labour markets in South Africa." Thesis, 1998. http://hdl.handle.net/10539/22057.
36
FETZER, Thomas. "Driven towards internationalisation : British trade union politics at Ford and Vauxhall, 1960-2001." Doctoral thesis, 2005. http://hdl.handle.net/1814/5779.
Abstract:
Defence date: 21 October 2005Examining Board: Prof. Colin Crouch, University of Warwick ; Prof. Hartmut Kaelble, Humboldt-Universität Berlin ; Prof. Bo Stråth, European University Institute (Supervisor) ; Prof. Steven Tolliday, University of Leeds
First made available online 13 December 2018
The call to look beyond national borders in writing history has come into fashion. Labels which designate this trend proliferate, and already there are debates about delimitations between different “schools”: “international”, “transnational”, “global” and “world” history compete for conceptual hegemony, and they do not exhaust the terminological variety offered. This trend equally applies to labour and trade union history. Van der Linden has criticised the “methodological nationalism” o f past research agendas within the discipline, and has advocated a shift towards what at times he calls “transnational”, at times “global” labour history. A t first sight, these claims may seem surprising: The labour movement has a very long tradition o f international organisation, and debates about “internationalism” have been present since the mid 19th century; indeed, this particular history has had a considerable impact upon the evolution of the term “international” itself. Numerous studies have been carried out on the international organisations the labour movement has created since then.
37
Ferreira, Daniela da Silva. "O impacto da digitalização no direito da concorrência : a aplicação do artigo 102º do tratado sobre o funcionamento da União Europeia na nova economia e a posição dominante do Google." Master's thesis, 2019. http://hdl.handle.net/10400.14/27966.
Abstract:
O Direito da Concorrência Europeu, na sua essência, viu os seus alicerces serem
construídos com o Tratado de Roma, de 1957. Desde então muitas foram as evoluções
económicas que se assistiram a nível mundial, principalmente com a introdução da
Internet e a Nova Economia.
As características que envolvem a Nova Economia são muitos díspares das da
economia tradicional e, como tal, levantam desafios para os quais o Direito atual não está
preparado para responder. Prova disto é a desatualização do artigo 102º do TFUE às
indústrias high-tech, sendo difícil aplicar os seus critérios tradicionais de identificação do
mercado relevante e de posição dominante ao mercado atual.
Com o caso Google vimos que é possível a União Europeia produzir decisões que
alcancem plataformas bilaterais, tendo a Comissão identificado o abuso da posição
dominante daquele no mercado relevante. Resultado oposto teve a decisão do caso
Google na EUA, fruto dos diferentes métodos de apreciação dos factos do caso,
concluindo a FTC que a empresa não tinha abusado da sua posição dominante ao nível
dos motores de busca.The European Antitrust Law, in its core, saw its foundations built with the Rome Treaty in 1957. Since then, many were the economical evolutions that took place in the world, especially with the origin of the Internet and the New Economy. The New Economy characteristics are very different from the ones of the traditional economy and, as such, pose challenges for which the present Law is not ready to take on. The lack of actualization of the article 102º of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union to high-tech industries is proof of that, making it difficult to apply its traditional criteria when defining the relevant market and market power in today’s world. With the Google case we were able to see that the European Union is able to make decisions regarding bilateral platforms, having come to the conclusion that Google abused its market power in the relevant market. An opposite result was achieved in the EUA concerning the Google case, due to the different ways of analyzing the case, concluding the FTC that the company did not abuse its market power at the search engine level.
38
Soares, Cláudia Marlene Ferreira. "A importância dos contextos na transição para a vida pós-escolar do jovem com deficiência mental (dm): perspectivas dos técnicos, encarregados de educação e empresários." Master's thesis, 2011. http://hdl.handle.net/10437/2327.
Abstract:
Orientação: Paulo SequeiraO presente trabalho apresenta uma análise aos diferentes factores que exercem influência, na fase de transição para a vida pós-escolar, dos jovens com Deficiência Mental. Esta análise incide na importância dos diversos contextos em que estes jovens estão inseridos (familiar, social, pessoal e escolar) e é aqui apresentada em três perspectivas diferentes: dos técnicos, dos encarregados de educação e dos empresários. Ao longo do trabalho são abordadas diferentes problemáticas que estes jovens experienciam na sua fase de transição da escola para o mundo do trabalho e expressas as opiniões marcadas dos diferentes grupos intervenientes no estudo. Estas opiniões constituem um conjunto identificado de problemas/soluções que acompanham a transição para a vida pós-escolar dos jovens portadores de Deficiência Mental.
This paper presents an analysis of the different factors that influence in the transition to life after school, young people with mental retardation. It focuses on the importance of the various contexts in which these young people are embedded (family, social, personal and school) and is presented here in three different perspectives: the technical, guardians and employers. Throughout the work are addressed different problems that these young people experience in their transition from school to work and express their opinions of different stakeholder groups marked in the study. These reviews are an identified set of problems/solutions that accompany the transition to post-school education for young people with mental retardation.
39
Dias, Tânia Filipa Caeiro. "Perceção de pessoas com dificuldades intelectuais e desenvolvimentais, em situação laboral, sobre a sua inclusão social." Master's thesis, 2019. http://hdl.handle.net/10437/10139.
Abstract:
Orientação: Maria Odete Emygdio da SilvaDe acordo com a revisão da literatura sobre a inclusão de pessoas com dificuldades intelectuais e desenvolvimentais (DID) (Silva & Coelho, 2014; Belo, Caridade, Cabral & Sousa, 2008; Luckasson, 2002, citado por Santos & Morato, 2012), a mesma contribui para o desenvolvimento, a todos os níveis, desta população. A maior parte dos estudos centra-se, no entanto, sobre a perspetiva de outros atores (pais, docentes, colegas) (Avramidis e Norwich, 2002; Boer, Pijl & Minnaert, 2010; Duhaney & Salend, 2000; Tafa & Manolitsis, 2002; Rafferty, Boettcher& Griffin, 2003; Kalyva, Georgiadi, & Tsakiris, 2007, entre outros, citados por Leitão & Silva, 2019). Relativamente à perceção de pessoas com DID sobre a sua inclusão, há estudos que indicam que os jovens se sentem realizados pessoal e profissionalmente, que têm autonomia e que decidem sobre a sua via diária, não estando socialmente isolados, apesar de existir algum protecionismo dos que os rodeiam. Os jovens com dificuldades intelectuais e desenvolvimentais têm expetativas básicas como qualquer pessoa, apesar de, ao nível profissional, sentirem algumas dificuldades (Silva, Dias & Neves, 2016). Esta investigação teve como objetivo geral investigar como pessoas com DID percecionam a sua inclusão no mercado de trabalho. De natureza qualitativa, as técnicas e os instrumentos utilizados foram a pesquisa documental e a entrevista semiestruturada com sujeitos com DID, em situação laboral. Os dados recolhidos na nossa investigação permitem-nos concluir que as pessoas com DID referem que a sua inclusão fortalece o seu grau de independência, que apesar de sentirem algumas dificuldades, as mesmas poderão ser amenizadas e que o salário que recebem permite um ganho de autonomia.
According to the literature review on the inclusion of people with intellectual and developmental difficulties (DID) (Silva & Coelho, 2014; Belo, Caridade, Cabral & Sousa, 2008; Luckasson, 2002, citado por Santos & Morato, 2012), it contributes to the development, at all levels, of this population. Most of the studies, however, focus on the perspective of other actors (parents, teachers, colleagues) (Avramidis and Norwich, 2002, Boaf, Pijl and Minnaert, 2010, Duhaney and Salend 2000, Tafa & Manolitsis, 2002, Rafferty, Boettcher & Griffin, 2003; Kalyva, Georgiadi, & Tsakiris, 2007, among others, cited by Leitão & Silva, 2019). Regarding the perception of people with DID about their inclusion, there are studies that indicate that young people feel they are personally and professionally made, that they have autonomy and that they decide on their daily way, not being socially isolated, although there is some protectionism that surround them. Young people with intellectual and developmental difficulties has basic expectations like any other person, although at professional level they experience some difficulties (Silva, Dias & Neves, 2016). This research aimed to investigate how people with DID perceive their inclusion in the labor market. It is a qualitative research, and the techniques and instruments used were documental research and the semi structured interview with subjects with DID, in a labor situation. The data collected in our investigation allow us to conclude that people with DID indicate that their inclusion strengthens their degree of independence, that although they feel some difficulties, they may be lessened and that the salary they receive allows a gain of autonomy.
40
Soares, Sónia Maria Pereira. "A receptividade dos empresários face à inclusão profissional da pessoa portadora de deficiência mental." Master's thesis, 2011. http://hdl.handle.net/10437/1658.
Abstract:
Orientação: Luís SousaA realização deste trabalho contou com algumas ajudas que desde já gostaria de agradecer, nomeadamente ao Director da Escola Superior de Educação Almeida Garrett Prof. Doutor Jorge Serrano pela oportunidade que proporcionou em prosseguir os meus estudos. Ao orientador Prof. Doutor Luís Sousa pela paciência e dedicação com que orientou este trabalho, patenteando disponibilidade, quando solicitado. Aos empresários e todos os envolvidos, que ajudaram a fundamentar este estudo. À minha família, pela generosidade e amor demonstrados. À ESEAG, como instituição que possibilitou um intercâmbio académico e pedagógico no âmbito deste curso de mestrado. A todos os Professores que me acompanharam ao longo das aulas com o seu saber na parte curricular deste mestrado. A todos aqueles que, apesar de não serem mencionados, colaboraram directa ou indirectamente para a realização deste trabalho que empreendemos.
The purpose of this research study is to understand the receptiveness of employers, regarding the inclusion of vocational subjects. This study focused on a type of non-experimental research, because only wanted to hear and interpret the reality, as to the receptiveness of employers in the municipality of Cinfães, regarding the integration of disabled persons, without interfering in it to change it. For this purpose a questionnaire was drawn up, made a point of departure, made their assumptions and variables involved. To use the questionnaire, was a sample of twenty-seven entrepreneurs in order to respond to questions raised the theoretical support of the work, includes definitions of various concepts of the study, political perspectives of special education and transition to working life of students with mental disabilities. For the empirical study, there was the presentation of the study with the problem, and outlined the objectives and issues of research, as well as the methodological procedures in the selection of the sample, the definition of variables and instruments used for evaluation.