Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'NMQL'

In the last decades CMOS technology has ruled the electronic scenario thanks to the constant scaling of transistor sizes. With the reduction of transistor sizes circuit area decreases, clock frequency increases and power consumption decreases accordingly. However CMOS scaling is now approaching its physical limits and many believe that CMOS technology will not be able to reach the end of the Roadmap. This is mainly due to increasing difficulties in the fabrication process, that is becoming very expensive, and to the unavoidable impact of leakage losses, particularly thanks to gate tunnel current. In this scenario many alternative technologies are studied to overcome the limitations of CMOS transistors. Among these possibilities, magnetic based technologies, like NanoMagnet Logic (NML) are among the most interesting. The reason of this interest lies in their magnetic nature, that opens up entire new possibilities in the design of logic circuits, like the possibility to mix logic and memory in the same device. Moreover they have no standby power consumption and potentially a much lower power consumption of CMOS transistors. In literature NML logic is well studied and theoretical and experimental proofs of concept were already found. However two important points are not enough considered in the analysis approach followed by most of the work in literature. First of all, no complex circuits are analyzed. NML logic is very different from CMOS technologies, so to completely understand the potential of this technology it is mandatory to investigate complex architectures. Secondly, most of the solutions proposed do not take into account the constraints derived from fabrication process, making them unrealistic and difficult to be fabricated experimentally. This thesis focuses therefore on NML logic keeping into account these two important limitations in the research approach followed in literature. The aim is to obtain a complete and accurate overview of NML logic, finding realistic circuital solutions and trying to improve at the same time their performance. After a brief and complete introduction (Chapter 1), the thesis is divided in two parts, which cover the two fundamental points followed in this three years of research: A circuits architecture analysis and a technological analysis. In the architecture analysis first an innovative VHDL model is described in Chapter 2. This model is extensively used in the analysis because it allows fast simulation of complex circuits, with, at the same time, the possibility to estimate circuit per- formance, like area and power consumption. In Chapter 3 the problem of signals synchronization in complex NML circuits is analyzed and solved, using as benchmark a simple but complete NML microprocessor. Different solutions based on asynchronous logic are studied and a new asynchronous solution, specifically designed to exploit the potential of NML logic, is developed. In Chapter 4 the layout of NML circuits is studied on a more physical level, considering the limitations of fabrication processes. The layout of NML circuits is therefore changed accordingly to these constraints. Secondly CMOS circuits architectures are compared to more simple architectures, evaluating therefore which one is more suited for NML logic. Finally the problem of interconnections in NML technology is analyzed and solutions to improve it are found. In Chapter 5 the problem of feedback signals in heavy pipelined technologies, like NML, is studied. Solutions to improve performances and synchronize signals are developed. Systolic arrays are then analyzed as possible candidate to exploit NML potential. Finally in Chapter 6 ToPoliNano, a simulator dedicated to NML and other emerging technologies, that we are developing, is described. This simulator allows to follow the same top-down approach followed for CMOS technology. The layout generator and the simulation engine are detailed described. In the first chapter of the technological analysis (Chapter 7), the performance of NML logic is explored throughout low level simulations. The aim is to understand if these circuits can be fabricated with optical lithography, allowing therefore the commercial development of NML logic. Basic logic gates and the clock system are there analyzed from a low level perspective. In Chapter 8 an innovative electric clock system for NML technology is shown and the first experimental results are reported. This clock system allows to achieve true low power for NML technology, obtaining a reduction of power consumption of 20 times considering the best CMOS transistors available. This power consumption takes into account all the losses, also the clock system losses. Moreover the solution presented can be fabricated with current technological processes. The research work behind this thesis represents an important breakthrough in NML logic. The solutions here presented allow the design and fabrication of complex NML circuits, considering the particular characteristics of this technology and considerably improving the performance. Moreover the technological solutions here presented allow the design and fabrication of circuits with available fabrication process with a considerable advantage over CMOS in terms of power consumption. This thesis represents therefore a considerable step froward in the study and development of NML technology.

In July 2014, Argentina entered selective default, even as the country remained financially solvent. The default stemmed not from economic woes, but rather from protracted international litigation between Argentina and a group of hedge funds who, for years, refused to negotiate with Argentina over their bond holdings in the wake of the country’s first default in 2001. These holdouts stalled negotiations and locked Argentina out of international credit markets, damaging the country’s economy and financially harming other creditors and Argentinian citizens alike. Argentina ended up in such a dilemma because of the current sovereign debt restructuring process. No international arbitrator of sovereign debt currently exists. Instead, a country must negotiate with creditors on an ad-hoc basis, gathering support from 100% of creditors before it can restructure its debt and reenter international credit markets, an extremely inefficient system. This paper will assess the current system of sovereign default renegotiations, identifying inefficiencies in the current system, reviewing past proposals for improvements to the system, and ultimately proposing an international arbitrator for default negotiations. This text uses the development of the US Federal Municipal Bankruptcy Act of 1934 as a guide for an international bankruptcy court. Prior to the passage of the law, municipalities faced many of the same challenges faced by defaulted nations today, including powerful holdouts and a lack of structure in the negotiation system. Given the similarities between the two cases, the Federal Municipal Bankruptcy Act serves as an ideal framework for sovereign default arbitration internationally.

Complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) technology has driven the electronic scenario for the last 40 years. The exponential grow of computing power implicates technological challenges, such as scaling transistor sizes, increasing clock frequency and reducing the power consumption. These goals raise dramatically the manufacturing cost with every new technology node. The projections of the ITRS roadmap report tell us that the scaling will be also influenced by fundamental physical limits. These observations have stimulated researchers from industry and academia to investigate possible feasible alternatives to CMOS technology. Since at the time of writing is difficult to find a clear winner, many possibilities are studied. They are based on different computational variables such as charge controlled (i.e. transistors) or magnetic field controlled devices. But, all of them have three aspects in common: i) the manufacturing process is still not mature, so they have to deal with a high defect rate; ii) the high density expected from these new devices arise problems related to the design automation field; iii) currently no tools, specifically targeted for emerging devices, are available on the market that allow researchers to investigate these technologies. In fact, it is rather difficult to find a toolchain of existing software able to provide a complete design flow from nanodevice simulation to floorplanning, place and route, and nanoarchitecture simulation and evaluation, able to handle emerging devices related constraints. This manuscript focuses on the development of a CAD tool for nanotechnologies, named ToPoliNano. It has the ability, starting from the VHDL description of the circuit, to automatically generate the physical layout choosing a target nanotechnology. At the time of writing two technologies are supported: silicon nanorrays and in-plane NanoMagnetic Logic. After the layout phase, the user can simulate the circuit behavior with an integrated simulation engine. In this work, three beyond CMOS technologies are investigated and analyzed from an architectural point of view. The first one is based on silicon nanoarrays, the last two come from the Quantum dot Cellular Automata (QCA) family, the in-plane Nano Magnetic Logic (iNML) and the perpendicular Nano Magnetic Logic (pNML). The aim of this thesis is to analyze the layout constrains of these emerging technologies making an architectural exploration. The investigation and the benchmarking is enabled thanks to ToPoliNano, which has been enriched, during my PhD, of a place and route engine and a fault injection mechanism to verify circuits robustness. These features implementation will be discussed more in detail respectively in part 2 and 1. After a brief technological background provided in the introduction, the thesis is divided in three main parts dedicated to the three technologies analyzed: silicon nanoarray, iNML and pNML. In part 1 the high defect rate of silicon nanoarray technology is discussed and analyzed in order to find a method to design more reliable circuits. A new methodology has been developed and tested through our CAD tool ToPoliNano. Fault tolerant circuits have been tested injecting different fault maps and evaluating the output error rate and yield. In part 2, the main working structure of the layout engine and the layout constraints of iNML technology are introduced. In part 2, first the main working principle and the layout constrains are presented to the reader. Then, a detailed description of the design flow implemented in ToPoliNano will be presented. The place and route engine implemented in ToPoliNano will be analyzed and described in detail with examples. The algorithms are compared and results are provided in the last part of this section. In the last part, the pNML technology will be analyzed. In particular, this work has been done in collaboration with the Lehrstuhl für Technische Elektronik (LTE) institute at the Technical University of Munich (TUM). Here, after a brief introduction about the up to date fabrication process, some experimental data are presented in order to extract useful information for developing a drawing tool. The idea is to design a drawing tool that enables the final user to design 3D pNML based circuits. The tool should embed data collected from experiments and it should able to automatically export the VHDL file that described the drawn architecture. In this way, the behavior and the correctness of the circuit can be verified using Modelsim simulator from Mentor Graphics. However, this part of the thesis in currently under development. Thus, only an overview of the whole flow will be provided.

In the last decades, the main driving force behind the astonishing development of CMOS technology, was the transistor scaling process. The reduction of transistor sizes has granted a continuous boost in circuits performance. But now that the scaling process is reaching its physical limits, researchers are forcusing on new emerging technologies. Research on these new technologies is usually carried on using a traditional approach. Some studies concentrate on new devices without analyzing circuits based on them. Other studies analyze circuit architectures without considering devices characteristics and limitations. However, given that the nature of emerging technologies can be very different from CMOS, new research methodologies should be adopted. A clear link between device and architectural analysis is necessary to understand the true potential of the technology under study. The objective of this PhD thesis is the analysis of emerging technologies using an innovative methodology. Using complex and realistic circuits as benchmark, high level models are built incorporating low level device characteristics. This methodology strongly links device and architectural levels. The methodology was applied to two emerging technologies: NanoMagnet Logic (NML) and Nanoscale Application Specific Integrated Circuits (NASIC). A brief introduction of fundamental information on the two technologies is given in Chapter 1. The application of the methodology on NML technology is divided in two parts (Chapter 2): i) architecture-level timing and performance analysis and circuits optimization; (ii) area and power estimations using VHDL modeling. Starting from an exhaustive analysis of the effects and the consequences derived by the presence of loops in a complex NML sequential architecture, solutions have been proposed to address the problem of signal synchronization, and optimization techniques have been explored for performance maximization. Area and power estimations have been performed on multiple NML architectures in order to obtain a complete evaluation on the implementation of NanoMagnet Logic in comparison with the CMOS technology. Chapter 4 is dedicated to NASIC technology with basic principles described in Chapter 3. Basic computational blocks are implemented using a multilevel modeling approach. A detailed analysis of circuits' area and power estimations is obtained. Techniques to optimize the area of circuits at the cost of reduced throughput were also investigated. The research activity presented in this thesis highlights the development of an innovative methodology based on high-level models that embed information obtained from physical level simulations. By exploiting this methodology to different emerging technologies, such as NML and NASIC, it allows to eciently analyze circuits and therefore to bring architectural improvements.

Dans cette thèse, nous nous intéressons aux questions de l’hétérogénéité inobservée et des solutions en coin dans les modèles de choix d’assolements. Pour répondre à ces questions, nous nous appuyons sur un modèle de choix de production multicultures avec choix d’assolement de forme NMNL, dont nous proposons des extensions. Ces extensions conduisent à des problèmes spécifiques d’estimation, auxquels nous apportons des solutions. La question de l’hétérogénéité inobservée est traitée en considérant une spécification à paramètres aléatoires. Ceci nous permet de tenir compte des effets de l’hétérogénéité inobservée sur l’ensemble des paramètres du modèle. Nous montrons que les versions stochastiques de l’algorithme EM sont particulièrement adaptées pour estimer ce type de modèle.Nos résultats d’estimation et de simulation montrent que les agriculteurs réagissent de façon hétérogène aux incitations économiques et que ne pas tenir compte de cette hétérogénéité peut conduire à des effets simulés de politiques publique biaisés.Pour tenir compte des solutions en coin dans les choix d’assolement, nous proposons une modélisation basée sur les modèles à changement de régime endogène avec coûts fixes associés aux régimes. Contrairement aux approches basées sur des systèmes de régression censurées, notre modèle est cohérent d’un point de vue micro-économique. Nos résultats montrent que les coûts fixes associés aux régimes jouent un rôle important dans le choix des agriculteurs de produire ou non certaines cultures et qu’ils constituent, à court terme, un déterminant important des c
In this thesis, we are interested in questions of unobserved heterogeneity and corner solutions in acreage choice models. To answer these questions, we rely on a NMNL acreage share multi-crop models, of which we propose extensions. These extensions lead to specific estimation problems, to which we provide solutions.The question of unobserved heterogeneity is dealt with by considering a random parameter specification. This allows us to take into account the effects of the unobserved heterogeneity on all the parameters of the model. We show that the stochastic versions of the EM algorithm are particularly suitable for estimating this type of modelOur estimation and simulation results show that farmers react heterogeneously to economic incentives and that ignoring this heterogeneity can lead to biased simulated effects of public policies.In order to take account of the corner solutions in acreage choices, we propose modelling based on endogenous regime switching models with regime fixed costs. Unlike approaches based on censored regression systems, our model is “fully” consistent from a micro-economic viewpoint. Our results show that the regime fixed costs play an important role in farmers’ choice to produce or not some crops and they are, in the short term, an important determinant of acreage choices

High mass loss rates in evolved stars make them the major contributors to recycling processed material back into the interstellar medium. This mass loss creates large circumstellar shells, rich in molecular material. This dissertation presents millimeter and submillimeter studies of the end stages of low mass and high mass stars in order to probe their molecular content in more detail. In low mass stars, the molecular material is carried on into the planetary nebula (PN) stage. Observations of CS, HCO⁺, and CO in planetary nebulae (PNe) of various post-asymptotic giant branch ages have shown that molecular abundances in these objects do not significantly vary with age, as previously thought. More detailed observations of the slightly oxygen-rich PN NGC 6537 resulted in the detection of CN, HCN, HNC, CCH, CS, SO, H₂CO, HCO⁺ and N₂H⁺, as well as numerous ¹³C isotopologues. Observations of the middle-aged PN M2-48 showed the presence of CN, HCN, HNC, CS, SO, SO₂, SiO, HCO⁺, N₂H⁺, and several ¹³C isotopologues. These observations represent the first detections of CS, SO, SO₂, and SiO in any planetary nebula. The implications of these observations are discussed. A 1 mm spectral survey of the supergiant star NML Cygni has been carried out with the Arizona Radio Observatory Submillimeter Telescope resulting in the observation of 102 emission features arising from 17 different molecules and 4 unidentified features. The line profiles observed in this circumstellar shell are asymmetric and vary between different molecules, akin to what has been seen in another supergiant, VY Canis Majoris. The non-LTE radiative transfer code ESCAPADE has been used to model molecular abundances in the various asymmetric outflows of VY Canis Majoris, showing just how chemically and kinematically complex these supergiant circumstellar envelopes really are.

Projeto de Graduação apresentado à Universidade Fernando Pessoa como parte dos requisitos para obtenção do grau de Licenciado em Fisioterapia
Objectivo: Identificar quais as lesões músculo-esqueléticas mais prevalentes nos atletas de formação de voleibol correlacionando-a com diferentes variáveis antropométricas como o número de anos de prática de voleibol, o número de horas de treino semanal, a idade, a altura, o peso e o IMC (Índice de Massa Corporal) Metodologia: A população deste estudo foram atletas de formação de voleibol, sendo a amostra constituída por elementos das equipas masculinas de voleibol formação do Sporting Clube de Espinho. Foi utilizado um questionário de caracterização da amostra auto reportado e foi aplicado o Questionário Nórdico Músculo-Esquelético (QNM) para caracterização da prevalência de lesão anual, semanal, limitações funcionais anuais e intensidade da dor para nove diferentes regiões anatómicas. Resultados: As regiões em que os atletas apresentaram maior número de lesões, foram os joelhos (42,9%), punho/Mãos (28,6%) e tornozelos/pés (28,5%). Encontraram-se correlações positivas significativas moderadas entre a altura e as lesões anuais (ρ=0,438) e semanais (ρ=0,446) na região dos joelhos. Houve ainda uma correlação positiva moderada entre o número de lesões nos joelhos nos últimos sete dias e o número de horas de treino por semana (ρ=0,550). Conclusão: Este estudo permitiu concluir que existe uma prevalência elevada de lesões músculo-esqueléticas nos praticantes mais jovens de voleibol, sendo os joelhos a região mais afetada.
Objective: To identify which are the most prevalent musculoskeletal injuries in youth volleyball team players, correlating it with different anthropometric variables such as the number of years of volleyball practice, the number of weekly hours of training, age, height, weight, BMI ( Index of Body Mass) and dominant arm. Methodology: The sample used for this study, were all the elements of the youth male volleyball teams, from Sporting Clube de Espinho. For this investigation, a individual questionnaire was filled out and the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) was applied to know the annual prevalence of annual and weekly injury, annual functional limitations and pain intensity for nine different anatomical regions. Results: The areas where the athletes presented the highest number of injuries were the knees (42,9%), fist/hands (28,6%) and ankles/feet (28,5%). There were found moderate positive significant correlations between height and annual (ρ=0,438) and weekly (ρ=0,446) injuries in the knees. There was still another moderate correlation between knee injuries on the last seven days and the number of weekly hours of training (ρ=0,550). Conclusion: This study allowed me to conclude that there is a high prevalence of musculoskeletal injuries among the young players, with knees being the most affected body region.
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CMOS scaling is coming to an end due to limitations such as the increasing leakage current and minimum fabrication sizes achievable. Emerging technologies, that could replace CMOS in next years, are currently under investigation. These technologies will be able to process data at an extremely high operating frequency or with a remarkable reduction of consumed power. The ITRS report summarizes several possible technology solutions, among which carbon nano-tubes and graphene based devices, Quantum-dot Cellular Automata (QCA) and silicon nanowire based nanoarrays. Among these candidates, in this manuscript, the attention is focused on Quantum-dot Cellular Automata, and in particular to the Nano Magnetic Logic(NML) implementation since different studies envisage this technology as a promising alternative to CMOS. The Nano Magnetic Logic working principle is based on the interaction of field-coupled nanomagnets with typical dimension of 60nmx90nm or 50nmx100nm. Information are propagated through chains of these elementary devices according to their ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic interactions. With this technology, binary information can be encoded in the magnetization verse, indeed, thanks to their very small dimension only two stable states can be recognized: Logic 1 are stored with an up magnetization, while Logic 0 are stored with a down magnetization. The main characteristic of NML are: I) the non-volatility of stored information; II) it is immune to radiation noise and high-energy alpha particles; III) it is an interconnection-free technology; IV) there is the possibility to store logic functions and memory onto the same device and V) it can be easily integrated with CMOS technology. In order to study this technology CAD Tools are needed; this can be useful for architectural explorations and to have terms of comparison with traditional CMOS. The ToPoliNano CAD Tool presented in this manuscript represents the answer to these points, it is able to automatically generate and simulate layouts based on NML starting from and architectural VHDL description. In this scenario, the software implementation of a VHDL parser for the internal representation of circuits represent a key point which makes possible to perform all the operations and the optimizations needed to elaborate the final layout. Another important feature of this instrument is the possibility to verify the correctness of the logical behavior of an NML circuit, for this reason an ad-hoc simulation engine has been developed and validated through a huge number of benchmarks. Thanks to ToPoliNano a thorough study on NML architecture has been made. The main features of ToPoliNano are: I) It is flexible and able to handle different emerging technologies; II) It exploits the same top-down approach of CMOS Tools; III) It is able to generate automatically generate layouts; IV) It allows to verify the correctness of logical NML-based circuits thanks to its specifically tailored simulation engines; V) Since the NML technology is not yet settled we need new techniques to take into account faults derived from the manufacturing process. This thesis focuses therefore on NML logic keeping into account these technology presents also some limitations that can be overcome introducing two other NML implementation: Magneto Tunnel Junctions (MTJ) and perpendicular-NML (pNML) as possible alternative to the traditional in-plane NML (iNML) implementation. Indeed, generally, in iNML circuits, the external fields are made through the use of wires carrying current and placed below the magnetic circuits. This principle has as main drawback, in addition of having high consumption in terms of power, not to allow access to the single cell; in other words, it is not possible to write a particular logical value of a single magnet. This limitation has been overcome by MTJ since cells can be driven through three control signals. In fact, the MJT are often used in combination with the access transistor that allows realizing cycles of read / write of the cells. The third interesting implementation of NML is called perpendicular NML or pNML. The characteristic of this device, with respect to traditional in-plane implementation is the out-of-plane magnetization. In other words, perpendicular NML utilize the perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (PMA); exploiting this principle it is possible to store information depending on the verse of the magnetization. Indeed, exactly like it happened in-plane NML, only two stable states are possible: by convention, the up magnetization is considered as Logic 1 while the down magnetization represents the Logic 0. Here, with respect to the iNML case new features are introduced: I) The switching mechanism is tunable through the manufacturing process; II) The propagation direction of signals is controllable; III) Thanks to its intrinsic prosperities it can be used in 3D structures, exploiting this it is possible to obtain a remarkable area reduction; IV) There is no need of a multiphase clock mechanism to guarantee the information propagation. This unique external magnetic field leads to a remarkable reduction in term of power consumption and a significate simplification in the circuit design process. The methodology followed in this manuscript starts with a technological background of the three NML implementation considered: iNML, pNML and MTJ. Then, for each of them a behavioral model has been developed and then reused to design complex circuits and made architectural explorations. Any limitation identified in the design process has been handled creating specific design rules or trying to overcome them with alternative NML implementations. Moreover, for the iNML technology, a complete design flow has been designed and presented in this manuscript. In particular, the VHDL Parser, the logical (switch level) simulation engine and the LLG-based simulation engine (also with fault analysis tools) will be presented in the following sections.

En el desarrollo del fenómeno de la deuda soberana, la irrupción de los Holdouts o fondos buitres ha generado una catarsis jurídica, en la necesidad de poder limitar su accionar especulativo; en particular, cuando judicializan sus reclamos contra los Estados por el pago de sus acreencias adquiridas en el mercado secundario de la deuda. En este proceso, las sentencias favorables obtenidas por los Holdouts en los tribunales internos designados en los instrumentos de deuda como los créditos sindicados y/o bonos soberanos, en un primer momento, han sido objeto de atención por lo novedoso de la interpretación de algunas de las cláusulas insertas en estos contratos como es la cláusula pari passu. La presente investigación, a partir de la revisión de los casos Elliott vs Perú y NML Capital vs Argentina, muestra que más importante que las acreencias reconocidas a los Holdouts han resultado las facultades que gozan los mismos para poder bloquear las reestructuraciones de la deuda soberana concertadas entre los Estados y la mayoría de sus acreedores privados, conocidos como Holdins, bajo la supervisión del Fondo Monetario Internacional, trayendo consigo adicionalmente el problema del default soberano. En esta medida, se pretende sustentar que el principio de inmunidad soberana debe extenderse a los procesos de reestructuración de la deuda soberana, a fin de evitar que las demandas de los Holdouts interfieran el cumplimiento de los pagos que tienen a su cargo los Estados con los Holdins, afianzándose de este modo la estabilidad económica y financiera de los entes soberanos y de la Comunidad Internacional.
In the development of the phenomenon of sovereign debt, the irruption of Holdouts or vulture funds has generated a legal catharsis, in the need to be able to limit its speculative actions; in particular, when they prosecute their claims against the States for the payment of their debts acquired in the secondary market of the debt. In this process, the favorable judgments obtained by the Holdouts in the domestic courts designated in debt instruments such as syndicated loans and / or sovereign bonds, at first, have been the subject of attention because of the novelty of the interpretation of some of the the clauses inserted in these contracts such as the pari passu clause. The present investigation, from the review of the Elliott vs. Peru and NML Capital vs. Argentina cases, shows that more important than the credits recognized to the Holdouts have been the faculties enjoyed by the latter in order to block the restructuring of the sovereign debt celebrated between the States and most of its private creditors, known as Holdins, under the supervision of the International Monetary Fund, bringing with it additionally the problem of sovereign default. In this measure, it is intended to support the principle of sovereign immunity should be extended to the processes of sovereign debt restructuring, in order to avoid that the demands of the Holdouts interfere with the fulfillment of the payments that are held by the States with the Holdins, consolidating in this way the economic and financial stability of sovereign entities and the International Community.
Tesis

Dissertação de mestrado em Engenharia Industrial
As Lesões Musculoesqueléticas Relacionadas ao Trabalho (LMERT) estão cada vez mais presentes em todos os segmentos industriais. No Brasil foram registradas 13.240 deste tipo através de comunicado de acidente de trabalho, segundo o anuário estatístico de acidentes do trabalho de 2015. O Amazonas contribuiu com 3,7% dos casos. Sendo assim, o objetivo principal desse estudo foi analisar os riscos ergonômicos a que os trabalhadores de uma linha de montagem de condensadora, de uma empresa de ar condicionado do Polo Industrial de Manaus estão expostos, definindo prioridades de correção dos postos de trabalho e buscando soluções através de uma abordagem participativa. Para alcançar esses objetivos fez-se necessário a execução das etapas de análise dos riscos ergonômicos, através do método Occupational Repetitive Actions - OCRA nos postos de trabalho e a aplicação do Nordic Musculoeskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) com uso do coeficiente kappa para validar a concordância dos dados obtidos nos questionários aplicados. No resultado das análises ergonômicas, a linha de montagem de condensadoras apresentou dois postos de trabalho com classificação de risco violeta, com potencial de lesionar um número maior que 21,5% dos trabalhadores expostos a essas atividades com patologias de membros superiores e seis vermelhos (risco médio) de 10 – 21,5% a médio e longo prazo. Com isso conclui-se a necessidade de investimentos em projetos ergonômicos de linhas de produção, contemplando os aspectos físicos, cognitivos, psicossociais, além da estratégia de trabalho participativo para inclusão e aceitação das medidas propostas.
Work-related musculoskeletal diseases are increasingly present in all industrial segments. In Brazil, 13.240 of this type were registered through a work accident report, according to the statistical yearbook of occupational accidents of 2014. The Amazon contributed with 3.7% of the cases. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to analyze the ergonomic risks to which the workers are exposed in condenser assembly line, in an air conditioning company of the Manaus Industrial Pole, it defining priorities of correction of the jobs and seeking solutions through a participatory approach. In order to achieve these objectives, it was necessary to perform the steps of ergonomic risk analysis using the Occupational Repetitive Actions (OCRA) method and the application of the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ), using the kappa coefficient to validate the agreement obtained in the questionnaires applied. In the ergonomic analysis results, the condenser assembly line presented two workstation with a violet risk classification, with the potential to injure more than 21.5% of the workers exposed to these activities with upper limb and six red conditions (average risk) of 10 - 21.5% in the medium and long term. This concludes the need investments in ergonomic projects to production lines, contemplating the physical, cognitive, psychosocial aspects, as well as the participatory work strategy for inclusion and acceptance of the proposed measures.

Dissertação de Mestrado em Português Língua Não-Materna apresentada à Universidade Aberta
A presente investigação tem por base o estudo de um corpus linguístico – constituído por narrativas escritas por falantes de Língua Portuguesa (LP) da e na Guiné-Bissau –, no qual observamos variações quanto à referência nominal dos protagonistas, comparativamente ao Português Europeu (PE), verificando-se designadamente: a) a referência zero e a generalização dos artigos definidos; b) a ausência de artigos indefinidos e/ou a substituição do artigo indefinido pelo artigo definido. Concluímos que, se estas particularidades podem ser explicáveis como uma fase inerente ao processo de aquisição e aprendizagem de uma língua, são também explicáveis como um fenómeno inerente a uma variedade, em formação, do Português da Guiné-Bissau (PGB), à semelhança do que já foi verificado noutras variedades africanas da LP, como o Português de Moçambique (PM). A afirmação de variedades de uma língua, designadamente de um PGB, constitui, todavia, um dilema para muitos educadores e investigadores. Pois, para além de predominar um forte prestígio associado à variedade europeia do Português, há também um certo pragmatismo a justificar a inoperância face à inexistência de gramáticas de uma variedade do PGB. Neste sentido, propusemo-nos estudar um corpus linguístico do Português Língua Não Materna (PLNM) da Guiné-Bissau, integrando, conjuntamente, uma abordagem teórica e metodológica sobre o desenvolvimento da linguagem e aquisição/ aprendizagem de uma língua (ADL). Finalmente, refira-se também a aplicação de um questionário sociolinguístico, desenvolvido por nós, com vista à caracterização sociolinguística dos nossos informantes. A par da diversidade inerente à Língua Portuguesa na Guiné-Bissau, coloca-se, ainda, a questão da pluralidade linguística deste contexto, o que complexifica o cenário de opções, por exemplo, quanto a políticas de língua ou metodologias de ensino.
This research is based on the study of a linguistic corpus - consisting in narratives written by speakers of Portuguese Language (LP) from Guinea-Bissau – in which we observed variations in the nominal reference, compared to European Portuguese (EP), such as: a) the absence and the generalization of definite articles, b) the absence of indefinite articles and/or replacement of the indefinite article by the definite article. We conclude that if these features can be explained as an inherent phase in the process of acquiring and learning a language, they are also explained as an inherent phenomenon to a variation, in training, of the Portuguese in Guinea-Bissau (PGB), similar to that’s already been verified in other African variants of LP, as the Portuguese of Mozambique (PM). The assertion of language variants, namely PGB, however, represents a dilemma for many educators and researchers. For, in addition to overpower a strong prestige attached to the European Portuguese, there is also a certain pragmatism to justify inaction in the absence of a variant grammars PGB. In this sense, we decided to study a language corpus of Non-Maternal Portuguese Language (NMPL) of Guinea-Bissau, integrating along with a theoretical and methodological approach on language development and acquisition/ learning a language (ADL). Finally, also note the application of a sociolinguistic questionnaire, developed by us, for the sociolinguistic characterization of our informants. Along with the diversity inherent to the Portuguese in Guinea-Bissau, there is also the issue of multilingualism in this context, which complicates the scenario of options, for example, concerning the policy language or teaching methodologies.

Dissertação de mestrado em Engenharia Industrial
O setor dos transportes é fundamental para o desenvolvimento de um país. No entanto, os motoristas de transporte rodoviário são regularmente expostos não só aos perigos da estrada, mas também ao risco de desenvolvimento de LMERT, provocadas pelo facto de permanecerem sentados durante longos períodos de tempo, a par da movimentação/manipulação de cargas e do processo de atrelagem de reboques. As LMERT têm sido alvo de um interesse considerável devido ao seu alto custo económico e social. Ao longo dos anos, têm sido realizadas várias pesquisas com o intuito de identificar as principais razões que levam os camionistas a apresentarem inúmeras queixas no aparelho musculoesquelético. Deste modo, o presente trabalho tem como principal objetivo determinar a prevalência de sintomas musculoesqueléticos no PT de motoristas de pesados de mercadorias portugueses e relacionar essa prevalência com especificidades do PT. Para a identificação das referências essenciais para o desenvolvimento da metodologia e discussão dos resultados recorreu-se à metodologia PRISMA. Foi aplicado um questionário dividido em três secções fundamentais, Informações pessoais e gerais, Informações relacionadas com o trabalho e Análise dos sintomas musculoesqueléticos relacionados com o trabalho, através da aplicação do QNM. Recorreu-se ao programa de análise estatística IBS SPSS® v.22.0. para tratamento e análise dos dados. Assim, a presente amostra foi composta por 30 motoristas de pesados de mercadorias (n=30), do sexo masculino. Os resultados evidenciaram que esta classe trabalhadora apresenta maioritariamente excesso de peso, um estilo de vida pouco saudável e habilitações literárias ao nível do 6º ano de escolaridade. 96,7% dos motoristas reportam sintomatologia de dor ou desconforto em alguma região do corpo nos últimos 12 meses, dos quais 86,7% referem queixas na zona lombar. Em conclusão, devido às especificidades do PT de motorista de pesados de mercadorias que requer a exposição a vibrações, repetição ou manutenção prolongada de determinadas posições e movimentações, riscos associados à MMC, falta de atividade física e stress, estes trabalhadores encontram-se sujeitos ao desenvolvimento de LMERT, predominantemente na zona lombar, seguindo-se o pescoço e os ombros. Assim, recomenda-se a prática de exercício físico regular, a realização de pausas e a redução da torção do tronco durante a condução. Os assentos deverão ser regulados em função do peso do utilizador, apoio do assento ao nível das coxas e da altura do tronco.
The transport sector is of the greatest importance to the development of any country. However, road transport drivers are regularly exposed not only to road hazards but also to the risk of developing Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs), because they remain seated for long periods of time as well as due to the movement / handling of loads and to the process of coupling trailers. The MSDs have been the subject of considerable interest because of its high economic and social cost. Over the years, several researches have been carried out in order to identify the main reasons that cause truck drivers to present numerous complaints in the musculoskeletal system. In this way, the main objective of this work is to determine the prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms in the Portuguese truck drivers workplace and relate this prevalence with specifics of the workplace. The PRISMA methodology was used to identify major contributions to the development of the research methodology and to find comparable researches. A questionnaire divided in three fundamental sections: personal and general information, Information related to work and Analysis of work-related musculoskeletal symptoms through the application of Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) was applied. IBS SPSS® v.22.0. was used for data analysis and treatment. The sample was composed of 30 male drivers of heavy trucks (n=30). The results showed that this working class is mainly overweight, has an unhealthy lifestyle and literacy at level of the 6th grade. 96.7% of drivers reported symptoms of pain or discomfort in some regions of the body in the last 12 months, of which, 86.7% report complaints about the lower back pain. In conclusion, due to the specificities of the truck driver´s workplace which requires an exposure to vibration, repetition or prolonged maintenance of certain positions and movements, risks associated with manual material handling, lack of physical activity and stress, these workers are subject to the development of MSDs, predominantly in the area of lower back, followed by the neck and the shoulders. For this reason, it is recommended to practice regular physical exercise, pausing and reducing torso twisting while driving. The seats should be adjusted according to the weight of the user, seat support at the level of the thighs and the height of the trunk.

Dissertação de mestrado em Engenharia Humana
Os motoristas de longo curso que conduzem camiões estão expostos diariamente a vibrações de corpo inteiro (VCI). Permanecendo sentados grande parte do seu dia de trabalho, o presente trabalho avalia a exposição ocupacional às VCI de motoristas de camião e reporta a principal sintomatologia vivenciada por estes, tendo em conta as diferentes zonas do corpo humano. Assim, a presente amostra foi composta por 19 motoristas afetos ao transporte internacional de mercadorias distribuídos por 19 veículos, todos com a mesma tipologia. Depois de avaliadas todas as caraterísticas comuns entre eles, realizaram-se 11 testes às VCI, medidos sobre o assento do motorista. As avaliações foram protagonizadas num percurso simulando um contexto real de trabalho, impondo as mesmas condições para cada teste. Os resultados obtidos para a exposição ocupacional às VCI indicam que o eixo dos x é o eixo com maior nível de vibração para cada teste. Esta característica pode resultar do facto do circuito de teste realizado não ser livre de obstáculos. Os valores obtidos para o cálculo de av segundo a NP ISO 2631-1:2007, relativo a todos os veículos ensaiados, situam-se nas zonas de vigilância para a orientação da saúde [entre 0,747 m/s2 e 0,804 m/s2]. Relativamente ao cálculo de A(8), para 9 e/ou 10 horas de condução diária, [entre 0,52 m/s2 e 0,64 m/s2] [entre 0,55 m/s2 e 0,67 m/s2] respetivamente. Foi ainda calculado o A(8)semanal, para 56 horas de condução e os valores obtidos [entre 0,58 m/s2 e 0,71 m/s2], indicam que todos os testes situam-se entre o VAE e o VLE. Os resultados referentes ao Questionário Nórdico Musculosquelético (QNM) indicam que a zona corporal com maior sintomatologia vivenciada nos últimos 12 meses é a coluna lombar com 94,7% dos reportes, em concordância com a literatura consultada. A correlação de Spearman evidencia associação entre eixo x e as variáveis comando do assento (p=0,021), suspensão da cabine (p=0,000), suspensão do chassis (p=0,001), idade (p=0,003) e quilómetros (p=0,002). Para o eixo z verificaram-se associações com as variáveis comando do assento (p=0,000), suspensão da cabine (p=0,000), idade (p=0,000) e quilómetros (p=0,000). Os resultados sugerem a implementação de medidas preventivas nomeadamente a aquisição de assentos ativos, bem como a limitação da duração da exposição ocupacional às VCI, através da redução do número de horas de condução diárias.
Long-haul truck drivers are daily exposed to Whole Body Vibration (WBV). This study aimed to evaluate the occupational exposure to WBV experienced by truck drivers while sitting for most of their workday and the main symptoms reported of that exposure, considering the different areas of the human body. The sample consisted of 19 drivers of international transport of goods, distributed over 19 vehicles, all of which with the same typology. After evaluating all the common features between them, 11 WBV exposure levels were measured for the driver’s seat. The evaluations were carried out in a test course simulating a real working context, imposing the same conditions for every test. The WBV exposure levels indicate that the x-axis is the most predominant axis for every truck. This can partially result from the fact that the test circuit was not free of obstacles. The aw values, calculated according to NP ISO 2631-1: 2007, for all tests, fall in the health surveillance zone [from 0,747 m/s2 to 0,804 m/s2]. The calculation of A(8), for 9 or 10 hours daily driving, [from 0,52 m/s2 to 0,64 m/s2] [from 0,55 m/s2 to 0,67 m/s2] respectively, and the A(8)weekly, for 56 hours driving [from 0,58 m/s2 to 0,71 m/s2], fall between the EAV (exposure action value) and the ELV (exposure limit value). The Musculoskeletal Nordic Questionnaire (NMQ) results indicate that the body zone with the highest reported symptoms in the last 12 months was the lumbar spine with 94.7% of the reports, in agreement with the literature reviewed. Spearman correlation tests show association between x-axis and the variables seat command (p = 0.021), cabin suspension (p = 0.000), chassis suspension (p = 0.001), age (p = 0.003) and kilometers (p = 0.002). For the z axis there were associations with the variables seat command (p = 0.000), cabin suspension (p = 0.000), age (p = 0.000) and kilometers (p = 0.000). These results suggest the implementation of preventive measures namely the acquisition of active seats, as well as limiting the duration of occupational exposure to WBV by reducing the number of daily driving hours.

Thesis title: Work related musculoskeletal disorders in professional ballet dancers Objective: The high demands of the ballet dancers' profession are reflected especially within the individual dancer's musculoskeletal body system which is repeatedly exposed to a physical load that is specific for classical dance. The objective of this thesis is to find out what are the work related musculoskeletal disorders ("WRMD") in dancers who work in the Czech Republic, what risk factors prevail and which preventive strategies are applied to avoid the occurrence of WRMD. Methods: The stated objective was achieved by means of a questionnaire survey, during which randomly selected women/young adults with vocational training in ballet who are/were professional ballet dancers voluntarily filled in a questionnaire. In total, 56 ballet dancers within the region of the Czech Republic took part in this survey. The questionnaire consisted of open and closed questions and its conception was based on the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire ("NMQ"), with selected questions adapted to the specifics of the ballet profession. The first part of the questionnaire consisted of questions related to sociodemographic data, the next part aimed to gather data on the musculoskeletal disorders suffered and preventive strategies...

As lesões músculo-esqueléticas são patologias que afetam cada vez mais pessoas, estas podem ser causadas ou agravadas pelo trabalho. No setor florestal não existem muitos estudos que contemplem as várias tarefas que os operadores florestais realizam, por isso ser importante este estudo. Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o risco de desenvolvimento de lesões músculo-esqueléticas associado às tarefas realizadas pelos operadores florestais, para isto a recolha de dados foi feita através de observações livres e de questionários aos operadores. Para realizar a avaliação de riscos utilizou-se um método de matrizes desenvolvido pela Direção geral das relações laborais da Catalunha. Para testar a existência de associação entre as variáveis (sociodemográficas e de trabalho) e a presença de dor nas várias regiões corporais, recorreu-se ao teste de independência do Qui-Quadrado e ao Cramer’s V. As regiões com mais queixas foram o punho direito (53%) e a zona lombar (42%), sendo as queixas maioritariamente classificadas com uma intensidade moderada e uma frequência superior a 4 vezes/ano. Os resultados da avaliação de riscos evidenciaram, para muitas das tarefas, um nível grave sugerindo a necessidade de se realizarem alterações. Globalmente não se encontraram associações estatisticamente significativas (p>0,05); das poucas associações encontradas, estas revelaram uma intensidade entre o moderado e o forte.
Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are injuries that affects more and more people, these injuries can be caused or aggravated by the work. In the forest sector there are not many studies that contemplate the various tasks that forest operators perform, that's why it's so important do this study. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders associated with the tasks performed by forest operators. Data collection was done through free observations and using questionnaires, specifically developed for this purpose. A matrix method, developed by Direção geral das relações laborais de Catalunha, was the method used to quantify the risk associated to MSDs development. The Chi-square test and Cramer’s V coeficiente were used to assess associations between variables (demographic and work-related characteristics) and the prevalence of complains in each body region assessed. The main regions affected were the right wrist (53%) and lower back (42%), which are in accordance with the results reported by other studies. The majority of complaints were classified with a moderate intensity and a frequency more than 4 times a year. The results of the risk assessment revealed, for many of the tasks, a serious level suggesting the need to make changes. In general, there were no statistically significant differences (p> 0.05). However, of the few cases found, Cramer’s V test revealed moderate and strong associations (> 0.60).

A tese está em acesso fechado para cumprir o prazo de 60 dias (obrigatório fazer o depósito neste período) mas a mestranda não prencheu a parte do documento que nos permite colocar o acesso aberto/ou fechado. Por isso aguardamos contato da mestranda.
Este trabalho teve por objetivo a realização de uma análise ergonómica ao trabalho realizado nos Viveiros de uma Câmara Municipal com particular ênfase na avaliação do risco de desenvolvimento das LMERT. Para avaliação do risco de LMERT recorreu-se a dois métodos: REBA (Rapid Entire Body Assessment) e QEC (Quick Exposure Check). A existência de associação entre as variáveis (sociodemográficas e do trabalho) e a presença de dor (por região corporal) foi testada com recurso ao teste exato de independência do Qui-quadrado. Para comparar os resultados obtidos por método e por tarefa recorreu-se aos testes não paramétricos de Wilcoxon e Kruskal-Wallis, respetivamente. Onze tarefas foram analisadas e avaliadas com ambos métodos. Considerando a auto-referenciação de queixas, foram destacadas cinco regiões coporais. Tendo em conta os resultados REBA e QEC, o risco para o desenvolvimento de LME está presente em todas as tarefas (Nível de risco ≥2). Em geral não se encontraram diferenças estatisticamente significativas entre os resultados alcançados por ambos os métodos contudo, uma sobrestimação foi obtida em 45% e 25% dos casos avaliados com o REBA e QEC, respetivamente.
An Ergonomic Work Analysis was accomplished at plant nurseries of a Portuguese Municipality aiming at assessing the actual working conditions and the complaints presented by the workers; characterizing each task in terms of the associated MSD development risk and proposing preventive measures. MSD developing risk assessment relied on two methods: Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) and Quick Exposure Check (QEC). The Chi-square test was used to assess associations between variables (demographic/work-related characteristics) and reported MSD symptoms. To compare REBA and QEC results the non-parametric Wilcoxon test was used whereas to compare the tasks risk level the non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis test was used. Eleven tasks were analyzed and assessed with the both methods. Considering the self-reported complaints, five body region, with the highest percentage of complaints, were highlighted. Globally, considering the REBA and QEC results, the risk for the development of MSDs is present in all tasks (Risk Level ≥ 2). Despite these results, in general there were no statistically significant differences between the results obtain by both methods. Overestimation was obtained in 45% and 25% of the cases assessed with REBA and QEC, respectively.