Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Return Potential'

This thesis investigates the potential for return migrants to have an impact on development in the small-state case of Guyana, relative to the non-migrant population. To do this in a fairly comprehensive manner, three specific questions are posed. Firstly, what are the differences among return migrants, non-returning migrants, and non-migrants? Secondly, what are the determinants of return migration to Guyana? And thirdly, what are the potential consequences of return migration to Guyana? The first question allows for an understanding of critical differences among return migrants, non-returning migrants, and non-migrants. This provides information on where, potentially, return migrants show important differences relative to the other groups, and if those differences observed would be useful for development in Guyana. Further, I explore the sustainability of return migration through the concept of mixed embeddedness, looking into the influences of return migrants' desire for re-emigration. Hence, answering the first question is an early signal of where, potentially, return migrants demonstrate attributes that arguably are useful for development in the origin country. In answering the second question, an insight is provided into what determines return. In particular, determinants of return take on a more real-world context, factoring a key eligibility of policy – that of duration of time spent abroad. Lastly, given the multidimensional link between migration and development, the final question tries to understand what the actual nexus between return migration and development is for the case of Guyana. Especially, I explore the direct and indirect impact of return migration, whether return migrants are likely to be of more use in development over non-migrants, and the measurable indicators of this nexus for Guyana. To facilitate the analysis, the thesis first justifies why it is useful to revisit return migration as a potentially useful impetus for development. Here is where the small state case is presented as still valid. It then delves into the relevance of return migration and development linkages for the particular case of Guyana. In the process, it reveals why Guyana is an interesting case, contextualizing the theoretical perspectives that help to rationalize the general arguments, for and against, why individuals leave and some return. The account then notes, where data are available, existing policy practices in some small states as they relate to how governments demonstrate an interest in return migration as useful for origin-state development. The above summarizes the content of chapters 1 and 2. Chapter 3 explains in detail the mixed-method approach used to collect the qualitative and quantitative data required to develop the critical arguments and research results presented in chapters 4, 5, and 6. A two-stage stratified sampling approach with disproportionate fractions was used to collect data on 451 return migrants and 528 non-migrants. This data was pooled with 210 non-returning migrants captured in an online survey using an ethno-survey framework. Additionally, qualitative interviews with representatives of several local institutions with responsibility for return migration policy, data, and concessions delivery were conducted to support the quantitative framework. Notwithstanding the fairly large sample size, the return migration and development story told in this thesis not only dwells on averages, but also on individual reflections of return contained in the data. For the analysis, a mix of standard and novel approaches is utilized. The transnationalism approach, which recognizes the current characterization of the fluidity of migration, combined with the capabilities approach to migration and development, enables a general view on how the nexus is manifested in development outcomes at the individual level. These are the main reference points adapted to guide the conversation on determinants and consequences respectively. Techniques employed for the analysis of determinants and consequences are survival analysis and exploratory factor analysis, including the OLS and Ordered Probit models. The sample demonstrated that return migrants were different on personal and socioeconomic attributes. Migrants returned mainly from countries within the CARICOM region rather than from those further away such as the North America and Other International areas. Return migrants have a tendency to remit prior to returning, even acquiring personal assets before, which can be linked to their duration spent abroad and their host location. On returning, returnees in the sample differed from non-migrants, especially in the areas of educational attainment and current earnings in terms of monthly household income. International migration in terms of the level of development at the host location is an imperative. Return migrants' exposure and enhanced capacity are potentially useful for development. But, the jury is still out on whether this is harnessed to fill development gaps in the origin country Guyana. Nevertheless, returnees can be viewed as ‘elites' which puts this group among those most equipped to (re)-emigrate. Hence, desires for re-emigration are vested not only in the institutional and structural stressors, but also reflect individual attributes of return migrants. Return migration thus does not necessarily complete the migration cycle. Return, demonstrated in the sample mostly by those in the CARICOM region, has been subjected to a number of personal characteristics – migration status among other reasons. Structural factors have not been captured well to reflect the differences in the host countries to that of origin, but something is definitely happening at host locations that engenders the agency of returnees. Capabilities and achievements of migrants returning are indicative of systems and structures at the host locations. Even in the presence of heterogeneity among returnees, return migrants seem to have a positive impact on development in Guyana relative to non-migrants. Returning was also importantly a function the migrant's position/membership in the household at origin, as social attachments inclined them to return. But their contribution on return correlates with the duration spent abroad; the longer time giving migrants better opportunities to prepare, remit, and acquire local assets in some cases. The signal given, therefore, is that, while returnees seem positively related to local development through their human capital, there is no guarantee that they will be contributing to local development if the policy is not designed to extract necessary obligations. While return might be interpreted as success in some cases, migrants juxtapose economic and noneconomic factors in navigating return and re-emigration. As it already obtains, if migrants do not return some still remit which can also contribute to the development of Guyana. This happens if diaspora policy and thoughts of returning are engendered by the non-returning migrant. Transnational ties help to reinforce such thoughts. Notwithstanding, the transnational approach alone cannot explain the many contexts of migration and return. Such would require multiple contextual approaches. The relationships of the consequences of return migration for development in Guyana has been reflected in the extraction of 13 observable indicators. The variables give ideas into the relationship of return and development, that is to say the capabilities and achievements of returnees as compared to non-migrants. But return migrants' achievements, even when this is above that of non-migrants, does not guarantee inputs to wider local development in the presence of structural rigidities. In fact, during the period of exchange rate and foreign exchange restrictions, non-returning migrants could not remit formally, intending migrants could not get access to passports at will, inter alia. The result was a massive underground economy as a coping strategy under import substitution development. Notwithstanding, in the presence of liberal policies and transnationalism, at minimum, migration does do something positive for the migrants and/or the households from which they originate, even if the models used in this thesis exaggerate these outcomes.

The recent wave of Syrian refugees’ spontaneous return to conflict areas in Syria is not a new phenomenon, various cases of return to areas that do not meet safety and security standards has happened in cases like Somali refugees returning from Kenya or Angolan refugees returning from Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo. However, the Syrian case is important to study in order to examine any new patterns or elements in refugee returns that could arise or could be unpacked. This study examines Syrian refugees’ spontaneous returns, to what is considered by the international community as unsafe Syria and discusses the reasons for return that were provided by refugees returning currently and refugees who answer the question of return. The study finds that the notion of “home” and “homeland” are amongst the most influential when it comes to the decision to return coupled with push factors like livelihood issues and discrimination in host countries, in addition to pull factors from country of origin like amnesty regarding military conscription. The study finds that refugees not returning do so due to starting a new life, not having guarantees of safety and having lost everything in their home country. The study confirms King’s (2000) argument regarding home country pull factors having a bigger influence in impacting refugee returns. This study uses discourse analysis as a method using the proposed framework of Teun A. van Dijk’s (1985, 2011), the primary data source are interviews by Syrian refugees on YouTube in the Arabic Language. YouTube was chosen due to the role it played throughout the Syrian uprising in providing news to Syrians. The analysis of the data will use a four-dimensional framework which dissects push and pull factors, then examines them through the transnational and diaspora theories for refugee returns and has the place-identity theory as an overall starting point. The study concludes by recommending the international community pays more attention to the psychological factors from the home country so interventions and programmes of return make sure refugees are safe, protected and not falsely lured into return.

This research investigates the drivers that pushed Returned Non Resident Indians(RNRIs) to come back to their homeland and their potential contribution, through the knowledgeand competences acquired by studying and working abroad, to the Firms that hire them.We used a qualitative method pursued through semi-structured non-standardized interviews withexperts of the topic and RNRIs. Furthermore, in order to have better insights, we looked at thebackground of the top management of 8 top IT Indian companies and at newspaper coverage.It resulted that RNRIs come back mainly to be closer to their families and because of a combinationof economic decline in the West and booming economy in India, thus leading to a better lifestyle.Moreover, we found indication of the contribution presented to Firms’ by knowledge and skills andgained interesting insights on the future trends of the Diaspora.However, our findings cannot be considered as conclusive, due to the small size of the sample wehad access to. The research topic needs further research.

Regulated deficit irrigation (RDI) is the strategy of reducing irrigation rates during a specific period of growth and development, with the objective of conserving water and managing plant growth while maintaining or improving yield and fruit quality. Mature tart cherry (Prunus cerasus L. 'Montmorency') trees in a commercial orchard were subjected to a range of irrigation deficits from pit hardening to harvest during the 2007 and 2008 seasons. Irrigation treatments replaced from 62% to 96% of ETc, during that period. Midday stem water potential measurements were significantly different among treatments before harvest. However, fresh weight yield at harvest did not differ significantly among irrigation treatments in either year (P-value=0.64). In 2008 the amount of undersized fruit eliminated during packout was significantly higher in the treatments replacing 61% and 68% of ETc than in the control (P-value<0.0001), but only amounted to 2.0% and 1.4% of total yields, respectively. This small increase in undersized fruit did not significantly affect packout. Fruit quality measurements, such as soluble solids concentration and chroma of whole intact fruit, increased with the severity of the irrigation deficit. Visible surface bark damage from mechanical harvesting appeared less severe as deficit levels increased. Return bloom was not significantly affected by irrigation treatments.

Investing in commodities may have important benefits for investors but only in the last few decades have they started to think more about this possibility. Furthermore, large investors are more inclined to change their own personal view. Therefore, understanding the benefits that commodities could give to an investment portfolio might alleviate investors’ concerns. Several previous studies, as Belousova and Dorfleitner (2012) suggest, that the commodities with higher benefits are precious metals and gold, in particular. The purpose of our work is to understand which possible benefits are for equity investors and if they are common for certain commodities with different physical characteristics. The first part of our empirical work focuses on the main descriptive statistics of the return distribution (mean, variance, volatility, skewness, kurtosis and correlation) for 8 stock indices and 7 commodity futures. The main goal of this is to understand the differences among the commodities and between the commodities and the stock indices. In the second part of the empirical work, we test the safe-haven and the hedge properties of these commodities on a weekly basis for all of them with stock indices, and we do the same on a daily and monthly basis for only commodities which are negatively correlated on average with the stock indices. In the last part of our work, we combine these 7 commodities, following the principles of Bloomberg Commodity Index (BCOM), in order to create a well-balanced and well-diversified commodity index. Additionally, we create some mixed portfolios using this index and a different stock index every time. After that we look at the volatilities and the returns of these mixed portfolios with different weight combinations. Our main goals in this section are to understand the characteristics of the commodity index in comparison with stock indices and then, finding which weight combinations give the mixed portfolios the optimal risk-return trade off. Understanding which are efficient weights, can lead to conclusions about the weight that commodities should have in a portfolio according to the risk tolerance of the investors.  The research is done considering three time frequencies: daily, weekly and monthly; in line with the ones used by Baur and McDermott (2010). The sample size differs among these three different time basis. In fact, daily data started in January 2007 and the other two time frequencies data began with January 1997. All the time samples ended in March 2016. The results of the first part show that gold is the only commodity with a volatility similar to the stock indices (it also has a higher average return) and that on the daily, weekly and monthly basis. Whereas, the other commodities are much riskier than stock indices since they have higher volatility for all the three time-frequencies analyzed.  The results of the second part suggest that only gold is both a safe-haven and hedging commodity in line with the methodology used by Baur and McDermott (2010), but only for DAX 30 on a weekly basis. Furthermore, our results also show that natural gas is strong hedge in some cases such as natural gas for STI (Singapore) on a monthly basis or gold for Nikkei 225 on daily, weekly and monthly basis. Other commodities are neither safe-haven nor hedge in any case, except for silver which is a safe-haven commodity for DAX 30 and Sensex which at its worst, 1% and 5%, declines in the market respectively. The results of the last part of our work show that all the minimum variance mixed portfolios (the ones with the weights give the lowest risk) - made on a weekly basis - reduce the portfolio volatility and make the portfolio returns higher than the stock indices returns in 5 cases out of 8. Additionally, the results show how investors, who add a well-balanced and well-diversified commodity index to their portfolios, are able to observe several weight combinations and choose the one which suits their risk tolerance. Moreover, our results show that the optimal-weight combinations for commodity weights are lower than 0,5 only for FTSE 100 and S&amp;P 500 (both values are 0,49) and higher than 0,62 but lower than 0,7 for DAX 30, Nikkei 225, Hang Seng, Sensex, SSEC. Furthermore, the optimal weight for STI is 0,54.

Abstract Most of the steel produced in the world is based on the integrated blast furnace-converter route, which is based on the use of virgin raw materials. Large amounts of fossil-based, carbon containing reductants are used in blast furnaces, which results in carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere. Fossil carbon dioxide emissions from steel production can be reduced by new technologies or moving from non-renewable to renewable energy sources. Biomass-based reductants could be one way to reduce the specific emissions from blast furnace-based steel production. The aim of this thesis was to examine the techno-economic and CO₂ mitigation potentials of using bioreducers in blast furnace ironmaking. Bioreducer feasibility was analyzed in the Finnish context, but the research methods used can be applied more widely. The metallurgical properties of bioreducers were evaluated and compared to fossil-based reductants. The impact of bioreducers on blast furnace behavior and on other steel plant processes was evaluated, with an emphasis on the reductions achieved in CO₂ emissions at the plant scale. The CO₂ emissions, energy consumption and production costs of bioreducers were evaluated, as was the availability of energy wood for bioreducer production. The results show that solid, liquid and gaseous bioreducers can be produced with thermochemical conversion technologies. However, their suitability for blast furnace use varies greatly. The highest substitution of fossil-based reductants in a blast furnace is achieved with charcoal injection. The carbon footprint of torrefied wood, charcoal and Bio-SNG is moderate compared to fossil-based reducing agents and their production is energetically feasible. The economic feasibility of bioreducers is currently weak in comparison to fossil-based reducing agents, but competitive when compared to other CO₂ emission reduction measures such as carbon capture and storage. The biomass availability assessment revealed that sufficient amount of energy wood could be available for bioreducer production in the areas where Finnish steel plants are situated. The feasibility of bioreducer production could be improved by producing a number of products from the biomass and taking advantage of the process of integration possibilities<br>Tiivistelmä Suurin osa maailmassa tuotetusta teräksestä valmistetaan integroidulla masuuni-konvertteri reitillä, joka perustuu neitseellisten raaka-aineiden käyttöön. Masuuniprosessissa käytetään suuri määrä fossiilisia, lähinnä hiilipohjaisia pelkistimiä, jotka aiheuttavat hiilidioksidipäästöjä ilmakehään. Fossiilisia hiilidioksidipäästöjä voidaan teräksenvalmistuksessa vähentää uusilla teknologioilla tai siirtymällä uusiutumattomista energialähteistä uusiutuviin. Biomassasta valmistetut pelkistimet voisivat olla yksi mahdollinen keino alentaa masuunipohjaisen teräksenvalmistuksen ominaispäästöjä. Tämän työn tavoitteena oli tarkastella biopelkistimien käytön teknistaloudellista potentiaalia masuunikäytössä ja aikaansaatavia hiilidioksidipäästövähenemiä eri systeemirajauksilla. Työssä keskityttiin tarkastelemaan biopelkistimien hyödynnettävyyttä lähinnä Suomen tasolla, vaikka käytetyt tutkimusmetodit ovat sovellettavissa myös laajemmin. Työssä arvioitiin biopelkistimien metallurgisia ominaisuuksia, niiden vaikutusta masuuniprosessiin ja laajemmin muihin terästehtaan prosesseihin, pääpainon ollessa saavutettavan CO₂ päästövähenemän tarkastelussa. Työssä tarkasteltiin biopelkistimien valmistuksen CO₂ päästöjä, energiankulutusta ja tuotantokustannuksia sekä energiapuun saatavuutta biopelkistimien tuotantoon. Tulokset osoittavat, että biomassasta voidaan valmistaa kiinteitä, nestemäisiä ja kaasumaisia pelkistimiä termokemiallisilla konversioteknologioilla, joiden soveltuvuus masuunikäyttöön vaihtelee suuresti. Masuuniprosessissa suurin fossiilisten pelkistimien korvaavuus saavutetaan käyttämällä puuhiili-injektiota. Torrefioidun puun, puuhiilen ja Bio-SNG:n hiilijalanjälki on varsin maltillinen verrattuna fossiilisiin pelkistimiin ja niiden tuotanto on energeettisesti järkevää. Biopelkistimien taloudellinen kannattavuus verrattuna fossiilisiin pelkistimiin on tällä hetkellä heikko, mutta kilpailukykyinen verrattuna muihin CO₂ päästöjen vähennyskeinoihin, kuten hiilidioksidin talteenottoon ja -varastointiin. Energiapuun saatavuus biopelkistimien valmistukseen on suurin alueilla, jotka sijaitsevat lähellä Suomen terästehtaita. Biopelkistimien tuotannon kannattavuutta voitaisiin parantaa tuottamalla useita tuotteita ja hyödyntämällä prosessi-integraatiota

This study aimed at evaluating and demonstrating the feasibility of using Concentrated Solar Thermal technology combined with biomass energy technology as a hybrid renewable energy system to supply the process heat requirements in small scale industries in Sri Lanka. Particularly, the focus was to apply the concept to the expanding hotel industry, for covering the thermal energy demand of a medium scale hotel. Solar modules utilize the rooftop area of the building to a valuable application. Linear Fresnel type of solar concentrator is selected considering the requirement of the application and the simplicity of fabrication and installation compared to other technologies. Subsequently, a wood-fired boiler is deployed as the steam generator as well as the balancing power source to recover the effects due to the seasonal variations in solar energy. Bioenergy, so far being the largest primary energy supply in the country, has a good potential for further growth in industrial applications like small hotels.  When a hotel with about 200-guests capacity and annual average occupancy of 65% is considered, the total annual CO2 saving is accounted as 207 tons compared with an entirely fossil fuel (diesel) fired boiler system. The annual operational cost saving is around $ 40,000 and the simple payback period is within 3-4 years. The proposed hybrid system can generate additional 26 employment opportunities in the proximity of the site location area.   This solar-biomass hybrid concept mitigates the weaknesses associated with these renewable technologies when employed separately. The system has been designed in such a way that the total heat demand of hot water and process steam supply is managed by renewable energy alone. It is thus a self-sustainable, non-conventional, renewable energy system. This concept can be stretched to other critical medium temperature applications like for example absorption refrigeration. The system is applicable to many other industries in the country where space requirement is available, solar irradiance is rich and a solid biomass supply is assured.

Submitted by EDER FONZAR GRANATO null (eder1962granato@gmail.com) on 2016-07-18T15:30:51Z No. of bitstreams: 1 TESE EDER FONZAR GRANATO 1962 com ficha.pdf: 2663771 bytes, checksum: 91f29e8fd5aa752f16fc4d9ab7721195 (MD5)<br>Approved for entry into archive by Ana Paula Grisoto (grisotoana@reitoria.unesp.br) on 2016-07-19T20:46:25Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 granato_ef_dr_bot.pdf: 2663771 bytes, checksum: 91f29e8fd5aa752f16fc4d9ab7721195 (MD5)<br>Made available in DSpace on 2016-07-19T20:46:25Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 granato_ef_dr_bot.pdf: 2663771 bytes, checksum: 91f29e8fd5aa752f16fc4d9ab7721195 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2016-05-25<br>O Brasil produz anualmente 30 bilhões de litros de etanol de cana de açúcar com previsão do Ministério de Minas e Energia de atingir 36 bilhões de litros em 2024. A vinhaça é o resíduo líquido, rico em potássio e matéria orgânica que resulta da destilação do etanol, na proporção de 10 a 15 litros de vinhaça para cada litro de etanol. Disposto indevidamente, pode trazer sérios riscos para o ambiente devido ao alto potencial poluidor. Os estados de São Paulo, Paraná e Mato Grosso do Sul, possuem normas específicas sobre disposição desse resíduo, mas não atingem por completo o objetivo de controlar e mitigar os problemas, pois a disposição final da vinhaça se resume unicamente na fertirrigação sem qualquer outro tratamento. No presente trabalho, realizado no Laboratório de Biomassa do Departamento de Engenharia Rural da Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias da UNESP de Jaboticabal, analisou-se a biodigestão anaeróbia da vinhaça, caracterizando-se a produção de biogás e a redução do potencial poluidor. Para tanto, foram efetuados estudos de viabilidade técnica da biodigestão anaeróbia da vinhaça analisando os parâmetros: neutralização do pH da vinhaça, utilização do reciclo e estabilização da temperatura da vinhaça. Para os três parâmetros citados foram registrados e analisados dados referentes a: produção de biogás (m3), composição do biogás (% de CH4 e CO2) e redução do potencial poluidor da vinhaça após biodigestão anaeróbia (DQO). No que diz respeito a produção do biogás, os resultados considerados relevantes foram na correção do pH (aumento de 97,5%) e no aquecimento do afluente (aumento de 79%). Em relação a composição do biogás, obteve-se, aumento de 9% de metano redução de 3,6% de dióxido de carbono quando se aquece o afluente. Quando se utiliza reciclo a redução de DQO aumentou em 50% e o aquecimento do afluente permitiu aumentou a redução em 62%, demonstrando a viabilidade técnica do presente estudo. Para se determinar a viabilidade econômica foram efetuados estudos referentes a: Demonstração do Fluxo de Caixa, Valor Presente Liquido, Taxa Interna de Retorno e Payback Descontado. Em relação ao Valor Presente Liquido, o resultado obtido foi de R$ 2.179.331,76, maior que zero. A Taxa Interna de Retorno foi de 8%, maior que 7,5% (Taxa Atrativa Mínima). O retorno do investimento pelo cálculo do Payback Descontado será em 5,54 anos, provando assim que o projeto é viável economicamente.<br>The Brazil annually produces 30 billion liters of ethanol from sugar cane with the Ministry of Mines and Energy forecast to reach 36 billion liters in 2024. The stillage is the liquid waste, rich in potassium and organic matter resulting from the distillation of ethanol in the proportion of 10 to 15 liters of vinasse per liter of ethanol. Willing improperly, can pose serious risks to the environment due to the high pollution potential. The states of São Paulo, Paraná and Mato Grosso do Sul, have specific rules on disposal of this waste, but do not reach completely in order to control and mitigate the problems because the final disposal of vinasse comes down solely in fertigation without any other treatment . In this study, conducted at the Laboratory of Biomass Department of Rural Engineering of the Faculty of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences of Jaboticabal UNESP, analyzed the anaerobic digestion of vinasse, characterizing the production of biogas and reduce the pollution potential. Therefore, technical feasibility studies of anaerobic digestion of vinasse were made by analyzing the parameters: pH neutralization of vinasse, use of recycling and stabilization of vinasse temperature. For the three mentioned parameters were recorded and analyzed data for: biogas production (m3), biogas composition (% CH4 and CO2) and reduced pollution potential of vinasse after anaerobic digestion (COD). As regards the production of biogas, the results were considered significant at pH correction (increase of 97.5%) and heating the influent (79% increase). For biogas composition was obtained, an increase of 9% methane 3.6% reduction of carbon dioxide when heated affluent. When COD reduction using recycled increased by 50% and heating affluent allowed increased the reduction by 62%, demonstrating the technical feasibility of this study. To determine the economic feasibility studies were made regarding: Cash Flow Statement, Net Present Value, Internal Rate of Return and Discounted Payback. Regarding the Net Present Value, the result was of R$ 2,179,331.76, greater than zero. The internal rate of return was 8%, higher than 7.5% (rate Attractive Minimum). The return on investment by calculating the Discounted Payback will be 5.54 years, thus proving that the project is economically viable.

The shift from product-based to knowledge economies has resulted in an excess demand for skilled workers and created a global ‘war’ for talent. In order to retain talents, organizations need to meet their expectations. The new generation to enter the workforce, namely the millennial generation have very explicit demands, for leadership development in particular. These demands create challenges for companies, especially smaller organizations with limited resources. The development of new leadership talents is indeed one of the main impediments to growth today, as current leaders are retiring at accelerating rates. This qualitative study explores how medium-sized organizations (MSOs) in Sweden employ talent management as a succession-planning tool to retain Millennial talents, using an abduc- tive research approach. Through eleven semi-structured interview, the authors have gained an in-depth understanding of how managers in MSOs reason about succession planning and talent management as a mean to retain millennial talents. The authors expand the understanding of academic literature of how medium-sized compa- nies approach succession planning by developing their internal leadership talents. Four nu- ances of succession planning are presented and in addition to existing literature, the authors have identified a dilemma to talent development in MSOs, denoted ‘The Paradox’. This study finally provides starting points for further research as well as practical recommen- dations for medium-sized company managers.

Master of Science<br>Department of Agricultural Economics<br>Timothy J. Dalton<br>Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench is a drought tolerant crop able to adapt to hot and dry weather. It has excellent chemical and physical properties, which make it a grain of good quality for processing different types of products. This research is an impact assessment study that estimated the potential impacts of new uses of sorghum by using an equilibrium displacement model. The data used was drawn from interviews developed in July 2011. Using total quantity production, prices, prices elasticities and cost shares 8 potential market scenarios were simulated. Results between countries were similar. Thus, the analysis was applied for both countries. Producers gain when the sorghum flour demand is shifted between $6,000 and $ 30,000. When the feed demand curve shifted the producer benefit was between $3 million and $ 13 million. In the scenario where the sorghum grain curve shifted and the demand curve for feed and sorghum flour, producer net benefit is between $300,000 to $2.5 million. Interpreting these results suggest that increasing yield and promoting sorghum as a substitute of maize for feed and sorghum as a substitute of wheat for sorghum flour can benefit producers while helping them to increase yield.

Syftet med vår uppsats var att undersöka vad som motiverar chefer att stanna inom sin nuvarande organisation samt vilken påverkan faktorer som introduktion, utveckling, utvärdering och belöning har för dessa chefers vilja att stanna och se långsiktigt på deras arbetsgivare. För att försöka reda ut detta har vi i denna studie utgått från två frågor: Utifrån faktorerna introduktion, utveckling, utvärdering och belöning - vad är viktigt för chefer för att de ska vilja stanna hos sin nuvarande arbetsgivare? Hur har faktorerna introduktion, utveckling, utvärdering och belöning påverkat chefer i deras val i att lämna deras senaste arbetsplats? I denna uppsats har vi använt oss av triangulering, vilket syftar till att vi använt dels kvantitativ metod genom en enkät för att kunna besvara den första av våra två frågor. Vi har dels också använt oss av kvalitativ metod semistrukturerade intervjuer och observation för  att kunna besvara den andra av våra två frågor. Så vilka var våra respondenter? Vi utfört denna undersökning på ett IT-konsultbolag i västra Sverige. IT-branschen står inför hård konkurrens och vi har siktat in oss på vad vi tror är nyckelpersoner i organisationen, nämligen ledarna. Denna uppsats bottnar i teorier kring Talent Management och olika personalbevarande faktorer, exempelvis utgör Herzbergs modell om hygien- och motivationsfaktorer en stor del av denna uppsats i behandlandet av vår empiriska data. Resultatet av denna studie visar att de faktorer som i högst grad motiverar cheferna är möjligheten till individuell utveckling, karriärmöjligheter samt sociala faktorer och möjlighet till feedbackkultur.

The studies presented in this thesis investigated the neural correlates of attention in touch. In particular, the electrophysiology of exogenous tactile processing and inhibition of return (IOR) - an area previously unexplored. In all studies a variation of the Posner cue-target paradigm was used. Typically, a cue was presented to the left or right hand. Following a stimulus onset asynchrony of 800 ms, a target would appear at the same or opposite hand. Behavioural results consistently demonstrated IOR when employing a simple target detection task, showing that IOR is a reliable phenomenon in touch. The concurrently recorded event related potentials (ERPs) demonstrated an early attention modulation of the N80 in all studies presented in this thesis, regardless of the presence or absence of IOR. This early component likely reflects processing of the exogenous lateralized cues. Following the N80, the attention modulations varied across studies. The conclusion to be drawn from this thesis is that not one particular ERP component is directly associated with IOR. Analysis of endogenous tactile attention (Chapter V) demonstrated modulations at the N140 and Nd components. Moreover, correlation analysis showed that larger ERP attention modulation was associated with a larger behavioural effect, demonstrating a novel relationship between ERP modulations and response time effects. Analysis of the cue-target interval has previously only been investigated during endogenous orienting. Here, and for the first time, an anterior directing attention negativity (ADAN) was demonstrated during exogenous orienting. This ADAN was unaffected by varying posture suggesting exogenous tactile attention and IOR are somatotopically coded. Indications of an external frame of reference were only demonstrated during shifts of endogenous attention, as indicated by the presence of a late directing attention positivity (LDAP) (endogenous counter-predictive task presented in Chapter V). The final study of this thesis (Chapter VI) demonstrated that varying visual perceptual load influenced tactile processing. Specifically, high perceptual load led to elimination of IOR. Moreover, the P100 for irrelevant tactile stimuli was significantly reduced in high versus low load condition. This suggests perceptual load may suppress irrelevant tactile stimuli relatively early (around 100 ms post stimuli onset) during tactile processing. Taken together, this thesis presents a series of experiments which map out effects of endogenous and exogenous attention and how these mechanisms interact, both through behaviour and underlying neural correlates.

Management of feral cats is controversial, and alternatives to lethal control methods are gaining popularity. To evaluate the effectiveness of sterilization programs, nine feral cat colonies were divided into groups of three, managed either by spaying females and castrating males, spaying females and vasectomizing males, or leaving all cats intact. Colonies were followed intensively for four years, and intermittently for three additional years. Most cats were trapped in fewer than ten trap nights each. Breeding females produced a mean of 1.4 litters/year and 3 kittens/litter. Kitten mortality was 75% by 6 months of age. Feral and pet domestic cats had similar baseline health status and prevalences of FIV, FeLV, Cryptosporidium, Giardia, and Toxocara cati, but feral cats had higher prevalences of Bartonalla henselae and Toxoplasma gondii. Castrated male and spayed female cats survived longer than intact male and female cats. Survival times of vasectomized males were equivalent to those of intact males. Control colonies decreased in size and remained stable in composition, while intact colonies increased in size and had high turnover. One neutered colony went extinct and several others had fewer than five cats at the end of the project. Home ranges of both intact and neutered cats were small, usually less than 1 ha. Vasectomized males had larger home ranges than either intact or castrated males, probably because they were searching for intact females. Community-level stakeholder meetings were successful in building consensus among groups, and a basic decision tree for feral cat management was developed. Computer simulation modeling using VORTEX software suggested that harvesting breeding colonies every one or two years at 50% to 100% can keep colonies small, but will not lead to long-term reductions in cat numbers. Models of neutered colonies suggested that 75% to 80% sterilization is necessary to cause population decrease and eventual extinction. The mean estimated time to extinction of 12.8 years fits well with ongoing observations of steady decline in sterilized colonies.

Dans cette thèse nous proposons d'étudier le potentiel d'erreur et sa possible intégration dans les ICMs (Interfaces cerveau machine). Le potentiel d'erreur (ErrP) est un potentiel généré par le cerveau lors de l'observation d'une erreur. Sa détection essai par essai pourrait permettre la mise en place d'une boucle de contrôle dans les ICMs. Cependant son RSB étant très faible cette détection est difficile. Ici nous proposons une étude complète de ce système. Dans un premier temps nous étudions de manière détaillée ses différentes caractéristiques (temporelles, fréquentielles..). A partir de ces observations nous proposons des méthodes de filtrage adaptées permettant d'augmenter le RSB de l'ErrP et ainsi d'améliorer les performances de détection essai par essai. Enfin nous étudions quelles stratégies d'intégration peuvent etre envisagées et quelles améliorations ces différentes stratégies peuvent apporter aux systèmes ICMs<br>In this thesis we study the error-related potential (ErrP) and its possible integration in BCIs (Brain Computer Interfaces). The error-related potential is an evoked potential generated by brain electrical activity when observing an error. Its single-trial detection would allow the integration of control loops in BCIs. However its signal to noise ratio (SNR) is very low making its single-trial detection difficult. In the first part of this thesis we study the different characteristics (temporal, frequential…) of the ErrP. Then from these observations we develop specific filtering methods in order to improve the ErrP SNR and thus improve its single trial detection. In the last part of the thesis we study several integration strategies and conclude on what kind of improvement might be reached by using these strategies in actual BCI systems

Thèse (Ph.D.) -- Université du Québec à Rimouski, 2006.<br>Titre de l'écran-titre (visionné le 29 mai 2007). Thèse présentée à l'Université du Québec à Rimouski comme exigence partielle du programme de doctorat en développement régional. Comprend un résumé. CaQRU CaQRU CaQRU Bibliogr.: f. [259]-268. Parait aussi en éd. imprimée. CaQRU

Des techniques d'étude de la distribution de la charge d'espace dans les isolants ont été développées au cours des dernières années (onde de pression, méthode électroacoustique ou onde thermique). Elles ont déplacé la méthode de mesure électrostatique du potentiel de surface d'un échantillon chargé ou neutralisé (déclin et retour de potentiel). Mais, cette technique, simple de mise en oeuvre, reste performante dans de nombreuses application, notamment, l'étude d'échantillons minces pour lesquels les nouvelles techniques ne sont pas encore utilisables. Notre travail sur des films de polypropylène et de résine époxy met en évidence les qualités de la mesure du potentiel de surface comme outil d'analyse des propriétés diélectriques et montre sa complémentarité avec d'autres mesures. Nous proposons un nouvel outil mathématique d'analyse des courbes de déclin et de retour de potentiel qui permet d'isoler les différentes composantes de la réponse diélectrique. Avec une transformée mathématique directe et en variant des paramètres expérimentaux (champ électrique, métallisation des échantillons, température, type de charge, cycle de polarisation, etc. ) nous avons séparé les contributions de l'injection de charge et de la polarisation dans le déclin de potentiel. Nous réalisons aussi une analyse des courants sous la décharge couronne qui permet de faire le lien avec le déclin de potentiel. A partir de nos observations expérimentales, nous proposons une modélisation qualitative de la charge et du déclin de potentiel de l'échantillon en utilisant un modèle contrôlé par l'émission des pièges de surface et par les échanges entre la décharge couronne et la surface. Nous présentons aussi une extension du modèle de déclin de potentiel par le plan de charge de Coelho qui inclut la polarisation. Enfin, nos mesures montrent une application prometteuse de la technique de mesure de potentiel pour l'étude de la charge d'espace et du vieillissement d'échantillons sous tension alternative<br>During the last few years, there have been developments in the techniques of characterizing space charge distribution in insulators (in particular, pressure wave, pulsed electroacustic or thermal wave). These more recent techniques have replaced very often the characterization of insulators by means of the electrostatic measurement of surface potential of a charged sample (potential decay) or of a neutralized sample (potential return). However, this simple and low cost technique is still useful in several applications, for example, for the study of thin samples for which the new techniques today are still not useable. Our work shows, through some measurements on polypropylene and epoxy films, the validity of the surface potential measurements as a technique for dielectric properties analysis, and also shows that it is complementary with other types of measurements. We propose a new tool analysis of the decay and potential return curves that separates the different components of dielectric response. With a direct mathematical operation and varying some experimental conditions (electric field, metallization, temperature, charging method, polarization cycle, etc. ) we have identified the charge injection and polarization contributions to the potential decay. We also propose an analysis of currents under corona discharge that shows the relationship between current and potential decay. From our experimental observations we suggest a qualitative interpretation of the sample charging and of the potential decay that uses a model controlled by surface trap emission and charge exchanges between corona discharge and the insulator surface. We show an extent of the charge plain model for the potential decay as proposed by Coelho in which we include the polarization effect. Finally, our measurements show an interesting application of the surface potential technique for the study of space charge and ageing of samples under alternative voltage that demand further development

Mestrado em Economia Internacional<br>Esta dissertação incide sobre a "Nova" Geografia Económica de Krugman (1991 a,h). O objectivo desta análise é duplo. Em primeiro lugar é feita uma revisão da literatura teórica nesta área, literatura esta que estuda onde c porquê a actividade económica se localização, geograficamente falando. A questão da localização no espaço da indústria é central a esta abordagem. Como tal, depois de se ler discutido as limitações da Teoria Tradicional do Comércio, e da "Nova" Teoria do Comércio na explicação de fenómenos espaciais, são exploradas alguns dos mecanismos através dos quais processos de "causalidade circular" "cumulativa" são gerados, e que podem conduzir em última instância a aglomerações económicas. Na mesma linha de pensamento é abordada a questão de possibilidade de alterações nos padrões de localização industrial. Outras linhas de pesquisa c novas abordagens serão também discutidas. Em segundo lugar é testado empiricamente algumas das hipóteses e previsões da "Nova" Geografia Económica. Nomeadamente é examinada a distribuição espacial da actividade económica na Espanha. O ponto dc partida deste exercício é a ideia da importância do acesso aos mercados na determinação do nível e localização industrial, através da relação entre rendimentos crescentes à escala, c concentração da actividade económica. Começa-se por estimar uma função de "potencial dc mercado" semelhante à proposta por Harris (1954). Pretendc-sc através desta avaliar a extensão das "ligações via procura" no espaço c de que maneiras choques no rendimento numa região afectam os salários e emprego noutras localizações. De seguida são estimados os parâmetros estruturais do modelo dc Krugman (1991b, 1992). A formalização econométrica desenvolvida com base na formalização dc Krugman assemelha-se a uma função espacial 4 mmm da procura de trabalho, uma vez que c a proximidade dos mercados que determina os salários, e o emprego na localização cm causa. Com base nesta especialização é avaliada a magnitude das economias de escala; a estabilidade da distribuição espacial das actividades económicas; e como estas características evoluíram ao longo do tempo. Os dois modelos também serão calibrados para avaliar a importância económica dos parâmetros estimados.<br>This dissertation addrcsses the "New" Economic Geography of Krugman (1991a,b). The purpose of the analysis made here is twofold. First we review some of the theoretical literature in the ficld. This liíerature sludies where and why the economic activity chooses to locale. The question of localion of industry in space is central to this approach. Therefore, after discussing lhe limilations of lhe Traditional Trade Theory, and "New" Trade Theory in explaining spatial issues, we explore some of lhe mechanism through which "cumulative" and "circular causation" processes evolve and drive ultimately to economic agglomerations. Following lhe same line of thoughl il is Lackled lhe possibility of changes in patterns of industrial localion. Olher lines of rcsearch and new approaches will also be discusscd. Second, we test cmpirically some of lhe main hypothesis and predictions of the "New" Economic Geography. Namely il is examined lhe spatial distribution of economic activity in Spain. The starling point of this exercise is lhe idea of lhe importance of market access in lhe determination of lhe levei and localion of economic activity, trough the relation between returns lo scale and concentraiion of industry. To accomplish this objective we first estimate a "markel potenlial" function similar to the one proposed by Harris (1954). The objective is to evaluate lhe exlension of "demand linkages" in space, and in which way shocks to income in one region affcct wages and employment in other regions. Thcn we estimate the structural paramclers of lhe Krugman modcl (1991b, 1992). The econometric formalisation developed is based in Krugman's model, and it looks like a spatial labour demand function, oncc is lhe proximily lo markets thal determines wages and employment in a given localion. This specificalion helps Lo evaluate the magnitude of returns lo scale; the stahility oí lhe spadal dLstrihution oí cconomic activity; and how these spatial characteristics evolve through time. Also both models will be calibrated to access the economic importance of the parameters estimated .<br>info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

Cette thèse est centrée sur l’étude d’équations issues de la théorie cinétique des gaz. Dans tous les problèmes qui y sont explorés, une analyse des problèmes linéaires ou linéarisés associés est réalisée d’un point de vue spectral et du point de vue des semi-groupes. A cela s’ajoute une analyse de la stabilité non linéaire lorsque le modèle est non linéaire. Plus précisément, dans une première partie, nous nous intéressons aux équations de Fokker-Planck fractionnaire et Boltzmann sans cut-off homogène en espace et nous prouvons un retour vers l’équilibre des solutions de ces équations avec un taux exponentiel dans des espaces de type L1 à poids polynomial. Concernant l’équation de Landau inhomogène en espace, nous développons une théorie de Cauchy de solutions perturbatives dans des espaces de type L2 avec différents poids (polynomiaux ou exponentiels) et nous prouvons également la stabilité exponentielle de ces solutions.Nous démontrons ensuite pour l’équation de Boltzmann inélastique inhomogène avec terme diffusif le même type de résultat dans des espaces L1 à poids polynomial dans un régime de faible inélasticité. Pour finir, nous étudions dans un cadre général et uniforme des modèles qui convergent vers l’équation de Fokker-Planck du point de vue de l’analyse spectrale et des semi-groupes<br>The topic of this thesis is the study of models coming from kinetic theory. In all the problems that are addressed, the associated linear or linearized problem is analyzed from a spectral point of view and from the point of view of semigroups. Tothat, we add the study of the nonlinear stability when the equation is nonlinear. More precisely, to begin with, we treat the problem of trend to equilibrium for the fractional Fokker-Planck and Boltzmann without cut-off equations, proving an exponential decay to equilibrium in spaces of type L1 with polynomial weights. Concerning the inhomogeneous Landau equation, we develop a Cauchy theory of perturbative solutions in spaces of type L2 with various weights such as polynomial and exponential weights and we also prove the exponential stability of these solutions. Then, we prove similar results for the inhomogeneous inelastic diffusively driven Boltzmann equation in a small inelasticity regime in L1 spaces with polynomial weights. Finally, we study in the same and uniform framework from the spectral analysis point of view with a semigroup approach several Fokker-Planck equations which converge towards the classical one

Nous nous intéressons dans cette thèse à la théorie cinétique et aux systèmes de particules dans le cadre des équations de Boltzmann et Landau. Premièrement, nous étudions la dérivation des équations cinétiques comme des limites de champ moyen des systèmes de particules, en utilisant le concept de propagation du chaos. Plus précisément, nous étudions les probabilités chaotiques sur l'espace de phase de ces systèmes de particules : la sphère de Boltzmann, qui correspond à l'espace de phase d'un système de particules qui évolue conservant le moment et l'énergie ; et la sphère de Kac, correspondant à un système de particules qui conserve seulement l'énergie. Ensuite, nous nous intéressons à la propagation du chaos, avec des estimations quantitatives et uniforme en temps, pour les équations de Boltzmann et Landau. Deuxièmement, nous étudions le comportement asymptotique en temps grand des solutions de l'équation de Landau.

In visual spatial-cueing experiments with uninformative peripheral cues, reaction time to cued-location targets is facilitated (relative to that for targets at uncued-locations) at short cue-target intervals and inhibited at longer intervals. Posner, Rafal, Choate and Vaughan (1985) labeled this inhibitory effect Inhibition of Return (IOR) and proposed that it serves to bias the visual system to orient towards new locations. This proposal remains a popular topic of debate and no consensus has yet been reached regarding the mechanisms responsible for producing IOR. The present project utilized event-related potential (ERP) measures of brain activity to investigate the processing changes underlying IOR. I examined the effect of uninformative visual cues both on the amplitude of early visual ERP peaks and on the motorrelated lateralized readiness potential (LRP). The LRP is a measure of motor cortex activity that is related to the preparation of responses. The onset of the LRP relative to the target and response provide relative measures of the duration of premotor and motor processes, respectively. Chapters 2 and 3 present the results of four experiments, in which observers were required to make manual responses to visual targets. In each experiment the target was preceded by an uninformative peripheral cue followed by a central re-orienting event. In separate experiments, subjects were required to make identity-based discrimination responses, localization responses, detection responses, or identity-based go-nogo responses. In each of these experiments IOR was associated with a slowing of premotor processes. The duration of motor processes were not affected, however, indicating that, when measured with manual keypresses, IOR does not arise from inhibition of motor processes. Consistent with a perceptual locus of IOR, the amplitudes of the occipital ERP peaks were reduced for cuedlocation targets relative to uncued-location targets. In a fifth experiment (Chapter 5) the reorienting event was omitted and subjects were required to discriminate the target identity. Compared to when a re-orienting event was present, the magnitude of both IOR and the ERP amplitude effects were reduced. This co-variation of behavioural and ERP effects suggests that that changes in the perceptual processes are, at least in part, responsible for generating IOR.<br>Arts, Faculty of<br>Psychology, Department of<br>Graduate

Inhibitory cueing effects (ICEs) denote slowed responses to a target stimulus caused by exposure to a cue appearing in the same location and are thought to improve the efficiency of visual search. Research has demonstrated the existence of two types of ICE – those that are generated along input pathways (sensory/perceptual; observed when the oculomotor system is suppressed) and those that are generated along output pathways (oculomotor; observed when the oculomotor system is active). Within a spatial cueing task using oculomotor suppressed (for input ICEs) and oculomotor active (for output ICEs) manipulations, the present study employed electroencephalography to study the effects of input and output ICEs on an early sensory/attentional event-related potential component (the P1) in the presence of a distractor stimulus. This study also explored the effects of ADHD symptomology on ICEs. Results showed ICEs (slower reaction times for cued trials compared to uncued trials) for both suppressed and active manipulations, but no difference in the magnitude of ICEs between the two. Additionally, while there was no overall difference in RTs between deficit and control levels, there was a marginally significant interaction such that controls had a significant ICE, but deficits’ ICEs were marginal. No significant results were observed for P1 analyses. Results, limitations and future directions are discussed.

abstract: The search for life on Mars is a major NASA priority. A Mars Sample Return (MSR) mission, Mars 2020, will be NASA's next step towards this goal, carrying an instrument suite that can identify samples containing potential biosignatures. Those samples will be later returned to Earth for detailed analysis. This dissertation is intended to inform strategies for fossil biosignature detection in Mars analog samples targeted for their high biosignature preservation potential (BPP) using in situ rover-based instruments. In chapter 2, I assessed the diagenesis and BPP of one relevant analog habitable Martian environment: a playa evaporite sequence within the Verde Formation, Arizona. Coupling outcrop-scale observations with laboratory analyses, results revealed four diagenetic pathways, each with distinct impacts on BPP. When MSR occurs, the sample mass returned will be restricted, highlighting the importance of developing instruments that can select the most promising samples for MSR. Raman spectroscopy is one favored technique for this purpose. Three Raman instruments will be sent onboard two upcoming Mars rover missions for the first time. In chapters 3-4, I investigated the challenges of Raman to identify samples for MSR. I examined two Raman systems, each optimized in a different way to mitigate a major problem commonly suffered by Raman instruments: background fluorescence. In Chapter 3, I focused on visible laser excitation wavelength (532 nm) gated (or time-resolved Raman, TRR) spectroscopy. Results showed occasional improvement over conventional Raman for mitigating fluorescence in samples. It was hypothesized that results were wavelength-dependent and that greater fluorescence reduction was possible with UV laser excitation. In Chapter 4, I tested this hypothesis with a time-resolved UV (266 nm) gated Raman and UV fluorescence spectroscopy capability. I acquired Raman and fluorescence data sets on samples and showed that the UV system enabled identifications of minerals and biosignatures in samples with high confidence. The results obtained in this dissertation may inform approaches for MSR by: (1) refining models for biosignature preservation in habitable Mars environments; (2) improving sample selection and caching strategies, which may increase the success of Earth-based biogenicity studies; and (3) informing the development of Raman instruments for upcoming rover-based missions.<br>Dissertation/Thesis<br>Doctoral Dissertation Geological Sciences 2016

A problem South-Africa is facing is that the wealth created by mines (also called economic rent) may not yet get distributed satisfactorily evenly between the nation and investors. In an attempt to find a solution to the abovementioned dilemma, government initiated a feasibility study for the nationalisation of mines. This proposal was however waived for two reasons: firstly that it would be unaffordable for government to buy out private companies and secondly, that it would create discontent amongst foreign investors, which would result in them withdrawing access to financing. Consequently, the ANC, during 2012 in the SIMS report proposed a possible implementation of a resource rent tax (RRT), akin to Australia’s, to ensure that the State receives a greater/more equitable share of the wealth. Developments in the mining industry since 2012, have drawn attention to two serious issues: labour related concerns and continued strikes as well as a reduction in foreign direct investment as a result of negative investor sentiment towards South Africa. These issues are directly related to the perception that the community (including mine workers) do not benefit fairly from the wealth created by mines, which results in ongoing labour unrests and subsequently in investment withdrawal. It would seem that even though no further consideration has been given to the implementation of a RRT since 2012, it may be regarded as a possible and sensible solution. This study focuses on the possible impact on the taxation payable by the South African mining industry, if a RRT were to be introduced. Research has been conducted in order to obtain an understanding of the working of a RRT, to analyse South Africa’s current tax regime, to develop a simple hypothetical case study to evaluate both the quantitative and qualitative impact of the introduction of a RRT system on South African mining tax (for both the investor and the state). The study concludes that the introduction of a RRT can potentially result in a more fair distribution of resource rents between the investor and the state (community - rightful owners of the natural resources). Research however proved that this is likely to influence the investor’s investment decisions which in turn may result in a general downturn in mining operations and profits. Based on the qualitative results of a case study, a RRT was proven to be inefficient due to the fact that it will only tax mining companies with a higher rate of return and in effect higher risk companies. As investors are prepared to take on high risk projects for the purpose of generating higher returns, the introduction of an RRT reducing this return might influence an investor’s decision. The potential impact on investors’ decisions may be counteracted through further research with regard to variables used in the RRT model namely the percentage of tax charged and the required rate of return. A RRT is therefore proven to have some benefits, even though some aspects will require further evaluation.<br>MCom (South African and International Tax), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015

Предмет дослідження - теоретичні засади, методичні та практичні підходи до забезпечення економічної результативності управління виробничим потенціалом ТОВ «Мрія Фармінг Тернопіль». Об'єкт дослідження - процес управління виробничим потенціалом у ТОВ «Мрія Фармінг Тернопіль». Метою роботи є розроблення методичних підходів та практичних рекомендацій щодо формування та удосконалення управління виробничим потенціалом підприємства. Методи дослідження − економіко-статистичні, математичні, експертні, соціологічні опитування, анкетування, хронометраж робочого дня. Запропоновано заходи з метою покращення управління виробничим потенціалом ТОВ «Мрія Фармінг Тернопіль». Проектні рішення впроваджено в діяльність ТОВ «Мрія Фармінг Тернопіль».<br>The Subject of Investigation is a set of theoretical, methodical and practical approaches to ensuring the economic efficiency of production potential management LLC "Mriya Farming Ternopil". The Object of Investigation is the process of management of production potential the LLC "Mriya Farming Ternopil". The Aim of the Work is development of methodical approaches and practical recommendations for the improvement of production potential of enterprise. The Methods of Investigation are economical and statistical, mathematical, experts, sociologic interrogation, questionnaire, chronometration of working day. Measures in order to improve the management of production potential of LLC "Mriya Farming Ternopil" are proposed. The results of investigation have been introduced into activities of the LLC "Mriya Farming Ternopil".<br>ВСТУП...8 РОЗДІЛ 1 Теоретичні засади управління виробничим потенціалом підприємства...11 1.1 Сутність поняття «виробничий потенціал підприємства»…11 1.2 Зміст та теоретичні засади управління виробничим потенціалом підприємства…17 1.3 Методичні підходи до оцінювання ефективності управління виробничим потенціалом 21 РОЗДІЛ 2 Аналіз управління виробничим потенціалом ТОВ «Мрія Фармінг Тернопіль»...26 2.1 Загальна характеристика діяльності підприємства…26 2.2 Аналіз фінансово-економічних показників ТОВ «Мрія Фармінг Тернопіль»…31 2.3 Аналіз складових елементів виробничого потенціалу ТОВ «Мрія Фармінг Тернопіль»…35 РОЗДІЛ 3 Вдосконалення управління виробничим потенціаломТОВ «Мрія Фармінг Тернопіль»...47 3.1 Методи та засоби покращення управління трудовим потенціалом підприємства…47 3.2 Заходи, спрямовані на покращення використання земельного потенціалу підприємства…55 3.3 Шляхи забезпечення ефективної експлуатації основних засобів…60 РОЗДІЛ 4 Охорона праці та безпека в надзвичайних ситуаціях ...64 4.1 Організація охорони праці в ТОВ «Мрія Фармінг Тернопіль» 64 4.2 Проведення планування заходів цивільного захисту на підприємстві у випадку надзвичайних ситуацій мирного та воєнного часу…66 ВИСНОВКИ...70 БІБЛІОГРАФІЯ…72 ДОДАТКИ…77

The following paper focuses on the development of a business plan, exit strategy and calculation of returns for the potential LBO of CTS Corporation, a US-based electronic component manufacturer that serves OEMs infive differentend markets. It develops the business plan by clearly showing growth and cost drivers, presents theentry valuation and returns and defines aclear exit strategy in an effortto simulatea section of areal-life Investment Committee Paper.

Inhibition of return (IOR) is a cognitive phenomenon whereby reaction times (RTs) are slower to cued relative to uncued targets at cue-target onset asynchronies (CTOAs) greater than approximately 300 ms. One important theory of IOR proposes that there are two mutually exclusive forms of IOR, with an attentional/perceptual form arising when the oculomotor system is actively suppressed, and a motoric form arising when it is engaged (Taylor & Klein, 2000). Other theories propose that IOR is the result of multiple, additive neural mechanisms (Abrams & Dobkin, 1994). Here, we have performed computational simulations and empirical investigations in an attempt to reconcile these two competing theories. Using a dynamic neural field (DNF) model of the intermediate layers of the superior colliculus (iSC), we have modeled both a sensory adaptation mechanism of IOR, and a motoric mechanism resulting from the aftereffects of saccadic eye movements. Simulating these mechanisms, we replicated behavior and neurophysiology in a number of variations on the traditional cue-target paradigm (Posner, 1980). Predictions driven by these simulations have led to the proposal of many behavioral and neuroimaging experiments which further examine the plausibility of a 2-mechanisms theory of IOR. Contrary to our original predictions, we demonstrated that saccades are biased away from cued targets in a paired target saccade averaging paradigm, even at short CTOAs. In paradigms thought to recruit both sensory and motoric mechanisms, we robustly demonstrated that there are at least two independent, additive mechanisms of IOR when tasks require saccadic responses to targets. When similar paradigms were tested with manual responses to targets, additivity effects did not hold, implying that the motoric mechanism of IOR does not transfer from the oculomotor to skeletomotor systems. Furthermore, across numerous experiments using event-related potential (ERP) techniques, we have demonstrated that P1 component reductions are neither necessary, nor sufficient, for the behavioral exhibition of IOR. We propose that a comprehensive framework for behavioral IOR must include (at least) four independent neural mechanisms, differentially active depending on circumstances, including sensory adaptation, saccadic aftereffects, local inhibition, and cortical habituation.

This paper aims to study the decision-making criteria that weight on the Portuguese Venture Capital firm’s investment decision, as well as to create a framework which may enable the comparison between different projects as what regards their potential given eighteen selected criteria. The framework’s development was supported by previous literature and the collection of primary data, gathered throughut interviews and inquiries conducted with twelve players of the Portuguese Venture Capital industry. In line with the findings of Hisrich and Jankowicz (1990), Kaplan and Strömberg (2000) and Kaplan, Sensoy and Strömberg (2009), this paper confirms the dominant importance for the Portuguese Venture Capital firms of the criteria Management Team and Product and Market Opportunity over the remaining selected criteria, when faced with an investment decision.

Thesis (MSc. (Horticulture)) -- University of Limpopo, 2019<br>After harvesting litchi fruit, the red pericarp colour is rapidly lost resulting in discolouration and browning during storage and marketing. To mitigate this challenge, the South African litchi industry uses sulfur dioxide fumigation to retain litchi fruit red pericarp colour during extended storage and shelf-life. However, there are health concerns regarding the commercially used (SO2) fumigation for litchi pericarp colour retention due to high levels of SO2 residues in fruit aril. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the possibility of Uvasys slow release SO2 sheets to retain ‘Mauritius’ litchi fruit red pericarp colour when packaged in plastic-punnets and bags. Treatment factors were two packaging materials (plastic-punnets and bags), six SO2 treatments (control; SO2 fumigation and four SO2 sheets viz. Uva-Uno-29% Na2S2O5; Dual-Release-Blue35.85% Na2S2O5; Slow-Release-36.5% Na2S2O5 and Dual-Release-Green-37.55% Na2S2O5) and four shelf-life periods (day 0, 1, 3 and 5). ‘Mauritius’ fruit were assessed for pericarp Browning Index (BI), Hue angle (ho), Chroma (C*) and Lightness (L*). In this study, an interactive significant effect (P < 0.05) between packaging type and SO2 treatments was observed on ‘Mauritius’ fruit pericarp L*, C* and ho during shelf-life. Fruit stored in plastic-bags and treated with SO2 fumigation showed higher pericarp C* and L*, while SO2 fumigated fruit in plastic-punnets had higher pericarp ho. Lower pericarp BI was observed in SO2 fumigated fruit stored in plastic-bags, which showed less pericarp browning than fruit in other treatments. In general, commercial SO2 fumigation resulted in lower pericarp BI, and higher pericarp L*, C* and ho throughout the storage and shelf-life. Our correlation analyses results further showed that litchi fruit red pericarp colour was better preserved as SO2 treatment levels increased, especially in plastic-bags. In retaining ‘Mauritius’ litchi fruit red pericarp colour, Uvasys SO2 sheets were not effective when compared with commercial SO2 fumigation. However, commercially SO2 fumigated fruit were bleached throughout the storage and shelf-life. Furthermore, fruit from all treatments were spoiled due to decay and mould growth after day 5 of shelf-life. Inclusion of pathogen protectants is important in future research to demonstrate whether Uvasys SO2 sheet-packaging technology can retain ‘Mauritius’ litchi fruit pericarp colour.<br>Agricultural Research Council and National Research Foundation (NRF)

A crescente globalização dos mercados e da economia, bem como a mobilidade do capital humano, aliados à inovação tecnológica, surgem como alguns dos fatores que atribuem um novo paradigma à gestão de recursos humanos. Esta mudança pressupõe a necessidade de um posicionamento estratégico, adaptado ao ambiente dinâmico e competitivo, capaz de prever necessidades, diretamente relacionado à gestão de talento. Apesar do elevado grau de interesse académico sobre a temática, a gestão de talento continua subdesenvolvida, sendo que a principal limitação é o fato de esta carecer de uma consistente definição. Esta pesquisa contribui para esse debate através de um estudo exploratório de estratégias de gestão de talento de empresas em Portugal. A investigação, de natureza qualitativa, incide sobre quatro empresas de setores distintos e procura, através de entrevistas semi-diretivas aos responsáveis de recursos humanos, perceber se as práticas de recursos humanos utilizadas vão ao encontro das que, de acordo com a literatura, configuram as estratégias de gestão de talento. Os resultados da análise empírica indicam que as empresas se encontram em diferentes estágios de maturidade de gestão de talento. Os resultados indicam que as estratégias para atrair e identificar talento baseiam-se no desenvolvimento de um processo de recrutamento, adaptado ao atual contexto competitivo, em que as empresas recorrem a headhunting e a assessment centers, bem como a empresas externas que as auxiliem neste processo. No momento da atração, salientaram a importância do employer branding. Verificou-se, também, que existe uma maior preocupação em estratégias para desenvolver e reter talento e que as empresas apostam numa coesa e transparente gestão da formação e gestão de desempenho.<br>The increasing globalisation of the markets and economy, as well as the mobility of human capital and technological innovation, are some of the many factors that contribute to a new paradigm of human resources management. This change presupposes the necessity of a strategic positioning that is adapted to dynamic and competitive atmospheres, and that is able to predict necessities directly connected to talent management. Although there’s a high level of academical interest in this topic, talent management continues underdeveloped, with its biggest limitations being the fact that it necessitates of a consistent definition. This investigation contributes to this debate through an exploratory study of strategies of talent management in companies in Portugal. The investigation, of qualitative nature, focuses on four companies of different sectors and intends to find, through semi-directive interviews with human resources managers, if the human resources practices that are used are the same as the ones available in literature regarding talent management. The results of this empirical analysis indicate that companies are in different stages of maturity when it comes to talent management. The results indicate that the strategies used to attract and identify talent are based on the development of a recruitment process, adapted to the current competitive state, in which companies resort to headhunting and assessment centres, as well as external companies to assist them in this process. In the moment of attracting talent, they highlighted the importance of employer branding. It was also found that there is a bigger concern in having strategies to develop and retain talent and that companies value cohesive and transparent management when it comes to management training and performance management