Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Siddis'

Kyoto University (京都大学)
0048
新制・課程博士
博士(文学)
甲第14984号
文博第489号
新制||文||530(附属図書館)
27434
UT51-2009-R708
京都大学大学院文学研究科文献文化学専攻
(主査)准教授 横地 優子, 教授 赤松 明彦, 教授 御牧 克己, 教授 藤井 正人
学位規則第4条第1項該当

Thesis (M.A.)--Kutztown University of Pennsylvania, 2006.
Source: Masters Abstracts International, Volume: 45-06, page: 2696. Typescript. Abstract precedes thesis as 1 leaf (iii). Includes bibliographical references (leaves 137-145).

Doctor of Philosophy
Department of Physics
Amit Chakrabarti
We carry out Brownian Dynamics Simulations to study the self-assembly of ligated gold nanoparticles for various ligand chain lengths. First, we develop a phenomenological model for an effective nanoparticle-nanoparticle pair potential by treating the ligands as flexible polymer chains. Besides van der Waals interactions, we incorporate both the free energy of mixing and elastic contributions from compression of the ligands in our effective pair potentials. The separation of the nanoparticles at the potential minimum compares well with experimental results of gold nanoparticle superlattice constants for various ligand lengths. Next, we use the calculated pair potentials as input to Brownian dynamics simulations for studying the formation of nanoparticle assembly in three dimensions. For dodecanethiol ligated nanoparticles in toluene, our model gives a relatively shallower well depth and the clusters formed after a temperature quench are compact in morphology. Simulation results for the kinetics of cluster growth in this case are compared with phase separations in binary mixtures. For decanethiol ligated nanoparticles, the model well depth is found to be deeper, and simulations show hybrid, fractal-like morphology for the clusters. Cluster morphology in this case shows a compact structure at short length scales and a fractal structure at large length scales. Growth kinetics for this deeper potential depth is compared with the diffusion-limited cluster-cluster aggregation (DLCA) model. We also did simulation studies of nanoparticle supercluster (NPSC) nucleation from a temperature quenched system. Induction periods are observed with times that yield a reasonable supercluster interfacial tension via classical nucleation theory (CNT). However, only the largest pre-nucleating clusters are dense and the cluster size can occasionally range greater than the critical size in the pre-nucleation regime until a cluster with low enough energy occurs, then nucleation ensues. Late in the nucleation process the clusters display a crystalline structure that is a random mix of fcc and hcp lattices and indistinguishable from a randomized icosahedra structure. Next, we present results from detailed three-dimensional Brownian dynamics simulations of the self-assembly process in quenched short-range attractive colloids. Clusters obtained in the simulations range from dense faceted crystals to fractal aggregates which show ramified morphology on large length scales but close-packed crystalline morphology on short length scales. For low volume fractions of the colloids, the morphology and crystal structure of a nucleating cluster are studied at various times after the quench. As the volume fraction of the colloids is increased, growth of clusters is controlled by cluster diffusion and cluster-cluster interactions. For shallower quenches and low volume fractions, clusters are compact and the growth-law exponent agrees well with Binder–Stauffer predictions and with recent experimental results. As the volume fraction is increased, clusters do not completely coalesce when they meet each other and the kinetics crosses over to diffusion-limited cluster-cluster aggregation (DLCA) limit. For deeper quenches, clusters are fractals even at low volume fractions and the growth kinetics asymptotically reaches the irreversible DLCA case.

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Percorrendo o itinerário do engenheiro arquiteto José Sidrim, auto exilado de Fortaleza, Ceará, para se estabelecer em Belém do Pará, no início do século XX, procurou-se através da narrativa histórica reconstituir a sua própria fábula, tendo como pano de fundo a história da cidade e, ao mesmo tempo, a participação deste personagem na sua construção. Tomou-se como ponto essencial a sua relação com o intendente Antonio Lemos, na sua condição de funcionário municipal e de amigo próximo, além das outras amizades que daí decorreram, enfatizando-se o seu desenvolvimento profissional, o repertório de sua produção arquitetônica como um representante do ecletismo do Pará.
Tracking the path of the engineer and architect José Sidrim, self-exiled from Fortaleza, Ceará, to settle in Belém do Pará, in early 20th century, I tried to reconstruct his legend, through historical narrative, taking the history of the city as the background, and, at the same time, the role of this character on its construction. It is regarded as a core element his relation with Mayor Antonio Lemos, as municipal public servant and friend, besides other acquaintances derived from the former, emphasizing his professional development, and the collection of his architectonical production as representative of eclecticism in Pará.

Civilsamhället har på senare tid kommit att spela en allt större roll i biståndspolitiken. Att arbeta för att skapa eller stärka civilsamhället har fått en central roll i relation till hur bistånd ska fördelas. Men samtidigt är begreppet civilsamhälle problematiskt. Definitionerna har skiftat under årens gång och dess innehåll fortsätter att förändras.

Den här studien har sin utgångspunkt i den kritiska diskursanalysen och fokuserar på hur sex publikationer på SIDA: s hemsida tar upp och berör begreppet civilsamhälle.

I analysen av dessa publikationer har det framkommit att det finns tre dominerande diskurser som relateras till civilsamhället. Dessa diskurser tar upp vad civilsamhället är och hur det definieras, rollen som civilsamhället spelar eller kan spela samt hur SIDA arbetar för att stödja civilsamhället. I min analys har jag främst utgått från teorier om imperialism/nykolonialism samt till viss del postkoloniala teorier för att förklara hur diskurserna inom SIDA är skapade

Abstract

This essay is an analysis of the aid discourses within the Swedish organisation SIDA. The main focus lies on the concept of civil society and its relation to the aid policy within SIDA.

Existing studies of Elizabeth Siddal are largely biographical and this has coloured the presently limited analysis of her poetry, and to a lesser extent, her art. Where poetic and artistic commentary has been published, it tends to be used as a means of exploring her persona, her work merely forming an illustrative adjunct to a faintly scandalous narrative. This dissertation separates Siddal’s verse from her physical presence and considers it in the contemporary critical context of the ongoing retrieval and re-evaluation of nineteenth- century women’s poetry. More significantly, it considers the texts of her work alongside those of four male poets and one critic who were either personally known to her or were a source of influence or inspiration.

Alltsedan 1952 har Sverige arbetat med att bistå fattigare länder i deras utveckling ut ur fattigdomen. Den svenska biståndsmyndigheten Sida har av riksdagen tilldelats sex mål för sitt arbete, varav denna studie fokuserar på två av dem, målet om resurstillväxt, samt målet om miljöhänsyn. Finns där en konflikt mellan dessa mål eller är det snarare så att de är varandras förutsättningar? Genom att studera de rådande teoribildningarna på området och nyttja dem i analysen av relevant empiriskt material, i form av såväl textanalys som intervjuer, har Sidas förhållningssätt i denna fråga har kunnat kartläggas. Även om det råder en viss skepsis mot vissa former av tillväxt så kan Sidas förhållningssätt ändå karaktäriseras som tillväxtoptimistiskt. Studiens kritik riktar sig främst mot att det hos Sida saknas en tydlig uppfattning och ståndpunkt om de industrialiserade och rikare ländernas ansvar och roll i utvecklingspolitiken. En större inriktning mot en omfördelning av befintliga resurser och ett beaktande av det rättvisa miljöutrymmet förordas.

PONTIFÍCIA UNIVERSIDADE CATÓLICA DO RIO DE JANEIRO
COORDENAÇÃO DE APERFEIÇOAMENTO DO PESSOAL DE ENSINO SUPERIOR
PROGRAMA DE SUPORTE À PÓS-GRADUAÇÃO DE INSTS. DE ENSINO
O presente trabalho analisa o debate teórico e político sobre o estado de exceção com enfoque nas contribuições de Carl Schmitt, Walter Benjamin e Giorgio Agamben. Dessa maneira, busca examinar como a dinâmica das lutas sociais se insere nesta discussão. Os três autores, a partir de perspectivas muito diversas, entendem que o estado de exceção é imanente ao Estado de Direito e indicam a vida como o elemento que, na situação excepcional, encontra-se na relação mais íntima com a soberania. Portanto, a pesquisa parte do pressuposto de que não é possível reagir à exceção reafirmando a normalidade liberal que, em última instância, tem nela o próprio fundamento. Em seguida, observa que, para além da dimensão negativa do estado de exceção (como dispositivo de opressão), as discussões em torno do tema reconhecem o poder da resistência. Alguns procuram eliminá-la (como Schmitt); outros se esforçam para potencializá-la ao máximo, incitando a revolução (como Benjamin); e há ainda os que se dedicam prioritariamente a compreender o problema a fundo em vez de apontar os sujeitos e os meios concretos capazes de fazer frente a essa situação (como Agamben). Vale dizer, a exceção como regra é a opressão, mas o desafio que se coloca diante dessa realidade é trabalhar a resistência em face dela. Daí a necessidade de realizar o potencial subversivo que emana da própria situação excepcional – denominado, neste estudo, dimensão positiva do estado de exceção. Para tanto, não se pode perder de vista a seletividade da exceção e entender que, por isso mesmo, a política parte do oprimido. Resta saber se o direito, apontado como instrumento de violência e dominação, deve ser negado em absoluto ou pode ser utilizado como uma gramática legitimadora das lutas. A conclusão deste trabalho é a de que, se o estado de exceção é um lugar estratégico das lutas políticas, o direito (o outro lado da mesma moeda) também o é. A ambigüidade da exceção atravessa o direito, e vice-versa. Há, em ambos, dimensões de opressão e de resistência.O presente trabalho analisa o debate teórico e político sobre o estado de exceção com enfoque nas contribuições de Carl Schmitt, Walter Benjamin e Giorgio Agamben. Dessa maneira, busca examinar como a dinâmica das lutas sociais se insere nesta discussão. Os três autores, a partir de perspectivas muito diversas, entendem que o estado de exceção é imanente ao Estado de Direito e indicam a vida como o elemento que, na situação excepcional, encontra-se na relação mais íntima com a soberania. Portanto, a pesquisa parte do pressuposto de que não é possível reagir à exceção reafirmando a normalidade liberal que, em última instância, tem nela o próprio fundamento. Em seguida, observa que, para além da dimensão negativa do estado de exceção (como dispositivo de opressão), as discussões em torno do tema reconhecem o poder da resistência. Alguns procuram eliminá-la (como Schmitt); outros se esforçam para potencializá-la ao máximo, incitando a revolução (como Benjamin); e há ainda os que se dedicam prioritariamente a compreender o problema a fundo em vez de apontar os sujeitos e os meios concretos capazes de fazer frente a essa situação (como Agamben). Vale dizer, a exceção como regra é a opressão, mas o desafio que se coloca diante dessa realidade é trabalhar a resistência em face dela. Daí a necessidade de realizar o potencial subversivo que emana da própria situação excepcional – denominado, neste estudo, dimensão positiva do estado de exceção. Para tanto, não se pode perder de vista a seletividade da exceção e entender que, por isso mesmo, a política parte do oprimido. Resta saber se o direito, apontado como instrumento de violência e dominação, deve ser negado em absoluto ou pode ser utilizado como uma gramática legitimadora das lutas. A conclusão deste trabalho é a de que, se o estado de exceção é um lugar estratégico das lutas políticas
This dissertation analyzes the theoretical and political debate about the state of exception with a focus on the contributions of Carl Schmitt, Walter Benjamin and Giorgio Agamben. Thus, it explores how the dynamics of social struggles fit in that discussion. From very different perspectives, the three authors understand that the state of exception is immanent to the rule of law, and reveals life as an element that, in exceptional circumstances, has a closer relationship with sovereignty. Therefore, this paper assumes that it is not possible to react to exception by reaffirming liberal normality, since that exception is ultimately within the very foundation of Liberalism. The paper then observes that, in addition to the negative dimension of the state of exception (as a tool of oppression), the debates concerning this issue acknowledge the power of resistance. Some seek to eliminate resistance (like Schmitt); others strive to empower it to the fullest, inciting revolution (as Benjamin). And there are those who devote themselves primarily to the task of deeply understanding the problem, instead of pointing out subjects and practical means able to cope with the situation (as Agamben). Notably, an exception is as oppressive as the rule; in the face of that reality, the challenge thus is to work on resistance. Hence, there is a need to make the subversive potential that emanates from very exceptional situations— called, in this study, the positive dimension of the state of exception—real. To do so, one has to take into account the selectivity of an exception and understand that it is even because of that selectivity that politics come from the oppressed. The question is whether the law, appointed as an instrument of violence and domination, must be denied altogether or can be used as a tool to legitimate struggles. The conclusion of this work is that, if the state of exception is a strategic place of political struggles, the law (the flip side of that coin) is as well. The ambiguity of exception permeates the law and vice versa. They are in both the dimension of oppression and of resistance.

The aim of this thesis is to describe and analyse the ideology behind Sida's cultural aid by using postcolonial theory. We want to analyse the discourse on cultural aid that is found mainly in Sida's publications. The interpretation of the sources is made with a hermeneutic base and by using postcolonial theory in combination with Paul Ricoeur's theories on the function of ideology: 1. ideology as distortion, 2. ideology as legitimation, and 3. ideology as integration. Since Sida - the Swedish Agency for International Development Cooperation - works with former colonies and gives most of its cultural aid to Africa, we have chosen to have a special focus on traces of colonial ideology in Sida's discourse and on ideas about African culture. A postcolonial perspective means focusing on certain themes like colonialism, neocolonialism, cultural imperialism, ethnocentrism, "the Other", the image of Africa, identity especially cultural identity and national identity, cultural hybridity versus cultural "authenticity" and globalization. Sida's discourse on cultural aid can also - or even foremost - be seen as expressing ideas on Sweden and the Swedish national identity. Whereas the general Swedish development aid discourse has a modernizing ideology which usually uses Sweden as a norm, the discourse on the cultural dimension of aid has a tendency to promote a view on African culture that is culturally conservative or anti-modern, and contrary to the normal habit of expecting countries receiving aid to follow in Sweden's footsteps. It stresses the need for African culture to be "traditional" and - thereby - "authentic". We see this as an ethnocentric discourse on African culture, which says more about the Western need of a "cultural Other" than about Africa.
Uppsatsnivå: D

Architecture has often been described as a reflection of society and its current human condition. The converse opinion states that architecture continues to play a major role in constructing that very same society, long after it is built. These statements are most evident where architecture has been intentionally used as a tool of dominance and control. Within a new democratic South African society, the invisible walls of Apartheid have been replaced by physical fences used to ensure ‘the public’ of their safety and security. This has resulted in the fence fetish. The fence fetish is a common phenomenon around the world, as global architecture trends promote autonomy, object buildings and the urban bourgeois. Reinterpreting the notion of the fence as a series of thresholds, allows architects to use design as a tool for disclosing accessibility to the public realm, intentionally fostering democratic, collective and interpersonal space within the emerging urban landscapes.
Dissertation (MArch(Prof))--University of Pretoria, 2014.
Architecture
MArch(Prof)
Unrestricted

The new millennium has brought about an increase in the use of business intelligence and knowledge management systems. The very foundations of these systems are the multitude of source databases that store the data. The ability to derive information from these databases is brought about by means of data integration. With the current emphasis on security in all walks of information and communication technology, a renewed interest must be placed in the systems that provide us with information; data integration systems. This dissertation investigates security issues at specific stages in the data integration cycle, with special reference to problems when performing data integration in a peer-topeer environment, as in distributed data integration. In the database environment we are concerned with the database itself and the media used to connect to and from the database. In distributed data integration, the concept of the database is redefined to the source database, from which we extract data and the storage database in which the integrated data is stored. This postulates three distinct areas in which to apply security, the data source, the network medium and the data store. All of these areas encompass data integration and must be considered holistically when implementing security. Data integration is never only one server or one database; it is various geographically dispersed components working together towards a common goal. It is important then that we consider all aspects involved when attempting to provide security for data integration. This dissertation will focus on the areas of security threats and investigates a model to ensure the integrity and security of data during the entire integration process. In order to ensure effective security in a data integration environment, that security, should be present at all stages, it should provide for end-to-end protection.

Water is essential element for human survival but unstainable development practices and short term economic benefits are responsible for water scarcity in many areas around the world. Climate change is aggravating the risk with distribution and water availability. Agriculture is a sector highly dependent on water. The livelihood of a vast population in the world depends on not only agriculture, but also forestry, wetlands and fisheries and land use which, in turn, are strongly influenced by water based ecosystems that depend on monsoon rains. India is a global agricultural powerhouse. It is the world’s largest producer of milk, pulses, and spices as well as the largest area under wheat, rice and cotton. But increasing water scarcity in India is affecting agricultural sector, hence affecting socio- economic conditions of poor Indian farmers. In some pockets of the country, attempts have been made during the last few decades to manage the scarce water resources more efficiently and govern them more wisely, so that agriculture as the main economic backbone of the local communities can be sustainably supported. Ralegan Siddhi is one such outstanding case where the rainwater harvested through local interventions has enabled sustainable development of the entire community. The village stands out as an oasis in the desert. The aim of the study is to understand how water has been governed in Ralegan Siddhi to enable sustainable agriculture and hence sustainable development of the community. Ultimately, the study is foreseen to help improve the farmers’ situation in water scarce areas in India and elsewhere by sharing this study report based on Ralegan Siddhi’s water governance practices with other researchers as well as concerned agencies and actors.

Dissertação (mestrado) - Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Centro Tecnológico, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Engenharia de Alimentos, Florianópolis, 2012.
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No Brasil, eventos climáticos afetam uma quantidade da produção de maçãs que, juntamente com o processo de seleção, contabiliza cerca de 30 % da produção não aproveitada para consumo in natura. O baixo valor desse descarte evoca por alternativas para sua valorização como a elaboração de sidra. Nesse contexto, este trabalho visou à utilização de suco de maçã concentrado a fim de avaliar sua viabilidade para produção de sidras com perfil aromático característico aproveitando as vantagens de um material de fácil estocagem, manutenção e utilização. Sidras foram elaboradas a partir de 2 diferentes cepas de Saccharomyces cerevisiae em fermentadores de 50 L de capacidade sob pressão de 1 kgf.cm-2 durante 30 dias, filtradas, envasadas, estabilizadas quimicamente ou termicamente. A encapsulação de leveduras foi estudada como alternativa à fermentação em tanques pressurizados. São apresentados resultados para características físico-químicas e perfil de compostos voláteis relacionados com o aroma característico de sidras e para o material encapsulado produzido a partir de metodologia de gotejamento. Os resultados demonstraram a possibilidade do uso de suco de maçã concentrado para a produção de sidra com compostos aromáticos característicos. A cepa de levedura influenciou no perfil de compostos voláteis bem como o método de conservação. A conservação por processamento térmico reduziu compostos de off-flavor e aumentou compostos de aroma frutados. Material encapsulado apresentou células livres no meio após o fim do processo fermentativo.

Abstract : In Brazil, climatic events pledge an amount of the production that added to the selection of the fruits accounts for about 30 % of the production that is not used for in natura consumption. The low value of this discard evocate for alternatives to enhance its value as the production of cider. In this context, this work aimed the use of concentrate apple juice to evaluate the feasibility of the production of characteristic aromatic profile ciders using the advantages of a raw material that is easy to store, keep and utilize. Ciders were produced using 2 different Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains in 50 L fermenter under 1 kgf.cm-2 pressure during 30 days, filtered, bottled, chemically or thermically stabilized. The encapsulation of yeasts was studied as an alternative to pressurized tank methods. Results are shown for the physicochemical characteristics and volatile compounds profile related to the characteristic cider aroma and results for the encapsulated material produced by the dripping method. The results showed the possibility of the usage of concentrate apple juice for the production of cider with characteristic aromatic compounds. Yeast strain influenced in the volatile profile as well as conservation method. The conservation by thermal process reduced off-flavor and enhanced fruity flavor compounds. Encapsulated material showed free cells in the medium at the end of the fermentative process.

PONTIFÍCIA UNIVERSIDADE CATÓLICA DO RIO DE JANEIRO
COORDENAÇÃO DE APERFEIÇOAMENTO DO PESSOAL DE ENSINO SUPERIOR
PROGRAMA DE SUPORTE À PÓS-GRADUAÇÃO DE INSTS. DE ENSINO
O objetivo deste estudo é analisar a dinâmica da mulher contemporânea em relação à duas das faces de sua identidade: a carreira e a maternidade. Para alcançarmos o objetivo proposto, exploramos a representação social da mulher ao longo da história, os movimentos de inserção feminina no mercado de trabalho e delimitamos alguns aspectos da função materna no processo de constituição do sujeito, com base na teoria de Winnicott. Entrevistamos cinco mulheres de classe média do Rio de Janeiro, profissionais e mães de crianças de até 3 anos, e verificamos que, para lidar com as exigências da maternidade e a atividade profissional, há uma negociação constante da mulher, com o suporte das redes de apoio e em meio a uma diversidade de sentimentos, conflitos e satisfações.
The objective of this study is to analyze the dynamics of the contemporary woman in relation to two of the sides of her identity: career and motherhood. In order to achieve the proposed objective, we have explored the social representation of women throughout history, the movements of women s insertion in the labor market, and delimited some aspects of the maternal role in the process of constitution of the subject, based on Winnicott s theory. We have interviewed five middle-class women from Rio de Janeiro, workers and mothers of children up to 3 years old, and found that, in order to deal with the demands of motherhood and professional activity, there is a constant negotiation of women, with the aid of support networks and amid a plurality of feelings, conflicts and accomplishments.

Background: The financial crisis of 2007-2010 had a massive impact on the financial markets worldwide. The crisis was partly blamed on the credit derivatives collateralized debt obligations and credit default swaps. These instruments were used to create leverage and speculation, which led to uncertainty in the financial system worldwide. There has been no recent documentation of how credit derivatives are used in Swedish banks, and what risks and opportunities they bring along. Purpose: The purpose of this thesis is to describe the use of credit derivatives in Swedish banks, what benefits and risks they may generate and how the recent financial crisis has affected their use. Research Method: This is a qualitative multiple case study which uses an inductive approach. The study covers four cases, three of the largest Swedish commercial banks, and a bank that specializes on international financing. Seven people working in different fields in these banks have been interviewed. Conclusions: Credit derivatives are mostly used for hedging in Swedish banks, which mainly involves the use of credit default swaps, and sometimes iTraxx. Purely speculative trades are rare. The risks that arise are mainly due to lack of transparency in OTC trading, and abusive use of these instruments. Credit derivatives greatly facilitate risk management in banks. Regulations have increased since the financial crisis and the demand for more complex products greatly decreased.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of California, San Diego, 2007.
Title from first page of PDF file (viewed August 31, 2007). Available via ProQuest Digital Dissertations. Vita. Includes bibliographical references (p. 119-126).

The difficulties faced by individuals attracting a diagnosis of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) are multiple and varied. Whilst the psychological difficulties characteristic of this diagnosis have a significant impact on these clients’ everyday lives, they also contend with others’ attitudes and responses to their diagnosis, which has proved both controversial and stigmatising. Chapter one concentrates on the stigma that surrounds the BPD label by presenting a systematic review of the literature relating to professionals’ attitudes and responses to individuals diagnosed with BPD. This highlights the predominantly negative perceptions of this client group, the strength of countertransference experienced by professionals working with this client group, and the ways in which clinicians respond to this. Chapter two concentrates on the perspectives of clients with BPD by reporting an empirical study investigating the lived experiences of parenting for mothers with BPD. The experiences of six mothers are explored using a phenomenological approach and the themes emerging from their interviews are discussed in detail. The findings are considered in relation to the existing literature and the implications in terms of providing support for mothers with BPD are discussed. Chapter three continues the theme of motherhood by presenting a reflective paper focussing on the analysis of parenting–related dreams experienced by the author during the course of the research. The personal and professional implications of the dream analysis and research completion are considered.

The aim of this thesis was simplified design of diaphragm wall affected by excavation from both sides. This wall is a part of temporary shaft that serves for exchange of tunnel boring machines and at the same time it is a permanent structure of an adjacent metro station. Part of the thesis deals with description of construction sequence of diaphragm walls, excavation of the shaft, excavation of the adjacent metro station and following construction of metro tubes and backfilling of the shaft. Inseparable part of the thesis is assessment of geological conditions and geotechnical parameters. Furthermore, a study on temperature loads on struts was carried out and the results of the study were used for design of the struts. To fulfil the requirements of the assignment several models of the shaft structure and adjacent metro station were built in program Plaxis and one model of the diaphragm wall of the shaft was created in program Geo5. The model outputs were subsequently compared to each other. Furthermore a model of lateral support frame was created in program Scia Engineer. Outputs from programs Plaxis and Scia Engineer were used as a basis for design checks of the structure. The design checks were done according to Eurocodes. The diaphragm wall and the lateral support frame were designed to support the loads considered in this thesis. In order to simplify the calculation variable loads from construction machines were not considered and the only variable load considered was the temperature load on struts. Lateral support frame was also designed to accidental load – loss of a strut.

Scholars and investors have studied the value premium for several decades. However, the debate over whether risk factors or biased market participants cause the value premium has never been settled. The risk explanation argues that value firms are fundamentally riskier than growth firms. At the same time, the behavioral explanation argues that biased market participants systematically misprice value and growth stocks. In this paper, I use the implied cost of equity capital to capture all risks that investors demand a premium and sort stocks into risk quantiles. The implied cost of equity capital is estimated using models proposed by Gebhardt et al., Claus and Thomas, Ohlson and Juettner-Nauroth, and Easton. I find that value stocks have higher implied cost of equity capital and lower forecasted earnings growth while growth stocks have lower implied cost of equity capital and higher forecasted earnings growth. More importantly, even within the same risk quantile, the value premium still exists. The results suggest that risk and behavioral factors simultaneously cause the value premium. Furthermore, by decomposing the holding period return, I find that adjustments in valuation ratios caused by negative earnings surprises for growth firms and positive earnings surprises for value firms at least partially lead to the value premium.

This thesis presents geometric computing algorithms for the evaluation of geometric errors on the pressure and suction sides of an airfoil section. Airfoil blades such as those in an impeller have a complex freeform geometry which poses significant challenges to the geometric error evaluation tasks. Reliable error evaluation is critical to the impellers as wrongful rejections will lead to significant financial losses. In practice, touch-probe coordinate measuring machines are employed to acquire measurement data points on the impeller blade surface along pre-specified sections. The measurement data points are then used to evaluate against the specified geometric tolerances including the profile tolerance and airfoil thickness control. Profile tolerances can be defined in three ways: bilateral asymmetric, bilateral symmetric, and unilateral. Existing methods for profile error evaluation are not capable of evaluating all three possible types of profile tolerance. These methods are not adaptive with respect to the specified tolerance zone boundaries. This thesis proposes a novel Scaled Minimax Method which is able to address all types of profile tolerance. The proposed method builds on the conventional Minimax Method and utilizes a scaling constant to control the relative positioning of the evaluated profile error zone boundaries. Thickness control is a less-known tolerance specification for airfoil sections. It controls the overall shape deviation of an airfoil section between the pressure and suction sides. The proposed evaluation method is based on determining a minimum error zone via simultaneously shrinking the outer boundary and growing the inner boundary for the involved measurement data points. Numerous case studies have been performed to validate the effectiveness of the proposed geometric error evaluation methods.

The purpose of this master’s thesis is to examine and analyse how a transfer pricing adjustment is made and how related parties should handle price adjustments from a customs perspective in Sweden. The examination includes describing the valuation methods available for transfer pricing and customs valuation with regards to related parties. In addition, the differences in connection to the valuation are described and analysed.

Goods imported to Sweden must be cleared through customs: the importer presents a customs declaration to the Swedish Customs and pays customs duty. The customs duty is calculated using a customs value and customs valuation is the system that enables the importer to establish correct customs values on imported goods. Transfer pricing is the determination of prices on transactions taken place between companies belonging to the same group and has a direct effect on the income tax payable. There are six customs valuation methods that are hierarchically applied and six transfer pricing methods that are applied somewhat differently. There are similarities between the methods and most of the customs valuation methods have a corresponding transfer pricing method, or vice versa. Even if there are similarities, many factors make reconciliation of the methods difficult. Such factors are the different time for assessing the value and that the customs valuation methods are applied in a strictly hierarchical way with no possibility to choose the most suitable method.

Customs duties and transfer pricing both share the same valuation concept, although interpreted differently, being that the value shall be based on the price that the parties would arrive at under open market conditions. However, relevant values on the same transaction differ significantly due to trying to be in accordance with respective rules. The differences in expectations and the conflicting interests on the outcome of the valuation lead to problems in the tax field. As a conclusion, customs valuation and transfer pricing can undeniably be described as “the two opposing and necessary sides of the same ‘coin’, whose respective values unavoidably affect the whole balance of a system of closely connected valuation”.

In order for related parties to use the transaction value method, which is the superior customs valuation method, the price must not have been influenced due to their relationship. If one of two tests prescribed by law can prove that the relationship has not influenced the price, the related parties can use the transaction value method to establish the customs value. If the transaction value, for some reason cannot be used, the importer has to address other options on to how to establish the customs value.

The conclusion of this master’s thesis is that related parties should include a price review clause in their contract or pricing policy. The company should notify the Swedish Customs about the provisional price and make an incomplete customs declaration. When information enabling the calculation of the customs value is available, the importer should file a complementary declaration. As an alternative, the importer should declare an open claim to the Swedish Customs arguing that the transaction value cannot be applied and, as a consequence thereof, explain in the customs value declaration why the applied customs value is correct.

This thesis provides three recommendations concerning how to deal with the complications of customs valuation and transfer pricing. The first recommendation is that rules and recommendations surrounding transfer pricing and customs valuation should, to the extent possible, be harmonised. The second recommendation is that co-operation between the Swedish Tax Agency and the Swedish Customs must improve, for example through advance pricing arrangements for both transfer pricing and customs purposes, documentation requirements, and joint audits. The third recommendation is that related parties should take the same care and documentation approach for customs purposes as it does for transfer pricing. Importing companies should make a price review clause in their contract before the importation and present an incomplete customs declaration. This way, in case of adjustments, the related party is able to uphold an arm’s length standard on the price and has the possibility to use the preferred transaction value for customs purposes, if that is desirable.

Thesis (MSc)--Stellenbosch University, 2014.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Introduction The discovery of Doxorubicin in the 1960s has drastically improved the survival rates of cancer patients, however, its success is limited by dose-dependent cardiotoxicity. While much of the literature has focused on acute cardiotoxicity which is minor and generally reversible, chronic cardiotoxicity poses a serious threat to cancer survivors since it can lead to dilative cardiomyopathy, congestive heart failure and even death. The mechanisms that contribute to cardiotoxicity are still a matter of controversy, however, oxidative stress-induced myocardial damage and apoptosis are thought to be the major role players. Reperfusion injury, also characterized by oxidative stress and apoptosis, occurs as a result of restoring blood flow to an ischemic heart. Fortunately, pre- and post-conditioning are techniques employed to minimize this damage and are thought to do so by activating the reperfusion injury salvage kinase (RISK) and survivor activating factor enhancement (SAFE) pathways. The RISK pathway involves the pro-survival kinases, Erk1/2 and Akt, while the SAFE pathway, triggered by TNF-α, involves Jak2 and STAT3. Since both reperfusion injury and Doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity share similar characteristics, this study aimed to determine whether the RISK and SAFE pathways are activated in response to long-term Doxorubicin treatment. Furthermore, this study aimed to determine whether TNF-α is produced during treatment, since its role in Doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity is still relatively unknown. Methods H9c2 cardiomyocytes and differentiated C2C12 myotubes were treated daily with increasing concentrations of Doxorubicin for a total of 120 hours. Cell viability, apoptosis and necrosis were assessed using the MTT, Caspase-Glo® 3/7 and lactate dehydrogenase assays respectively. TNF-α production was measured using Quantikine® ELISA kits and various assays were used to assess oxidative stress, anti-oxidant capacity and anti-oxidant status. The protein expression of the RISK and SAFE pathways were analysed by western blotting using both phospho-specific and total antibodies. Results and Discussion Treatment with Doxorubicin caused a time- and dose-dependent decrease in cell viability in both cell lines and this was accompanied by an increase in apoptosis. In the H9c2 cardiomyocytes, treatment with 0.2 μM Doxorubicin yielded significant levels of TNF-α after 120 hours and we can speculate that these low levels partially protected the cells from the toxic effects of Doxorubicin by activating the SAFE pathway, since both Jak2 and STAT3 were phosphorylated at this concentration. Treatment with 1 μM Doxorubicin caused a larger and biphasic pattern of TNF-α release, which may have then contributed to the decrease in cell viability, since the SAFE pathway was not activated at this concentration. Akt was phosphorylated during the first 72 hours of treatment with the low dose of Doxorubicin, but chronic treatment prevented this phosphorylation. While Erk1/2 was not phosphorylated at all at the low dose of Doxorubicin, neither Akt nor Erk1/2 was phosphorylated at the high dose and their inhibition may contribute to the cardiotoxic effects of Doxorubicin. In the C2C12 myotubes, a significant amount of TNF-α was produced after 120 hours of treatment with the low dose of Doxorubicin. Treatment with the high dose of Doxorubicin induced significant TNF-α production at every time point. While STAT3 was phosphorylated at the serine residue after treatment with the low dose of Doxorubicin, treatment with the high dose induced phosphorylation at the tyrosine residue in a time-dependent manner. p-Jak2 expression was significantly down-regulated at both concentrations of Doxorubicin, suggesting that STAT3 proteins can by-pass activation by Jak2. The Erk1/2 leg of the RISK pathway was also not activated for the majority of the treatment period, however, p-Akt expression was increased at the low concentration of Doxorubicin relative to total Akt expression. Conclusion These observations indicate that treatment with Doxorubicin causes a severe, dose-dependent loss in viability which is likely to mediated by high concentrations of TNF-α (induced by high concentrations of Doxorubicin) and down-regulation of protective signaling pathways. TNF-α may confer partial protection at low concentrations by activating the SAFE pathway. However, activation of the SAFE pathway could not provide sufficient protection from Doxorubicin, most probably because the RISK pathway was not simultaneously activated. Our results also clearly highlight the differences between acute and chronic treatment since a single high dose of Doxorubicin produced vastly different responses to cumulative treatment with a low dose. Before one can extrapolate these results into the clinical setting, further research is required to provide a better understanding of the RISK and SAFE pathways and whether stimulation thereof will provide a protective effect. In addition, although our study has shown that TNF-α is produced in response to Doxorubicin treatment, its true role, whether beneficial or detrimental, remains to be determined.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Inleiding Die ontdekking van Doksorubisien (DOKS) in die 1960’s het die oorlewingsyfer van kankerpasiënte drasties verhoog, maar DOKS-gebruik gaan egter ook gepaard met dosis-afhanklike kardiotoksisiteit. Terwyl die literatuur grootliks fokus op akute kardiotoksisiteit, wat minimaal en algemeen omkeerbaar is, hou kroniese kardiotoksisiteit ‘n ernistige bedreiging vir kankeroorlewendes in, aangesien dit kan lei tot dilatiewe kardiomiopatie, kongestiewe hartversaking, en selfs dood. Die spesfikieke meganismes wat bydrae tot kardiotoksisiteit is tans steeds onbekend, maar oksidatiewe stres-geinduseerde miokardiale skade en apoptose word beskou as hoof bydraende faktore. Reperfussie skade, ook gekaraktiseer deur die teenwoordigheid van oksidatiewe stres en apoptose, kom voor as gevolg van die herstel van bloedtoevoer na ‘n isgemiese hart. Om die skade te minimaliseer word voor- en nakondisionerings tegnieke geïmplimenteer wat die RSHK (Reperfussie Skade Herwinnings Kinase) en OAFV (Oorlewerings Aktiverings Faktor Versterkings)-weë aktiveer. Die RSHK weg maak gebruik van pro-oorlewings kinases Erk1/2 en Akt, terwyl die TNF-α geaktiveerde OAFV weg Jak2 en STAT3 betrek. Aangesien beide reperfussie skade en DOKS-geinduseerde kardiotoksisiteit soortgelyke eienskappe deel, is die doel van hierdie studie om vas te stel of die RSHK en OAFV-weë geaktiveer word in langtermyn DOKS behandeling. Boonop is nog ‘n doel van hierdie studie om vas te stel of TNF-α geproduseer word tydens behandeling, aangesien die rol daarvan in DOKS-geinduseerde kardiotoksisiteit steeds onbekend is. Metodes H9c2 kardiomiosiet en gedifferensieerde C2C12 miobuise was daagliks behandel met toenemende konsentrasies van Dox vir 120 ure. Die effekte van DOKS op sel lewensvatbaarheid, apoptose en nekrose is onderskeidelik ondersoek deur middel van die MTT, Caspase-Glo® 3/7 en LDH toetse. TNF-α produksie is bepaal deur van die Quantikine® toets gebruik te maak, en verskeie metodes is gebuik om die oksidatiewe stres, anti-oksidantkapasiteit en anti-oksidantstatus te bepaal. Die proteïenuitdrukking van die RSHK (Erk1/2 en Akt) en OAFV (Jak2 en STAT3) weë was ontleed deur middel van westerse afklattingstegniek deur van beide fosfospesifieke en totale teenliggaampies gebruik te maak. Resultate en Bespreking Behandeling met DOKS het ‘n tyd en dosis-afhanklike afname in sel lewensvatbaarheid in beide sellyne veroorsaak, wat gepaard gegaan het met ‘n toename in apoptose. In die H9c2 kardiomiosiete, het ‘n lae DOKS dosisbehandeling (0.2 μM) betekenisvolle vlakke van TNF-α na 120 uur opgelewer en ons kan spekuleer dat hierdie lae vlakke gedeeltelik die selle van die toksiese effekte van DOKS deur die aktivering van die OAFV weg beskerm het omrede beide Jak2 en STAT3 by hierdie konsentrasie gefosforileer is. Die hoë DOKS dosis (1 μM) het ‘n groter en bifasiese patroon van TNF-α vrystelling vertoon, wat kon bydra tot die DOKS-geinduseerde afname in sel lewensvatbaarheid. Akt is gedurende die eerste 72 uur van behandeling gefosforileer met die lae DOKS dosis, maar kroniese behandeling het hierdie fosforilering verhoed. Terwyl Erk1/2 glad nie gefosforileer is by die lae DOKS dosis nie, is nie Akt of Erk1/2 by die hoë dosis gefosforileer nie, en kan hierdie inhibering bydrae tot die kardiotoksiese effekte van DOKS. In die C2C12 miobuise, is ‘n betekenisvolle hoeveelheid TNF-α na 120 uur van behandeling geproduseer by die lae DOKS dosis. Behandeling met die hoë DOKS dosis het betekenisvolle TNF-α produksie geinduseer by elke tydspunt. Terwyl STAT3 gefosforileer is by die serienresidu na behandeling met die lae DOKS dosis, het behandeling met die hoë dosis fosforilering by die tirosienresidu op ’n tydsafhanklike wyse plaasgevind. p-Jak2 uitdrukking was betekenisvol verminder by beide DOKS konsentrasies, wat aanduidend is dat die STAT3 proteïene nie geaktiveer hoef te word deur Jak2 nie. Die Erk1/2 been van die RSHK weg is ook nie geaktiveer gedurende die oorhoofse behandelingstydperk nie, alhoewel, p-Akt wel uitgedruk is by die lae konsentrasie van DOKS relatief tot die totale Akt uitdrukking. Gevolgtrekkings Die resultate van hierdie studie toon dat DOKS-behandeling tot ‘n dosis-afhanklike verlies in sel lewensvatbaarheid lei. Hierdie effek word waarskynlik bemiddel deur die teenwoordigheid van hoë konsentrasies TNF-α, en ook die afregulering van die beskermende seinweë. TNF-α kan moontlik gedeeltelike beskerming bied by lae konsentrasies deur aktivering van die OAFV weg. Die aktivering van die OAFV weg kon egter nie voldoende beskerming teen DOKS bied nie; moontlik as gevolg van die afwesigheid van die gelyktydige RSHK weg aktivering. Ons resultate vertoon die verskille tussen die akute en kronies behandeling aangesien ‘n enkele hoë-dosis van DOKS, in vergelyking met ‘n kumulatiewe lae-dosis, grootliks verskillende resultate opgelewer het. Voordat hierdie resultate klinies verder ondersoek kan word is verdere navorsing nodig om TNF-α en die RSHK en OAFV-weë beter te verstaan, en om vas te stel of stimulering van hierdie seinoordragpaaie ‘n beskermende effek teweeg sal bring.

The removal of Saddam Hussein’s Ba’athist regime in Iraq gave rise to a plethora of non-state actors, sub-state political factions, warring ethnic groups, and terrorist organizations all seeking to fill the political power vacuum. Using theories from academic literature on coalition building, neorealism, behavioral science, sociology, as well as complexity theory, this research project will use the U.S. and coalition intervention in Iraq to frame a within-case comparative historical analysis of how power was distributed within Iraq after the U.S.-led invasion and the complex interplay between shifting alignments and alliances between political factions, militant groups and occupation forces. This study argues that political factions will make alignments and alliances based on agent-based considerations in their formative stages and will quickly gravitate toward the authority of a charismatic leader. Over time, these political factions become institutionalized and behave in accordance with what neorealist political theory would predict.

Impartiality has long been a core norm of United Nations peacekeeping. However, since 2000 the dominant conception of impartiality has changed, leading to more coercive forms of peacekeeping. Claims to impartial authority are no longer based exclusively on terms to which all parties consent. Instead, they are premised on a more ambitious and expansive set of norms related to human rights, around which consensus is presumed but not always affirmed. This dissertation critically examines the change in both the conception and practice of impartiality, which, it argues, is an integral part of the emergence of a more assertive liberal internationalism. In doing so, it challenges dominant constructivist approaches within IR that conceive of norms as linear and static. It advances a framework for a multi-level analysis of impartiality as a “composite” and “contested” norm. Through this framework it elucidates the macro-level politics surrounding the norm’s institutionalisation at the UN, as well as the micro-level politics surrounding its implementation in the specific case of the UN mission in Congo (MONUC). The analysis of the processes of both institutionalisation and implementation reveals an absence of consensus over the norm itself, and over the purposes of and actions involved in contemporary peacekeeping. This contestation, together with varying expectations and incentives created by the norm amongst local actors, frequently results in unintended consequences, which are contrary to the norm’s original intent. And yet, despite these consequences, the very nature of assertive impartiality makes it difficult for those who claim such authority to change course. Given that the legitimacy of peacekeeping derives both from whether it is seen to reflect and promote shared values, as from the degree to which it is actually effective, this difficulty raises troubling questions for peacekeeping itself and for the UN, the institution to which it has become so symbolically linked. This dissertation argues that, ultimately, the UN’s role may be to reflect, rather than to resolve, the differences of normative interpretation among its member states. It concludes that a more practical and prudent conception of impartiality – one which recognises that impartiality is necessarily and inextricably political – will be necessary if scholars and practitioners alike are to navigate the normative tensions inherent to a more assertive liberal international order.

Cette étude est consacrée à la céramique provenant des fouilles (1996-2006) du temple épiscopal de Sidi Jdidi, ancienne cité d’Aradi, dans l’arrière-pays d’Hammamet en Tunisie, dirigées par Mme Aïcha Ben Abed et M. Michel Fixot. Ces fouilles avaient pour but d’appréhender le processus d’insertion des monuments chrétiens dans l’urbanisme préexistant et la répartition des fonctions liturgiques et économiques entre les divers bâtiments. L’étude céramologique a tout d’abord contribué à ces deux problématiques en proposant une datation de chacune des phases de construction, d’occupation et d’abandon du groupe épiscopal et en aidant à la détermination de la fonction de chacun des espaces. Ensuite, elle a révélé un faciès céramique régional et rural, très différent de celui qui avait été décrit à l’occasion des grandes fouilles de Carthage, caractérisé par un mode de consommation à caractère autarcique, alimenté par un commerce strictement intra-régional.

This thesis uses Spain as the case study in furthering understanding of the forces that influence public opinion, specifically as they exist within the contemporary European context. To evaluate this, the focus is on two primary issues: the European Monetary Union and the Eastern Enlargement. In order to explore the relationship between opinions towards EU membership, the Euro and support for enlargement, ordinary least squares and logistic multivariate regression methods are used to model public opinion development. The argument put forth in this paper is that the formation of public opinion is influenced by both regional dynamics and utilitarian economic considerations. Within this framework, the concept of political symbolism is explored in uncovering the influence of cognitive mobilization, group attachment and cost-benefit factors as they relate to Spanish opinion on widening and deepening of the European Union.
Le présent mémoire utilise le cas de l'Espagne pour développer la compréhension des forces qui influencent l'opinion publique, spécifiquement dans le contexte européen contemporain. Notre évaluation fait le point sur deux sujets clés : l'Union monétaire européenne et l'élargissement vers l'Est. Afin d'explorer la relation entre les opinions portant sur l'appartenance à l'UE, l'Euro et le soutien pour l'élargissement, les méthodes de Régressions multiples et de Régression logistique sont employées pour modéliser le développement de l'opinion publique. Ce mémoire soutient que la formation de l'opinion publique est influencée par les dynamiques régionales ainsi que les considérations économiques utilitaristes. À l'intérieur de ce cadre, nous explorons le concept du symbolisme politique pour mettre au jour l'influence de la mobilisation cognitive, de l'affiliation au groupe et des facteurs coût-bénéfice par rapport à l'opinion espagnole concernant l'élargissement et l'approfondissement de l'Union européenne.