Is international terrorism really the single greatest threat to world security? Since the 9/11 attacks, many Western governments assume terrorism to be the greatest threat we face. In response, their dangerous policies attempt to maintain control and keep the status quo by using overwhelming military force. This important book shows why this approach has been such a failure, and how it distracts us from other, much greater, threats of climate change, competition over resources, marginalisation of the majority of the world and global militarisation. Unless urgent, coordinated action is taken in the next 5-10 years on all these issues it will be almost impossible to avoid the earth becoming a highly unstable place by the middle years of this century. Beyond Terror offers an alternative path for politicians, journalists and concerned citizens alike. / Published in Spanish in 2008 by los libros del lince, with the title: Mas Alla del Terror: Las verdaderas amenazas que acechan al mundo.

Evaluation of critical transportation infrastructure and their operation is vital for continuous evolution to meet the growing needs of the society with time. The current practice of evaluating signalized intersections has two steps. The first is to determine the level of service at which the intersection is performing. Level of Service (LOS) is based on the average delay per vehicle that gets past the particular intersection under consideration. The second step is to do a capacity analysis. This considers the number of lanes and other infrastructure related factors and also includes the influence of the control strategies. The above-described procedure evaluates any one intersection at a time. It is necessary to compare and rank a given set of intersections for planning purposes such as choosing the sites for improvements. The research work presented in this thesis demonstrates how Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) can be used as a tool to achieve the purpose of comparing and ranking a given set of comparable intersections. This study elaborates on various ways of representing different characteristics of an intersection. The demonstration has been restricted to four way signalized intersections. The intersections that were used for demonstration as part of this research were created in a controlled random fashion by simulation. / Master of Science

La post-vérité a été un concept marquant en 2016 lors des élections présidentielles américaines et lors du référendum du Royaume-Uni portant sur son maintien au sein de l'Union européenne. Toutefois, lorsqu'il s'agit de développer le contenu de ce mot, nous ne trouvons nulle compréhension rigoureuse ou d'analyse philosophique du concept qui puisse nous éclairer afin de faire face au phénomène. Le présent mémoire vise donc à répondre à ces interrogations et à définir de manière philosophique et rigoureuse ledit concept. Il s'agira donc d'analyser les caractéristiques du phénomène de la post-vérité et d'expliquer les causes qui sont, d'une part, intrinsèquement liées à la nature humaine et, d'autre part, liées à un environnement socio-numérique désavantageux à l'égard de la première. Un parallèle sera dressé entre les événements de 2016 et celui de la pandémie d'un nouveau coronavirus en 2020 où, dans les deux cas, nous avons assisté à une vague sans précédent de fausses informations ainsi qu'à une remise en question des faits rapportés par diverses formes d'autorité qui débouchent sur de profonds et polarisants désaccords sur les faits. Nous nous attarderons enfin à des pistes de solution pour lutter contre la post-vérité et ses conséquences désastreuses pour l'espace de délibération publique ainsi que pour l'esprit critique. / Post-truth was a prominent concept in the 2016 US presidential elections and the UK Brexit referendum. However, when it comes to developing the content of this word, we find no rigorous understanding or philosophical analysis of the concept that can enlighten us to deal with the phenomenon. This thesis therefore aims to answer these questions and to define the concept in a philosophical and rigorous manner. It will therefore be a question of dissecting the characteristics of the phenomenon of post-truth and of explaining the causes which are, on the one hand, intrinsically linked to human nature and, on the other hand, linked to a socio-digital environment disadvantageous with respect to the first. A parallel will be drawn between the events of 2016 and that of the new coronavirus pandemic in 2020 where, in both cases, we are subject to an unprecedented wave of false information as well as a questioning of facts reported by various forms of authority, which lead to deep and polarizing disagreements over the facts. We will thus focus on possible solutions to fight against post-truth and its disastrous consequences for the space of public deliberation as well as for the critical mind.

Background: Even the lowest-impact animal-based food production has a much larger negative impact on the environment compared to plant-based alternatives. The lifestyle change of reducing meat consumption would decrease the negative impact of the food sector. One key obstacle to adopting this more sustainable diet are the inhibitors of the consumption of plant-based meat alternatives (PBMAs). The most commonly identified inhibitors are sensory attributes, price, health concerns, unfamiliarity with PBMAs and unwillingness to change. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to explain the impact of inhibitors of plant-based meat alternatives (PBMAs) consumption among meat-eaters in Sweden. Methodology: A quantitative and deductive research strategy was employed as the means of gathering data. The cross-sectional research design was used with the usage of self-completion questionnaires and administered on Facebook and Reddit. The sampling method employed convenience and purposive sampling and resulted in 334 responses (307 valid). The collected valid data was then cleaned, coded and subsequently examined through descriptive statistics, correlation analysis and multiple linear regression analysis.  Findings: The conducted regression analysis revealed that sensory attributes (H1), health concerns (H3), unfamiliarity (H4) and unwillingness to change (H5) had a significant negative impact on the consumption of PBMAs among meat-eaters in Sweden, thus these hypotheses were accepted. Price (H2) was found non-significant, resulting in the rejection of H2. Conclusion: The most impactful factor inhibiting the consumption of PBMAs among meat-eaters in Sweden was found to be sensory attributes (β = -0.265), followed by unwillingness to change (β = -0.238), health concerns (β = -0.161) and finally the least impactful unfamiliarity (β = -0.113). High prices were not an inhibitor of PBMA consumption among meat-eaters in Sweden. Conclusion: The most impactful factor inhibiting the consumption of PBMAs among meat-eaters in Sweden was found to be sensory attributes (β = -0.265), followed by unwillingness to change (β = -0.238), health concerns (β = -0.161) and finally the least impactful unfamiliarity (β = -0.113). High prices were not an inhibitor of PBMA consumption among meat-eaters in Sweden.

In recent years, the concept of environmental sustainability and corporate social responsibility are crucial for consumers and companies. This thesis was made to explore and gain a better understanding in how luxury consumer evaluation of alternatives are manifested by luxury companies' environmental sustainable practices. To investigate this, the research question: How do a variety of factors, including environmental sustainability, manifest in consumers' evaluation of luxury brands and products? was formulated. A qualitative research method was used with semi-structured interviews together with an inductive approach. With purposive sampling, fourteen interviewees that have consumed or are consuming luxury fashion were participating to help us gather helpful information for our bachelor thesis. The information gathered from the participants were analysed with thematic analysis method and discussed in connection with the literature review. In the conclusion it is shown that durability and quality are important considerations when making purchases, with price sensitivity being more important for infrequent consumers. Evaluations must take into account both external and internal factors. Despite the fact that many customers consider themselves to be environmentally conscious, there is a disconnect between this belief and how they actually purchase luxury fashion. Future sustainability in the luxury market is, however, looked forward to with confidence as customers demand more environmental responsibility from companies.

Denna studie undersöker vilken påverkan förpackningsdesign har inom skönhetsindustrin men även hur hållbara förpackningsalternativ, med fokus på påfyllningsbara produkter, påverkar återköp. Genom en kvalitativ forskningsmetod, där semistrukturerade intervjuer användes för att samla in data, visar resultatet att förpackningsdesignen identifieras som en avgörande faktor för sensorisk njutning och produktupplevelse. Färg, form och materialval spelar en betydande roll i köpbeslut, där färg och material har större inverkan än formen. Vissa färger associeras med lyx och kvalitet, medan material som glas upplevs som högre kvalitet och mer miljövänligt jämfört med plast. Förpackningens funktion är också avgörande, där välfungerande och skyddande förpackningar stärker konsumenternas förtroende. Hållbarhetsfaktorer är viktiga för konsumenterna, där miljövänliga material samt information om hållbarhet på förpackningen har en positiv inverkan. Påfyllningsbara förpackningar lockar konsumenter och kan förbättra varumärkesimagen samt ge ekonomiska fördelar för både konsumenter och producenter. Vidare har påfyllningsbara produkter potential att öka återköpen genom att erbjuda ekonomiska fördelar och möta efterfrågan på miljövänliga alternativ. Konsumenterna sparar pengar genom att köpa påfyllningar istället för nya förpackningar, vilket ökar sannolikheten för återköp. Första intrycket av en produkt påverkar initiala köpbeslut, medan produktens kvalitet och funktion är avgörande för återköp. Företag som investerar i hållbara förpackningslösningar och upprätthåller hög produktkvalitet kan därmed bygga starka kundrelationer och öka kundlojaliteten på lång sikt. / This study investigates the impact of packaging design within the beauty industry, as well as how sustainable packaging options, with a focus on refillable products, influence repurchase behaviour. Through a qualitative research method, where semi-structured interviews were conducted to collect data, the results show that packaging design is identified as a crucial factor for sensory enjoyment and product experience. Colour, shape, and material choices play a significant role in purchasing decisions, with colour and material having a greater impact than shape. Certain colours are associated with luxury and quality, while materials like glass are perceived as higher quality and more environmentally friendly compared to plastic.The functionality of the packaging is critical, with well-functioning and protective packaging enhancing consumer trust. Sustainability factors are important to consumers, and eco-friendly materials as well as information about sustainability on the packaging have a positive impact. Refillable packaging attracts consumers and can improve brand image as well as provide economic benefits for both consumers and producers. Refillable products have the potential to increase repurchase by offering economic advantages and meeting the demand for eco-friendly alternatives. Consumers save money by buying refills instead of new packages, which increases the likelihood of repurchase. The first impression of a product influences initial purchase decisions, while product quality and functionality are crucial for repurchase. Companies that invest in sustainable packaging solutions and maintain high product quality can build strong customer relationships and increase customer loyalty in the long term.

The World Prison Brief Walmsley (2001:2) reveals that there are 8,7 million people held in penal institutions throughout the world, either as pre-trial detainees or having been convicted and sentenced. Although the rising prison population in South Africa is of great concern, it is certainly not just a South African problem, but an international phenomenon. Prison overcrowding and the resultant financial and human rights problems related to this phenomenon, remain one of the paramount concerns of both developed and developing countries. Overcrowding of prisons negates the rehabilitation of offenders, undermines human dignity in correctional facilities and renders the safety and security of offenders and the community vulnerable. Another problem facing the Department of Correctional Services is the control of communicable diseases and viruses, particularly HIV/AIDS and Tuberculosis. The problem of overcrowding facilitates the easy spread of communicable diseases among inmates. Imprisonment as a sanction remains a reality. Providing alternatives to imprisonment, for example, community based-sanctions, does however ensure that a significant number of offenders can be dealt with in a more balanced manner. Alternative sanctions to incarceration can be more successful, less costly to the state, have fewer negative implications and will lighten the load for the criminal justice system, hence reducing overcrowding. In order to reduce the overcrowding in prisons there has to be a reduction in the number of both awaiting-trial and sentenced prisoners. Reducing the inflow of offenders from the courts to the prisons and trying to get minor offenders in prison to be released should accomplish this. Courts and magistrates must break away from centuries of reliance on imprisonment as punishment. If more people show interest in the human rights of incarcerated prisoners, then further effort will be placed on resolving the overpopulation problem facing the Department of Correctional Services. / Criminology / (D. Litt et Phil.(Penology))

Summaries in English and Afrikaans / In the following theoretical study the phenomenon of boot camps is described within a penological perspective, as it has originated and developed and is applied in the United States of America. The primary aim of this study is to obtain the Magister Artium degree. Secondly, it sheds light on an alternative method of dispensation of offenders, more specific juvenile offenders, in the criminal justice system. The investigation is intended to make a modest contribution to the content of penology. Knowledge and insight obtained can serve as guidelines for future research in respect of and application of boot camps in South Africa. The planning and functioning of boot camps is taken into account and the rationale behind boot camps as an effective institution of punishment is investigated. This was done against the background of the elements of punishment, over-population of prisons, cost-effectiveness, residivism and rehabilitation. The study is of importance for South African circumstances, because of the increasingly over-population of prisons and the negative effect of imprisonment, especially on juveniles. / In die hieropvolgende teoretiese studie word die verskynsel van boot camps soos wat dit in die Verenigde State van Amerika ontstaan en ontwikkel het en toegepas word, binne 'n penologiese perspektief beskryf. Die beskrywing het in die eerste plek ten doel om die graad Magister Artium te verwerf. Ten tweede werp dit Jig op 'n alternatiewe beskikkingsmetode vir oortreders, veral jeugoortreders, in die regsplegingstelsel. Die doel van die ondersoek is om 'n beskeie bydrae tot die vakinhoud van die penologie te lewer. Kennis en insig wat ingesamel is kan as rigtingwyser dien virtoekomstige navorsing met betrekking tot en toepassing van boot camps in Suid-Afrika. Die beplanning en funksionering van boot camps word in oenskou geneem en die rasionaal van boot camps as 'n effektiewe strafinrigting is ondersoek. Dit is gedoen teen die agtergrond van die elemente van straf, gevangenisoorbevolking, koste-effektiwiteit, residivisme en rehabilitasie. Die studie is van belang vir Suid-Afrikaanse omstandighede weens die toenemende oorbevolking in gevangenisse en nadelige uitwerking van gevangenisstraf op veral jeugoortreders. / Penology / M.A. (Penology)

La position actuellement dominante parmi juristes et théoriciens de la Finance Islamique penchant vers l’interdiction des produits dérivés dans les Institutions Financières Islamiques, la recherche d’une alternative à ces produits, en particulier pour la gestion des risques de marché, constitue l’un des axes de recherche fondamentaux concernant l’avenir de cette école de pensée et de ce type d’institutions. Ainsi, ce travail de thèse s’intéresse d’abord à l’inférence des significations financières contemporaines possibles du concept islamique dit de « Gharar interdit » (litt. « risque interdit ») en l’opposant notamment à la prise de risque permise, puis, à partir des résultats correspondants, à l’exploration et proposition d’instruments alternatifs aux dérivés. Sur le premier aspect, cette recherche est partie du patrimoine du Fiqh (« jurisprudence ») islamique, et a mobilisé des outils qualitatifs et numériques d’analyse, tout en s’inspirant de la méthode de l’idéaltype de Max Weber. Sur le second, elle a mis en oeuvre une enquête combinant littérature et terrain, avant de faire passer les instruments obtenus par un filtre construit à partir des résultats du premier aspect. Ce travail a principalement permis de jeter une lumière nouvelle sur les théories de la prise de risque et du Gharar en Islam, de repérer et de discuter les zones d’ombre à l’origine des débats contemporains, de dresser un état des lieux de la recherche d’alternatives, d’identifier et de comprendre un phénomène nommé trappe à réplication, et surtout, de proposer une voie générale de sortie, utilisant la théorie islamique du besoin et de l’intérêt général, l’idée de partage du risque et celle d’alternative. / The currently prevailing position among Islamic Finance’s jurists and theorists being to prohibit derivative products in Islamic Financial Institutions, the search for an “Islamic” alternative to these products, in particular for market risks’ management, constitutes one of the fundamental axes of research concerning the future of this school and type of institutions. Thus, this doctoral work deals with the inference of the possible contemporary meanings of the Islamic concept called “prohibited Gharar” (litt. “prohibited risk”) while opposing it to the permissible risk-taking, then, based on the corresponding findings, it deals with the exploration and proposal of alternative instruments to derivatives. On the first aspect, this research used texts of Islamic Fiqh (“jurisprudence”), and mobilised qualitative and numerical tools of analysis, while drawing on Max Weber’s method of the idealtype. On the second, it implemented a survey combining literature and field study, before passing the obtained instruments through a filter constructed from the results of the first aspect. This work has mainly contributed to shed a new light on the theories of risk-taking and Gharar in Islam, to identify and discuss the shadow areas behind contemporary debates, to draw up an inventory of research on alternatives, to identify and understand a phenomenon called replication trap, and especially, to propose a general way out, using the Islamic theory of need and public interest, the idea of risk-sharing and that of alternative.

The World Prison Brief Walmsley (2001:2) reveals that there are 8,7 million people held in penal institutions throughout the world, either as pre-trial detainees or having been convicted and sentenced. Although the rising prison population in South Africa is of great concern, it is certainly not just a South African problem, but an international phenomenon. Prison overcrowding and the resultant financial and human rights problems related to this phenomenon, remain one of the paramount concerns of both developed and developing countries. Overcrowding of prisons negates the rehabilitation of offenders, undermines human dignity in correctional facilities and renders the safety and security of offenders and the community vulnerable. Another problem facing the Department of Correctional Services is the control of communicable diseases and viruses, particularly HIV/AIDS and Tuberculosis. The problem of overcrowding facilitates the easy spread of communicable diseases among inmates. Imprisonment as a sanction remains a reality. Providing alternatives to imprisonment, for example, community based-sanctions, does however ensure that a significant number of offenders can be dealt with in a more balanced manner. Alternative sanctions to incarceration can be more successful, less costly to the state, have fewer negative implications and will lighten the load for the criminal justice system, hence reducing overcrowding. In order to reduce the overcrowding in prisons there has to be a reduction in the number of both awaiting-trial and sentenced prisoners. Reducing the inflow of offenders from the courts to the prisons and trying to get minor offenders in prison to be released should accomplish this. Courts and magistrates must break away from centuries of reliance on imprisonment as punishment. If more people show interest in the human rights of incarcerated prisoners, then further effort will be placed on resolving the overpopulation problem facing the Department of Correctional Services. / Criminology and Security Science / (D. Litt et Phil.(Penology))