In recent years, with the advance of computing equipment and image acquisition techniques, the sizes, dimensions and content of acquired images have increased considerably. Unfortunately as time passes there is a steadily increasing gap between the classical and parallel programming paradigms and their actual performance on modern computer hardware. In this thesis we consider in depth one particular algorithm, the continuous maximum flow computation. We review in detail why this algorithm is useful and interesting, and we propose efficient and portable implementations on various architectures. We also examine how it performs in the terms of segmentation quality on some recent problems of materials science and nano-scale biology

This essay is a business history about the Swedish midsized tobacco company J A Boman & Co, previously Ferd Körner and Körner & Boman, which was part of the blooming tobacco industry in Sweden during the 19th century.  One purpose of the essay is to fill a gap within both business history in general and the study of tobacco companies in particular, since they both tend to favor studies on larger companies. The other purpose is to find a methodological way to study a smaller sized, older company with very few sources from the actual company. The essay seeks to answer questions about the company’s production history and how it changed over the years. The study takes use of both qualitative and quantitative methods to examine the company and how it developed over time. It is not an essay deeply embedded in theory, it rather seeks to use different theoretical approaches. One approach is a micro level macro theory, that claims that a company only can be understood through the macro level and that the company, itself being the micro level, can deliver exciting new findings that creates a deeper understanding for the macro level. Throughout the essay, the company’s production statistics are examined, and combined with newspaper articles, letters and previous academic works within the field, the essay closes in on answers to the questions that were introduced in the beginning. The examination of the company finds that the midsized company managed to survive through adaptability to its time and circumstances. The company chose to sell their products through merchants instead of directly to the consumers, unlike most of the other tobacco companies at the time. The methodological problem, which was part of the essay’s purpose, was resolved by the combined method described earlier in the abstract, although the essay would admittedly have been better if there had been some papers left from the examined company.

Background: In 2003, the National Commissioner of the South African Police Service gave instructions that all the new student constables should undergo a personnel capacity-building programme as part of their basic training. This led to the development of the Self-Management Programme by Police Social Work Services. This programme IS, since July 2004, an integral part of the empowerment of more than 8000 recruits annually. A comprehensive study into the short and long-term effects of the programme on recruits, as well as its overall return on investment (ROI), was started in 2004. In this document, only the results that were achieved with the measurement of the programme's decision-making and purpose-in-life components will, however, be covered. Objectives: The study had a twofold purpose. The first was to measure the short and long-term effect of the Financial Management, Planning of Goals, Self-knowledge, Problem-solving and HIV/AIDS Awareness modules on recruit's knowledge, attitude and behaviour. It, secondly, endeavoured to measure the programme's return on investment coefficient. Method: The study utilised an experimental research design, as well as focus groups and triangulation. It involved an average of 400 experimental group respondents, 120 control group members, 12 focus group participants and 14 presenters per module. A total of 23 questionnaires and a focus group schedule was designed and utilised in the generation of data. Results: All five modules had a practical significant effect on the respondents' knowledge, attitude and behaviour and improved their personal and professional functioning considerably. The "decision-making" and "purpose-in-life" components, as well as the programme as a whole, also produced a very high return on investment. It, therefore, implies that the Self-Management Programme should be seen as both a very effective capacity-building tool and a financial asset for the South African Police Service. / Thesis (Ph.D. (MW))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2006.

Bakgrund och problem Ett generellt problem är att forskning baserad på små och medelstora företag är mycket liten, med avseende på ekonomistyrning samt mätning av resultat. Syfte Syftet är att beskriva och analysera vilka mått som används i fyra små tillverkande företag. Hur måtten mäts, hur informationen kommuniceras kring dem, i vilket syfte de används och om måtten är kopplade till något mål i företaget, är frågor som studien vill besvara. Uppsatsen syftar till att skapa en ökad förståelse för hur små företag mäter sin verksamhet i avsikt att bedöma sitt resultat. Metod Med en abduktiv ansats och hermeneutiskt synsätt har den empiriska och teoretiska referensramen insamlats. Genom en kvalitativ studie och besöksintervjuer hos fyra små tillverkande företag har vi fått möjlighet att beskriva och analysera hur de använder sig av mätning i sin verksamhet. Teoriramen har sedan använts för att skapa en djupare förståelse för empirisk data. Slutsats De mått som används i små företag måste utformas utifrån varje företags specifika förutsättningar för att träffa rätt då många faktorer spelar in i valet av mått. Utifrån företagens mål får mätningen olika syften och måtten kopplar an till målen. Vi ser att behov för tydliga rutiner för mätning finns i små företag och att kommunikationen kring mätning i huvudsak sker formellt. Den kontrollerande funktionen tycks ha en övergripande roll och skapar förutsättningar för övriga syften för mätning vilka är lärande, belöning och mobilisering. Förslag till fortsatt forskning Då små företag är en mångfasetterad och icke-homogen grupp skulle det vara intressant om en studie gjordes på en större population via en kvantitativ studie vilket skulle ge en bredare bild inom ämnet mått och mätning i små företag. / Background and problem A general problem is that the research based on small and medium sized enterprises is very small, in terms of financial and performance measurements. Purpose The purpose is to describe and analyze which measurements of results are used in four small manufacturing corporations. We want to describe and analyze how the dimensions are measured, how the information is communicated about them, for what purpose they are used and if the dimensions are linked to a goal of the corporation. The essay aims to create a greater understanding of how small businesses measure their performance and achievements in their business. Method With an abductive and hermeneutic approach was empirical and theoretical data collected. Through a qualitative study and visiting interviews with four small manufacturing corporations we have been given the opportunity to describe how they use measurements in their business. The theory framework was then used to make a deeper understanding for the empirical data. Conclusion The measures that small businesses use have to be chosen according to the needs of each and every company in order to fit because a lot of elements have influence on the choice of measure. Depending on corporate goals the measuring get different purposes and in this way the measures connect to the goals. We do see that small businesses have needs for explicit routines when it comes to measuring, and the communication is mainly made through formal channels. The matter of control seems to be a general purpose in order to create prerequisites for the other purposes which are learning, rewarding and mobilization. Suggestions for future research Because small and medium sized enterprises are diverse and non- homogenous it would have been interesting if a study of a larger population was made. We believe that a quantitative study in the subject of measures and measurement in small businesses would provide a broader picture.

The need for health informatics education is recognized by many countries which are now engaged in introducing technology to healthcare. Universities have been slow to respond to the need for health informatics professional education. Governments are also involved in initiatives to fund the development of curricula and programs in this area. Entry level and generic courses in health informatics are being developed in order to start education programs. There are now a number of such programs being initiated in some of the developing countries. To meet this demand there is need for individuals who are educated in health informatics. These individuals should be able to perform health informatics related tasks and activities in order to serve the healthcare community better. The focus of their work should be on producing effective leaders in health informatics through formal educational programs and professional education. The purpose of this research is to answer the following research questions: 1) Is there a perceived demand for health informatics professionals in the healthcare institutions of Karachi as expressed by administrators of healthcare institutions? 2) Is there a perceived need for post-secondary Health Informatics education in Karachi as expressed by directors of academic institutions? 3) What types of skills and competencies will health informatics professionals need to acquire through educational programs in Karachi? Setting: This research was conducted in Karachi, Pakistan in 2010 to determine the demand for health informatics education by interviewing representatives from academic and healthcare institutions in Karachi. Participants: A snowball sampling methodology was used. Participants from different types of healthcare centers were interviewed including public and private healthcare centers, nongovernmental organizations, primary healthcare centers of Karachi, and academic institutions that include private and government institutes which are representative of the entire city. Method: Approval was elicited from Human Research Ethics Board of University of Victoria to conduct the study in Karachi, Pakistan. The study described in this thesis used a qualitative design. Thirty participants including fifteen directors of academic institutions and fifteen head of administration of healthcare institutions participated in the study. The sampling methodology used was snowball sampling, which is a non-probability type of sampling. This is the type of sampling where samples are gathered in a process that does not give all the individuals in the population equal chances of being selected [92]. The researcher identified an expert who provided the contacts of academic directors who were invited to participate in the study. The researcher conducted face-to-face interviews with them. Findings: There are many educational gaps and there is also a lack of resources needed to fulfill the demand for health informatics education in healthcare institutions. Ways to improve education in health informatics were discussed and competencies required for health informaticians were established. By obtaining understanding about health informatics, the need for health informatics education to meet the demand of healthcare institutions of Karachi was identified. After reviewing details and results from the research, institutions can make an independent decision regarding choosing an appropriate approach to health informatics education that blends in with the culture of the target population. The most important themes that were derived from the responses of directors of academic institutions fall under a number of different categories. Understanding of health informatics was expressed by participants as representing an integration of computer science and healthcare. It was also clear that subjects felt that capacity building was required for the development of skill sets related to data and system management. The status of HI education in Karachi was noted as being in its infancy, which was a constant theme in all the responses of the participants. Additionally, limited resources available along with a lack of financial assistance, lack of knowledge, manpower, educators and awareness were also a few prominent themes. The administrators had hands-on experience in managing healthcare institutions and they expressed important themes with regard to understanding health informatics as being the management of data and the maintenance of patient records through computer science. The collection of encounters and compilation of clinical documentation was seen as the key concept behind medical records. Themes related to job market requirements included critical thinking, computer knowledge, understanding of medical terminology and specific expertise related to the HI field. Limited resources and scarcity of funds were seen as themes reflecting barriers for health informaticians in the healthcare organizations. Administrators expressed the need for developing academic programs to address manpower training for prospective employees. Conclusion: This paper presents results that could be a major contribution towards enhancing the approach of training professionals in the field of health informatics in Pakistan. This research will hopefully help educators adopt health informatics in their curricula and will encourage educators in the field to impart their knowledge to local people. / Graduate

The master paper discusses the issue of the matter of crime in cases against civil service and public interests. Criminal acts against civil service and public interests are considered to be selfish acts. In fact, the matter of crimes against civil service and public interests is an obtained or provided benefit of particular form. Master paper tries to present the matter of bribery crimes (Articles 225 – 227 of Criminal Code), attributes of the matter of abusing service for the purpose of obtaining material or other benefit (Article 228 Paragraph 2 of Criminal Code.), their general characteristics and differences, contents and effect on qualification of criminal acts. After the Republic of Lithuania regained its independence which had influence on the essential changes in economy-social relations and corresponding legislative acts, property and personal relations among people had become significantly more modern and varied. In addition, a wider range of benefit forms which could be obtained or provided in relation with position of a civil officer appeared and thus respective evaluation had to be made in respect of the matter of criminal acts specified in Part XXXIII of the Criminal Code. The author expresses reasoned opinion based on theoretical knowledge and concepts on the issue discussed. The master paper also includes the analysis of criminal proceedings, corresponding judgements and courts’ positions on the issue of the matter of crime. The author presents the... [to full text]

This dissertation consists of four self-contained studies concentrating on the productivity development following major technological breakthroughs. All four studies are concerned with measurement issues of productivity. Three of the papers use a comparative historical perspective and primarily focus on some of the differences and similarities in productivity growth following each technological breakthrough. A fourth paper solely focuses on the ICT revolution and the problems associated with measuring productivity in the Swedish Radio, television and communication equipment (RTC) industry. Paper 1, Technological Breakthroughs and Productivity Growth (with Magnus Henrekson), examines productivity growth following three major technological breakthroughs: the steam power revolution, electrification and the ICT revolution. The distinction between sectors producing and sectors using the new technology is emphasized. A major finding for all breakthroughs is that there is a long lag from the time of the original invention until a substantial increase in the rate of productivity growth can be observed. There is also strong evidence of rapid price decreases for steam engines, electricity, electric motors and ICT products. However, there is no persuasive direct evidence that the steam engine producing industry and electric machinery had particularly high productivity growth rates. For the ICT revolution, the highest productivity growth rates are found in ICT-producing industries. It is argued that one explanation might be that hedonic price indexes are not used for the steam engine and the electric motor. Still, it is likely that the rate of technological development has been much more rapid during the ICT revolution as compared to any of the previous breakthroughs. In paper 2, Do Hedonic Price Indexes Change History? The Case of Electrification, I investigate whether hedonic price indexing would also have large effects on measured price and productivity during electrification. The hedonic methodology is used on historical data for electric motors in Sweden in 1900–35. The results show that PPI-deflated prices for electric motors decreased by 4.8 percent per year based on hedonic price indexes. This indicates that prices decreased considerably more for electric motors compared to total manufacturing. Annual labor productivity growth in Swedish electric machinery in 1919–29 becomes 12.1 percent if the hedonic deflators are used. Thus, there is strong evidence that productivity growth in the electric motor producing industry was very high during the 1920s. In contrast to Sweden, US annual labor productivity growth was only, according to current best estimates, 4.1 percent in electric machinery compared to 5.3 percent in manufacturing in 1919–29. However, hedonic price indexes were not used to calculate US productivity. Finally, it is shown that the price decreases for electric motors in the 1920s were not on par with the price decreases for ICT-equipment in the 1990s, even if hedonic indexing is used in both cases. Paper 3, Parallel Development? Productivity Growth Following Electrification and the ICT revolution, compares labor productivity growth and the contribution to labor productivity growth in Swedish manufacturing during electrification and the ICT revolution. The paper distinguishes between technology-producing, intensive and less intensive technology-using industries during these two technological breakthroughs. The results show that labor productivity growth and the overall contribution to labor productivity growth were considerably higher in technology-producing industries during the ICT revolution compared to electrification. For example, the relative contribution to labor productivity growth in manufacturing from the technology-producing industry was 3.4 percent in 1920–30 compared to 34.4 percent in 1993–2003. On the other hand, the relative contribution to aggregate labor productivity growth was considerably higher in intensive technology-using manufacturing industries during electrification. These findings have an important policy implication, namely that it is much more important how productivity is measured for ICT products in the 1990s than for electric motors in the 1920s. Paper 4, The Swedish ICT Miracle: Myth or Reality?, investigates productivity development in Sweden in the 1990s. The results show that much of the recorded Swedish surge in labor productivity was due to the spectacular growth of the Radio, television and communication equipment (RTC) industry. However, the productivity growth of the RTC industry is very sensitive to value added price deflators. Unlike Sweden, the US uses hedonic price indexes for semiconductors and microprocessors which are important intermediate inputs in the RTC industry. Estimates based on the US intermediate input price deflators for semiconductors and microprocessors suggest that the productivity growth of the Swedish RTC industry during the 1990s can be questioned. This implies that the productivity growth of total manufacturing has also been overestimated. The results for Sweden are also interesting for other countries such as Finland, Ireland and South Korea, where ICT-producing industries have contributed substantially to labor productivity growth / Diss. Stockholm : Handelshögskolan, 2006 S. 1-21: introduction and summary, s. 23-194: 4 papers

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