One policy reaction of the Federal Reserve to the 2008 financial crisis was the extension of currency swap lines to various foreign central banks; this constituted the global transfer of billions of US dollars of wealth and exhibited the role of the US as a global lender of last resorts. Some have attempted to explain the supply of these lines as a function of risk mitigation for domestic US banks with foreign holdings, but no one has yet investigated the social dynamics of this phenomenon. In recognizing that the global demand for emergency liquidity was greater than the Federal Reserve’s supply, this paper investigates how the similarity of foreign central banks affected the selection of which banks would receive liquidity extensions. I calculate similarity scores to the US Federal Reserve for foreign banks which applied for liquidity extensions during the crisis. These scores measure the textual similarity of foreign central bankers’ speeches to those of the Fed, the institutional design similarity to that of the Fed, and the similarity of foreign central banks’ governors’ educational and professional backgrounds to those of the 2008 Federal Open Markets Commission members. I find that the similarity of foreign central banks to the US with regard to these three criteria offers a significantly stronger and statistically more robust answer to the question of what drove this decision process, and offer implications for international regulatory mechanisms to ameliorate this tendency toward social homophily.

The increasing rate of urbanization and the problem of road reserve encroachment mean that there is no space for road expansion and sometimes for maintenance and road furniture, these and other problems have exposed the problem of road reserve encroachment. The main aim of this study was to investigate methods of finding the road reserve encroachment in Maseru Lesotho using aerial photos. The study used single image analysis and multiple image analysis methods. In single image analysis, the study used three methods of image classifications to find objects that are in the road reserve. Under classification, the study used both supervised and unsupervised image classifications. For supervised classification, the study used the direct image classification method where the aim was to look for every object found in the road reserve. For the indirect approach, the study looked for the ground to find objects in the road reserve. For unsupervised image classification, the study assumed that small clusters are encroachment. In multiple images analysis, the study used the 2015 and 2017 images to determine permanent objects found to have encroached road reserves. Here the assumption was that encroachment does not change over time, which means that unchanged objects during the change detection have encroached on the road reserve. The confusion matrix was used to tell the best performing method and the results show that the indirect method, both in Qoaling and Maqalika performed best. All the methods showed that there was an encroachment on a road reserve, and found that permanent objects were; houses, shops, and shopping centers. The study recommended the use of images with higher resolution and more bands, also that images be taken frequently.

The aim of my Dissertation has been the formulation of proposals for creation the passive income. The completed work focuses on the specific environment of the Brno based company REWIN BRNO, s.r.o., aut the work has been creation for all users. This work provides the formulation of a detailed model how to archieve the stated aim in the most effective way with the minimum risk of damage to the company´s long-term stability. And create mine of financ for running of firm in unfavourable time.

In South Africa, trypanosomosis also known as Nagana, transmitted by Glossina brevipalpis and G. austeni, is the major cause of anaemia and chronic debilitating condition in cattle. There is a wealth of entomological information on the ecology of the two tsetse species generated following the devastating outbreak in cattle due to Nagana in 1990. However, it is unfortunate that these entomological data has not been supported by parallel studies on the epidemiology of the disease. Therefore, the present study presents the first intensive epidemiological investigations since 1990 to address the problem of animal trypanosomosis in South Africa. The relationship between trypanosomes herd average prevalence (HAP), herd average anaemia (HAA) and herd average packed cell volume (HA-PVC) were investigated in cattle in three communal diptanks located by the Hluhluwe-uMfolozi Game Reserve by regular monthly sampling for 15 months. The tsetse challenge with G. brevipalpis in two of the diptanks, Mvutshini and Ekuphindisweni, was high but low in the third (Ocilwane). In addition, G. brevipaplis and G. austeni coexist in Mvutshini diptank. This high and low tsetse challenge presented different disease scenarios. Cattle at Mvutshini and Ekuphindisweni diptanks had the highest HAP of 12.3% and 8.9%, respectively, which is significantly different (p = 0.001) from the HAP obtained from cattle at Ocilane (2.9%). Both cattle herds at Mvutshini and Ekuphindisweni diptanks also had the highest HAA, 27.7 and 33.4%, respectively, while cattle at Ocilwane had the lowest, 11.1% (statistically different; p = 0.001). Conversely, cattle at Ocilwane diptank had the highest HA-PCV, ranging between 29-32% while cattle at Mvutshini and Ekuphindisweni diptanks had the lowest HA-PCV (24-29%). The interaction between HAP and HAA is significant (p = 0.021). The overall effect of HAP on the animal health condition is clearly demonstrated when comparing the anaemia in trypanosomes infected and uninfected cattle at the 3 diptanks. Fifty percent, 63% and 100% of trypanosomes infected cattle were anaemic at Mvutshini, Ekuphindisweni and Ocilwane diptanks, respectively. In comparison, the prevalence of anaemia in uninfected cattle in the 3 diptanks was 20, 30 and 10% at Mvutshini, Ekuphindisweni and Ocilwane diptanks, respectively. By combining the data from the 3 diptanks (1,800 observations), the overall HAA in infected and uninfected cattle was 62 and 20%, respectively The results of trypanosomes seasonal surveys conducted at 7 communal diptanks in tsetse infested areas, showed that all cattle at the diptanks were infected with trypanosomes with mean HAP and HAA of 10.3 and 35.3%, respectively. The highest HAP (range 15-31%, n=4) was recorded in Ngwenyambili diptank. This high infection in the cattle herds produced high values of HAA (50%; range 40-60). The infection rate with trypanosomes in G. brevipalpis caught from the field showed immature infections in the midgut of 3.5% (16/458) while only one fly was found with mature infection in the proboscis (1/458, 0.22%). Very few G. austeni were collected (total of 9) during the same period and dissected. The infection rate with trypanosomes immature and mature infections was found to be very high; 5/9 (55.5%). Blood samples were collected from a total of 132 buffaloes randomly immobilized for tuberculosis testing by the Hluhluwe-uMfolozi Game Reserve Authority. Two buffaloes were found to have T. congolense infection by the buffy coat technique. The presence of trypanosomes infected buffaloes in this study confirms the occurrence of sylvatic cycle at the tsetse/livestock/Hluhluwe-uMfolozi Game Reserve, thus, presenting a high risk of serious disease to cattle. The objective of the study on the strategic treatment of trypanosomosis conducted on one farm in endemic area was to treat adult cows and calves at an arbitrary HAP threshold before the disease produces any clinical symptoms or production losses. The strategic use of ethidium bromide and novidium chloride produced attractive results whereby cattle were protected for an extended period of 3 to 6 months with no development of anaemia during this period. Therefore, two to four treatments per year may be sufficient to keep cattle productivity on the farm under the tsetse challenge Copyright / Dissertation (MSc)--University of Pretoria, 2012. / Veterinary Tropical Diseases / unrestricted

Archaeotourism (also called archaeological tourism) is one of the oldest tourism niches people have visited archaeological sites for centuries. A question that arises is whether less well-known archaeological sites have potential as archaeotourism destinations. Therefore, the main aim of this study is to determine whether Wonderboom Nature Reserve in South Africa has potential as an archaeotourism destination. To determine the potential of the Reserve as such a destination, the attractions of seven archaeotourism sites are discussed four World Heritage Sites and three less well-known archaeological sites based on a literature study. These sites are popular because they offer tourists interesting events and edutainment. Some contribute to nationhood and identity, and have aesthetic value and/or religious meaning. Some have personal significance, and offer mystery, nostalgia or adventure. In some cases, Google Street View is available. In respect of Wonderboom Nature Reserve, a sample of 35 visitors to the Reserve were interviewed in 2015 to gauge their perceptions of the site, using semi-structured interviews. Based on the findings of the literature study and the results of the interviews, the study concludes that Wonderboom Nature Reserve does have potential to be an archaeotourism destination. This conclusion is based on the reasons for which people visit World Heritage and less well-known archaeological sites. For Wonderboom Nature Reserve, it is clear that people visit the site for the Day of the Vow event, and for the four main attractions (Fort Wonderboompoort, the Wonderboom tree, the waterfall, and caves). Some come for nostalgic reasons, others for the various activities the Reserve offers, such as hiking. It is also a sacred site for the Southern Ndebele. Some visitors claimed that they wanted to search for the fabled Kruger millions on the site. The Reserve's rich historical and archaeological resources are also an attraction. However, for Wonderboom Nature Reserve to reach its full potential, this study concludes with a few recommendations, namely better maintenance and proper promotion of the site. Route markings need to be improved. This study is important because scholars often ignore less well-known archaeological sites and their potential contribution towards tourism. / Archaeotourism / Dissertation (MHCS)--University of Pretoria, 2017. / Historical and Heritage Studies / MHCS / Unrestricted

La maladie d’Alzheimer (MA) et la maladie de Parkinson (MP), sont considérées aujourd’hui comme un problème majeur de santé publique du fait qu’elles sont diagnostiquées trop tardivement et demeurent sans traitement curatif. D’importants efforts doivent donc être mis en œuvre pour identifier des marqueurs précliniques sensibles et spécifiques au risque de développer une maladie neurodégénérative. Dans cette optique, plusieurs auteurs ont récemment montré que les fonctions exécutives et le control locomoteur dans une situation de double tâche, sont altérés aux stades précliniques de la MA et la MP. En routine clinique les médecins sont des fois confrontées à ces individus ayant des troubles exécutivo-locomoteurs mais qui ne sont pas immédiatement repérés en raison de leurs capacités de réserves particulièrement élevées. Pris ensemble, les travaux de cette thèse s’articulent autour d’un large spectre des notions liées au vieillissement normal et pathologique qui sont les fonctions exécutives, le contrôle locomoteur et la réserve cognitive. L’originalité de cette thèse réside dans le développement d’un « nouveau test neuropsychologique : Le Stroop Switching Card Test » évaluant l’efficience exécutive globale avec des mesures spécifiques à chaque composante et deux nouvelles mesures de la réserve cognitive dont une qualitative (i.e., un nouveau questionnaire) et l’autre quantitative (seuil du déclin exécutif associé à une basse réserve cognitive). En parallèle nous avons développé trois nouveaux paradigmes de doubles tâches fondés sur le profil physiopathologique de la MA et la MP. Les résultats révèlent que la batterie de tests que nous proposons présente un intérêt potentiel pour détecter précocement un déclin exécutif chez les sujets âgés, mais aussi pour distinguer le vieillissement normal du vieillissement accéléré. En conclusion, les résultats préliminaires de cette thèse confirment la validité de nouveaux tests dans l’évaluation des fonctions exécutive, de la réserve cognitive et du contrôle locomoteur. Des études longitudinales sont nécessaires pour confirmer que ces outils pourraient avoir une valeur ajoutée dans le diagnostic précoce et différencié des MA et MP. / To date, Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Parkinson’s disease (PD) are diagnosed in the advanced stage of degenerative brain processes, when clinical symptoms occur. In the absence of curative therapy, current research is focused on prevention by identifying subtle signs of early stage neurodegeneration. In the light of these clinical perspectives, recent research in behavioral neurosciences has already found that executive functions (i.e., notably inhibition and switching) and gait control as assessed by standard neuropsychological tests (e.g., Stroop Test and Trail Making Test) and dual-task walking paradigms, respectively, are already altered at both the preclinical and prodromal phases of AD and PD. We would argue that it is imperative to take into account factors modulating the capacity to cope with age-related brain changes, among which the most important is the cognitive reserve. Together, the main goals of this thesis are to develop: (i) a new neuropsychological test, assessing executive functions, separately and together, (ii) new measures of CR; and (iii) new dual-task walking paradigms based on the neuropathological profiles of AD and PD, by manipulating both the nature of executive processes and cognitive load. These tools were validated in healthy young adults and older adults with a high sensitivity. Specifically, we have found that these tools allow detecting early executive decline. Furthermore, they allow to differentiate normal aging from accelerated aging. In conclusion, the preliminary results of this thesis confirm the validity of the new tests in the evaluation of executive function, cognitive reserve and gait control. Longitudinal studies are needed to confirm that these tools could have an added value in the early and differential diagnosis of AD and PD.

This thesis discusses key conflicts in the Oostvaardersplassen. These conflicts include the contestation of the Oostvaardersplassen as wilderness, the debate on grazer mortality, and the debate on culling. Through Actor Network Theory, the actors involved in the Oostvaardersplassen are discussed. A number of documents are selected for the different actors to do a qualitative analysis of communication on the Oostvaardersplassen. The Oostvaardersplassen is a unique area, claimed from the sea and fully manmade, with a management philosophy with aspects from rewilding theories. Recurring themes in the actor documents are studied, such as the definitions of the terms ‘nature’ ‘wilderness’ and the use of interventions. In addition, the documents are analysed on their use of rhetoric tools and the way they discuss the general public in the Oostvaardersplassen debates. The nature of the Oostvaardersplassen as an experiment, the strong presence of emotions in the debates and the unclear definition of goals and purposes lead to a more fractured stage for the actors and the debate. While the Oostvaardersplassen is successful as an area for experimentation, learning, and as a nature reserve in the midst of the Netherlands, these concluding issues are an important consideration in making the Oostvaardersplassen’s debate less volatile.

Magister Scientiae (Biodiversity and Conservation Biology) - MSc (Biodiv and Cons Biol) / The study illustrates the current ecological integrity of the Diep River system, based on the recent river health assessment using the South African Scoring System version 5 (2000-2003) and the water quality data (1996-2002). Some of the major land-use impacts on the river system are highlighted.

Die politik-, technologie- und marktgetriebenen Entwicklungen des Strommarktes in Deutschland und Europa haben zu einem ungünstigen wirtschaftlichen Umfeld für konventionelle Kraftwerke geführt, wodurch umfangreiche Stilllegungen folgen könnten, die u. U. die Versorgungssicherheit gefährden könnten. Viele Länder Europas diskutieren deshalb die Einführung von Kapazitätsmechanismen. Die vorliegende Arbeit untersucht auf Basis einer Szenarioanalyse mit dem europäischen Strommarktmodell LICOES-Europe für die Jahre 2020, 2030, 2040 und 2050 Mengen-, Preis-, Gewinn- und Verteilungseffekte aus der Einführung von europaweiten strategischen Reserven (StR), europaweiten unilateralen zentralen Kapazitätsmärkten mit nationaler Autarkie (CMnat) sowie europaweiten zentralen Kapazitätsmärkte mit impliziter Beteiligung des Auslands (CMimp) im Vergleich zu einem Basisszenario mit reinem Energy-Only-Markt (EOM). Die Analyse wird durch ein Extremszenario ergänzt, in dem Deutschland als einziges Land auf einen Kapazitätsmarkt verzichtet (DEnoCM). Unter den gewählten Modellannahmen werden zukünftig massiv Überkapazitäten abgebaut und der Kraftwerkspark technologisch in Richtung Erdgas-KWK-Anlagen und Stromspeicher transformiert. Die Spotmarktpreise steigen massiv an. Die Einführung europaweiter strategischer Reserven hat im Vergleich die geringsten ökonomischen Effekte, erhöht die gesicherte Leistung allerdings nur leicht. Europaweite zentrale umfassende Kapazitätsmärkte führen hingegen zu späteren Stilllegungen, früheren Zu-bauten, großen Überkapazitäten und trotz leicht sinkender Spotmarktpreise zu hohen Marktkosten und Verteilungseffekten zu Lasten der Verbraucher und dezentralen Erzeuger und zu Gunsten besonders von Altanlagen in Deutschland und Batteriespeichern im Ausland. Bei kooperativen Kapazitätsmärkten fallen die Kapazitätseffekte deutlich geringer aus, wenngleich die Preis-, Kosten- und Verteilungseffekte ähnlich hoch liegen oder im Ausland sogar noch steigen. Verzichtet Deutschland als einziges Land auf einen Kapazitätsmarkt mit nationaler Autarkie, ist das Kapazitätsziel signifikant unterdeckt. Die Importabhängigkeit steigt um bis zu 14 TWh p.a. Im Vergleich zum Szenario mit Kapazitätsmarkt profitieren Verbraucher im In- und Ausland von den Verteilungseffekten.

This study examined whether three reserve-based quantity replacement measures and three reserve-based value replacement measures have incremental information content beyond that of historical earnings and its cash and accrual components. This study also examined whether the cash and accrual components of earnings have incremental information content beyond that of earnings.