Étant donné que le mandarin est une langue dépourvue de morphologie verbale, il est difficile de démontrer l’existence du nœud T et de l’opposition entre la finitude et la non-finitude. Dans ce mémoire, nous analysons cette difficulté sous l’angle de l’interface sémantique-syntaxique. Suivant Klein (1998,2000), la finitude est porteuse de deux éléments sémantiques : le temps topique (TT) et l’assertion (AST). En mandarin, les particules d’aspect encodent le TT et l’AST. Les phrases déclaratives comprenant une particule d’aspect sont finies et les phrases déclaratives sans particule d’aspect sont non finies. En nous basant sur la structuration de la périphérie gauche (Rizzi 1997) révisée par Paul (2015) pour le mandarin, nous démontrons que les complétives déclaratives finies projettent jusqu’à TopicP, alors que les complétives déclaratives non finies projettent au TP. Le temps et la finitude ne sont pas fusionnés sous la même projection en mandarin. De plus, la finitude et la non-finitude s'analysent mieux en termes de distinction structurelle dans le cas du mandarin. / Since Mandarin is a language without verbal morphology, it is difficult to demonstrate the existence of the T-node and the opposition between finiteness and non-finiteness. In this thesis, we analyze this difficulty from the perspective of the semantic-syntactic interface. According to Klein (1998, 2000), finiteness is the carrier of two semantic elements: topic time (TT) and assertion (AST). In Mandarin, aspect particles encode TT and AST. Declarative sentences containing an aspect particle are finite and declarative sentences without an aspect particle are non-finite. Based on the left periphery structuring (Rizzi 1997) revised by Paul (2015) for Mandarin, we will demonstrate that finite declarative complements project to TopicP, while non-finite declarative complements project to TP. Time and finiteness are not assimilated under the same projection in Mandarin. Moreover, finiteness and non-finiteness are better interpreted via a structural distinction in the case of Mandarin.

Intelligent systems ought to be distinguished as a special type of systems that require distinctive engineering processes. While this distinction is informally acknowledged by some, practical systems engineering (SE) methodologies for intelligent systems remain primarily rooted in traditional SE paradigms centered around component aggregation. Initially, this dissertation posits that the traditional approach is grounded in the notion of open systems as the fundamental precept, whereas engineering intelligent systems necessitates an alternative approach founded on the principles of closed systems. This dissertation endeavors to identify potential gaps within the current SE foundations concerning the accommodation of the unique characteristics of intelligent systems, such as continuous learning and sensitivity to environmental changes. Furthermore, it argues for the mitigation of these gaps through the formalization of closed systems precepts. It adopts a systems-theoretic perspective to elucidate the phenomena of closed systems and their intricate interplay with engineering intelligent systems. This research contends that, given the intricate coupling between intelligent systems and their environments, the incorporation of closed systems precepts into SE represents a pivotal pathway to construct engineered intelligence. In pursuit of this objective, this dissertation establishes a formal foundation to delineate closed systems precepts and other fundamental practices. Subsequently, it provides formalism to discern two important categories of closed systems, informationally and functionally closed systems, and their relevance in the domains of engineering and design across diverse levels of system abstraction. Additionally, it explores the practical application of the closed systems precepts through the novel paradigm of core and periphery, followed by its examination within real-world contexts. This dissertation is organizes as follows: Chapter 1 initiates the dissertation by presenting the problem formulation and motivation. It subsequently delves into a thorough literature review and outlines the research's scope and objectives, contributing to the essence of this work. In Chapter 2, a narrative unfolds, elucidating the contributions of the provided papers to the objectives outlined in Chapter 1. This chapter illuminates how each paper aligns with and furthers the overarching goals set forth in the Chapter 1. Chapter 3 serves as a culmination, offering a summary of the accomplishments, acknowledging limitations, and delineating potential avenues for future research within this domain. Paper A is devoted to substantiating the closed notion of intelligence property. In the realm of artificial intelligence (AI), systems are often expected to exert influence upon their environments and, reciprocally, to be influenced by their surroundings. Consequently, a profound interdependence exists between the system and its environment, transcending the confines of conventional input-output relations. In this regard, Paper A postulates that the engineering of intelligent systems mandates an approach that elevates closed systems as foundational precepts for characterizing intelligence as a property contingent upon the system's relationship with its context. The ensuing discussion will juxtapose the viewpoints of open and closed systems, illustrating the limitations of the open system perspective in representing intelligence as a relational property. In response, this paper will advocate for the adoption of the closed system view to establish intelligence as an inherent relational property arising from the system's dynamic interactions with its environment. Paper B is dedicated to the formalization of the closed systems paradigm within SE. In this paper, formalism is proffered for the closed systems precepts, drawing upon systems theory, cybernetics, and information theory. A comprehensive comparison of two closure types, informational and functional closure, within closed systems is presented, underpinned by a common systems-theoretic formal framework. This dissertation contends that by grounding these initiatives in the core and periphery concept, we can facilitate the design and engineering of intelligent systems across multiple levels of abstraction. These levels may span a spectrum from informational closure to a synthesis of informational and functional openness. It posits that this approach represents a versatile, method-agnostic solution to some of the principal challenges encountered when engineering multiple tiers of intelligence for complex systems. Paper C delves into the rise of the concept of core-periphery from some cybernetics principles, such as variety and "The Law of Requisite Variety" and provides a formalism that is a derivation of the mentioned principles in Cybernetics. Later, it elaborates on the practical implications of such concepts in intelligent systems from biological systems and entails an engagement with a CNN model to explore the core and periphery concept within AI-enabled systems. Paper D proposes the practical implementation of the closed systems doctrine in SE, offering frameworks that rigorously define the boundaries between closed systems and their environment. These frameworks are meticulously designed to account for stakeholder requirements and the inherent design constraints of the system. This paper illustrates practical applications of informational and functional closure within SE processes, leveraging a hypothetical example for elucidation. It focuses on two aspects of engineering intelligence, scope and scale to provide a platform for the utilization of closed systems precepts. / Doctor of Philosophy / There has been a longstanding call within the Systems Engineering (SE) community for the development of a comprehensive SE theory. This endeavor seeks to bestow upon the field of SE the requisite credibility to stand autonomously as an engineering discipline, capable of addressing the contemporary engineering challenges that confront us. In the pursuit of establishing SE as a distinct engineering field, it becomes imperative to furnish precise and formal definitions for the fundamental concepts that underpin SE processes. Presently, the absence of concrete formalism and clear distinctions surrounding certain core concepts introduces ambiguity into various SE practices. Until recently, the immediate necessity for such foundational formalism was not universally acknowledged or appreciated, as engineers predominantly relied on established practices to design traditional engineered systems. These conventional SE practices had withstood the test of time, until the emergence of a new generation of complex systems characterized by distinctive features. Among these emergent systems, Artificial Intelligent (AI) systems have garnered significant attention, bearing unique attributes that call into question the adequacy of the current SE practices in supporting their development. Consequently, it has been asserted that intelligent systems necessitate the incorporation of new characteristics that render them incompatible with conventional SE practices. This assertion underscores the need for a thorough reevaluation of SE, potentially entailing an expansion of the formalism underpinning its fundamental principles. However, despite these pressing concerns, SE currently lacks a solid theoretical foundation capable of facilitating a paradigm shift away from current practices. The primary objective of this dissertation is to identify the existing gaps responsible for the misalignment between the characteristics of AI systems and prevailing SE practices. Additionally, it seeks to propose innovative methodologies to bridge these gaps effectively. In alignment with this objective, the dissertation provides formalism for these methodologies. Finally, this dissertation aims to provide practical implication of such formalism to validate their applicability. In summary, the central research question, along with the ensuing objectives of this dissertation, can be articulated as follows: What aspects of SE are insufficient for engineering the new characteristics demanded by intelligent systems? What specific actions need to be undertaken to rectify the gaps within SE for intelligent systems? What theoretical foundation and formalism are essential to address these deficiencies within the SE process? What are the practical implications of these efforts for SE processes, as exemplified by real-world scenarios?

No description available.

[pt] A tese lida com escritos do século XX agrupados pela designação interpretações do Brasil , focando-se nos usos do conceito de formação nesses textos. Identifiquei cinco traços expostos nesses usos: (1) a centralidade da nação; (2) a incompletude da transição da condição colonial para a condição moderna; (3) a desigualdade interna no país; (4) a mobilização de parâmetros externos na definição do Brasil; e (5) o foco nas especificidades do processo formativo brasileiro. Esses cinco traços são comuns a todos os textos selecionados; no entanto, eles se expressam de maneiras diferentes de acordo com cada texto. A Parte I destaca a recorrência do conceito de formação nas interpretações do Brasil (capítulo 2); depois disso, expõe linhas gerais da perspectiva a partir da qual os usos de formação serão interpretados (capítulo 3). A Parte II (capítulos 4-12) se dedica à interpretação dos textos selecionados, com foco nos usos do conceito de formação e nos traços mencionados antes. A Parte III começa com uma controvérsia ocorrida principalmente no final dos anos 1980 e que se mostra expressiva de muitos aspectos levantadas na Parte II (capítulo 13); em seguida, abordo três intérpretes do Brasil que têm avançado, de formas diferentes, abordagens similares à que desenvolvo no final da tese; isto é, buscam uma interpretação alternativa da formação do Brasil contemporâneo (capítulos 14-16). Finalmente, a Parte IV parte da discussão precedente, a fim de refletir sobre os cinco traços de formação nas interpretações do Brasil , teorizando a partir de certo lugar. / [en] The dissertation deals with writings from the XX century grouped under the notion of interpretations of Brazil , focusing on their uses of the concept of formation . I have identified five traces exposed in those uses: (1) the centrality of the nation; (2) the incompleteness of the transition from the colonial to the modern condition, marking a coexistence of the old and the new; (3) the internal inequality within the country; (4) the mobilization of external parameters in the definition of Brazil; and (5) the focus on the specificities of Brazilian formative process. These five traces are shared by all the texts selected; but, at the same time, they are expressed in different ways according to each text. Part I stresses the recurrence of the concept of formation in the interpretations of Brazil (chapter 2); after that, it lays out general lines of the perspective from which the uses of formation will be interpreted in the texts selected (chapter 3). Part II (chapters 4-12) is devoted to the interpretations of the texts, focusing on the uses of formation and those five traces previously mentioned. Part III begins with a controversy that took place mainly in the late 1980s and that is expressive of many aspects raised in Part II (chapter 13); then, it tackles three interpreters of Brazil that have advanced, in different ways, efforts similar to the one I will embrace myself in the last part of the text, that is, an alternative interpretation of the formation of contemporary Brazil from some kind of engagement with previous interpretations of Brazil (chapters 14-16). Finally, Part IV (chapter 17) builds on the previous discussion, in order to reflect upon, or theorize from, the five traces of formation in the interpretations of Brazil .

Emerging market firms (EMFs) have become a significant contemporary global economic force in terms of their international presence and influence. However, given the extreme poverty and lack of development in their home countries, many Francophone firms in Africa seeking to internationalize lack resources as well as legitimacy in international markets. Compared to higher income emerging markets, Francophone firms in Africa face significantly greater challenges in their internationalization efforts. For such firms, initial internationalization may occur through the former colonial center as a result of “l’effet métropolitain” (or the metropolitan effect). They may take advantage of their French relationship to overcome the disadvantages of being located in underdeveloped countries and markets. Once established in France, they are able to internationalize more broadly. The aim of this research was to investigate “l’effet métropolitain” and learn about the factors influencing the internationalization process of Francophone firms in Africa. To meet these aims, data on internationalization processes of firms from Francophone Africa were collected through case study analysis and semi-structured interviews with senior management of seven, Francophone firms from Africa. The case study findings largely provide confirmation of a proposed model of “l’effet métropolitain” wherein certain firm resources and motivations moderate the internationalization of Francophone firms in Africa to France first and then beyond. / Business Administration/International Business Administration

Text in Afrikaans / The growth and development of Randfontein is analysed within a spatial perspective. The theoretical point of departure is found in settlement geography and in the spatial economic approach. As continuous perspective, the PWV serves as major metroplitan region, of which Randfontein is a functional subsystem. Information has been obtained from businessmen, industrialists, the local authorities and the inhabitants of Randfontein. The economic sectors (mining, manufacturing and services) are analysed 1n terms of their contribution (or lack of) to the course of the economic realities in town. The behaviouristic approach provides a perspective 1n the sense that behavioral patterns are prominently analysed. A special technique of analyses is used to highlight the economic activities of Randfontein (with the graphic illustrations), by determining strong and weak factors. Problems that have been experienced in terms of the economic activities of Randfontein are identified and possibilities for the future are stipulated. / Educational Studies / M.A. (Geography)

This thesis addresses aspects of Romanian society and cinema, by analyzing post-communist films through the perspective of marginality. The central hypothesis of this study refers to the ways in which films illustrate conditions of post-communist Romanian society, as they consider representations of the periphery through the angle of allegories of marginality. Following a long tradition, especially in literary studies, where it refers to the overt insertion of symbolic meanings, allegory refers in this study to a less noticeable delivery, by using a postmodern interpretation of the concept. This translates to detecting a latent meaning in films, by interpreting them in a broader context pertaining both to the film's circumstances (production, distribution and reception), and to the broader framework of the film's content. What connects post-communist Romanian films is a concern for matters of marginality, as they focus on dissensions in society, intergenerational conflicts, youth and limited opportunities of social movement, and the use of satire as a way of handling the bleak conditions of life. Aiming to provide a realistic representation of post-communist life, new wave Romanian films focus on the mundane reality of everyday life. The films discussed in this thesis expand beyond the scope of the new wave, and present a diversity of aesthetic approaches and relating perspectives on allegory—from distinct to obscure—defined by the contextual conditions of post-communism.

A role of Latinisms in contemporary German language is the subject of this thesis. The thesis has been elaborated on the basis of findings acquired in the course of drafting dictionary entries within a project focused on development of the German-Czech Academic Dictionary. The role of the Latinisms within the German language vocabulary is analysed on the background of a confrontation of entries included in the monolingual dictionary Duden-Deutsches Universalwörterbuch with a structuralist theory of centre and periphery of language. The analyses, elaborated on the data obtained from the Mannheim German Reference Corpus (DeReKo) and the collocation database (CCDB) developed on the basis of the Corpus, are used for the purpose of the confrontation with the above- mentioned premise of the central or peripheral position of Latin loan words.

"Region" is nowadays one of the most frequented term in the discourse of the humanities. In the approach of the History, the region is used as a theoretical and methodological concept, whose content has wide range in other social sciences, such as Human Geography and Sociology. This thesis deals with the possibility of the utilization of this term in the historical research applicated on the particular case of the Bohemian- Moravian Highlands. Thesis describes the recent state of the research and the progress in the approach to the term of region. The main concepts which can be used in the case of the Highlands are also shown and described. This particular region was chosen because of its specificity - it's a central periphery, which formed itself into a centralized and institutionalized modern region, the Vysočina Region, during the 20th century. The basic way-out is Anssi Paasi's theory of the shaping of regions. According to it, region can be found in many dimensions in the process of its creation - not just in a physical shape, but also in a symbolic shape, in the making of its identity. Eventually, region has got variable social and economic characteristics. The meaning in which region is percepted and imagined is also changed by these processes of creation - the role of the region is changing...

The present thesis deals with the influence of human resources for the development potential of selected villages situated in the area of inner periphery of the Vysocina Region. Within the scope of polarized geographical space areas with varying degrees of stability and potential for development can be identified, where endogenous development opportunities can be considered as crucial factors- in particular the level of human resources. The present thesis monitors the quality of human and social capital on the example of three villages, using the combination of quantitative and qualitative research methods. The capitalization rate and utilization of human resources is evaluated mainly in terms of involvement of local partakers/participants, their levels of cooperation and participation of the population in public life. The aim is to find out how human resources in the surveyed municipalities affect their development in the future.