With few previous data and literature based on the South African banking sector, the key aim of this study was to contribute further results concerning the effect of operational loss events on the reputation of South African banks. The main distinction between this study and previous empirical research is that a small sample of South African banks listed on the JSE, between 2000 and 2014 was used. Insurance companies fell outside the scope of the study. The study primarily focused on identifying reputational risk among Regal Treasury Bank, Saambou Bank, African Bank and Standard Bank. The events announced by these banks occurred between 2000 and 2014. The precise date of the announcement of the operational events was also determined. Stock price data were collected for those banks that had unanticipated operational loss announcements (i.e. the event). Microsoft Excel models applied to the reputational loss as the difference between the operational loss announcement and the loss in the stock returns of the selected banks. The results indicated significant negative abnormal returns on the announcement day for three of the four banks. For one of the banks it was assumed that the operational loss was not significant enough to cause reputational risk. The event methodology similar to previous literature, furthermore examined the behaviour of return volatility after specific operational loss events using the sample of banks. The study further aimed at making two contributions. Firstly, to analyse return volatility after operational loss announcements had been made among South African banks, and secondly, to compare the sample of affected banks with un-affected banks to further identify whether these events spilled over into the banking industry and the market. The volatility of these four banks were compared to three un-affected South African banks. The results found that the operational loss events for Regal Treasury Bank and Saambou Bank had no influence on the unaffected banks. However the operational loss events for African Bank and Standard Bank influenced the sample of unaffected banks and the Bank Index, indicating systemic risk.

With few previous data and literature based on the South African banking sector, the key aim of this study was to contribute further results concerning the effect of operational loss events on the reputation of South African banks. The main distinction between this study and previous empirical research is that a small sample of South African banks listed on the JSE, between 2000 and 2014 was used. Insurance companies fell outside the scope of the study. The study primarily focused on identifying reputational risk among Regal Treasury Bank, Saambou Bank, African Bank and Standard Bank. The events announced by these banks occurred between 2000 and 2014. The precise date of the announcement of the operational events was also determined. Stock price data were collected for those banks that had unanticipated operational loss announcements (i.e. the event). Microsoft Excel models applied to the reputational loss as the difference between the operational loss announcement and the loss in the stock returns of the selected banks. The results indicated significant negative abnormal returns on the announcement day for three of the four banks. For one of the banks it was assumed that the operational loss was not significant enough to cause reputational risk. The event methodology similar to previous literature, furthermore examined the behaviour of return volatility after specific operational loss events using the sample of banks. The study further aimed at making two contributions. Firstly, to analyse return volatility after operational loss announcements had been made among South African banks, and secondly, to compare the sample of affected banks with un-affected banks to further identify whether these events spilled over into the banking industry and the market. The volatility of these four banks were compared to three un-affected South African banks. The results found that the operational loss events for Regal Treasury Bank and Saambou Bank had no influence on the unaffected banks. However the operational loss events for African Bank and Standard Bank influenced the sample of unaffected banks and the Bank Index, indicating systemic risk.

Three-Dimensional (3D) integration of circuits based on die and wafer stacking using through-silicon-via is a critical technology in enabling "more-than-Moore", i.e. functional integration of devices beyond pure scaling ("more Moore"). In particular, the scaling from multi-core to many-core architecture is an excellent candidate for such integration. 3D systems design follows is a challenging and a complex design process involving integration of heterogeneous technologies. It is also expensive to prototype because the 3D industrial ecosystem is not yet complete and ready for low-cost mass production. Networks-on-Chip (NoCs) efficiently facilitates the communication of massively integrated cores on 3D many-core architecture. In this thesis scalability and performance issues of NoCs are explored in terms of architecture, organization and functionality of many-core systems. First, we evaluate on-chip network performance in massively integrated many-core architecture when network size grows. We propose link and channel models to analyze the network traffic and hence the performance. We develop a NoC simulation framework to evaluate the performance of a deflection routing network as the architecture scales up to 1000 cores. We propose and perform comparative analysis of 3D processor-memory model configurations in scalable many-core architectures. Second, we investigate how the deflection routing NoCs can be designed to maximize the benefit of the fast TSVs through clock pumping techniques. We propose multi-rate models for inter-layer communication. We quantify the performance benefit through cycle-accurate simulations for various configurations of 3D architectures. Finally, the complexity of massively integrated many-core architecture by itself brings a multitude of design challenges such as high-cost of prototyping, increasing complexity of the technology, irregularity of the communication network, and lack of reliable simulation models. We formulate a zero-load average distance model that accurately predicts the performance of deflection routing networks in the absence of data flow by capturing the average distance of a packet with spatial and temporal probability distributions of traffic. The thesis research goals are to explore the design space of vertical integration for many-core applications, and to provide solutions to 3D technology challenges through architectural innovations. We believe the research findings presented in the thesis work contribute in addressing few of the many challenges to the field of combined research in many-core architectural design and 3D integration technology. / <p>QC 20151221</p>

The aim with this report is to formulate a strategic method to optimize selection processes of DNA-samples from a faeces inventory to identify as many individuals in as few analyzes as possible, and by that keep down the costs of brown bear management. Brown bear management in Sweden founds today on results from faeces inventory and is substantially led by the county administration boards. Data from the years of 2004 and 2009´s inventories in Västerbotten was used to test and evaluate different methods in selection processes of which faeces that should be sampled. Comparison were made between making selection by chance, by spatial distribution and by calculating variations in logistic regressions coefficient b, in other words bear density and probability in finding same individual in several faeces. We can show making selection by chance is the most uncertain method. Making selection by spatial distribution, without take in account variations in b, provides the highest number of identified individuals at a low labour and thus a low cost. Therefor we strongly recommend future brown bear management to, if not possible to sample all faces in a dataset, make selection by spatial distribution to minimize the risk of sampling the same bear several times.

There is potential for improving creep properties of stainless steels by reinforcing them with tungsten (W) wires. Past studies have shown that a detrimental factor that impairs the mechanical properties of tungsten wire reinforced superalloy composites is the formation of brittle intermetallic phases due to the interaction between W wire and constituents of the alloy matrices. Formation and growth of the intermetallic phases strongly depends on the matrix chemistry and for the retention of creep strength, matrix compositions that do not form intermetallic phases with tungsten are desirable for fabricating W wire reinforced composites for high temperature applications. This research investigated the formation and growth of reaction phases in W wire reinforced 316L (W/316L) stainless steel and HP alloy steel (W/HP) that were fabricated by casting method. Additionally, the effect of composition on the evolution and kinetics of reaction phases was studied in some W wire reinforced experimental alloys based on Fe-Ni-Cr only (W/Fe-Ni-Cr). The fabricated composites were diffusion annealed in the temperature range 1000-1200°C for 25-500 hours. Microstructure and chemistry of the reaction phases in the as-cast and diffusion annealed composites were studied using scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy and electron backscattered diffraction techniques. Growth kinetics of the reaction layers and average effective interdiffusion coefficients in the layers were determined for the composites. Results showed that an intermetallic phase isostructural with µ-phase formed in the as-cast W/316L and W/Fe-Ni-Cr composites with 1 and 2 Fe:Ni matrix ratios. In W/HP a phase M12C with crystal structure similar to η-carbide was formed. These phases developed and formed brittle reaction layers around the W wires during diffusion annealing. A parabolic relationship between the µ-phase and η-carbide growth and diffusion annealing time indicated that the growth of reaction layers was diffusion controlled. In the W/Fe-Ni-Cr composites, formation of intermetallic phases did not occur in the matrices with 0.5Fe:Ni ratio, instead some isolated tungsten particles were observed in the matrix adjacent to the wires after diffusion annealing. In W/Fe-Ni-Cr composites with 1 and 2 Fe:Ni matrix ratio, the growth of µ-phase reaction layers during annealing was observed to be dependent on the matrix composition. It was found that with an increase in the Ni content in the matrix, growth of µ-phase reaction layer decreased. The study presented in this thesis gives first-hand information on phase formation and growth kinetics of the reaction layers in W/316L and W/HP composites. It revealed that the interaction of W with 316L and HP alloy matrices leads to formation of cracked intermetallic and carbide reaction layers which are not desirable in the composites designed for high temperature applications. It has also been shown in this study that in W/Fe-Ni-Cr composites, intermetallic phase formation can be suppressed by increasing Ni content in the matrix. In the composite with high Ni contents in the matrix (0.5Fe:Ni ratio) intermetallic phases do not form even after diffusion annealing at 1200°C. This intermetallic free W/Fe-Ni-Cr composite can further be studied for its creep strength.

The current study examined the reading strategies of 19 bilingual undergraduate students who varied in reading proficiency (good or average) and language background (Chinese or Spanish). Using the think-aloud method, students’ reading strategies were measured and compared to determine whether strategy use differed as a function of reading proficiency, language background, and/or text level. Semi-structured interviews were also conducted to corroborate the findings obtained from the think-aloud protocols. Results from this study suggest that reading proficiency affects strategy use at the syntactic level, whereas language background affects strategy use at the vocabulary level. These findings have significant implications in education, particularly in the area of English language teaching. Students should be encouraged to use their first language reading skills when reading English text, as it facilitates their comprehension and improves their English literacy development.

Higher education systems are imperative to social and economic upliftment in any society, the ability of the national labour force and income disparity differentials between members of the populous are directly associated to academic achievement and associated pass rates in higher education. The apparent utility of higher education is however overshadowed by poor student retention, academic performance and consequent pass rates and is an issue of concern at both an international and local level. The identification of factors that could potentially improve student academic performance and consequent attainment of a tertiary qualification is becoming an increasingly important field of research. Research into such factors would have wide reaching implications in South Africa, where high unemployment rates and talent migration plague efforts to build a strong national economy. The primary imperatives of this research undertaking were to investigate the relationship between hope, social support, fluid intelligence and academic achievement in the form of grade point average (GPA), as well as determine the extent to which hope and social support moderate the relationship between fluid intelligence and GPA. The research method is comprised of a literature review and empirical study. Data collection was conducted via a cross-sectional survey design, with an availability sample (N = 308) being taken from first year students at a higher educational institution. The Hope Scale (HS), Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), Abstract Reasoning Test (ART) and biographical questionnaire were administered. Statistical analysis was carried out with the SPSS 20.0 programme. Principle component factor analysis provided confirmation of a four factor structure for the MSPSS, with the resultant factors being labelled Friend Support, Significant Other Support, Family Support and Lecturer Support. In this study the original 3 factor structure of the MSPSS was supplemented by adding the fourth dimension of lecturer support. A two factor structure for the HS was confirmed, with the resultant factors being labelled Agency Hope and Pathways Hope. All utilised scales indicated acceptable levels of reliability, with the resultant Cronbach alpha statistics ranging from 0,75 to 0,89. Pearson correlation coefficient correlations gave indication of a statistically and practically significant correlation of positive medium effect between fluid intelligence and grade point average. Social support from lecturers showed statistically and practically significant correlations of medium effect with social support from friends. Pathways hope was statistically and practically related to agency hope with a positive medium effect. No practically significant relations in this sample could be established between hope and grade point average and social support and grade point average. Statistically significant relations were established between lecturer social support and fluid intelligence and between agency hope and social support from significant other sources. The ability of fluid intelligence to predict grade point average was proven via regression analysis in which fluid intelligence was found to be a statistically significant predictor of grade point average. Proposed moderating effects of hope and social support on the relation between fluid intelligence and grade point average were tested via multiple regression analysis. Results indicated that within the parameters of the research sample in this study, no statistically significant moderating effects could be established for hope or social support. Based on these findings, a hypothesised cause for such relations was established based on the characteristics of the current research sample and research literature. Recommendations for future research were made, as well as organisational recommendations for the participating higher educational facility. / MA, Industrial Psychology, North-West University, Vaal Triangle Campus, 2012

This thesis develops the dynamic phasor model of a line-commutated converter (LCC) high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission system. The mathematical definition and properties of dynamic phasors are utilized to model both the dc-side and the ac-side of a LCC-HVDC transmission system as well as 6-pulse Graetz bridge, which is the building block of such a system. The developed model includes low-frequency dynamics of the systems, i.e., fundamental frequency component (50 Hz) at the ac-side and dc component at the dc-side, and removes high-frequency transients. The developed model, however, is capable of accommodating higher harmonics if necessary. The model is also able to simulate the system during abnormal modes of operations such as unbalanced operation and commutation failure. In order to develop the dynamic phasor model of a line-commutated converter, the concept of switching functions is utilized. The developed model is capable of capturing large-signal transients of the system as well as steady state operating conditions. The model can be used in order to decrease the computational intensity of LCC-HVDC simulations. The developed model in this thesis enables the user to consider each harmonic component individually; this selective view of the components of the system response is not possible to achieve in conventional electromagnetic transient simulations. / October 2016

Die Jahresmitteltemperatur-Zeitreihen dreier Stationen (Berlin, Leipzig und Stockholm) werden auf ihre langfristigen Trends im Zeitbereich 1830-1980 untersucht. Dazu wird die neuartige, parametrische Methode der Rampenregression (Mudelsee 1999a) verwendet. Die Vorteile gegenüber bisher verwendeten Verfahren sind (1) eine realistischeres Übergangsmodell und (2) Angaben des statistischen Fehlers geschätzter Übergangs-Zeitpunkte und -Niveaus. Leipzig (Erwärmung um 0.86±0.13 °C von 1889±7bis1911±7) und Stockholm (Erwärmung um 1.01±0.22 °C von 1879±23 bis 1945±21) zeigen beide einen rampenförmigen Trendverlauf, Berlin dagegen einen noch komplizierteren Trend. Im Falle von Leipzig liegt wahrscheinlich ein deutlicher Urbanisierungseinfluß vor. Die Rampenregression bietet die Möglichkeit, einen globalen Klimawechsel genauer zu quantifizieren. / Timeseries of annual average temperature from three stations (Berlin, Leipzig and Stockholm) are investigated with regards to their long-term trends in the time interval 1830-1980. For that, the new, parametric method of ramp function regression (Mudelsee 1999a) is used. The advantages against other previously employed methods are (1) a more realistic transition model and (2) information about the statistical accuracy of estimated transition dates and levels. Both Leipzig (warming by 0.86±0.13 °C, from 1889±7 to 1911±7) and Stockholm (warming by 1.01±0.22 °C, from 1879±23 to 1945±21) show a ramp-form trend, whereas Berlin\'s trend is even more complicated. In the case of Leipzig a significant contribution by urbanization is likely. Ramp function regression has the potential to quantify a global climate change more accurately.

The present study was made to determine the relationship between the level of teaching effectiveness of beginning elementary teachers and three individual characteristics of prospective teachers. A secondary purpose was an attempt to improve the service rendered by the School of Education at North Texas State College, Denton, Texas, in the selection and guidance of students who indicate a desire to enter the program for preparing elementary teachers.