The Haymana basin in Central Anatolia (Turkey) formed on a Late Cretaceous to Middle Eocene fore &amp / #8211 / arc accretionary wedge. The aim of this study is to investigate the sedimentary cyclicity and depositional sequences in the Upper Cretaceous clastic successions of the Haymana basin. To be able to achieve this objective, a 250 m stratigraphic section, which is mainly composed of siliciclastics has been measured in the Haymana Basin. In this study, detailed lithofacies analyses were performed and five different facies were recognized in the studied interval of the Haymana Formation. Sandstones, shales and conglomerates are the most abundant in the succession. In the measured section, two chronozones were identified based on the biostratigraphic data. These are the lower Dicarinella asymetrica chronozone and the upper Globotruncanita elevata - Globotruncana ventricosa chronozone corresponding to the Upper Santonian and Lower to Middle Campanian, respectively. Sedimentological analyses, such as provenance, palaeocurrent and grain-size sphericity were also performed and their relation with depositonal environment and change in depositional conditions were discussed. In order to construct the sequence stratigraphic framework, detailed lithofacies analyses and their vertical association were carried out. The studied interval of the Haymana Formation represents a prograding submarine fan subdivided into three depositional sequences, each with several tens of meters thick successions and two sequence boundaries. Each depositonal sequence consists of system tracts and turbiditic basic sequences with sandstone and conglomeratic beds overlain by mudstones. Turbiditic basic sequences, the sandstone and mudstone alternation allows distinction of smaller subdivisions, namely, basic cyclic units, which are the building blocks of system tracts and turbiditic basic sequences. Depositional sequences of the studied section of the Haymana Formation may correspond to third order relative sea &amp / #8211 / level cycles. Accordingly, fourth &amp / #8211 / and fifth &amp / #8211 / order (Milankovich) cycles might be proposed as basic sequences and basic cyclic units, respectively.

Hydrocarbon (HC) microseepages can be indicator of possible reservoirs. For that reason, mapping the microseepages has potential to be used in petroleum exploration. This study presents a methodology for mapping HC microseepages and related clay mineral alteration in Gemrik Anticline, Adiyaman. For this purpose samples were collected from the potential seepage zones and tested by geochemical analysis. All samples were found to contain some HC. Then, an ASTER image of the region was obtained and a band combination was generated to map this particular region. To map related clay mineral alteration, firstly reflectance spectra of samples were measured using field spectrometer. Secondly, spectrally-known samples were analyzed in USGS Library to determine the reflectance spectra of the constitutional clay minerals in the samples. Lastly, the reflectance characteristics of selected end v members were represented as ASTER band combinations based on their spectral absorption characteristics and literature information. Crosta Technique was used to determine required principal components to map HC microseepage and related clay mineral alteration. Then, this methodology is applied to the whole ASTER image. Ground truth study showed that more than 65% of the revisited anomalies show similar prospects to that of the referenced anticline regardless of their geochemical content. In order to certify the ASTER band combination for mapping HC microseepages, anomalous and non-anomalous pixels were selected from the resultant HC map and given as training data samples to AdaBoost loop which is an image processing algorithm. It has been found that ASTER band combination offered for mapping HC microseepages is similar to that of AdaBoost Algorithm output.

This dissertation contributes to the definition of an analytical framework for the study of optimal jurisdictional size for local service delivery. We argue that the standard economics framework for the analysis of optimal jurisdictional size importantly neglects individual preferences for political accountability. Our theoretical model shows that once we take into account such preferences, the optimal jurisdictional size for the provision of local public goods is smaller than in the standard model. We obtain empirical evidence to support our hypothesis from a sample of 197 countries. Our results show that, in fact, demand for political accountability leads to higher jurisdictional fragmentation both in terms of greater number of jurisdictions and smaller average population per jurisdiction. In addition, a meta-analysis of the empirical contributions to the study of economies of scale in the provision of local services shows that the economies of scale expected from service provision to larger jurisdictional sizes may not be present except for a handful of local services, and limited to relatively small population sizes. The results of the meta-analysis signal moderately increasing to constant returns to scale in the provision of traditional local services. In light of these results, we argue that forced jurisdictional consolidation programs across the world justified by perceptions of excessive jurisdictional fragmentation, or by the expectation of large expenditure savings due to economies of scale may have been, thus, erroneously designed. From a policy perspective, multi-layered institutional frameworks for service delivery (including cooperation and privatization among other options) may allow targeting available efficiency gains more efficiently than consolidation.

The instability within the financial services sector is not a new phenomenon, and this has been exacerbated by the global financial crisis. There is a requirement of banks to stay at the forefront of change and innovation, due to the fact that technological advancements and heightened competition are changing the face of banking as we know it. The requirement of corporate training divisions to be innovative is also apparent in the literature. Corporate training divisions within the banking industry operate against the backdrop of a severe skills shortage within South Africa. Furthermore, the necessity of corporate training divisions to be able to show a return on investment for money spent on training is evident. Hence, there is a requirement of both the banking industry as well as corporate training divisions to function entrepreneurially. A relationship is evident in the literature between the performance of organisations, which is seen as a multidimensional construct and entrepreneurial orientation. The primary objective of this research study was to investigate the impact of entrepreneurial orientation on the perceived success of corporate training divisions within selected South African banks. The dimensions of entrepreneurial orientation assessed included Innovativeness; Competitive Aggressiveness; Autonomy; Risk-Taking and Proactiveness. The study also identified the success factors of corporate training organisations and correlated these factors with the dimensions of entrepreneurial orientation. Secondary objectives were also formulated to support the attainment of the primary objective. Fourteen South African banks‟ corporate training divisions were selected to participate in the research study. A comprehensive literature study was followed by an empirical study. An existing questionnaire was adapted to assess entrepreneurial orientation, and a questionnaire was designed based on the literature study to assess the perceived success factors within the selected corporate training divisions. The survey was housed on the internet in electronic format. Factor analysis was applied to assess the discriminant validity of the items measuring entrepreneurial orientation and success factors. Furthermore, Kaiser‟s criterion was used to determine the number of factors to be extracted and the Cronbach alpha coefficients were calculated to assess the internal consistency of the items measuring the various factors under investigation. Regression analysis was used to determine relationships between the entrepreneurial constructs and the success factors as identified in the study. Furthermore, hypotheses were formulated and tested regarding the correlations between the entrepreneurial dimensions and the success factors within corporate training organisations. Relationships between some demographic factors and the constructs under investigation were also analysed. After a detailed analysis of the data, it was concluded that positive relationships do exist between some constructs of entrepreneurial orientation and some constructs of success factors of corporate training organisations. One negative relationship was evident. Positive relationships were also observed between some demographic factors and the constructs investigated. Consequently, Competitive Aggressiveness demonstrated a positive influence on Learner Reaction2; Learning; Learner Behaviour; Business Results; Return on Investment; Supportive Learning Environment; Concrete Learning Processes and Leadership Reinforces Learning within corporate training divisions. Furthermore, the results of the multiple regression analysis also indicated that respondents within the selected banks view that Innovativeness has a positive influence on Supportive Learning Environment; Concrete Learning Processes and Leadership Reinforces Learning. A negative relationship was indicated between Innovativeness and Learner Behaviour. In addition, the results of the multiple regression analysis disclosed that respondents within the selected banks perceive that Autonomy has a positive influence on Learner Behaviour; Supportive Learning Environment and Leadership Reinforces Learning. Moreover, the results of the multiple regression analysis disclosed that respondents within the selected banks perceive that Risk-Taking has a positive influence on Learning; Business Results; and Return on Investment. Also, a statistically significant difference in terms of the mean values in which respondents of 39 years and younger and respondents of 40 years and older perceived six variables, namely Competitive Aggressiveness; Learning; Learner Behaviour; Business Results; Return on Investment and Supportive Learning Environment were indicated. Practical statistical significances which yielded medium effect sizes for Learner Behaviour and Return on Investment were noted. No statistical significant differences were observed in the mean values of males and females. A statistically significant difference in terms of the mean values in which respondents with a highest qualification being a diploma or lower, and respondents with a highest qualification being a degree or higher perceive Learning; Learner Behaviour; Return on Investment and Concrete Learning Processes were reflected. However, no practical statistical significances were noted. Based on the findings of the empirical study recommendations were made to cultivate and foster entrepreneurial orientation within corporate training organisations within the banking industry. / Thesis (MBA)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013

The instability within the financial services sector is not a new phenomenon, and this has been exacerbated by the global financial crisis. There is a requirement of banks to stay at the forefront of change and innovation, due to the fact that technological advancements and heightened competition are changing the face of banking as we know it. The requirement of corporate training divisions to be innovative is also apparent in the literature. Corporate training divisions within the banking industry operate against the backdrop of a severe skills shortage within South Africa. Furthermore, the necessity of corporate training divisions to be able to show a return on investment for money spent on training is evident. Hence, there is a requirement of both the banking industry as well as corporate training divisions to function entrepreneurially. A relationship is evident in the literature between the performance of organisations, which is seen as a multidimensional construct and entrepreneurial orientation. The primary objective of this research study was to investigate the impact of entrepreneurial orientation on the perceived success of corporate training divisions within selected South African banks. The dimensions of entrepreneurial orientation assessed included Innovativeness; Competitive Aggressiveness; Autonomy; Risk-Taking and Proactiveness. The study also identified the success factors of corporate training organisations and correlated these factors with the dimensions of entrepreneurial orientation. Secondary objectives were also formulated to support the attainment of the primary objective. Fourteen South African banks‟ corporate training divisions were selected to participate in the research study. A comprehensive literature study was followed by an empirical study. An existing questionnaire was adapted to assess entrepreneurial orientation, and a questionnaire was designed based on the literature study to assess the perceived success factors within the selected corporate training divisions. The survey was housed on the internet in electronic format. Factor analysis was applied to assess the discriminant validity of the items measuring entrepreneurial orientation and success factors. Furthermore, Kaiser‟s criterion was used to determine the number of factors to be extracted and the Cronbach alpha coefficients were calculated to assess the internal consistency of the items measuring the various factors under investigation. Regression analysis was used to determine relationships between the entrepreneurial constructs and the success factors as identified in the study. Furthermore, hypotheses were formulated and tested regarding the correlations between the entrepreneurial dimensions and the success factors within corporate training organisations. Relationships between some demographic factors and the constructs under investigation were also analysed. After a detailed analysis of the data, it was concluded that positive relationships do exist between some constructs of entrepreneurial orientation and some constructs of success factors of corporate training organisations. One negative relationship was evident. Positive relationships were also observed between some demographic factors and the constructs investigated. Consequently, Competitive Aggressiveness demonstrated a positive influence on Learner Reaction2; Learning; Learner Behaviour; Business Results; Return on Investment; Supportive Learning Environment; Concrete Learning Processes and Leadership Reinforces Learning within corporate training divisions. Furthermore, the results of the multiple regression analysis also indicated that respondents within the selected banks view that Innovativeness has a positive influence on Supportive Learning Environment; Concrete Learning Processes and Leadership Reinforces Learning. A negative relationship was indicated between Innovativeness and Learner Behaviour. In addition, the results of the multiple regression analysis disclosed that respondents within the selected banks perceive that Autonomy has a positive influence on Learner Behaviour; Supportive Learning Environment and Leadership Reinforces Learning. Moreover, the results of the multiple regression analysis disclosed that respondents within the selected banks perceive that Risk-Taking has a positive influence on Learning; Business Results; and Return on Investment. Also, a statistically significant difference in terms of the mean values in which respondents of 39 years and younger and respondents of 40 years and older perceived six variables, namely Competitive Aggressiveness; Learning; Learner Behaviour; Business Results; Return on Investment and Supportive Learning Environment were indicated. Practical statistical significances which yielded medium effect sizes for Learner Behaviour and Return on Investment were noted. No statistical significant differences were observed in the mean values of males and females. A statistically significant difference in terms of the mean values in which respondents with a highest qualification being a diploma or lower, and respondents with a highest qualification being a degree or higher perceive Learning; Learner Behaviour; Return on Investment and Concrete Learning Processes were reflected. However, no practical statistical significances were noted. Based on the findings of the empirical study recommendations were made to cultivate and foster entrepreneurial orientation within corporate training organisations within the banking industry. / Thesis (MBA)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013

Two approaches were developed for detecting earthquake damaged buildings from post-event aerial photographs using shadow analysis and perceptual grouping. In the first approach, it is assumed that the vector boundaries of the buildings are not known a priori. Therefore, only the post-event aerial photographs were used to detect the collapsed buildings. The approach relies on an idea that if a building is fully damaged then, it will not generate a closed contour. First, a median filter is applied to remove the noise. Then, the edge pixels are detected through a Canny edge detector and the line segments are extracted from the output edge image using a raster-to-vector conversion process. After that, the line segments are grouped together using a three-level hierarchical perceptual grouping procedure to form a closed contour. The principles used in perceptual grouping include the proximity, the collinearity, the continuity and the perpendicularity. In the second approach, it is assumed that the vector boundaries of the buildings are known a priori. Therefore, this information is used as additional data source to detect the collapsed buildings. First, the edges are detected from the image through a Canny edge detector. Second, the line segments are extracted using a raster-to-vector conversion process. Then, a two-level hierarchical perceptual grouping procedure is used to group these line segments. The boundaries of the buildings are available and stored in a GIS as vector polygons. Therefore, after applying the perceptual grouping procedure, the damage conditions of the buildings are assessed on a building-by-building basis by measuring the agreement between the detected line segments and the vector boundaries.

This qualitative study investigates the evolving role of Divisions of General Practice (Divisions) in linking general practitioners (GPs) and general practice with the wider health sector in Australia. The work draws on boundary role theory within organisations, integration theories, empirical research on service integration involving general practice, and structural interests theory to develop the conceptual framework on which the research was based. The data for the research came from both documentary and interview sources that gave voice to Divisions in the state of Victoria, Australia. The documents used represented the core working documents of Divisions, and the semi-structured interviews involved 30 key informants, these being leaders in all Victorian Divisions.

Diss. : Fachbereich III : Trier : 1981. - Bibliogr. p. 15-41. Index. -

The purpose of this study was to ascertain the components necessary to develop a State Level Management Plan for Vocational Education. As background for developing the plan, research was done to identify what State Directors of Vocational Education perceive to be the best composition of a Management Plan for Vocational Education. Information was obtained concerning which components of the Management Plan were made operational by the state directors. Also, this study determined the relationship between the components which are made operational and the perceived importance of each component. The two specific conclusions resulting from this study are as follows. 1. The perceived importance of the components identified by state directors that should be in a Management Plan is indicative of the components that are functional in the planning process. 2. Related literature and findings indicate that an effective Model State-Level Management Plan for Vocational Education can be developed based on the components perceived by the state directors. Based on the identified perceptions, a Model for a State-Level Management Plan for Vocational Education has been developed. Included in the appendix is an example of the model adapted for implementation in the Department of Occupational Education and Technology in the Texas Education Agency.

A presente pesquisa tem por escopo analisar os fundamentos dos direitos territoriais quilombolas na localidade de Palmas-PR: as dificuldades e expectativas quanto à sua efetivação. Assim, inicia-se o estudo com uma incursão à historiografia tradicional para buscar os principais elementos da formação social brasileira, ao mesmo tempo em que procura insular-se da noção idealizada de quilombo pautada em elementos históricoarqueológicos. Já com o advento da Constituição de 1988, previsão dos direitos territoriais quilombolas, ocorre a evolução do conceito de quilombo a partir de elementos antropológicos capazes de abranger a sua dinamicidade como fenômeno social. A partir da demonstração do que pode significar a concretização de tais direitos para o quilombo de Palmas-PR, emergem as diferentes dimensões assumidas pela relação dos quilombolas com o seu território e com o trabalho tradicional, além dos obstáculos encontrados. Assim, os direitos territoriais são frutos do campo das disputas políticas que ao buscar reparar as injustiças da escravidão e da excludente sociedade do trabalho livre; trazem visibilidade para os quilombolas, reforçam a sua luta e criam possibilidades, seja na arena de disputas jurídicas, seja na arena de disputas políticas. / This research has as the main scope to study the fundamentals Maroons territorial rights in Palmas-PR: their issues and their expectations. The study begins through traditional Brazilian historiography elements and the Brazilian social formation, to avoid using the idealized concept of “quilombo”, based in historical and archaeological elements. In the Brazilian National Constitution of 1988, there is an evolution of the concept of “quilombo” with anthropological elements, to become able to comprehend its dynamics as a social phenomenon. After the meanings demonstration of these rights for the Maroons from Palmas- PR, emerge the differents dimensions by the Maroons with its territory and its traditional work. However the structural formation of Brazilian society; the territorial maroons rights are answering to the slavery injustices and social exclusion from the free work society. Theses rights bring visibility to the Maroons, strengthen their cause and create possibilities rather in the legal issues, rather in the political issues. / 5000