This thesis includes four essays, of which each comprises two original contributions. Based on this thesis’ eight contributions, we add knowledge or understanding to the literatures on responsible investment, research output analyses and investment performance evaluation. First, we develop the first generic, reliable approach to benchmark research area output (e.g. journal articles or books), which we expect to appeal to governments’ increasing interest in monitoring their research funding investments. Second, we apply this approach to the research area of responsible investment, which is currently backed by an about $ 7 trillion industry. We find that the (quality weighted) quantity of responsible investment’s research output is statistically significantly under-proportional compared with peer research areas. One of several explanations for this result lies in the intransparency of the current responsible investment literature. Third, we develop an approach to research synthesis, which improves a research area’s transparency without experiencing many weaknesses of conventional literature reviews. We title this approach Influential Literature Analysis (ILA). Fourth, we apply ILA to the relatively intransparent responsible investment literature. One of our many findings is that responsible assets with their ceteris paribus under-proportional total risk might appear artificially unattractive when assessed by the most common investment performance measure, the Sharpe ratio, which is biased in favour of high risk assets due to its currently unsolved negative excess return problem. Fifth, we develop a generic, reliable and robust solution to the negative Sharpe ratio problem, which investors can customise according to their specific increasing incremental disutility of risk functions. Six, we generalise our solution to the negative Sharpe ratio problem, which allows us to solve the negative (excess) return problems of over twenty other investment performance measures. Seventh, we develop independent, statistically sophisticated tests of the sufficiency and quality of suggested solutions to the negative Sharpe ratio problem, since all existing tests a-priori assume the superiority of a specific solution. In contrast, our tests are only based on the Sharpe ratio itself and two basic axioms of investment theory. Hence, they are conceptually unrelated to our solutions. Eighth, we apply these tests using two different data samples to all existing solutions to the negative Sharpe ratio problem. We find that investors are best advised to use our solutions, the H⁶-, H⁷- or H⁸-measure, in their evaluation of investment performance from a Sharpe ratio like perspective.

Orientadora: Mariana Claudia Broens / Resumo: Neste trabalho nos propomos a desenvolver uma análise crítica dos conceitos de agênciae responsabilidade no contexto tecnológico contemporâneo em que são produzidossistemas artificiais ditos autônomos. Tendo esse objetivo em foco, apresentamosprimeiramente teorias da ação e problematizamos as noções de evento causal e açãocausal, objeto e agente, visando clarificar a noção de agência. Analisamos, em seguida,a noção de ação responsável proposta por Hans Jonas uma vez que ele propõe umanoção de responsabilidade considerando o desenvolvimento tecnológicocontemporâneo. Em especial, apresentamos e discutimos a noção de heurística do temorproposta por Jonas (2004) cujo objetivo é criar cenários possíveis que antecipemimplicações a longo prazo do uso de novas tecnologias e auxiliem a informar asociedade sobre as possíveis consequências de seu uso para as novas gerações.Por fim,tratamos mais especificamente da legitimidade da atribuição de agência eresponsabilidade a sistemas artificiais, especialmente a robôs, na perspectiva daFilosofia e da Robótica, a partir de teses defendidas por Hans Jonas (2004, 2013) eWillem Haselager (2005). Em seus textos, ambos autores discutem a possibilidade deatribuir agência e responsabilidade a sistemas artificiais capazes de aprender e tomardecisões que ultrapassem os limites de sua programação inicial. Concluímos que pareceproblemático tanto atribuir agência a sistemas artificiais autônomos no mesmo sentidoem que ... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: In this work, we propose to develop a critical analysis of the concepts of agency and responsibility in the contemporary technological context in which artificial systems said to be autonomous are produced. Aiming on this goal, we present, firstly, some theories of action, and we problematize the notions of causal event and causal action, object and agent, aiming on clarifying the notion of agency. Following, we analyze the notion of responsible action proposed by Hans Jonas, once he proposes a notion of responsibility considering the contemporary technological development. In particular, we present and discuss the heuristic notion of fear proposed by Jonas (2004) whose goal is to create possible scenarios which may anticipate long-term implications of the use of new technologies and may help to inform society about the possible consequences of their use for the new generations. Finally, we deal more specifically with the legitimacy of the attribution of agency and responsibility to artificial systems, specially robots, from the perspective of Philosophy and Robotics, from theses defended by Hans Jonas (2004, 2013) and Willem Haselager (2005). In their texts, both authors discuss the possibility of attributing agency and responsibility to artificial systems capable of learning and making decisions which surpass the limits of their initial programming. We conclude that it seems problematic both to attribute agency to autonomous artificial systems in the same sense in which human beings are considered to be agents, and to reduce such systems to mere causally determined objects. / Mestre

A research report submitted to the Faculty of Commerce, Law and Management, School of Governance, University of the Witwatersrand in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Management in Public Development and Management Johannesburg, 2017 / There is a general outcry among stakeholders that, despite the many efforts on the part of the South African government in the forms of laws and strategies to promote ethical behaviour and eradicate corruption, the situation in local government continues to deteriorate. Although a number of studies have been conducted on the problems of corruption and unethical conduct in municipalities, not much has been done to investigate the effectiveness of ethics management in local government. Following a qualitative and quantitative paradigm, this study sought to investigate the state of ethics management at Rustenburg Local Municipality by assessing the presence and effectiveness of ethics management using the pillars of the integrity management framework. The study revealed that, although the municipality has a code of conduct and policies in place, these are not fully implemented and enforced, and there are no development processes and structures in place. In brief, ethics management at the municipality is non-existent. The report presents a number of observations which include a call for the shift from the rule-based towards the value-based approach in the management of ethics. It argues that, in order to make the required impact, local government institutions must adopt a strategy that combines the rule-based and value-based approaches to the management of ethics. This would ensure that ethics are institutionalised and are no longer treated as taboos in the workplace. / MT 2017

Master’s thesis submitted to Faculty of Humanities in partial fulfilment of Master of Arts: Applied Ethics for Professionals University of the Witwatersrand Department of Philosophy, 2017 / In this thesis I explore the issue of voluntary assisted suicide in a South African constitutional context through the tri-coloured normative prism of autonomy, dignity and human well-being. I will focus on the way South Africa, as a secular society, ought to engage with this highly emotive issue in light of the socio-legal framework in which we are embedded and which framework carries with it profound normative implications. I divide the discussion into two broad sections. In the first section I articulate, from an ethical standpoint, what I take to be the strongest positive case for South African society to permit voluntary assisted suicide. I argue that by permitting voluntary assisted suicide South African society would be giving proper expression to (i) individual autonomy (ii) human dignity, and (iii) human well-being. In articulating the positive case I also analyse the triumvirate concepts of individual autonomy, dignity and human well-being as well as their relationship to each other. I argue that individual autonomy is an essential component of a good human life, that is to say, a worthwhile life and that to speak of a dignified life is, in turn, to speak of the sort of life that is worthy of respect, reverence and honour. I then turn to an examination of two of the principal ethical arguments against the moral permissibility of voluntary assisted suicide in the literature, namely (i) the Sanctity of Life Argument, and (ii) the Social Harm Argument. I argue that neither argument is sufficiently persuasive to rebut the positive case in favour of voluntary assisted suicide. However, certain critical considerations are raised that do speak to the need for effective oversight and regulation of such a practice in South African society. Accordingly, I advance the view that, in light of the failure of these two principal arguments (and in the absence of any stronger arguments) voluntary assisted suicide ought to be permitted in South Africa subject to uniform, public and specifiable oversight criteria applicable to each individual who wishes to end his life with the assistance of another. In the second section, I describe the South African legal standpoint on voluntary assisted suicide in light of (i) the normative underpinnings of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 (and in particular the Bill of Rights) and (ii) the present legal status of voluntary assisted suicide, taking into account both the common law and the South African Law Commission Report on Euthanasia and Artificial Preservation of Life, 1998. This analysis involves an examination of (i) the recent decision of Stransham-Ford v Minister of Justice and Correctional Services & Others1 handed down on 4 May 2015 in which the North Gauteng High Court granted, for the first time in South African legal history, an application allowing a terminally ill man the right to die and to be actively assisted to do so by a consenting physician; as well as (ii) the subsequent Supreme Court of Appeal decision in The Minister of Justice and Correctional Services & Others v Estate Late Stransham Ford2 that overturned the original decision. I argue that the best way to understand the socio-legal framework in which we find ourselves is as a social contract that ‘instantiates’ or ‘gives expression to’ a rights-based ethic, which in turn protects vital human interests. I argue further that this constitutional legal framework is capable of tracking and incorporating the positive ethical case for voluntary assisted suicide admirably. Finally, I posit that the quickest and most effective way to implement a permissive policy for voluntary assisted suicide is through the development of the common law. In the process, I tentatively suggest what appropriate safeguards and oversight of voluntary assisted suicide might look like, the practical implementation of which would allow South African society – specifically through the judicial branch of government - to more sagaciously and compassionately judge lives. / XL2018

In this research report I examine the current approaches to the design of technology against the development of the Golden Shield project, as undertaken by the Chinese government. The Golden Shield technology is designed to control all forms of electronic communication, including social media technologies. I argue that the current approaches to the design of technology are inadequate. There is a need to include moral values as a consideration in the design of social media technologies, specifically when human well-being is impacted. I offer the capabilities approach as a solution that the designers of technology ought to consider as an option when designing technology as this approach defines conditions for human well-being. I define informational freedom as a capability. Excluding informational freedom in the design of social media technology leads to the user of the technology suffering harm as they are unable to fulfill the capability of informational freedom.

The history of the human-canine relationship and the human-canine bond is longstanding and has grown and developed throughout the years. Today, dogs are considered part of the family and are beneficial in impacting people across the United States. Introducing the community to dog safety education may strengthen the awareness and confidence of dog lovers across the state of Florida and hopefully reduce the number of preventable dog emergencies. This research suggested the reasons for dog ownership and the importance of protecting our beloved canines by presenting a literature review covering the evolution of the human-canine relationship, human-canine bond, positive effects of canines on humans, history of humane education to demonstrate the importance of dogs in the lives of American citizens and an overview of community education and the importance dog safety community education. The purpose of this mixed methods study was to understand the current state of dog safety community education in Florida and to introduce the need for policies and procedures for dog safety training for adults, if needed based on the research. This topic was analyzed through a needs assessment administered through a Parks & Recreation department in south Florida and online through social media. Ten key informants were selected to interview for an in-depth understanding of their perspective on this topic. Document analysis was conducted to see if results of the needs assessment were addressed in brochures and other media locally. The participants were community members of Florida who were also dog owners. Participants were adults over the age of 18. The participants’ anonymity was protected, as no names were collected from the survey. After carefully examining data collected from 10 interviews, document analysis, and surveys of 150 participants who are dog owners in Florida, the researcher of this study revealed factors that show substantial value that dog owners place on their dogs and interest in educational opportunities to protect their safety. The significance of this study presented additional research dispelling a misconception that dog safety education as easily accessible and available in Florida based communities. This study was also significant because it contributes to the literature by identifying the value dog owners place on their dogs, as demonstrated in both survey and document analysis. / Includes bibliography. / Dissertation (Ph.D.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2017. / FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection

O objetivo do presente trabalho foi investigar a relação profissional/paciente na área da Ortodontia. Foram estudados os aspectos éticos e legais que permeiam o tratamento ortodôntico. A literatura estudada permite afirmar que a busca de auxílio legal por pacientes descontentes aumentou significativamente nos últimos anos. E que a ortodontia é uma especialidade em que os tratamentos são de longa duração e onde se estabelece uma estreita relação profissional/paciente, envolvendo uma grande expectativa em relação aos resultados. A pesquisa foi realizada por meio de dois questionários, o primeiro dirigido a 10 profissionais da área de ortodontia e o segundo a 100 pacientes em tratamento ortodôntico dos respectivos profissionais. A análise das respostas obtidas demonstrou que a preocupação estética é a principal motivação que leva os pacientes aos consultórios ortodônticos (61%) Todos os profissionais acreditam existir fatores imprevisíveis que podem interferir no desenvolvimento e no resultado do tratamento ortodôntico (100%). Apesar deste fato, 40% dos profissionais asseguram ao paciente o sucesso do tratamento. Os profissionais afirmam fornecer esclarecimentos sobre o tratamento e seus possíveis desdobramentos, porém de forma verbal. Para ambos, profissional e paciente, o mais importante nesta relação é a capacidade técnica do profissional. Para os profissionais, o principal meio de defesa do ortodontista frente a um processo de responsabilidade civil é o prontuário completo. Porém, a grande maioria dos entrevistados (90%) não possui em seu prontuário a ficha de procedimentos executados com as intercorrências anotadas e com a assinatura do paciente. Concluiu-se que a principal motivação que leva o paciente ao consultório ortodôntico é a preocupação estética e que o bom relacionamento profissional/paciente com atitudes como fornecer esclarecimentos sobre o tratamento e seus desdobramentos e possuir um prontuário completo são condutas prudentes a fim de evitar que o profissional venha a ser objeto de uma ação civil indenizatória impetrada pelo paciente. / The major objective of the present research work was to investigate the relationship between the dentistry professional and his/her patient in the orthodontics area. Ethical and legal aspects involved in the orthodontics treatment were profoundly analyzed. In the last years the searching for legal aid by unsatisfied patients has significantly increased. The orthodontics area is normally characterized by long term treatments. At any orthodontic treatment a much closed professional/ patient relationship is established together with a huge expectation on results. This research was developed using two questionnaires. The first one was submitted to ten orthodontics professionals and the second questionnaire to one hundred patients treated by those ten professionals. The percentile analysis of the patients' reply (61%) has demonstrated that the aesthetic aspects are the main reason that impels the patients to the orthodontics doctor's office. All the interviewed professionals (100%) believe in the existence of unexpected factors that intervene in both the development and the results of the treatment. Despite the aforementioned fact 40% of the professionals assure to the patient a successful treatment. About 20% of those 40% professionals cited guarantee to the patients a treatment according to their expectations. Although orally mentioned only, all the professionals affirm to provide to the patients the necessary information about the development of the treatment and its eventual implications. For both, professional and patient, the most important aspect to attain a successful treatment is the technical knowledge of the orthodontics professional. For the majority of the orthodontics professionals the main means against any civil prosecution is the complete and detailed treatment documentation. However, the great majority (90%) of the professionals interviewed do not possess in their files the executed treatment procedures with the signature of the patient on them. Any sort of misunderstanding relationship among the orthodontics professional and his/her patient on keeping a well understood treatment may lead to legal problems. It is also very important to remark that the patient can carry out an indemnity question against the professional if he/she does not have a good understanding on the legislation.

It is stated in the preschools curriculum that all preschool teachers should document every child's progress while at the same time respecting their physical and personal integrity while documenting. The purpose of the study is to investigate the possibilities of preschool teachers to take ethical standpoints while documenting. We have investigated what the purpose is with documentation and who the documentation is for, how preschool teachers describe their way of documenting and whether they take ethical positions while documenting and if so which ones. The method of this study is qualitative and our empirical material consist of six interviews with six preschool teachers on five different preschools. We have used the theoretical framework of the concepts child perspective and children's perspective, as well as realistic visual norms and relativistic visual norms in order to analyze our empirical material. We have concluded that the preschool teachers rarely make the children aware that they are being documented. Partly due to their unwillingness to disrupt the children's activities and thereby lose out on making children's progress visible, which is the entire purpose of documentation. Partly because they so rarely encountered children who have clearly shown that they do not want to be documented, which the preschool teachers believe is a result of the modern society and children being accustomed to be photographed and filmed. In our final conclusion our research demonstrates that it becomes difficult for preschool teachers to meet both curriculum goals simultaneously, to document each child's progress and to respect children's physical and personal integrity.

The intention of this exhibition is to educate the viewer about the hidden impacts that result from simple choices of consumption. This is a critique of the materials economy and the responsibilities of the designers, consumers and industries that contributed to its success. The critique is expressed through four dominant and unsustainable consumer products: water bottles, plastic shopping bags, cigarette filters and farm chemicals, as each has its own specific story of consumption. The form is derived from manufacturing history, statistical data, and profiles of consumer behaviors. Graphic design is utilized in both formal and non-formal methods with the goal of communicating specific messages to the viewer as they progress through the exhibition space. / by Peter David Shimpeno. / Thesis (M.F.A.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2010. / Includes bibliography. / Electronic reproduction. Boca Raton, Fla., 2010. Mode of access: World Wide Web.

The term profession is found throughout the scholarly literature; despite frequent use of the term, there exists little or no means of providing a common conception of the term. Consequently, calls for increasing professionalization of public administration appear to be premature. Therefore, this dissertation utilizes inductive research to generate theory, which synthesizes the inchoate concept of the professional public administrator. The motivation to pursue this line of inquiry stems from a personal need to weigh in on the perennial debate about what skills, knowledge, and information should be communicated to future generations of public administration thinkers and practitioners. To that end, this research will provide a theoretical framework grounded in the literature, which federates the term professional and the professional concept in such a way that purposeful debates can be had. It is, as will be shown, an attempt to link understanding and interpretation. / Includes bibliography. / Dissertation (Ph.D.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2016. / FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection