Disertacinis darbas yra skirtas N-metrikų teorijos (Klebanov, 2005; Zinger et al., 1989) pritaikymui klasikinėms statistinėms suderinamumo, homogeniškumo, simetriškumo bei nepriklausomumo hipotezėms tikrinti. Darbo pradžioje pasiūlytas minėtų hipotezių testinių statistikų konstravimo būdas, naudojant N-metrikas. Toliau nagrinėjama problema susijusi su suformuotų kriterijų kritinės srities nustatymu. Pagrindiniai darbo rezultatai yra susiję su pasiūlytų kriterijaus statistikų asimptotiniu skirstiniu. Bendru atveju N-metrikos statistikų asimptotinis skirstinys esant nulinei hipotezei sutampa su Gauso atsitiktinių dydžių begalinės kvadratinės formos skirstiniu. Alternatyvos atveju testinių statistikų ribinis skirstinys yra normalusis. Sudėtinės suderinamumo hipotezės atveju išsamiau yra analizuojami normalumo ir ekponentiškumo kriterijai. Daugiamačiu atveju pasiūlyta konstrukcija, nepriklausanti nuo skirstinio homogeniškumo testo. Tikrinant tolygumo hipersferoje hipotezę detaliau yra nagrinėjami apskritimo ir sferos atvejai. Darbo pabaigoje lyginami pasiūlytos N-metrikos bei kai kurie klasikiniai kriterijai. Neparametrinės suderinamumo hipotezės vienamačiu atveju, kaip palyginimo priemonė, nagrinėjamas Bahaduro asimptotinis santykinis efektyvumas (Bahadur, 1960; Nikitin, 1995). Kartu su teoriniais rezultatais pasiūlytų N-metrikos tipo testų galingumas ištirtas, naudojant Monte-Karlo metodą. Be paprastos ir sudėtinės suderinamumo hipotezių yra analizuojami homogeniškumo testai... [toliau žr. visą tekstą] / The thesis is devoted to the application of a new class of probability metrics, N-distances, introduced by Klebanov (Klebanov, 2005; Zinger et al., 1989), to the problems of verification of the classical statistical hypotheses of goodness of fit, homogeneity, symmetry and independence. First of all a construction of statistics based on N-metrics for testing mentioned hypotheses is proposed. Then the problem of determination of the critical region of the criteria is investigated. The main results of the thesis are connected with the asymptotic behavior of test statistics under the null and alternative hypotheses. In general case the limit null distribution of proposed in the thesis tests statistics is established in terms of the distribution of infinite quadratic form of random normal variables with coefficients dependent on eigenvalues and functions of a certain integral operator. It is proved that under the alternative hypothesis the test statistics are asymptotically normal. In case of parametric hypothesis of goodness of fit particular attention is devoted to normality and exponentiality criteria. For hypothesis of homogeneity a construction of multivariate distribution-free two-sample test is proposed. Testing the hypothesis of uniformity on hypersphere in more detail S1 and S2 cases are investigated. In conclusion, a comparison of N-distance tests with some classical criteria is provided. For simple hypothesis of goodness of fit in univariate case as a measure for... [to full text]

Lietuvoje sparčiai daugeja asmenų sergančių depresija skaičius. Ir tai verčia susimastyti apie šių žmonių reabilitacijos galimybes, o ne vien tik apie medikamentinį gydymą. Baigiamojo darbo tikslas - ištirti ergoterapijos efektyvumą asmenims vartojantiems neuroleptinius vaistus.Tyrimo uždaviniai: 1. Įvertinti asmenų, sergančius depresija ir naudojančių neuroleptikus, rankų koordinacijos sutrikimų lygį. 2. Įvertinti asmenų, sergančių depresija ir naudojančių neuroleptikus, savarankiškumo lygį. 3. Įvertinti rankų koordinacijos ir savarankiškumo pokyčius po ergoterapijos. / Lithuanian numbers of persons suffering from depression grow up rapidly. It makes people wonder about possibilities of rehabilitation, not only about medical treatment. Final aim of master work – to explore occupational therapy effectivess for the persons with depression illness and using neuroleptic pharmaceuticals. Research task: 1. Assess individuals hands coordination disorders from depression and neuroleptic pharmaceuticals use. 2. Assess level of independece for persons wiht depression illlness and using neuropeltic pharmaceuticals. 3. Assess hands coordination and changes of independence after occupational therepy.

The concept of Humanitarian Military Interventions has become a core issue within the international community since the 1990s. Human rights violations carried out on a massive scale are no longer perceived as purely domestic concerns but are now recognized as a central concern of the international community. This study of four cases of HMI -Somalia, Rwanda, Haiti and East Timor- is intended to shed the light on two political factors that play a determining role in HMI: the national interests of the interveners and the level of neutrality of the operations. I argue that the level of success of HMI is highly dependent on the presence of national interests in the region for the interveners and a low level of neutrality. This thesis also reflects on the ongoing challenges facing the international community regarding the most efficient ways to address massive human rights violations and presents suggestions towards addressing them.

An independent set in a graph G is a set of pairwise nonadjacent vertices, and the maximum size, alpha(G), of an independent set in G is called the independence number. Given a graph G and weight matrix A of G with entries from some field F, the maximum dimension of an A-isotropic subspace, known as the Witt index of A, is an upper bound on alpha(G). Since any weight matrix can be used, it is natural to seek the minimum upper bound on the independence number of G that can be achieved by a weight matrix. This minimum, iota_F^*(G), is called the minimum Witt index of G over F, and the resulting bound, alpha(G)<= iota_F^*(G), is called the isotropic bound. When F is finite, the possible values of iota_F^*(G) are determined and the graphs that attain the isotropic bound are characterized. The characterization is given in terms of graph classes CC(n,t,c) and CK(n,t,k) constructed from certain spanning subgraphs called C(n,t,c)-graphs and K(n,t,k)-graphs. Here t is the term rank of the adjacency matrix of G. When F=R, the isotropic bound is known as the Cvetkovi\'c bound. It is shown that it is sufficient to consider a finite number of weight matrices A when determining iota_R^*(G) and that, in many cases, two weight values suffice. For example, if the vertex set of G can be covered by alpha(G) cliques, then G attains the Cvetkovi\'c bound with a weight matrix with two weight values. Inequalities on alpha and iota_F^* resulting from graph operations such as sums, products, vertex deletion, and vertex identification are examined and, in some cases, conditions that imply equality are proved. The equalities imply that the problem of determining whether or not alpha(G)=iota_F^*(G) can be reduced to that of determining iota_F^*(H) for certain crucial graphs H found from G. / Thesis (Ph.D, Mathematics & Statistics) -- Queen's University, 2007-09-04 15:38:47.57

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The "end of the century" nourishes a questioning movement on national identity and on the concept of modernity that is encouraged by the Quebec essayists. We propose an organization of the elements of the sovereign narrative which would be able to conduct and constitute a generative grammar of its argumentation. Our project consists in creating a matrix of the nationalistic discourse during the 1995 Quebec referendum period on sovereignty. This schematic figure will bring to its most simple expression the narrative of the Quebec nationalistic discourse selecting examples from ten texts of our primary bibliography. Our matrix will incorporate ideas, dogmas, theories, facts and myths stemming from the ideological discourses. We will see how these elements do interact, to be able afterwards to gather them in a framework on which national identity and legitimity of the national accession to sovereignty should be based. The study of this narrative of the past, as well as the analysis of the public characters will be leaded by the sociocritical approach of discourse analysis. / The francophone cultural nation living on the territory of the Province of Quebec demonstrates itself through the values of tenacity, solidarity, labour and openness of mind towards "Others". The nation increases the standing of a society project based on a democratic basis, condemning the traitors of the Quebec nation. This history concerns the francophone majority even though it is linked to the other "oppressed peoples" of the World History. This "french-quebecer" history is enhanced with a collective memory, projected towards the future in making the project of sovereignty the purpose of its teleological progression.

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This dissertation seeks to explore the judiciary as an independent and separate arm of government. In doing so, this dissertation attempts to provide a holistic analysis of the constitutional and legislative framework that has been established to protect both individual and institutional independence of the judiciary in South Africa. The question that will be asked is whether such mechanisms are consistent with the section 165 of the Constitution. Central to this analysis is whether the system of court administration that was inherited from apartheid is appropriate for the purposes that courts now have to perform under South Africa‟s constitutional democracy. Chapter one lays the foundation by providing an introduction to the topic under discussion. In doing so, this chapter also provides the research question, literature review, and an explanation of the research methodology. Lastly, this chapter attempts to trace the historical foundation of the principle of judicial independence. It is concluded that judicial independence is linked with the development of the rule of law and seeks to counter unfettered power. In an attempt to provide a conceptual definition for judicial independence, chapter two draws from international law instruments. This definition focuses on the distinction between independence and impartiality; individual and institutional independence. It is then concluded that judicial independence is vital for good governance, administration, accountability and the protection of the public from the arbitrary and abusive exercise of power by the state. Chapter three focuses on the independence of judges in South Africa, in other words, individual independence. This chapter contains an analysis of legislative mechanisms adopted in South Africa to protect the judges from improper influence in their adjudicatory tasks. Further, this chapter also analyses jurisprudence relating to impartiality and bias. It is concluded that the constitutional and legislative framework adopted in South Africa sufficiently insulates judges from improper influence. As far as impartiality is concerned, it is concluded that in terms of South African jurisprudence, the presumption is that judges are impartial. The burden of proof falls on the party alleging bias. Chapter four focuses on court administration. This chapter gives an overview of the structure of courts and the current system of court administration in South Africa. Further, this section discusses how the doctrine of separation of powers relates to court administration. This section also discusses reforms to the current system of court administration that have been proposed by the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development. It is concluded that the current system of court administration is inconsistent with the Constitution and the doctrine of separation of powers as it permits the executive to encroach upon the independent functioning of the courts. Chapter five seeks to discuss some of the challenges that threaten judicial independence in South Africa. This chapter begins by providing a cursory overview of some of the main incidents which have threatened the independence of South Africa‟s judiciary. The main focus of this chapter is the alleged attempt by the Cape Judge President Hlophe to improperly influence judges of the Constitutional court in their adjudicatory tasks. Moreover, this chapter discusses the manner in which the complaint against Judge Hlophe was dealt with by the Judicial Service Commission. It is concluded that in dismissing the complaint against Judge Hlophe without a thorough examination, the Judicial Service Commission abdicated its constitutional duty. It is also concluded that the unresolved complaint against Judge Hlophe casts a shadow of doubt over the impartiality and independent functioning of the judiciary in South Africa. The main conclusion in chapter six is that the protection of independence in South Africa suffers from contradictory elements which leave the judiciary under executive control, which constitutes an insidious erosion of the doctrine of separation of powers. Therefore the status of the judiciary as an equal arm of government in South Africa is weak. Thus, while South Africa's judiciary is impartial and contains strong elements of individual independence, it is not independent. The essence of the recommendations relate to the functioning of the Judicial Service Commission, the application of section 175 (2) of the Constitution, the tenure of judges, the administration of courts, the complaint against Judge Hlophe and the Superior Courts Bill. / Thesis (LL.M.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2012.

The independence of the judiciary is not only crucial for the legal community, but for all South Africans, including the business community. It is important for local and foreign investment to have confidence that the judiciary will protect and enforce their interests. It is submitted that if the independence of the judiciary is undermined in South Africa, not only will the judiciary be affected but so will the broader business community. The aim of this study is to determine what effect legislative and executive interference in managing the judiciary, through its human resource processes (such as selection, training and discipline of judges) as well as through its finances and court administration, has had on the independence of the judiciary. In recent years there has been an increased interest in the activities of the judiciary and an increase in the criticism of its members. This has resulted in the executive proposing amendments to legislation which, in turn has resulted in the ongoing debate in legal circles about the impact of these measures on the independence of the judiciary. The concern is that the proposed measures will enable the executive to further encroach upon the judiciary and undermine its independence. Consequently, members of the judiciary, academics, members of the bar council and the side bar have objected strongly to the proposed legislative changes. The purpose of this case study is to explore the extent to which the executive has already interfered with, and proposes to further interfere with judicial personnel and the functioning of the judiciary. A further purpose is to establish what effects the aforesaid political interference has had on the independence, the efficient and effective functioning of the judiciary. It is hoped to determine whether the proposed legislative and executive measures will remedy the perceived judicial inefficiencies through holding members more accountable or whether they will compound the problems that already exist. In pursuit of this broad aim the research takes a grounded, theory-generating approach. The foundation of the research design is a combination of the use of the literature surveyed in Chapter Two together with the responses to the survey questionnaires and the answers to the interview questions from judges of the various superior courts of South Africa. The South African judiciary presently comprises of the Constitutional Court, the Supreme Court of Appeal and 13 divisions and local divisions of the High Court situated in Bisho (Ciskei); Bloemfontein (Orange Free State); Cape Town (Cape of Good Hope Division); Durban (Durban and Coast Local Division); Grahamstown (Eastern Cape); Johannesburg (Witwatersrand Local Division): Kimberley (Northern Cape); Mmabatho (Bophuthatswana); Pietermartizburg (KwaZulu-Natal); Port Elizabeth (South Eastern Cape Local Division); Pretoria (Transvaal); and Thohoyandou (Venda). A dual approach using two types of research instruments, namely the survey questionnaire and the interview questionnaire, was used. In 1999 only two of the ten Constitutional Court judges were women (Sally Baden, Shireen Hassim and Sheila Meintjes, 1999). At that time there were only two female judges in the Labour Court and one in the Land Claims Court. Also, of the total of 186 judges, at the time, 156 were white males, 20 were black males, 7 were white women and 3 were black women. However, the racial and gender composition of the judiciary has changed dramatically since then (Seedat, 2005, page 5) and (Lewis, 2008, page 1). No random sample was taken, due to the small population size of the judiciary and it was feared that it would further reduce the response rate. Both research instruments (the survey questionnaire and the interview schedule of questions) were sent to the entire population of judges, which at the time that the study was conducted, consisted of 213 judges in total. The main source of data was obtained from the research questionnaire developed by the researcher. This was posted to each of the respondents, together with a self-addressed envelope. The aforesaid data was obtained from the semi-structured face to face (alternatively telephonic) interviews conducted with the respondents, who were willing to participate and agreed to be interviewed. Amongst the judges surveyed and interviewed some were current judges, some were retired judges and some were acting judges, of the various superior courts (the interview questionnaire was also developed by the researcher), all of whom were spread across the whole of South Africa. Due to distance and time constraints, a number of the judges agreed to be interviewed telephonically instead of face to face, which saved the researcher a great deal of expense, with regards to travelling and accommodation. The constant comparative method of qualitative analysis was used. Data reduction was carried out in three stages, each representing a progressively higher level of theoretical abstraction. The findings of the research are expressed as an integrated theory and a series of propositions, generalized within the boundaries of the study, relating legislative and executive interference with the judiciary and what the impact and effect these have had on the independence of the judiciary. The conclusions may be summarized in four statements. Firstly, there is political interference with the personnel of the judiciary, through the Judicial Service Commission being involved in the judicial selection and disciplinary processes. This has negatively impacted on the efficient functioning of the judiciary. Secondly, the judiciary has transformed and no further political inference is necessary to bring about transformation of its structures or its functioning. Thirdly, there is executive interference, by the Department of Justice, with the judiciary's finances and court administration, which has negatively impacted on the efficient functioning of the judiciary. Fourthly, the proposed judicial bills are an unnecessary intrusion and, if enacted, will increase the executive's power over the functioning of the judiciary, further undermining its independence and possibly eventually leading to its complacency. This will have adverse consequences for all South Africans, including the business community, as local and foreign investor confidence in the South African judiciary's ability to protect and enforce their rights. In light of the aforesaid, the recommendation is that all forms of political interference with the judiciary should be removed and that the legislature and the executive should support the judiciary and protects it from judicial criticism. The legislature and the executive should take steps where necessary to remedy the abovementioned, for example to correct the imbalances in the composition of the Judicial Service Commission and allow the judiciary to control its own internal processes thereby ensuring that it functions efficiently and independently. / Thesis (MBA)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, 2009.

Explanations of sub-state nationalism that draw on the effects of patterns of uneven economic development suffer from two conceptual problems: (1) they fail to explain why state actors are not able to adopt and implement long-term strategies to correct these effects and (2) they fail to account for the range of ideologies that can be used by sub-state actors to mobilize against the state. In this dissertation, I use an institutional analysis to overcome these problems by specifying the structural conditions under which a range of counterhegemonic groups can emerge to challenge state nationalism. The analysis is applied to a case study of interwar Catalonia, which examines three separate campaigns for political autonomy. 1906--1908; 1917--1919; and 1930--1932. Two modes of analysis are used. First, an institutional analysis is used to determine the structural conditions for the emergence of counterhegemonic movements. I argue that levels of institutional incorporation in a state can determine both the conditions under which a counterhegemonic group can emerge and the range of ideologies that can be used to organize against the state. Institutional incorporation refers to the variable level of institutions that together constitute the corporate structure of the state. The institutional analysis is applied to Southern Europe generally and Spain specifically, in order to identify the political groups in early twentieth-century Catalonia which challenged state nationalism by mobilizing around alternative state projects. Second, a rational actor approach is used to examine the strategic interactions of two sets of political actors in Catalonia, nationalists and republicans, in order to specify the conditions under which they attempted to gain political power and obtain political autonomy for Catalonia on three separate occasions. The combination of an institutional approach at the macro-level and a rational actor approach at the micro-level brings to light the importan