This study develops comprehensive full-sector macro-econometric models for the Nigerian economy with the aim of explaining and providing a long-term solution for the persistent growth-poverty divergence experienced by the country. The models are applied to testing the hypothesis of existing structural supply-side constraints versus demand-side constraints impeding the growth and development of the country. Structural inadequacies have been the major setback to the achievement of the developmental objectives in the Nigerian economy. The last four decades has revealed several macroeconomic instabilities that hinder much improvement in the performance of the economy. Much of these structural inadequacies have been blamed on the persistent poor governance experienced by the country over the years. The poor political leadership and instability, corruption and the mismanagement of the oil resources have halted an appropriate and sound economic policy that should have alleviated poverty among the majority of the population. A review of the historical performance of the Nigerian economy reveals significant socio-economic constraints as the predominant impediments to high and sticky levels of poverty in the economy. As such, a model of the Nigerian economy suitable for policy analysis needs to capture the long-run supply-side characteristics of the economy. A price block is incorporated to specify the price adjustment between the production or supply-side sector and real aggregate demand sector. The institutional characteristics with associated policy behaviour are incorporated through a public and monetary sector, whereas the interaction with the rest of the world is presented by a foreign sector, with specific attention given to the oil sector. The models are estimated with time-series data from 1970 to 2006 using the Engle-Granger two-step cointegration technique, capturing both the long-run and short-run dynamic properties of the economy. The full-sector models are subjected to a series of policy scenarios to evaluate the various options for government. It is evident from the policy options assessed in this study that there is a need for an improvement in the quality of government spending. Fiscal policy expansion should tend towards increasing the component of government expenditure that will lead to sustained growth and also an improvement in the standard of living of the citizens. In order to be able to reap the benefits of a positive external shock, there is a need to increase the level of competitiveness and the productive capacity of the country. Investment in basic infrastructure such as power and roads is very crucial at this stage of the Nigerian economy. There is an urgent need to refocus the government role in certain critical areas of the economy. Government institutions need to be strengthened by improving the coordination that exists within the government structures. The political environment needs to be more secure in order to attract more private investment. The maintenance of public order, ensuring property rights, a sound regulatory structure and also creating a framework that will increase the provision of public goods and services and the maintenance of infrastructure are urgent elements required in order to achieve the set macroeconomic objectives. / Thesis (PhD)--University of Pretoria, 2010. / Economics / unrestricted

The overall objective of this study was to identify trends of sediment nutrients and benthic macro-invertebrates in recreational fishing ponds. The Ekman dredge and the Yabby pump, also were compared for benthic macro-invertebrate sampling effectiveness. Large ranges in the coefficient of variation for Pw (52 – 123.9), C:N (13.4 – 124), density (61.5 – 98.5), and diversity (67 – 142) indicated significant spatial variability within and among ponds. Invertebrate familial diversity was the only variable that did not show any significant temporal variation (H = 4.31, P = 0.230). Results from the gear comparison indicated no differences between the Ekman dredge and Yabby pump (3 pulls); however, showed the Ekman dredge was more effective than the Yabby pump (12 pulls) (Z = -1.796, P = 0.073) indicating potential gear saturation. Although these data supported no discernable patterns between sediment nutrients and macro-invertebrates, it provided an opportunity to detail an operational framework for future studies.

The use of piezoelectric ceramic materials for structural actuation is a fairly well developed practice that has found use in a wide variety of applications. However, actuators with piezoceramic fibers and interdigitated electrodes have risen to the forefront of the intelligent structures community due to their increased actuation capability. However, their fiber-reinforced construction causes them to exhibit anisotropic piezomechanical properties, and the required larger driving voltages make the inherent piezoelectric nonlinearities more prevalent. In order to effectively utilize their increased performance, the more complicated behavior of these actuators must be sufficiently characterized. The current work is intended to provide a detailed nonlinear characterization of the mechanical and piezoelectric behavior of the Macro Fiber Composite actuator, which was developed at the NASA Langley Research Center. The mechanical behavior of this planar actuation device, which is both flexible and robust, is investigated by first developing a classical lamination model to predict its short-circuit linear-elastic properties, which are then verified experimentally. The sensitivity of this model to variations in constituent material properties is also studied. Phenomenological models are then used to represent the measured nonlinear short-circuit stress-strain response to various in-plane mechanical loads. Piezoelectric characterization begins with a nonlinear actuation model whose material parameters are determined experimentally for monotonically increasing electric fields. Next, the response of the actuator to a sinusoidal electric field input is measured under various constant mechanical loads and field amplitudes. From this procedure, the common linear piezoelectric strain coefficients are presented as a function of electric field amplitude and applied stress. In addition, a Preisach model is developed that uses the collected data sets to predict the hysteretic piezoelectric behavior of the MFC. Lastly, other related topics, such as manufacturing, cure kinetics modeling and linear thermoelasticity of the Macro Fiber Composite, are covered in the appendices. / Ph. D.

In late March 2005, three Romanian journalists were kidnapped by an obscure group of Iraqi militants near Baghdad. Several unusual details about the circumstances of the kidnapping prompted the Romanian media to investigate the speculation regarding the authenticity and motives of this high profile case. This thesis project extends framing theory to incorporate macro-level frames such as cynicism, speculation and metacommunication as dominant reporting styles in this evolving democracy. A systematic content analysis was performed on 255 news stories spanning 75 days from Evenimentul Zilei and Jurnalul National. Additionally, 2,941 of their subsequent online reader discussion posts were content analyzed using the same categories as the news stories to serve as a point of comparison between media reports and public discussion about this bizarre case. Results support evidence of generic media framing and extend the theory to demonstrate media's reliance on speculation and metacommunication as overarching reporting styles. Online deliberation between readers in this evolving democracy demonstrates difficulties in citizens' abilities to emerge from the spiral of cynicism characteristic of the post-communist Romania. While media establish the issues for public dialogue, they do not appear responsible for setting the tone. / Master of Arts

No / ERP implementation is a socio-technical challenge that requires a fundamentally different outlook from technologically-driven innovation, and will depend on a balanced perspective where the organisation as a total system is considered. ERP implementation is considered to rely on behavioural processes and actions. It is a process that involves macro-implementation at the strategic level, and micro-implementation at the operational level. This therefore means that implementation in the context of ERP systems is not possible through an ON/OFF approach whereby deployment of the new systems will necessarily yield the desired and expected results. Understanding the implementation process through a balanced perspective will therefore prevent any unpleasant surprises, and will ensure and guide the change process to be embedded in a painless fashion. The balanced perspective means that socio-technical considerations must be borne in mind; the strategic, tactical and operational steps clearly defined; and the expected benefits evaluated and tracked through creating seamless and solid integration. This paper proposes an integrative framework for ERP implementation based on an extensive review of the factors and the essential elements that contribute to success in the context of ERP implementation.

Neste trabalho foram estudados dois mecanismos de regulação de esquistossomíase: a nível de hospedeiro intermediário (Modelo de May) e a nível de hospedeiro definitivo (Modelo de Imunidade Concomitante por período de incubação). Estudou-se como ambos os modelos comportam se quando da introdução de um modelo de regulação para a população do hospedeiro intermediário. Verificou-se que o modelo de regulação por imunidade concomitante é muito mais robusto, pois além de ajustar melhor a curva de prevalência fornece uma região de estabilidade para os parâmetros epidemiológicos muito maior. / In this work two mechanisms for the regulation of the schistosomiasis were studied. In one model the regulation takes place at the intermediate host (May Model) and in the other model the regulation takes place at the definitive host (concomitant Immunity) . In both models the regulation of the intermediate host population was also included. It was found that regulation in the definitive host is much more robust than the regulation on the intermediate host allowing for a much greater range of the epidemiological parameters. Also the model of regulation on the definitive host allows for a very good fit of the prevalence curve.

A dissertação, seguindo a linha da evolução construtiva, analisa o desenvolvimento arquitetônico, tanto do ponto de vista estético quanto histórico, do Complexo Hospitalar do Juquery desde a administração do Dr. Franco da Rocha até os dias de hoje. A finalidade é realizar uma leitura desse espaço em vista de possíveis modificações por influências e dinâmicas sócio-urbanas dentro do contexto da Macro-metrópole paulistana, preparando-o, por meio de novos usos como, por exemplo, projetos sociais - para sua reinvenção como pólo indutor da transformação das cidades no Vale do Rio Juqueri. / This dissertation analyses the architectonical development of Juquery Hospitalar Complex, since the administration of Dr. Franco da Rocha until nowadays. The aim of this analysis is provide a provide a structure through which can be thought the possible modifications the Complex can suffer because the socio-urban dynamics, making it able to receive new uses and keeping it as POLO INDUTOR of the cities in the Rio Juquery Valley.

Esta dissertação de mestrado tem como objeto de pesquisa a população indígena Rikbaktsa, ou Canoeiros, como são conhecidos na região. Localizados no sudoeste amazônico, a noroeste do estado de Mato Grosso (Bacia do Juruena), têm um contingente populacional de aproximadamente 1200 habitantes. São filiados ao tronco lingüístico Macro-Jê e dividem-se em metades exogâmicas agnáticas organizadas em clãs patrilineares. O estudo em questão constitui-se de uma ampla pesquisa bibliográfica, revisão e sistematização dos dados Rikbaktsa, procurando colocar em diálogo os textos e materiais já produzidos sobre esta população, bem como estabelecer comparações com pesquisas realizadas sobre outras etnias Jê-Bororo. Uma ferramenta computacional (MaqPar) também contribuiu para produzir novas descrições sobre o sistema empírico de aliança Rikbaktsa. Deste modo, procurou-se debater a fundo temas relacionados à organização e morfologia social, pertencimento Rikbaktsa ao tronco lingüístico Macro-Jê e sistema de parentesco e terminologia. / This masters thesis has the Rikbaktsa indigenous society, or Canoeiros - as they are locally known - as the research object. Located on the southwest of the Amazonian range, on the north-west of the state of Mato Grosso, the Rikbaktsa people comprise a population of approximately 1200 individuals. They are filiated to the linguist trunk of Macro-Jê and are equally divided into exogamic moieties organized into fatherhood clans. This research consist of an ample bibliographic account as well as a review and systematization of available data on the Rikbaktsa people, aiming not only to expose research and materials that has been produced regarding this society but also to establish a comparative interpretation with research carried out with other Jê-Bororo ethnic groups. In addition, a computational tool (MaqPar) has contributed to the production of new descriptions about the empirical system of alliance Rikbaktsa. Thus, this research has envisaged a thorough discussion of the social organization and morphology, the Macro-Jê linguist trunk within the Rikbaktsa society and its system of kinship along with the terminology associated.

Discussão sobre a recuperação da condição central da colina onde se iniciou a cidade de São Paulo, através de sua atualização e potencialização pela arquitetura e desenho urbano. A atualização do Centro velho paulistano passa pela consideração de várias escalas, entre as quais a que decorre da nova dimensão da aglomeração humana de São Paulo (a macro-metrópole paulista), a escala do vale do rio Tamanduateí e a escala local. A desobrigação de o Centro velho paulistano manter todas as funções centrais metropolitanas, expandindo-as a partir da consideração da macro-metrópole, permitiu retomar o Centro Tradicional em suas funções essenciais. Defende-se a recuperação dessas funções centrais mitigadas no decorrer do século XX no Centro velho, a saber, sede do poder político municipal, estadual e da universidade, além de habitação e espaços dedicados à religião. O Centro velho é visto como o Centro da Polis paulistana, comparável ao que era o Forum para a cidade romana. É apresentado um processo de projeto que investiga a forma que o Centro atualizado pode ter e o resultado é visto como intermediário. As diretrizes que se obtém do processo prospectivo e a busca em si são vistas como contribuições para um projeto que é necessariamente coletivo. / The present thesis is a discussion on the recovery of a central condition of the hill where the city of São Paulo was founded, by updating it and involving it through architecture and urban design. Updating the old paulistano Center requires the appreciation of several scales, one of them being the one that considers the new dimension of human agglomeration in São Paulo (the paulista macro-metropolis), the scale of the Tamanduateí river valley and the local scale. Once the maintenance of all metropolitan central functions in the old Center of São Paulo is not necessary anymore, as these functions are already spread to other areas of the macro-metropolis, this enables the Traditional Center to recover its essential functions. We advocate the recovery of these central functions - the seat of state and of the city political power, the university, in addition to housing and places dedicated to religion - which have mitigated throughout the XXth century in the old Center. The old Center is considered the Center of São Paulo Polis, similar to what the Forum had been for the Roman city. This work comprises a designing process that investigates the form that the refurbished Center could have and the result of this process is still intermediate. The route obtained with the designing process and the search itself are seen as contributions for a project that is, necessarily, a collective work.

Οι macro τομείς αποτελούν μία οικογένεια δομών, συντηρημένη εξελικτικά σε πολλά είδη οργανισμών. Ομόλογά τους βρίσκονται σε βακτήρια, αρχαία, ασπόνδυλα, φυτά καθώς και σε θηλαστικά. Η βιολογική τους λειτουργία δεν έχει αποσαφηνιστεί πλήρως αλλά το βασικό βιοχημικό τους χαρακτηριστικό είναι η ύπαρξη μιας θετικά φορτισμένης κοιλότητας η οποία χρησιμεύει ως σημείο πρόσδεσης της διφωσφορικής αδενικής ριβόζης (ADPr). Ο macro τομέας αποτελεί επίσης μέρος των μη δομικών πρωτεϊνών ιών, οι οποίοι φέρουν ως γενετικό υλικό νοηματικό μονόκλωνο RNA. Τέτοιου είδους ιοί είναι και οι άλφα ιοί στους οποίους ανήκει και ο ιός Mayaro. Στην παρούσα εργασία, πραγματοποιείται δομική μελέτη του macro τομέα του ιού Mayaro. Με χρήση της τεχνολογίας του ανασυνδυασμένου DNA, ο πρωτεϊνικός τομέας εκφράστηκε σε μεγάλες ποσότητες και κατέστη δυνατή η μελέτη του με τη χρήση πολυπυρηνικής/πολυδιάστατης φασματοσκοπίας πυρηνικού μαγνητικού συντονισμού. Η NMR δομή του macro τομέα του ιού Mayaro επιλύθηκε σε υψηλή διακριτικότητα (tf=1.03+/-9.7*10e-2, RMSD=0.90+/-0.15 και RMSD=1.44+/-0.14 για τα άτομα της πολυπεπτιδικής αλυσίδας και τα βαρέα άτομα αντίστοιχα) και αποκάλυψε μια αβα σάντουιτς δομή στο κέντρο της οποίας σχηματίζεται μια εκτεταμένη β-πτυχωτή επιφάνεια. Στη συνέχεια πραγματοποιήθηκαν πειράματα αλληλεπίδρασης, τα οποία αποκάλυψαν ότι το ADPr αποτελεί προσδέτη στο macro τομέα του ιού Mayaro. / Macro domains are a family of structures, evolutionarily conserved in many kinds of organisms such as bacteria, archaea, invertebrates, plants and mammals. Their biological function is not fully elucidated but their key biochemical feature seems to be the binding of the Adenosine Diphosphate ribose(ADPr). Macro domain is also found in non-structural proteins of several positive strand RNA viruses like Mayaro virus, a member of the genus of Alphavirus. In the present study, a structural analysis of the macro domain of virus Mayaro is being performed. Using the technology of recombinant DNA, the macro domain was expressed in high yield, making the analysis by multinuclear/multidimensional Nuclear Magnetic Resonance possible. The NMR solution structure of the macro domain od virus Mayaro was determined in high resolution(tf=1.03+/-9.7*10e-2, RMSD=0.90+/-0.15 and RMSD=1.44+/-0.14 for backbone and heavy atoms respectively) and revealed a well folded 3-Layer(aba)Sandwich structure in the center of which, an extended beta sheet is formed. Furthermore, interaction experiments were performed which revealed that the ADPr is a ligand for the macro domain of virus Mayaro.