Haematophagous parasites and disease vectors such as leeches, ticks, mites, lice, bed bugs, mosquitoes, and myiasis-causing fly larvae are common health problems in Lao Peoples Democratic Republic (Lao PDR). A main aim of my field work in Lao PDR in 2006-2010 was to document traditional knowledge among different ethnic groups about plants that people use to repel or to kill blood-feeding invertebrates. We carried out structured interviews in 66 villages comprising 17 ethnic groups, covering a range of ethnic group, throughout Lao PDR and recorded a total of 92 plant species - in 123 different plant-ectoparasite combinations - that are used as traditional repellents and/or as “pesticides” to kill "pest" invertebrates. Traditional use was confirmed in the scientific literature for 74 of these plant species, and for an additional 13 species based on literature on closely related species. We concluded that repellents and pesticides from many plant species are commonly used in the Lao countryside. We also investigated traditionally used Lao plants for their activity to repel or to kill certain disease vectors and parasites. Target organisms were mosquitoes (Diptera, Culicidae), fly larvae (Diptera, Cyclorrhapha) in fermented fish production, and terrestrial blood-sucking leeches (Hirudinea, Haemadipsidae). The potential mosquito repellent activities of essential oils of Croton roxburghii (Euphorbiaceae), Hyptis suaveolens (Lamiaceae), and Litsea cubeba (Lauraceae) were evaluated in the field near Vientiane. Oils at concentrations of 1.7-6.7 µg/cm2 were significantly repellent to Aedes, Armigeres and Culex attracted to human baits. The activities against fly larvae, infesting fermenting fish, of three plant species, Tadehagi triquetrum (Fabaceae), Uraria crinita (Fabaceae) and Bambusa multiplex (Poaceae) were investigated: When fresh material of the plants was added on top of fermenting fish infested with fly larvae significant proportions of the larvae were repelled or killed. The total protective effect, i.e., repellent and killing effect combined, of T. triquetrum, U. crinita, and B. multiplex was 60-83 %, 77-90 %, and 60-93 %, respectively. Field evaluation of the potential leech repellent activities of water extracts of Sapindus rarak (Sapindaceae), Catunaregam spathulifolia (Rubiaceae) and Vernonia elaeagnifolia, (Asteraceae) impregnated on stockings and worn by persons in two leech-infested biotopes revealed leech repellent activities of 82.6%, 62.6% and 63.0%, respectively. The corresponding repellencies of deltamethrin and diethyl-3-methyl-benzamide (DEET) were 73.1% and 88.4%, respectively. Identification of the active components in certain of the plants with the ultimate aim to develop more optimal, less costly repellents, insecticides, acaricides, and anti-leech compounds as alternatives to synthetic repellents and pesticides against blood-feeding insects, ticks, mites, and leeches is in progress.

This thesis deals with an analysis and comparison of tourism within Thailand and Lao PDR. The paper discusses global tourism trends with a special interest dedicated to southeast Asia. Based on studies of history, geography and government programmes of each individual country, conditions for conducting tourism activities were defined. History of tourism as well as develompent of individual destinations were concerned, too. The conclusion summarising present and future possibilities of travel industry in Thailand and Lao PDR also involves information about knowledge and personal approach of Czech public to both countries. The data were collected through an exploratory questionnaire. The next part offers a list of destinations provided by Czech and German travel agencies. Based on the list, an overview of available destinations provided by major Czech and German official mediators was created. One of the chapters also deals with legal conditions governing the rights for setting up a travel agency by non-residents.

Force est de constater aujourd’hui que la localisation d’un bien ou d’une personne est devenue une nécessité. Plusieurs solutions existent en extérieur, largement dominées par le système GPS. Pour la localisation en intérieur, la précision se dégrade en raison des trajets multiples et de l’atténuation des signaux traversant les murs. Cette thèse se focalise sur la problématique de localisation à l’intérieur d’un bâtiment en utilisant les technologies présentes dans des smartphones et des tablettes fonctionnant sous le système d’exploitation Android disponible dans divers marques. Les systèmes de localisation en intérieur exploitent différents supports tels que les ondes radio-fréquence (RF) ou les capteurs inertiels embarqués dans un terminal. Dans le cas RF, ils utilisent des points références dont la répartition sur la zone couverte influe sur la performance en localisation. Une première contribution est un développement d’algorithme d’optimisation d’emplacement des balises basé sur le recuit simulé. Les signaux extraits des capteurs inertiels sont utilisés par la navigation pédestre à l’estime (NPE) pour déterminer le trajet effectué depuis une position connue. Ils dépendent de la sensibilité des paramètres intrinsèques de ces capteurs et ils sont corrompus par des bruits. Dans le cas NPE, une calibration permet d’obtenir des données exploitables pour l’estimation de l’orientation de déplacement et pour la détection des pas. Cette orientation est supposée identique à celle du terminal mais il y a un intérêt à prendre en compte le biais d’orientation entre les deux. Une autre contribution est une proposition d’algorithme de détection des pas exploitant la logique floue. / Nowadays, the localization of a device or person has become mandatory. If many solutions exist for outdoor environment, as the GPS one, any fails to provide an expected accuracy for indoor environment because of the multipath phenomena and the attenuation of signals crossing walls. This thesis focuses on the localization problem in buildings by using existed technologies in smartphones and tablets managed by Android OS - which is available in several brands. The indoor localization systems are using different technologies like radio-frequency (RF) waves or inertial sensors embedded in handsets. In the RF case, they use anchors or beacons, whose position impacts the localization performance for the covered zone. Our first contribution was the placement optimization of beacons using simulated annealing algorithm. Next to improve the localization performance, the inertial sensors, embedded in smartphones, have been used. The pedestrian dead reckoning (PDR) algorithm employs the extracted signals from the inertial sensors and determines the path done since a known position. These extracted signals are affected by the intrinsic parameters of sensors and they are corrupted by noises. The calibration of the sensors is compulsory to obtain data that could be used to estimate the walking orientation and the number of done steps by the user. It is often supposed that the walking orientation is the same as the smartphone orientation; however it might be interesting to consider the bias between these two orientations. A last contribution, in this thesis, consists on a proposed algorithm for step detection using fuzzy logic.

No description available.

<p><strong>Background</strong></p><p>This thesis is conducted for Husqvarna AB with the aim to map the Laotian market for them in terms of market potential for forestry power equipment. In order to provide decision material for further action I was asked to give a description of the Laotian forestry sector; research potential harvesting volumes; analyze the competitive situation; describe the general business conditions in Laos; and provide some insight as to how Husqvarna can enter the Laotian market.</p><p><strong></strong></p><p><strong>Method</strong></p><p>The method I have used for collection of information is two-fold. The empirical data has mostly been derived via interviews with forestry officials and companies involved in forestry. The theoretical review and collection of secondary data has been performed by research of books, journals, reports, newspapers and online sources. The research methodology can accordingly be labelled "the actor approach" which methodology is based on understanding social entireties. An important element in this approach is a process referred to as the hermeneutic circle - a process in which new knowledge is continuously incorporated into the understanding and used as base for further research. An important part of the method is my personal experience of Laos, from which I consider myself being able to base some conclusions.</p><p><strong></strong></p><p><strong>Theoretical Review</strong></p><p>Foreign market entry can generally be made in four modes: Exporting, licensing, joint ventures, or sole ventures. Foreign market entry strategies may involve adapting the marketing strategy. It may also necessitate product adaption.</p><p> </p><p>Market entry in developing countries will most likely mean being exposed to unfamiliar environments. The general business conditions might be very different from the home market and constitute higher levels of trade barriers and sociocultural distance may be difficult to deal with.</p><p><strong></strong></p><p><strong>Case Study, Conclusions and Reflections</strong></p><p>The highlights from these two chapters include:</p><ul type="disc"><li>Laos offers foreign investors to use any of the four market entry modes.</li><li>Doing business in Laos receives a low international rating, especially in terms of labor restrictions. It also has rather high trade barriers.</li><li>Laos is developing its commercial tree plantation sector and estimates suggest that the harvesting volumes will be increasing rapidly in the coming 10-15 years.</li><li>Importing and selling forestry power equipment is restricted. Laos does not yet have any authorized dealer for chainsaws. This provides for interesting opportunities.</li><li>The market is flooded with cheap, illegally imported, Chinese chainsaws, but it is questionable whether this actually constitutes any competition to Husqvarna, being a high quality brand. The Chinese chainsaws might however soon increase in terms of quality and be more competitive.</li><li>Obtaining an import and sales license for outdoor power products may be a rather lengthy procedure but once in place would mean being the first authorized dealer - which might be advantageous.</li></ul><p> </p><p><strong>Recommendation</strong></p><p>Due to Laos making efforts to increase the commercial tree plantation area, the harvesting volumes will increase rapidly the coming years. The sales potential for forestry equipment will hence increase in the years to come.</p><p> </p><p>My recommendation to Husqvarna, if they have resources, is therefore to locate a dealer and enter the Laotian market. Plantations are however still mostly in the development phase. It is therefore doubtful that early entry is profitable enough to be motivated if there are other markets with higher potential that Husqvarna wants to enter.</p><p> </p>

Background This thesis is conducted for Husqvarna AB with the aim to map the Laotian market for them in terms of market potential for forestry power equipment. In order to provide decision material for further action I was asked to give a description of the Laotian forestry sector; research potential harvesting volumes; analyze the competitive situation; describe the general business conditions in Laos; and provide some insight as to how Husqvarna can enter the Laotian market. Method The method I have used for collection of information is two-fold. The empirical data has mostly been derived via interviews with forestry officials and companies involved in forestry. The theoretical review and collection of secondary data has been performed by research of books, journals, reports, newspapers and online sources. The research methodology can accordingly be labelled "the actor approach" which methodology is based on understanding social entireties. An important element in this approach is a process referred to as the hermeneutic circle - a process in which new knowledge is continuously incorporated into the understanding and used as base for further research. An important part of the method is my personal experience of Laos, from which I consider myself being able to base some conclusions. Theoretical Review Foreign market entry can generally be made in four modes: Exporting, licensing, joint ventures, or sole ventures. Foreign market entry strategies may involve adapting the marketing strategy. It may also necessitate product adaption.   Market entry in developing countries will most likely mean being exposed to unfamiliar environments. The general business conditions might be very different from the home market and constitute higher levels of trade barriers and sociocultural distance may be difficult to deal with. Case Study, Conclusions and Reflections The highlights from these two chapters include: <ul type="disc">Laos offers foreign investors to use any of the four market entry modes. Doing business in Laos receives a low international rating, especially in terms of labor restrictions. It also has rather high trade barriers. Laos is developing its commercial tree plantation sector and estimates suggest that the harvesting volumes will be increasing rapidly in the coming 10-15 years. Importing and selling forestry power equipment is restricted. Laos does not yet have any authorized dealer for chainsaws. This provides for interesting opportunities. The market is flooded with cheap, illegally imported, Chinese chainsaws, but it is questionable whether this actually constitutes any competition to Husqvarna, being a high quality brand. The Chinese chainsaws might however soon increase in terms of quality and be more competitive. Obtaining an import and sales license for outdoor power products may be a rather lengthy procedure but once in place would mean being the first authorized dealer - which might be advantageous.   Recommendation Due to Laos making efforts to increase the commercial tree plantation area, the harvesting volumes will increase rapidly the coming years. The sales potential for forestry equipment will hence increase in the years to come.   My recommendation to Husqvarna, if they have resources, is therefore to locate a dealer and enter the Laotian market. Plantations are however still mostly in the development phase. It is therefore doubtful that early entry is profitable enough to be motivated if there are other markets with higher potential that Husqvarna wants to enter.

No description available.

L’accroissement du déplacement des footballeurs professionnels de l’Afrique vers les ligues européennes, observé dès les années 1990, a transformé la migration du travail du football. En retour, cela a aussi eu un impact sur les revenus des footballeurs africains, leur statut social, et leur relation avec leurs communautés d’origine en termes de soutien socioéconomique. Cette recherche se focalise sur ce sujet en s’appuyant sur la compréhension de l’évolution du football professionnel africain, des itinéraires de migration des joueurs, afin d’expliquer le « phénomène de don en retour » (PDR) lié à la relation entretenue avec leurs communautés d’origine. Elle examine le rôle des facteurs économiques et non économiques qui orientent la manière dont les footballeurs africains donnent en retour à leurs familles, leurs proches, leurs communautés. Celui-ci peut être déterminé dans le but d’un retour sur investissement, par l’influence des valeurs communautaires, des normes, par l’intégration à des réseaux sociaux ou des réseaux institutionnalisés relatifs à l’émigration des footballeurs. En d’autres termes, l’analyse de leur don en retour doit être basée sur la combinaison de facteurs sociaux, culturels et économiques. Aussi, cette recherche mobilise une approche interdisciplinaire à partir du modèle théorique d’analyse de la socio-économie. La méthodologie de Weber contribue à le faire, par l’analyse de l’action de don en retour des footballeurs. Celui-ci est généralement considéré comme la contribution sociale des joueurs, et leurs communautés attendent de recevoir quelque chose de la part des joueurs professionnels africains émigrés ayant réussi financièrement. L’étude est basée sur une enquête qualitative auprès de trente-deux footballeurs professionnels africains incluant aussi des biographies et autobiographies d’autres footballeurs africains. Les résultats montrent que les comportements des footballeurs africains migrants, en termes de don en retour, dépendant de leurs justifications qui sont basées sur des logiques d’intérêt économique, social et culturel.La recherche révèle trois résultats majeurs :1) Une évolution spécifique du football africain et de la perception du football professionnel par les communautés. On identifie une périodisation en trois phases, montrant l’évolution des familles, des structures du football et des stratégies de migration : a) une vision controversée du football (années 1980) : football vs scolarisation ; b) une vision partagée du football (années 1990) : passage progressif d’une activité sociale à une activité professionnelle ; et 3) le football professionnel comme opportunité (années 2000).2) Trois types d’itinéraires migratoires de joueurs qui sont liés à leurs stratégies, aux réseaux mobilisés, et aux ressources disponibles : a) ressources collectives, b) réseaux formels, et c) les ressources individuelles.3) Une typologie du « phénomène de don en retour » (PDR) du footballeur africain migrant concernant les comportements socio-économiques : a) familial hybride, b) familial croisé proche, c) familial partagé, d) familial de l’ombre, qui influencent leurs types d’investissements dans les communautés. D’autre part, certains projets de joueurs tendent à soutenir le développement régional et national de leurs communautés. Toutefois, les joueurs migrants africains doivent gérer et protéger leur réputation et leurs ressources sportives en les utilisant intelligemment et en effectuant de bonnes actions pour leurs communautés, amis et autres au-delà du continent. / The increase in movement of professional footballers from Africa to the European leagues as observed since the 1990’, has transformed the labour football migration. In return, this also impacted African footballers’ incomes, social status, and their relation to the communities of origin in terms of socio-economic support. This research focuses on this subject by drawing on the understanding of the evolution of African professional football, players migration itineraries, as to explain the ‘give back phenomenon’ (GBP) related to their relationship with the communities of origin. It examines the role of the economic and non-economic factors that orient African footballers’ ways of giving back to their families, relatives, and the communities. Their give back may be determined by the aim of return on investments, by the influence of communities’ values, norms, or by embeddedness in social networks or by the institutionalised networks related to footballers’ migration. In other words, the analysis of their giving back may be based on the combination of social, cultural and economic factors. Thus, this research mobilised multidisciplinary approach through the socio-economic theoretical model of analysis. Weber methodology helps to do so, in the analysis of footballers’ 'give back' action. This is generally considered as the players’ social contribution and their communities expect to receive something from financially successful professional African migrant players. The study’s qualitative survey was based on thirty-two interviews of professional players from Africa including, biographies and autobiographies. The results show that African migrant players’ behaviours in term of giving back depend on their justifications, which are based on economic interest, social or cultural logics.The research revealed three major outcomes:1) specific evolution of African football and communities’ perception of professional football. This identified one periodization, with three phases, showing families, football structures and migration strategies evolution: a) the controversial vision of football (the 1980s): football vs. school b) the shared vision of football (the 1990s): gradual shift from social activity to a professional activity, and c) football professionalism as an opportunity (the 2000s) 2) three types of players’ migration itineraries which are linked to their strategies, networks mobilised, and the resources available to them: a) collective resource-based, b) formal networks-based, and c) individual resource-based. 3) typology of 'GBP' based on African migrant players’ socio-economic behaviours was a) hybrid family, b) cross-closed family, c) shared family, and d) shadow family that influenced their type of investments in the communities. On another hand, some projects of players tend to support regional and national development in the communities. However, African player migrants have to manage and protect the fame, and sporting resources by using them intelligently to do good things for their communities, friends and others beyond the continent. In conclusion, the itineraries of players’ show the role of the communities in their migration projects. On another hand, the evolution of African football displays how players’ strategies changed with the structuration of African football and the attractiveness of the European football market. The co-determining of economic and non-economic factors relating to the ‘GBP’, justify the use of economic sociology theories. This research demonstrates that ‘GBP’ is not only based on the players’ economic interest but also the combination of social, cultural and economic elements.

Two-stage stochastic programming problem with PDE constraint, specially elliptic equation is formulated. The computational scheme is proposed, whereas the emphasis is put on approximation techniques. We introduce method of approximation of random variables of stochastic problem and utilize suitable numerical methods, finite difference method first, then finite element method. There is also formulated a mathematical programming problem describing a membrane deflection with random load. It is followed by determination of the acceptableness of using stochastic optimization rather than deterministic problem and assess the quality of approximations based on Monte Carlo simulation method and the theory of interval estimates. The resulting mathematical models are implemented and solved in the general algebraic modeling system GAMS. Graphical and numerical results are presented.

Mnoho inženýrských úloh vede na optimalizační modely s~omezeními ve tvaru obyčejných (ODR) nebo parciálních (PDR) diferenciálních rovnic, přičemž jsou v praxi často některé parametry neurčité. V práci jsou uvažovány tři inženýrské problémy týkající se optimalizace vibrací a optimálního návrhu rozměrů nosníku. Neurčitost je v nich zahrnuta ve formě náhodného zatížení nebo náhodného Youngova modulu. Je zde ukázáno, že dvoustupňové stochastické programování nabízí slibný přístup k řešení úloh daného typu. Odpovídající matematické modely, zahrnující ODR nebo PDR omezení, neurčité parametry a více kritérií, vedou na (vícekriteriální) stochastické nelineární optimalizační modely. Dále je dokázáno, pro jaký typ úloh je nutné použít stochastické programování (EO reformulace), a kdy naopak stačí řešit jednodušší deterministickou úlohu (EV reformulace), což má v praxi význam z hlediska výpočetní náročnosti. Jsou navržena výpočetní schémata zahrnující diskretizační metody pro náhodné proměnné a ODR nebo PDR omezení. Matematické modely odvozené pomocí těchto aproximací jsou implementovány a řešeny v softwaru GAMS. Kvalita řešení je určena na základě intervalových odhadů "optimality gapu" spočtených pomocí metody Monte Carlo. Parametrická analýza vícekriteriálního modelu vede na výpočet "efficient frontier". Jsou studovány možnosti aproximace modelu zahrnujícího pravděpodobnostní členy související se spolehlivostí pomocí smíšeného celočíselného nelineárního programování a reformulace pomocí penalizační funkce. Dále je vzhledem k budoucím možnostem paralelních výpočtů rozsáhlých inženýrských úloh implementován a testován PHA algoritmus. Výsledky ukazují, že lze tento algoritmus použít, i když nejsou splněny matematické podmínky zaručující konvergenci. Na závěr je pro deterministickou verzi jedné z úloh porovnána metoda konečných diferencí s metodou konečných prvků za použití softwarů GAMS a ANSYS se zcela srovnatelnými výsledky.