O presente estudo teve por objetivo estudar a variabilidade da proteína verdadeira do leite em rebanhos leiteiros do estado de São Paulo, segundo a influência da contagem de células somáticas, raça, estação do ano e tipo de sistema de alimentação. Para tanto, foram utilizados 50 rebanhos comerciais distintos, formados por três raças distribuídas da seguinte forma: 17 da raça Holandesa, seis da raça Jersey e 26 da raça Girolando. Mensalmente foram coletadas amostras de leite do tanque de expansão sendo estas analisadas em relação à composição e contagem de células somáticas pelo método automatizado, e em relação ao teor de proteína verdadeira pelo de Kjeldahl. O teor de nitrogênio total foi multiplicado por 6,38 para transformá-lo em proteína bruta do leite (PB). O teor de proteína verdadeira (PV) do leite foi calculado pela diferença entre estas duas frações nitrogenadas (PV = PB - NNP). As diferenças observadas nos teores de proteína verdadeira, quando considerados os efeitos da época do ano, raça, sistema de alimentação e contagem de células somáticas, não foram significativas, o que permitiu a formulação de uma equação, a qual possibilita determinar a proteína verdadeira de forma simplificada. Foi proposta a equação: PV = 0,1862+(1,0869 x PB) - (1,2895 x NNP) + 0,0687, com R2 = 0,82 . A utilização do teor de proteína verdadeira ao invés do teor de proteína bruta, como ainda é feito no Brasil, na calibração dos equipamentos automatizados, aumentaria de forma significativa a acurácia nos resultados de proteína do leite, permitindo aos laticínios melhor classificação dos produtores dentro dos sistemas de pagamento, remunerando os produtores de forma mais justa. / The objective of this experiment was to study the variability of the true protein of milk produced in dairy herds of Sao Paulo State, under the influence of milk somatic cell count, breeds, season of the year and production system. For this aim, fifty commercial herds were selected; these herds were divided by breeds in: 17 Holstein, six Jersey, and 26 Girolando. Milk samples from the bulk tank were collected monthly and were analyzed to determine milk somatic cell count (SCC) and milk composition by the automatic method and to determine the true protein of milk (TP) by Kjeldahl method. The total nitrogen was multiplied by a factor of 6.38 to express the results in crude protein (CP) basis. True protein of milk was determined by the equation (TP = CP - NPN). No significative effect were observed for season of the year, breed, SCC and system of production were observed and this fact aloud a confection of one equation to predict milk true protein: PV = 0,1862+(1,0869 x PB) - (1,2895 x NNP) + 0,0687, com R2 = 0,82 . The use true protein of milk instead of crude protein, like it is still used in Brazil, will increase the accuracy of protein testing, and will improve substantially the milk payment system.

This paper analyses some existing approaches in security and payment protocol design. It describes protocol design using simple BAN logic and using derivation system. Special attention is paid to composition method, which is based on the design of complicated protocols from small parts called primitives and it is demonstrated on design of purchase procedure of SET protocol. This method was automated and implemented in C++ language, which allows designer to generate set of candidate protocols according to his needs and this set can be further used for next phase of protocol design process.

This thesis analyses how a payment system affects the diffusion of renewable electricity in rural Uganda. A case study is used provided by a start-up company named Pamoja Cleantech. This company is about to sell electricity, which is generated by biomass-based gasification, to a low-income community. Several households are already connected to the established mini-grid while the majority is still not served. A chasm has been identified between the users in the rural village. The reason for this gap between adopters is the high connection fee and a lack of transparent communication. Therefore, diffusion theory has been used to analyse the impact of several payment-related solutions that could close this chasm. First of all, a set of critical factors have been identified concerning general electricity adoption in the case. Those are reliability, trust, transparent communication and satisfying the needs of the local people. Additionally, it has been shown that a payment system, tariffs, and investment costs must satisfy specific requirements in order to be effective, efficient, and positively affect the rate of adoption. These are requirements such as dealing with the cultural incompetence of people being able to save money and to overcome their understanding to have electricity as a status symbol. Therefore an existing technology with its infrastructure is proposed to use: mobile banking. Since this technology has already penetrated Uganda, its convenience to use and satisfaction is high. Additionally, it has advantages such as saving time, security, reliability, and not much space for fraud. This thesis is based on a theoretical framework that is empirically tested and will provide a description of this specific situation in Uganda. Also, it proposes several management recommendations for the company in order to convert adduced threats into opportunities and strengthen their current inclusive business model.

This study discusses the case of modernising the Southern African Development Community (SADC) regional payments system facilitated by the SADC Payment System Project. The long-term objective is to have harmonised cross-border and inter-bank settlement systems to facilitate the economic activity such as supporting the flow of trade within the SADC region. The SADC Payment System Project purports to have adopted a strategic management process to achieve its mandate. The modernisation process is in line with the Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan (RISDP). The aim of the RISDP is to provide strategic direction with respect to various SADC programmes and activities and to align the strategic objectives and priorities of SADC with the policies and strategies for achieving its long-term goals. The concept of payment, clearing and settlement system is explained to provide the context within which the national payment system fits in the economic system and its role towards economic development. The first objective of the study is to discuss the strategic management process. The objective of the discussion is to reflect how the strategic management theoretical constructs were translated into practice. The second objective of the study is to explore the environmental and country internal factors that are likely to impact on and delay the fully harmonised regional cross-border and inter-bank settlement systems. Although not exhaustive, the identified factors include; - The structural arrangements of country- specific teams that support the modernisation initiatives, - The availability of skills and capacity to harness the implemented systems within each member country in the SADC region. iii - The influence of foreign fund donors, as a result of a possible duplication of efforts, - The repair state of power supply and communication networks, - The supporting legal and regulatory regimes, - The forms of economic systems, - The influence and the extent of trade flows with the SADC region, and - The resilience banking networks in the facilitation of financial information flows within each member country and externally (internationally). The target population of central bank officials who also take an active role in the modernisation of SADC regional payments systems were requested to provide feedback on the prepared questionnaire to address the above factors. The responses provided are summarised in Chapter 5. It was clear from the responses that the identified factors appeared to pose little challenge for respective member countries. However, additional comments by respondents indicated that there is still a lot of groundwork to be covered. There was an evidence of the need for on-going training in payment systems and to improve communication networks and power supply within each member country, especially on the remote country areas/rural areas. Some members also hinted a warning on developing systems, which would have a potential to become white elephants if other sectors are not developed in parallel to the regional payment systems. / Graduate School of Business Leadership / M.B.L.

The purpose of the dissertation is to establish a framework with which to assess the prospective gains from regional monetary integration among five neighboring countries in East Africa: Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda. The neo-classical theory assumes that economic and monetary union would stimulate additional growth in such a union as a whole, with the trickle-down effects of overall development, and would enhance factor mobility, solving the problem of regional disparity automatically. Past experiences of African regionalism have shown that countries that participated in a monetary union were able to pursue credible monetary policies. This economic performance has been credited to their monetary policy discipline. Since countries in East Africa are small both in terms of their individual populations and the respective sizes of their economies, the study concludes that regional integration is a useful way of increasing their economic clout and bargaining power on the global scene. / Economics / Thesis (M. Comm.)

This study discusses the case of modernising the Southern African Development Community (SADC) regional payments system facilitated by the SADC Payment System Project. The long-term objective is to have harmonised cross-border and inter-bank settlement systems to facilitate the economic activity such as supporting the flow of trade within the SADC region. The SADC Payment System Project purports to have adopted a strategic management process to achieve its mandate. The modernisation process is in line with the Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan (RISDP). The aim of the RISDP is to provide strategic direction with respect to various SADC programmes and activities and to align the strategic objectives and priorities of SADC with the policies and strategies for achieving its long-term goals. The concept of payment, clearing and settlement system is explained to provide the context within which the national payment system fits in the economic system and its role towards economic development. The first objective of the study is to discuss the strategic management process. The objective of the discussion is to reflect how the strategic management theoretical constructs were translated into practice. The second objective of the study is to explore the environmental and country internal factors that are likely to impact on and delay the fully harmonised regional cross-border and inter-bank settlement systems. Although not exhaustive, the identified factors include; - The structural arrangements of country- specific teams that support the modernisation initiatives, - The availability of skills and capacity to harness the implemented systems within each member country in the SADC region. iii - The influence of foreign fund donors, as a result of a possible duplication of efforts, - The repair state of power supply and communication networks, - The supporting legal and regulatory regimes, - The forms of economic systems, - The influence and the extent of trade flows with the SADC region, and - The resilience banking networks in the facilitation of financial information flows within each member country and externally (internationally). The target population of central bank officials who also take an active role in the modernisation of SADC regional payments systems were requested to provide feedback on the prepared questionnaire to address the above factors. The responses provided are summarised in Chapter 5. It was clear from the responses that the identified factors appeared to pose little challenge for respective member countries. However, additional comments by respondents indicated that there is still a lot of groundwork to be covered. There was an evidence of the need for on-going training in payment systems and to improve communication networks and power supply within each member country, especially on the remote country areas/rural areas. Some members also hinted a warning on developing systems, which would have a potential to become white elephants if other sectors are not developed in parallel to the regional payment systems. / Graduate School of Business Leadership / M.B.L.

The thesis aims to specify means of consumer protection in financial services in the Czech legal system, to clarify their structure, assess efficiency and evaluate the extent to which consumer protection is provided. Main topic of interest is restricted within the purview of the financial ombudsman of the Czech Republic. The first chapter focuses on definition of instrument of consumer protection in financial services and their classification from a theoretical point of view. The next three chapters are devoted to a detailed depiction of consumer protection means in three segments of the financial market: payment system, consumer credit and collective investment. Legal provisions concerned with the Czech financial ombudsman are the matter of subject of the last chapter, which is accompanied with a brief analysis of functioning efficiency of this institution. Applied methods are interpretation of Czech legal framework, description of consumer protection instruments and basic statistical methods used for data comparison, which are the basis for general deductive implications. The paper pinpoints deficiencies of the legal provisions and its conclusions consist of suggestions in specific fields. The main output of the thesis includes an emphasis of the need of progress in financial readiness of...

A well-functioning infrastructure is the foundation of a stable society, where payment systems are an important part. Grocery stores provide the general public with groceries and rely on customer consumption. Disruptions in the card payment system leads to consequences because 97% of all customers have access to card payment and is the payment method they prefer to use.  The aim of the survey is to find out about food stores' experience of disruptions in the payment system and how they wish a good management for this to look like. Next, a general crisis management model is developed to mitigate the consequences of a disruption in the payment system. A qualitative method is used to sample a result from each individual stores’ experiences and wishes.  Earlier research where decision analysis is used to handle disruptions in the payment system within the food industry has not been found. Through interviews and theories can a crisis management model for payment disruptions be developed, and examine the business continuity of food stores. The results of the survey shows that food stores today do not have any risk management to handle a break in the payment system or how a desirable management of it would look like. They have previously handled this by letting the customer pay with cash. A smaller store let a customer pay at another time. The general crisis management model has three phases: preliminary studies, management and evaluation. The preliminary studies involve that the store evaluates which payment methods they are capable of implementing. The management of a crisis takes place in three iterative steps; offer alternative payment methods, see how the crisis develops and finally remedy it. The evaluation step in the model is important because a positive outcome can not be guaranteed and therefore continued research is encouraged. / En välfungerande infrastruktur är grunden för ett stabilt samhälle där betalningssystem är en viktig del. Livsmedelsbutiker förser befolkningen med dagligvaror och är beroende av kundernas konsumtion. Störningar i kortbetalningssystemet medför konsekvenser eftersom 97 % av alla kunder har tillgång till kortbetalning och är den betalningsmetod de föredrar att använda.  Målet med undersökningen är att ta reda på livsmedelsbutikers erfarenheter av betalningsstopp och hur de önskar att en bra hantering för detta ser ut. Därefter tas en generell krishanteringsmodell fram som mildrar konsekvenserna av ett betalningsstopp. För att undersöka detta intervjuas butiker angående deras affekter av alternativa betalningsmetoder. En kvalitativ metod används för att få ett resultat utifrån butikernas erfarenheter och önskemål.  Tidigare forskning där metoden beslutsanalys tillämpas för att hantera betalningsstopp inom livsmedelsindustrin hittas inte. Genom intervjuer och teorier tas en krishanteringsmodell för betalningsstopp fram. Resultatet av undersökningen är att livsmedelsbutiker idag inte har någon riskhantering av betalningsstopp eller uppfattning av hur en önskvärd hantering ser ut. De har tidigare hanterat detta genom att låta kunden betala med kontanter. En mindre butik har låtit kunden betala vid ett senare tillfälle. Den generella krishanteringsmodellen sker i tre steg: förstudier, hantering och utvärdering. I förstudierna ser butiken över vilka betalningsmetoder de är kapabla till att implementera. I hanteringsfasen itereras tre steg; erbjuda alternativa betalningsmetoder, se hur krisen utvecklas och slutligen åtgärda det. Utvärderingssteget i modellen är viktig eftersom ett positivt utfall inte kan garanteras och därför uppmuntras fortsatt forskning av denna.

This diploma thesis deals with the issue of legal regulation of cashless payment transactions in the Czech Republic, as well as on European and international level. Furthermore, it focuses on the legal regime of payment accounts in the light of the amended Payment System Act No. 284/2009 Coll. that was adopted as a transposition of the Directive 2014/92/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council on the comparability of fees related to payment accounts, payment account switching and access to payment accounts with basic features. The aim of this thesis is to analyze and describe the current legal regime, including its critical evaluation and to outline the possible future development in the regulation of cashless payment transactions. The thesis is divided into three chapters. In the introduction, the author lays down the topic and the aim of the thesis and explains her motivation for writing a thesis from this area of law. The first chapter contains a theoretical introduction to the topic. The author explains what is a payment transaction, what forms can it take and who are the parties. In the second chapter, the author introduces the legal regulation of cashless payment transactions. In the subchapter dedicated to international payment transaction, the author explains how do the...

The dissertation deals with interbank payment systems with finality of settlement in Czech Republic and Slovakia. First chapter defines each payment system based on different criteria and deals with risks related to operation of payment systems. As both countries are members of European Union, same legal documents of European Union apply for both of them. These documents are described in the second chapter. A brief description of payment systems used in European Union is included in the third chapter. There is also described the development of payment flows in European payment systems TARGET, TARGET2 and EURO1. Forth chapter contains global analysis of Czech payment system CERTIS and Slovak payment systems EURO SIPS and TARGET2-SK from different perspectives. Very important part of this dissertation is fifth chapter, where payment systems are analyzed based on the comparison -- number of participants, number of process payments and volumes of these transactions.