The research problem this study seeks to address is that confusion exists regarding the nature, management and organisation of financial communication. Six objectives guide the research efforts. Theoretical perspectives surrounding investor relations, public relations and accounting are used to describe the current approach to financial communication (Objective 1). Two main shortcomings of the current approach are identified (Objective 2): - a lack of integration in the management and organisation of financial communication; and - a narrow focus on communication with the financial community alone. This leads to Objective 3 (theoretical justification for an inclusive approach to financial communication). Perspectives from the corporate governance, corporate social responsibility, stakeholder and public relations as relationship management literature are used to prove that organisations need to engage in financial communication with all relevant stakeholders, not only "financial" stakeholders. In order to achieve Objective 4, the theoretical perspectives mentioned above are used to develop a conceptual model for an inclusive and integrated approach to financial communication. The model provides a point of departure for future research. The empirical component of the study supplements the theoretical component. Quantitative, exploratory survey research is done to establish whether a number of South African companies listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange follow an inclusive and integrated approach to financial communication (Objective 5). The main conclusions are: - that there are indications of an inclusive approach to financial communication, although respondents varied in their opinions; and - that there are indications of an integrated approach to financial communication, although the majority of respondents indicated that a single department takes responsibility for financial communication. Similarities and differences between the results of this study and those of studies conducted previously in the USA, United Kingdom and Europe, are also identified (Objective 6). Finally, the limitations of both the theoretical and empirical components are used to formulate recommendations for future research. It is recommended that future efforts concentrate on the contributions that disciplines such as marketing, law, economics and financial management can make to financial communication. The research strategy (qualitative or quantitative) also needs to be carefully considered. / Dissertation (MCom)--University of Pretoria, 2005. / Communication Management / MCom / Unrestricted

The South African Government, in the Budget Review of 2008, proposed to impose a 2c/kWh tax on the sale of electricity generated from non-renewable sources, to be collected at source by the producers/generators of electricity. This tax will create distortions in the South African economy. The research study aims to identify measures that can be taken to negate the negative competitiveness impact of the tax. In the first part of the study, we applied the Global Trade Analysis Project (GTAP) model, which is coordinated by the Centre for Global Trade Analysis at Purdue University. The GTAP model is the pre-eminent modelling framework for the analysis of trade and environmental issues across countries. GTAP is a multi-region CGE model designed for comparative-static analysis of trade policy issues. Various versions were constructed and the closure was changed to reflect the South African reality more accurately. After the national as well as international economic and environmental impacts were analysed, we considered Border Tax Adjustments (BTAs) as a possible remedy to negate the negative competitiveness impact of the tax. Utilising theoretical Heckscher-Ohlin methodology, as well as the GTAP model, we showed that BTAs will not negate the adverse economic impact of an environmental tax. Instead, reversed BTAs, through gains of trade, could reverse the negative economic impact of an electricity generation tax, while enabling an economy to retain most of the environmental benefits of the tax. We also considered the impact of an integrated approach, consisting of an electricity generation tax and a demand side policy, on the welfare of households. To analyse this, we used the University of Pretoria General Equilibrium Model (UPGEM). The model was extended to reflect Equivalent Variation values and we updated the database to include import tariffs. It was then shown that reversed BTAs could be used to offset the regressiveness of the electricity generation tax. Policy implications from the study will be useful for macroeconomic policies, international trade negotiations and environmental policies to increase the welfare of society. / Thesis (DCom)--University of Pretoria, 2011. / Economics / unrestricted

The thesis " Alcohol use among adolescents and its causes " explores the phenomenon of alcohol use among adolescents in the target population of students in graduation year and student which are year before graduation of secondary school, gymnasium, or equivalent grades of secondary vocational schools. The topic is first discussed in theory, presents the main concepts, with which is working in the study, as well as researchs from which it was drawn, and the author was inspired by them in his work. There is also discussed research methodolog , sampling, data collection, method which was used (SAQ), there is also description of a methodological tool and its various dimensions, as well as any changes that have occurred on the basis of the pilot study. First, the work describes descriptive results of state alcohol use in the Czech Republic among adolescents. Research shows that young people in the target population in consuming alcoholic drinks are most affected by peer groups, in which they are socialized, while influence of family loses effectiveness. Also leisure activities don't play an important role in alcohol consumption (ie, whether the individual has enough of them). As an important indicators of the value of the index of alcohol use were identified cigarette smoking, year of first...

京都大学 / 0048 / 新制・課程博士 / 博士(地球環境学) / 甲第20594号 / 地環博第165号 / 新制||地環||33(附属図書館) / 京都大学大学院地球環境学舎環境マネジメント専攻 / (主査)教授 星野 敏, 教授 柴田 昌三, 准教授 西前 出 / 学位規則第4条第1項該当 / Doctor of Global Environmental Studies / Kyoto University / DFAM

There are two primary purposes of this study. One is theory development and the other is empirical. The first aim will be conducted by proposing a framework for the integrated approach between Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation. The empirical purpose will be conducted by applying the framework on Nepal’s National Adaptation Plan (NAP). Numerous scholars and researchers have conducted research regarding why an integrated approach between DRR and CCA is favourable for the development in reducing vulnerability in areas and countries which are heavily affected by climate-related disasters. Although multiple convergences, there still exist certain obstacles and differences across the approaches. These include separation in institutions and actors, financial mechanisms, the gap between typologies and terminology and spatial scale differences. The main findings that can be gathered from this study is that Nepal's NAP includes many objectives and aspects which is pointing towards that the Integrated Approach is becoming more evident in today's DRR and CCA efforts. The areas which lacked the most in the NAP was the centralisation of poverty reduction and a lack of details regarding how and by whom many of the objectives and activities were planned to be implemented.

This thesis addresses the pressing need for an efficient public transport system in response to increasing urban population and rising fossil fuel costs. The research aims to satisfy that need by answering the research question guiding this study is: "How can developing an SDI-based conceptual model, leveraging cloud computing, optimize public transport by integrating multiple travel data sources and overcoming data fragmentation and interoperability challenges?". The thesis adopts a design science research methodology. The research strategy employed is theoretical research, utilizing various methods such as literature review, theoretical sampling, theory testing survey research, brainstorming, prototyping, cognitive walkthrough, and expert opinion. The outcome of this study is the development of an integrated conceptual model that leverages SDI and digitalization to optimize public transport systems. The model offers a comprehensive solution by addressing the limitations of traditional transport planning methods, integrating multiple data sources, technologies, and stakeholders within an SDI framework. The model demonstrates efficacy, efficiency, and practical significance, setting the stage for further research and advancements in transport planning and optimization. Limitations of the study include the absence of detailed technical specifications, the confinement to a conceptual model without implementation, and the need for further adaptation and validation in different contexts. In conclusion, this thesis offers a valuable contribution by providing a holistic solution that integrates multiple data sources and technologies within an SDI framework. Stakeholders such as PTAs, planners, and researchers can utilize the findings to enhance transport planning and address data and interoperability challenges.

Background. Endocrine disruptors (EDC) are exogenous compounds that mimic the action of natural hormones and alter the normal endocrine system. Life-long chronic exposure to Bisphenol A (BPA), a putative EDC, has been linked with risk of metabolic disorders in epidemiological studies. Objectives. The aim was to study the human health effects of exposure to BPA, using an integrated approach combining environmental epidemiology and toxicology. Methods. Urinary levels of BPA exposure were measured in participants of the InChianti longitudinal study, a representative population-based study of Italian adults, at the Baseline (1998-00) and nine years later (3rd Wave, 2007-09). Hormones levels and the gene expression of specific target genes were the end points considered. Results were validated in laboratory studies on a human leukemic T-cell line (Jurkat cells). Results. In general, urinary BPA (uBPA) concentrations were higher among men and younger respondents, and within subjects uBPA concentrations were correlated (r=0.58; p=0.013, model adjusted for age, sex, urinary creatinine). At baseline, uBPA concentration were associated with higher total testosterone concentrations in men (β = 0.05; 95% CI, 0.02–0.08). In the 3rd wave, gene expression analysis revealed positive associations between uBPA concentrations and ESR2 (estrogen receptor beta) expression (β=0.18; 95% CI: 0.04, 0.32) and ESRRA (estrogen related receptor alpha) expression (β= 0.17; 95% CI: 0.02, 0.32). In a following in vitro study, BPA exposure (0.001-1 micro molar) led to enhanced expression of ESRRA and ESR2 in Jurkat cells over a period of 72 hours. Conclusions. Results indicate that BPA is bioactive in the human body and is able to alter circulating hormone concentrations and estrogen receptor/estrogen-related receptr gene expression. In particular, given the role of ERRα as a major control point for oxidative metabolism and heart development, this research provides indications on the possible molecular mechanisms of action of BPA in metabolic diseases.

The need and challenge of sustaining industrial beings is a recent phenomenon. Hence the approaches in this regard are not yet profoundly defined to manage the protection and restoration of those beings. In this respect, this thesis searches for an integrated approach for sustaining industrial structures, sites, and landscapes which are typically significant for their heritage value in the urban context. To develop a thematically consolidated integrated framework, the study investigated &lsquo / conceptual&rsquo / , &lsquo / typological&rsquo / , &lsquo / analytical&rsquo / , and &lsquo / operational&rsquo / basis of the subject matter. This is maintained by scrutinizing the practicalities of the (western) countries that have already formulated advanced policies. The conceptual basis of the issue is revealed by examining the changing urban dynamics / the debate over &lsquo / continuity&rsquo / versus &lsquo / change&rsquo / main value typologies of the heritage resources and the process of obsolescence in the life-span of industrial beings. Taxonomy for the structures and spaces that constitute the object matter of the thesis formed the basis of an integral typology. This is supported by the specification of the characteristics of industrial beings and the opportunities they offer in the urban context. Correspondingly, strategic approaches and modes of intervention relevant for the different types of industrial beings are examined. The study exposed the analytical framework by assessing industrial beings according to diversity of functions, basic change of use, spatial scale of the projects, types of intervention and the design approaches. The scope of the issue in Turkey is revealed by identifying the present policy framework in accordance with the legislative and instrumental measures. This is complemented by an inventory for the significant industrial heritage sites. The findings demonstrated the particularity of the problematic in Turkey / the distinctive factors behind the emergence of obsolescence / the extremely divergent attitudes to and interests in obsolete industrial beings, as well as the complexity of the industrial sites. As a final task, the application(s) for the industrial sites along The Golden Horn were investigated. The Golden Horn case has also confirmed that such an integrated approach is required to protect and enhance industrial beings. In this manner the basic components of an integrated program considering the sites in the urban context and as problem areas of urban design are specified.

Environmental Education is widely considered to be indispensable for realizing behaviour which supports sustainable life. Several international declarations and South African policy documents plead for the inclusion of environmental education processes at all levels of formal education. The White Paper for Education and Training (1995) stipulates that environmental education should be presented in accordance with an interdisciplinary, integrated and active approach to learning. The aim of this study was to investigate the role a learner activity plays in the decisions learners make to live more in the interest of the sustainability of the environment. Three schools that are engaged in the project Build capacity for life were selected. The project aims at implementing an environment management system at the schools by means of which the environment forms an integral part of school management and of the curriculum. The study is performed as a qualitative case study in which data was collected by means of observation, focus group sessions and interviews. The learner involvement in the staging of an activity that dealt with energy consumption and the influence thereof on the environment was investigated. Firstly, the collected data was organised by means of matrixes and brain charts and then analysed with the help of plotting charts. The findings indicate that learners are capable of recognising the relationship between electric energy, littering and air pollution. Learners are aware of the impact they as energy consumers have on the environment and could list methods according to which they creatively save energy on the school grounds and at their homes. Their performance is testament to a responsible attitude towards the environment and to the fact that they are convinced of the value of making people aware of environmental issues. From this, it can be inferred that, should channels and structures exist at schools by means of which learners can gain access to the management of their schools, they would be able to make contributions to promoting the sustainability of the environment. / Thesis (M.Ed.)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2009.

Environmental Education is widely considered to be indispensable for realizing behaviour which supports sustainable life. Several international declarations and South African policy documents plead for the inclusion of environmental education processes at all levels of formal education. The White Paper for Education and Training (1995) stipulates that environmental education should be presented in accordance with an interdisciplinary, integrated and active approach to learning. The aim of this study was to investigate the role a learner activity plays in the decisions learners make to live more in the interest of the sustainability of the environment. Three schools that are engaged in the project Build capacity for life were selected. The project aims at implementing an environment management system at the schools by means of which the environment forms an integral part of school management and of the curriculum. The study is performed as a qualitative case study in which data was collected by means of observation, focus group sessions and interviews. The learner involvement in the staging of an activity that dealt with energy consumption and the influence thereof on the environment was investigated. Firstly, the collected data was organised by means of matrixes and brain charts and then analysed with the help of plotting charts. The findings indicate that learners are capable of recognising the relationship between electric energy, littering and air pollution. Learners are aware of the impact they as energy consumers have on the environment and could list methods according to which they creatively save energy on the school grounds and at their homes. Their performance is testament to a responsible attitude towards the environment and to the fact that they are convinced of the value of making people aware of environmental issues. From this, it can be inferred that, should channels and structures exist at schools by means of which learners can gain access to the management of their schools, they would be able to make contributions to promoting the sustainability of the environment. / Thesis (M.Ed.)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2009.