O Protocolo de Quioto foi ratificado em Fevereiro de 2005 e com isso um mercado que vinha caminhando sem regras formais, contando com o pioneirismo de algumas empresas interessadas em aprender a lidar com esta nova commodity e preocupadas com a sua imagem corporativa, passou de fato às vias da formalidade. Assim, uma vez que o mercado de Reduções Certificadas de Emissões (RCEs) possui um arcabouço institucional estabelecido, é interessante estudar com base na Economia dos Custos de Transação (ECT), como os custos de transação induziram modos alternativos de governança, em particular os contratos entre empresas proponentes de projetos de MDL (Mecanismo de Desenvolvimento Limpo) e os canais de comercialização constituídos por organizações multilaterais. E esse estudo, conforme as recomendações de Williamson (1993; 1991; 1985), foi feito analisando as características das transações em termos de especificidade de ativos, freqüência e incerteza, dados os pressupostos comportamentais dos agentes (racionalidade limitada e oportunismo). Para tanto, a pesquisa lançou mão do método do estudo de caso para obter informações privadas sobre as transações de RCEs, e seus respectivos contratos, entre as empresas brasileiras e uma organização multilateral, o Banco Mundial. Um resultado é que, diferente das relações via mercado, as empresas brasileiras se beneficiaram - em termos de redução dos custos de transação - da transação de RCEs (via contrato) com o Banco Mundial, já que este exerce todas as funções de um típico canal de distribuição, exceto a de aquisição dos direitos de propriedade sobre os créditos. / The Kyoto Protocol was approved in February 2005 and the carbon market that was without rules, played by some pioneer companies interested in learning by doing with this new commodity and worried about their corporate image, started working in the ways of the formality. As the market of Certified Emissions Reduction (CER) has already an established Institutional Environment, it’s interesting to study, based on the Transaction Costs Economics (TCE) theory, how the transaction costs induced alternative ways of governance, in particular the contracts between Brazilian companies – with CDM (Clean Development Mechanism) projects - and the commercialization channels in multi-lateral organizations. This study, as the recommendations of Williamson (1993; 1991; 1985), was made analyzing the characteristics of the transactions in terms of asset specificity, frequency and uncertainty, considering the human behavior assumptions (limited rationality and opportunism). For this, the research used the case studies method to obtain private information about the transactions of CER, and their contracts, between Brazilian companies and a multi-lateral organization, the World Bank. A result is that, differently of the spot market relationship, the Brazilian CDM projects benefited - in terms of reduction of transaction costs – with the CERs transactions (contracts) involving the World Bank, since this bank realizes every distribution channel functions, except the acquisition of CERs property rights.

Regulation of border and behind-the-border measures in the oil and gas sectors presents the ‘resource access’ challenge with immense economic ramifications for export markets, yet their status under the multilateral trading regime remains obscure. Recent developments that could reshape the trading regime and market dynamics for oil and gas have seen the call for a global energy governance gain momentum in recent years. But the complex relationships between national laws, institutional norms, and the multilateral trading regime regulating energy presents an ideological ‘conflict in applicable law’. They reveal a conflict between regulatory privileges enshrined in energy resource-focused institutions namely: OPEC as a producer-only treaty, the ECT as a sector-specific multilateral energy treaty, national energy laws on the heel of the PSNR principle as a customary international law; versus international obligations under the GATT rules relevant to energy. These regimes have the trappings of nationalism, regionalism, and institutionalism in energy regulation, thereby creating an ambiguous path to global energy governance. This research revisits the institutional and regulatory architecture of oil and gas regimes from the perspective of quota measures and trade-related investment measures (TRIMs) implemented through the instrumentality of national laws, acts of NOCs (in the oil sector) and acts of non-state undertakings (in the gas sector). It therefore charts an uncommon territory and brings a new dimension to the discipline of energy and trade, with a robust examination of how regulation of quota measures and trade-related investment in the oil sector (with export restriction issues) differs from their regulation in the gas sector (with underlying competition issues) and how their varying trade effects shape their future in international economic law. Given the inherent conflicts between the legal, policy, and regulatory design of these regimes governing energy, this research first explores and applies the principle of conflict of norms to energy governance. This paves way for a hands-on approach to examining the applications of these measures under the auspices of these regimes aimed at a ‘co-operative energy governance’ between the resource-focused regimes and the GATT rules relevant to energy on the basis of their trade effects. I argue that an understanding of ‘quota measures’ and ‘TRIMs’ in the oil sector compared to their implementations in the gas sector is compelling in making a case for a systemic energy cooperation that would serve economic interests of all affected states without diminishing the normative value of each regime in each sector.

粉絲專頁是Facebook在2007年推出，提供給Facebook用戶作為公司企業、機關組織或個人品牌經營之用。隨著Facebook成為一個巨大的社交平台，Facebook粉絲專頁也成為一個全方位的品牌社群行銷利器(Nov.2009, Inside Facebook Pages, Sysomos Ins.)。 本研究以品牌聲譽高的象徵性品牌、品牌聲譽低的象徵性品牌、品牌聲譽高的功能性品牌、以及品牌聲譽低的功能性品牌四種類別的品牌粉絲專頁為研究對象，以Oliver(1980)的期望-失驗理論為基礎，並參考Muniz 和O’Guinn(2001)的品牌社群三角模式，將品牌社群成員(粉絲)對品牌社群(品牌粉絲專頁)之期待與加入動機，分為社群成員與品牌間的「品牌互動」、以及社群成員與其他成員間的「社群互動」兩類，探討社群成員對所參加之品牌粉絲專頁的品牌互動及社群互動期待，以及參加後實際知覺績效與期待間的落差，對其社群滿意度及品牌態度造成的影響。本研究有以下重要發現： 1.社群成員並不會因為品牌聲譽高低不同，而對粉絲專頁有不同的期待；但品牌概念形象的不同會影響社群成員對粉絲專頁的期待。 2.社群成員的涉入程度有助增強其粉絲專頁滿意度對其品牌態度的正向影響。 3.四類粉絲專頁的社群成員對於粉絲專頁中品牌互動的平均期待皆高於對社群互動的平均期待。 4.品牌互動方面，社群成員加入品牌粉絲專頁的主要動機與期待集中於資訊強化和產品交易兩個構念。 5.在社群互動方面，四類粉絲專頁的社群成員皆最重視粉絲專頁內的與其他成員間的意見交換。 6.相較於象徵性品牌粉絲專頁的社群成員，功能性品牌粉絲專頁的社群成員較期待能夠透過粉絲專頁的參與，感受到身為品牌愛好者之一的歸屬感。

There was a lack of knowledge about the user’s acceptance of smart devices as ubiquitous learning (u-learning) tools at higher education institutions in Sweden. As the mobile technology grows, the demand for mobile devices, particularly smart devices increases as well. With the increase in the usage of smart devices, the higher education institutions provide mobile learning platforms to attract more customers in the competitive industry of education. Thus, understanding the key factors from the perspectives of end-users is important for the institutions to survive in the competitive market. This study explores and explains Behavioral and Continuance intentions of students regarding the acceptance and usage of smart devices (Smartphones and Personal Digital Assistants or PDA) as u-learning tools. Key factors related to the users’ intentions to accept and continue using smart devices as u-learning tools were identified and hypothesized in the Swedish context. Ten hypotheses were suggested based on TAM, UTAUT, and ECT. To achieve the aim and objective of this study, a quantitative approach was chosen, and a survey strategy based on purposive and convenience sampling techniques were used. A web-based questionnaire on five-points Likert Scale was designed to collect the required data. 115 (96 valid) students answered the questionnaire. The collected data were used to conduct statistical operations in SPSS. Five hypotheses were supported, and the other five were not. The findings suggest that Performance Expectancy, Perceived Mobility value, Confirmation, and Satisfaction positively influence both Behavioral and Continuance Intentions of students to accept and continue using smart devices as u-learning tools. According to the findings, Confirmation and Satisfaction from ECT can be included as separate constructs in UTAUT and UTAUT2. Higher education institutions planning to have (and those that already have) learning platforms, compatible with smart devices, can benefit from the findings. Higher education institutions can also design their u-learning platforms according to the Performance Expectancy, Perceived Mobility value, Confirmation, and Satisfaction of the students. / Master program in Strategic-IT Management

O Protocolo de Quioto foi ratificado em Fevereiro de 2005 e com isso um mercado que vinha caminhando sem regras formais, contando com o pioneirismo de algumas empresas interessadas em aprender a lidar com esta nova commodity e preocupadas com a sua imagem corporativa, passou de fato às vias da formalidade. Assim, uma vez que o mercado de Reduções Certificadas de Emissões (RCEs) possui um arcabouço institucional estabelecido, é interessante estudar com base na Economia dos Custos de Transação (ECT), como os custos de transação induziram modos alternativos de governança, em particular os contratos entre empresas proponentes de projetos de MDL (Mecanismo de Desenvolvimento Limpo) e os canais de comercialização constituídos por organizações multilaterais. E esse estudo, conforme as recomendações de Williamson (1993; 1991; 1985), foi feito analisando as características das transações em termos de especificidade de ativos, freqüência e incerteza, dados os pressupostos comportamentais dos agentes (racionalidade limitada e oportunismo). Para tanto, a pesquisa lançou mão do método do estudo de caso para obter informações privadas sobre as transações de RCEs, e seus respectivos contratos, entre as empresas brasileiras e uma organização multilateral, o Banco Mundial. Um resultado é que, diferente das relações via mercado, as empresas brasileiras se beneficiaram - em termos de redução dos custos de transação - da transação de RCEs (via contrato) com o Banco Mundial, já que este exerce todas as funções de um típico canal de distribuição, exceto a de aquisição dos direitos de propriedade sobre os créditos. / The Kyoto Protocol was approved in February 2005 and the carbon market that was without rules, played by some pioneer companies interested in learning by doing with this new commodity and worried about their corporate image, started working in the ways of the formality. As the market of Certified Emissions Reduction (CER) has already an established Institutional Environment, it’s interesting to study, based on the Transaction Costs Economics (TCE) theory, how the transaction costs induced alternative ways of governance, in particular the contracts between Brazilian companies – with CDM (Clean Development Mechanism) projects - and the commercialization channels in multi-lateral organizations. This study, as the recommendations of Williamson (1993; 1991; 1985), was made analyzing the characteristics of the transactions in terms of asset specificity, frequency and uncertainty, considering the human behavior assumptions (limited rationality and opportunism). For this, the research used the case studies method to obtain private information about the transactions of CER, and their contracts, between Brazilian companies and a multi-lateral organization, the World Bank. A result is that, differently of the spot market relationship, the Brazilian CDM projects benefited - in terms of reduction of transaction costs – with the CERs transactions (contracts) involving the World Bank, since this bank realizes every distribution channel functions, except the acquisition of CERs property rights.

L’électroconvulsivothérapie (ECT), anciennement connue sous le nom «d’électrochoc», est utilisée dans le traitement de plusieurs pathologies psychiatriques, notamment la dépression majeure réfractaire au traitement. La crainte d’effets secondaires cognitifs en limite l’utilisation, malgré les nombreuses améliorations qui ont eu lieu depuis son invention en 1938. Le choix des tests cognitifs à inclure dans le suivi clinique demeure sujet de discussion, peu de données étant disponibles sur les impacts cognitifs des techniques modernes d’ECT. La présente étude a donc pour but de faire une revue systématique des effets secondaires cognitifs des pratiques modernes de l’ECT, et de faire la revue des tests cognitifs utilisés dans le suivi clinique. En ce sens, 91 études ont été sélectionnées selon les standards PRISMA et incluses pour méta-analyse, pour un total de 3762 patients; les tests cognitifs ont été séparés en 11 différents domaines; les résultats aux tests cognitifs pré-ECT ont été comparés aux résultats post-ECT à 3 différents temps, soit immédiatement post-ECT (moins de 24h), court terme (moins d’un mois) et long terme (plus d’un mois). Malgré une hétérogénéité élevée, les données montrent un impact à court terme négatif léger à modéré, surtout sur la mémoire autobiographique, la mémoire verbale et la fluidité verbale; au contraire, les fonctions exécutives sont améliorées rapidement après l’ECT. On observe à long terme une amélioration sur presque tous les domaines cognitifs. Certaines populations sont davantage à risque d’effets secondaires, montrant par exemple une atteinte de la fluidité verbale inversement proportionnelle à l’âge. Le Mini-Mental (MMSE), bien qu’il soit le plus utilisé dans la littérature, semble limité pour le suivi des effets secondaires cognitifs de l’ECT. / Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) remains one of the most effective treatments for major depressive disorder but remains highly stigmatised. Fear of cognitive side effects limit its use, even after numerous improvements of the ECT techniques since its discovery in 1938. Uncertainties persist regarding the best cognitive tests to be included in ECT clinical follow-up, as there are only few systematised data of the cognitive impact of modern ECT techniques. The current study is a systematic review of the most frequent cognitive side effects following ECT and a review of the cognitive tests used in clinical follow up. A total of 91 studies published from 2000, with an aggregated sample of 3762 individuals were included. Standardized cognitive tests were separated into 10 different cognitive domains for analysis. Comparisons between cognitive measures included pre-ECT baseline with post-ECT cognitive measures at three times: immediate effects (within 24h post-ECT), subacute (within one month post-ECT), and long-term (more than one month post-ECT). Although studies showed high heterogeneity, Hedges’ g revealed small to medium effect sizes for short-term effects post-ECT, with individuals presenting a decrease in autobiographical memory, verbal fluency, and verbal memory. The impact on verbal fluency showed an inverse correlation with age, being significantly greater in younger adults. Conversely, executive functions improved significantly post-ECT. Long-term effects showed an improvement on almost all cognitive domains. According to the literature, the Mini-Mental State Examination is the most common screening test used in ECT, but its clinical utility is extremely limited to track post-ECT cognitive changes.

No description available.

In this paper I investigate the energy cooperation between the EU and Russia from the political and economic points of view. The relevance of the issue is due to the growing role of energy sector, the need for security of energy supply and demand and for political and economic balance of power in the region, and closer economic integration. Two theoretical approaches, geopolitical and bureaucratic, guiding the research, explain the behavior of protagonists. To better understand the present level of cooperation I analyze the background and dynamics of EU - Russia energy trade relations. As a case study, I investigate the Nord Stream project as an example of successful cooperation of Germany as an EU member state and Russia in this field. I discuss challenges for the healthy mutual partnership in the energy sector, namely, high politicization of the issue, monopolization of Russian energy sector and low sustainability of Russian economic development, and mistrust between the protagonists. I attempt to identify possible policy changes aimed to improve this cooperation and achieve fruitful partnership, security and stability. Key words: Russia, EU, energy, cooperation, Realpolitik, international relations, oil, gas, energy dialogue, ECT, security, balance of power, geopolitics, interest groups,...

The so called "Denial of Benefits" clause (DOB) gives the respondent state an opportunity to exclude third parties to the investment protection treaties from enjoying the benefits of the treaty without assuming reciprocal obligations. No less than seventy-three investor-state disputes have been brought to arbitration under the ECT since its entry into force back in 1998. The DOB clause in ECT, Art. 17 has never been successfully invoked. States have tried to exercise their right in at least ten cases without success. This paper poses two research questions. First, what are the distinguishing features of Art. 17 of the ECT that make it function differently from other DOB clauses? Second, given the arbitral decisions, can the Art. 17 of the ECT be effectively invoked by respondent states? The paper is divided into five chapters. The first chapter introduces the topic of DOB clauses and the purpose of this paper. The second chapter is theoretical and addresses the topic of DOB clauses in general and further outlines their past, present and future. The third chapter focuses specifically on the Art. 17 of the ECT it examines the ECT arbitral awards and decisions that touched upon the clause. Chapter four aims to show the procedural issues of DOB clauses from the perspective of respondent states, it...

Faculty of Law, Charles University in Prague, Department of Commercial Law Dissertation topic: International Power Trading Law Author: Mgr. Klára Vaculíková March 2011 The purpose of the thesis was legal analysis of the power trading in the today's global world. This entails mainly the discipline of international private law. Power trading, in particular transactions on sale and purchase of electric power with an international element are subject to general rules of international private law. Nevertheless, the exceptional nature of electric power and of its disposition described in the thesis makes the area of power trading quite special sub-discipline of international private law. In the same time, very complex and significantly relevant part of the power trading, which the study cannot avoid to consider, is the regulatory framework, within which this specific sort of business is carried on. After introductory Chapter One, the thesis describes characteristic issues in the international power trading, in its Chapter Two. Chapter Three provides necessary basic conceptual classification of the given topic within the system of law. Although the main topic of this thesis is the core of the power trading business, meaning the private transactions related to electric power and their analysis, fair part...