Islamic fundamentalism is a hotly debated and contested issue in the global arena and is often depicted as having replaced communism as the predominant threat to the West in the post-Cold War world. This study analyses the ideologies espoused by Islamic fundamentalist groups in Algeria, Sudan and South Africa by means of the dialogic model of interpretation in order to arri ve at a more thorough, less judgment al understanding thereof. The study begins with an in -depth analysis of various definitions of the concept Islamic fundamentalism. This is followed by a critical discussion of rationalist approaches to Islamic fundamentalism as well as reference to the ir shortcomings in order to justify the use of the dialogic model of interpretation. This model aims to critically evaluate Islamic fundamentalist ideas through interaction with the irrespective originators, thereby questioning the validity of a s ingle Western rationalist- inspired version of the truth. Structural factors, the political, cultural and soc io-economic conditions in Algeria, Sudan and South Africa, are also accommodated by the model. Consequently, the rise of Islamic revivalism is discussed within the historical context of the increasing influence of the West in the world of Islam and the introduction (and eventual failure) of secularist ideologies in the post-independence era. The focus is on different strands of Islamic political thought, Islamic fundamentalists, Islamic traditionalists, Islamic modernists and Islamic pragmatists. The country case studies, Algeria, Sudan and South Africa are then approached by means of an indepth analysis of the ideologies of prominent Islamic fundamentalist groups, as well as a consideration of structural (political, economic and social) factors. [n the case of Algeria, a detailed discuss ion of the ideology of the Front Islamique du Salut (F1S - Islamic Salvation Front) is placed in the context of the rise of Islamic fundamentalism and the dynamics of the current civil war. When it comes to Sudan, the ideology of the ruling National Islamic Front (NIF) is discussed, and is also placed in the context of the rise of Islamic fundamentalism in that country, as well as a discussion of government policies since 1989, with specific reference to the Sudanese civ il war and the current crisis in the Darfur region. In terms of South Africa, the focus is on the ideology of People against Gangsterism and Drugs (PAGAD), which is placed in the context of the urban terrorist attacks that characterised the Western Cape a few years ago. The final chapter looks at what has been learned from using the dialogic model of interpretation (with an additional evaluation of structural factors) as a theoretical approach. Recommendations are made with regard to each of the respective case studies which may be potentially useful for a future resolution of the conflicts in Algeria and Sudan, and, in the case of South Africa, may help ensure continuing stability as far as Islamic fundamentalism is concerned. Copyright / Dissertation (MA (Political Science))--University of Pretoria, 2006. / Political Sciences / unrestricted

The primary reason for the wireless technology evolution is towards building capacity and obtaining higher data rates. Enclosed locations, densely populated campus, indoor offices, and device-to-device communication will require radios that need to operate at data rates up to 10 Gbps. In the next few years, a new generation of communication systems would emerge to better handle the ever-increasing demand for much wider bandwidth requirements. Simultaneously, key factors such as size, cost, and energy consumption play a distinctive role towards shaping the success of future wireless technologies. In the perspective of 3GPP 5G next generation wireless communication systems, the X band was explicitly targeted with a vast range of applications in point to point radio, point to multi point radio, test equipment, sensors and future wireless communication. An X-band RF front-end circuit for next generation wireless network applications is presented in this work. It details the design of a low noise amplifier and a power amplifier for X band operation. The designed amplifiers were integrated with a wideband single-pole-double-throw switch to achieve an overall front-end structure for 10 GHz. The design was carried out and sent for fabrication using a GaN 0.15µm process provided by NRC, a novel design kit. Due to higher breakdown voltage, high power density, high efficiency, high linearity and better noise performance, GaN HEMTs are a suitable choice for future wireless communication. Thus, the assumption is to further explore capabilities of this process in front-end design for future wireless communications.

L'influence de l'ajout d'hydrogène sur les flammes de premelange pauvre methane-air est simulée dans cette étude. Le modèle de la chambre a haute pression Orleans - ICARE (France), a été développé. Les propriétés du front de flamme sont examinées par deux modèles de combustion turbulente prémélangée, à savoir Zimont et Flamme Cohérente Model (CFM) modèles.Toutes les études de modélisation sont effectués avec le logiciel Fluent et les résultats sont comparés aux expériences. En suite, l'influence de la pression sur les statistiques de la front de flamme prémélangée a été examinée. Les simulations montrent que l'augmentation du ratio d'équivalence a diminué la hauteur des flammes et l'épaisseur de la flamme du méthane/air flames. D'autre part, l’ajout d’hydrogene de mélange pauvre méthane-air a modifié les propriétés de la flamme prémélangée. Lorsque le pourcentage volumique de l'hydrogène dans le mélange est augmenté, la position en hauteur de la flamme est réduite et l'épaisseur de la flamme devient plus mince. En outre, il a été observé que les propriétés de la flamme prémélangée ont été modifiées avec l'opération à des conditions de pression plus élevée. / Hydrogenated premixed methane/air flames under lean conditions are simulated in this study. The model of the high pressure chamber setup of Orleans - ICARE (France) has been developed. The flame front properties are investigated by two turbulent premixed combustion models, Zimont and Coherent Flame Model (CFM) models. All modeling studies are performed with Fluent software and compared to experiments. The influence of the pressure on the premixed flame front statistics has been examined as well. The simulations show that increasing the equivalence ratio decreases the flame tip height and the flame brush thickness for methane/air flames. In addition, enriching the methane-air mixture with hydrogen modifies the premixed flame front properties. When the volumetric percentage of hydrogen in the mixture is increased, the flame-end position is reduced and flame brush thickness becomes thinner. It is also observed that the premixed flame properties have been modified with operation at higher pressure conditions.

L’objectif de ce mémoire consiste à mesurer l’impact de la guerre civile espagnole sur l’attitude du Front populaire français face à la collaboration avec l’Union soviétique de 1936 à 1937. Il prend forme dans une étude d’opinion publique et journalistique basée sur un sondage de trois quotidiens français rattachés au Front populaire durant les années 1930, c’est-à-dire L’Humanité, Le Populaire et L’Œuvre. L’analyse s’articule à travers les événements survenus de 1936 à 1937 comme la ratification du pacte d’assistance mutuelle franco-soviétique, l’élection du Front populaire et l’éclatement de la guerre civile espagnole. L’impact du conflit en Espagne se mesure en fait dans l’intensification de la polarisation politique qui influence l’attitude du Front populaire face à la collaboration avec l’Union soviétique. Malgré l’avènement d’un nouveau gouvernement de Front populaire, l’éclatement de la guerre civile espagnole élève la polarisation politique entre la gauche et la droite en France, entamée depuis 1934, à son point culminant. Sans une solide coalition entre la gauche et le centre droit, la sécurité collective menée par l’URSS ne pouvait réussir. Si certains journalistes sont tentés par la politique d’apaisement, d’autres élaborent une vision plus perspicace et réaliste sur la menace que représentent l’Allemagne nazie et l’importance du rapprochement franco-soviétique. / The objective of this research is to measure the impact of the Spanish Civil War on the attitude of the French Popular Front about the collaboration with Soviet Union from 1936 to 1937. It takes shape in a political and journalistic opinion study based on a survey of three French daily newspapers attached to the Popular Front during the 1930s, namely L’Humanité, Le Populaire and L’Œuvre. The analysis is articulated through the events of 1936 to 1937 such as the ratification of the Franco-Soviet mutual assistance pact, the election of the Popular Front and the outbreak of the Spanish Civil War. The impact of the conflict in Spain is in fact measured in the intensification of the political polarization in France which influence the attitude of de Popular Front about the collaboration with Soviet Union. Despite the advent of a new Popular Front government, the outbreak of the Spanish Civil War elevated the political polarization between the left and the right in France, which started in 1934, at its peak. Without a strong coalition between the left and the center right, collective security led by the USSR could not succeed. While some journalists are tempted by the appeasement policy, others develop a more clear-sighted and realistic vision of the threat posed by Nazi Germany and the importance of a close Franco-Soviet relationship.

This thesis deals with the plastic parts design for VW Scirocco R front bumper. Plastic parts were designed for an injection molding mass production. Besides of designing a shape of the parts based on package, assembly concept, functional and aesthetic requirements, great deal of attention is applied to proper part molding with regard to technological and economic aspects.

L’Amazonie est soumise depuis plusieurs décennies à un changement rapide d’occupation du sol du fait de la déforestation, l’installation de systèmes de production agricole, notamment l’élevage bovin et plus récemment le soja. L’un des défis majeurs est de mieux comprendre la dynamique spatiale de ces processus et ses déterminants. Avec la réduction de la déforestation et l’évolution agraire sur les fronts pionniers, les ressources et contraintes naturelles semblent gagner en importance dans les choix opérés par les agriculteurs. L'objectif de la présente recherche est d'évaluer le rôle des facteurs biophysiques dans la dynamique de l’occupation du sol depuis 2000 et d’anticiper sur des futurs possibles dans un territoire amazonien d’ancien front pionnier, aujourd’hui consolidé, la municipalité de Paragominas. Nous avons mis en œuvre un modèle spatialement explicite, afin d’identifier la distribution spatiale des processus de changement en relation avec différents facteurs. Des entretiens réalisés avec des producteurs explicitent les logiques sous-jacentes. Les résultats montrent qu'il y a différentes logiques d'usage des ressources biophysiques, qui varient selon les types de production, la taille des exploitations, la distance aux routes et villages, et la distribution spatiale des ressources biophysiques dans l'exploitation. Elles évoluent au fil du temps, en fonction des productions et des avancées technologiques, et sont organisées dans l'espace. La mise en évidence de ces relations spatiales constitue une avancée significative pour représenter l'évolution de l’ usage des sols et constituer un appui dans la définition de politiques de développement territorial. / The Amazon has been subject to a rapid change in land use due to deforestation for several decades and more recently to the expansion of annual crops like soybeans. One of the major challenges is to understand better the spatial dynamics of these processes and its determinants. With the reduction of deforestation and the consolidation of pioneer fronts, natural resources and constraints seem to be gaining in importance in farmers' choices. The objective of this research was to assess the role of biophysical factors in land use dynamics since 2000 and to anticipate possible futures in a consolidated Amazonian pioneer frontier, the municipality of Paragominas. We implemented a spatially explicit model to identify the spatial distribution of change processes in relation to different factors. Interviews with farmers explain the underlying strategy. The results show different strategies for the use of biophysical resources according to the types of production, the size of the farms, the distance to roads and villages and the spatial distribution of biophysical resources in the farm. The strategies evolve over time, in relation to production and technological advances, and are organized in space. A better understanding of the importance of biophysical resources on the evolution of pioneer fronts through this type of method could provide support for land-use policies.

Bc. Rostislav Ježek Diploma thesis - Husserl and neurofenomenology: Epoché, interview, practice Abstract The theme of this work is conception of practical usage of epoché in phenomenology, where epoché is carried out by philosopher in his lone meditation, and in the project of neurophenomenology, where epoché is to be found in the situation of interview. The aim of this work is, on the base of reflexion of the general practical framework of epoché, to put a question of the nature of epoché in phenomenology and of possibilities of its usage in neurophenomenology. These question will be anwered during the elaboration of progressive carrying out of epoché of experience of the one, who carries it out. We will see its natural affinity with the common attitude and with neurophenomenological epoché, which otherwise may seem naiv. Then, we will try to show, that Husserl's late theory of transcendental idealismus may be grasped as a conception of the influence, which the epoché exerts upon the experience of the one, who carries it out. At the end, we will try to show, that neurophenomenological research and research of neurophenomenology give phenomenology an oportunity to think deeper about its own methods. We will show, that the conception of dependence of the situation of the practical carrying out of epoché can...

Managing the new product development (NPD) process, especially the first phase, the front end of innovation (FEI), is crucial for companies today in order to develop successful products and reach process and product sustainability. This has proved to be a significant challenge for start-ups since 90 percent of them fail (Krishna et al., 2016). This explorative study investigates how prototyping can be used in FEI, with a focus on Swedish start-up companies. A great deal of research has been published about prototyping in the later stages in the development process, and about FEI in general. Regarding prototyping in FEI, the existing literature is mainly located in the product design area. A substantial research gap has also been identified in a start-up context regarding prototyping in FEI. To fill in this gap, a qualitative approach was used collecting data form three different perspectives; start-up accelerators, start-ups employees and users. To accumulate these three perspectives, two sets of semi-structured interviews and two focus groups were conducted. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the collected data. The empirical findings align with the existing literature in several areas, but also gain new insights, contributing to filling the research gap. To conclude, there are a number of different specific prototyping purposes and methods, as well as crucial recommendations, that start-ups should consider in FEI to succeed. The thesis highlights that start-ups should use simple prototypes early in FEI, iterating the prototyping efforts, and gradually increasing the accuracy of the prototype during the FEI.

Syftet med det här examensarbetet är att presentera process och erfarenheter från mitt konstnärliga musikproduktionsprojekt som genomförts under mitt sista år av min masterutbildning. Genomförandet har bestått av att skapa ett svenskt popmusikalbum där låtar har skapats enskilt, genom samarbeten och tre verk har blivit slutförda och distribuerats på streamingtjänster så som Spotify och YouTube. Vidare är syfte att presentera en modell med hjälp av mitt konstnärliga arbete där det prövas potentiella omformuleringar för yrkesroller inom låtskapande. Dessa termer ska i sin tur underlätta rolldefinition inom låtskapande och även ge utrymme för att förtydliga den ideella rätten som medverkande i ett konstnärligt verk har. Med utgångspunkt till att musikproducenten ofta hamnar i en multikompetent position så har jag valt att låna begrepp från systemutvecklarens yrkesvärld för att skapa modellen. Begreppen jag valt att låna består av back-end, front-end och full-stack och avsikten är att bryta upp paraplybegrepp såsom ”låtskrivare, producent och performer” och även kunna bidra till tydligare rekryteringsprocesser för samarbeten inom låtskapande. / The purpose of this master’s thesis is to present the process and experiences of my music production project that was carried out during the last year of my masters’ studies. The project’s creative content is a Swedish pop album which created through collaborative and independent work. Three single releases and one music video have been released and distributed through the course of the project on streaming platforms such as Spotify and YouTube. In addition to the making of the album I have chosen to create a model to use as a frame for potential recruitment instances of creative collaborations, improve role definition and develop a more accurate method to credit rights holder’s moral credentials as a contributor to an artistic work. The root cause of this model is that a music producer often finds themselves as a multicompetent keyperson in creative collaborations where the lines between different professions overlap. The model is inspired of the software developers job terminology and aims to break up umbrella concept roles such as “songwriter, producer and performer” to facilitate the recruiting process of creative collaborations within the crafting of songs. The terminologies inspired out of the software developer’s professions are back-end, front-end and full-stack.

This paper presents an approach to operate multi-objective self-optimizing software systems based on the models@run.time paradigm. In contrast to existing approaches, which are usually specific to a single or selected set of objectives (e.g., performance and/or reliability), the presented approach is generic in that it allows the software architect to model the relevant concerns of interest to self-optimization. At runtime, these models are interpreted and used to generate optimization problems. To evaluate the applicability of the approach, a scalability analysis is provided, showing the approach’s feasibility for at least two objectives.