Previous research has underlined the importance of the connection between the increase of globalization and the increase of terrorism. Furthermore, previous research has made a distinction between direct and indirect effects and the impact the latter has on firms in an international context. However, the research conducted on the subject is implicit thus this thesis has emphasized on the inconclusive parts to explicitly display the relationship. The purpose of this study is to see the implications of terrorism in relation to international business regarding internationalization and risk management resulting in a guideline for Swedish firms entering less developed countries. To acquire a deeper understanding, various parts relevant to the subject was included and analyzed. A qualitative research method was used in order to obtain in-depth insights of great value on how terrorism affects international business and how Swedish firms adapts to it. By doing so and connecting the findings to theory, we were able to see patterns which led to our conclusion. The results made from this study highlighted the importance of preparedness for firms entering less developed countries, including terrorism as a factor to consider while assessing risks. Furthermore, it also showed that Swedish firms prospecting less developed countries are formatting entering strategies suitable for that market with this in mind, as well as de-internationalization if struck by terroristic events.

Dissertação apresentada ao Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Ambientais da Universidade do Extremo Sul Catarinense - UNESC, como requisito parcial para a obtenção do título de Mestre em Ciências Ambientais. / Calea L. é um gênero pertencente à família Asteraceae, tribo Heliantheae Cass., subtribo Melampodiinae Less., que contém aproximadamente 125 espécies, muitas delas encontradas no Brasil. Vários compostos químicos já foram isolados de espécies deste gênero e alguns destes compostos apresentam atividades biológicas. Destaca-se a ocorrência de lactonas sesquiterpênicas em várias espécies. As atividades biológicas relatadas para este gênero são: leishmanicida, tripanocida, antitumoral, anti-hipertensiva, antifúngica, anti-inflamatória, entre outras. Calea pinnatifida (R. Br.) Less., conhecida popularmente como “quebra-tudo”, “cipó-cruz” e “aruca”, é uma planta utilizada na medicina popular para problemas digestivos, amebíase e giardíase. Alguns compostos já foram isolados de C. pinnatifida como cromenos, poliacetilenos e lactonas sesquiterpênicas. Tendo em vista a importância da espécie e seu uso na medicina popular, o presente trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a influência dos fatores ambientais na produção de metabólitos secundários desta espécie. Para tanto, as folhas de C. pinnatifida foram coletadas em duas altitudes diferentes, a 25 m e 800 m e em duas estações do ano, verão e inverno. Para avaliação do perfil cromatográfico, foram realizadas cromatografias em camada delgada e em camada delgada de alta eficiência. Foi realizada a análise do solo para ambas altitudes na coleta de fevereiro/2016. O perfil cromatográfico da coleta do verão apresentou variações qualitativas como presença e ausência de compostos químicos e variações em suas concentrações, comparando as duas altitudes. O perfil cromatográfico da coleta do inverno apresentou variações qualitativas como ausência e presença de compostos químicos em ambas altitudes e quantitativas determinadas estatisticamente. A análise do solo apresentou variações significativas nos macronutrientes fósforo, potássio e magnésio e nos micronutrientes cobre, zinco, ferro e manganês. Portanto, pode-se concluir que fatores como altitude, nutrientes do solo, temperatura e radiação solar influenciam o perfil de metabólitos secundários de C. pinnatifida.

Made available in DSpace on 2014-10-09T12:53:16Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 / Made available in DSpace on 2014-10-09T13:58:31Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 / Tese (Doutoramento) / IPEN/T / Instituto de Pesquisas Energeticas e Nucleares - IPEN-CNEN/SP

Crianças pequenas representam um grupo desafiador no transplante renal. O estudo analisa os resultados, do ponto de vista cirúrgico, do transplante renal em crianças com peso inferior a 15 kg utilizando o acesso cirúrgico extraperitoneal. Métodos: Foram revisados retrospectivamente os prontuários de 62 crianças com peso inferior a 15 kg submetidas a transplante renal entre 1998 e 2010, utilizando o acesso extraperitoneal e anastomose dos vasos renais dos doadores com a aorta ou artéria ilíaca comum e com a veia cava inferior ou ilíaca comum dos receptores. O ureter foi anastomosado à bexiga pela técnica extravesical de Lich- Grégoir. Resultados: Dos 62 transplantes, 32 enxertos (51,6%) eram provenientes de doadores vivos e 30 (48,4%) de doadores falecidos, sendo 28 deles pediátricos. A média de idade no transplante foi de 3,7 ± 2,2 anos (1 a 12), e o peso médio, de 12,3 ± 2,1 kg (5,6 a 14,9), sendo que 10 tinham peso inferior a 10 kg. Em 10 crianças (16,1%) o transplante foi preemptivo e em 5 (8,1%) havia trombose do sistema venoso prévio ao transplante. Em 1 e 5 anos, a sobrevida do paciente foi de 93,2% e 84,2% e a sobrevida do enxerto de 85,2% e 72,7%, respectivamente, sem diferença entre doadores vivos e falecidos. A função do enxerto com doador vivo foi melhor em 1 e 3 meses, mas a partir do 6o mês foi similar. Houve 6 complicações vasculares, sendo 4 tromboses vasculares, 1 laceração e 1 estenose de artéria renal e 2 coleções líquidas. Houve 17 perdas de enxerto, 6 por morte, sendo 5 com enxerto funcionante, 5 por complicações cirúrgicas, 3 por rejeição crônica e 3 por recorrência da doença de base. Conclusão: O acesso extraperitoneal é uma técnica válida no transplante renal de crianças com peso inferior a 15 kg, assegurando boa sobrevida do paciente e do enxerto e aceitável taxa de complicações, independentemente do tipo de doador, se vivo ou falecido, ou do tamanho do enxerto, se de adulto ou de criança. / Small children are a challenging group for kidney transplantation. This study analyzes the results of kidney transplantation in children weighing less than 15 kg using the extraperitoneal surgical access. Methods: A retrospective review of the records of 62 children weighting less than 15 kg was done. The kidney transplantation were performed between 1998 and 2010 using the extraperitoneal access and anastomosis of the renal vessels of donors to the aorta or common iliac artery and to the inferior vena cava or common iliac vein of the recipients. The ureter was anastomosed to the bladder using the Lich-Grégoir extravesical technique. Results: Thirty-two (51.6%) grafts of the 62 transplants were from living donors and 30 (48.4%) from deceased donors, 28 of them pediatric. The mean age at transplantion was 3.7 ± 2.2 years (1 to 12), and the mean weight, 12.3 ± 2.1 kg (5.6 to 14.9), and 10 of them weighed less than 10 kg. In 10 children (16.1%) the transplant was preemptive. Five 5 (8.1%) children presented previous thrombosis of the venous system. At 1 and 5 years, patient survival was 93.2% and 84.2% and graft survival was 85.2% and 72.7%, respectively, and there was no difference between living and deceased donors. The graft function of the living donor was better at 1 and 3 months, but was similar from the 6th month onward. There were 6 vascular complications (4 of them vascular thromboses, 1 laceration and 1 renal artery stenosis) and 2 perirenal collections. Seventeen grafts were lost, 6 due to death, 5 with a functioning graft, 5 due to surgical complications, 3 due to chronic rejection and 3 due to recurrence of the original disease. Conclusion: The extraperitoneal access is a valid kidney transplantantion technique in children weighing less than 15 kg, ensuring good patient and graft survival, and an acceptable rate of complications, independent of source of donor, living or deceased, or size of graft, whether from an adult or from a child.

Made available in DSpace on 2014-10-09T12:53:16Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 / Made available in DSpace on 2014-10-09T13:58:31Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 / Neste trabalho, medidas microdosimétricas foram realizadas usando um contador proporcional equivalente à tecido - TEPC. com uma cavidade esférica de diâmetro de 1.27 cm. O TEPC foi preenchido com gás propane puro, C3HS, à pressão de 5,6 kPa (42 Torr), que é equivalente a 1,3 μm em diâmetro de unidade de densidade do tecido. O instrumento de medida microdosimétrica foi irradiado com radiação de nêutrons rápidos do reator de pequisa do Nuclear Science Center da Texas A&M University, em College Station,-Texas. Os feixes de nêutrons rápidos foram emitidos com três diferentes valores de potência. 0,5, 1,0, e 2,0 kVV, durante 1 hora para alto ganho e o mesmo tempo para baixo ganho, totalizando 2 horas para cada potência, com 0,0083 Gy/min de taxa de dose. O neutron foi filtrado usando o sistema de irradiação de néutrons rápidos fortemente nitrados (FNIS). do Nuclear Science Center, para obter uma redução da contaminação da radiação de neutron por radiação gama e assim obter espectros microdosimetricos de neutrons como, distribuição de freqüência de energia lineal e distribuição de dose de energia lineal, com boa precisão, e outras grandezas como, freqüência média de energia lineal, dose média de energia lineal, dose absorvida, dose equivalente e fator de qualidade médio de neutron rápido. Os resultados obtidos foram satisfatórios, com os espectros microdosimetricos de nêutrons mostrando uma contaminação de radiação gama abaixo de 5 %, especialmente para distribuição de dose de energia lineal. Os resultados obtidos neste trabalho foram comparados com outros da literatura científica, que usaram outros procedimentos para a redução da contaminação do neutron por radiação gama. estando em concordância com eles. / Tese (Doutoramento) / IPEN/T / Instituto de Pesquisas Energeticas e Nucleares - IPEN-CNEN/SP

This thesis proposes a new multi-homing mobile architecture for future heterogeneous network environment. First, a new multi-homed mobile architecture called Multi Network Switching enabled Mobile IPv6 (MNS-MIP6) is proposed which enables a Mobile Node (MN) having multiple communication paths between itself and its Correspondent Node (CN) to take full advantage of being multi-homed. Multiple communication paths exist because MN, CN, or both are simultaneously attached to multiple access networks. A new sub layer is introduced within IP layer of the host’s protocol stack. A context is established between the MN and the CN. Through this context, additional IP addresses are exchanged between the two. Our MNS-MIP6 architecture allows one communication to smoothly switch from one interface/communication path to another. This switch remains transparent to other layers above IP. Second, to make communication more reliable in multi-homed mobile environments, a new failure detection and recovery mechanism called Mobile Reach ability Protocol (M-REAP) is designed within the proposed MNS-MIP6 architecture. The analysis shows that our new mechanism makes communication more reliable than the existing failure detection and recovery procedures in multi-homed mobile environments. Third, a new network selection mechanism is introduced in the proposed architecture which enables a multi-homed MN to choose the network best suited for particular application traffic. A Policy Engine is defined which takes parameters from iv the available networks, compares them according to application profiles and user preferences, and chooses the best network. The results show that in multi-homed mobile environment, load can be shared among different networks/interfaces through our proposed load sharing mechanism. Fourth, a seamless handover procedure is introduced in the system which enables multi-homed MN to seamlessly roam in a heterogeneous network environment. Layer 2 triggers are defined which assist in handover process. When Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR) on a currently used active interface becomes low, a switch is made to a different active interface. We show through mathematical and simulation analysis that our proposed scheme outperforms the existing popular handover management enhancement scheme in MIPv6 networks namely Fast Handover for MIPv6 (FMIPv6). Finally, a mechanism is introduced to allow legacy hosts to communicate with MNS-MIP6 MNs and gain the benefits of reliability, load sharing and seamless handover. The mechanism involves introducing middle boxes in CN’s network. These boxes are called Proxy-MNS boxes. Context is established between the middle boxes and a multi-homed MN.

A DC to AC inverter can be classified in different topologies; some of these topologies are three level and multilevel inverter. Both types have some advantages and disadvantages. Three level inverters can be applied for low power applications because it is cheaper and has less semiconductor losses at high switching frequencies with poor total harmonic distortion (THD). Multilevel inverters (MLI) can be applied for higher power applications with less THD. However, the MLI has more cost and conductive power losses in comparison with three level inverters. In order to overcome the limitations of three and multilevel topologies, this thesis presents a new controlling topology of multilevel DC/AC inverters. The proposed multilevel inverter topology is based on a current source inverter, which consists of a buck/boost, boost and flyback converters, and an H-bridge inverter. The output voltage of the inverter is shaped through the control of just one main semiconductor switch. This new topology offers almost step-less output voltage without the need for multi DC source or several capacitor banks as in the case of other multilevel inverter topologies. The efficiency of the proposed topology is higher than other inverter topologies for medium power applications (2-10 kW). The proposed topology also generates smaller Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) compared to other inverter topologies. The two main key aspects of the proposed circuit is to keep the switching losses as low as possible and this is achieved through the control of a single switch at relatively low frequency and also to generate an improved AC Voltage waveform without the need for any filtering devices. The output frequency and voltage of the proposed circuit can be easily controlled according to the load requirements. The proposed inverter topology is ideal for the connection of renewable energy; this is due to its flexibility in varying its output voltage without the need of fixed turns-ratio transformers used in existing DC/AC inverter topologies. The harmonic contents of the output of this proposed topology can be controlled without the need of any filter. The simulation and practical implementation of the proposed circuits are presented. The practical and simulation results show excellent correlation.

In the field of Korean as a foreign language (KFL) pragmatics, current scholarship documents a need for change in regards to speech styles as dynamic features (Byon, 2007; Chang, 2014; Cook, 2011; Jung, 2015; Park, 2012; Strauss & Eun, 2005; Yoon, 2010). However, speech styles are often taught at a pragmalinguistic level as a grammar point and in a textbook or in a classroom sociopragmatics presentation is limited to static contextual features such as one’s social status and/or age. Moreover, even though the honorifics system and speech styles are perceived as daunting by even the most advanced KFL learners (Brown, 2010, 2013; Byon, 2004, 2007; Choo, 1999; Shon, 1999; Yoon, 2010), the majority of KFL pragmatics research on speech styles focuses on students’ use and production of pragmatics features rather than focusing on the pedagogical application (see Byon, 2015; Song & Pyun, 2011). Instructors’ beliefs on teaching pragmatics and the background to their beliefs are also overlooked. This study is composed of three interrelated projects and grounded in pragmatics instructional studies, Pragmatic Consciousness Raising (PCR) (Rose 1994, 1999), multiliteracies pedagogy framework, and teachers’ beliefs research. The purpose of this mixed-method study is to understand KFL educators’ views on pragmatics instruction and the current state of pragmatics instruction in KFL programs at tertiary level institutions; the next step is to design and implement pragmatics lesson plans that are more practical and adaptable to current KFL programs. To this end, the research questions are 1) What is the current state of pragmatics instruction in KFL?; 2) What is KFL instructors’ cognition (Borg, 2006) of pragmatics instruction?; 3) Is speech styles instruction based on a multiliteracies pedagogy framework effective and what are the students’ perception toward the lessons? The research questions were answered through a survey and interviews of KFL educators as well as KFL students’ in-class and homework assignments and surveys before, during, and after the implementation of new lesson plans. The findings showed that the KFL field experienced positive changes such as collaboration with other instructors and curriculum development endeavors based on current theories and approaches in the field. However, similar issues and challenges to other less commonly taught language (LCTL) programs as well as their own unique challenges such as (over-)qualified teaching staff and an absence of equity and advocacy for instructors and programs still remained. The survey responses and interviews showed that both the administrators and instructors in KFL programs believe that pragmatics competence is crucial to developing proficiency in a foreign language and that pragmatics should be taught in class. The teachers’ own personal foreign language learning experiences were very influential in shaping their stated beliefs. However, it was also found that the teachers’ practices were based on their working definition of pragmatics rather than their espoused theories. In the classroom, textbooks provided the core element of curriculum and classroom practice, which the teachers thought contributed to persistently unsatisfactory approaches to pragmatics teaching. Drawing upon the survey and interview results, a series of instructional units, informed by PCR and multiliteracies pedagogy, was designed to be integrated into current textbook-oriented curricula and implemented in an upper elementary level Korean course. Contrary to the concerns of the interviewed KFL instructors, beginner-level students successfully participated and interacted meaningfully using authentic materials. The students showed development in metapragmatic awareness and in both pragmalinguistics and sociopragmatics knowledge. In addition, the students exhibited positive attitudes toward the instructional units. Based on this evidence, this dissertation concludes with implications and future research recommendations for teacher professional development training design, KFL curriculum, teaching material design, and teacher cognition research.

The purpose of the study was to explore and describe the relationship between resilient and less-resilient middle-adolescent learners and their township school context. This research was guided by Bioecological theory and the Resiliency Wheel programme to understand resilience as manifested in the proximal processes within the microsystems of the school and the family. The degree of resilience of learners was observed in behaviour and development outcomes inferred from personal characteristics and adverse family conditions demonstrated in the person, proximal processes, context and time. The study sequentially employed a mixed method approach of quantitative and qualitative research. In Phase 1, the construct ‘resilience’ was operationalised and defined in a Resilience Scale for Middle-adolescents in a Township School (R-MATS). The questionnaire was validated on 291 middle-adolescent learners in two township schools. In Phase 2, an Interactive Qualitative Analysis (IQA) was performed. Focus groups were conducted with 16 middle-adolescents in the two schools. In answer to the main research question, ‘How does the school influence the resilience of middle-adolescent learners in a black-only township school?’, it was found that the school environment can influence the resilience of middle-adolescent learners in township schools by providing or failing to provide a supportive teaching and learning environment with effective implementation of rules and educational policies, that provide for care and safety of its learners and ensure they realise their future goals. In answer to the sub-question, ‘What are middle-adolescent resilient learners’ experiences of their black-only township school system?’ it was found that the resilient middle-adolescent learners acknowledged the contribution of their school to their resilience and development. The learners were aware of the school policies and engaged with them to benefit from their schooling, but were critical of their school if they perceived a lack of provision and support by the school. In answer to the second sub-question, ‘What are middle-adolescent less-resilient learners’ experiences of their black-only township school system?’ it was found that the less-resilient learners experienced their school environment as less supportive. They struggled to access school resources and experienced the school as an environment where they could use their personalities to grow and develop, or just exist. Overall, it was found that township schools do have resources for their learners to use, but implementation of policy and the accessibility of resources are problems to less-resilient learners who struggle within their proximal processes in their school microsystem. Middleadolescent learners appreciate and require clearly defined rules, structure and consistent implementation to ensure a stable, supportive and caring learning and teaching environment to grant them opportunities for realising their future goals. / Thesis (PhD)--University of Pretoria, 2010. / Educational Psychology / unrestricted

The purpose of my dissertation was to examine the competition between the U.S.-led Western bloc and the Soviet bloc in the less developed world during Détente. I assessed whether or not the Soviet bloc pushed for strategic gains in the less developed world in the middle-to-late 1970’s and whether this contributed to the U.S. decision to abandon Détente in 1979. I made the attempt to test the international relations theory of balance of threat realism (Walt, 1992). I accomplished the test in two ways. First, I measured the foreign aid allocations (military and economic) made by each respective bloc towards the Third World by using a quantitative approach. Second, I examined U.S. archives using the process-tracing/historical method. The U.S. archives gave me the ability to evaluate how U.S. decision-makers and U.S. intelligence agencies interpreted the actions of the Soviet bloc. They also gave me the chance to examine the U.S. response as we evaluated the policies that were pushed by key U.S. decision-makers and intelligence agencies. On the question of whether or not the Soviet bloc was aggressive, the quantitative evidence suggested that it was not. Instead, the evidence found the Western-bloc to have been more aggressive in the less developed world. The U.S. archives also showed Soviet actions to have been defensive. Key U.S. decision-makers and intelligence agencies attested to this. Finally, the archives show that U.S. officials pushed for aggressive actions against the Third World during the final years of Détente. Thus, balance of threat realism produced an incorrect assessment that U.S. aggression in the late 1970’s was a response to Soviet aggression during Détente. The evidence suggests structural Marxism and domestic politics can better explain U.S./Western actions. The aggressive foreign aid allocations of the West, coupled with evidence of U.S. decision-makers/agencies vehemently concerned about the long-term prospects of the West, strengthened structural Marxism. Domestic politics can also claim to explain the actions of U.S. decision-makers. I found extensive archival evidence of bureaucratic inter-agency conflict between the State Department and other intelligence agencies in areas of strategic concern to the U.S.