Thesis (M.Tech.: Marketing)-Dept. of Marketing, Durban University of Technology, 2006 xii, 152 leaves / Consumer attitudes play an important role when it comes to waste management. Consumers, who purchase any number of packaged goods also dispose of or discard waste in large quantities. In the business sector the introduction of new technologies in the production cycle is imperative, and this technology involves discovering more cost effective methods of reducing and reusing solid waste as a resource. The challenge for the eThekwini Municipality is to discover ways to reduce the volume of waste disposed at the landfills. This study determines the attitudes of consumers towards curbside recycling specifically within the eThekwini municipal region. This study focuses on various theories and evaluates ways in which waste prevention and reduction initiatives can be employed to protect the depletion of natural resources.

The model-free analysis of NMR relaxation data, which is widely used for the study of protein dynamics, consists of the separation of the Brownian rotational diffusion from internal motions relative to the diffusion frame and the description of these internal motions by amplitude and timescale. Through parametric restriction and the addition of the Rex parameter a number of model-free models can be constructed. The model-free problem is often solved by initially estimating the diffusion tensor. The model-free models are then optimised and the best model is selected. Finally, the global model of all diffusion and model-free parameters is optimised. These steps are repeated until convergence. This thesis will investigate all aspects of the model-free data analysis chain. (For complete abstract open document)

There is a growing realisation from the Australian government that new models of health care will need to be developed to address the disparity of access, increasing demand and escalating cost of traditional means of delivering health care. There is growing evidence showing health care services can be delivered safely and efficiently by email. Despite this body of evidence the clinical utility of email is occurring at a much slower rate than in other business areas. Technological barriers and privacy risks are often cited as cause of the fragmented adoption and utilisation of email-based telemedicine. In addressing these impediments, the service-delivery application needs to be considered. The service-delivery applications used in email-based telemedicine can be divided into two distinct categories. The first is ordinary email applications — such as the commercial products used for personal communication — and the second is where the health care provider undertakes the development of an email application purpose-written to support their telemedicine service. This aim of this research was to develop a decision support model (DSM) to address the complex issues in choosing the service-delivery application most appropriate for an email service. Three areas which would influence a provider’s decision were identified — i) privacy and security ii) economics and ii) quality of service — and investigated. Most emails are sent in plain text across the Internet and pose a privacy risk. Encryption of the email message is used to mitigate the risk. Two means of encryption were investigated: public key infrastructure (PKI) used in conjunction with ordinary email and secure web-mail applications, which require the development of a purpose-written application. Decisive factors in choosing the most appropriate privacy-enhancing technology for an email-based service were identified by a number of means including: technical assessment of encryption models, literature review, survey of users of an email-based telemedicine service and analysis of client applications used in a telemedicine service. This investigation established that correspondent’s perception to privacy risk, email client application support of PKI, risk tolerance to human error and the technical skill are decisive factors in choosing privacy-enhancing technology. The survey respondents considered a privacy breach during email communication was either likely or very unlikely regardless of whether the communication was encrypted or not. Indicating correspondents are unlikely to comply with encryption especially if the technology is cumbersome. Although the population was of a limited demographic, there was a large proliferation (around 87%) of web-mail clients — for example, Hotmail and Gmail — amongst the users of email-based telemedicine services. Web-mail clients cannot be secured with PKI. Hence, assessment of client-email applications used by correspondents in telemedicine will influence the type of privacy-enhancing technology. Technical assessment of privacy-enhancing technology has identified human-error as a risk when using PKI. Secure web-mail obviates human-error. Therefore, tolerance to human-error risk will be decisive in choice of privacy-enhancing technology. PKI has received criticism for being user-unfriendly and requiring technical proficiency to use. This investigation has established the usability of secure web-mail is comparable to ordinary, unencrypted email. Indicating secure communication is feasible when services are not supported by technical expertise. The cost of providing an email-based service is influenced by the service-delivery application. To develop a purpose-written application will cost the heath care provider but staff may be able to work more efficiently because the resultant application contains telemedicine specific functionality that meet the exact requirements of the service. Staff resources to run an email-based telemedicine service using ordinary email were compared to staff resources to run the same service using a purpose-written application. The purpose-written application afforded a reduction of 3% in time for clinical staff. Ancillary staff savings were more pronounced with a 33% reduction in administrative staff time and a 21% reduction in supervisory staff time. A cost-minimisation analysis established at a workload of up to 5000 email consultations per annum it is more economical to the run the service with ordinary email. For higher workload volumes it is cheaper to run the service with a purpose-written application. The threshold of 5000 emails consultations is the point at which the higher initial development cost of a purpose- written application are offset by staff efficiencies. A sensitivity analysis established the most influential factor in the economic model was workload volume — development costs and variable costs had little influence on the threshold. Response time was established as a quality of service metric after investigation demonstrated increases in response time were strongly correlated with a decrease in utilisation rate. The response time to maximise the utilisation rate was 32h or less. Pre- and post- studies demonstrated a purpose-written application can reduce response times. Telemedicine specific functionality in a purpose-written application was also investigated. Conditions for a purpose-written application — for example, use of multi-disciplinary staff, a priority service model and continuum of care over multiple email exchanges — to be efficacious at reducing response times were established. The conditions identified in the privacy and security, economic and quality of service investigation were amalgamated into a DSM. The DSM was retrospectively tested by comparing the output of the model to a gold-standard of the actual service-delivery used by a number of subject organisations. When used to identify services that required a purpose-written application the DSM was 92% sensitive and 92% specific. The model was also tested prospectively and demonstrated 85% concordance from testers in the choosing the service-delivery application. Testing the DSM identified strengths for both ordinary email and purpose-written applications under different circumstances — indicating both are valid alternatives for email-based telemedicine. The individual requirements of a telemedicine service — for example, privacy requirements, participants, the workload volume, number of staff disciplines, mode of service — will dictate the choice of the most appropriate service-delivery application. Informed decision on when and why to use a service-delivery application has implications for the successful delivery of email-based telemedicine services because the choice of service-delivery application will affect: - The staff resources needed to run the service; - The capital cost of implementing a service; - The operating costs of running a service; - The response times to client emails which in turn, influences the utilisation of the service; - The privacy-enhancing technology which in turn, influences the usability and compliance to legislative and statutory requirements.

Il y a un intérêt grandissant pour le développement d’outils de traitements adaptés aux images multimodales (plusieurs images de la même scène acquises avec différentes caractéristiques). Permettant une représentation plus complète de la scène, ces images multimodales ont de l'intérêt dans plusieurs domaines du traitement d'images, mais les exploiter et les manipuler de manière optimale soulève plusieurs questions. Cette thèse étend les représentations hiérarchiques, outil puissant pour le traitement et l’analyse d’images classiques, aux images multimodales afin de mieux exploiter l’information additionnelle apportée par la multimodalité et améliorer les techniques classiques de traitement d’images. Cette thèse se concentre sur trois différentes multimodalités fréquemment rencontrées dans le domaine de la télédétection. Nous examinons premièrement l’information spectrale-spatiale des images hyperspectrales. Une construction et un traitement adaptés de la représentation hiérarchique nous permettent de produire une carte de segmentation de l'image optimale vis-à-vis de l'opération de démélange spectrale. Nous nous concentrons ensuite sur la multimodalité temporelle, traitant des séquences d’images hyperspectrales. En utilisant les représentations hiérarchiques des différentes images de la séquence, nous proposons une nouvelle méthode pour effectuer du suivi d’objet et l’appliquons au suivi de nuages de gaz chimique dans des séquences d’images hyperspectrales dans le domaine thermique infrarouge. Finalement, nous étudions la multimodalité sensorielle, c’est-à-dire les images acquises par différents capteurs. Nous appuyant sur le concept des tresses de partitions, nous proposons une nouvelle méthodologie de segmentation se basant sur un cadre de minimisation d’énergie. / There is a growing interest in the development of adapted processing tools for multimodal images (several images acquired over the same scene with different characteristics). Allowing a more complete description of the scene, multimodal images are of interest in various image processing fields, but their optimal handling and exploitation raise several issues. This thesis extends hierarchical representations, a powerful tool for classical image analysis and processing, to multimodal images in order to better exploit the additional information brought by the multimodality and improve classical image processing techniques. %when applied to real applications. This thesis focuses on three different multimodalities frequently encountered in the remote sensing field. We first investigate the spectral-spatial information of hyperspectral images. Based on an adapted construction and processing of the hierarchical representation, we derive a segmentation which is optimal with respect to the spectral unmixing operation. We then focus on the temporal multimodality and sequences of hyperspectral images. Using the hierarchical representation of the frames in the sequence, we propose a new method to achieve object tracking and apply it to chemical gas plume tracking in thermal infrared hyperspectral video sequences. Finally, we study the sensorial multimodality, being images acquired with different sensors. Relying on the concept of braids of partitions, we propose a novel methodology of image segmentation, based on an energetic minimization framework.

In the business sector there is increasing pressure for organisations to embrace Sustainable Development - but what does it really mean for the Small and Medium-Sized Enterprise Sector? While this concept has received considerable attention in the academic literature, legislation and common language, it has perhaps inevitably lost some of its precision. Within business ventures in the industrialised world, sustainable development has only been applied in a few bigger enterprises. Given that Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) make up the majority of manufacturing capacity in industrial economies it is -worthwhile to examine the concept in order to assess its relevance to the specific needs of SMEs. The author proposes in this research that a very successful way for SMEs to contribute positively towards sustainable development and indeed to survive in a highly competitive environment is to embrace waste minimisation. The author reports that smaller businesses appear to see waste minimisation as peripheral rather than integral to sound and competitive business practice. She argues that waste minimisation can in fact be the key driver for sustainable change within the Small and Medium-Sized sector. The author reports upon her participation in two European Regional Development-funded projects, namely the Environmental Enterprise Project, and the Environmental Mentoring Project, assisting SMEs to establish waste minimisation programmes. These projects served the purpose of gathering raw data for analysis. The projects spanned 3 years and, during that time, a novel -waste minimisation methodology was developed -which generated cost savings and environmental benefits. The principal findings of this research are (i) the waste rninimisation methodology can be effectively used to achieve cultural change within the organisation, (ii) defining waste as "anything that doesn't add value to the customer" enabled the companies to more readily understand waste and thus positively contribute to business improvement.

The risks of Extasy Use This topic is very present in Czech Republic as the use of soft drugs, including the extasy is becoming increasingly popular. Extasy is considered as a weekend or experimental drug that is mostly used by the young population. Our society is tolerant towards the use of the soft drugs; consequently these drugs are becoming a common part of our lives. Extasy is represented as a soft and safe drug. Nevertheless the use of any addictive substances is far to be without risks. Such risks are often neglected or totally ignored. This diploma thesis consists of two parts: theoretical and practical part. First part, the literature review is embracing all different aspects of the dance drug extasy and its culture. History of the drug, description of its effects, identification of its users, hazards related to its use and also preventive measures - harm reduction programs are being defined. The aim of this work was to present complex information about the extasy drug and yet to describe the hazards linked to the drug abuse and draw attention its dangers. First part also includes the description of the means for minimising such risks and the harm reduction preventive programs {--} analysis of an extasy tablet. Practical part of this work results from several interviews of the formal extasy users. The endeavour of this part was to get more information about the drug. The interviews consisted of a number of parts. Questions in these parts focused on frequency of attendance of the dance parties, number of the extasy tablet used on average and the circumstances of the drug use, knowledge of the drug and its incidences and motivation to stop using it. Other set of questions enquired about the dangers of extasy in combinations with other drugs, ``fake extasy{\crqq} issue and dangerous behavioural under the influence of extasy. In the following part of the interview extasy users were asked to describe their awareness of the dangers and risks linked to the use of the drug, what precautions are they taking to avoid such risks and weather they know about possibility to get the pill analysed for purity and further if they care about the importance of the fluid intake. This thesis demonstrated that the extasy users are well informed about the risks, hazards and dangers of the drug however they overlook it and act as they are not aware of the hazards.

Building design can have a major impact on sustainability through material efficiency and construction waste minimisation (CWM). The construction industry consumes over 420 million tonnes of material resources every year and generates 120 million tonnes of waste containing approximately 13 million tonnes of unused materials. The current and on-going field of CWM research is focused on separate project stages with an overwhelming endeavour to manage on-site waste. Although design stages are vital to achieve progress towards CWM, currently, there are insufficient tools for CWM. In recent years, Building Information Modelling (BIM) has been adopted to improve sustainable building design, such as energy efficiency and carbon reduction. Very little has been achieved in this field of research to evaluate the use of BIM to aid CWM during design. However, recent literature emphasises a need to carry out further research in this context. This research aims to investigate the use of BIM as a platform to help with CWM during design stages by developing and validating a BIM-aided CWM (BaW) Framework. A mixed research method, known as triangulation, was adopted as the research design method. Research data was collected through a set of data collection methods, i.e. selfadministered postal questionnaire (N=100 distributed, n=50 completed), and semistructured follow-up interviews (n=11) with architects from the top 100 UK architectural companies. Descriptive statistics and constant comparative methods were used for data analysis. The BaW Framework was developed based on the findings of literature review, questionnaire survey and interviews. The BaW Framework validation process included a validation questionnaire (N=6) and validation interviews (N=6) with architects. Key research findings revealed that: BIM has the potential to aid CWM during design; Concept and Design Development stages have major potential in helping waste reduction through BIM; BIM-enhanced practices (i.e. clash detection, detailing, visualisation and simulation, and improved communication and collaboration) have impacts on waste reduction; BIM has the most potential to address waste causes (e.g. ineffective coordination and communication, and design changes); and the BaW Framework has the potential to enable improvements towards waste minimisation throughout all design stages. Participating architects recommended that the adoption of the BaW Framework could enrich both CWM and BIM practices, and most importantly, would enhance waste reduction performance in design. The content should be suitable for project stakeholders, architects in particular, when dealing with construction waste and BIM during design.

Magister Psychologiae - MPsych / This study focused on the cognitive distortions of child sex offenders in a South African sample. Child sex offenders are a heterogeneous group but share some similarities. Firstly, the majority of child sex offenders are male. Secondly their sexual attraction to children seems to be influenced to some degree by their thoughts around child sex offending, and the world in general. / South Africa

Transfer pricing plays a crucial role in the financial management of TNC as it significantly influences revenues and costs allocation among affiliates of TNC that are located in countries with different tax regimes, interest rates, political situation and economic environment. Recently, transfer pricing is scrutinized in respect of tax minimisation strategies adopted by TNC which raises various conflicts of interest with tax authorities in some countries of their presence. The main objective of the dissertation thesis is to provide a comprehensive empirical study on international transfer pricing in the Czech Republic from the perspectives of both taxpayer and the tax authority. With regard to the complexity of transfer pricing, manufacturing afiliates of TNC located in the Czech Republic were selected to be examined in more detail. The thesis is structured into five chapters. The first chapter defines theoretical framework based on which the analytical part of the thesis is elaborated. The strategies applied by TNC in setting transfer prices are strongly affected by the transfer pricing regulation and interpretative experience of the particular countries in which they operate. In this context, the Czech transfer pricing legislation as well as selected case law is analyzed in the second chapter. Given the complexity of the issue of transfer pricing, the third chapter deals with selected aspects that are considered critical when setting transfer prices. The fourth chapter presents key findings regarding transfer pricing strategies applied by TNC located in the Czech Republic to transfer pricing issues. The fifth chapter summarizes the approach of the Czech tax authorities to the transfer pricing audits and at the same time evaluates related risks borne for taxpayers in this respect. The thesis reveals that manufacturing afiliates of TNC located in the Czech Republic generally prefer non market (cost based) transfer pricing methods when setting transfer prices, whereby there are several factors influencing their decision making, out of which internal economic conditions and foreign exchange risk management are deemed the most important factors, while tax optimisation as well as restrictions on profit repatriation are considered relatively less important factors. The study further indicates certain inconsistency between declared functional and risk profiles and decision making competences. In this connection, it was found out that the Czech afiliates in which the foreign parent company is involved in transfer pricing set-up incur tax losses. In response to the increasing importance of transfer pricing and international initiative Action Plan BEPS (Base Erosion and Profit Shifting) it can be stated that the approach of the Czech tax authorities has become more intensified and sophisticated. The Czech tax authorities challenge declared and actual functional and risk profile of taxpayers as well as economic substance of realized intercompany transactions. Furthermore, number of transfer pricing audits has increased and become targeted on risky taxpayers such as companies granting investment incentives or incurring tax losses etc. As a result, additional tax assessment due to incorrect transfer pricing significantly increases over recent years.

Le Cloud Radio Access Network (C-RAN) est une future direction dans les réseaux de communications sans fils pour déployer des systèmes cellulaires 4G et renforcer la migration des opérateurs vers la nouvelle génération 5G. En comparaison avec l'architecture traditionnelle des stations de base distribuées, l'architecture C-RAN apporte un lot d'avantages à l'opérateur: meilleure utilisation des ressources radio, flexibilité du réseau, minimisation de la puissance consommée et amenuisement des coûts de déploiement. Dans cette thèse, nous adressons le problème d'allocation dynamique des ressources et minimisation de la puissance des communications à liaison descendante dans le C-RAN. Notre recherche vise à allouer les ressources radio à des flux dynamiques d'utilisateurs, tout en trouvant les meilleures combinaisons entre points d'accès et unités de calculs, pour satisfaire la demande de trafic. Il s'agit en outre, d'un problème d'optimisation non linéaire et NP-difficile, comprenant plusieurs contraintes relatives aux demandes de ressources des utilisateurs, gestion d'interférences, capacités fixes des unités de calcul dans le Cloud et des liaisons de transport ainsi que la limitation de la puissance transmise maximale. Afin de surmonter la complexité inhérente à cette problématique du C-RAN, nous présentons différentes approches pour l'allocation dynamique des ressources en trois principales contributions. Les résultats de nos simulations prouvent l'efficacité de nos méthodes, comparé à celles existantes dans la littérature, en termes de taux de débit de satisfaction, nombre d'antennes actives, puissance consommée dans le Cloud, résilience et coût opérationnel du C-RAN. / Cloud Radio Access Network (C-RAN) is a future direction in wireless communications for deploying cellular radio access subsystems in current 4G and next-generation 5G networks. In the C-RAN architecture, BaseBand Units (BBUs) are located in a pool of virtual base stations, which are connected via a high-bandwidth low latency fronthaul network to Radio Remote Heads (RRHs). In comparison to standalone clusters of distributed radio base stations, C-RAN architecture provides significant benefits in terms of centralized resource pooling, network flexibility and cost savings. In this thesis, we address the problem of dynamic resource allocation and power minimization in downlink communications for C-RAN. Our research aims to allocate baseband resources to dynamic flows of mobile users, while properly assigning RRHs to BBUs to accommodate the traffic and network demands. This is a non-linear NP-hard optimization problem, which encompasses many constraints such as mobile users' resources demands, interference management, BBU pool and fronthaul links capacities, as well as maximum transmission power limitation. To overcome the high complexity involved in this problem, we present several approaches for resource allocation strategies and tackle this issue in three stages. Obtained results prove the efficiency of our proposed strategies in terms of throughput satisfaction rate, number of active RRHs, BBU pool processing power, resiliency, and operational budget cost.