The purpose of this dissertation is to identify an optimum ratio of police officers to city residents for the purpose of reducing year-to-year crime rates in cities with populations between 25,000 and 999,999. Current research in this area focuses on the impact of the number of police officers on overall crime rates. However, that body of research does not distinguish the impacts found in minimally-staffed, moderately-staffed, and highly-staffed agencies. By examining each of these three groups separately, a statistically significant relationship was determined to exist between per capita staffing levels and short-term property crime reduction for agencies with 1.50 to 2.75 police officers per 1,000 residents. No such relationship existed for agencies with fewer than 1.50 officers or greater than 2.75 officers per 1,000 residents. There was no identifiable relationship between staffing levels and violent crime categories. As a result of this finding, an optimum staffing range has been identified for local law enforcement agencies seeking to make immediate, short-term impacts on property crime.

The plastics industry is one of the fastest growing major industries in the world. There is an increase in the amount of plastic used for all types of products due to its light weight and ability to reprocess. For this reason, the reprocessing of thermoplastics and the usability of reprocessed materials are gaining significance, and it is important to produce and consume plastic materials in an environmentally friendly way. In addition, rising raw material cost linked to the increased oil prices encouraged for reusing of the plastic materials. The aim of this research was to study and optimize the injection moulding process parameters to achieve a trade-off between the product cost and product quality, measured through mechanical properties and geometry, based on using regrind ratios. The work was underpinned by a comprehensive study of multiple reprocessing effects in order to evaluate the effect of process parameters, material behaviour, reprocessing effects and possible links between the processing parameters and key properties. Experimental investigations were carried out, in particular, focused on the melt preparation phase to identify key process parameters and settings. Multiple reprocessing stages were carried out; using two types of PP material: unfilled and short glass filled. A series of tests were used to examine product quality (mass, colour and shrinkage) and physical properties (density, crystallinity, thermal stability, fibre length, molecular weight, in-line and off-line viscosity, tensile strength, modulus of elasticity, elongation (%) and flexural strength). This investigation showed that the mouldability of the filled and unfilled PP materials, through the successive reprocessing stages (using 100 % regrind), was observed to be relatively consistent. Given the link between the processing parameters and key product and material properties, it is possible to manufacture products with minimal loss to part quality and mechanical properties. The final phase of the work focused on process optimisation study for short glass fibre filled PP material and the identified key process parameters (melt temperature, screw rotational speed, holding pressure, holding time and injection rate). A response surface experiment was planned and carried out for three reprocessing stages (0 %, 25 % and 50 % regrind). The fitted response surface models were utilised to carry out the trade-off analysis between the operating cost (material cost, energy cost and labour cost) and product quality (dimensions and tensile strength) Based on the optimal moulding conditions, the operating cost was reduced (from stage I as a reference), by 24% and 30 % for stage II and stage III respectively. A small, perhaps undetectable, change in product dimensions was noted. In addition, a small reduction in tensile strength was noted (from stage I as a reference), by 0.4% and 0.1 % for stage II and stage III respectively. The same data was applied in other countries (Australia, USA, Brazil, Libya and China) to manufacture the same product; and it was observed that the cost was reduced with increasing of regrind ratio. But the significant reduction of the cost, essentially, depended on those countries which have low wage rates (e.g. Brazil, Libya and China). For example, the cost of moulded product manufactured in China is £ 0.025 (using 50% of regrind), while the cost of the same product produced in Australia is £ 0.12, hence giving a total saving of 79 % and making it a valuable issue to be considered in industry.

Theoretical part: the users of financial analysis, methods and tools of financial analysis. Practical part: the branch characterization, analysis of absolute parameters, differential analysis, cash flow analysis, financial ratios analysis, Du Pontova analysis, inequality, economic standard, Altman index, IN99, IN01, EVA.

The subject of the diploma thesis is financial analysis of commercial insurance company. The diploma thesis is separated into two parts - theoretical and practical. The theoretical part describes financial analysis in general - users of information, sources of information, methods of financial analysis and then the attention is aimed to the specificity of insurance companies - accounting statements, methods and special ratios of financial analysis. The practical part is focused on the financial analysis of concrete insurance company.

I have followed the theme financial analysis in my theses. The first part focuses on the theory -- what the principle of financial analysis is, what it is used for, who uses it and description of particular methods used when talking about financial analysis. I have applied theoretical knowledge to the practice -- I have applied the financial analysis by company Papouch s.r.o. This practical part includes analysis of the accounting statement, analysis of ratios, as well as calculation of non-financial indexes and application of models of solvency and bankruptcy of this company. I have reviewed the financial situation of company Papouch s.r.o. at the end of my theses.

The goal of this thesis is to apply methods of financial analysis at the selected company and assess that way financial situation. In the theoretical section summarizes the findings of financial analysis, its methods and procedures. The practical section assesses past and current financial state of company Povrchová důlní, s.r.o. in the years 2005 to 2009, by using selected methods of financial analysis. In conclusion of practical part is analyzed company compared with the industry in which operates, and is assessed the impact of the economic crisis on economy of company.

Student Number : 9402386H - PhD thesis - School of Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences - Faculty of Science / The upper limit of forest production is constrained by the efficiency of radiation interception and the conversion of carbon dioxide into harvestable products, These processes are limited by water availability and nutrient supply. This study forms part of an international network of experiments aimed at demonstrating the potential yield of a forest species by eliminating water and nutrients as growth-limiting factors. The main aim of this study was to determine the climatic and nutritional controls on the growth of Eucalyptus under a given set of environmental conditions. A field experiement was initiated in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, South Africa, to establish the effects of varying levels of water and nutrient availability on the physiological processes controlling tree growth in E. grandis. The experimental design consisted of a control (C), irrigation (I), fertilisation (F), and irrigation and fertilisation (IF) treatments. These treatments aimed to eliminate both water (I and IF) and nutrients (F and IF) as growth-limiting factors. The study focused on three main areas, namely tree-water relations, nutrient dynamics and acquisition, and carbon allocation. Information on these processes was acquired through a combination of field data collection, the application of foliar diagnostic tools, and a modelling approach. The growth of the E.grandis trees in this trial was constrained by poor establishment and management practices. Inadequate vegetation control and vigorous weed growth were a source of competition during the establishment of the seedlings. In addition, the variable seed stock, late fertiliser application and damage from animals resulted in late canopy closure. Consequently, the potential growth of E.grandis at this site could not be determined, and comparisons were made between the different treatments rather than demonstrating maximum growth under optimal conditions. The boimass and nutrient pools were quantified to provide a mid-rotation value of the nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) contents contained in the soil, forest floor and above- and below-ground biomass. At age four years, irrigation had a more pronounced effect on growth and biomass accumulation than fertilisation. Increases in diameter, height,, basal area, standing volume and above- and below-ground biomass were observed in response to increased water availability. After four years, the respective totals of the above- and below-ground biomass pools accumulated by the C, I, F and IF treatments were 73, 82, 78 and 85 t ha-1. In irrigated (I and IF) treatments, significantly more above-ground biomass was allocated to the stem, compared to non-irrigated (C and F) trees. The lower root: shoot ratio in fertilised (F and IF) trees indicated that proportionally less mass was allocated to below-ground components compared to non-fertilised (C and I) trees. Irrigated trees accumulated more N and P than non-irrigated trees in above- and below-ground biomass fractions. The 3-PG model has shown considerable potential as a tool for predicting forest productivity. As part of a model validation exercise, 3-PG was applied to this stand. Simulations were run over a two-year period using appropriate initialisation data and a parameter set developed for E.grandis in summer rainfall region of South Africa. The model was validated using observed leaf area index (L) and foliage and above-ground woody biomass, and then used to predict stand volume. The 3-PG model produced accurate predictions of L, foliage and above-ground woody biomass. At four years, the model-predicted L over all treatments ranged from 3.8 to 5.0, in contrast to the observed range of 4.3 to 5.2. Stand volume at four years of age was under-estimated in the non-irrigated treatments. Actual stand volume at this age ranged from 100 to 118 m3 ha-1 across all treatments, compared to model estimates of 82 to 123 m3 ha-1. The 3-PG model can be used as a guide for future research direction, which should focus on a better understanding of nutritional dynamics operatins at a site. Use of a dynamic fertilty rating may improve model predictions and there is a possible scope for improvement in the water-balance component of the model. Results from this study have shown 3-PG to be a robust model by producing accurate predictions of growth under varying levels of resource availability. There is much current interest in predicting the maximum amount of water that can be transpired by Eucalyptus trees. It is possible that industrial waste water may be applied as irrigation water to eucalyptus and it is important ot predict the maximum transpiration rates of these plantations in an attempt to dispose of this contaminate water. A simple model was developed to predict maximum rates of daily transpiration by short-rotation E.grandis plantations experiencing no significant soil water deficits or fertility limitation. Daily sap flow data recorded in a single average tree in the irrigated treatment were used to estimate mean daily canopy conductance. Analysis of daily and seasonal variation in conductance confirmed that solar radiation and vapour pressure deficit are the dominant factors reducing canopy conductance below potential values, when soil water availability is high. A simple canopy conductance model based on these data was then used with the Penman-Monteith equation to predict daily transpiration rates by E.grandis trees at a site situated in Mpumalanga. The modelled transpiration rates agreed well with th oberved daily sap low (R2 = 0.79). The total observed annual sap flow at the Mpumalanga site was equivalent to 1320 mm compared to the modelled value of 1226 mm. Fertilisation is one of the most cost-effective methods of increasing and maintaining the productivity of E.grandis plantations in South Africa. This silvicultural pratice can be optimised by using the foliar nutrient ratios measured in plants at maximum growth as a guideline for fertiliser application. The foiar ratios present at optimum growth are similar across a wide range of plant apecies and can be defined in relation to N. A study was conducted to determine whether the proportions of elements relative to N could be refined specifically for E.grandis through the use of diagnosis and recommendation integrated system (DRIS) norms. The DRIS norms for N, P, potassium (K), calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) wer derived from published studies on E.grandis and compared to targer values recommended by Linder (1995) for optimal growth. The DRIS norms for P and K relative to N corresponded to the target values, but the Ca:N and Mg:N ratios were much higher, indicating luxury consumption of theses elements. A similar trend was observed for foliar nutrient ratios calculated from published data on a wide range of plant species. The DRIS appears useful for diagnosing the nutrient status, provided accurate DRIS norms are used and indices are interpreted correctly. In most cases, the diagnosis made using the DRIS indices was confirmed with the optimal ratio approach. Diagnoses made using these techniques indicated that foliar P and K concentrations were sub-optimal at age four years. The results from this trial suggest that there was an apparent temporal separation of resource limitation experienced at this site. Initially, the trees appeared to be constrained by nutrient availability, whereas water was potentially more limiting to growth than nutrient supply at age four years. However, it is highly unlikely that irrigation of forest species would ever be implemented on a operational scale in this country. Rather than pursuing the potential reponses that could be obtained with unlimited water availability, the forest industry in South Africa would benefit greatly from improved fertiliser recommendations. On the basis of the optimal foliar technique and the DRIS approach, foliar ratios of 100 N: 8 P: 35 K: 2.5 Ca: 4 Mg are suggested for optimal growth of E.grandis trees.

As proporções na face e no corpo humano são analisadas desde a antiguidade, a exemplo do Homem Vitruviano de Leonardo da Vince. A existência das proporções Divinas ou proporções áureas em crânios esqueletizados é um campo de estudo que apresenta um potencial colaborador para as áreas de sobreposição de imagens, reconstrução facial e identificação forense. O objetivo deste trabalho é estabelecer parâmetros antropométricos regionais baseados nas proporções áureas, instituindo coeficientes e índices faciais específicos para a amostra composta por sessenta crânios esqueletizados (n=60), oriundos do Instituto Médico Legal da Bahia. As mensurações foram realizadas diretamente sobre o crânio utilizando paquímetros digitais. Foram selecionadas 14 medidas craniométricas diferentes e a partir delas foram calculados 06 relações horizontais, 04 verticais e 06 índices faciais. Os dados foram tabulados e descritos por valores de média e desvio padrão, utilizou-se o intervalo de confiança da média (p<0,05). A proporção áurea (1,618) não foi encontrada na população examinada, entretanto foi possível estabelecer índices faciais e coeficientes próprios para as medidas, construindo parâmetros antropométricos regionais baseados nas proporções estudadas. A proporção altura da cabeça em relação a altura da face (V-GN/N-GN) igual a 1,69 foi a variável que mais se aproximou do número de ouro e a relação entre a altura nasal ser igual a metade da altura da face (N-SN=N-GN/2) como valor de 0,92 foi a variável que mais se aproximou entre as igualdades. Admiti-se que a partir de uma medida é possível alcançar a outra utilizando os índices faciais e as retas de regressão calculadas. Este estudo fornece indicadores úteis, pois busca estabelecer proporções nos crânios que são reproduzíveis na face, contribuindo para o aperfeiçoamento das técnicas auxiliares de Reconstrução Facial e Sobreposição de Imagens em estudos futuros. / The proportions of the human face and body have been studied since, at least, Leonardo da Vinci and his Vitruvian Man. The existence of divine or Golden Ratios in human skulls may collaborate with Image Superposition, Facial Reconstruction and Forensics Identification. The goal of this study is establishing regional anthropometrics parameters based on golden ratios, using specifics facial coefficients and indexes for sixty skulls (n=60), obtained from Institute of Legal Medicine of Bahia, BRA. The measurements were done directly over the skull using a digital pachymeter. Fourteen different measurements were selected and, from them, 06 horizontals and 04 verticals relations and 06 facial indexes were calculated. The data was charted and described by average and standard deviation. An average confidence interval was used (p<0,05).The golden ratio (1,618) has not been found among the population analyzed, however was possible establishing facial indexes and coefficients for the measurements, building regional anthropometric parameters based on the studied proportions. The proportion height of the head related to the height of the face (V-GN/N-GN) equal to 1,69 was the closest variable to the golden number and the relation between nasal height being equal to half a height of the face (N-SN=N-GN/2) as 0,92 was the closest variable between equalities. Admitting that from one measurement to another can be achieved using the facial indexes facial and linear regression calculated. This study provides useful indicators since tries to establish proportions on the skull that can be reproducible on the face, contributing for the improvement of auxiliary techniques of Facial Reconstruction and Images Superposition in future studies.

The master thesis Financial analysis of the Travel agent Fischer, a.s. deals with the theory of financial analysis in its theoretical part. The topics such as source data or different methods of processing are discussed within this part. Moreover it deals with interpretation and assessment of results. In the practical part the analyzed company and sector is defined at first. The core of the work consists of applying theoretical knowledge and actual processing of external financial analysis of this travel agent. The calculated values are continuously interpreted and compared with competitors and the results achieved in the field of business. In conclusion, there is a summary of the results achieved, assessment of financial situation and appreciation of the company's position on the Czech market.

This thesis focuses on consequences of the full implementation of Basel III regulations and what impact it will have on the banking sector. The purpose of Basel III is to replace Basel II as a global regulatory standard, because of its predecessor's flaws, such as the amplifying of banks' procyclicality, overreliance on credit rating agencies or the incentive to securitize its assets. The examination of Basel III regulations has shown that the most difficult task for banks would be to raise the capital for increased requirements and implementation of liquidity ratios. This will undoubtedly change the behaviour of banks. Using the panel data model, we will analyze the relationship between the changes in regulatory capital and our dependent variables, which consist of change in interest rates, change in the amount of loans granted and the change of stability of a bank, in countries from the Visegrad Four, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland and Hungary. Using estimated coefficients from our regression, we examine whether there will be unintended negative effects of Basel III implementation and whether there will be an increase in a stability of banks.