The dominant construction of democracy on a global scale is in the liberal tradition. It is evident in the criteria which constitute democratic barometers in organisations like Freedom House, the International Monetary Fund, the United Nations and the World Trade Organisation. This study seeks to provide a third-order analysis of liberal democratic consolidation theory in order to highlight that its theoretical discourse and underlying structure is not necessarily compatible with the cultural values of the non-Western world using a critical discourse analysis. Democratic consolidation in the non-Western world may not necessarily mirror the theoretical model of liberal democratic consolidation. Given the hegemonic position of liberal democracy‘s criteria and its dominant discourse and role as a barometer of democracy, this study focuses on democratic consolidation in this tradition. It is primarily due to the perceived inability of non-Western states to consolidate their democracies in the liberal democratic tradition and by default, construct thriving liberal democracies. Present theories of liberal democratic consolidation theory deal with governmental, political organisational and societal aspects of liberal democracy. The level of change these theories propagate is all encompassing, and consequently one cannot merely study one aspect of liberal democratic consolidation theory, but needs to analyse the paradigm as a whole in order to explore its metatheoretical structure. It is in this light that the study conducts an appraisal of liberal democratic consolidation theory. The critique developed in this study is aimed at addressing a disparity that currently exists within contemporary consolidation of liberal democracy theory, namely a failure of producers of liberal democratic discourse to understand the philosophical and ideological undertone of liberal democratic consolidation‘s understructure. The study does not seek to conceptualise alternative criteria of democratic consolidation in the non-Western context, but focuses on liberal democratic consolidation theory, to demonstrate that its criteria is not necessarily an appropriate barometer to measure democracy in the non-Western world. / Political Sciences / D.Litt. et Phil. (African Politics)

Text in Afrikaans / In die ondersoek na die modus operandi van die bankrower: 'n kriminologiese introspeksie, kan die ondergemelde drie dimensies onderskei word: Die eerste dimensie is 'n kriminologiese introspeksie wat die betekenis wat bankrowers self aan die uitvoer van bankrooftogte heg, behels. Hierdie leefwereld van die subjekte word deur die navorser "betree" en mede-verken. Doelgerigtheid, morele oorwegings, teesin in geweld, charisma, kognitiewe vermoens en 'n materialistiese ingesteldheid is begrippe wat die bankrower as mens belig. Die tweede dimensie word verteenwoordig deur die begrondingsteorie as navorsingsmetode, gebaseer op die werk van Strauss en Corbin {1990), wat toegepas word ten einde sodanige navorsingsdoelstelling te fasiliteer. Tydens die aanvanklike fase van die ondersoek is daar met 28 bankrowers in aanhoud i ng, gefokusde semi -gest ruktureerde ind i epte-onderhoude gevoer. Opvolgonderhoude is met ses van die 28 subjekte gevoer, met die doel om 'n substantiewe begrondingsteorie te ontplooi, verskille op te klaar en die geldigheid van die data te verhoog. Die derde dimensie reflekteer vervolgens die ontplooiing van 'n substantiewe begrondingsteorie wat weerspieel word in proposisies en wat in vier fases van die modus operandi van die bankrower onderskei word, naamlik die beplanning-; uitvoering-; afhandeling-; en heroorwegingsfase. Elk van die ge'identifiseerde fases word gekenmerk deur progressiewe beweging, natuurlike kontinu'iteit, emosionele belewenisse en 'n individualistiese inslag. Twee kernelemente, naamlik besluitneming en rasionaliteit staan prominent binne die kader van die modus operandi van die bankrower. Die substantiewe begrondingsteorie is daarop ingestel om die verskynsel wat bestudeer word, te verklaar. Seide die oorweging van die ondersoek asook ander doelstellings van die navorser word binne die teorie geakkommodeer. Verdere vergelykende studies kan daartoe bydra om die substantiewe begrondingsteorie te verfyn, te falsifiseer, 6f by gebrek daaraan, tot 'n formele teorie uit te bou. Derhalwe word die begrondingsteorie as navorsingsmetode nie slegs as toepaslik beskou vir toekomstige navorsing oor onderwerpe waaroor daar 'n gebrek aan empiriese bevindinge bestaan en waaroor relatief min kennis in kriminologiese literatuur voorkom nie, maar hou dit ook die voordeel van 'n pluriforme navorsingstudie in. / In the investigation into the modus operandi of the bank robber: a criminological introspection, three dimensions can be distinguished. The first dimension is a criminological introspection comprising the meaning attached by bank rob.bers to the execution of bank robberies. This world of the subjects is entered and co-scouted. Sense of purpose, mora 1 considerations, aversion to violence, charisma, cognitive powers and a materialistic disposition are conceptions that elucidate the bank robber as a human. The second dimension is represented by the grounded theory as research method, based on the work of Strauss and Corbin (1990), which are applied to facilitate such research aims. During the initial phase of the investigation, focused, semi-structured, in-depth interviews were held with 28 bank robbers in detention. Subsequent interviews were held with six of the 28 subjects, aimed at expanding a substantive grounded theory, to clear up differences and to increase the validity of the data. The third dimension reflects the development of a substantive grounded theory which is revealed in propositions and signalised in four phases of the bank robber's modus operandi, namely the planning, execution, disposal and reconsideration phases. Each of these identified phases is characterised by progressive movement, natura 1 continuity, emot i ona 1 experiences and an individualistic infusion. The basic elements, namely decision-making and rationalisation, are prominent in the cadre of the bank robber's modus operandi. The substantive grounded theory is aimed at explaining the study phenomenon. Consideration of the investigation as well as other aims of the researcher are accommodated in the theory. Further comparative studies can assist in refining or falsifying the substantive grounded theory or, failing, to expand it to a formal theory. The grounded theory is therefore regarded as appropriate for future research on subjects about which there is a lack of empirical findings and relatively little knowledge in criminological literature. The theory offers, in addition, the advantage of a pluriform research study. / Sociology / D. Litt et Phil. (Kriminologie)

Title: Evaluation of body composition analysis using anthropometric measurements and methods based on bioimpedance Aims: The main goal of this study is to analyze correlations of the data from bioimpedance with direct anthropometric measurements using statistical data analysis taking into consideration that the latter data is recognized as a gold standard. Methods: The sample of 42 men and 20 women was evaluated using standard anthropometric techniques. In addition, the dimensions, which are necessary to establish the weight of segments in upper and lower arms. The obtained data was firstly evaluated using a universal software ANTROPO. The both samples were concurrently investigated using the bioimpedance methods and the relationships between the aforementioned data and data from InBody was evaluated by three independent statistical methods such as substantive significance (Cohen's d), two-parameter linear regression and robust Passing- Bablok regression. Results: The results obtained enable to conclude that (with the exception of body height and BMI) the remaining parameters do not sufficiently correlate when using anthropometric measurements and data from InBody. As the relatively low number of participants may result in certain misrepresentation of the results, particularly in women, the...

[pt] Com base na análise dos Relatórios de Sustentabilidade de 2012 de quatro empresas de diferentes segmentos (Telecomunicações, Seguros e Previdência, Cosmético e Mineração), a presente pesquisa buscou entender qual a racionalidade predominante neste tipo de publicação à luz dos conceitos de racionalidade instrumental e racionalidade substantiva de Guerreiro Ramos. Para alcançar este objetivo, o marco teórico apresentou a discussão na literatura acerca dos conceitos de responsabilidade social, sustentabilidade, racionalidade substantiva, racionalidade instrumental, identidade organizacional e reputação corporativa. No que diz respeito aos procedimentos metodológicos, os conjuntos de documentos coletados foram analisados por meio da análise de conteúdo, o que permitiu a criação de categorias de observação, quais sejam: (1) Relação com Stakeholders; (2) Declarações e Referenciais Institucionais; (3) Aspectos Legais; e (4) Equilíbrio Triple Botton Line. A seguir, cada categoria foi relacionada com um conjunto de elementos característicos das duas racionalidades elencadas gerando duas classificações distintas. Como resultados alcançados, de uma forma geral, foi possível identificar a predominância de elementos de racionalidade instrumental na maioria dos discursos, o que confirma a hipótese inicial e indica o cálculo utilitário presente em grande parte destes documentos. De forma mais aplicada, as conclusões do estudo contribuem para uma gestão das organizações mais holística/humanística, pois torna possível que estas reflitam e problematizem o seu posicionamento e suas ações em relação à Sustentabilidade, observando se a opção por um discurso mais superficial que visa apenas atender à construção de uma boa imagem institucional é tão efetiva quanto um discurso que relate valores e práticas organizacionais que lidem com os reais desafios de uma atual gestão sustentável. Além disso, as conclusões podem suscitar novas questões sobre o tema – como, por exemplo, como seria a evolução do discurso nos relatórios de sustentabilidade de uma mesma empresa com o passar do tempo - que poderão ser melhor exploradas por novos estudos. / [en] Based on the analysis of the 2012 Sustainability Reports from four companies of different segments (Telecommunications, Insurance, Cosmetics and Mining), this research sought to understand the prevailing rationality in this type of publication, in relation to the concepts of instrumental rationality and substantive rationality, based on Guerreiro Ramos. To accomplish this goal, the theoretical framework presented a discussion about the concepts of social responsibility, sustainability, substantive rationality, instrumental rationality, organizational identity and corporate reputation. Regarding the methodological procedures, collected documents were studied using content analysis, which allowed the creation of categories of observation, which are: (1) Relationship with Stakeholders; (2) Institutional statements and frameworks; (3) Legal Aspects, and (4) Triple Bottom Line balance. Next, each category was related to a set of characteristic elements of the two rationales listed, creating two different classifications. According to the results, in general, it was possible to identify the predominance of elements related to instrumental rationality in most speeches, which confirms the initial assumption and indicates the utilitarian calculation largely seen in these documents. As a practical matter, this study’s findings contribute to the management of organizations, once it becomes possible for these companies to ponder over and problematize their positioning and their actions in relation to sustainability, observing if the option for a more superficial discourse that seeks only a good corporate image is as effective as a discourse that reports organizational values and practices that address the real challenges of a current sustainable management. In addition, these findings may raise new questions about the subject – such as how the evolution of speech in sustainability reports of the one company over time would be, which could be better explored by further studies.

A investigação dos reflexos condicionantes da Parte Geral da Lei 8.078/90 na formatação do direito material positivo das relações de consumo se vincula diretamente à sistemática legislativa empregada na confecção do CDC, notadamente quanto aos seus dez primeiros artigos e à opção de neles se inscreverem as vigas mestras estruturantes de todo o seu sistema protetivo. É dizer: o direito material positivo das relações de consumo não pode ser visto de forma dissociada da Parte Geral da Lei 8.078/90, lídima regra de interpretação dirigida a fixar o alcance e a profundidade desse arcabouço jurídico instituído, por determinação constitucional, para amparar esse específico sujeito que é o consumidor; mais que isso, inclinado a buscar a materialização do equilíbrio nas relações obrigacionais que gravitam em torno do mercado. A ideia é visusalizar a Parte Geral do Código como um fator condicionante das regras de direito material privado criadas no intuito de concretizar a vontade do Poder Constituinte originário de defender o consumidor, operando uma espécie de justiça distributiva em uma relação jurídica historicamente desequilibrada, relegando-se às demais regras da parte especial função meramente explicativa. Nessa linha de raciocínio, foram examinados a dogmática positiva, as balizas de incidência do Código, a política nacional das relações de consumo, a boa-fé objetiva como mínimo ético exigível, os direitos básicos do consumidor e o risco como elemento de responsabilidade civil. Arremata-se com um resumo analítico da proposta, a identificar conclusões diretas sobre os problemas teóricos e práticos examinados. Torna-se imprescindível, assim, compreender a real amplitude dos direitos materiais outorgados aos consumidores e, para tanto, só há um caminho: investigar profundamente os reflexos condicionantes da Parte Geral da Lei 8.078/90 na formatação daquilo que de melhor se pensou, em termos legislativos, para promover a defesa do consumidor. / The investigation of constraining reflexes of the General Part of Act 8.078/90 in formatting the positive substantive law of consumption relationship is directly related to the legal systematic employed in the CDC confection, especially regarding the first ten articles and the option to enroll in them the main structuring foundations of the whole protective system. Indeed, the positive substantive law of consumption relationship cannot be dissociated of the General Part of Act 8.078/90, true interpretation rule aimed at setting the range and depth of this legal framework, established by constitutional determination to support this specific subject, the consumer, beyond that, inclined to search the real balance in the obligational relations focused on the consumption market. The main purpose is to visualize the Codes General Part as a constraining factor of substantive private law rules created in order to materialize the Congress originary will to protect the consumer, working as a distributive justice in a historically unbalanced legal relation, demoting the remaining special part rules to a purely explanatory function. Moreover, the positive dogmatic, the Code applicability limits, the Consumption Relationships National Policy, the objective good-faith as a minimum ethical demandable, the consumers basic rights and the risk as an element of civil liability were examined. At the end, a purpose analytical summary is presented, identifying direct conclusions concerning the theoretical and practical problems examined. It becomes imperative to comprehend the real dimension of the substantive rights granted to consumers and therefore, the only path is to deeply investigate the constraining reflexes of the General Part of Act 8.078/90 in structuring the best consideration in legal terms to promote consumer protection.

Appréhendée aussi comme un idéal, l’égalité se décline juridiquement à travers le principe de non- discrimination. Étudié par le prisme du droit européen, il se révèle être un exemple significatif des difficultés mais aussi des potentialités des relations entre les deux principaux espaces juridiques européens : le Conseil de l’Europe et l’Union européenne. La Cour européenne des droits de l’homme, le Comité européen des droits sociaux ainsi que la Cour de justice de l’Union européenne affichent une apparente homogénéité derrière laquelle se cachent des réalités différentes qui fragilisent le principe de non-discrimination et affaiblissent son rôle pourtant central dans le renforcement du droit européen des droits de l’homme. Ce principe doit ainsi être redéfini afin de retrouver une pleine efficacité en tenant compte du fait que son interprétation ne peut différer d’un espace européen à l’autre. Ce défi majeur conduit à analyser en quoi consiste précisément, pour l’Europe, le caractère axiologique du principe de non-discrimination. / Also perceived as an ideal, equality finds its legal incarnation in the non-discrimination principle. When examined through the European prism, it reveals its full meaning in terms of difficulties, but also of potential, for the relations between the two main European legal systems : the Council of Europe and the European Union. The European Court of Human Rights, the European Committee of Social Rights as well as the Court of Justice of the European Union, behind the apparent similarity displayed, harbour different realities, thus underming the non-discrimination principle and weakening its key role in the defence of European human rights law. In order to restore its full effectivness, this principle should be redefined, bearing in mind that its interpretation cannot change from one European legal system to another. This major challenge leads to the analysis of the exact implications, for Europe, of the cornerstone function played by the non-discrimination principle.

Made available in DSpace on 2016-04-26T20:21:39Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Paulo Friedrich Wilhelm Lowenthal.pdf: 800567 bytes, checksum: 13e41dd30e8aca2753610f3d62d4aa53 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2013-05-14 / This paper discusses the constitutional guarantee of due process of law, with emphasis on its substantive dimension. It investigates the applicability of substantive due process within the scope of the Brazilian legal order based on precedents of the Supreme Federal Court, in addition to analyzing the origins and development of the constitutional doctrine of substantive due process in its cradle, meaning the precedents of the U.S. Supreme Court. As an interpretation instrument, identifying and understanding the interpretive phases related to the principle of substantive due process and its dimensions under U.S. Law adds breadth to the study and understanding of the substantive due process doctrine within the scope of the Brazilian legal order / O presente trabalho trata da garantia do devido processo legal, com ênfase na sua dimensão substancial. Empreende uma investigação acerca das origens e do desenvolvimento do devido processo legal substancial, enfocando o ambiente em que o mesmo apresentou seu desenvolvimento mais fecundo: a jurisprudência da Suprema Corte norte-americana. A partir da identificação das diversas fases interpretativas que o princípio do devido processo legal substancial assumiu no direito estrangeiro, a sua compreensão é enriquecida, possibilitando, ao intérprete, uma utilização mais consistente e consciente desse importante ferramental hermenêutico. Objetiva verificar a aplicabilidade, em nosso ordenamento jurídico, do devido processo legal substancial, utilizandose, para tanto, o exame da jurisprudência do Supremo Tribunal Federal

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In this dissertation I systematically examine African-American and Latino legislator behavior in a legislative setting. The project specifically examines whether and how minority legislators represent and influence African American and Latino policy interests during the legislative process. I perform an analysis of minority legislator participation rates on bills and develop an original measure of substantive representation using patterns in legislative speech of state representatives’ language during committee hearings. I build on existing theory in the representation literature and offer new hypotheses for expanding the scope of how substantive representation is defined and investigated, namely through an empirical investigation of the link between deliberation and descriptive representation. Second, I collect an original data set and develop an original measure of substantive representation to test these hypotheses with participation rates and a linguistic frame based content analysis approach of minority and non-minority representatives’ language on bills for racial perspectives during state legislative committee hearings on several policy issue areas including, but not limited to education, healthcare, and immigration. Third, I offer a critical test of hypotheses to test whether African American and Latino representatives’ (1) participate more when the legislation is deemed minority interest in comparison to their non-minority counterparts? (2) their behavior (or deliberation style) is different from non-minority legislators? (3) impact the deliberation style of non-minority legislators? The analysis draws on original data collected through committee hearing tapes and online video archives of Texas committee hearings in multiple policy areas, and the findings indicate that minority legislators do indeed provide a voice for minority constituents, providing more minority interest language on minority interest bills in comparison to their non-minority colleagues, especially when the legislation is threatening to minority populations. These results support the argument that minority legislators do indeed substantively represent minority constituents at levels greater than non-minority representatives during the legislative process.

In this dissertation I systematically examine African-American and Latino legislator behavior in a legislative setting. The project specifically examines whether and how minority legislators represent and influence African American and Latino policy interests during the legislative process. I perform an analysis of minority legislator participation rates on bills and develop an original measure of substantive representation using patterns in legislative speech of state representatives’ language during committee hearings. I build on existing theory in the representation literature and offer new hypotheses for expanding the scope of how substantive representation is defined and investigated, namely through an empirical investigation of the link between deliberation and descriptive representation. Second, I collect an original data set and develop an original measure of substantive representation to test these hypotheses with participation rates and a linguistic frame based content analysis approach of minority and non-minority representatives’ language on bills for racial perspectives during state legislative committee hearings on several policy issue areas including, but not limited to education, healthcare, and immigration. Third, I offer a critical test of hypotheses to test whether African American and Latino representatives’ (1) participate more when the legislation is deemed minority interest in comparison to their non-minority counterparts? (2) their behavior (or deliberation style) is different from non-minority legislators? (3) impact the deliberation style of non-minority legislators? The analysis draws on original data collected through committee hearing tapes and online video archives of Texas committee hearings in multiple policy areas, and the findings indicate that minority legislators do indeed provide a voice for minority constituents, providing more minority interest language on minority interest bills in comparison to their non-minority colleagues, especially when the legislation is threatening to minority populations. These results support the argument that minority legislators do indeed substantively represent minority constituents at levels greater than non-minority representatives during the legislative process.