Abstract The aim of the study is to reveal the nature of learning in local land-use planning activity and to examine the possibilities for the development of planning as a form of learning activity. The theoretical approach draws on the pragmatist and dialectical reorientation of systems theory and the related theory of learning organizations. The traditional, positivist systems approach to land-use planning is considered both to depoliticize planning and to make it unreflective. Critical theory as a basis of planning theory is also shown to be inadequate. Communicative planning theories that draw on critical theory are rather theories of emancipation in the context of planning than theories of planning per se. An alternative systems-theoretical view to land-use planning activity is presented, where critical and constructive aspects as well as ethical and pragmatic aspects are interlinked in the dialectical dynamics of planning as organizational and inter-organizational learning activity. Three subsystems within the system of local land-use planning are identified: expertise, politics and economics. The subsystems of land-use planning build upon the basic distinction between legitimate and illegitimate conduct. For each subsystem, the context of its existence is formed by the interaction of all subsystems. By acting, each subsystem inevitably changes its dialectical relationship to this context. Harmful changes are felt within the subsystem as inner contradictions that interfere with its decision-making activity. If the subsystem is unable to face these contradictions but instead resorts to the use of pathological power, they may develop into paralyzing double bind situations. The resolution of a double bind situation requires expansive learning by the subsystem. However, there are also contradictions in land-use planning that the subsystems are unable to resolve by expansive learning. Such inter-systemic contradictions stem from the dialectical relationship between the overriding requirement of legitimacy on one hand and the basic goals of expert knowledge and economic profit on the other. In the study a hypothesis is formulated, according to which these basic - and, in the conditions of modern society, permanent - contradictions in local land-use planning require such inter-organizational learning, which enables the creation of planning solutions that provide means for their task-related harmonization, and, in the longer term, contributes to the emergence of a participative planning culture where the contradictions can be handled legitimately, if not resolved.

M.Com. (South African and International Taxation) / International tax treaties are unique bilateral negotiations effectively breaking down the barriers of international trade while aiming to eliminate double taxation and prevent fiscal evasion. The implementation of these negotiated tax treaties is a matter of domestic law, once concluded a contracting state is free to use domestic legislation to tax the income allocated through the these tax treaties. There is however, no external enforcement of these agreements and as a result disputes occur. The remedy proposed by both the OECD MTC and the UN MTC is what we know as MAP. MAP is a non-binding, non-compulsory dispute resolution mechanism developed in the early 20th century. Even though many jurisdictions remain of the view the MAP is a successful method of dispute resolution, others feel that it has significant shortcomings as outlined by the JWG established by the OECD in 2003. As a result of the work done by the JWG and in an attempt to address some of the insufficiencies of the MAP the OECD introduced additional articles to the MTC including guidelines on non-binding arbitration. The UN subsequently introduced similar guidelines in its MTC. The introduction of mandatory arbitration into both these MTCs is the most significant development in the resolution of international tax disputes. However, the increased complexity and volume of international trade undoubtedly results in tax implications that are not currently addressed in tax treaties or conventions. Differences in the interpretation of the underlying facts of those trade transactions may lead to a host of international tax disputes, often resulting in juridical double taxation. With MAP being the only remedy available, this study aims to determine whether or not the MAP in its current form, is an effective international dispute resolution mechanism or whether further developments are still required.

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This thesis presents a recording of seven jazz compositions as performed in the author’s Master’s Recital on March 24, 2012. One of the compositions is my own, and four others are my own arrangements. The present paper includes scores of the original compositions and arrangements as well as program notes that offer historical background, summaries of the form, and observations on performance practice for each selection. I have sought to explore systematically explore the multiple roles of the double bass as a functional, supportive, and melodic instrument in a jazz piano trio. The seven compositions present the full range of challenges the double bassist must face in a small group setting. I explore different approaches and musical concepts that enable a high level of improvised music performance, without disregarding its ties to tradition.

MEMS based mechanical switches are seen to be the likely replacements for CMOS based switches due to the several advantages that these mechanical switches have over CMOS switches. Mechanical switches can be used in systems under extreme conditions and also provide more reliability and cause less power loss. A major problem with mechanical switches is bouncing. Bouncing is an undesirable characteristic which increases the switching time and causes damage to the switch structure affecting the overall switch life. This thesis proposes a new switch design that may be used to mitigate bouncing by using two voltage sources using a double electrode configuration. The effect of many switch’s tunable parameters is also discussed and an effective tuning technique is also provided. The results are compared to the current control schemes in literature and show that the double electrode scheme is a viable control option.

Rationale: Inadequate monitoring of neuromuscular blockade (NMB) may result in worse patient outcomes, therefore NMB monitor availability is a minimum requirement for perioperative care according to the South African Society of Anaesthesiologists’ (SASA) 2018 Practice Guidelines. The authors performed an audit of peripheral nerve stimulators (PNS) functionality and availability at their institution. In the researcher’s experience the peripheral nerve stimulators (PNS) in use at his institution are not always easily available and some units malfunction at times. There are also not many units that can give a graphical display of a train of four ratio. This observation spurred the idea to do an audit on neuromuscular monitoring at this institution, by focusing on the availability and functionality of peripheral nerve stimulators. Methods: After ethics approval was obtained, an audit was performed. In order to assess function, the PNS were attached to an electrical circuit with a skin equivalent resistance. The resultant current impulses generated using Train-of-Four (TOF) mode and Double Burst Stimulation modes (DBS) were recorded with a voltage scope meter and visually assessed that the TOF was present and appeared equal. PNS availability was assessed in theatre and recovery areas against the SASA guideline standard of nerve stimulator availability. Results: Of the 65 PNS units assessed, 39 units were deemed to be dysfunctional and 26 units fully functional. The most frequent fault found (30 units) related to faulty or absent PNS electrode cables. Eight functional PNS units with TOF ratio display capability were found. The working PNS showed good inter-device peak voltage measurement correlation. Of the 59 areas identified where PNS should be easily available, only 37 areas met the PNS availability criteria suggested in the SASA guidelines. Discussion: This audit revealed that overall there were not enough functional PNS available at the institution, when measured against the SASA standard. The clinical significance of these findings would vary depending on the actual usage rate of NMBs in the area concerned. The logistics of tracking aPNS unit’slocationalso turnsoutto be paramountinsituationswherenerve stimulators have to be shared between areas. From a technical point of view, the working PNS were found to be very consistent in their delivered voltage bursts. Future use of the first generation PNS (without TOF ratio display) will continue to decline, because of their inability to monitor neuromuscular function bymodern standards, and the poor availability ofreplacement parts for models no longer manufactured. The cost and availability of repairs and cable replacementsshould be factored into the decision when acquiring more PNS units. Conclusion: This audit highlighted the need for more new generation PNS with TOF-ratiodisplay- ability to align the institution with the recommendations from SASA standards and the anaesthetic literature. It also highlighted the accuracy and consistency of delivered current bursts by the working PNS devices.

We study the time evolution of light fields inside a double cavity which is comprised of two perfect end mirrors and a parametrically driven, partially transmissive central mirror in both a classical and a quantum mechanical framework. It is common practise in the field of optomechanics to take a Hamiltonian approach \cite{aspelmeyer2014cavity} ignoring non-linear coupling terms between the light field and the moving mechanical element. By contrast, we start from the Maxwell wave equation which is second order in time and find that a first order in time Schr\"{o}dinger-type wave equation (equivalent to neglecting the non-linear coupling) is a valid approximation for low enough mirror reflectivity and speed and for large light frequencies. We also study adiabatic dynamics for the Maxwell wave equation and find it differs from the more familiar adiabaticity in the Schr\"{o}dinger equation. Next, we numerically simulate the dynamical Casimir effect (DCE) in the double cavity with a sinusoidally driven central mirror following earlier numerical work on the perfect single cavity \cite{Ruser2006NumericalDCE,ruser2005vibrating,naylor2009dynamical}. Because our central mirror is partially transmissive it is physically more realistic and circumvents fundamental problems associated with having perfectly reflecting moving mirrors \cite{Moore1970DCESingleCavity,barton1993quantum}. The corresponding photon creation rates are drastically lower when compared to the perfectly reflective mirror case. Furthermore, if we make one of the cavities much longer than the other we can simulate the DCE for a single open cavity coupled to an environment without having to make the Markov approximation. The resultant asymmetric double cavity (ADC) model is valid for times short enough that only a negligible number of the photons that has leaked out of the open cavity has sloshed back in again. As for the symmetric case, one advantage of the ADC is that driven mirror is partially transmissive rather than perfectly reflecting. / Thesis / Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

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