THE INFLUENCE OF THE REGULATORY ENVIRONMENT ON THE DEFINITION OF PERFORMANCE: THE EXAMPLE OF THE SPORT BETTING AND LOTTERY SECTORS

This thesis examines the interplay between state regulation and the way organisations define performance. Performance is generally understood to be a multidimensional concept, but the extent to which its different facets are shaped by regulation remains an understudied question. This thesis aims to address this question and provide at least a partial answer to it. To do so, it examines whether the level of regulation amplifies or abates the multidimensionality of regulated entities' performance definition, i.e. the way they define the concept of performance. The leading question is whether an organisation's performance definition can be associated with the regulatory intensity its environment confronts it with. Moreover, the study explores whether the type of ownership-public or private-plays a role in regard to how a regulated entity defines performance. In order to undertake this investigation, the thesis focuses on the performance definitions of organisations in six different sport betting and lottery regulations. Qualitative data is gathered from primary and secondary documents as well as through semi-structured interviews with chief executive officers (CEO), members of executive management and gambling experts in each of these countries. The thesis concludes that the performance definitions of the organisations under study are indeed multidimensional, as well as clearly influenced by their respective regulatory environments. However, not all performance dimensions identified in the literature are present, nor can they all be estimated to be part of the performance definition. In addition, the public-private difference in defining performance-as conceptualised in the literature- seems to be abated in a regulated environment. The central role played by regulation in regard to the multidimensionality of the performance definition partially outweighs the effect of the nature of ownership.

Effects of genetics and environment on isoflavone content of soybean from different regions of Brazil

The effects of genetics and environmental factors on isoflavone content of soybean (Glycine max L.) cultivars grown in different locations in Brazil in 1993/94 were evaluated. Seeds of different cultivars were analised by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). In Rio Grande do Sul (RS), Paraná (PR), and Mato Grosso do Sul (MS) States, a significant difference in the isoflavone total content average of the cultivars IAS 5 and FT-Abyara (163.9, 116.4 and 79.5 mg/100 g, respectively) was observed. In general, IAS 5 contained higher isoflavone than FT-Abyara. Cultivars IAS 5 and FT-Abyara grown at Vacaria, RS (28°30' S latitude) with temperature average of 19°C, had the highest isoflavone concentrations (218.7 and 163.8 mg/100 g, respectively). In Palotina, PR (24°27' S latitude), where temperature average was 24°C, the isoflavone concentrations were 105.9 and 86.8 mg/100 g, respectively. The lowest isoflavone contents were observed for FT-Estrela and FT-Cristalina, (27.6 and 46.5 mg/100 g, repectively) at Rondonópolis, MT (16°20' S latitude), where the temperature was 27°C.

Maintaining Iowa's Secondary Road Environment, HR-289, 1989

The Iowa counties have been successful in maintaining a good roadway environment on our 90,000 mile secondary road system. However, county highway personnel must remain vigilant in detecting, discovering and correcting potential problems if our roads are to remain so. This presentation was developed for those county personnel who work and travel on secondary roads. The presentation discusses things county personnel can look for during their daily operations which could possibly create a potential problem. If these situations are uncovered and corrected in a timely manner, our secondary road system will be maintained in an appropriate manner.

Activity of beta-glucosidase and levels of isoflavone glucosides in soybean cultivars affected by the environment

The enzyme beta-glucosidase hydrolyses the isoflavone glucosides developing aglycones, which are compounds with anticancer effects, that are also related with the astringency observed in soybean flavor. Due to the importance of this enzyme, a study was carried out to determine beta-glucosidase activity in soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merrill) cultivars with different contents of isoflavone glucosides (enzyme substrate). The enzyme activity was determined in 51 soybean cultivars sowed in Londrina (latitude 23ºS), in Paraná State, Brazil, and in the cultivar IAS 5 from soybean production regions of different Brazilian states. Among the cultivars, a range of variability of 176.1 to 96.3 units of enzyme activity (cultivars IAC-2 and Embrapa 2, respectively) was observed. A significant variability among cultivars could suggest genetic differences. In the states of Rio Grande do Sul, Paraná and Mato Grosso do Sul, the cultivar IAS 5 presented similar average of beta-glucosidase activity: 132.1, 131.9 and 132.5 units, respectively. Among locations in the states, the cultivar IAS 5 presented a variability for enzyme activity from 138.8 to 124.8 units, which were statistically different. In spite of statistics, the numerical values were not too different to assume that environmental conditions affected enzyme activity. A non-significative correlation for isoflavone glucoside concentrations and enzyme activity was observed among cultivars.

Self reported physical activity, public health, and perceived environment: results from a comparative European study

The focus of physical activity promotion is moving from methods for increasing health enhancing physical activity on the individual level to higher level strategies including environmental and policy approaches. Scientific inquiry, traditionally related to individual-based strategies, requires adaptation and refinement when environmental and policy changes become more relevant. The objective of this study is to investigate the significance for behaviour and health of community-based environments that encourage physical activity. DESIGN AND SETTING The article presents data and results from a cross sectional comparative survey of the general population in six European countries (Belgium, Finland, Germany (East and West), Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland). Specifically, the relation between perceived community-based opportunities for physical activity, self reported physical activity, and self rated health status is investigated. PARTICIPANTS Representative samples of general populations (adults 18 years or older). Overall response rate: 53.5%. Sample sizes realised: Belgium: n=389; Finland: n=400; Germany (East): n = 913; Germany (West): n=489; Netherlands: n=366; Spain: n=380; Switzerland: n=406. MAIN RESULTS Analyses show that best opportunities are reported by people who are lightly to moderately physically active. People's self rated health is moderately, but significantly associated with both perceived opportunities, and physical activity itself. These predictors interact in that especially for women, the health impact of physical activity is more pronounced in case of good opportunities. CONCLUSIONS The paper shows the potential of opportunities within residential and community environments with regard to physical activity, both for behaviour and health. Opportunities may enable the population, especially women, to develop an active lifestyle, and thus improve their health. Future studies with objective indicators for physical activity related environments should test the findings that are based on perceptions.

Gene by environment interaction: effects of a single-gene and social-environment on reproductive phenotypes of fire ant queens

1. The gene Pgm-3 (or a closely linked gene) influences the phenotype and reproductive success of queens in multiple-queen (polygynous) colonies but not single-queen (monogynous) colonies of the Fire Ant Solenopsis invicta. 2. We investigated the mechanisms of differential phenotypic expression of Pgm-3 in these alternate social forms. Mature winged queens with the homozygous genotype Pgm-3(a/a) averaged 26% heavier than queens with the genotypes Pgm-3(a/b) and Pgm 3(b/b) in the polygynous form. Heterozygotes were slightly heavier (2%) than Pgm-3(b/b) queens in this form, demonstrating that the allele Pgm-3(a) is not completely recessive in its effects on weight. 3. There was no significant difference in weight among queens of the three Pgm-3 genotypes in the monogynous form, with the mean weight of monogynous queens slightly greater than that of polygynous Pgm-3(a/a) queens. Differences in weight between queens of the two social forms and among queens of the three genotypes in the polygynous form are not evident at the pupal stage and thus appear to develop during sexual maturation of the adults. This suggests that some component of the social environment of polygynous colonies inhibits weight gains during queen maturation and that Pgm-(3a/a) queens are relatively less sensitive to this factor. 4. To test whether the high cumulative queen pheromone level characteristic of polygynous colonies is the factor responsible for the differential queen maturation, we compared phenotypes of winged queens reared in split colonies in which pheromone levels were manipulated by adjusting queen number. Queens produced in colony fragments made monogynous were heavier than those produced in polygynous fragments, a finding consistent with the hypothesis that pheromone level affects the reproductive development of queens. However, genotype-specific differences in weights of queens were similar between the two treatments, suggesting that pheromone level was not the key factor of the social environment responsible for the gene-environment interaction. 5. To test whether limited food availability to winged queens associated with the high brood/worker ratios in polygynous colonies is the factor responsible for this interaction, similar split-colony experiments were performed. Elevated brood/worker ratios decreased the weight of winged queens but there was no evidence that this treatment intensified differential weight gains among queens with different Pgm-3 genotypes. Manipulation of the amount of food provided to colonies had no effect on queen weight. 6. The combined data indicate that cumulative pheromone level and brood/worker ratio are two of the factors responsible for the differences in reproductive phenotypes between monogynous and polygynous winged queens but that these factors are not directly responsible for inducing the phenotypic effects of Pgm-3 in polygynous colonies.

Développement d'une méthode microgravimétrique urbaine : intégration dans un SIG et application au projet du M2 lausannois

Résumé La réalisation d'une seconde ligne de métro (M2) dès 2004, passant dans le centre ville de Lausanne, a été l'opportunité de développer une méthodologie concernant des campagnes microgravimétriques dans un environnement urbain perturbé. Les corrections topographiques prennent une dimension particulière dans un tel milieu, car de nombreux objets non géologiques d'origine anthropogénique comme toutes sortes de sous-sols vides viennent perturber les mesures gravimétriques. Les études de génie civil d'avant projet de ce métro nous ont fournis une quantité importante d'informations cadastrales, notamment sur les contours des bâtiments, sur la position prévue du tube du M2, sur des profondeurs de sous-sol au voisinage du tube, mais aussi sur la géologie rencontré le long du corridor du M2 (issue des données lithologiques de forages géotechniques). La planimétrie des sous-sols a été traitée à l'aide des contours des bâtiments dans un SIG (Système d'Information Géographique), alors qu'une enquête de voisinage fut nécessaire pour mesurer la hauteur des sous-sols. Il a été alors possible, à partir d'un MNT (Modèle Numérique de Terrain) existant sur une grille au mètre, de mettre à jour celui ci avec les vides que représentent ces sous-sols. Les cycles de mesures gravimétriques ont été traités dans des bases de données Ac¬cess, pour permettre un plus grand contrôle des données, une plus grande rapidité de traitement, et une correction de relief rétroactive plus facile, notamment lorsque des mises à jour de la topographie ont lieu durant les travaux. Le quartier Caroline (entre le pont Bessières et la place de l'Ours) a été choisi comme zone d'étude. Le choix s'est porté sur ce quartier du fait que, durant ce travail de thèse, nous avions chronologiquement les phases pré et post creusement du tunnel du M2. Cela nous a permis d'effectuer deux campagnes gravimétriques (avant le creu¬sement durant l'été 2005 et après le creusement durant l'été 2007). Ces réitérations nous ont permis de tester notre modélisation du tunnel. En effet, en comparant les mesures des deux campagnes et la réponse gravifique du modèle du tube discrétisé en prismes rectangulaires, nous avons pu valider notre méthode de modélisation. La modélisation que nous avons développée nous permet de construire avec détail la forme de l'objet considéré avec la possibilité de recouper plusieurs fois des interfaces de terrains géologiques et la surface topographique. Ce type de modélisation peut s'appliquer à toutes constructions anthropogéniques de formes linéaires. Abstract The realization of a second underground (M2) in 2004, in downtown Lausanne, was the opportunity to develop a methodology of microgravity in urban environment. Terrain corrections take on special meaning in such environment. Many non-geologic anthropogenic objects like basements act as perturbation of gravity measurements. Civil engineering provided a large amount of cadastral informations, including out¬lines of buildings, M2 tube position, depths of some basements in the vicinity of the M2 corridor, and also on the geology encountered along the M2 corridor (from the lithological data from boreholes). Geometry of basements was deduced from building outlines in a GIS (Geographic Information System). Field investigation was carried out to measure or estimate heights of basements. A DEM (Digital Elevation Model) of the city of Lausanne is updated from voids of basements. Gravity cycles have been processed in Access database, to enable greater control of data, enhance speed processing, and retroactive terrain correction easier, when update of topographic surface are available. Caroline area (between the bridge Saint-Martin and Place de l'Ours) was chosen as the study area. This area was in particular interest because it was before and after digging in this thesis. This allowed us to conduct two gravity surveys (before excavation during summer 2005 and after excavation during summer 2007). These re-occupations enable us to test our modélisation of the tube. Actually, by comparing the difference of measurements between the both surveys and the gravity response of our model (by rectangular prisms), we were able to validate our modeling. The modeling method we developed allows us to construct detailed shape of an object with possibility to cross land geological interfaces and surface topography. This type of modélisation can be applied to all anthropogenic structures.

Violent adolescents and their educational environment: a multilevel analysis.

OBJECTIVE: This study examined the respective roles of personal and environmental factors in youth violence in a nationally representative sample of 7548 postmandatory school students and apprentices ages 16-20 years in Switzerland. METHODS: Youth violence was defined as having committed at least one of the following in the previous 12 months: attacking an adult, snatching something, carrying a weapon, or using a weapon in a fight. Different ecological levels were tested, resulting in a three-level model only in males (individual, classroom, and school) as the low prevalence of female violence did not allow for a multilevel analysis. Dependent variables were attributed to each level. For males, the classroom level (10%) and the school level (24%) accounted for more than one third in interindividual variance. RESULTS: Factors associated with violence perpetration in females were being a victim of physical violence and sensation seeking at the individual level. In males, practicing unsafe sex, sensation seeking, being a victim of physical violence, having a poor relationship with parents, being depressed, and living in a single-parent household at the individual level; violence and antisocial acts at the classroom level; and being in a vocational school at the school level showed a correlation with violence perpetration. CONCLUSION: Interventions at the classroom level as well as an explicit school policy on violence and other risk behaviors should be considered a priority when dealing with the problem of youth violence. Furthermore, prevention should take into account gender differences.

Effects of alternative sets of climatic predictors on species distribution models and associated estimates of extinction risk: a test with plants in an arid environment

Aim To evaluate the effects of using distinct alternative sets of climatic predictor variables on the performance, spatial predictions and future projections of species distribution models (SDMs) for rare plants in an arid environment. . Location Atacama and Peruvian Deserts, South America (18º30'S - 31º30'S, 0 - 3 000 m) Methods We modelled the present and future potential distributions of 13 species of Heliotropium sect. Cochranea, a plant group with a centre of diversity in the Atacama Desert. We developed and applied a sequential procedure, starting from climate monthly variables, to derive six alternative sets of climatic predictor variables. We used them to fit models with eight modelling techniques within an ensemble forecasting framework, and derived climate change projections for each of them. We evaluated the effects of using these alternative sets of predictor variables on performance, spatial predictions and projections of SDMs using Generalised Linear Mixed Models (GLMM). Results The use of distinct sets of climatic predictor variables did not have a significant effect on overall metrics of model performance, but had significant effects on present and future spatial predictions. Main conclusion Using different sets of climatic predictors can yield the same model fits but different spatial predictions of current and future species distributions. This represents a new form of uncertainty in model-based estimates of extinction risk that may need to be better acknowledged and quantified in future SDM studies.

A Robust Multiple Feature Approach To Endpoint Detection In Car Environment Based On Advanced Classifiers

In this paper we propose an endpoint detection system based on the use of several features extracted from each speech frame, followed by a robust classifier (i.e Adaboost and Bagging of decision trees, and a multilayer perceptron) and a finite state automata (FSA). We present results for four different classifiers. The FSA module consisted of a 4-state decision logic that filtered false alarms and false positives. We compare the use of four different classifiers in this task. The look ahead of the method that we propose was of 7 frames, which are the number of frames that maximized the accuracy of the system. The system was tested with real signals recorded inside a car, with signal to noise ratio that ranged from 6 dB to 30dB. Finally we present experimental results demonstrating that the system yields robust endpoint detection.