Cohomology and projectivity of modules for finite group schemes

Let G be a finite group scheme over an algebraically closed field of positive characteristic. Assume further that the connected component of G is unipotent. It is shown that the projectivity of a rational G-module can be detected on a family of closed subgroups. It is further shown that nilpotent cohomology or extension classes can be detected on this family of subgroups.Comment: 21 page

An investigation of development appraisal methods employed by valuers and appraisers in small and medium sized practices in Brazil

Purpose – Whilst the real estate development appraisal practices of large national and international real estate companies are well understood, relatively little is known about how development appraisals are conducted by indigenous appraisers and valuers in developing countries. The purpose of this paper is to investigate how development appraisal is conducted in Brazil, compared to the UK, focusing primarily on the methods employed by small- and medium-sized real estate practices and their appraisers to appraise the viability of commercial real estate developments in the State of Sao Paulo. Design/methodology/approach – The study employs a two phase Delphi Method to capture and analyse empirical data from small- and medium-sized real estate appraisers in Brazil. Using the long established and relatively transparent UK Residual Method of development appraisal as a template against which to compare Brazilian appraisal methods, guidance and practice. To understand how indigenous development appraisers operate the Brazilian development appraisal methods, the research was conducted in Portuguese by a bi-lingual real estate expert who was familiar with both UK and Brazilian practice. Findings – The research establishes that appraisers working for small- and medium -sized real estate practices in Brazil rarely use the Residual Method. Instead, they employ a range of methods, the choice of which is heavily influenced by the availability of comparable market data, with Direct Comparison of market data and the Capitalisation of Income being the methods of choice when sufficient comparable evidence is available. Appraisers rarely employ the Residual Method as the principal development appraisal technique, using instead the Comparative Method and Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) analysis. Land prices are usually agreed or already known and developer’s profit is usually determined using DCF analysis and is highly sensitive to fluctuations in construction costs. Research limitations/implications – The research engaged with a small number of appraisers and valuers in small- and medium-sized practices in the State of Sao Paulo using a two-phase Delphi Method. The long established UK Residual Method of development appraisal was used as a template against which to compare practice in Sao Paulo State. There is potential therefore to replicate the research in other Brazilian States and transfer the methodology to other developing countries. Practical implications – In Brazil, when development land in urban areas is acquired on the basis of plot exchange, land is often sold at less than market value and the original landowner retains an equity stake in the development and shares in the development overage. The practice of “permuta física”, giving landowners the freehold of part of the development, or “permuta financeira”, whereby the landowner receives an enhanced land price, indexed against development value, is of potential relevance to the UK and other developed countries that need help in urban unlocking land markets

Estonia’s Security: A Case Study of Internal and External Perceptions

Estonia is facing a challenging security situation, given the broad spectrum of threats and its historical and geopolitical ties to Russia. With that in mind, this qualitative case study aims at providing an overview of Estonia’s security by establishing the similarities and differences between internal and external perceptions and applying role theory to the findings. The empirical data, gathered through elite interviews with Estonia’s prime minister and defence minister, as well as officials and experts from the Baltic Sea region, mainly indicate that threats to Estonia’s security come from Russia and are played out on various arenas, all combined in the concept of hybrid threats. Furthermore, the Russian-speaking minorities and the aging population are additional threats, perceived externally. Moreover, Estonia’s own defence forces are perceived as very professional, but small in size, as is the country’s economic and diplomatic capacity. Consequently, Estonia’s security derives directly from NATO and the EU, which can also compensate for capacity shortcomings. Accordingly, Estonia is perceived as a very committed ally to its partners, embodying multiple roles in the region, among others, the leadership role in the cyber domain.Estonia is facing a challenging security situation, given the broad spectrum of threats and its historical and geopolitical ties to Russia. With that in mind, this qualitative case study aims at providing an overview of Estonia’s security by establishing the similarities and differences between internal and external perceptions and applying role theory to the findings. The empirical data, gathered through elite interviews with Estonia’s prime minister and defence minister, as well as officials and experts from the Baltic Sea region, mainly indicate that threats to Estonia’s security come from Russia and are played out on various arenas, all combined in the concept of hybrid threats. Furthermore, the Russian-speaking minorities and the aging population are additional threats, perceived externally. Moreover, Estonia’s own defence forces are perceived as very professional, but small in size, as is the country’s economic and diplomatic capacity. Consequently, Estonia’s security derives directly from NATO and the EU, which can also compensate for capacity shortcomings. Accordingly, Estonia is perceived as a very committed ally to its partners, embodying multiple roles in the region, among others, the leadership role in the cyber domain