Tolerable level of corruption for foreign direct investment in Africa

Corruption has become endemic in many African countries and is difficult to eradicate completely; therefore, reducing corruption to a tolerable level that will not deter foreign investors must be the aspiration of all political leaders and stakeholders. This study tries to identify the level of corruption that is tolerable to foreign investors, which is referred to as the Tolerable Level of Corruption for Investment (TLCI). The study proposes that below the TLCI, corruption plays the role of "sand in the wheels of commerce" and thus has a negative impact on FDI inflows, but above the TLCI, corruption functions to "grease the wheels" and has a positive impact on FDI inflows. The study is based on secondary data collected from the World Bank World Development Indicators. Using a dynamic panel data estimation technique while controlling for other variables, the estimated TLCI in Africa is -0.27 on the control of corruption scale, which ranges from approximately -2.5 (weak) to 2.5 (strong). Therefore, all African leaders and stakeholders, especially in countries that fall below the TLCI, should intensify their efforts in the fight against corruption to reduce corruption in their respective countries to at least the TLCI to attract foreign investors

Disguised Foreign Controlled Companies and the Facilitation of Transnational Criminal Activities in Thailand

The primary objectives of the study are to examine the role of a business using Thai nationals as nominee shareholders in foreign-controlled companies in the facilitation of the transnational criminal groups’ activities in the tourist destinations, and their social and economic impacts on the country. Nominee shareholder appointment in a legal entity has commonly been recognized as one of the techniques employed by criminal groups to launder and obscure the ownership of their illegal assets. However, this study points out that this type of company also performs other functions in providing resources and a platform for criminal groups to further their goals. The study used mixed methods by gathering qualitative data through conducting in-depth interviews and focus groups with 55 participants from relevant government agencies and private sectors, and by gathering quantitative data through conducting public surveys consisting of 1,160 participants from six provinces across five different regions in Thailand. The study concluded that there is a strong need for the country to improve monitoring mechanisms through legal changes, and collaborations among public, private and civil society as the practice of nominee shareholder appointment, although perceived as a normal practice in the global field of business, such a practice can invite unintended consequences, which can be a serious cause of concern due to the links with illegal activities operated under the umbrella of transnational organized crime

Nutritional Deficiencies and Phospholipid Metabolism

Phospholipids are important components of the cell membranes of all living species. They contribute to the physicochemical properties of the membrane and thus influence the conformation and function of membrane-bound proteins, such as receptors, ion channels, and transporters and also influence cell function by serving as precursors for prostaglandins and other signaling molecules and modulating gene expression through the transcription activation. The components of the diet are determinant for cell functionality. In this review, the effects of macro and micronutrients deficiency on the quality, quantity and metabolism of different phospholipids and their distribution in cells of different organs is presented. Alterations in the amount of both saturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids, vitamins A, E and folate, and other micronutrients, such as zinc and magnesium, are discussed. In all cases we observe alterations in the pattern of phospholipids, the more affected ones being phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine and sphingomyelin. The deficiency of certain nutrients, such as essential fatty acids, fat-soluble vitamins and some metals may contribute to a variety of diseases that can be irreversible even after replacement with normal amount of the nutrients. Usually, the sequelae are more important when the deficiency is present at an early age

Mise en evidence d'une modification de la fluidite membranaire des erythrocytes au cours de la carence experimentale en magnesium, chez le rat

SIGLECNRS T Bordereau / INIST-CNRS - Institut de l'Information Scientifique et TechniqueFRFranc

Essays in Law and Economics

<p>This dissertation comprises of three essays in law and economics. The first chapter, a joint work with my advisor - Marjorie McElroy, examines the longly debated effect of the liberalized divorce laws in the United States on the divorce rates during 1956-1989. The first and the second chapter are a theoretical and an empirical paper on a cooperative game of bribery.</p>Dissertatio

รูปแบบล้อ Run-flat ที่เหมาะสมสำหรับรถยนต์บรรทุกปกติขนาดเล็กติดเกราะ

วิทยานิพนธ์ (วศ.ม.) -- มหาวิทยาลัยเทคโนโลยีราชมงคลพระนคร, 2564The objectives of this research were to study the stress intensity in run-flat metal wheels and to design a new type of run-flat wheels that can be used in a small armored regular truck. Experimental methods and finite element methodologies were applied in the research process. The results obtained by comparing the strain values from the two methods demonstrated the consistency of both methods. The differences in stress values were in 10 -16 percentages, which could confirm the capability to analyze the stress distribution and deformation of run-flat by a finite element method. Proven processes and procedures in Pre-processing with SolidWorks Simulation were utilized to design run-flat wheels and a reverse engineering process was next used to create wheel rims and design the cross-sectional shape of new run-flat wheels made of composite materials which have an important reactant; a polymer group and aluminum oxide powder, added to enhance the strength. The designed parameters consisted of 1) the width of the run-flat wheels 2) the internal and external radius in which the internal radius depending on the size of the wheel rim and the outer radius which is a variable that determines the height of the run-flat wheels 3) the design of a lockset for tightening the run flat wheels to the wheel rims 4) materials used in the structure of the run-flat wheels and 5) tire pressure. The run-flat wheels designed and built into three-piece parts were designed for ease of wheel assembly or disassembly out of the wheel rims. By analyzing the intensity of stress accumulated in a conventional run-flat wheel (run-flat metal wheel), the stress generated in a run-flat wheel did not exceed the limit of the Yield stress and had a safety value between 3-5 times for new run flat wheels with a maximum stress of 26 MPa. Sizing and cross-sectional dimensions of run flat wheels thus resulted in stress which was in the range that could be withstood and acceptably employed. It was also possible to reduce the height of the flat wheels to make the rear flats lower and increase the width of the run flat wheels which would help distribute more weight to the wheel rims.Rajamangala University of Technology Phra Nakho

การออกแบบรูปแบบล้อรันแฟลทที่เหมาะสมสำหรับรถยนต์บรรทุกปกติขนาดเล็กติดเกราะด้วยระเบียบวิธีไฟไนต์เอลิเมนต์

วารสารวิชาการและวิจัย มทร.พระนคร, ปีที่ 16, ฉบับที่ 2 (ก.ค.-ธ.ค. 2565), หน้า 157-170Run flat wheels for small armored regular trucks have been re-developed by transformation from the original metallic material to compound materials, polymer group materials as important raw materials, then added with aluminum oxide powder to achieve higher strength and wear resistance. The research was performed by using reverse engineering processes including designing, and analysis with finite element methodology with the SolidWorks Simulation program and comparing the analyzed results with outcome experiments. Several variables used for the design and analysis were 1) the optimal width of the run flat wheel at the parts both attached to the wheel pan and contacted with the inner rubber surface 2) internal and external radiuses. The internal radius is depending on the size of the wheel pan and the external radius is a variable that determines the height of the Run flat wheel. 3) the shape designed to prevent wearing of the inner tire surface of the run flat wheel and the shape of the run flat reel in the part contacted with the wheel pan. This wheel pan part is such uneven inclined area which is difficult to hold. 4) a design locking kit for tightly fastening the run flat reels to the wheel pan 5) the material used to create the run flat wheel and 6) tire pressure. The run-flat wheels were then designed and constructed in a modular form of 3 parts for ease of the wheel pan assembly. In designing pattern, the assembling run flat reels had to be fit into the characteristics of a small armored regular truck wheel pan, convenient to assemble with a wheel pan, and tightly attached without looseness or deformation when impacted. The run flat reel gripping device has been redesigned to lock all three run flat parts together. It brought up the impact resistance from body weight was at 50 km/hr.Rajamangala University of Technology Phra Nakho

Final report / Study of environmental health conditions applicable to the improvement of low income communities in Bangkok

Final report section available only in digital and microfiche formatCopy from microfich