​The first objective of this study is to derive a multidimensional research framework simultaneously outlining and concretising particular aspects being relevant to and surrounding the elicitation and evaluation of VLE design characteristics. Based on this, the second objective of this study is to elicit for the first time a holistic set of well-defined, simultaneously detailed and operative VLE design characteristics systematically. In reply to a recently articulated call for research (Venkatesh & Bala, 2008), the third objective of this study is to evaluate for the first time the impact of the desired set of VLE design characteristics to be elicited on crucial behavioural determinants of users’ behavioural intention to use and actual use of a VLE in terms of the VLE success measures of this study. Such an investigation may reveal further, more detailed and operative, knowledge about design-related and behavioural drivers of users’ current VLE use/refusal.

Measurement at millimeter-wave frequencies are prone to parasitic effects which distort the overall results. Especially the use of RF probes introduces unknown distortions, even after the measurement setup is calibrated. This works investigates these distortions based on electromagnetic field simulations of integrated circuits in conjunction with models of the used RF probes. This allows to comprehend the observed distortions and successfully resolve the root of the distortions.

Metallic Mineral Resources: The Critical Components for a Sustainable Earth serves the increasing interest in metal resources, especially the critical and strategic metals which are essential commodities for the green energy transition. The opening chapters introduce the heterogeneous distribution of metal resources as well as the industrial use of metals. The main chapters then work systematically through abundant metal systems, scarce critical metal systems, rare critical metal systems, trace critical metal systems, and precious metal systems. The book wraps with a close examination of temporal distribution of mineral resources and an insightful discussion of the future of mineral resources. Researchers and engineers in economic geology and mining and exploration industries will find themselves returning to this key reference for years to come.• Describes how mineable and economic metal concentrations form and are preserved in the Earth's upper crust • Explores how they are discovered by systematic mineral exploration at a variety of scales • Discusses how to educate the public on the scarcity of natural metal resources and the issues concerning the nexus between the energy transition and potential exhaustion of critical metals

This book provides a comprehensive review of the biogeochemistry in the Baltic Sea. It is based on the fact that biogeochemical processes that are relevant for the ecological state of the Baltic Sea (and other sea areas), are all in some way related to the production and mineralization of organic matter (biomass) and thus are associated with the consumption or release of CO2. The significant progress with regard to our chemical analytical capabilities concerning the marine CO2 system has facilitated new approaches to study the Baltic Sea biogeochemistry, in particular with regard to a quantitative process understanding. To demonstrate this, the authors present the fundamentals of the marine CO2 system in a theoretically sound, but still intelligible way. This is followed by a comprehensive presentation of our current knowledge about the CO2 system in the Baltic Sea and the implications for our understanding of biogeochemical processes such as production/mineralization of organic matter and the stoichiometry involved, nitrogen fixation, denitrification, and phosphate transformations at varying redox conditions. Finally, the CO2 gas exchange balance and related problems such as acidification are addressed.

This publication examines the importance of trade in services for the integration of non-EU members into the European Single Market. Further liberalisation is found to be a critical factor to deeper integration with the enlarged EU, which accounts for a quarter of global GDP and foreign direct investment. The planned Euro-Mediterranean free trade area for goods is judged as a positive first step, but additional measures are needed for deeper integration, including liberalisation of services trade. The study gives a detailed assessment of individual sectors, including core services relating to transport, telecommunication, financial markets and electricity, as well other markets such as tourism, IT and distribution services.

Seminar paper from the year 2010 in the subject Politics - Region: Near East, Near Orient, grade: 1,7, University of Haifa (-), course: Political Economy of the Middle East, language: English, abstract: The Shah of Persia is dethroned – the Islamic Republic proclaimed. A pre-eminent Western ally becomes an archenemy of the USA. In this setting, the paper focuses on the economic implications of the revolution. It deals with the underlying principles for an Islamic economy and their implications. However, the Iran-Iraq War throws a curve in an even economic development. The paper also provides an analysis of the impact of the war on the economy. The question of economic transition toward Islamic state capitalism is still on the agenda. In the wake of the Arab revolutions both present and history will present examples. The Islamic Republic of Iran is among them.

Seminar paper from the year 2010 in the subject Business economics - Offline Marketing and Online Marketing, grade: 2,0, University of Haifa (-), language: English, abstract: How to haggle in the Middle East? Which strategy is best to prevail against local stratagems as a student or tourist? The paper copes with these questions and combines bargaining theory with practical experience from Israel. It can be used as a manual for students, tourists and travelers in the Middle East. A) Israeli Culture of Market Bargaining Haggling is considered an art in the Middle East. The unique approach of time and business relations is an unforgettable experience. Beside the idiosyncratic atmosphere in Jerusalem's bazaar(1), almost all shops in Israel, including grocery's stores, offer the opportunity to bargain about prices. The Western rationale of "Time is money!" is in the Middle Eastern setting less valid than in Europe or America. Israeli sellers in return, easily perceive that their potential trading partner is in a rush and try to exploit this drawback by only presenting goods of a higher price class. Taxi drivers tend to exploit passengers, who are apparently unwilling to bargain a better price or simply leave and take another taxi, too. On the other hand, long term trading relationships are held in high esteem.(2) It might pay, to build lasting relationships with the vendors in the local shouq, i.e. Hebrew for market. Even if it is merely about goods of a low value, such as groceries, nuts or spices, established trust facilitates transactions to both parties' benefit.(3) [...] _____ 1 See Friedman, p. 1. 2 See Kuhri, p. 699

Annotation The main objective of this report is to outline key policy issues that need to be addressed in order to achieve energy sector reform at the national and regional levels.

Pre-University Paper from the year 2007 in the subject Didactics for the subject English - Applied Geography, grade: 1,0, Hochfranken-Gymnasium Naila, language: English, abstract: The paper deals with the emergence of modern Zionism, spurred by pogroms and persecution directed against European Jewry. It highlights the situation in Palestine under Ottoman rule, before and after Jewish mass immigration. The decades before the foundation of the Jewish state are of particular interest. The British Mandate period illustrates the competing struggle of two ethnic groups, i.e. Arabs and Jews, for sovereignty in the entity called Palestine. A superpower (Great Britain) attempts to contain sparking violence and works hard on equitable and fair solutions, e.g. various partition plans (two-state solutions). Modern-day politicians and conflict analysts should take this history into account.