And Mr Poortman argued that corruption acted as a catalyst for the global financial crisis - because ratings agencies had a conflict of interest and "turned a blind eye to high levels of risk", something he said was "a form of corruption".
True, Italian governments have proved adept over the years at finding ways to tap the country's substantial wealth to service its eye-popping levels of sovereign debt, but this has been largely achieved by introducing ever higher and more complex taxes that only encourage tax evasion while simultaneously sucking the life out of the economy.
As I examined their stories, as well as the stories of others in the public eye who have achieved high levels of professional success, I became even more convinced that an easy, charmed life is far from a recipe for greatness.
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Exposure to light increases the levels of dopamine in the eye and this seems to prevent elongation of the eyeball.
It can detect a fall and call for help as well as keep an eye on the wearer's activity levels.
By looking at which creatures flourish in their mesocosms, Ulf Riebesell of the Leibniz Institute for Marine Studies in Kiel and his colleagues hope to see changes as they take place by keeping an eye on the water chemistry and nutrient levels.
Teach people at all levels to think strategically by keeping one eye on the future as they perform what needs to get done today.
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He added that in addressing climate change, the international community must not "turn a blind eye to historical responsibilities, per capita emissions and different levels of development".
As long as overall numbers stay within planned levels, it may well turn a blind eye to universities that decide to increase student numbers taking the most popular courses.
But thanks to creeping taxes and additional business regulations, Britain's growth rate in recent years has sagged to the Continent's levels, prompting Prime Minister Tony Blair, with an eye to next year's election, to promise regulatory relief.
Digital diva Esther Dyson keeps an eye on her unread e-mails in order to measure her stress levels.
Indeed, federal bank examiners have said they are keeping a close eye on loan underwriting standards, concerned that institutions will take on inappropriate levels of risk as they seek ways to remain profitable in a low interest-rate, difficult economic environment.
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"People with lung disease, particularly asthmatics should keep an eye on ozone forecasts on Ceefax and in the papers so they can double their inhalers if the levels are likely to be high, " he said.
The bank said loan-impairment levels in wholesale banking were "very low, " but that it is keeping a close eye on India and the Middle East for potential problems.
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