The United Arab Emirates are challenged to include the national workforce into their increasingly diversified and knowledge-based economic vision. The federal Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development incubates Sougha, a non-profit company acting as market intermediary for Emirati artisans. This study aims at providing an insight into Sougha‘s potential to become a social enterprise. A pragmatic and exploratory approach is followed. An iterative process underpins the concept of social enterprise from established literature, re-visits it through a social constructivist lens as an emerging topic in the GCC region, and benchmarks Sougha against two selected social enterprise frameworks, based on data analysis from documents and interviews. Sougha demonstrates social value creation while its commercial value creation is restricted to social mission activities. Financial motives are insufficiently reflected in Sougha‘s strategic documentation; leaving doubt to whether Sougha is genuinely seeking financial sustainability, which endangers its eligibility as a social enterprise. / Development Studies / M.A. (Development Studies)

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We discuss a full-waveform based material profile reconstruction in two-dimensional heterogeneous semi-infinite domains. In particular, we try to image the spatial variation of shear moduli/wave velocities, directly in the time-domain, from scant surficial measurements of the domain's response to prescribed dynamic excitation. In addition, in one-dimensional media, we try to image the spatial variability of elastic and attenuation properties simultaneously. To deal with the semi-infinite extent of the physical domains, we introduce truncation boundaries, and adopt perfectly-matched-layers (PMLs) as the boundary wave absorbers. Within this framework we develop a new mixed displacement-stress (or stress memory) finite element formulation based on unsplit-field PMLs for transient scalar wave simulations in heterogeneous semi-infinite domains. We use, as is typically done, complex-coordinate stretching transformations in the frequency-domain, and recover the governing PDEs in the time-domain through the inverse Fourier transform. Upon spatial discretization, the resulting equations lead to a mixed semi-discrete form, where both displacements and stresses (or stress histories/memories) are treated as independent unknowns. We propose approximant pairs, which numerically, are shown to be stable. The resulting mixed finite element scheme is relatively simple and straightforward to implement, when compared against split-field PML techniques. It also bypasses the need for complicated time integration schemes that arise when recent displacement-based formulations are used. We report numerical results for 1D and 2D scalar wave propagation in semi-infinite domains truncated by PMLs. We also conduct parametric studies and report on the effect the various PML parameter choices have on the simulation error. To tackle the inversion, we adopt a PDE-constrained optimization approach, that formally leads to a classic KKT (Karush-Kuhn-Tucker) system comprising an initial-value state, a final-value adjoint, and a time-invariant control problem. We iteratively update the velocity profile by solving the KKT system via a reduced space approach. To narrow the feasibility space and alleviate the inherent solution multiplicity of the inverse problem, Tikhonov and Total Variation (TV) regularization schemes are used, endowed with a regularization factor continuation algorithm. We use a source frequency continuation scheme to make successive iterates remain within the basin of attraction of the global minimum. We also limit the total observation time to optimally account for the domain's heterogeneity during inversion iterations. We report on both one- and two-dimensional examples, including the Marmousi benchmark problem, that lead efficiently to the reconstruction of heterogeneous profiles involving both horizontal and inclined layers, as well as of inclusions within layered systems. / text

摘 要 目前我國地價制度是以公告土地現值為核心，但現行公告土地現值嚴重偏離市價，區段內各筆土地相對值極不合理，以此作為課稅稅基及徵收補償的依據，違背賦稅公平原則，為避免稅負漏損，落實漲價歸公，並於土地徵收時作到完全補償，讓公告土地現值趨近於市價，是現階段政府平均地權土地政策「價」的目標。 本研究即以此為論述出發點，從房地總價分離地價的根本查估問題導入，房地分離地價雖是現行公告土地現值查估最重要的價格來源基礎，但因公告土地現值掺雜了素地價和房地分離地價，造成「價」的定位不清、性質不明。經本研究實證結果發現，素地價格區間值相對於房地分離地價是較穩定且乖離率較低，房地分離地價會因建物存在狀態不同而異，且求算過程易受三個貢獻學說爭議的影響，不若素地地價單純，分離地價因含有超額利潤，有重複課稅之嫌，故公告土地現值及基準地價應以定位為「素地價」為宜。 採聯合貢獻所分離出來的地價較採土地貢獻分離地價，更接近素地地價，且與周邊的地價較為均衡，因此房地價格的分離方式應以聯合貢獻說較為合理。現行地價調查估計規則條文過於簡陋，應徹底修訂和不動產估價技術規則接軌，將房地分離方式納入聯合貢獻說的運用，採聯合貢獻分算房地價格時，分算基礎應以含間接成本的建物成本價格為宜，且不動產估價技術規則有關房地分離的相關法規，應予整合統一，房地分離估價方法定義、房地價值比率求算方式，應予明訂。 本研究建議採「價稅分離」，將公告土地現值功能用途單純化，使不同需求之地價回歸其功能目的，讓地政機關查估地價得以切實反應市價。並持續推動基準地地價查估制度，基準地查估不但具有個別宗地估價之精確度，又不失大量估價之方便性，亦能使公告土地現值更趨近於市價，應可改善現行公告土地現值查估制度的諸多缺失。 關鍵字：房地價格分離、公告土地現值、基準地、素地價、區段地價 / Currently, the core of the land value system in Taiwan is based on the Announced Current Land Value(ACLV). However, the ACLV deviates from the market value and the relationship between each parcel of land within the Land Value District is not reasonable. If the ACLV becomes part of the tax base and the foundation for compensation when the land is expropriated, it would be against the fairness and equity principle of taxation. In order to prevent tax loss, put the “Land Increment to the Public” into reality, compensate to the fullest when expropriation, the current goal of the Equalization of Right, the “Land Evaluation” of the land policy by the government is to make the ACLV approximating to the market value. Based on those issues mentioned above, this research delves into the core issue, the separation of improved property price. Although the land value separated from the improved property price is the most important foundation of the ACLV, the orientation of the value is not certain, and the nature of the value is not clear due to the ACLV is a combination of the land value from the vacant land and improved property. This thesis discovers the vacant land value range is more stable and the possibility of deviation is lower compared to the improved property price. The land value separated from the improved property will differ owing to the difference of the buildings which have already existed, and the controversy resulted from three contribution principles, which makes it more complicated than the vacant land value. If the land value separated from the improved property contains surplus profit, whether the double taxation occurs or not is in doubt. Hence, the orientation of the ACLV and the benchmark land value is better to be identified by the vacant land value. The separated land value adopting the land-build-united contribution principle approximates the vacant land value more compared to land contribution, and maintain better equilibrium status with surrounding lands. Hence the land-build-united contribution is more reasonable when separated the value from the improved property. Current articles of the “Regulations on the Land Value Investigation and Assessment” are too simplified. It needs to be totally overhauled to be in conformity with the “Regulations on the Real Estate Appraisal.” The land-build-united contribution should be incorporated for the separation of improved property price. The building cost value, which is to be deducted, should consider the indirect cost. Related stipulations of the separation of improved property price should be unified. The definition of the separation approach of improved property price and estimation of the land value ratio and the building value ratio shall be stipulated. This dissertation suggests the “separation of the evaluation and the taxation” and makes the function and purpose of the ACLV simple. When the land value identified for different function and political purpose is not directly relevant to the ACLV, the ACLV the land administration assess would reflect the market value. The land value benchmark system needs to be implemented continuously. Not only is the precision of the land value benchmark appraisal identical to the individual parcel of land appraisal, but also maintains the efficiency of the mass appraisal as well as making the ACLV closer to the market value, the implementation of the Land Value Benchmark could improve the deficiency of the current Announced Current Land Value system. Keywords: the separation of improved property price, Announced Current Land Value, Land Value Benchmark, vacant land value, District Land Value.

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本研究以使用者需求導向為設計原則，提出了建構物件與物件關聯資料庫工作量產生器的發展方式，以解決(1)一般績效評估標準規格因只針對特定應用領域，而無法周詳考慮到使用者的特定需求問題；(2)廠商所發展的工作量產生器則因為可能針對其產品的特定領域作設計與測試，而失去了公正性之問題。我們的目地就是希望能以此資料庫工作量產生器的設計方式使測試資料庫效能的工作量，對使用者而言更具一致性、代表性與正確性，如此測試之結果對使用者而言才能更具意義。 我們首先分析SQL3與ODMG標準，以此構成物件關聯與物件導向資料庫之一般化的工作量模式。然後，再著手以使用者需求導向為原則，設計工作量產生器的運作方式。最後，我們實際發展了工作量產生器的雛形系統，以讓使用者能真正依其需求建立工作量並實際作績效測試，並提供給欲建構物件與物件關聯資料庫工作量產生器的人員作參考。 / This thesis provides a method of establishing Object-Oriented and Object-Relational Database Workload Generator, and this method is designed from the perspective of the user's requirements for addressing two problems: (1) the benchmark standards are generally designed to specific domains, so they are unable think comprehensively users' special requirements. (2) the database workload generators that developed by database providers may lose justice, because they might be designed to their products' special domain. Our purpose is that hope this method can make the Workload more consistent, more representative and more accurate and the test result will be more meaningful to users. Firstly, we analyze the SQL3 and ODMG standards to compose the ORDBs' and OODBs' generalized Workload Models. Then, we design our Workload Generator form the perspective of the user's requirements. Finally, we develop the Workload Generator's prototype system, it can allow users to create Workload according to their actual requirements and really do the benchmark test, and furthermore can provide a reference resource to the people who want to develop ORDB and OODB Workload Generator.

由於網路科技的進步 ,導致系統所需的資料不再只儲存於同一地點 , 面對分散式和主從式資料庫系統的使用日益頻繁 ,再加上現今的物件導向資料庫績效評估存在著許多的缺失包括 : 1.針對特定的應用領域 2. 針對特定的資料模型 3.測試資料庫綱目變得複雜 , 運算變得繁多 4.無法真實測出使用者應用領域的效能 .為了解決以上的問題 ,本研究擬使用物件導向系統分析方法作為使用者建構工作量模型的工具 , 發展出一個使用者需求導向的物件導向資料庫績效評估工作量模式。 另一方面 , 為了驗證所提出理論的可行性 , 我們發展了工作量模型規格書產生器的雛型系統 , 使用者只須使用視覺化的圖形符號來編輯其工作量模型 , 系統即會產生工作量模型的規格描述 , 作為建構績效評估系統之進一步開發 .在網路科技與物件導向資料庫的應用範圍愈來愈廣 , 資料日益龐大與型態日益複雜的未來 , 以使用者需求為導向的績效評估將是未來物件導向資料庫的績效評估之發展方向。 / As the improving of network technology, the data of database is no more stored on the same site. So the distributed database system is more and more popular. Existing object-oriented database benchmarks have the following drawbacks:1.They are designed to the specific domains , so the workload models of theirs are unable to fully reprent user requirements . 2. They are designed to the specific data models , and their intentions are to measure the techniques and performance of database design . 3.As the database schemes are more complicated and test operations are more myriad , it will be harder and harder for users to implement the benchmark. 4.They can not really measure the performance on the specific domains of users. In order to resolve the above problems , this thesis tries to model user's requirements workload using system analysis method . Because our database benchmark schemes and operations are derived from the user's requirements , the workload will be more consistent , more representative and more accurate and the result will be useful and meaningful to user . In order to apply the model we propose , we develop the prototype of the workload specification generator . After users have finished editing their workload model with the visual graphic notations , the system will generate workload specifications which will be used in the later phase . As the application domain of OODBMS are diverse and databases are huge , the trend of benchmarks is toward user requirement orientation in the future .

網路開放商業化以來，各式各樣的商機在網際網路上浮現，大小商家紛在網路上設立據點，或從事廣告、宣傳公司形象，或展示產品內容與產品功能，有的更進一步的設計能與消費者在網路上直接交易，我們概括性的稱之為電子商務。在電子商務的背後，各網站必須要有資料庫作支撐，才能有好的效率和服務。本研究以網際網路資料庫為探討主體，績效為探討目的。並主要以績效評估(Benchmark)理論為貫穿整個研究的基礎理論，一步步地建立適合網際網路資料庫及運算作績效評估的模型。並於模型完成後，予以程式化實作，並以所得數據作測試。 / A lot of business opportunity springs after commercial activities are officially allowed on Internet. The power and the potential of this market is represented by lots of web sites being set up. "Electronic Commerce" is coming to the whole world. However, it is the database supporting business web sites running that counts. Based upon the theory of benchmarking, we want to find out ways that we can know the performance of web database. After the model is set up and the workload is ready, an implementation is being made.

XML (eXtensible Markup Language)是今日新興在網路上所使用的延伸性的標記語言。它具有豐富的語意表達及與展現方式獨立的資料獨立性。由於這些特性，使得XML成為新的資料交換標準並且其應用在資料庫中產生了許多新的研究議題在資料儲存和查詢處理上。在本篇研究中，將研究XML資料庫中的績效評估的議題並且發展一個可適用於不同應用領域及各種平台上的使用者導向且開放型工作量模式以評估XML資料庫績效。此XML開放型的工作量模型包含三個子模型─XML資料模型、查詢模型以及控制模型。XML資料模型將模式化XML文件中階層式的結構概念；查詢模型包含了一連串查詢模組以供測試XML資料庫的處理查詢能力以及一個開放型的查詢輸入介面以供使用者依照需求設定所需的測試查詢；控制模型中定義了一連串變數以供設定績效評估系統中的執行環境。我們發展此系統化且具開放型的工作量方法可以幫助各種不同應用領域的使用者預測及展現XML資料庫系統的績效。 / XML (eXtensible Markup Language) is the emerging data format for data processing on the Internet. XML provides a rich data semantics and data independence from the presentation. Thanks to these features, XML becomes a new data exchange standard and leads new storage and query processing issues on database research communities. In this paper, the performance evaluation issues on XML databases have been studied and a generic and requirement-driven XML workload model that is applicable to any application scenario or movable on various platforms is developed. There are three sub-models in this generic workload model, the XML data model, the query model, and the control model. The XML data model formulates the generic hierarchy structure of XML documents and supports a flexible document structure of the test database. The XML query model contains a flexible classical query module selector and an open query input to define the requirement-driven test query model to challenge the XML query processing ability of the XML database. The control model defines variables that are used to set up the implementation of a benchmark. This open, flexible, and systematic workload method permits users in various application domains to predicate or profile the performance of the XML database systems.

<p>In the last decade, web browsers have seen a remarkable increase of performance, especially in the JavaScript engines. JavaScript has over the years gone from being a slow and rather limited language, to today have become feature-rich and fast. It’s speed can be around the same or half of comparable code written in C++, but this speed is directly dependent on the choice of the web browser, and the best performance is seen in browsers using JIT compilation techniques.</p><p>Even though the language has seen a dramatic increase in performance, there’s still major problems regarding memory usage. JavaScript applications typically consume 3-4 times more memory than similar applications written in C++. Many browser vendors, like Opera Software, acknowledge this and are currently trying to optimize their memory usage. This issue is hopefully non-existent within a near future.</p><p>Because the majority of scientific papers written about JavaScript only compare performance using the industry benchmarks SunSpider and V8, this thesis have chosen to widen the scope. The benchmarks really give no information about how JavaScript stands in comparison to C#, C++ and other popular languages. To be able to compare that, I’ve implemented a GIF decoder, an XML parser and various elementary tests in both JavaScript and C++ to compare how far apart the languages are in terms of speed, memory usage and responsiveness.</p>