This paper describes how water content reflectometers (WCRs) were analyzed to develop a calibration equation. Time domain reflectometry (TDR) technique is the most prevalent method in in-situ moisture monitoring; and WCR is a type of low frequency TDR sensors, which is sensitive to soil type. Developing soil-specific calibration and investigating different environmental effects on WCR calibration is important. This study focused on investigation of the soil dry density and temperature effects on WCR calibration in RMA soil. Two series of tests to develop soil-specific calibration with dry density and temperature offset were conducted. Results from testing program showed that WCR response was positive related to volumetric water content, dry density, and temperature. Equations were developed to illustrate the response-density-temperature-moisture relation. Application to a field site was also presented to illustrate the difference in volumetric water contents obtained by using manufacturer method and the calibration procedure drawn in this paper. / text

Transfer of development rights has been approved as a tool to manage growth in Virginia since 2006, yet it has not been widely employed. This tool can be used to direct growth and development at little or no cost to society while simultaneously preserving land for future generations. In an effort to understand the limited use of transfer of development rights programs in Virginia, this research collected information regarding obstacles and limitations to TDR program development and implementation, from every locality in the Commonwealth authorized to employ this tool. Based on findings of pertinent TDR literature, this research outlines the environment in which policy in Virginia is being developed as well as obstacles and limitations facing localities in developing TDR ordinances. Findings show that localities perceive several obstacles to program implementation and that certain socio-economic characteristics may have an impact on TDR program development in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

ContexteSi l’efficacité de la stratégie de prise en charge du paludisme au niveau communautaire n’est pas remise en cause à Madagascar, la mise en place de la nouvelle politique nationale incluant le remplacement de la chloroquine par la combinaison artésunate plus amodiaquine et l’introduction des tests de diagnostic rapide (TDR) dans la prise en charge des fièvres chez les enfants de moins de cinq ans suscite plusieurs inquiétudes. ObjectifsLe principal objectif de notre travail a été d’évaluer la stratégie de prise en charge des fièvres chez les enfants de moins de 5 ans au niveau communautaire. Pour évaluer la stratégie de prise en charge,trois objectifs spécifiques ont été abordés, à savoir, (i) l’étude de l’efficacité thérapeutique de la combinaison fixe « artesunate-amodiaquine » dans la prise en charge des fièvres chez les enfants de moins de 5 ans au niveau communautaire, (ii) l’évaluation des performances des tests de diagnostic rapide utilisés au niveau communautaire et (iii) la description de la situation épidémiologie du paludisme au niveau communautaire et l’évaluation de l’impact des stratégies de lutte actuellement mises en œuvre.MéthodologiesDeux études longitudinales ont été mises en place. La première étude (objectifs 1 & 2) a été conduite de février 2008 à février 2010 (24 mois) chez les enfants de moins de 5 ans en zone de transmission stable (district de Manakara) et en zone de transmission instable (district de Moramanga). La deuxième (objectif 3) s’est déroulée entre février 2009 et mars 2011 en zone de transmission stable (district de Manakara). Résultats & ConclusionObjectif 1 : les données obtenues lors de notre étude, nous permettent d’affirmer l’excellente efficacité thérapeutique de la combinaison fixe « artesunate-amodiaquine ». Nous avons observé que le taux de guérison clinique global était de 98,4% au bout de 28 jours et 97,9% au bout de 42 jours. La compliance au traitement a été estimée à 83,4%. Aucun effet indésirable grave n'a été observé. : Objectif 2 : Cette étude a permis de confirmer que les performances diagnostiques des agents de santé communautaire utilisant les TDR en termes de sensibilité, spécificité, VPP et VPN étaient supérieures à 85%, que la concordance entre les résultats de la microscopie et des TDRs, estimée par la valeur Kappa était excellente (83%) et que les TDR étaient stable même conservés au niveau communautaire. L’introduction des TDR au niveau communautaire semble être une stratégie efficace pour améliorer la prise en charge des malades fébriles, pour réduire la surconsommation d’antipaludiques (et donc le coût des traitements inutilement utilisés) et pour réduire la pression de sélection exercée par cette surconsommation. Objectif 3 : Nous avons pu démontrer que les mesures de prévention et de traitement prises au niveau communautaire étaient efficaces avec la mesure objective de la réduction de la prévalence du paludisme. Nous avons également mis en évidence une variation importante de la prévalence du paludisme inter-villages dans une même commune de quelques kilomètres carrés, suggérant des interventions ciblées en fonction des risques liés à la situation géographique, agricole, et climatique. Ce travail a permis de proposer une première approche méthodologique qu’il serait souhaitable d’étendre pour collecter les données de prévalence et d’incidence dans les autres communes, et préciser ainsi les besoins ciblés en TDR et ACTs à Madagascar. / Context:One should think back of the effectiveness of malaria case management strategy at the community level Otherwise, questions will remain unanswered on the setting up of the new national Policy including the replacement of the chloroquine with combination artesunate and amodiaque and the introduction of rapid diagnostic test (RDT) for fever case management among children under five.Objective:The principal goal of our essay is to assess fever case management strategy among children under five years old at the community level. To proceed to the assessment, three specific objectives were tackled: (i) Therapeutic effectiveness of the fixed combination (artesunate-amodiaque) in fever case management among children under five at the community level. ii)the assessment of RDT performances used at the community level and iii) description of malaria epidemiological situation at the community level and the assessment of the impact of the fight against malaria strategies implementedMethodology: Two long depth studies were applied. The first study (Objective 1 and 2) was conducted in February 2008 to February 2010 (24 months) among children under five years old in stable transmission area (Manakara district) and in changeable transmission area (Moramanga district). The second study (objective 3) was held in February 2009 and March 2011 in stable transmission area (Manakara).Outputs and Conclusion:Objective 1: Data collected during our study enabled us to confirm the excellent therapeutically effectiveness of the fixed combination “artesunate-amodiaque”. We have noticed that the global clinical recovery rate is 98.4% after 28 days and 97.9% after 42 days of treatment. Compliance with the treatment was estimated at 83.4%. Not any adverse effect was noticed.Objective 2: This study enabled us to confirm the diagnostic performances of community health workers using RDT in terms of sensitiveness, specification. VPP and VPN were more 85% than the reliability between microscopic results and the RDTs estimated by the kappa value was excellent (83%) and RDTs were stable even kept at the community level. The introduction of RDT at the community level seems to be an effective strategy to improve sick people case management, to reduce overconsumption of products anti-malaria (and so reduce the cost of treatments used uselessly) and to reduce the selection pressure from this overconsumption.Objective 3: We could prove that prevention and treatment measures at the community level were effective with the objective measure of reducing malaria rate. We could bring to evidence an important variation of malaria rate between villages of one same commune from few kilometers of distance, suggesting targeted interventions depending on the risks linked to the geographic, agricultural and climate situations. This work enabled us to suggest a first methodological approach that is better to extend to collect prevalence data and in adverse circumstances in other communes and to mention the RDT targeted needs and ACTs in Madagascar.

Submitted by Silvana Teresinha Dornelles Studzinski (sstudzinski) on 2016-10-18T14:55:33Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Jorgete Freire de Carvalho_.pdf: 1723163 bytes, checksum: 548c330c104b89e3881ee8ee0ac438bb (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2016-10-18T14:55:34Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Jorgete Freire de Carvalho_.pdf: 1723163 bytes, checksum: 548c330c104b89e3881ee8ee0ac438bb (MD5) Previous issue date: 2016-06-08 / Nenhuma / Dada a relevância do ganho de escala através de estratégias de crescimento de redes de empresas para a competitividade, consolidação e longevidade de tais organizações, este estudo teve como objetivo analisar a estratégia de intercooperação entre redes de empresas: seus antecedentes, processo e resultados. O estudo utilizou como base teórica a Teoria da dependência de Recursos (TDR). Foi realizado um estudo de caso único de natureza exploratória e descritiva com abordagem qualitativa dos dados por meio de entrevistas semiestruturadas. A unidade de análise foi uma rede do setor supermercadista formada pela intercooperação de outras oito redes com sede em Pacatuba (CE). As evidências apontaram para a ocorrência de cinco antecedentes: dificuldade de negociação, necessidade de aumentar o poder de barganha, necessidade de visibilidade, existência de um grande número de associações e comportamento rival entre redes. Já o processo de intercooperação apresentou as seguintes fases: identificação e seleção de possíveis parceiros, realização da primeira reunião com os interessados, articulação de estratégia para integração do grupo e a implementação de ajustes e adequações. Como resultados da intercooperação emergiram: geração de um encarte mensal unificado, visibilidade, aquisição de produtos com preços competitivos, acesso a maior variedade ou quantidade de produtos, troca de informações e aprendizado, sede própria e unificada, redução de custos com a compra em conjunto de insumos, campanhas de marketing de grande porte, distribuição anual de valores financeiros. Foi possível verificar ainda algumas dificuldades no decorrer do processo de intercooperação: a desconfiança inicial sobre a viabilidade do negócio, a resistência para com a padronização das fachadas e a dificuldade para a implantação do centro de distribuição. A partir das análises foi possível contribuir de três formas: primeiro, teoricamente, diminuindo a escassez de pesquisas com foco em processo de formação interorganizacional, assim como, a carência de estudos abordando redes de empresas com múltiplos atores sob o enfoque da TDR. Em segundo lugar, gerencialmente, visto que a pesquisa aponta caminhos para o auxílio à eficácia da gestão e coordenação de redes. Em terceiro lugar, no aspecto social já que o conhecimento agregado pode auxiliar positivamente na formação de novas redes que por sua vez podem melhorar emprego e renda de determinada localidade. / Given the relevance of the scale gain through growth strategies of corporate networks for competitiveness, consolidation and longevity of such organizations, this study aimed to analyze the strategy of mutual cooperation between corporate networks: its antecedents, process and results. The study used as theoretical basis the Resource dependence theory (RDT). It was conducted an exploratory and descriptive single-subject case study, with a qualitative approach of data by means of semi-structured interviews. The unit of analysis was a supermarket net formed by mutual cooperation of eight other networks headquartered in Pacatuba (CE). The evidence pointed to the occurrence of five antecedents: Difficulty to negotiate, need for increased bargaining power, need for visibility, the existence of a large number of associations and competitive behaviour among networks. The mutual cooperation process presented the following steps: identification and selection of potential partners, the holding of the first meeting with stakeholders, the linking of strategy for integration of the group, and the implementation of adjustments and adaptations. As a result of the mutual cooperation, appeared: generation of a unified monthly booklet, visibility; purchase of products with competitive prices, access to a greater variety or quantity of products, exchange of information and learning, own and unified headquarters, costs reduction with the joint purchasing of inputs, great marketing campaigns, annual distribution of financial values. It was possible to verify some difficulties during the process of mutual cooperation: initial scepticism about the viability of the business, the resistance to the standardization of the façades, and the difficulty for the implementation of the distribution center. From the analysis it was possible to contribute in three ways: First theoretically, reducing the shortage of research with a focus on inter-organizational formation process, as well as the lack of studies addressing corporate networks with multiple actors under the focus of RDT. Secondly in a management way, as the research points ways to support the effectiveness of management and coordination of networks. Thirdly in the social aspect, since the aggregate knowledge can assist positively in the formation of new networks, which in turn can improve employment and income in a particular location.

<p>This report is the result of a Master Thesis work that has been performed between October 2003 and March 2004. The purpose of the work was to evaluate a part of the signal chain in a product of Micronic Laser Systems AB. The evaluation was performed to obtain the characterisation for the signal chain, such as impedances and crosstalk. </p><p>The work started with a literature study in order to refresh and increase the knowledge that was needed before the practical work. Then measurements, computer aided simulations and comparisons between these were performed. </p><p>Measurements were performed using TDR (Time Domain Reflectometry). The results showed the impedance levels along the signal chain. This was interesting since it showed how well the different parts in the system are matched. Unmatched parts result in reflections that disturb the transmitted signal and contribute to crosstalk, which also was measured. </p><p>Simulations were done using ADS (Advance Design System), a tool from Agilent Technologies Inc. A substantial part of the simulation work was to build models of the real system. These models have been used for simulation. The simulation results were then compared to the measurement results. </p><p>The results show that the system can be better matched concerning the channel impedance. There are large variations in impedance levels along the signal chain, resulting in signal reflections. Another effect studied is crosstalk between channels. Measurements and simulations showed the presence of crosstalk but it seems to be a minor problem in the current machine.</p>

<p>In this bachelor thesis, cable fault locators are studied for use on the overhead electrode lines in the HVDC (High Voltage Direct Current) Light project Caprivi Link. The cable fault locators studied operates with the principle of travelling waves, where a pulse is sent in the tested conductor. The time difference is measured from the injection moment to the reflection is received. If the propagation speed of the pulse is known the distance to the fault can be calculated. This type of unit is typically referred to as a TDR (Time Domain Reflectometer). The study is performed as a computer simulation where a simplified model of a TDR unit is created and applied to an electrode line model by using PSCAD/EMTDC. Staged faults of open circuit and ground fault types are placed at three distances on the electrode line model, different parameters of the TDR units such as pulse width and pulse amplitude along with its connection to the electrode line are then studied and evaluated. The results of the simulations show that it is possible to detect faults of both open circuit and ground fault types with a suitable TDR unit. Ground faults with high resistance occurring at long distances can be hard to detect due to low reflection amplitudes from the injections. This problem can somewhat be resolved with a function that lets the user compare an old trace of a “healthy” line with the new trace. The study shows that most of the faults can be detected and a distance to the fault can be calculated within an accuracy of ± 250 m. The pulse width of the TDR needs to be at least 10 μs, preferable 20 μs to deliver high enough energy to the fault to create a detectable reflection. The pulse amplitude seams to be of less significance in this simulation, although higher pulse amplitude is likely to be more suitable in a real measurement due to the higher energy delivered to the fault. The Hipotronics TDR 1150 is a unit that fulfil these requirements and should therefore be able to work as a line fault locator on the electrode line.</p>

<p>Mires surface energy and water budgets govern the conditions for climatic, hydrological, ecological and carbon balance processes. The components of the water and surface energy budgets were quantified over two growing seasons for an open boreal mire. The measurements of fluxes were complemented with data on the spatial variation of water content and temperature in different micro-relief elements (hummocks and hollows). Since measurements on mires are scarce, special investigations of aerodynamic properties were done as well as a calibration of TDR function for peat. The partitioning of available energy at the surface depended mainly on air temperature and relative humidity. There was a trend of falling Bowen ratio both during the day and during the season from May (monthly value 0.9) to September (0.6). The bulk surface resistance (<i>r</i>_s) to evapotranspiration was considerable and varied little (mean <i>r</i>_s = 160 s m^-1). The cause of its relatively large value could be found in a great aerodynamic resistance within the canopy layer, and the peat wetness variation influenced little. In the scale of the whole mire, the water storage were similar over the central, open areas. On a smaller scale, the presence of a pronounced micro-topography caused a variation of the surface wetness. This was also reflected in the spatial variation of soil temperatures. The heat storage in hummock was largely influenced by lateral heat fluxes. There were considerable effects of peat elasticity and approximately 40 % of the changes in water storage was caused by swelling/shrinking of the whole peat mound. This effect should be incorporated in future models of mire-water dynamics.</p>

Mires surface energy and water budgets govern the conditions for climatic, hydrological, ecological and carbon balance processes. The components of the water and surface energy budgets were quantified over two growing seasons for an open boreal mire. The measurements of fluxes were complemented with data on the spatial variation of water content and temperature in different micro-relief elements (hummocks and hollows). Since measurements on mires are scarce, special investigations of aerodynamic properties were done as well as a calibration of TDR function for peat. The partitioning of available energy at the surface depended mainly on air temperature and relative humidity. There was a trend of falling Bowen ratio both during the day and during the season from May (monthly value 0.9) to September (0.6). The bulk surface resistance (rs) to evapotranspiration was considerable and varied little (mean rs = 160 s m-1). The cause of its relatively large value could be found in a great aerodynamic resistance within the canopy layer, and the peat wetness variation influenced little. In the scale of the whole mire, the water storage were similar over the central, open areas. On a smaller scale, the presence of a pronounced micro-topography caused a variation of the surface wetness. This was also reflected in the spatial variation of soil temperatures. The heat storage in hummock was largely influenced by lateral heat fluxes. There were considerable effects of peat elasticity and approximately 40 % of the changes in water storage was caused by swelling/shrinking of the whole peat mound. This effect should be incorporated in future models of mire-water dynamics.

Tracer methods are commonly used for estimation of soil water and groundwater recharge flux especially in arid and semiarid regions. These tracer methods are based on the solute profile shape (distribution of concentration with depth) and peak position. For soils of semi-arid to sub-humid climates, vertical water movement may seasonally vary in direction due to climate conditions and vegetative demands. The first objective of this thesis was to show that TDR (time domain reflectometry) can be a useful tool for estimation of soil water fluxes using tracer methods. The second objective was to study the effects of repeated cycles of directionally-varying flow upon solute profile shape and position used by tracer methods under controlled laboratory conditions. Three soil columns with a KCl tracer and Beaver Creek sand were used for this study. Rain and evaporative systems were used to cause the downward and upward soil water movements in the column, respectively. Soil moisture content and solute concentration were measured using TDR.<p> The result for the first objective was that the peak migration and the soil water balance methods gave similar average upward and downward soil water fluxes. This result indicates that the TDR method can be recommended for determination of soil water fluxes with tracer methods in fields or in laboratory studies for sufficient time and depth.<p> In the second objective, three different seasonal flow regimes were studied using the sand columns, and each flow regime simulated climatic seasons that might occur in the field. Several apparent and statistical parameters were used to evaluate the change of the solute profile shape and position under cycling conditions of the three different flow regimes. These parameters showed that the solute profile shape and position clearly changed under the three different repeated regimes of downward and upward seasonal flows. It was concluded that climate (seasonality) can have significant impacts on the estimation of soil water fluxes using tracer methods. The result from this investigation shows that the profile shape and position after a number of cycles (years of fluctuations) can provide a description of the previous climatic effects on the concentration profile. Therefore, the profile shape can be used as an indicator of the flow regime that has affected the solute profile shape. Moreover, if a reference of a solute profile is available (a solute profile before a period of time), it is easier to determine the flow regime affected the profile shape and position by determining the change of the profile shape and position using statistical parameters presented in this thesis.

This report is the result of a Master Thesis work that has been performed between October 2003 and March 2004. The purpose of the work was to evaluate a part of the signal chain in a product of Micronic Laser Systems AB. The evaluation was performed to obtain the characterisation for the signal chain, such as impedances and crosstalk. The work started with a literature study in order to refresh and increase the knowledge that was needed before the practical work. Then measurements, computer aided simulations and comparisons between these were performed. Measurements were performed using TDR (Time Domain Reflectometry). The results showed the impedance levels along the signal chain. This was interesting since it showed how well the different parts in the system are matched. Unmatched parts result in reflections that disturb the transmitted signal and contribute to crosstalk, which also was measured. Simulations were done using ADS (Advance Design System), a tool from Agilent Technologies Inc. A substantial part of the simulation work was to build models of the real system. These models have been used for simulation. The simulation results were then compared to the measurement results. The results show that the system can be better matched concerning the channel impedance. There are large variations in impedance levels along the signal chain, resulting in signal reflections. Another effect studied is crosstalk between channels. Measurements and simulations showed the presence of crosstalk but it seems to be a minor problem in the current machine.