Freight transport of goods is an indispensable part of everyday life. Without it there would be no delivery of products such as food, water, construction material, technology, furniture, clothes and society, as we know it today, would collapse.  However, there are more and less sustainable ways of transporting goods. Today, the number of freight transport vehicles in cities is increasing steadily which contributes to traffic congestion, unsafety, insecurity, air pollution, noise pollution and climate change. Moreover, as the e-commerce flows are increasing, the importance of sustainable last-mile deliveries increases as well.   The research methods used were literature study and interviews. Firstly, the literature study was realized before two pre-knowledge interviews were conducted. Finally, ten semi structured interviews were conducted with experts, strategists, logisticians,  project managers and consultants.   The data suggests that sustainable urban freight transport can be accomplished with UCCs in combination with cargo bikes to reduce cars in the city. This can be done with the help of four ideas - collaboration, incentives, research and developed bicycle infrastructure.  UCCs are not a new concept but there are few centers that endure due to several factors; flawed business models, lack of expertise or research, subvention dependency and stakeholders’ various engagement and involvement levels. Also, a certain percent of freight that is transported by trucks can be substituted by cargo bicycles but in order to enhance the development of utilizing cargo bicycles as a last-mile delivery option, research and knowledge gap need to be addressed. The conclusion indicates that collaboration between stakeholders, specifically between the private and public sector, is integral. The results also highlight that off-peak deliveries and sustainable last-mile deliveries are feasible solutions. There are knowledge gaps in how UCCs and cargo bikes operate which are potential opportunities for areas of improvement and development. Lastly, policies and regulations set by the local authorities play an integral role to guide the freight industry development towards a more sustainable freight transport. / Godstransport av varor är avgörande i vardagen. Utan fungerande godstransporter skulle det inte finnas leveranser av produkter såsom mat, vatten, byggmaterial, teknik, möbler och kläder, och samhället, som vi är vana vid idag, skulle kollapsa.  Det finns emellertid mer och mindre hållbara sätt att transportera varor på. Idag ökar antalet godstransportfordon i stadskärnor stadigt vilket bidrar till trafikträngsel, osäkerhet, otrygghet, luftföroreningar, buller och klimatförändringar. Dessutom ökar e-handelns flöde i rask fart vilket leder till att betydelsen av hållbara last-mile leveranser ökar likaså. Forskningsmetoderna som användes var en litteraturstudie och intervjuer. Först genomfördes litteraturstudien, följt av två intervjuer för att få en förståelse och en gedigen bakgrund i ämnet. Slutligen genomfördes tio semistrukturerade intervjuer med experter, strateger, logistiker, projektledare och konsulter för att få en fördjupad kunskap om bl.a. problem och utvecklingsmöjligheter inom ämnesområdet.  Resultaten antyder att godstransporter kan utföras med hjälp av samlastningscentraler (UCC) i kombination med lastcyklar för att minska antalet bilar i staden. Effektiva samlastningscentraler ställer krav på väl utvecklat samarbete, incitament, forskning och cykelinfrastruktur. UCC är inget nytt koncept, men det finns få center som överlever på grund av flera faktorer: bristfälliga affärsmodeller, brist på expertis eller forskning, subventionsberoende samt olika nivåer av engagemang och deltagande från intressenter. En viss andel av godstransporterna som utförs med lastbilar kan ersättas av lastcyklar. För att främja utvecklingen av användningen av lastcyklar som last-mile lösning krävs dock forskning och ökad kunskap.  Slutsatsen pekar på att samarbete mellan intressenter, särskilt mellan privata och offentliga sektorer, är avgörande. Resultaten belyser också att off-peak leveranser lågtrafikperioder och hållbara last-mile lösningar är genomförbara alternativ. Det finns kunskapsluckor när det gäller drift av UCC och lastcyklar, vilket kan ses som en möjlighet till förbättring och utveckling. Slutligen spelar lokala myndigheters policys och regler en viktig roll för att styra godstransportindustrins utveckling mot en mer hållbar transport av gods.

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[pt] O método empírico de Terzaghi (1943) para cálculo do recalque de adensamento primário com carregamento dependente do tempo é comparado com dois métodos propostos nesta pesquisa: o primeiro, baseado na alteração da fração de tempo em que cada incremento de carregamento é aplicado de forma instantânea, e o segundo mantendo a proposta inicial de Terzaghi (1943), porém realizando reduções percentuais do grau médio de adensamento para o período de construção e obtendo novas frações de tempo para o período pós-construção. Os resultados mostram que com a adoção das frações de tempo, apresentadas em tabelas, a diferença entre os valores do grau médio de adensamento determinados pelas curvas teórica e empírica varia entre 1,50 por cento a 3,50 por cento, dependendo das condições iniciais de excesso de poropressão. O segundo método, mais exato, apresenta diferenças menores, com ambas as curvas praticamente sobrepostas. Adicionalmente, outras duas soluções alternativas são investigadas considerando o carregamento em degraus e discretizado. Uma solução matemática rigorosa também é apresentada para representar o problema de adensamento com drenos verticais, considerando a hipótese de deformações livres. Uma comparação com a solução proposta por Olson (1977), fundamentada no conceito de deformações iguais, mostra que a hipótese de deformações iguais subestima o grau médio de dissipação dos excesoss de poropressão entre 1,15 por cento a 4,84 por cento, e que essa diferença tende a diminuir para tempos de construção elevados. Finalmente, soluções para fluxo vertical e radial combinados também são obtidas, considerando a hipótese de deformações livres e a formulação proposta por Carrillo (1942). / [en] Terzaghi s (1943) empirical method for calculating primary consolidation settlement due to ramp loading is compared with two methods proposed in this research: the first one, based on changing the fraction of time in which each loading increment is applied instantly, and the second keeping Terzaghi s initial proposal (1943), but making reductions in the average degree of consolidation for the construction period and determining new fractions of time for the post-construction period. The results show that with the hypothesis of time fractions, the difference between the values of the average degree of consolidation determined by the theoretical and empirical curves varies between 1.50 percent to 3.50 percent, depending on the initial conditions of excess poropressure. The second method is even more accurate with both curves practically overlapping. Additionally, two other alternative solutions are investigated considering step and discretized loadings. A rigorous mathematical solution is also presented to represent the consolidation problem with vertical drains, considering the hypothesis of free deformations. A comparison with the solution proposed by Olson (1977), based on the concept of equal deformations, shows that the hypothesis of equal deformations underestimates the average degree of consolidation between 1.15 percent to 4.84 percent, and this difference tends to decrease for long construction periods. Finally, solutions for the vertical and radial flow combined is also obtained, considering the hypothesis of free deformations and the formulation proposed by Carrillo (1942).

The purpose of this report was to analyze the elements of a bus stop consolidation program for the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA). This research shows that increasing stop spacing distances increases walking distances, but in places with high transit and stop density, most access distances will not be beyond a five to ten minute walk. In general, European cities with high transit mode shares recommend stops every 1300 feet. American guidelines recommend stops between approximately 800 to 1300 feet. According to the literature review, fewer stops can lead to a more reliable service. Time savings on the route also translate into significant cost savings for the agency. This paper presents a methodology for creating stop elimination proposals based on factors such as ridership, transfer points, and existing bus shelters or infrastructure. Public input can help to determine which bus stops are key locations. This methodology was used to propose stop consolidation for one bus route in San Francisco: Route 1 California Inbound. The route was then evaluated based on information from the literature review. The yearly savings can be as much as $340,000 to $930,000 per route.

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In the last fifteen years, conflict resolution, a collaborative, problem-solving approach to social conflicts, was introduced to new democracies in an attempt to develop civil society¿s capacity for conflict management (Mayer, 2000). Conflict resolution provides people with an opportunity to advocate effectively for their own interests in a non-violent, constructive manner through systematic educational efforts, skills trainings, dialogue initiatives, and mediation practices (Mayer, 2000). It empowers people to address, manage, and transform difficulties and antagonism into a source of positive social change and, thus, change people¿s negative psychological responses to conflicts (Bush & Folger, 1994). In this view, conflict resolution in new democracies¿ civil society provides citizens as well NGO practitioners with the skills and opportunities to practice how to express and resolve differences in a safe and constructive environment (Shonholtz, 1997). In an effort to provide additional information about civil society¿s conflict resolution practices and their affect in new democracies, this dissertation examines the existing efforts of South Korean civil society organisations to promote conflict resolution methodologies. Specifically, three organisations are examined to understand better South Korean civil society¿s response to PCR issues. Furthermore, by closely examining these three civil society organisations, this dissertation aims to explore what affect increased awareness and engagement in conflict resolution methodologies have on the democratic quality of civil society.

In the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic, the economy has been in a state of recovery. A far-reaching recovery could be observed in 2021, as economic activities, financial markets and industries showed positive growth throughout the year. The real estate sector in Sweden reached historically high volumes in the transactions market, with a heavy investor demand which also resulted in a record year for M&A. This master thesis aims to examine the motives behind M&A transactions in the Swedish sector, and the role of macroeconomic fundamentals and corporate key figures. The purpose of the study is to explore the M&A activity in the Swedish real estate market and what underlying conditions that may contribute to the rise of such transactions. Previous research within the field has primarily been focused on the occurrence, triggers and effects of M&A in general. This paper is limited to real estate M&A in the Swedish market, where no earlier studies have been found. The study combines a quantitative analysis and a qualitative research method, with the objective of uncovering motives of takeover companies, alongside a nuanced explanation of influencing variables. An initial collection of transactions data and key figures was executed to analyse the relations and developments.The thesis progressed with an empirical study through semi-structured interviews with takeover companies of recent M&A transactions. Results showed that low interest rates, an overall strong economy and stock market has stimulated the M&A activity. Further, the results of the qualitative study presented takeover motives comprising of synergy effects, financial advantages, and the interest to acquire attractive portfolios. It can be concluded that growth ambitions and lowered capital costs have influenced M&A as well, and the consolidation of assets has increased due to a high amount of listed small-sized companies, creating firm-matching opportunities. / I efterdyningarna av Covid-19 pandemin har ekonomin varit i ett tillstånd av återhämtning. Under 2021 kunde en långtgående återhämtning observeras då ekonomiska aktiviteter, finansiella marknader och industrier påvisade positiv tillväxt genom hela året. Fastighetssektorn i Sverige nådde historiskt höga volymer på transaktionsmarknaden med en stark efterfrågan från investerare, vilket också resulterade i ett rekordår för strukturaffärer. Denna masteruppsats mål är att undersöka motiven bakom M&A-affärer i den svenska fastighetsbranschen, samt rollen av makroekonomiska variabler och nyckeltal. Uppsatsens syfte är att utforska aktiviteten kring denna typ av transaktioner i Sverige, och vilka underliggande förhållanden som kan ha bidragit till uppgången av M&A-affärer. Tidigare forskning inom ämnet har främst fokuserat på förekomsten, utlösande faktorer och effekter av M&A i ett generellt perspektiv. Denna studie är begränsad till M&A i fastighetssektorn på den svenska marknaden, där inga tidigare arbeten har hittats. Studien kombinerar en kvantitativ analys och en kvalitativ forskningsmetod, med avsikt att påvisa de köpande bolagens motiv, tillsammans med en nyanserad förklaring av påverkande variabler. En inledande insamling av transaktionsdata och nyckeltal genomfördes för att analysera förhållanden och utveckling. Arbetet fortlöpte med en empirisk studie av semistrukturerade intervjuer som genomfördes med köpande bolag, nyligen aktiva i M&A. Resultatet visade att M&A aktiviteten har stimulerats av låga räntor, samt en generellt stark ekonomi och aktiemarknad. Vidare påvisade resultatet från den kvalitativa studien att de köpande bolagens motiv omfattar synergieffekter, finansiella fördelar och en vilja att förvärva attraktiva portföljer. Författarna drar vidare slutsatsen att tillväxtambitioner och lägre kapitalkostnader har influerat M&A-utvecklingen. Konsolideringen av tillgångar har ökat till följd av att många små fastighetsbolag noterats på börsen, vilket skapat möjligheter för bolagsmatchning.

Each year in the United States, large volumes of material are dredged out of lakes and waterways and are dumped in confined disposal facilities so that they can consolidate. A mathematical model is proposed to predict the settling of the dredged material by predicting the ?primary? self-weight consolidation curve of silt particles under zone settling conditions. Using a relatively ?pure? specimen of silt, self-weight consolidation tests were performed at concentrations ranging from 10 to 200 grams per liter. To generate the predicted curve, the model requires the location of the zone interface at 180, 600, and 720 seconds and the assumed A-value. The A-value is used to ?fine-tune? the predicted curve so that it will fit the experimental curve. When values of ?A? from 0.85 to 0.95 are used, the predicted curve will fit the experimental curve for all concentrations considered. Thus, to predict the ?primary? self-weight consolidation of the dredged material, a sedimentation test using a sample of the dredged material must first be performed.

Settling and consolidation of suspended clay particles are significant issue in many fields such as geotechnical engineering, coastal and hydraulic engineering, and environmental engineering. A comprehensive literature review was conducted on the settling, consolidation and erosion of mixed soil material (cohesive and non-cohesive). Soil beds formed by sedimentation process of loose particles will be either show a segregated or homogeneous in structure, depending on the depositional environment. These sediments initially undergo self-weight consolidation and may be eroded under high flow rate. A number of studies have recently investigated the characteristic of consolidated clay bed in stagnant water. Hence, consolidation parameters were determined using a well-known vertical settling column consolidation test setup. However, limited research studies are available for deposition and consolidation of a mixture of sediment (clay, silt and sand) under flow conditions which are more representative of what happens in nature. A long flume and pump were used to create different turbulent conditions and simulate the natural process... The results for deposition and consolidation of different mixtures under stagnant and turbulence conditions were analyzed and compered in term of compressibility, permeability as well as shear strength. The results of this experimental research program indicated that the flow rate, initial concentration, height of settling and composition of sediment are all important factors that could affect the final bed dry unit weight. Two non-intrusive techniques were applied for measuring the dry unit weight at settling and consolidation stages. Impact echo technique has never been applied to measure the dry unit weight of self-weight consolidation along the vertical stratification of cohesive and non-cohesive particles. Also, a novel conductance sensor has been developed to improve the efficiency of this technique. The limitations of using these techniques will be highlighted in this study.

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