It is important to estimate the quantity of wave run-up and overtopping in seawall design. Previous study on the investigations of run-up is carried out mostly in the laboratories, it seldom perform in field measurements. About previous wave run-up equation can¡¦t accurately estimate run-up elevation. According to run-up data, this study hope that it can make the formula to meet the actual local situation. It can have a better reference by designing coastal structures. This paper study wave run-up during five typhoons by Kalmaegi ,Fung-Wong,Nuri, Hagupit,and Jangmi. It measuring wave height , water level,and topography. These data show that the run-up elevation in bay higher than in breakwater. It shows that wave pass through a submerged breakwater can decay wave height. Analysis of measured data and found that when the wave height is about 1~4 meter with 1/(H0/L0)0.5 has a good correlation. It similar to some past researchers. Experience equations close to measured value when wave height smaller than 4 meter. When wave height more than 4 meter, the empirical prediction value is larger than measured value. Wave run-up doesn¡¦t have good theory, and experience equations different about every field. The empirical equations depends on the scene to investigate the effects of various parameter.

<p>This case study aims at showing how longer field studies can influence the design process. The design case is a redesign of the GUI of software for cell phone network simulation. The study explores the potential of a long field study, presenting it in a way that makes it possible for the reader to follow every step of the process and thus evaluate the merits of this long fieldstudy, and of longer field studies, in general.</p><p>Data for the study was collected and an initial analysis performed during a four weeks field study. Participant observation was the primary method, but other methods were also used. After the field study was completed, further analysis led to the formation of a design rationale, sorted according to three identified usage groups and one general category.</p><p>This study argues that a long field study, with design measurements, informs the design significantly. Week one was needed for creating the necessary rapport with the users/informants, while new information decreased during week four. This confirms the argument of earlier studies that the time span of field studies for focused design cases may be shorter than for more wide-aiming social research. However, one main finding is that the most significant data for the design rationale was unevenly collected, mainly in weeks two and three. Thus, the study argues that design cases may benefit from longer fieldstudies than is the standard within the design community of today.</p>

The aim of this project is to study the nitrate levels of the treated water flowing into Jakkur Lake in Bangalore, from the treatment plant situated at the inlet to the lake, and thereby evaluate the function of the lake as for secondary and tertiary wastewater treatment as well as an infiltration basin. Obtained nitrate levels are used as indicators to study the wastewater flow in the lake, and to find other possible inflows of sewage which can affect the lakes’ total treatment efficiency. A literature study is done on wetlands and on groundwater recharge through infiltration basins, and the possibility of recharging groundwater below Jakkur Lake is evaluated. Water samples are collected around and in the lake and the samples are tested for nitrate, pH and total dissolved solids. Extra focus is put on research on nitrates in water.The risks of groundwater recharge in Jakkur Lake include pollution of wells by bacteria, viruses, parasites and traces of medicine. Further geotechnical investigations need to be pursued mainly on the soil structure under and around the lake, and studies need to be performed on the retention time of the water in the lake. The technical limitations such as fluctuations in efficiency and pollutant migration must be minimized, which initially could be done by building a constructed wetland and controlling the inflow to the lake.

This thesis investigates the role of accounting information in the automotive industry restructuring of 2008 and 2009 in Canada. The crisis in the automotive industry led to government-funded restructurings for two of the top manufacturers in North America, effectively adding the government as a third party to the negotiations. Following a series of negotiations that occurred between AutoCo and UnionA, I conduct a case study that examines the individual actors’ use of accounting inscriptions in negotiations, as well as explore the dynamic interaction between accounting and trust at the negotiation table. The use of actor network theory highlights the individual actors, their actor-networks, accounting inscriptions and the continuous translation process inherent in labour-management negotiations. Accounting inscriptions are shown to play a central role in negotiations, particularly as a forum for bringing the actor-networks together. Furthermore, I explicate the notion of tactical trust, as it emphasizes the assessment, monitoring, and adjustment inherent in decisions to trust actors within dynamic business contexts. I also investigate the roles that the Canadian government played throughout the restructuring of the automotive industry. Through an in-depth case study of the restructuring from its antecedents through to outcomes, the research focuses on the roles of the government officials in the negotiations between the company and the unions, and their use of accounting information. The empirics highlight that the government not only acted at a distance but utilized sovereign power and direct intervention to achieve their objectives in the automotive industry restructuring. I find that the accounting served as the flexible substitute for the government’s presence at the negotiations table while they were acting at a distance and is used as an immutable parameter when the government directly intervened. This paper extends the governmentality literature by highlighting the coercive character of government actions, technologies and programs, and the notion of government in action. I consider the implications of these research findings on the labour-management negotiations, accounting, actor network theory and governmentality literature. In conclusion I also highlight various avenues of future research. / Thesis (Ph.D, Management) -- Queen's University, 2013-10-09 20:46:13.009

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the gender equality in Mpasa Community in Malawi by measuring the access to work, education, health, and political empowerment as measurements. An investigation of how the pre-colonial social structure, based on matriarchy, will determine to what extent the cultural factors affects gender equality. This thesis is based on observations made possible through a minor field study scholarship financed by SIDA in 2013. Previous research and theories are used as framework for the thesis. The Malawian Parliament, consisting of mainly men, passing a gender equality bill hoping to empower women and increase female political representation is evidence of willingness to improve the current living situation of women and girls. It turns out the degree of gender equality is high for such an underdeveloped country as Malawi and the cultural factors do have a big impact on the political development. Inequality does occur in the field of political participation investigated at chief level in the district and matriarchy seems to be the underlying social structure that sets the norms and rules.

This thesis explores the act of informal reciprocal exchanges and relationships - sometimes referred to as bribes or corruption - within the Cuban healthcare system. The research was conducted in Havana during the autumn of 2018 and was funded by a Minor Field Study scholarship from SIDA. The theoretical framework of Institutionalism is used to answer the research question: For what reasons do patients informally pay for healthcare services, that formally are meant to be free? The study shows through qualitative interview methods, that the perception of informal gift giving varies between the respondents; some consider it to be a way of showing gratitude, while others claim it to be corruption. There was however consensus among the respondents, and also according to previous research, that one’s personal connections within the healthcare system can impact the quality of the services and grant better access to medical resources. The study concludes that gifts can function as a factor creating or strengthening friendships, which may provide better access to healthcare. / Esta tesis explora la acción de intercambios y relaciones recíprocas e informales — a veces llamadas soborno, o corrupción — al interior del sistema de salud en Cuba. La investigación fue desarrollada en La Havana durante el otoño de 2018 y fue financiada mediante una beca del programa de Breves Estudios de Campo de la Agencia Sueca de Cooperación Internacional para el Desarrollo (Asdi). El estudio hace uso del esquema teórico del institucionalismo para responder a la siguiente pregunta: ¿por qué razón los pacientes están dispuestos a pagar informalmente por servicios de salud supuestamente gratuitos? El estudio muestra, mediante el método de entrevistas, que la percepción del presente informal varía entre los entrevistados; algunos lo consideran una manera de mostrar gratitud, mientras que otros lo consideran una forma de corrupción. Sin embargo, existe consenso entre los entrevistados, y también de acuerdo a investigaciones anteriores, en que el acceso a relaciones personales dentro del sistema de salud puede influenciar la calidad del servicio, y asegurar mejor acceso a recursos médicos. El estudio concluye que los obsequios pueden funcionar como una manera de crear o fortalecer amistades — una función importante en la vida de los cubanos — lo que puede resultar en un mejor acceso al servicio de salud.

The implementation of SM is considered an important criterion that influences the accomplishment of business performance and achieves competitive advantage. However, there is a limitation in SM research concerning the implementation of SM strategy and the selection of suitable SM platform for business. Therefore, the investigation and analysis conducted in this study provide an understanding of the application of SM in business by examining the implementation process and the selection of SM platform. Accordingly, a SM strategy framework was developed for a practical implementation of business which includes three stage-process. This empirical research context includes two field investigations in relations to the views and experience of the SM personnel who participated in this study. Both investigation phases were analysed using thematic analysis with respect to the interpretive qualitative analysis approach. The research revealed that companies do follow directly or indirectly some base guidelines in employing SM but do not have a strategic implementation process in carrying out this activity as described in the framework presented. Also, companies are required to consider selecting a suitable SM platform for business which leads to added value to the holistic strategically implemented process. The analysis of the SM strategy framework revealed that an alignment of SM strategy and business strategy could be established through strategic implementation. The implementation process of SM strategy would require company's readiness as described in the framework to ensure successful SM integration to support in achieving business goals. This research provides in-depth knowledge of how the implementation process can be conducted in stages and the application of this technological innovation. The results of the analysis of the framework indicated that companies establish a presence on platforms where their customers are located. Leading to further investigation in the second phase where Practice theory is employed. Revealing an in-depth understanding on how platform evaluation can be carried out by examining the actual act of enacting the selection process, understanding the routine and considering the individuals involved in shaping and implementing platform evaluation in the company. Therefore, the findings can be used by managers or key SM personnel to implement SM strategy efficiently to improve business performance and applied by researchers for further evaluation and analysis of this process.

Participation has become a crucial aspect for development and development aid thus it ensures empowerment and appropriate gain for the stakeholders. Participation is important especially for managing natural resources like water but the participatory approach is not always satisfying. This Minor field study has looked at two different projects participation from the stakeholders view and tried to answer what the stakeholders gain is for from participatory projects. This is done by interviewing the initiators of the projects and the villagers involved in it. The interviews showed a difference between the projects where the local development project had a more constant participation from start to finish while the research project stationed in Sweden had participation at times and in a different way. The study showed that more efforts need to be done to define participation thus it is now used in many different ways. There is also a need for improved documentation on the participatory process to assure participation and improve the procedures.

There is a growing interest in straw bale construction for its low embodied energy and insulation value. Early studies of its structural behaviour and fire resistance have shown it to be a viable alternative to traditional building techniques. However, the biggest remaining obstacle to widespread acceptance is the moisture behaviour within the straw bale walls, especially as it concerns mould growth. The uncertainty of this behaviour leads to the hesitation of building officials and insurance providers to freely accept straw bale construction. Therefore, this study investigates the moisture, temperature and mould growth in straw bale walls, through a combination of analysis, dynamic modeling and field studies. A study of mould is presented along with the current methods available for predicting mould growth. Moisture is the primary controllable factor to mould growth in buildings. Therefore, an understanding of moisture accumulation within straw bale walls is necessary to provide a safe design that precludes mould growth. This study compiles the current state of knowledge of the hygrothermal properties of the materials used in straw bale walls. Then a parametric steady-state analysis is conducted to show the expected behaviour of vapour diffusion and the effects of the material properties. Two 14”thick x 6’ wide x 8’ high straw bale test walls were constructed: one was rendered with a typical cement-lime plaster and the other with a clay plaster. Temperature and moisture were monitored throughout the walls for over a year. These test walls provide more information on the macro behaviour of the walls to both vapour diffusion and, more importantly, rain. Hygrothermal computer modeling was conducted and compared to the test data to assess its accuracy. Thermal modeling was successful, while moisture modeling was found to be more difficult due to a lack of accurate rain data. With better climate data it is expected that accurate hygrothermal modeling of straw bale walls is possible. The result of this work is a general starting point for more detailed studies of the hygrothermal behaviour of straw bale walls with the ultimate goal of assessing the mould risk for various construction techniques and locations.

<p>Participation has become a crucial aspect for development and development aid thus it ensures empowerment and appropriate gain for the stakeholders. Participation is important especially for managing natural resources like water but the participatory approach is not always satisfying. This Minor field study has looked at two different projects participation from the stakeholders view and tried to answer what the stakeholders gain is for from participatory projects. This is done by interviewing the initiators of the projects and the villagers involved in it. The interviews showed a difference between the projects where the local development project had a more constant participation from start to finish while the research project stationed in Sweden had participation at times and in a different way. The study showed that more efforts need to be done to define participation thus it is now used in many different ways. There is also a need for improved documentation on the participatory process to assure participation and improve the procedures.</p>