Au croisement de la sociologie des mobilisations, de la sociologie des migrations et des études genre, cette thèse vise à saisir la réalisation des rapports de domination dans l’action collective des migrant.e.s brésilien.ne.s au Japon dans les années 2000. Au delà des catégorisations ethnoraciales (descendant.e / non descendant.e de Japonais) et classées (ouvrier.ère / indépendant.e), généralement utilisées pour décrire ce fait migratoire, les catégories de sexe contribuent aussi à le caractériser. Dans la perspective de l’intersectionnalité, la thèse s’appuie sur l’ethnographie multisituée pour appréhender la réalisation des rapports sociaux de sexe, de race et de classe. Ceux-ci s’actualisent dans des pratiques circonscrites mais aussi dans des contextes variés où l’intersectionnalité se révèle d’autant mieux que les rapports de pouvoir peuvent changer, s’inverser, « s’invisibiliser ». Pour ce faire, trois espaces de mobilisation ont été explorés : des écoles brésiliennes, des syndicats et des associations locales. Des observations in situ étalées entre 2006 et 2011 ont été complétées par quatre-vingt-dix entretiens semi-directifs en portugais et en japonais avec des familles migrantes, les migrant.e.s mobilisé.e.s, les leaderships et leurs soutiens extérieurs. En examinant leurs interactions, l’enquête multisituée montre que la réalisation des rapports de domination s’appréhende à partir de trois échelles d’analyse : nationale (les contextes japonais et brésilien), sectorielle (syndical, éducatif et associatif) et situationnelle (les dynamiques des organisations dans chaque secteur). De cette façon, la thèse fait ressortir les nouvelles frontières de la société japonaise et les reconfigurations de l’imaginaire national brésilien selon les sites de l’enquête. / At the intersection of the sociology of mobilization, the sociology of migration and the gender studies, this thesis aims at capturing the accomplishment of relations of domination in the collective actions of Brazilian migrants in Japan in the 2000s. Beyond ethnoracial (descendants / non descendants of Japanese people) and class-based (unskilled workers / self-employed) categorizations, generally used to describe this migration, the social relations of sex also help to categorize the phenomenon. In the wake of the theory of intersectionality, this thesis – based on a multisited ethnography – analyzes the production of social relations of sex, race and class. These can be observed in specific practices but also in a variety of contexts where intersectionality becomes all the more noticeable as the relations of power may change, interchangeable and « invisible ». To do so, three spaces of mobilization have been explored : Brazilian schools, workers’ unions and grassroots organizations. In situ observations were conducted from 2006 to 2011 and ninety semi-structured interviews were led in Japanese and Portuguese with migrant families, members and leaderships of the groups, and their external supporters. The multisited field study shows that the accomplishment of the relations of domination can be captured by focusing on three scales of analysis : national (Brazilian and Japanese contexts), sector-based (education, unionism and voluntary sector), situational (organizational dynamics in each sector). In this way, the thesis highlights the new boundaries of Japanese society and the reconfigurations of an imagined Brazilian community depending on the sites studied.

Magister Artium (Development Studies) - MA(DVS) / The South African government is promoting Small, Micro- and Medium-Scale Enterprises (SMMEs) as a key strategy for job creation, economic growth for poverty alleviation and a reduction in inequalities. The sustainable development of small businesses is therefore seen as the antidote for high levels of unemployment and poverty alleviation. Academics and policy makers agree that entrepreneurs, and the new businesses they establish, play a critical role in the development and well-being of their societies. If South Africa is to overcome its pressing challenges of unemployment and poverty, it urgently needs to become a more entrepreneurial society. The Field Study Programme (FSP) initiated by the Tertiary School in Business Administration (TSiBA) in South Africa, and the Northeastern University (NU) in Boston, United States of America, aims to guide and support small business owners. The goal of the FSP was, therefore, to support small business owners to improve their understanding of managing their small business and their competency in finding innovative solutions to their current market challenges. Since the inception of the FSP at TSiBA in 2008, very little research has been undertaken to understand the value and benefits of the FSP from the perspective of community small business owners over the past seven (7) years. This study explored the perceptions and experiences of small business owners and the value of the FSP towards their small business venture to assist business schools and higher education institutions to execute FSP’s with greater success and impact. In terms of the FSP, local and international business students acted as ‘consultants’ applying their respective academic knowledge and skills to assist small business owners to adapt their business model to sustain their livelihoods. The major purpose of the FSP was for students to consult with participants regarding their needs or challenges and to transform their needs and challenges through practical intervention towards meaningful and sustainable solutions which are mutually beneficial for all parties involved. The FSP attempted to demonstrate how a joint service-learning and social entrepreneurship approach could contribute to improving the human capital of small business owners. The study applied a qualitative research approach to explore the experiences and perceptions of small business owners who participated in the FSP. Purposive sampling was used to acquire information from small business owners. In this study twenty (20), participants were chosen on the basis that they had run their own small businesses at the time of being selected for the FSP for more than 6-12 months. The FSP was conducted over a seven-month period from February 2014 to August 2014. The qualitative research instruments for this study were pre- and post-interviews with individuals and focus-group discussions. Tape recorded data was transcribed verbatim for each pre-and post-interview with individuals and focus group discussions. The researcher analysed the transcripts using thematic analysis. The study highlighted the following findings: A majority of participants reported a positive experience and satisfaction with their participation in the FSP. Most of the participants felt that the solutions presented had contributed to addressing their challenges and influenced the ongoing operations of their small business venture. It was perceived that a combined service-learning and social entrepreneurship approach to FSP could improve community outreach programs. Despite the positive feedback, more must be done to incorporate black small-businesses into the main economy. A further recommendation is that a more integrated approach is needed between small business owners and students to join forces and provide solutions and relevant skills-training once the FSP has been completed.

A alelopatia, na qual uma espécie causa efeitos negativos sobre outra através da liberação de substâncias químicas, é um fenômeno que pode afetar comunidades vegetais. Em alguns casos, o estabelecimento de arbustos aromáticos em formações densas, com apenas poucas espécies ocorrendo em suas proximidades, é um padrão que tem sido relacionado aos efeitos fitotóxicos dos voláteis que os mesmos liberam. Em campos dos sul do Brasil, esse padrão de estabelecimento frequentemente ocorre para as espécies arbustivas aromáticas Heterothalamus psiadioides Less e Baccharis patens Baker, indicando a possibilidade de alelopatia. Dessa forma, o presente estudo teve como objetivo determinar se H. psiadioides e B. patens são fitotóxicas e se isso implica em efeitos negativos sobre a comunidade vegetal na qual os arbustos ocorrem. Em ensaios em laboratório, os efeitos dos voláteis liberados diretamente das folhas frescas e secas de H. psiadioides e B. patens foram testados sobre a germinação e o crescimento das plantas-alvo alface e cebola nas quatro estações do ano. Em um estudo em campo, foram avaliadas cobertura e biomassa vegetal, número de mudas, diversidade, riqueza, e variáveis de estrutura da vegetação no entorno de ambas as espécies arbustivas e onde não havia arbustos. Nos bioensaios, os voláteis de H. psiadioides e B. patens causaram inibição na porcentagem e velocidade de germinação e redução no tamanho da raiz e da parte aérea das plantas-alvo, sendo que folhas frescas apresentaram maior fitotoxidez. Esses parâmetros foram mais afetados por H. psiadioides que por B. patens em todas as estações, e os efeitos de ambas foram menores no verão. Em relação à investigação em campo, que objetivou avaliar os efeitos da espécie muito fitotóxica H. psiadioides sobre a comunidade vegetal, não foram observadas evidências de alelopatia. Houve maior riqueza e diversidade próximo a H. psiadioides, devido à menor cobertura de gramíneas dominantes. Variáveis de estrutura da vegetação e intensidade de luz explicaram os padrões observados de forma mais conclusiva que alelopatia. Esse estudo sugere que o potencial alelopático de plantas pode ser superestimado em bioensaios e que estudos em campo são necessários para demonstrar se efeitos alelopáticos são realmente relevantes em comunidades vegetais. Ainda, o trabalho ressalta a importância de conduzir estudos mais realistas em laboratório e de utilizar controles em estudos em campo. / Allelopathy, in which a species causes negative effects on another through the release of chemical substances, is a phenomenon that may affect plant communities. In some cases, the establishment of aromatic shrubs in dense stands, with few other species occurring in their surroundings, has been related to the phytotoxic effects of volatiles released by these shrubs. In South Brazilian grasslands, this pattern of establishment often occurs for the aromatic shrub species Heterothalamus psiadioides Less and Baccharis patens Baker, indicating the possibility of allelopathy. Thus, this study aimed to determine if H. psiadioides and B. patens are phytotoxic and if this implicates in negative effects on the plant community in which the shrubs occur. In laboratory assays, the effects of the volatiles released directly from fresh and dry leaves of H. psiadioides and B. patens on germination and growth of the target plants lettuce and onion were evaluated in four seasons. A field study was carried out, in which vegetation cover and biomass, number of seedlings, diversity, richness, and variables of vegetation structure were evaluated in the surroundings of both species and where there were not shrubs. In the bioassays, H. psiadioides and B. patens volatiles inhibited the germination rate and speed of germination and reduced the root and shoot length of the target plants, with fresh leaves showing higher phytotoxicity. These parameters were more strongly affected by H. psiadioides than by B. patens in all seasons, and effects of the both shrubs were lower in summer. In relation to the field investigation that aimed to quantify the effects of the highly phytotoxic H. psiadioides on the plant community, no evidences of allelopathy were found. Richness and diversity were higher near H. psiadioides, due to lower cover of dominant grasses. Variables of vegetation structure and light intensity explained vegetation patterns more conclusively than allelopathy. This study emphasizes that the allelopathic potential of plants can be overestimated in bioassays, and that field studies are necessary to elucidate if allelopathic effects are in fact significant in plant communities. Still, the relevance of conducting more realistic laboratory studies and of using controls in field studies is highlighted.

Those who frequent the coastline may be accustomed to seeing driftwood washed onshore, some of it having seemingly found a home there for many years, others having been freshly deposited during the last set of storms; However, if a passerby were to take a closer look at the driftwood on the coastline, they may notice that some of these logs – also known as Large Woody Debris (LWD) – are anchored in place, a practice which is generally used for the purpose of stabilizing the shoreline or reducing wave-induced flooding. Records of existing anchored LWD project sites date back to 1997 and anecdotal evidence suggests that the technique has been used since the mid-1900’s in coastal British Columbia (BC), Canada, and Washington State, USA. Now, with an increased demand for natural and nature-based solutions, the technique is again gaining popularity. Despite this, the design of anchored LWD has largely been based on anecdotal observations and experience, as well as a continuity of design practices from the river engineering field. To date, there is no known peer-reviewed literature on the design or efficacy of LWD protection systems in a coastal environment. In 2019, the “Efficacy and Design of Coastal Protection using Large Woody Debris” research project was initiated to determine if LWD are effective at stabilizing the shoreline under wave action, if they are effective at reducing wave run-up, and if they are durable enough to meet engineering requirements for shore protection. In addition, the project aimed to determine the optimum configuration of LWD for design purposes. To meet these objectives, this study included the following work: (1) field studies of existing LWD installations, (2) experimental modeling of beach morphology with and without LWD structures, (3) experimental modeling of wave run-up with and without LWD structures, and (4) development of preliminary design guidance. The first phase of the project included field investigations at 15 existing anchored LWD sites in coastal BC and Washington State. Site characteristics, design techniques, and durability indicators were examined and correlated to a new design life parameter: ‘Effective Life’. Six primary installation techniques were observed: Single, Multiple, Benched, Stacked, Matrix, and Groyne. Observed durability and/or performance issues included: missing LWD, erosion, arson, wood decay, and anchor corrosion/damage. The Effective Life of anchored LWD was found to be strongly correlated to the tidal range and the upper beach slope for all installation types, and the LWD placement elevation relative to the beach crest elevation for single, shore-parallel structures. The many noted durability issues and ineffectiveness as mitigating erosion indicates that existing design methods for anchored LWD have not generally been effective at providing coastal protection and meeting engineering design life requirements. A comprehensive set of over 60 experimental tests were completed as part of the overall research program. Thirty-two (32) tests were analyzed as part of this study relating to the morphological response of a gravel beach with and without various LWD configurations. The tests were conducted within a wave flume at the National Research Council’s Ocean, Coastal and River Engineering Research Centre (NRC-OCRE), at a large scale (5:1) based on site characteristics and LWD design characteristics made during the previous field investigations. Tests were also conducted to assess experiment repeatability, sensitivity to test duration, sensitivity to wave height, wave period, and relative water level, influence of regular waves, and influence of log roughness. The position of the most seaward LWD (whether considering distance or elevation) was found to be strongly linked to morphological response. A theoretical relationship was developed between LWD elevation and sediment volume change. Configurations which included LWD placement below the still water level, such as the Benched configuration, were found to be most effective at stabilizing the beach profile. As part of the experimental modeling program, 24 tests were also conducted for the purpose of estimating the effect of LWD design configuration on wave run-up. In total, six different beach and LWD configurations were tested under a base set of four regular wave conditions. The study findings indicated that anchored LWD may increase wave run-up relative to a gravel beach with no structures. In particular, configurations with more logs tended to result in higher wave run-up. However, additional research is needed on the effect of LWD on wave run-up to confirm and expand these findings. There are a number of potential engineering, ecological, social, and economic benefits associated with anchored LWD installations if designed, installed, and monitored appropriately for the site conditions and user needs. To realize these potential benefits, significant additional research is needed on the topic. One of the most significant barriers to usage is a lack of information on how to effectively anchor LWD structures. However, this research project provides a baseline for future comprehensive studies on the effect and design of coastal protection using LWD. The project provides preliminary design considerations for the usage of LWD as coastal protection and contributes to the growing body of literature on nature-based solutions.

No description available.

The city district Old Havana that is on the World Heritage List because of its Spanish colonial architecture is undergoing a restoration project of great size. The project is run by the Office of the City Historian, which in Cuban proportions, is independent the state. Instead the Office is self-financed by the profits out of the 1,5 million annual tourists that visit the already, with its 63000 inhabitants, overcrowded Old Havana.  Alongside the restoration of the deteriorated buildings, the goal is to make it without resettling the current residents. Instead the aim is to involve the citizens in the planning processes to make them participate, which is not a well-tried approach in Cuban planning. This report, based on a field study in Old Havana, investigates what methods for participative planning are used by the Office and to what extent the residents see that they have the possibility to take part. / SIDA - Minor Field Study

This report focuses on potential ways to improve the reliability of the production process at the wood refining company Dicomad S.R.L. in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia. The main theory used has been Lean Production, as this theory suits the circumstances of the company well. Disorder has been the biggest problem, which has caused the safety in the factory to be below an acceptable level. Dicomad has two different businesses – producing decking and furniture. The decking production is fairly standardized whereas the furniture production is customized. The study was carried out during the summer and fall of 2009.The analysis has resulted in changes in the layout of the factory such that a clearer work flow as well as proper order can be maintained. More specifically, three new layout suggestions have been made. The first suggestion makes big changes in the layout creating the “optimal” layout for the current situation. The second makes slightly smaller changes and the third makes small, but important changes to the layout. Our choice of the three is the second suggestion which constitutes the best compromise given the current layout. This suggestion will bring substantial benefits in form of a clearer flow, more organized inventory and separation of the two businesses but does not include a strenuous movement of the molder. Furthermore, each operation in the factory has been scrutinized and suggested improvements have been made to banish disorganization. Suggestions include redesign of machines, addition of collecting mechanisms for material and creation of best practices for machines. The greatest improvements have been possible within the furniture manufacturing as the factory was originally designed for decking production only. Additionally, proposals about improving the light, the air quality and the general organization and cleanliness of the factory have been made.Only suggestions are presented, as the time available for the study was limited and any implementations were beyond our scope.

京都大学 / 新制・課程博士 / 博士(地球環境学) / 甲第23558号 / 地環博第215号 / 新制||地環||41(附属図書館) / 京都大学大学院地球環境学舎地球環境学専攻 / (主査)教授 梶井 克純, 准教授 田中 周平, 准教授 上田 佳代 / 学位規則第4条第1項該当 / Doctor of Global Environmental Studies / Kyoto University / DFAM

The myriad ways species interact with each other have always captivated biologists. These interactions—predation, competition, parasitism, and mutualism—are fundamental to the stability of ecological communities and drive the evolution of species they contain. Some mutualistic systems consist of mutually dependent partners that strongly influence each other’s survival, while other mutualistic systems consist of many, diffuse relationships between large assemblages of partners. Critical ecological processes like pollination and seed dispersal are prime examples of such complex systems. Plant-pollinator communities are characterized by extensive pollinator sharing among plant species. My dissertation explores some of the consequences of this reliance on shared pollinators on the structure of plant-pollinator interaction networks, the foraging decisions of pollinators, and the fitness outcomes of plant species. Through several comprehensive field studies, I contribute to our understanding of mutualist interaction patterns at multiple levels of biological hierarchy: the community, species, and individuals. My first chapter examines the forces driving the change in interaction patterns of an entire plant-pollinator community and individual species throughout the flowering season. Nearly all studies of plant-pollinator interaction networks ignore potential intra-annual variation, and in doing so may be missing critical mechanisms contributing to overall community stability. I find that the overall turnover of interactions is high and driven by a process of interaction rewiring in which species frequently shuffle between available partners. Furthermore, I distinguish pollinator species whose interactions are driven by an abundance-based neutral process versus those that change their interactions beyond what is predicted by a neutral, abundance-driven null model. My second chapter uses a network-based framework to consider the fitness consequences for plants participating in a diffuse plant-pollinator network. I analyze the relationship between plant species’ network metrics and pollen deposition. Empirical examples that link patterns of interactions and functional outcomes (e.g., pollination) are scarce, but necessary to establish the utility of characterizing species interaction patterns. My final chapter explores how pollinator composition, local floral neighborhoods, and timing of flowering influence the pollination outcomes of individual Oenothera fruticosa flowers. I demonstrate extensive intraspecific variation in receipt of pollen from other species (‘heterospecific pollen receipt’) and find that this heterospecific pollen has a negative fitness effect if present in sufficiently high amounts. Together, the chapters of my thesis provide novel insights into the consequences of pollinator sharing among co-flowering plant species. / Biology

At low speeds, older cyclists have a higher risk of losing balance and having an accident on a pedelec than younger cyclists. A stability assistance system with an electric motor acting on the handlebars can provide steering assistance and help stabilize a pedelec. However, the steering interventions can possibly affect the cyclist and his riding experience. Using a steer assisted pedelec, this study investigates the influence of these interventions on the cyclist and his riding experience at low speeds.