The task of this thesis is the design and construction of semi-automatic control and measuring station. The station is designed for testing the presence and measurement of the correct position of light guides and seals in the connector. Station contains a tool for testing the blinding of connectors. The design and construction of a semi-automatic control and measuring station is necessary using several types of sensors and sliding linear axes controlled by servo drives. The assignment of the thesis is solved in cooperation with the company Mechatronic Design & Solutions s.r.o. in Brno.

La thèse s’est développée comme suit. Chapitre 1 étudie la situation concurrentielle du marché de la télévision en clair. Nous avons construit un modèle de concurrence oligopolistique et identifié la nature et l’ampleur des externalités entre les téléspectateurs et les annonceurs publicitaires. Nous contribuons à la littérature en mettant en œuvre une procédure simple permettant de tester le type de comportement des entreprises sur un marché. Nous démontrons que la nature de la concurrence sur le marché publicitaire de la télévision est du type Cournot (i.e., une concurrence sur la capacité d’offre d’écrans publicitaires). Nos estimations nous permettent aussi de conclure que, sur un marché biface, des taux de marge élevés sur une des faces du marché ne signifient pas une absence de concurrence. Au chapitre 2, j'utilise un modèle théorique pour analyser le comportement concurrentiel des plateformes médias financées par la publicité. Les plateformes sont spécifiées pour être différenciées horizontalement et la structure du marché est un oligopole. Je démontre dans cet article que la «réaction stratégique» des chaînes de télévision sous une concurrence à la Cournot est complémentaire (i.e., si une chaîne augmente son offre de publicité, ses concurrents ont intérêt à augmenter leurs offres de publicité également). Par conséquent, la fusion des régies publicitaires permet à toutes les chaînes du marché d’augmenter leurs quantités de publicité. J’ai ensuite testé la prédiction théorique avec des données sur le marché de la télévision en France et le modèle utilisé dans le premier chapitre. La simulation contrefactuelle conclut les mêmes résultats que le modèle théorique. Au chapitre 3, j’analyse l’effet de la régulation par plafonnement des volumes publicitaires sur les chaînes de télévision en clair. J’exploite une nouvelle base de données par tranche horaire sur 12 chaînes de télévision en France pendant un an (2014). J'estime tout d'abord la demande des téléspectateurs et des annonceurs, ce qui me permet de tenir compte de la nature biface du marché dans la spécification de la décision stratégique des chaînes. J'identifie les «prix fictifs» de la régulation à partir des contraintes observées. Enfin, j’ai mené deux simulations contrefactuelles pour calibrer les effets de la régulation. Mes résultats suggèrent que la régulation protège le bien-être des téléspectateurs, alors que son impact sur le profit de l'industrie peut être positif ou négatif, en fonction du niveau de concentration du marché. Compte tenu de la structure du marché biface de cette industrie, la régulation par plafonnement n'est pas nécessaire si le marché reste concurrentiel. Cependant, quand le marché se concentre, la régulation peut augmenter jusqu'à 5,75% du surplus des consommateurs, mais diminuer jusqu'à 4,8% du profit de l'industrie. (...) / The first chapter of the thesis studies the advertising competition on the French broadcast TV market. We use a unique dataset on the French broadcast television market including audience, prices, and quantities of advertising of twenty-one TV channels from March 2008 to December 2013. We specify a structural model of oligopoly competition and identify the shape and magnitude of the feedback loop between TV viewers and advertisers. We also implement a simple procedure to identify the conduct of firms on the market. We find that the nature of competition in the French TV advertising market is of the Cournot type. Further, we provide empirical evidence that the price-cost margin is not a good indicator of the market power of firms operating on two-sided markets. In the second chapter, I use a theoretical model to analyze the competitive behavior of advertising financed media platforms. The platforms are specified to be horizontally differentiated and the market form is an oligopoly. The first major insight of the model is that the different platforms behave as strategic complements under Cournot competition. In particular, if a platform increases its quantity of advertising, it is optimal for its competitors to raise their respective advertising quantities as well. The model suggests that the merger of advertising sales houses of several platforms increases the advertising offers of all the competing platforms of the market (both the merged and unmerged), holding the quality of platforms unaffected. I further test the theoretical prediction with TV market data and model used in the first chapter, the empirical counterfactual simulation suggests same results as the theoretical model. Finally, in the last chapter, I investigate the welfare effect of the widespread policy of regulating advertising time on TV. The project exploits a novel dataset of per hour data on 12 broadcast TV channels in France during one year (2014). I first estimate the demand of TV viewers and of advertisers, which allows me to account for the two-sidedness of the market in the supply decision of TV stations. I show in this work how to identify the shadow prices of regulation when the regulatory constraints are observed. Finally, I conduct two counterfactual experiments to calibrate the welfare effects of the regulation. My results suggest that the regulation protects welfare of TV viewers, while its impact on the industry's profit can be either positive or negative, depending on the concentration level of the market. Given the two-sided market structure of the broadcast TV industry, regulating advertising time is unnecessary on a competitive market. However, when the market become concentrated, the regulation can improve up to 5.75% of consumer surplus, but decrease until 4.8% of the industry's profit. (...)

Dans les dernières décennies, le design de matériaux renouvelables est devenu une préoccupation majeure. Découvrir de nouveaux monomères biosourcés pour les plastiques est un enjeu important pour la transition vers des matériaux plus verts. L’isosorbide (ISO), diol secondaire aliphatique, biosourcé, est donc étudié en tant que monomère pour la synthèse de compositions polyuréthanes, notamment thermoplastiques et revêtements. Il pourrait notamment fournir une alternative à l’utilisation de 1,4-butanediol (BDO). Dans une première partie, l’isosorbide est utilisé en tant qu’allongeur de chaîne pour la synthèse de matériaux élastomères, en combinaison avec le 4,4'-diisocyanate de diphénylméthylène (MDI) et différents macrodiols dont notamment la polycaprolactone (PCL), le polytetrahydrofurane (PTMEG) et un oligoester dérivé d’huiles végétales (FADM). L’analyse thermo-mécanique des matériaux obtenus permet de montrer que les segments rigides à base d’ISO et de MDI sont moins favorables à la cristallisation que ceux à base de BDO et sont en général plus miscible avec la phase souple. Cependant, cet effet peut être contrôlé par le choix judicieux de la phase souple en combinaison des segments rigides MDI/ISO. Dans une seconde partie, l’isosorbide est incorporé dans des compositions thermoplastiques à base d’isocyanate d’isophorone (IPDI). Les matériaux montrent une microstructure différente selon le macrodiol utilisé. Les compositions à base de FADM sont séparées alors que celles à base de PTMEG sont plus homogènes. Cependant les propriétés mécaniques de ces matériaux sont pauvres car une longueur de chaîne permettant l’apparition d’enchevêtrements n’a pas été atteinte. Dans une dernière partie, des agents de réticulation sont ajoutés aux compositions à base d’IPDI et d’ISO afin d’obtenir des revêtements polyuréthanes réticulés sur substrats acier. Des tests menés par voie solvant ont permis d’obtenir une composition à bas taux de composants volatiles et en utilisant un solvant non-toxique. Les revêtements obtenus ont été caractérisé mécaniquement et l’ISO semble améliorer l’adhérence et la résistance à l’impact. Ce travail démontre que l’isosorbide a le potentiel pour devenir un composant très utile pour la formulation de bio-polyuréthanes, et il peut aussi être utilisé avec des composants non conventionnels pour obtenir des matériaux innovants tels que ceux obtenus avec l’IPDI ou les isocyanates biosourcés. Des applications dans le secteur automobile, pharmaceutique, de l’habillement ou du sport sont envisageables. / In the recent years, renewable material design has become a key issue. Finding new bio-sourced monomers for plastics is a major concern for transition toward greener materials. Isosorbide (ISO), a bio-sourced and aliphatic secondary diol, is thus studied as a monomer for polyurethane composition synthesis, especially thermoplastics and coatings. It could be a valuable replacement for the use of 1,4-butanediol (BDO). In a first part, isosorbide is used as a chain extender for the synthesis of elastomeric materials, in combination to 4,4'-diphenylméthylenediisocyanate (MDI) and various macrodiols such as polytetrahydrofurane (PTMEG) and an oligoester derived from vegetable oils (FADM). Thermomechanical analysis of the obtained materials has shown that hard segments based on ISO and MDI are less favorable to crystallization than the one based on MDI and BDO, and are generally more miscible with the soft phase. However, this effect can be controlled by the proper choice of the soft phase combined to the hard segments based on MDI/ISO. In a second part, isosorbide was added in thermoplastic compositions based on isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI). Those materials have a different microstructure depending on the used macrodiol. Compositions based on FADM show phase segregation while those based on PTMEG are more homogeneous. However, mechanical properties of those materials were poor as a chain length allowing the appearance of chain entanglements was not reached. In a last part, cross-linkers were added to IPDI and ISO-based compositions in order to obtain cross-linked polyurethane coatings for steel substrates. Tests carried out in solvent-phase have allowed to design a composition with low ratio of volatile components, and the use of a non-toxic solvent. Obtained coatings were mechanically and thermally characterized, and ISO seems to enhance adhesion and impact resistance. This work shows that isosorbide could become a very useful building block for design of bio-polyurethanes, and that it can also be used with non-conventional building blocks to obtain innovative materials such as those made from IPDI. Applications in automotive, pharmacology, clothing or sport are possible.

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No description available.

The most volcanically active body in the solar systemand the innermost Galilean moon of Jupiter, Io, is theorizedto have a global magma ocean beneath it’s surface. Io is alsoin a fast-moving flow of plasma where the moon acts as anobstacle in the flow which generates several complex interactions.One important interaction is the propagation of Alfv ́en waves,a specific wave in plasma, and the associated creation of Alfv ́enwings. The proposed magma ocean on Io would give rise to aninduced magnetic field and this induced field would influencethe shape and direction of these Alfv ́en wings. In this project,our aim is to find out how the induced magnetic field from themagma ocean would affect Io’s Alfv ́en wings and then comparethe results of our studies with measurements from the NASAGalileo spacecraft. We want to develop methods that we can applyto the measured magnetic field data from a specific spacecraftflyby to find out where the spacecraft enters and exits the Alfv ́enwing. Two different methods will be attempted, one that examinesthe gradient of the measured magnetic field and one that createscross-sections of these Alfv ́en wings and track the spacecraftstrajectory through it. Our results show that the methods wedevelop for examining the Alfv ́en wings are efficient, but thegeometry of the spacecrafts trajectory is not useful for studyingthe influence of the induced fields on the Alfv ́en wing. Thislimits us in drawing any definite conclusions about the existenceof a global magma ocean. Future spacecraft flybys with bettertrajectories are needed to use our methods to decide whether amagma ocean exists or not. / Den mest vulkaniskt aktiva himlakroppen i vårt solsystem och den innersta galilenska månen, Io, kan ha ett globalt magmahav under ytan. Io är även i ett snabbt flöde av plasma där månen agerar som ett hinder i flödet, detta skapar flera olika komplexa interaktioner. En särskilt viktig interaktion är fortplantningen av Alfvénska vågor, en specifik våg inom plasma, och det associerade skapandet av Alfvénvingar. Det möjliga magmahavet på Io skulle ge upphov till ett inducerat magnetiskt fält and detta inducerade fält skulle påverka formen och riktningen på dessa Alfvénvingar. I detta projekt är vårt mål att ta reda på hur det inducerade magnetiska fältet från magmahavet skulle påverka Ios Alfvénvingar och sen jämföra resultatet av våra studier med mätningar från NASAs Galileo rymdskepp. Vi vill också undersöka banan av en specifik förbiflygning och ta reda på var rymdskeppet kommer in i, och ut ur, Alfvénvingen. För att göra detta undersöker vi gradienten av magnetfältet och försöker även skapa tvärsnitt av Alfvénvingarna. Våra resultat visar att metoderna som vi tar fram för att undersöka Alfvénvingarna är effektiva och bra, men problem med rymdskeppets bana förhindrar oss från att dra klara slutsatser om existensen av magmahavet. Framtida förbiflygningar med bättre banor behövs för att bestämma om ett magmahav existerar eller ej. / Kandidatexjobb i elektroteknik 2020, KTH, Stockholm

Approved for public release, distribution is unlimited / This thesis will address the planned configuration of Lockheed Martin's Flight Zero, Module Spiral Alpha Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) and the ongoing development of the SPARTAN SCOUT, one of the Navy's Unmanned Surface Vessels (USV). Technology currently available as well as developmental technologies will be recommended for implementation in order to make the LCS and SCOUT assets to Information Operations (IO) objectives. Specific technology will include Outboard, TARBS, HPM, Loudspeakers, LRAD and Air Magnet. This thesis will include an evaluation of the current policy for authorizing Information Operations missions, specifically in the areas of Psychological Operations (PSYOP) and Electronic Warfare (EW). / Lieutenant, United States Navy

Scenic improvisation is dramatic performance without a script. Performers develop scenes in real time in front of an audience. They do this by submitting to a set of rules of relating on-stage which allow them, by mutual assent, to develop scenes and stories based on their relationships with one another. This methodology by which improvisers develop their scenes can give us a tangible vocabulary and model by which we can fulfill the requirements of love. The Harold, an improvisational form created by Del Close and Charna Halpern and taught and performed at IO (formerly ImprovOlympic), emphasizes this relational ethic as the means to create consistent and sustainable theatrical performances. This paper will examine the performance methodology and pedagogy of long-form improvisation and particularly the Harold as a guide for ethical decision-making and behavior in our personal relationships.

Cette étude a pour but de contribuer aux travaux menés jusqu'ici pour déterminer la composition chimique de la surface du satellite Io. A cette fin, nous avons choisi d'allier modélisation thermochimique des gaz volcaniques ioniens et étude expérimentale spectroscopique et chimique de molécules condensées à basse température. <br />Ainsi, la modélisation thermochimique appliquée au volcanisme ionien permet de suivre le refroidissement des gaz volcaniques émis et met en évidence les séquences de condensation de certaines molécules.<br />A l'issue de cette première partie de l'étude, le monoxyde de disoufre, S2O, apparaissant comme gaz majeur émis par les volcans, est sélectionné pour une étude expérimentale détaillée. Il s'agit là de reproduire en laboratoire la condensation à basse température d'un gaz chargé de S2O et de suivre par spectroscopie infrarouge, son évolution physico-chimique et sa polymérisation, dans des conditions de température, de pression, de mélange avec SO2 et d'irradiation solaire, imitant au mieux celles qui règnent à la surface de Io. Les expériences menées permettent d'approfondir les connaissances chimiques que l'on avait jusque là de S2O et du mécanisme de sa polymérisation en oxyde de polysoufre ainsi que de la structure de ce dernier. De plus, elles conduisent à rejeter la possibilité d'attribuer la couleur rouge de certains dépôts volcaniques à la condensation de S2O à la surface de Io et amènent à penser que cette dernière est très probablement majoritairement composée de dioxyde de soufre et d'un mélange de soufre S8 et de polymère de soufre, auxquels de l'oxyde de polysoufre s'adjoint en plus faible quantité.

Reactive halogen species (RHS) are responsible for ozone depletion and oxidation of gaseous elemental mercury and dimethyl sulphide in the polar boundary layer, but the sources and mechanisms controlling their catalytic reaction cycles are still not completely understood. To further investigate these processes, ground– based Multi–Axis Differential Optical Absorption Spectroscopy (MAX-DOAS) observations of boundary layer BrO and IO were made from a portable instrument platform in McMurdo Sound during the Antarctic spring of 2006 and 2007. Measurements of surface ozone, temperature, pressure, humidity, and wind speed and direction were also made, along with fourteen tethersonde soundings and the collection of snow samples for mercury analysis. A spherical multiple scattering Monte Carlo radiative transfer model (RTM) was developed for the simulation of box-air-mass-factors (box-AMFs), which are used to determine the weighting functions and forward model differential slant column densities (DSCDs) required for optimal estimation. The RTM employed the backward adjoint simulation technique for the fast calculation of box-AMFs for specific solar zenith angles (SZA) and MAX-DOAS measurement geometries. Rayleigh and Henyey-Greenstein scattering, ground topography and reflection, refraction, and molecular absorption by multiple species were included. Radiance and box-AMF simulations for MAX-DOAS measurements were compared with nine other RTMs and showed good agreement. A maximum a posteriori (MAP) optimal estimation algorithm was developed to retrieve trace gas concentration profiles from the DSCDs derived from the DOAS analysis of the measured absorption spectra. The retrieval algorithm was validated by performing an inversion of artificial DSCDs, simulated from known NO2 profiles. Profiles with a maximum concentration near the ground were generally well reproduced, but the retrieval of elevated layers was less accurate. Retrieved partial vertical column densities (VCDs) were similar to the known values, and investigation of the averaging kernels indicated that these were the most reliable retrieval product. NO₂ profiles were also retrieved from measurements made at an NO₂ measurement and profiling intercomparison campaign in Cabauw, Netherlands in July 2009. Boundary layer BrO was observed on several days throughout both measurement periods in McMurdo Sound, with a maximum retrieved surface mixing ratio of 14.4±0.3 ppt. The median partial VCDs up to 3km were 9.7±0.07 x 10¹² molec cm ⁻ in 2007, with a maximum of 2.3±0.07 x 10¹³ molec cm⁻², and 7.4±0.06 x 10¹² molec cm⁻² in 2006, with a maximum of 1.05 ± 0.07 x 1013 molec cm⁻². The median mixing ratio of 7.5±0.5 ppt for 2007 was significantly higher than the median of 5.2±0.5 ppt observed in 2006, which may be related to the more extensive first year sea ice in 2007. These values are consistent with, though lower than estimated boundary layer BrO concentrations at other polar coastal sites. Four out of five observed partial ozone depletion events (ODEs) occurred during strong winds and blowing snow, while BrO was present in the boundary layer in both stormy and calm conditions, consistent with the activation of RHS in these two weather extremes. Air mass back trajectories, modelled using the Hybrid Single-Particle Lagrangian Integrated Trajectory (HYSPLIT) model, indicated that the events were locally produced rather than transported from other sea ice zones. Boundary layer IO mixing ratios of 0.5–2.5±0.2 ppt were observed on several days. These values are low compared to measurements at Halley and Neumayer Stations, as well as mid-latitudes. Significantly higher total mercury concentrations observed in 2007 may be related to the higher boundary layer BrO concentrations, but further measurements are required to verify this.