In freight transportation, a waybill is an important document that contains essential information about a consignment. The focus of this thesis is on a multi-purpose electronic waybill (e-Waybill) service, which can provide the functions of a paper waybill, and which is capable of storing, at least, the information present in a paper waybill. In addition, the service can be used to support other existing Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) services by utilizing on synergies with the existing services. Additionally, information entities from the e-Waybill service are investigated for the purpose of knowledge-building concerning freight flows. A systematic review on state-of-the-art of the e-Waybill service reveals several limitations, such as limited focus on supporting ITS services. Five different conceptual e-Waybill solutions (that can be seen as abstract system designs for implementing the e-Waybill service) are proposed. The solutions are investigated for functional and technical requirements (non-functional requirements), which can potentially impose constraints on a potential system for implementing the e-Waybill service. Further, the service is investigated for information and functional synergies with other ITS services. For information synergy analysis, the required input information entities for different ITS services are identified; and if at least one information entity can be provided by an e-Waybill at the right location we regard it to be a synergy. Additionally, a service design method has been proposed for supporting the process of designing new ITS services, which primarily utilizes on functional synergies between the e-Waybill and different existing ITS services. The suggested method is applied for designing a new ITS service, i.e., the Liability Intelligent Transport System (LITS) service. The purpose of the LITS service isto support the process of identifying when and where a consignment has been damaged and who was responsible when the damage occurred. Furthermore, information entities from e-Waybills are utilized for building improved knowledge concerning freight flows. A freight and route estimation method has been proposed for building improved knowledge, e.g., in national road administrations, on the movement of trucks and freight. The results from this thesis can be used to support the choice of practical e-Waybill service implementation, which has the possibility to provide high synergy with ITS services. This may lead to a higher utilization of ITS services and more sustainable transport, e.g., in terms of reduced congestion and emissions. Furthermore, the implemented e-Waybill service can be an enabler for collecting consignment and traffic data and converting the data into useful traffic information. In particular, the service can lead to increasing amounts of digitally stored data about consignments, which can lead to improved knowledge on the movement of freight and trucks. The knowledge may be helpful when making decisions concerning road taxes, fees, and infrastructure investments.

The integrity of positioning systems has become an increasingly important requirement for location-based Intelligent Transports Systems (ITS). The navigation systems, such as Global Positioning System (GPS), used in ITS cannot provide the high quality positioning information required by most services, due to the various type of errors from GPS sensor, such as signal outage, and atmospheric effects, all of which are difficult to measure, or from the map matching process. Consequently, an error in the positioning information or map matching process may lead to inaccurate determination of a vehicle’s location. Thus, the integrity is require when measuring both vehicle’s positioning and other related information such as speed, to locate the vehicle in the correct road segment, and avoid errors. The integrity algorithm for the navigation system should include a guarantee that the systems do not produce misleading or faulty information; as this may lead to a significant error arising in the ITS services. Hence, to achieve the integrity requirement a navigation system should have a robust mechanism, to notify the user of any potential errors in the navigation information. The main aim of this research is to develop a robust and reliable mechanism to support the positioning requirement of ITS services. This can be achieved by developing a high integrity GPS monitoring algorithm with the consideration of speed, based on the concept of context-awareness which can be applied with real time ITS services to adapt changes in the integrity status of the navigation system. Context-aware architecture is designed to collect contextual information about the vehicle, including location, speed and heading, reasoning about its integrity and reactions based on the information acquired. In this research, three phases of integrity checks are developed. These are, (i) positioning integrity, (ii) speed integrity, and (iii) map matching integrity. Each phase uses different techniques to examine the consistency of the GPS information. A receiver autonomous integrity monitoring (RAIM) algorithm is used to measure the quality of the GPS positioning data. GPS Doppler information is used to check the integrity of vehicle’s speed, adding a new layer of integrity and improving the performance of the map matching process. The final phase in the integrity algorithm is intended to verify the integrity of the map matching process. In this phase, fuzzy logic is also used to measure the integrity level, which guarantees the validity and integrity of the map matching results. This algorithm is implemented successfully, examined using real field data. In addition, a true reference vehicle is used to determine the reliability and validity of the output. The results show that the new integrity algorithm has the capability to support a various types of location-based ITS services.

This thesis aims to explore distributional patterns of tree species in the neotropical lowland rain forest biome based on diversity analyses, dated phylogenies and species distribution models, using the family Sapotaceae as a case study. Sapotaceae is an abundant and diverse group in the neotropical lowland rain forest and its distributional patterns are representative of other tree clades in this biome. These characteristics make this family a good model to test ecological and biogeographic hypothesis in neotropical rain forests. An analysis of beta-diversity measured by the number of shared species was used as a test of biotic homogeneity of Morrone's (2001) widely used system of neotropical biogeographic units. Biotic homogeneity was generally low, and Morrone's (2001) biogeographic regionalisation was found not to coincide with the distributional patterns of Sapotaceae species. Divergence times of Sapotaceae species were estimated using a dated phylogeny based on DNA sequences of the nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) to explore the effects of Andean uplift, closure of the Isthmus of Panama and Pleistocene climatic changes on the evolutionary history of lowland rain forests in northern South America. The Andean uplift was found to have affected patterns of distribution by creating new habitats and altering hydrologic systems in northern South America, and in some cases by isolating lineages to the east and west of the Eastern Cordillera of the Andes. The closure of the Panama Isthmus and Pleistocene climatic changes do not seem to have strongly affected patterns of distribution or diversification in Sapotaceae. In general, the lack of congruent dates for many repeated biogeographic splits in the phylogeny (e.g., Amazon-Choco) suggests that idiosyncratic dispersal events have had a substantial effects on Sapotaceae's biogeography. Finally, species distribution models generated for Sapotaceae in the Neotropics were used to identify areas of high predicted species richness in Colombia. The highest diversity of Sapotaceae species was predicted for the inter-Andean valleys and northern Amazon. These results were compared to the current system of Protected Areas in this country, demonstrating that areas of high conservation value based on predicted species richness have a low coverage of Protected Areas. Such gaps highlight the potential need for new systems for the delimitation of basic units for conservation at national levels in Colombia.

Made available in DSpace on 2014-06-11T19:30:56Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2005-01-28Bitstream added on 2014-06-13T20:40:52Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 corabiadell_c_dr_rcla.pdf: 6736961 bytes, checksum: 2fe0d3faffabe9123c2196abfd1b12ec (MD5) / Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) / A diversidade do gênero Trichoderma no estado de São Paulo (BRASIL) foi analisada sob diferentes aspectos. Foi estabelecida uma coleção de 539 linhagens obtidas a partir de 52 pontos de coleta, distribuídos pelo estado, e uma coleção de referência com 30 linhagens. Durante o período de trabalho avaliou-se a viabilidade das culturas de acordo com os métodos de preservação utilizados Castellani e câmara fria. As avaliações do potencial de biocontrole pelas técnicas de pareamento e difusão de metabólitos inibidores não apresentaram uma correspondência clara com os testes em casa de vegetação. Para as observações microscópicas de culturas de lâminas foi desenvolvida uma técnica que permitiu visualizar mais facilmente o sistema de ramificação dos conidióforos. A avaliação celulolítica dos isolados permitiu identificar linhagens com atividade superior a da linhagem de referência, indicando alto potencial biotecnológico. A análise molecular dos isolados a partir do seqüenciamento da região ITS1-5,8S-ITS2 mostrou a ocorrência de 17 espécies distribuídas no estado, sobretudo nas áreas de mata e capoeira. As espécies mais freqüentes, T. harzianum, T. spirale e T. koningii ocorreram em quase todos os ecossistemas avaliados, enquanto a ocorrência da seção Longibrachiatum foi pouco expressiva. A técnica de RAPD se mostrou eficiente na identificação de linhagens redundantes indicando seu potencial de uso durante procedimentos de triagem. A aplicação de métodos de taxonomia numérica permitiu gerar fenogramas e gráficos multidimensionais coerentes com os dados morfológicos e moleculares em diversos casos. É sugerida a aplicação de métodos topológicos para a melhor descrição do sistema de ramificação e diferenciação de hifas e da teoria de sistemas não-lineares para a compreensão do seu comportamento morfológico in e ex vitro... / The diversity of the genus Trichoderma in São Paulo State (BRAZIL) was analised under different views. A collection of 539 strains was isolated from 52 different areas and a reference collection of 30 strains was established from different brazilian culture collections. The preservation techniques of Castellani and cold storage were evaluated during the course of the study. The biocontrol potential was evaluated through pairing cultures methodology and inhibitory metabolites production. There was no clear evidence of correspondence between the data obtained in vitro and under greenhouse conditions. For microscopic observation a new technique of slide culture was developed in order to visualise the branching system easily. Cellulolytic activitiy assay identified several high-producing cellulase strains comparing to the reference QM9414 indicating a biotechnological potential. The molecular analysis from the sequencing of ITS1-5,8S-ITS2 region indicated the ocurrency of 17 different species all over the state with predominance in forest and 'capoeira' ecossystems. The most frequently species were T.harzianum, T.spirale and T.koningii, ocurring in almost all environmental conditions sampled, while the presence of section Longibrachiatum was inexpressive. The RAPD technique in separate redundants strains was demonstrated indicating its potential for using in screening procedures. Numerical taxonomy methods produced phenograms and multidimensional graphics consistent with molecular and morphological data in some cases. The use of topological methods in describing the branching system and the non-linear system theory in the comprehension of its morphological behaviour in and ex vitro (anamorphic, teleomorphic and synanomorphic states) is suggested. For the first time the total evidence analysis was applied to the genus, showing consistent results with those reported in literature.

Vischeria and Eustigmatos are closely related genera occurring in terrestrial habitats. These genera were distinguished by the differences in the features of the cell wall (projections and ridges of different form, smooth surface respectively). Up to date three species of the genus Eustigmatos and twelve species of the genus Vischeria have been described, but nine of the Vischeria species have been rarely, if ever, observed since the original description. This work is focused on evaluating molecular variability, diversity, and taxonomy of the Vischeria/Eustigmatos complex. Ninety seven strains, obtained from public algal collections or newly isolated from localities from all over the world, were studied, including the type strains of two Eustigmatos species and three Vischeria species. Phylogenetic analyses of the ITS2 rDNA and rbcL sequences showed that these genera are not genetically separated. The five types strains each represented a separate evolutionary lineage. Some of the additional lineages included strains morphologically corresponding to the species Eustigmatos magnus. Some of the newly isolated strains are according to the markers examined genetically indistinguishable from known strains from public algal collections. However, some of them are new lineages. Only one of the phylogenetic...

Pisolithus is an important ectomycorrhizal genus world-wide, however to date we remain largely ignorant of the genetic and functional variation that exists within isolates of this genus. Fifty-three isolates of Pisolithus were obtained from various locations in central and eastern Australia and genetic variation within the isolates was assessed using ITS-RFLP and ITS sequencing analyses. RFLP analysis initially grouped the isolates into eight RFLP types. Neighbour-joining analysis of ITS sequences with Pisolithus ITS sequences available in databases clustered the majority of isolates into four groups within two major clades, each comprising isolates of similar basidiospre characteristics. Most Australian isolates correspond with recent provisional descriptions of P. albus or P. marmoratus. One isolate (LJ30) had low sequence identity (61.6-78.0%) to the other isolates and probably represents a separate undescribed Australian species. Significant intraspecific variation was observed in ITS-RFLP profiles for the putative P. albus isolates, suggesting that the sole use of RFLP analysis in diversity assessment may over-estimate Pisolithus species richness. Investigations were also initiated to identify if a relationship exists between genetic and physiological diversity in Australian Pisolithus. It is, however, clear that extensive physiological variation exists in Australian Pisolithus isolates. The size and distribution of genets of Australian Pisolithus species I and II ( putative P. albus and P. marmoratus) was also assessed using microsatellite-primed PCR to gain a better understanding of the likely distribution of underground mycelial networks and possible reproduction strategies in native soils. The data demonstrate that both species have the ability to be long-lived and extend for significant distances in native soils in undisturbed conditions. The field site for Pisolithus species I, however, also contained of a large number of small individuals suggesting that this species may employ a life-history strategy combining r-, C and S characteristics depending on local soil conditions / Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

This thesis is concerned with the idea of the rise of the moral political economy. Whilst Aristotle did not invent the word 'economics' he came closer than many think. This thesis is an exploration in the field of the history of ideas. It views the origins of distant economic-like thinking as having a moral and political bases of existence. / PhD Doctorate

Pisolithus is an important ectomycorrhizal genus world-wide, however to date we remain largely ignorant of the genetic and functional variation that exists within isolates of this genus. Fifty-three isolates of Pisolithus were obtained from various locations in central and eastern Australia and genetic variation within the isolates was assessed using ITS-RFLP and ITS sequencing analyses. RFLP analysis initially grouped the isolates into eight RFLP types. Neighbour-joining analysis of ITS sequences with Pisolithus ITS sequences available in databases clustered the majority of isolates into four groups within two major clades, each comprising isolates of similar basidiospre characteristics. Most Australian isolates correspond with recent provisional descriptions of P. albus or P. marmoratus. One isolate (LJ30) had low sequence identity (61.6-78.0%) to the other isolates and probably represents a separate undescribed Australian species. Significant intraspecific variation was observed in ITS-RFLP profiles for the putative P. albus isolates, suggesting that the sole use of RFLP analysis in diversity assessment may over-estimate Pisolithus species richness. Investigations were also initiated to identify if a relationship exists between genetic and physiological diversity in Australian Pisolithus. It is, however, clear that extensive physiological variation exists in Australian Pisolithus isolates. The size and distribution of genets of Australian Pisolithus species I and II ( putative P. albus and P. marmoratus) was also assessed using microsatellite-primed PCR to gain a better understanding of the likely distribution of underground mycelial networks and possible reproduction strategies in native soils. The data demonstrate that both species have the ability to be long-lived and extend for significant distances in native soils in undisturbed conditions. The field site for Pisolithus species I, however, also contained of a large number of small individuals suggesting that this species may employ a life-history strategy combining r-, C and S characteristics depending on local soil conditions / Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

<p>The most common diagnoses after bicycle accidents are head injuries and fractures on arms and legs. At two of three injured cyclists, head injuries are the primary cause of death and bicycle helmets are a good protection against these injuries. Because the brain is very fragile, even a moderate hit can cause a serious injury. Arms and legs can often be treated, while brain damage could be a permanent disability. The main goal of this paper is to find out what makes students at Linköping University wear a bicycle helmet. The specific aim of this paper is to find out why students at Linköping University do not wear a bicycle helmet when they are cycling. The paper is divided into a literature review and a case study. The literature review delivers an insight into the road traffic safety system and the contributing factors that influence road traffic safety. It covers research analysis of experts about human behavior and gives an overview of relevant facts and figures concerning cycling within Sweden as well as within the European Union. The case study is a survey carried out at Linköping University. The method used is paper questionnaire with the target group of students at Linköping University. The result of the questionnaire is that more information regarding bicycle helmets and cycling as such, bicycle helmets for free or at least for reduced prices and to somehow change the attitudes towards bicycle helmets is important to increase the number of students wearing a bicycle helmet at Linköping University. As the most important reasons for not wearing a bicycle helmet, practical problems due to having no opportunity to fix the bicycle helmet secure to the bicycle, the fear of negative appearance and the discomfort of wearing a bicycle helmet have been mentioned. To increase the usage of bicycle helmets measures like increasing the awareness, reducing the helmet price or providing extra features with the helmet, based on the results of the literature review and the questionnaire, are suggested at the end of this paper.</p>

No description available.