The demand for electricity in South Africa has grown faster than the increase in generation capacity. However, it is expensive and time consuming to commission new power stations. Another approach is to reduce electricity demand through the implementation of energy efficiency projects. This alternative is usually less expensive. Compressed air on South African mines is a large electricity consumer with a reputation of wastage. This allows significant potential for electrical and financial savings. A typical mine compressed air system consists of multiple compressors at various locations, surface connection networks, underground distribution systems, thousands of users and leaks. The size, complexity and age of these systems provide a major challenge for electricity saving efforts. Simulating such an intricate system is difficult as it is nearly impossible to accurately gather all the required system parameters. Some initiatives focused on subsections of mine compressed air systems. This is not the best approach as changes to one subsection may adversely affect other systems. A new approach to simplify mine compressed air systems was developed to identify saving opportunities and to assess the true impact of saving efforts. This new approach enables easier system analysis than complex simulation models. Techniques to gather critical system information are also provided. A new implementation procedure was also developed to integrate different energy saving strategies for maximum savings. An electrical power saving of 109 MW was achieved through the implementation of the integrated approach on twenty-two mine compressed air systems. The savings is equivalent to a reduction of 0.96 TWh per annum that relates to a saving of 0.4% of South Africa’s total electricity consumption. Average compressor power consumption was reduced by 30%. The power consumption reduction relates to an estimated annual electricity cost saving of R315 million. A saving of 0.96 TWh per annum is equivalent to a carbon dioxide emission reduction of 0.98 million tonne. The implementation of the integrated approach could be applied to other industrial compressed air systems. A reduction in electricity consumption of 30% on all industrial compressed air systems has the potential to reduce global electricity demand by 267 TWh per annum. That is more than the total amount of electricity consumed in South Africa. / Thesis (PhD (Electrical Engineering))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013

The demand for electricity in South Africa has grown faster than the increase in generation capacity. However, it is expensive and time consuming to commission new power stations. Another approach is to reduce electricity demand through the implementation of energy efficiency projects. This alternative is usually less expensive. Compressed air on South African mines is a large electricity consumer with a reputation of wastage. This allows significant potential for electrical and financial savings. A typical mine compressed air system consists of multiple compressors at various locations, surface connection networks, underground distribution systems, thousands of users and leaks. The size, complexity and age of these systems provide a major challenge for electricity saving efforts. Simulating such an intricate system is difficult as it is nearly impossible to accurately gather all the required system parameters. Some initiatives focused on subsections of mine compressed air systems. This is not the best approach as changes to one subsection may adversely affect other systems. A new approach to simplify mine compressed air systems was developed to identify saving opportunities and to assess the true impact of saving efforts. This new approach enables easier system analysis than complex simulation models. Techniques to gather critical system information are also provided. A new implementation procedure was also developed to integrate different energy saving strategies for maximum savings. An electrical power saving of 109 MW was achieved through the implementation of the integrated approach on twenty-two mine compressed air systems. The savings is equivalent to a reduction of 0.96 TWh per annum that relates to a saving of 0.4% of South Africa’s total electricity consumption. Average compressor power consumption was reduced by 30%. The power consumption reduction relates to an estimated annual electricity cost saving of R315 million. A saving of 0.96 TWh per annum is equivalent to a carbon dioxide emission reduction of 0.98 million tonne. The implementation of the integrated approach could be applied to other industrial compressed air systems. A reduction in electricity consumption of 30% on all industrial compressed air systems has the potential to reduce global electricity demand by 267 TWh per annum. That is more than the total amount of electricity consumed in South Africa. / Thesis (PhD (Electrical Engineering))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013

Uma organização tem como função primordial gerar excedentes rentáveis financeiramente e condizentes com o ambiente relacionado. Uma visão mais integrada e abrangente de como se dão as interações entre empresa e ambiente é essencial ao sucesso corporativo. O complexo Modelo de Negócios surge como estruturador dos conceitos, elementos, diretrizes e nuances relacionados ao estudo das organizações. Com abordagem ampla e estruturada, os Modelos de Negócios propõem análises integradas, direcionadas e focadas em como o ambiente influencia no comportamento organizacional e como esta influência é lida, interpretada e traduzida em estratégias e táticas internamente à firma. No intuito de pesquisar o tema, objetivou-se coletar e estruturar material teórico encontrado na literatura relacionado ao tópico. Um levantamento bibliográfico sistematizado foi realizado, considerando as diversas esferas de análise encontradas. Após a sugestão de uma estruturação racional e análise dos dados, propõe-se o metamodelo conceitual. Este metamodelo almeja incorporar os elementos influenciadores e componentes de um Modelo de Negócio, sendo os influenciadores: Sustentabilidade, Economia, Tecnologia, Aspectos Políticos, Regulatórios e Legais e Aspectos Socioculturais; e os elementos componentes: Análise Integrada, Análise Interna, Estratégia, Valor e Inovação. A partir desta consolidação, levantaram-se as principais considerações e variáveis que compõem seu corpo de análise. Tais variáveis foram verificadas na prática, valendo-se de estudos de caso em empresas da economia nacional. A análise individual e comparativa dos casos com o metamodelo proposto sugere que é crescente a atenção empresarial para os elementos influenciadores, bem como ao que diz respeito ao planejamento estratégico interno. A grande contribuição do metamodelo reside na chance de auxiliar a expansão da capacidade cônscia-analítica dos estrategistas a respeito de seus negócios, apresentando esta estrutura que aloca os elementos de maneira integrada e de fácil visualização. Existem muitas oportunidades de incremento dos estudos dos Modelos de Negócios; uma delas seria o estudo das interações entre os elementos citados e as abordagens destas interações no MN. / An organization has as core role to generate surpluses financially aligned to its environment. A more integrated and broad approach regarding to the existing interactions among enterprise and environment is capital to the corporate success. The complex Business Model appears as designer of concepts, elements, drivers and nuances related to the businesses research. With this broad and structured approach, the Business Model proposes integrated, driven and focused analysis of how environment does influence an organizational behavior and how this influence is internally perceived, read and translated into strategies and tactics. Based on the intention of study the topic, the research aimed to collect and structure theoretical material found onto the specific literature. A focused survey was conducted, considering whole aspects described by the authors. After organizing rationally the theory, a conceptual metamodel is proposed. This metamodel craves to incorporate the influencer and component elements of a Business Model, being the influencers: Sustainability, Economy, Technology, Political, Regulatory and Legal Aspects and Sociocultural Aspects; and the component elements: Integrated Analysis, Internal Analysis, Strategy, Value and Innovation. From the funded material, main points and key variables to understand were listed. Thus, these points and variables were verified in the market, by a survey within the national economy. The individual and cross analysis between these case studies and the proposed metamodel suggest that organizations are spending some energy and attention on influencer elements, as well as on the entrepreneurial strategic planning. The great contribution of the metamodel relies on the chance to support and increase self analytical and aware capacity of the executives, regarding to their own businesses, showing this structure that allocates those elements by an integrated and easily understand way. There are many opportunities to increment the Business Model study; one of them is to research the interactions of the listed elements and the overcome translation inside the Business Model.

The research problem this study seeks to address is that confusion exists regarding the nature, management and organisation of financial communication. Six objectives guide the research efforts. Theoretical perspectives surrounding investor relations, public relations and accounting are used to describe the current approach to financial communication (Objective 1). Two main shortcomings of the current approach are identified (Objective 2): - a lack of integration in the management and organisation of financial communication; and - a narrow focus on communication with the financial community alone. This leads to Objective 3 (theoretical justification for an inclusive approach to financial communication). Perspectives from the corporate governance, corporate social responsibility, stakeholder and public relations as relationship management literature are used to prove that organisations need to engage in financial communication with all relevant stakeholders, not only "financial" stakeholders. In order to achieve Objective 4, the theoretical perspectives mentioned above are used to develop a conceptual model for an inclusive and integrated approach to financial communication. The model provides a point of departure for future research. The empirical component of the study supplements the theoretical component. Quantitative, exploratory survey research is done to establish whether a number of South African companies listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange follow an inclusive and integrated approach to financial communication (Objective 5). The main conclusions are: - that there are indications of an inclusive approach to financial communication, although respondents varied in their opinions; and - that there are indications of an integrated approach to financial communication, although the majority of respondents indicated that a single department takes responsibility for financial communication. Similarities and differences between the results of this study and those of studies conducted previously in the USA, United Kingdom and Europe, are also identified (Objective 6). Finally, the limitations of both the theoretical and empirical components are used to formulate recommendations for future research. It is recommended that future efforts concentrate on the contributions that disciplines such as marketing, law, economics and financial management can make to financial communication. The research strategy (qualitative or quantitative) also needs to be carefully considered. / Dissertation (MCom)--University of Pretoria, 2005. / Communication Management / MCom / Unrestricted

The South African Government, in the Budget Review of 2008, proposed to impose a 2c/kWh tax on the sale of electricity generated from non-renewable sources, to be collected at source by the producers/generators of electricity. This tax will create distortions in the South African economy. The research study aims to identify measures that can be taken to negate the negative competitiveness impact of the tax. In the first part of the study, we applied the Global Trade Analysis Project (GTAP) model, which is coordinated by the Centre for Global Trade Analysis at Purdue University. The GTAP model is the pre-eminent modelling framework for the analysis of trade and environmental issues across countries. GTAP is a multi-region CGE model designed for comparative-static analysis of trade policy issues. Various versions were constructed and the closure was changed to reflect the South African reality more accurately. After the national as well as international economic and environmental impacts were analysed, we considered Border Tax Adjustments (BTAs) as a possible remedy to negate the negative competitiveness impact of the tax. Utilising theoretical Heckscher-Ohlin methodology, as well as the GTAP model, we showed that BTAs will not negate the adverse economic impact of an environmental tax. Instead, reversed BTAs, through gains of trade, could reverse the negative economic impact of an electricity generation tax, while enabling an economy to retain most of the environmental benefits of the tax. We also considered the impact of an integrated approach, consisting of an electricity generation tax and a demand side policy, on the welfare of households. To analyse this, we used the University of Pretoria General Equilibrium Model (UPGEM). The model was extended to reflect Equivalent Variation values and we updated the database to include import tariffs. It was then shown that reversed BTAs could be used to offset the regressiveness of the electricity generation tax. Policy implications from the study will be useful for macroeconomic policies, international trade negotiations and environmental policies to increase the welfare of society. / Thesis (DCom)--University of Pretoria, 2011. / Economics / unrestricted

The thesis " Alcohol use among adolescents and its causes " explores the phenomenon of alcohol use among adolescents in the target population of students in graduation year and student which are year before graduation of secondary school, gymnasium, or equivalent grades of secondary vocational schools. The topic is first discussed in theory, presents the main concepts, with which is working in the study, as well as researchs from which it was drawn, and the author was inspired by them in his work. There is also discussed research methodolog , sampling, data collection, method which was used (SAQ), there is also description of a methodological tool and its various dimensions, as well as any changes that have occurred on the basis of the pilot study. First, the work describes descriptive results of state alcohol use in the Czech Republic among adolescents. Research shows that young people in the target population in consuming alcoholic drinks are most affected by peer groups, in which they are socialized, while influence of family loses effectiveness. Also leisure activities don't play an important role in alcohol consumption (ie, whether the individual has enough of them). As an important indicators of the value of the index of alcohol use were identified cigarette smoking, year of first...

京都大学 / 0048 / 新制・課程博士 / 博士(地球環境学) / 甲第20594号 / 地環博第165号 / 新制||地環||33(附属図書館) / 京都大学大学院地球環境学舎環境マネジメント専攻 / (主査)教授 星野 敏, 教授 柴田 昌三, 准教授 西前 出 / 学位規則第4条第1項該当 / Doctor of Global Environmental Studies / Kyoto University / DFAM

There are two primary purposes of this study. One is theory development and the other is empirical. The first aim will be conducted by proposing a framework for the integrated approach between Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation. The empirical purpose will be conducted by applying the framework on Nepal’s National Adaptation Plan (NAP). Numerous scholars and researchers have conducted research regarding why an integrated approach between DRR and CCA is favourable for the development in reducing vulnerability in areas and countries which are heavily affected by climate-related disasters. Although multiple convergences, there still exist certain obstacles and differences across the approaches. These include separation in institutions and actors, financial mechanisms, the gap between typologies and terminology and spatial scale differences. The main findings that can be gathered from this study is that Nepal's NAP includes many objectives and aspects which is pointing towards that the Integrated Approach is becoming more evident in today's DRR and CCA efforts. The areas which lacked the most in the NAP was the centralisation of poverty reduction and a lack of details regarding how and by whom many of the objectives and activities were planned to be implemented.

This thesis addresses the pressing need for an efficient public transport system in response to increasing urban population and rising fossil fuel costs. The research aims to satisfy that need by answering the research question guiding this study is: "How can developing an SDI-based conceptual model, leveraging cloud computing, optimize public transport by integrating multiple travel data sources and overcoming data fragmentation and interoperability challenges?". The thesis adopts a design science research methodology. The research strategy employed is theoretical research, utilizing various methods such as literature review, theoretical sampling, theory testing survey research, brainstorming, prototyping, cognitive walkthrough, and expert opinion. The outcome of this study is the development of an integrated conceptual model that leverages SDI and digitalization to optimize public transport systems. The model offers a comprehensive solution by addressing the limitations of traditional transport planning methods, integrating multiple data sources, technologies, and stakeholders within an SDI framework. The model demonstrates efficacy, efficiency, and practical significance, setting the stage for further research and advancements in transport planning and optimization. Limitations of the study include the absence of detailed technical specifications, the confinement to a conceptual model without implementation, and the need for further adaptation and validation in different contexts. In conclusion, this thesis offers a valuable contribution by providing a holistic solution that integrates multiple data sources and technologies within an SDI framework. Stakeholders such as PTAs, planners, and researchers can utilize the findings to enhance transport planning and address data and interoperability challenges.

Background. Endocrine disruptors (EDC) are exogenous compounds that mimic the action of natural hormones and alter the normal endocrine system. Life-long chronic exposure to Bisphenol A (BPA), a putative EDC, has been linked with risk of metabolic disorders in epidemiological studies. Objectives. The aim was to study the human health effects of exposure to BPA, using an integrated approach combining environmental epidemiology and toxicology. Methods. Urinary levels of BPA exposure were measured in participants of the InChianti longitudinal study, a representative population-based study of Italian adults, at the Baseline (1998-00) and nine years later (3rd Wave, 2007-09). Hormones levels and the gene expression of specific target genes were the end points considered. Results were validated in laboratory studies on a human leukemic T-cell line (Jurkat cells). Results. In general, urinary BPA (uBPA) concentrations were higher among men and younger respondents, and within subjects uBPA concentrations were correlated (r=0.58; p=0.013, model adjusted for age, sex, urinary creatinine). At baseline, uBPA concentration were associated with higher total testosterone concentrations in men (β = 0.05; 95% CI, 0.02–0.08). In the 3rd wave, gene expression analysis revealed positive associations between uBPA concentrations and ESR2 (estrogen receptor beta) expression (β=0.18; 95% CI: 0.04, 0.32) and ESRRA (estrogen related receptor alpha) expression (β= 0.17; 95% CI: 0.02, 0.32). In a following in vitro study, BPA exposure (0.001-1 micro molar) led to enhanced expression of ESRRA and ESR2 in Jurkat cells over a period of 72 hours. Conclusions. Results indicate that BPA is bioactive in the human body and is able to alter circulating hormone concentrations and estrogen receptor/estrogen-related receptr gene expression. In particular, given the role of ERRα as a major control point for oxidative metabolism and heart development, this research provides indications on the possible molecular mechanisms of action of BPA in metabolic diseases.