Forest roads and stream crossings can be important sources of sediment in forested watersheds. The purpose of this research was to compare trapped sediment and forestry best management practice (BMP) effectiveness from haul road stream crossing approaches and ditches. The three studies in this dissertation provide a quantitative assessment of sediment production and potential sediment delivery from forest haul roads in the Virginia Piedmont and Ridge and Valley regions. Sediment production rates were measured and modeled to evaluate and compare road and ditch segments near stream crossings with various ranges of road attributes, BMPs, and management objectives. Sediment mass delivered to traps from 37 haul road stream crossing approaches ranged from <0.1 to 2.7 Mg for the one year collection. Collectively, five approaches accounted for 82% of the total sediment mass trapped. Approaches were categorized into Low, Standard, and High road quality rankings according to road attributes. Seventy-one percent (5 of 7) of Low ranked approaches delivered sediment to traps at rates greater than 11.2 Mg ha-1 yr-1. Nearly 90% of Standard or High road quality approaches generated less than 0.1 Mg of sediment over one year. Among approaches with less than 0.1 Mg of trapped sediment, road gradients ranged from 1% to 13%, bare soil ranged from 2% to 94%, and distances to nearest water control structures ranged from 8.2 to 427.0 m. Such a wide spectrum of road attributes with relatively low levels of trapped sediment indicate that contemporary BMPs can mitigate problematic road attributes and reduce erosion and sediment delivery. Three erosion models, USLE-forest, RUSLE2, and WEPP were compared to trapped sediment data from the 37 forest haul road stream crossing approaches in the first study. The second study assessed model performance from five variations of the three erosion models that have been used in previous forest operations research, USLE-roadway, USLE-soil survey, RUSLE2, WEPP-default, and WEPP-modified. The results suggest that these soil erosion models could estimate erosion and sediment delivery within 5 Mg ha-1 yr-1 for most approaches with erosion rates less than 11.2 Mg ha-1 yr-1, while model estimates varied widely for approaches that eroded above 11.2 Mg ha-1 yr-1. Based on the results from the 12 evaluations of model performance, the modified version of WEPP consistently performed better compared to all other model variations tested. However, results from the study suggest that additional field evaluations and improvement of soil erosion models are needed for stream crossings. The soil erosion models evaluated are not an adequate surrogate for informing policy decisions. The third study evaluated sediment control effectiveness of four commonly recommended ditch BMPs on forest haul road stream crossing approaches. Sixty ditch segments near stream crossings were reconstructed and four ditch BMP treatments were tested. Ditch treatments were bare (Bare), grass seed with lime fertilizer (Seed), grass seed with lime fertilizer and erosion control mat (Mat), rock check dams (Dam), and completely rocked (Rock). Mat treatments had significantly lower erosion rates than Bare and Dam, while Rock and Seed produced intermediate levels. Findings of this study suggest Mat, Seed, and Rock ditch BMPs were effective at reducing erosion, but Mat was most effective directly following construction because Mat provided immediate soil protection measures. Any BMPs that reduce bare soil can provide reduction in erosion and even natural site condition, including litterfall and invasive vegetation can provide erosion control. However, ditch BMPs cannot mitigate inadequate water control structures. Overall, forest roads and stream crossings have the potential to be major contributors of sediment in forested watersheds when roads are not designed well or when BMPs are not properly implemented. Forestry BMPs reduce stormwater runoff velocity and volume from forest roads, but can have varying levels of effectiveness due to site-specific conditions. Operational field studies provide valuable information regarding erosion and sediment delivery rates, which helps guide BMP recommendations and subsequently enhances water quality protection. / Ph. D.

Urban environments have been identified as a non-point source contributor of nutrient loadings into watersheds. Interannual surges of nutrient loadings into local water systems are more damaging than mean interannual nutrient loadings. Virginia has outlined the need to reduce urban nutrient loadings. Mean interannual nutrient loadings and interannual nutrient loadings variability are expected to increase under climate change (CC). However, there are few studies that provide a predictive framework for abating nutrient loadings under CC. Thus, there is a lack of information regarding how effective water quality policy will be in the future. Using the Difficult Run watershed in Fairfax County, VA, as a site of study, we used mathematical programming to compare how the costs of abating nutrient loads differed under differing climates in the Mid-Atlantic. We first compared the costs of abating mean interannual nutrient loadings in the watershed based on historical climate conditions to those predicted for CC. We then evaluated how changes in the interannual variability of nutrient loadings for CC affect the costs of meeting watershed goals. We found that abating mean interannual nutrient loadings was substantially costlier for CC relative to meeting the same goals under historical climate conditions. Further, we found that the costs of abating interannual nutrient loadings variability increased under CC relative to meeting the same goals under historical climate. One implication of this study suggests that policy makers seeking to meet water quality goals over time must front-load supplemental BMPs today in order to offset the changes predicted for CC. / Master of Science

Tesis por compendio / [ES] Los equipos de diseño de los proyectos de construcción están compuestos por diferentes interesados; esto podría dificultar las interacciones. Las metodologías BIM y Lean tienen un impacto positivo en los proyectos de construcción. Además, hay pruebas de la aplicación conjunta de BIM y Lean; sin embargo, se desconoce la relación empírica entre las prácticas Lean y los usos de BIM en la fase de diseño. Tampoco existe una comprensión más profunda de los fenómenos sociales que se generan entre los equipos de diseño cuando se aplican las metodologías de gestión BIM-Lean. Por lo tanto, el objetivo de esta investigación es entender el impacto de las prácticas de gestión de diseño Lean (LDM) y los usos BIM en la interacción de los equipos de diseño de los proyectos de construcción. El método de investigación tiene dos fases: 1) la creación de herramientas para evaluar el nivel de aplicación de las prácticas LDM y los usos BIM, y para comprender las interacciones en un equipo de diseño; y 2) el análisis de las relaciones entre BIM, Lean y la interacción, basado en información empírica de proyectos de construcción en fase de diseño. Los resultados presentan un instrumento de evaluación de usos del BIM y un cuestionario de prácticas de LDM para medir la gestión del diseño, y un método para comprender los diferentes tipos de interacción en un equipo de diseño. Basados en los datos de 64 proyectos, un análisis chi cuadrado reveló 33 relaciones empíricas entre los usos del BIM y las prácticas LDM; además, la aplicación de los usos del BIM implica una mayor aplicación de las prácticas LDM. El proyecto que aplica la gestión BIM-Lean logra numerosas interacciones en su equipo de diseño; flujos de información transparentes, ordenados y estandarizados; un entorno de colaboración, confianza y aprendizaje; y una gestión del compromiso. Todos estos elementos de interacción no son visibles en el proyecto, en el que no se aplicó la gestión BIM-lean. / [CAT] Els equips de diseny dels projectes de construcción están compostos per diferents interesats; açó podría dificultar les interaccions. Les metodologies BIM i Lean tenen un impacte positiu en els projectes de construcció. A més, ni hi ha proves de l'aplicació conjunta de BIM i Lean; no obstant, es desconeix la relació empírica entre practiques Lean i els usos de BIM en fase de diseny. Tampoc existix una comprensió mes profunda dels fenómens socials que es generen entre els equips de diseny quan s'apliquen les metodologies de gestió BIM-Lean. Per tant, l'objectiu d'esta investigació es entendre l'impacte de les practiques de gestió de diseny Lean (LDM) i els usos BIM en l'interacció dels equips de diseny dels projectes de construcción. El métode de investigació te dos fases: 1) la creació de ferramentes per a evaluar el nivell d'aplicació de les practiques LDM i els usos BIM, i per a comprendre les interaccions en un equip de diseny; i 2) l'análisis de les relacions entre BIM, Lean i la interacció, basades en informació empírica de projectes de construcció en fase de diseny. Els resultats presenten un instrument d'evaluació d'usos del BIM i un questionari de practiques de LDM per a mesurar la gestió del diseny, i un método per a comprendre els diferents tipos d'interacció en un equip de diseny. Basades en les dades de 64 projectes, un análisis chi cuadrado va revelar 33 relacions empíricas entre els usos del BIM i les práctiques LDM; a més, l¿aplicació dels usos del BIM implica una major aplicació de les práctiques LDM. El projecte que aplica la gestió BIM-Lean obté nombroses interaccions en el seu equip de diseny; fluxes d'informació transparents, ordenats i estandarizats; un entorn de colaboració, confiança i aprenentatge; i una gestió del compromis. Tots estos elements d'interacció no son visibles en el projecte, en el que no es va aplicar la gestió BIM-lean. / [EN] Design teams of construction projects are composed of different stakeholders; this fact could make the interactions difficult. BIM and Lean methodologies have a positive impact on construction projects. Besides, there is evidence of the combined implementation of BIM and Lean; however, it is not known the empirical relationship between Lean practices and BIM uses in the design phase. Also, there is not a deeper understanding of the social phenomena that are generated among design teams when BIM-Lean management methodologies are implemented. Therefore, the objective of this research is to understand the impact of Lean design management (LDM) practices, and BIM uses in the interaction of construction project design teams. The research method has two phases: (1) the creation of tools to assess the level of implementation of LDM practices and BIM uses and to understand the interactions in a design team; and (2) the relationship analyses between BIM, Lean, and interaction, based on empirical information from construction projects in the design phase. The results present a BIM uses assessment tool and an LDM practices questionnaire to measure the design management and a method to understand the different types of interaction in a design team. Based on data from 64 projects, a chi-square analysis revealed 33 empirical relationships between BIM uses and LDM practices; also, the application of BIM uses implies a greater application of LDM practices. The project that applies BIM-Lean management achieves many interactions among its design team; transparent, orderly, and standardized information flows; a collaborative, trust, and learning environment; and commitment management. All these interaction elements are not visible in the project, where BIM-lean management was not applied. / Herrera Valencia, RF. (2020). Impact of BIM/LEAN on the interaction of construction project design teams [Tesis doctoral]. Universitat Politècnica de València. https://doi.org/10.4995/Thesis/10251/158718 / Compendio

La mammite subclinique est un problème de santé fréquent et coûteux. Les infections intra-mammaires (IIM) sont souvent détectées à l’aide de mesures du comptage des cellules somatiques (CCS). La culture bactériologique du lait est cependant requise afin d’identifier le pathogène en cause. À cause de cette difficulté, pratiquement toutes les recherches sur la mammite subclinique ont été centrées sur la prévalence d’IIM et les facteurs de risque pour l’incidence ou l’élimination des IIM sont peu connus. L’objectif principal de cette thèse était d’identifier les facteurs de risque modifiables associés à l’incidence, l’élimination et la prévalence d’IIM d’importance dans les troupeaux laitiers Canadiens. En premier lieu, une revue systématique de la littérature sur les associations entre pratiques utilisées à la ferme et CCS a été réalisée. Les pratiques de gestion constamment associées au CCS ont été identifiées et différentiées de celles faisant l’objet de rapports anecdotiques. Par la suite, un questionnaire bilingue a été développé, validé, et utilisé afin de mesurer les pratiques de gestion d’un échantillon de 90 troupeaux laitiers canadiens. Afin de valider l’outil, des mesures de répétabilité et de validité des items composant le questionnaire ont été analysées et une évaluation de l’équivalence des versions anglaise et française a été réalisée. Ces analyses ont permis d’identifier des items problématiques qui ont du être recatégorisés, lorsque possible, ou exclus des analyses subséquentes pour assurer une certaine qualité des données. La plupart des troupeaux étudiés utilisaient déjà la désinfection post-traite des trayons et le traitement universel des vaches au tarissement, mais beaucoup des pratiques recommandées n’étaient que peu utilisées. Ensuite, les facteurs de risque modifiables associés à l’incidence, à l’élimination et à la prévalence d’IIM à Staphylococcus aureus ont été investigués de manière longitudinale sur les 90 troupeaux sélectionnés. L’incidence d’IIM semblait être un déterminant plus important de la prévalence d’IIM du troupeau comparativement à l’élimination des IIM. Le port de gants durant la traite, la désinfection pré-traite des trayons, de même qu’une condition adéquate des bouts de trayons démontraient des associations désirables avec les différentes mesures d’IIM. Ces résultats viennent souligner l’importance des procédures de traite pour l’obtention d’une réduction à long-terme de la prévalence d’IIM. Finalement, les facteurs de risque modifiables associés à l’incidence, à l’élimination et à la prévalence d’IIM à staphylocoques coagulase-négatif (SCN) ont été étudiés de manière similaire. Cependant, afin de prendre en considération les limitations de la culture bactériologique du lait pour l’identification des IIM causées par ce groupe de pathogènes, une approche semi-Bayesienne à l’aide de modèles de variable à classe latente a été utilisée. Les estimés non-ajusté de l’incidence, de l’élimination, de la prévalence et des associations avec les expositions apparaissaient tous considérablement biaisés par les imperfections de la procédure diagnostique. Ce biais était en général vers la valeur nulle. Encore une fois, l’incidence d’IIM était le principal déterminant de la prévalence d’IIM des troupeaux. Les litières de sable et de produits du bois, de même que l’accès au pâturage étaient associés à une incidence et une prévalence plus basse de SCN. / Subclinical mastitis is a very frequent and costly health issue that can be detected using somatic cell count (SCC) measurements, but requires the use of milk bacteriological culture for identification of the causal pathogen. Because of this latter difficulty, nearly all subclinical mastitis research has focused on prevalent intramammary infections (IMI) and less is known on risk factors for IMI incidence or elimination. The main objective of this thesis was to identify the manageable risk factors associated with the incidence, elimination, and prevalence of IMI of importance in Canadian dairy herds. First, a systematic review of the literature on the associations between management practices used on farms and SCC was carried out. Management practices consistently associated with SCC were identified and differentiated from other practices for which anecdotic reports were available. Then, a bilingual questionnaire was developed, validated, and employed to measure the practices used on a sample of 90 Canadian dairy herds. To validate this tool, measures of repeatability and of validity of the questionnaire’s items were analyzed and an evaluation of the equivalence of the English and French versions was conducted. These analyses indicated that the questionnaire was, in general, acceptable, but also pinpointed some problematic items. These items were recategorized when possible or otherwise excluded from subsequent analyses to ensure good data quality. Most of the herds studied were already using post-milking teat disinfection and blanket dry cow therapy. Many other frequently recommended practices were not widely adopted. Next, manageable risk factors associated with Staphylococcus aureus IMI incidence, elimination, and prevalence were investigated on the 90 selected herds in a longitudinal fashion. The S. aureus IMI incidence appeared to be a stronger determinant of the herd prevalence than the elimination rate. Among other practices, wearing gloves during milking, using pre-milking teat disinfection, and having an adequate teat end condition showed desirable associations with the outcomes. These results highlight the importance of good milking practices to achieve a long-term reduction of S. aureus IMI prevalence. Finally, manageable risk factors associated with coagulase-negative staphylococci (CNS) IMI incidence, elimination, and prevalence were investigated in a similar manner. Because of the greater limitations of milk bacteriological culture to identify IMI caused by this group of pathogens, a semi-Bayesian latent class model approach was used. Sensitivity and specificity estimates from an internal validation study were used to link the observed IMI milk culture result to the latent true quarter IMI status. Non-adjusted estimates of IMI incidence, elimination, prevalence, and of associations with expositions appeared to be considerably biased by the diagnostic procedure’s imperfections. Most often, estimates were biased toward the null value. Again, IMI incidence was the main determinant of the herd IMI prevalence. Sand and wood products bedding were associated with lower CNS incidence and prevalence. Sending cows to pasture was also associated with lower CNS IMI incidence and prevalence.

Le présent mémoire porte sur les représentations sociales de la dangerosité en psychiatrie chez les intervenants de proximité (infirmières, préposés, et agent de sécurité), d’un milieu de soins psychiatriques. Nous cherchons à explorer comment ces intervenants perçoivent et interprètent les risques inhérents à leur métier et comment ils y réagissent en situation d’incertitude. Les concepts de dangerosité, d’ « individu dangereux » et de risque en psychiatrie sont abordés dans le présent mémoire, à travers un angle historique, social et anthropologique, suivant les lectures de Michel Foucault; de Robert Castel; de Ian Hacking; et de Mary Douglas. De l’observation participante dans une unité de soins psychiatriques aigus et des entrevues semi-structurées ont été réalisées auprès d’une dizaine d’intervenants en santé mentale. Une approche ethnographique et interprétative nous a permis de dégager les principales récurrences, divergences et contradictions intra et inter intervenants sur la question de la dangerosité et du risque en psychiatrie. Les résultats sont séparés en fonction de trois grands thèmes : 1) représentations sociales de la dangerosité 2) perceptions du risque au travail 3) réactions face au risque perçu. L’analyse de nos résultats montre que les connaissances qu’ont les intervenants sur la dangerosité ne se limitent pas à celles produites par le savoir expert, elles s’ouvrent aussi sur leur propre réalité clinique. De plus, contrairement aux prédictions du savoir expert, la différence observée entre les pratiques de contrôle des intervenants n’est pas la conséquence d’une surestimation du risque ni d’un manque d’information « objective » sur les facteurs de risque du comportement agressif, mais s’explique davantage en fonction de la présence ou de l’absence d’un lien thérapeutique et du degré de reconnaissance sociale dans les interactions entre les soignants et les soignés. Les éléments qui renforcent ou limitent l’établissement d’un lien de confiance sont explicités dans le présent mémoire. / The present thesis analyzes social perceptions regarding danger and risk experienced in a psychiatric setting. We seek to explore how psychiatric practitioners and staff, who are confronted daily with aggressivity, perceive the risks inherent in their work and how they react in situations of uncertainty. The concepts of “dangerousness”, “dangerous subjects” and of “risk” in psychiatry are considered in this thesis, through anthropological, historical and sociological perspectives based on the work of Michel Foucault, Robert Castel, Ian Hacking and Mary Douglas. Participant observation in an acute care psychiatric unit, along with semi-structured interviews were carried out with more than ten practitioners (including nurses, beneficiary attendants, and security agents). The use of both an ethnographic and interpretative approach highlighted similarities, disparities and contradictions between the narratives of different categories of staff, as well as between individual staff and practitioners, regarding danger and risk in psychiatry .The results are divided into three disparate themes: 1) social perceptions of dangerousness and risks associated with aggression 2) perceptions of risk in the workplace 3) reaction towards perceived risk. This analysis demonstrates that staff and practitioners’ implicit knowledge regarding ‘dangerousness’ is derived from a continuous incorporation of expert knowledge, based on objective risk factors, and the clinical reality in which they interact on a daily basis. Moreover, contrary to the predictions of experts, the difference between practitioners control practices does not derive from an overestimation of risk, nor is it the consequence of a lack of objective information regarding such risk. It can, instead, be explained by the presence or absence of a therapeutic relationship and by the degree of social recognition between caregiver and patient. The elements that strengthen or limit the establishment of trust will be further elucidated in the present discussion.

Des données synchroniques de sols observées pendant 20 à 40 ans dans différentes zones agro-écologiques du Togo ont été utilisées pour analyser l’évolution de la fertilité du sol sous différentes pratiques culturales. Trois modèles de complexité croissante d’évolution du stock de C du sol ont été testés et le plus performant a été couplé au modèle QUEFTS pour apprécier l’effet des pratiques culturales sur l’évolution de cette fertilité. Bien que la fertilisation NPK ait été continuellement appliquée à la dose recommandée par la recherche (RR) ou à cette dose augmentée de 50% (1.5RR), les rendements initiaux de 1,5 à 2 t ha-1 pour le coton et 2 à 3 t ha-1 pour les céréales ont baissé pour ne représenter qu’environ 1 t ha-1 après 20 années de culture. L’alternance de 2 ou 3 années consécutives de jachère à la rotation culturale n’a pas amélioré le rendement des cultures, mais tend à stabiliser la production dans le long terme. Les stocks initiaux de C de 15 à 39 t ha-1 ont fortement baissé durant les premières années et ont atteint un équilibre après seulement 10 à 15 ans de culture. La baisse du stock de C a été peu dépendante de la quantité de C retournant au sol et a été mieux décrite avec le modèle à deux compartiments de C. Le taux de minéralisation de la fraction labile de C varie entre 0,15 et 0,24 et le stock de C stable représente 33-67% du stock initial ; pour une quantité de C ayant résisté à l’hydrolyse acide de 30% du stock initial. Les stocks de N du sol ont fortement baissé et cette baisse a été peu dépendante de la dose de fertilisation minérale. L’apport NPK à 1.5RR pendant 20 ans a contribué significativement à la baisse du pH du sol, puis a accentué de 20 et 40% les baisses respectives des concentrations de Ca et Mg. Nous avons conclu que l’apport de Ca/Mg couplé à celui de NPK à la dose RR serait (plus que le surdosage de P et K) une meilleure option pour gérer la fertilité minérale de ces sols. Le labour minimum, associé aux apports externes de C, devrait permettre de mieux gérer leur fertilité organique. / Using data observed during 20 to 40 years in different agro-ecosystems of Togo, we analyzed soil fertility dynamic under different agricultural management practices. Tree soil C models of varying complexity were tested, and the most accurate in terms of soil C dynamics description in these tropical soils was associated with the QUEFTS model and with nutrient partial balance to analyze the effect of each agricultural management practice. Results indicated that, although fertilizers N, P and K were continuously applied at a recommended rate by the research (RR) or at this rate increased in 50% (1.5RR), initial cotton and cereals yields of 1.5 to 2 t ha˗1 and 2 to 3 t ha˗1, respectively, decreased to around 1 t ha-1 after 20 years of soil cultivation. Alternation of 2 or 3 consecutive years of fallow plot with 3 years cropping did not improved crops yields as compared with continuous cropping system, but tends to stabilize crops production in the long-term. In the upper soil 20 cm, soil C stock of 15 to 39 t ha˗1 after vegetation clearance dropped faster during the first years to reached equilibrium after only 10 to 15 years of soil cultivation. Such a decrease was less depended on soil C input and was accurately descried with a two-pool C model, running on an annual time step basis. Calibrated decomposition rate of labile soil C ranged between 0.15 and 0.24, and stable soil C pool represented 33 to 67% of initial total C; while soil C that was resistant for hydrolyze acid was about 30% of initial total C. Soil N stock was also decreased faster and less associated with a rate of N input to soil. Application of NPK at 1.5RR during 20 years contributed significantly to soil pH decrease and pronounced soil Ca and Mg decreases, which respectively were 20 and 40% more than in plots that were not fertilized. We concluded that, association of Ca/Mg and NPK at a recommended rate would be (more than over-dosage of P and K) a promising option to achieving a sustainable management of mineral fertility of these soils. Minimum tillage, associated with external C input, would be an asset to a sustainable management of organic fertility of these soils.

Syftet med examensarbetet är att beskriva och kartlägga hur adoptionen av styrmodeller kan se ut i stora företag och utifrån detta identifiera vilken betydelse olika faktorer karaktäriserade av individuella-, organisationella- och omvärldsaspekter som påverkar adoptionen. Detta för att öka kunskapen om vilka faktorer som kan ligga bakom adoptionen av styrmodeller och hur dessa påverkar. Vidare är syftet att explorativt finna mönster mellan påverkande faktorer och företags strukturella attribut för att se hur möjliga kopplingar till företagens strukturer kan se ut. Studien bidrar därmed iutvecklingen av ett mer holistiskt synsätt. För att uppnå syftet utgår studien från sju faktorer; rationella och effektiva, psykodynamiska, retoriska och mode, politiska, kulturella, tvingande samt härmande och trender som på olika sätt påverkar adoptionen inom företag. Studien genomfördes genom kvalitativa intervjuer med tio stycken stora företag i Norrbotten med olika attribut inom ledartyp, ägarform och koncernförhållande. Företagens deltagare utgjordes av beslutsfattare med höga positioner inom företaget medinsikt i adoptionsprocessen som ingående kunde förklara händelser som påverkade adoptionen. Resultaten indikerar på att samtliga sju faktorer i olika grad påverkar företagens adoption av styrmodeller. Framförallt var de rationella och effektiva faktorerna klart framträdande som den faktor med högst påverkan inom samtliga företag eftersom att adoptionsbeslutet ofta grundade sig i någon form av problem eller kris. Resterande faktorer påverkade i olika utsträckning, där det fanns antydningar om mönster mellan faktorer och företagens strukturella attribut. Studien formulerade sex hypoteser kopplat till funna mönster mellan faktorer och företagens strukturella attribut. / The purpose of this thesis is to describe and map how the adoption of management practices works in large companies and to identify the importance of different factors characterized of individual, organizational and environmental aspects that can affect the adoption. This to increase knowledge about the underlying factors that might affect the adoption of management practices. Furthermore, the purpose is to exploratively find patterns between influencing factors and corporate structural attributes to identify how possible connections to corporate structures may exist. This study contributes to the development of a more holistic approach. To achieve the purpose, the study is based on seven different factors; Rational and effective, psychodynamic, rhetorical and fashion, political, cultural, forced-selection (coercive), and imitation (mimetic) and trends that affect business adoption in various ways. This study was conducted through qualitativeinterviews with ten large companies in Norrbotten with different attributes in the management type, ownership and corporate relationship. The companies’ participants consisted of high-level decision-makers within each company with insight into the adoption process, which could thus explain in detail the events that affected the adoption. The results indicate that all seven factors influence the companies’ adoption of management practices to a different extent. In particular, the rational and effective factors were clearly prominent as the factors with the highest impact within all companies, because the adoption decision was often based on some kind of problem or crisis. Remaining factors affected to varying degrees, where there were indications of patterns between factors and the company's structural attributes. The study formulated six hypotheses linked to found patterns between factors and the company's structural attributes.

O objetivo desta tese foi propor um conjunto de procedimentos para a obtenção de dados geológico-geotécnicos e de usos e manejo do solo, afim de estimar e analisar de forma integrada a infiltração potencial e a geração de escoamento superficial Hortoniano potencial de uma região. As regiões estudadas compreenderam as folhas do IBGE de São Carlos e Araraquara, localizadas no centro leste do Estado de São Paulo. O método utilizado englobou: mapeamento geológico-geotécnico dos materiais geológicos; elaboração de modelos geológicos estruturados 3D; seleção dos eventos de chuvas; caracterização físico química das águas subsuperficiais; trabalhos de campo; ensaios laboratoriais e in situ; aplicação de funções de pedotransferência. A partir destes procedimentos estabeleceu-se às diversas condições de infiltração e caracterizou-se a variabilidade geológico e geotécnica dos materiais geológicos, que permitiu selecionar os parâmetros mais adequados e integra-los no modelo de infiltração de Chu (1978). Os resultados da infiltração potencial e do escoamento superficial Hortoniano potencial gerado variaram significativamente em função das características geológico-geotécnicas dos materiais geológicos e dos tipos de eventos de chuva. As 65 unidades de condição de infiltração obtidas foram classificadas com base nas curvas de infiltração e nos valores de infiltração potencial em 5 grupos com características distintas. Ao associar estes grupos a região de estudo, foi possível identificar as principais áreas potenciais de infiltração e geração de escoamento superficial Hortoniano, bem como compreender a sua relação com funções ambientais associadas a dinâmica de água. A partir dos resultados obtidos, conclui-se que é fundamental caracterizar adequadamente à variabilidade geológico-geotécnica dos materiais geológicos para estimar confiavelmente a infiltração potencial. A caracterização deve considerar os diversos métodos de obtenção de dados, tais como ensaios de laboratório e in situ, e aplicação de funções de pedotransferência. Em estudos relacionados à dinâmica de água é essencial realizar a integração de diferentes dados e considerar a sazonalidade dos tipos de uso e manejo e das chuvas. A sistemática proposta permitiu analisar de forma simples, quantitativa e adequada a infiltração e a geração escoamento superficial Hortoniano, a qual constitui-se como uma ferramenta apropriada para o planejamento territorial regional e o gerenciamento de recursos hídricos. / The objective of this thesis was to propose a set of procedures to obtain geological and geotechnical and land uses data, and integrate then in order to estimate and analyze the potential infiltration and Hortonian overland flow of a region. The study regions included the IBGE sheets from São Carlos and Araraquara, located in the centre east portion of São Paulo State-Brazil. The used methods included engineering geological mapping; elaboration of structured 3D geological models; selection of rainfall events; chemical and physical characterization of groundwater; fieldwork; laboratory and in situ tests and application of pedotransfer functions. From these procedures, the various infiltration conditions were defined and the geological and geotechnical variability of the geological materials was characterized, which permitted to select the most adequate parameters and integrating them into Chu (1978) infiltration model. The potential infiltration and Hortonian overland flow varied significantly, depending on the geological and geotechnical characteristics of the geological materials and rainfall event types. The 65 infiltration condition units obtained were classified based on the infiltration curves and potential infiltration values into 5 groups with different characteristics. By associating these groups with the study regions, it was possible to identify the main potential areas of infiltration and generation of Hortonian overland flow, as well as to understand its relation with environmental functions associated with water dynamics. Based on the results, it is concluded that is essential to characterize adequately the geological and geotechnical variability of geological materials to estimate reliably the potential infiltration. The characterization should taking into account the whole variety of data obtaining methods, such as laboratory and in situ tests, and application of pedotransfer functions. In studies related to water dynamics, it is fundamental to integrate different data and to consider the seasonality of land uses and management practices and rainfall event types. The proposed set of procedures permitted to analyze in a simple, quantitative and appropriate way the potential infiltration and the generation of the Hortonian overland flow, constituting an appropriate tool for regional territorial planning and water management.

Proposta – Este trabalho tem por objetivo avaliar a influência das melhores práticas de gestão na performance da qualidade da informação em projetos de Tecnologia da Informação (TI), em condições de restrições. O estudo foi baseado na experiência brasileira. Metodologia – A pesquisa tem lastro em um modelo conceitual, composto por variáveis independentes, variáveis moderadoras e variáveis dependentes, sendo estas as melhores práticas de gestão de projetos, critérios de avaliação da qualidade da informação e performance da qualidade da informação. Para verificar o modelo conceitual, em um primeiro momento a pesquisa foi elaborada à luz da literatura especializada. Esta fase está estruturada em três etapas: 1 – Fundamentos da gestão de projetos de TI; 2 – Levantamento das melhores práticas em gestão de projetos; 3 – Identificação dos critérios de avaliação da qualidade da informação e perspectivas da performance da qualidade da informação. Em um segundo momento, foi realizado o agrupamento das melhores práticas de gestão de projetos identificadas na etapa 2, utilizando para isso a técnica estatística análise de cluster. Em seguida, realizou-se uma consulta junto a especialistas para confirmar as variáveis do modelo conceitual, bem como apresentar os principais efeitos (influências) das melhores práticas na performance da qualidade da informação, condicionadas às variáveis moderadoras, ou seja, aos critérios de avaliação da qualidade da informação. Foram selecionados, por meio de critérios técnicos e científicos, especialistas com conhecimento e experiência sobre o objeto investigado. Desta forma, foram selecionados 303 especialistas com formações em diversas Áreas do Conhecimento (Tecnologia da Informação; Sistemas de Informação, Qualidade da Informação, Administração, entre outras), porém estas, com foco em Tecnologia da Informação. O estudo foi baseado na experiência brasileira em projetos de TI. Os dados foram coletados por meio de um questionário do tipo escalar (Likert) de 1 (menor intensidade) a 5 (maior intensidade), com algumas perguntas abertas. E para reduzir a subjetividade nos resultados alcançados foram aplicadas técnicas estatísticas como o teste de Duncan, para comparação das médias, e a correlação de Spearman, para análise da influência investigada. Limitações da pesquisa – O estudo está direcionado à experiência brasileira, desse modo, recomendam-se aplicações do estudo em outros países. Originalidade/valor – Este estudo parte de um gap nos recortes teóricos sobre influência das melhores práticas na performance da qualidade da informação em projetos de TI, sobretudo em condições de restrições. Implicações para a prática da gestão – Espera-se que este estudo possa apoiar gestores em seus processos de decisão em projetos de TI em contextos dinâmicos e contingenciais. Acredita-se ainda que este represente incremento de valor aos negócios de empreendimentos. / Proposal – This study aims to assess the influence of best management practices in information quality performance in projects of Information Technology (IT) in restrictions conditions. The study was based on the brazilian experience. Methodology – The survey is backed by a conceptual model, composed of independent variables, moderating variables and dependent variables, which are the best project management practices, criteria for evaluating the quality of information and performance of information quality. To check the conceptual model, at first moment, the search was made in light of the literature. This phase is structured in three stages: 1 - Fundamentals of management of IT projects; 2 - Survey of best practices in project management; 3 - Identification of criteria for evaluating the quality of information and perspectives of information quality performance. In a second step, it was carried out by the group of the best project management practices identified in stage 2, using the statistical method of cluster analysis. Then, a consultation was held with experts to confirm the variables of the conceptual model, as well as presenting the main effects (influences) of best practices in information quality performance, conditioned to moderating variables, namely the criteria for assessing the quality of information. They were selected through technical and scientific criteria, experts with knowledge and experience of the investigated object. Thus, initially they were selected 303 experts with diverse backgrounds Knowledge Areas (Information Technology, Information Systems, Quality of Information, Administration), among others, but these, focusing on Information Technology. The study was based on the brazilian experience in IT projects. Data were collected through a questionnaire of scalar type (Likert) from 1 (lowest intensity) to 5 (highest intensity), with some open questions. And to reduce the subjectivity of the results achieved were applied statistical methods such as the Duncan test, to compare the means, and the Spearman correlation for analysis the influence investigated. Search limitations – The study is aimed at the brazilian experience, therefore, it is recommended applications of the study in other countries. Originality / value – This study stems from a gap in the theoretical clippings about influence best practice in information quality performance in IT projects, particularly in restrictions conditions. Implications for practice management – It is expected that this study will support managers in their decision-making processes in IT projects in dynamic and contingent contexts. It is believed that this represents an increase of value to business ventures.

Made available in DSpace on 2015-03-05T19:15:18Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 29 / Nenhuma / O presente trabalho teve por objetivo identificar e analisar as informações de gestão estratégica de custos (GEC) encontradas nos relatórios das companhias abertas brasileiras listadas nos níveis de governança corporativa da BOVESPA. Para isso, foi realizada uma pesquisa nos relatórios de 2005, 2006 e 2007 de 30 companhias dos níveis 1, 2 e Novo Mercado de governança corporativa, em quantidade proporcional ao total de 140 companhias listadas nesses níveis no segundo semestre de 2007. A amostra foi constituída por escolha aleatória das companhias e calculada utilizando o maior Coeficiente de Variação de Pearson e grau de significância de 5%. Utilizando a técnica de análise de conteúdo, os relatórios foram analisados e as informações sobre GEC foram classificadas em 16 categorias. As categorias foram definidas com base nos temas-chaves de GEC, propostos por Shank e Govindarajan (1997): Análise dos direcionadores de custos, Análise da cadeia de valor e Análise do posicionamento estratégico. Para validá-las utili / The main objective of this paper was to identify and analysis which strategic cost management (SCM) information may be found in the Brazilian open companies’ reports listed in BOVESPA’s corporate governance levels. To do that, some research was conducted in the 2005, 2006 and 2007 reports of 30 companies of levels 1, 2 and New Market of corporate governance, in proportional amount to the total of 140 companies listed in those levels in the second semester of 2007. The sample was made up of companies randomly chosen and calculated by using the highest Pearson’s Variation Coefficient and a significance degree of 5%. The reports were analyzed through the content analysis technique and the information on SCM was classified in 16 categories. The categories were set based on SCM key-topics, proposed by Shank and Govindarajan (1997): Cost Driver Analysis, Value Chain Analysis, and Strategic Positioning Analysis. In order to validate them, the Delphi Run technique was used. The information on SCM, after being classif