In the scope of future population support, agricultural productivity, in particular in sub-Saharan Africa, has to increase drastically to meet the UN’s millennium development goals of eradicating extreme poverty and hunger by 2015. Water availability in the root-zone limits crop production in large parts of the developing world. As competition for fresh water increases, water of lower quality, for example saline or polluted water, is often used for irrigation. Low-cost drip systems are suitable for saline water irrigation because they effectuate a minimisation of salt accumulation, leaf burn and peaks in salt concentration. Nonetheless, all types of saline water irrigation contain the risk for causing soil salinisation. Thus, in order to achieve long-term sustainability of these systems, appropriate management strategies are needed. The choice of management practices may be influenced by local conditions such as climate, soil and irrigation water salinity. A litera-ture review showed that there is a potential for saline water irrigation in sub-Saharan Africa in water scarce areas. Low-cost drip irrigation with saline water (6 dS m-1) was successfully used to irrigate two consecutive crops of tomato in semi-arid South Africa. An integrated ecosystems model was developed to simulate long-term yield and salt accumulation in a drip-irrigated agricultural system for a range of salinities, climates and management techniques. Crop, salt and water balance data from two field experiments conducted in Israel and South Africa, respectively, were used to parameterise and test the model. Emphasis was placed on testing the usability of the model as a tool for evaluating the importance of certain plausible management options of low-cost, drip-irrigation systems. Therefore, particular focus was directed towards correctly describing soil salinity stress on plant growth and soil evaporation from a distributed (wetted and dry) surface. In addition, the model was developed to function for different climates without having to change any other parameters or variables except for the actual climatic data. Simulations were subsequently run over a 30-year period to study long-term yield and salt accumulation in the soil profile for two sites in South Africa, demonstrating the applicability of the model. Model simulations showed that high soil salinities reduced crop growth and thus increased both drainage and soil evaporation. Further, covering the soil with a plastic sheet led to a reduction of soil evaporation and a subsequent increase in both transpiration and drainage. Rainfall was crucial for the leaching of salts from the soil, and thus in regions with low levels of rainfall, a higher leaching fraction of supplied saline irrigation water has to compensate for the lack of rain. However, a high leaching fraction also causes large amounts of salt leaching, which could potentially pollute underlying groundwater and downstream ecosystems. This risk can be mitigated using mulching, which minimises non-productive water losses, thereby lowering irrigation water needs. The choice of irrigation water salinity, frequency of irrigation and soil coverage may differ between the farmer and the regional water manager due to different preferences. Furthermore, the study highlighted how environmental variables such as water use efficiency and radiation use efficiency can be used as indicators of system performance. Whereas the latter is first and foremost a general stress indicator, water use efficiency more precisely describes specific factors such as plant size, allocation patterns and evaporative demand, which will affect the exchange of carbon dioxide and water through the stomata. / QC 20101102

Orientador: Elizabeth Orika Ono / Resumo: O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar os efeitos fisiológicos, bioquímicos e produtivos em plantas de tomateiro, além dos atributos de qualidade de frutos com a aplicação foliar da mistura de micronutrientes e reguladores vegetais em diferentes doses e períodos de desenvolvimento da cultura em condições de cultivo protegido. Para isso foram instalados dois experimentos independentes, em delineamento de blocos ao acaso com oito tratamentos e três repetições. O material genético utilizado foi o híbrido Santy e os tratamentos utilizados foram: T1- Controle; T2 - IBA + GA3 + Kt - 0,5 L ha-1; T3 (Co + Mo - 0,5 L ha-1) + (IBA + GA3 + Kt - 0,5 L ha-1); T4 - (Co + Mo - 1 L ha-1) + (IBA + GA3 + Kt - 0,5 L ha-1); T5 (Co + Mo - 2 L ha-1) + (IBA + GA3 + Kt - 0,5 L ha-1); T6 (Co + Mo - 0,5 L ha-1) + (IBA + GA3 + Kt - 0,5 L ha-1); T7 - (Co + Mo - 1 L ha-1) + (IBA + GA3 + Kt - 0,5 L ha-1) e T8 (Co + Mo - 2 L ha-1) + (IBA + GA3 + Kt - 0,5 L ha-1). As aplicações dos tratamentos 3, 4 e 5 iniciaram-se no florescimento e cessaram na primeira colheita dos frutos, enquanto os tratamentos 2, 6, 7 e 8 as aplicações tiveram início no florescimento e transcorreram até a última colheita, com intervalos de 14 dias entre as aplicações. No capítulo 1 foram determinadas atividade enzimática antioxidativa, peroxidação lipídica, peróxido de hidrogênio, medidas de trocas gasosas, fluorescência da clorofila a e parâmetros de produtividade: produção total, comercial e não comercial, massa média de frutos comerciai... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: The objective of this research was to evaluate the physiological, biochemical and productive effects on tomato crop. Moreover, it was study fruit quality attributes with the foliar application of the mixture of micronutrients and crop regulators in different doses and periods of development under protected conditions. . For this, two independent experiments were installed, in a randomized block design with eight treatments and three replications. The genetic material used was the hybrid Santy and the treatments used were: T1- Control; T2 - IBA + GA3 + Kt - 0.5 L ha-1; T3 (Co + Mo - 0.5 L ha-1) + (IBA + GA3 + Kt - 0.5 L ha-1); T4 - (Co + Mo - 1 L ha-1) + (IBA + GA3 + Kt - 0.5 L ha-1); T5 (Co + Mo - 2 L ha-1) + (IBA + GA3 + Kt - 0.5 L ha-1); T6 (Co + Mo - 0.5 L ha-1) + (IBA + GA3 + Kt - 0.5 L ha-1); T7 - (Co + Mo - 1 L ha-1) + (IBA + GA3 + Kt - 0.5 L ha-1) and T8 (Co + Mo - 2 L ha-1) + (IBA + GA3 + Kt - 0.5 L ha-1). In treatments 3, 4 and 5, the applications started at flowering and stopped at the first harvest of fruits, while treatments 2, 6, 7 and 8 the applications started at flowering and it gone until the last harvest, with intervals of 14 days between applications. In the first chapter, they were determined antioxidative enzyme activity, lipid peroxidation, hydrogen peroxide, gas exchange measures, chlorophyll fluorescence and productivity parameters, total, commercial and non-commercial production, average mass of commercial fruits, number of total fruits, commercial an... (Complete abstract click electronic access below) / Doutor

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Se estudian y caracterizan los sistemas expertos en su aplicación a la gestión de la empresa y particularmente a los problemas de toma de decisiones de inversión. La conexión entre sistemas expertos y bases de datos ofrece, en el ámbito de la empresa, un marco de actuación que incorpora a las técnicas de almacenamiento y control de grandes volúmenes de información, aquéllas que significan conocimiento heurístico, capacidad de razonamiento, aprendizaje y comunicación con el usuario. El objetivo es establecer un marco de acción, que consiga acercarse a un control efectivo y global de la información que se requiere en los procesos de toma de decisión. La optimización de la interacción entre sistema experto y base de datos, se concreta en compartir un mismo diseño lógico de la información, para obtener tanto el esquema conceptual de la bases de datos, como la base de conocimiento del sistema experto. / This Thesis studies and characterizes the application of Expert Systems in the management of companies, particularly in problems related to decision making. The connection between Expert Systems and Databases offer new possibilities in the study of Business Management. Expert Systems provide techniques for; the control of large volumes of information and heuristic knowledge, reasoning and learning capabilities and interactive user communication. The objective of knowledge and data base integration is to establish a framework for effective and global control of decision making processes. The interaction of Expert Systems and Databases could be improved by sharing one logical design for information in order to obtain a unique Conceptual Scheme of the Database and Knowledge Base of Expert Systems.

Στην παρούσα διατριβή προτείνονται μέθοδοι διαχείρισης των κοινόχρηστων πόρων σε υπολογιστικά συστήματα όπου πολλαπλοί επεξεργαστές μοιράζονται το ίδιο ολοκληρωμένο (Chip Multiprocessors – CMPs). Ενώ μέχρι πρόσφατα ο σχεδιασμός ενός υπολογιστικού συστήματος στόχευε στην ικανοποίηση των απαιτήσεων μόνο μίας εφαρμογής ανά χρονική περίοδο, τώρα πια απαιτείται και η εξισορρόπηση των απαιτήσεων διαφορετικών εφαρμογών που ανταγωνίζονται για την κατοχή των ίδιων πόρων. Σε πολλές περιπτώσεις, όμως, αυτό δεν αρκεί από μόνο του. Ακόμη και αν επιτευχθεί κάποιος ιδανικός διαμοιρασμός του πόρου, αν δεν βελτιστοποιηθεί ο τρόπος με τον οποίο χρησιμοποιούν οι επεξεργαστές τον κοινόχρηστο πόρο, δεν θα καταφέρει να εξυπηρετήσει ικανοποιητικά το αυξημένο φορτίο. Για να αντιμετωπιστούν τα προβλήματα που πηγάζουν από τον διαμοιρασμό των κοινόχρηστων πόρων, στην παρούσα εργασία προτείνονται τρεις εναλλακτικοί μηχανισμοί διαχείρισης. Η πρώτη μεθοδολογία εισάγει μία νέα θεωρητική μοντελοποίηση του διαμοιρασμού της κρυφής μνήμης, η οποία μπορεί να χρησιμοποιηθεί παράλληλα με την εκτέλεση των προγραμμάτων που διαμοιράζονται την κρυφή μνήμη. Η μεθοδολογία αξιοποιεί στην συνέχεια αυτήν την μοντελοποίηση, για να ελέγξει τον διαμοιρασμό της κρυφής μνήμης και να επιτύχει δικαιοσύνη στο πως κατανέμεται ο χώρος της κρυφής μνήμης μεταξύ των επεξεργαστών. Η δεύτερη μεθοδολογία παρουσιάζει μία νέα τεχνική για την πρόβλεψη της τοπικότητας των προσπελάσεων της κρυφής μνήμης. Καθώς η τοπικότητα είναι η βασική παράμετρος που καθορίζει την χρησιμότητα των δεδομένων της κρυφής μνήμης, χρησιμοποιώντας αυτήν την τεχνική πρόβλεψης μπορούν να οδηγηθούν μηχανισμοί διαχείρισης που βελτιώνουν την αξιοποίηση του χώρου της κρυφής μνήμης. Στα πλαίσια της μεθοδολογίας παρουσιάζουμε έναν τέτοιο μηχανισμό, ο οποίος στοχεύει στην ελαχιστοποίηση των αστοχιών της κρυφής μνήμης μέσω μίας νέας πολιτικής αντικατάστασης. Η τελευταία μεθοδολογία που παρουσιάζεται είναι μία μεθοδολογία για την μείωση της κατανάλωσης ενέργειας της ουράς εντολών, που είναι μία από τις πιο ενεργειακά απαιτητικές δομές του επεξεργαστή. Στα πλαίσια της μεθοδολογίας, δείχνεται ότι το κλειδί για την αποδοτική μείωση της κατανάλωσης ενέργειας της ουράς εντολών βρίσκεται στην αλληλεπίδραση της με το υποσύστημα μνήμης. Με βάση αυτό το συμπέρασμα, παρουσιάζουμε έναν νέο μηχανισμό δυναμικής διαχείρισης του μεγέθους της ουράς εντολών, ο οποίος συνδυάζει επιθετική μείωση της κατανάλωσης ενέργειας του επεξεργαστή με διατήρηση της υψηλής απόδοσής του. / This dissertation proposes methodologies for the management of shared resources in chip multi-processors (CMP). Until recently, the design of a computing system had to satisfy the computational and storage needs of a single program during each time period. Now instead, the designer has to balance the, perhaps conflicting, needs of multiple programs competing for the same resources. But, in many cases, even this is not enough. Even if we could invent a perfect way to manage sharing, without optimizing the way that each processor uses the shared resource, the resource could not deal efficiently with the increased load. In order to handle the negative effects of resource sharing, this dissertation proposes three management mechanisms. The first one introduces a novel theoretical model of the sharing of the shared cache, which can be used at run-time. Furthermore, out methodology uses the model to control sharing and to achieve a sense of justice in the way the cache is shared among the processors. Our second methodology presents a new technique for predicting the locality of cache accesses. Since locality determines, almost entirely, the usefulness of cache data, our technique can be used to drive any management mechanism which strives to improve the efficiency of the cache. As part of our methodology, we present such a mechanism, a new cache replacement policy which tries to minimize cache misses by near-optimal replacement decisions. The last methodology presented in this dissertation, targets the energy consumption of the processor. To that end, our methodology shows that the key to reducing the power consumption of the Issue Queue, without disproportional performance degradation, lies at the interaction of the Issue Queue with the memory subsystem: as long as the management of the Issue Queue doesn’t reduce the utilization of the memory subsystem, the effects of the management on the processor’s performance will be minimal. Based on this conclusion, we introduce a new mechanism for dynamically resizing the Issue Queue, which achieves aggressive downsizing and energy savings with almost no performance degradation.

Aim: To assess the association between preference of pediatric management techniques and parenting styles of parents of children aged 5-13 years cared for in a university health center in Lima, Peru. Materials and methods: The total of the respondents were 160 parents (77 % are female and 78 % belong to the age range of 30 years and over). Parenting styles are assessed using the self-paced questionnaire Parenting Style Dimension Questionnaire (PSDQ). The preference of the behavior management techniques was evaluated by means of an informative sheet of own elaboration where six techniques are included according to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) of 2015. As father's age in intervals of years, sex of the father, educational level, number of children, sex of the children, age of the child in years and order of birth of the children. Chi Square and Fisher's Exact Test were analyzed for bivariate analysis and for the numerical variable used Kruskal Wallis. Results: There is no association between preference of behavior management technique and parenting styles. The prevalence of authoritative parenting style and a greater preference for communication techniques were determined, the latter regardless of the parenting style he manages at home. Conclusions: The preference of the behavior management technique is not associated with the parenting styles. However, the prevalence of communication techniques leads us to conclude that more studies should be carried out around it. / Objetivo: Evaluar la asociación que existe entre la preferencia de las técnicas de manejo en Odontopediatría y los estilos de crianza de los padres de niños con edades entre los 5 y 13 años que son atendidos en un Centro Universitario de Salud de la ciudad de Lima, Perú. Materiales y métodos: Se encuestó a un total de 160 padres de familia, de los cuales el 77 % era de sexo femenino y el 78 % pertenecía al grupo etario de 30 años a más. Los estilos de crianza se evaluaron por medio del cuestionario autoaplicado Parenting Style and Dimension Questionary (PSDQ); y la preferencia de las técnicas de manejo de conducta se evaluó por medio de una ficha informativa de elaboración propia, en la cual se incluyeron 6 de las 13 técnicas que se emplean de acuerdo con Behavior Guidance for the Pediatric Dental Patient de la American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) que fue publicada en el 2015. Las variables registradas fueron: edad del padre en intervalos de años, sexo del padre, nivel educativo, número de hijos, sexo de los hijos, edad del niño en años y orden de nacimiento de los hijos. Luego se utilizó la prueba Chi-cuadrado y la prueba exacta de Fisher para realizar el análisis bivariado, y se aplicó la prueba de Kruskal Wallis para la variable numérica. Resultados: No existe asociación entre la preferencia por una técnica de manejo de conducta y los estilos de crianza, puesto que en la investigación se observó una prevalencia del estilo de crianza autoritativo y una mayor preferencia por las técnicas de comunicación, indistintamente del estilo de crianza que se manejaba en las casas. Conclusiones: La preferencia de la técnica de manejo de conducta no está asociada a los estilos de crianza. Sin embargo, la prevalencia de las técnicas comunicativas permite concluir que deben realizarse más estudios en torno a esta. / Tesis

The dissertation aims to obtain an integrated and comprehensive perspective on measurement issues that play a strategic role in organisations that aim at continuous quality improvement through TQM. The multidimensional definition of quality is proposed to view quality holistically. The definition is dynamic, thus dimensions are subject to evolution. Measurement of the quality dimensions is investigated. The relationship between quality and cost, productivity and profitability respectively is examined. The product quality dimensions are redefined for processes. Measurement is a strategic component ofTQM. Integration of financial measures with supplier-; customer-; performance- and internal process measurement is essential for synergism. Measurement of quality management is an additional strategic quality dimension. Applicable research was integrated. Quantitative structures used successfully in industry to achieve quality improvement is important, thus the quality management maturity grid, cleanroom software engineering, software factories, quality function deployment, benchmarking and the ISO 9000 standards are briefly described. Software Metrics Programs are considered to be an application of a holistic measurement approach to quality. Two practical approaches are identified. A framework for initiating implementation is proposed. Two strategic software measurement issues are reliability and cost estimation. Software reliability measurement and modelling are introduced. A strategic approach to software cost estimation is suggested. The critical role of data collection is emphasized. Different approaches to implement software cost estimation in organisations are proposed. A total installed cost template as the ultimate goal is envisaged. An overview of selected software cost estimation models is provided. Potential research areas are identified. The linearity/nonlinearity nature of the software production function is analysed. The synergy between software cost estimation models and project management techniques is investigated. The quantification aspects of uncertainty in activity durations, pertaining to project scheduling, are discussed. Statistical distributions for activity durations are reviewed and compared. A structural view of criteria determining activity duration distribution selection is provided. Estimation issues are reviewed. The integration of knowledge from dispersed fields leads to new dimensions of interaction. Research and practical experience regarding software metrics and software metrics programs can be successfully applied to address the measurement of strategic indicators in other industries. / Business Management / D. Phil. (Operations Research)

The dissertation aims to obtain an integrated and comprehensive perspective on measurement issues that play a strategic role in organisations that aim at continuous quality improvement through TQM. The multidimensional definition of quality is proposed to view quality holistically. The definition is dynamic, thus dimensions are subject to evolution. Measurement of the quality dimensions is investigated. The relationship between quality and cost, productivity and profitability respectively is examined. The product quality dimensions are redefined for processes. Measurement is a strategic component ofTQM. Integration of financial measures with supplier-; customer-; performance- and internal process measurement is essential for synergism. Measurement of quality management is an additional strategic quality dimension. Applicable research was integrated. Quantitative structures used successfully in industry to achieve quality improvement is important, thus the quality management maturity grid, cleanroom software engineering, software factories, quality function deployment, benchmarking and the ISO 9000 standards are briefly described. Software Metrics Programs are considered to be an application of a holistic measurement approach to quality. Two practical approaches are identified. A framework for initiating implementation is proposed. Two strategic software measurement issues are reliability and cost estimation. Software reliability measurement and modelling are introduced. A strategic approach to software cost estimation is suggested. The critical role of data collection is emphasized. Different approaches to implement software cost estimation in organisations are proposed. A total installed cost template as the ultimate goal is envisaged. An overview of selected software cost estimation models is provided. Potential research areas are identified. The linearity/nonlinearity nature of the software production function is analysed. The synergy between software cost estimation models and project management techniques is investigated. The quantification aspects of uncertainty in activity durations, pertaining to project scheduling, are discussed. Statistical distributions for activity durations are reviewed and compared. A structural view of criteria determining activity duration distribution selection is provided. Estimation issues are reviewed. The integration of knowledge from dispersed fields leads to new dimensions of interaction. Research and practical experience regarding software metrics and software metrics programs can be successfully applied to address the measurement of strategic indicators in other industries. / Business Management / D. Phil. (Operations Research)

This thesis is an action research investigation into the influence of my Christian habitus on my consultancy practice. My research question: How does my Christian faith inform the work I do? is located within the academic field of Spirit at Work. The complexity and difficulties of my professional practice are explored using the literature on Christian spirituality. My investigation uses the research method of practical theology to explore: my own Christian perspective; my role as a spiritual mentor; the nature of spiritual formation; and, faith in relation to work. The analytical methods of theological reflection, narrative inquiry, and autoethnography support the critical reflection. Five themes emerge: the evangelical basis of my Christian perspective; an understanding of the grace of God; the consideration of resistance as sin; strategies to enable spiritual formation; and complex combinations of faith in relation to work. This study has enabled me to interrogate my approach to spiritual formation in relation to work. My inquiry in a variety of contexts – with colleagues, one individual, and with a client –has developed my ability as a reflexive practitioner, and has strengthened my vocation as a spiritual mentor. I have used the Holistic Development Model (HDM) to underpin my approach to spiritual mentoring, and created a Christian interpretation of it. Spiritual formation is explored through the topics of: church, faith, purpose and mission using scripture, adventure and leadership, and difficulty and struggle. The research provides insights into my work as a professional consultant in the area of leadership development. My reflexive learning, combined with participative inquiry, provides an insider perspective on living within an evangelical Christian worldview. Difficulties over how to interpret Christian faith in work contexts are explored, particularly with regard to inclusivity. The research links spiritual formation with leadership, concluding that, in my practice, faith takes precedence.

La consommation énergétique est devenue un problème majeur dans la conception des systèmes aussi bien d'un point de vue de la fiabilité des circuits que de l'autonomie d'un équipement embarqué. Cette thèse vise à caractériser et modéliser le coût énergétique du système d'exploitation (OS) embarqué en vue d'explorer des solutions faibles consommation. La première contribution consiste à définir une approche globale de modélisation de la consommation des services de base de l'OS: la stimulation de l'exécution de ces services, tels que le changement de contexte, l'ordonnancement et la communication interprocessus, est effectuée à travers des programmes de test adéquats. Sur la base de mesures de la consommation d'énergie sur la carte OMAP35x EVM, des paramètres pertinents soit matériels soit logiciels ont été identifiés pour en déduire des modèles de consommation. Dans une seconde étape, la prise en compte de ces paramètres doit intervenir au plus haut niveau de la conception. L'objectif sera d'exploiter les fonctionnalités offertes par un langage de modélisation et d'analyse architecturale AADL tout en modélisant les aspects logiciel et matériel en vue d'estimer la consommation d'énergie. Ensuite, les modèles énergétiques de l'OS ont été intégrés dans un simulateur multiprocesseur de politique d'ordonnancement STORM afin d'identifier la consommation de l'OS et ceci pour des politiques d'ordonnancement mettant en œuvre des techniques de réduction de la consommation tel que le DVFS et le DPM. Enfin, la définition et vérification de certaines contraintes temps-réel et énergétiques ont été effectuées avec des langages de spécification de contraintes (QAML, RDAL). / The ever-increasing complexity of embedded systems that are developing their computation performances poses a great challenge for embedded systems designers: power and energy consumption. This thesis focuses on power and energy characterization, modeling, estimation of embedded operating systems (OS) energy consumption. First, an OS energy consumption characterization flow is introduced: a set of benchmarks, which are test programs that stimulate each OS service separately, are implemented. These programs are executed on the hardware platform: OMAP 35x EVM board. Based on hardware measurements, several hardware and software parameters that influence the OS power/energy consumption are identified and energy consumption mathematical models are extracted. The second contribution consists in proposing a high level model of software application, the OS services and hardware platform using an architecture analysis and design language (AADL). Then, AADL and mathematical models of OS services energy consumption are integrated in a multiprocessor scheduling simulator (STORM) in order to evaluate the OS energy overhead when using DPM and DVFS low power techniques. Finally, a flow of definition and verification of system requirements when allocating application tasks to the processors is proposed. Using a set of languages, RDAL and QAML, various real time and energetic constraints are checked when exploring the design.