In this study, the limitations of point-source stochastic simulations are investigated in terms of fundamental geophysical parameters. Within this context, a total of 6000 synthetic ground motions are generated for various magnitude (5.0 &amp / #8804 / Mw &amp / #8804 / 7.5), source-to-site distance (less than 100 km), faulting style (shallow dipping and strike-slip) and site class (soft, stiff and rock) bins. The simulations are performed in two main stages: (1) the acceleration time series at outcropping very hard rock sites are simulated based on the stochastic method proposed by Boore (1983, 2003) and (2) they are modified through 1-D equivalent linear site response analysis to generate the free-field motions at soft, stiff and rock sites. Thus, as a part of this study, a probability-based soil profile model that considers the random variation of S-wave slowness as a function of depth is derived. The synthetic ground motions are assessed with several recent empirical ground-motion models to constitute the limitations of the simulation procedure. It is believed that the outcomes of this study will realistically describe the limitations of stochastic point-source simulation approach that can be employed further for the studies on improvements of this simulation technique.

A multi-integrative approach was used to identify spatial and temporal relationships of natural and anthropogenic environmental variables affecting riverine ecosystem structure and function in the Athabasca Oil Sands Region (AOSR). A series of inter-related field studies were conducted to assess three key components of the freshwater food web (physico-chemical environment, basal productivity, benthic macroinvertebrates) utilizing an a priori environmental disturbance gradient experimental design. The gradient design was formulated to best discriminate the possible effects of natural and anthropogenic environmental variables on two river basins (Steepbank and Ells Rivers) each having different levels of oil sands (OS) land use disturbance. Findings from this study showed that natural variation explained most longitudinal and seasonal responses of physico-chemical environmental variables for both rivers, including possible mechanisms such as physical and chemical effects from the OS geological deposit and inputs from shallow groundwater upwelling. Basal productivity was likely controlled by natural variables within the Steepbank and Ells Rivers, such as potential OS deposit effects, nutrient availability and influences from turbidity and physical factors, with disturbance from OS development either negligible or not detected. Longitudinal and seasonal differences in benthic macroinvertebrate community composition were mostly related to natural variation, including possible mechanisms such as high discharge and sediment slump events on the Steepbank River, and community shifts from elevated metal concentrations from natural sources at upstream sites on the Ells River. This study demonstrated that developing baseline information on watersheds can be essential at discriminating sources of disturbance, with natural variation potentially confounding with anthropogenic factors. This study also highlights the need for further research to obtain an improved understanding of mechanistic pathways to better determine natural and anthropogenic non-point source disturbances and cumulative effects on the structure and function of tributary ecosystems in the AOSR at relevant spatial and temporal scales. / Graduate / 0329 / clsuzann@uvic.ca

L’objectif du travail de thèse a été de tester en laboratoire l’efficacité de deux variantes de taxe ambiante (Taxe Pigouvienne Moyenne et Taxe Ambiante Plafonnée) qui présentent l’avantage de réduire les charges en cas de taxation mais dont l’efficacité nécessite que les pollueurs coordonnent leurs efforts. Pour permettre cette coordination, trois formes de communication (communication gratuite ou « cheap talk », communication coûteuse endogène et exogène) ont été testées. Les résultats montrent que le sucker’s payoff et la taille des groupes sont déterminants dans le potentiel du cheap talk à induire de la coopération. Lorsque la communication est coûteuse et exogène, l’impact positif de la communication est limité dans le temps. Cependant lorsque la décision de communiquer moyennant un coût revient aux joueurs, ceux-ci choisissent de ne pas communiquer. Nous avons aussi montré que le cheap talk facilite la coordination vers l’équilibre Pareto-dominant et rend ainsi la Taxe Ambiante Plafonnée efficace. / The purpose of this thesis was to test in laboratory the efficiency of two variants of the ambient tax (Average Pigovian Tax and Capped Ambient Tax) that present the advantage of reducing the financial burden imposed through taxation but whose efficiency requires that polluters coordinate their efforts. To enable this coordination, three types of communication (“cheap talk” or costless communication, exogenous costly communication and endogenous costly communication) are tested.The results show that the sucker’s payoff and the size of the groups are crucial in the potential of cheap talk to induce cooperation. When the communication is costly and exogenous, cooperation is limited in time. However when the decision to communicate for a price is up to the players, they decide not to communicate. We’ve also shown that cheap talk facilitates coordination towards the Pareto-dominant equilibrium and makes the Capped Ambient Tax efficient.

Submitted by Daniele Amaral (daniee_ni@hotmail.com) on 2016-09-14T20:55:19Z No. of bitstreams: 1 TesePGJ.pdf: 2065946 bytes, checksum: 88cecd364b6c5b24ea99e24abd33e1d9 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Marina Freitas (marinapf@ufscar.br) on 2016-09-16T19:46:32Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 TesePGJ.pdf: 2065946 bytes, checksum: 88cecd364b6c5b24ea99e24abd33e1d9 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Marina Freitas (marinapf@ufscar.br) on 2016-09-16T19:46:40Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 TesePGJ.pdf: 2065946 bytes, checksum: 88cecd364b6c5b24ea99e24abd33e1d9 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2016-09-16T19:46:47Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 TesePGJ.pdf: 2065946 bytes, checksum: 88cecd364b6c5b24ea99e24abd33e1d9 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2015-07-27 / Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq) / Contaminants are introduced into aquatic ecosystems, both from point and diffuse sources and usually are deposited in the sediments of lakes and reservoirs. The input of diffuse pollutants in the environment is of difficult control and identification, while the control of point sources is more efficient because they are easily identified. However, the frequent discharges of effluents, althought undergoing treatment, may change the input of elements and substances in a given region. The aim of this study was to assess the spatial-temporal influence of point and non-point source pollution on the characteristics of surface water and sediment in a watershed with well-marked seasons. In addition, concepts and attempts at ecosystems restoration in different regions were reviewed in order to understand the main drivers of abiotic-biotic regulation among watersheds and aquatic ecosystems, based on the principles of Ecohydrology. For this purpose, the concentrations of Cd, Cr, Fe, Ni, Zn, Pb, Al, Cu, Mn, Hg, As, Se, total phosphorus, total nitrogen and ions in water and sediment were examined. Furthermore, levels of metals (Al, Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, Hg and As) in the sediment profile of stations under of the influence of different impact were evaluated. This study showed that the point source pollution promote a high load of contaminants in sediment, regardless of the season. Furthermore, the point pollution sources seem to be spatially and temporally the main cause of reservoir sediment chemical composition due its frequent effluent release. This study also indicates that, despite several biogeographical differences, hydrology seems to be the main factor that controls the primary and secondary production and sustainability in rivers and lakes (reservoirs). In conclusion, the hydrology in the tropics seems to decrease the expected effects of a higher temperature. Therefore, to increase resilience in tropical freshwaters integrated actions according to hydrological stages are highly recommended. / Contaminantes são introduzidos em ecossistemas aquáticos, a partir de fontes pontuais e difusas e geralmente são depositados nos sedimentos de lagos e reservatórios. A entrada de poluentes difusos no ambiente é de difícil controle e identificação, enquanto que o controle de fontes pontuais é mais eficiente, pois são facilmente identificados. No entanto, as frequentes descargas de efluentes, mesmo passando por tratamento, podem mudar a dinâmica de entrada de elementos e substâncias em uma região. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a influência espaço-temporal de fontes de poluição pontual e não pontual nas características das águas superficiais e do sedimento de um reservatório (Lobo/Broa, SP) em uma bacia hidrográfica com estações climáticas bem definidas. Além disso, conceitos e tentativas de restauração em diferentes ecossistemas foram revisados com o objetivo de entender quais são os principais controladores da regulação abiótica-biótica entre bacias hidrográficas e ecossistemas aquáticos, com base nos princípios da Ecohidrologia. Para este propósito, as concentrações de Cd, Cr, Fe, Ni, Zn, Pb, Al, Cu, Mn, Hg, As, Se, fósforo total, nitrogênio total e íons na água e no sedimento foram examinadas. Além disso, os níveis de metais (Al, Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, Hg e As) no perfil do sedimento de pontos amostrais sob influência de diferentes impactos foram avaliados. Este estudo mostrou que as fontes pontuais de poluição promovem uma alta carga de contaminantes nos sedimentos, independentemente da estação. Além disso, as fontes de poluição pontual parecem ser espacialmente e temporalmente as principais causa da composição química de sedimentos do reservatório por causa da frequente liberação de efluentes. Esse estudo também indica que, apesar de várias diferenças biogeográficas, a hidrologia parece ser o principal fator que controla a produção primária, secundária e a sustentabilidade em rios e lagos (reservatórios). Em conclusão, a hidrologia nos trópicos parece diminuir os efeitos esperados de uma temperatura mais elevada. Portanto, para aumentar a resiliência nas águas doces tropicais ações integradas de acordo com as fases hidrológicas são altamente recomendadas.

Modelos hidrológicos e de qualidade de água vêm sendo desenvolvidos para avaliar a poluição causada por fontes de origem difusa, em bacias hidrográficas agrícolas. Com esse objetivo, o modelo SWAT (Soil and Water Assessment Tool) foi aplicado para simular o escoamento e a produção de sedimentos produzidos pela microbacia hidrográfica do Ribeirão dos Marins, afluente do rio Piracicaba, SP, no biênio 1999/2000. A aplicação do modelo requer a entrada dos dados na forma espacializada. A manipulação desses dados foi feita com o auxílio de um Sistema de Informações Geográficas (SIG) e uma interface entre o modelo e o SIG que, automaticamente, subdivide a bacia em sub-bacias a partir do Modelo Numérico do Terreno (MNT) e, então, extrai os dados de entrada relacionados para cada sub-bacia dos outros Planos de Informação (PI’s), uso da terra e solos, associados a um extenso banco de dados. Posteriormente, os resultados finais da simulação são apresentados no formato de mapas, gráficos e tabelas. Os resultados obtidos da simulação, médias mensais do escoamento e a produção de sedimentos, foramcomparados aos dados observados em um posto hidrossedimentométrico localizado no terço superior da microbacia, utilizando o Coeficiente de Eficiência de Nash e Sutcliffe (COE) e o desvio dos dados simulados em relação aos observados (Dv). Foi feita uma calibração de alguns parâmetros físico-hídricos do solo e físico das sub-bacias, para as duas variáveis simuladas. Dois cenários alternativos de uso da terra foram simulados. No primeiro, o uso atual foi mantido, mas considerou-se uma faixa de mata ciliar de 30m em toda a extensão dos cursos d’água e de 50m ao redor das nascentes, de acordo com o Código Florestal. No segundo cenário, como as pastagens ocupam as encostas mais íngremes, com alto potencial erosivo, as áreas ocupadas por pastagem foram substituídas por vegetação florestal. As simulações dos dois cenários foram comparadas com as condições do cenário atual em termos de redução da produção de sedimentos. Os resultados obtidos para o escoamento simulado foram de 0,92 e –0,7% para o COE e o Dv, respectivamente, após a calibração. Na simulação da produção de sedimentos pelo modelo, após a calibração, o COE obtido foi de 0,83 e o Dv de –3,2%. Os cenários produziram diferentes padrões espaciais da produção de sedimentos. Uma redução de 84,4% na produção de sedimentos foi obtida com a substituição da pastagem por vegetação nativa (cenário 2). No cenário 1, a redução foi de 10,8%. Esses resultados evidenciam a necessidade de se tratar a paisagem em bacias hidrográficas de uma forma global, identificando as "áreas ambientalmente sensíveis", onde são necessárias práticas de controle dos processos erosivos e não somente com a proteção dispensada aos cursos d’água por meio da mata ciliar. / Hydrological and water quality models have been developed to evaluate the nonpoint source pollution in agricultural watershed. With this objective, SWAT (Soil and Water Assessment Tool) model was applied to simulate the streamflow and sediment yield in Ribeirão dos Marins watershed, on the Piracicaba river basin, Brazil, for the period 1999/2000. The application of the model requires the input data in spatial format. The manipulation of these data was made with an interface between the model and the Geographic Information System (GIS) that, automatically, subdivides the basin in subbasins, from the Digital Terrain Model (DTM) and extracts the input data for each subbasin from the land use and soil layers. Later, the results of the simulation are presented in the format of maps, graphs and tables. The results of the simulation, monthly averages of the streamflow and the sediment yield, were compared to the observed data in a gauge station located in Ribeirão dos Marins watershed, using the Nash Sutcliffe Coefficient (COE) and the deviation of the simulated data in relation to the observed data (Dv). A calibration of some physical-hydrological parameters of soil and physical of the subbasins was made for the two variables simulated. Two alternative scenarios of land use have been simulated. In the first, the current land use was kept, with a riparian buffer of 30m along of the drainage network and of 50m around the springs, in accordance with the Forest Code. In the second scenario, as the pastures occupy the steepest hillsides, with high erosive potential, pastures were changed by native forest. The simulations of the two scenarios were compared to the current scenario, regarding the reduction of sediment yield. The results of the simulated streamflow were of 0,92 and –0,7% for the COE and the Dv, respectively, after the calibration. In the simulation of the sediment yield, after the calibration, the COE was 0,83 and Dv was –3,2%. The scenarios produced different spatial patterns of the sediment yield. The reduction in sediment yield of 84,4% was obtained with the substitution of the pasture by native vegetation (scenario 2). In scenario 1, the reduction was of 10,8%. These results show that is necessity to manage watershed considering the whole landscape aspects, identifying environmentally sensitive areas, mainly in relation to erosion, instead of protecting only riparian areas.

La tomographie consiste à reconstruire un objet nD à partir de projections (n-1)D. Cette discipline soulève plusieurs questions auxquelles la recherche essaie d’apporter des réponses. On s’intéresse dans cette thèse à trois aspects de cette problématique : 1) la reconstruction de l’image 2D à partir de projections dans un cadre rarement étudié qui est celui des sources ponctuelles ; 2) l’unicité de cette reconstruction ; 3) l'estimation d’informations concernant un objet sans passer par l'étape de reconstitution de son image. Afin d’aborder le problème de reconstruction pour la classe des ensembles convexes, nous définissons une nouvelle classe d’ensembles ayant des propriétés de convexité qu’on appelle convexité par quadrants pour des sources ponctuelles. Après une étude de cette nouvelle classe d’ensembles, nous montrons qu’elle présente des liens forts avec la classe des ensembles convexes. Nous proposons alors un algorithme de reconstruction d’ensemblesconvexes par quadrants qui, si l’unicité de la reconstruction est garantie, permet de reconstruire des ensembles convexes en un temps polynomial. Nous montrons que si une conjecture, que nous avons proposée, est vraie, les conditions de l’unicité pour les ensembles convexes par quadrants sont les mêmes que celles pour les ensembles convexes. Concernant le troisième aspect étudié dans cette thèse, nous proposons une méthode qui permet d’estimer, à partir d’une seule projection, la surface d’un ensemble 2D. Concernant l’estimation du périmètre d’un ensemble 2D, en considérant les projections par une deuxième source d’un ensemble convexe, nous obtenons deux bornes inférieures et une borne supérieure pour le périmètre de l’objet projeté. / Tomography is about reconstructing an nD object from its (n-1)D projections. This discipline addresses many questions to which research tries to provide answers. In this work, we are interested to three aspects: 1) the 2D image reconstruction from projections in a rarely studies framework that is the point sources; 2) the uniqueness of this reconstruction; 3) estimating information about an object without going through the step of reconstructing its image. To approach the problem of tomographic reconstruction for the class of convex sets, we define a new class of sets having properties of convexity called quadrant convexity for point sources. After a study of this new class of sets, we show that it presents strong links with the class of convex sets. Wepropose a reconstruction algorithm for quadrant-convex sets that, if the uniqueness of the reconstruction is guaranteed, allows the reconstruction of convex sets in polynomial time. We also show that if a conjecture we have proposed is true the conditions of uniqueness for quadrant-convex sets are the same as those for convex sets. Regarding the third aspect studied in this thesis, we focus on two quantitative properties that are the surface and the perimeter. We propose a method to estimate, from only one projection, the surface of a 2D set. We obtain two lower bounds and an upper bound for the perimeter of a projected convexobject by considering the projections from a second point source.

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This diploma thesis solves creation of a computing model of sound propagation for determination of acoustic pressure level around multiple point sound source with consideration of sound directivity of each source (compresor and fan). Thesis contains neccesary theoretical knowledge for creation of computing model and basics of sound measuring, theoretical computing model, measurement data of real unit and model configuration for real measured values. Computing code of the model in Visual Basic for MS Excel is a part of the thesis.

<p>In the context of climate change, increasing demands for freshwater make it necessary to manage our water resources in a sustainable way and find innovative ways to extend their life. An integrated water management approach needs to consider anthropogenic water use and reuse which represent major components of the current water cycle. In particular, unplanned, or de facto, indirect water reuse occurs in most of the U.S. river systems; however, there is little real-time documentation of it. Despite the fact that there are national and state agencies that systematically collect data on water withdrawals and wastewater discharges, their databases are organized and managed in a way that limits the ability to combine reported water data to perform large scale analysis about water use and indirect reuse. To better document these issues and to demonstrate the utility of such an analysis, I studied the Wabash River Watershed located in the U.S. Midwest. Existing data for freshwater extraction, use, discharge, and river streamflow were collected, curated and reorganized in order to characterize the water use and reuse within the basin. Indirect water reuse was estimated by comparing treated wastewater discharges with stream flows at selected points within the watershed. Results show that during the low flow months of July-October 2007, wastewater discharges into the Wabash River basin contributed 82 to 121% of the stream flow, demonstrating that the level of water use and unplanned reuse is significant. These results suggest that intentional water reuse for consumptive purposes such as landscape or agricultural irrigation could have substantial ecological impacts by diminishing stream flow during vulnerable low flow periods. This research also completed a time series watershed-scale analysis of water use and unplanned indirect reuse for the Wabash River Watershed from 2009 to 2017. Results document the occurrence of indirect water reuse over time, ranging from 3% to 134% in a water-rich area of the U.S. The time series analysis shows that reported data effectively describe the water use trends through nine years, clearly reflecting both anthropogenic and natural events in the watershed, such as the retirement of thermoelectric power plants, and the occurrence of an extreme drought in 2012. Results demonstrate the feasibility and significance of using available water datasets to perform large scale water use analysis, describe limitations encountered in the process, and highlight areas for improvement in water data management.</p>

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