With its burgeoning energy consumption and emissions of greenhouse gases (GHGs), China is central to addressing the problem of climate change. As the world leader in GHG emissions for years, China is under tremendous international pressure in the fight against climate change. Focusing on China's coal-to-chemicals industriesa major user of coal and significant contributor to GHG and other emissions in Chinathis thesis seeks to explain how national policies have affected the deployment of coal gasification in China. The data and information for this thesis were mainly collected from interviews with experts from Chinese and U.S. companies, relevant government reports, and other Internet sources. First, I present the current state of energy consumption and the development status of related industries that are applying gasification technologies in China. I then present related policies and pilot projects for the development of gasification technology and analyze how these affect the Chinese gasification market. I analyze factors that have promoted a change in the mode of partnership between foreign firms and Chinese firms (from licensing contracts to joint ventures), and how joint ventures are enabling gasification technology transfer currently. Finally, I argue how the underlying conditions create drivers that promote gasification technology transfer despite China’s weak IP regime. / text

Session presented on Monday, November 9, 2015: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a pilot project designed to assist student learning by incorporating weekly post-lecture quizzes intended to increase the spacing time of studying. Numerous studies have reported the positive effect that test-enhanced learning (TEL) has on the long-term retention of information, or what is known as the testing effect, and that it is an effective teaching/learning strategy. We hypothesized that weekly quizzes would increase the frequency and time that a student spent studying lecture material and that the result would be better long-term retention of information and increased grades. Using a pretest-posttest study design, we used three retrospective sets of data from second semester baccalaureate nursing students for fall 2013 (n = 75) and spring 2014 (n = 105). Data gathered included: the Assessment Technologies Institute (ATI) Registered Nurse Content Mastery Exam for Fundamentals; the number of students with a grade of <75 prior to the final exam; and the number of students that failed the course. Standard teaching/learning strategies were used fall 2013 (pretest group), while TEL was implemented in spring 2014 (posttest group). For the pretest group's ATI scores, there were 6 (6%) Level 3, 61 (58%) Level 2, 13 (17%) Level 1, and 1 (<1%) below Level 1. For the posttest group's ATI scores, there were 18 (23%) Level 3, 46 (59%) Level 2, 13 (17%) Level 1, and no students below Level 1. There were 52 (50%) students with a grade <75 before the final exam in the pretest group, and 6 (8%) students in the posttest group. A total of 6 (6%) students failed the course in the pretest group, compared to 5 (6%) in the posttest group. The findings indicate that TEL is an effective teaching/learning strategy that had a positive impact on the retention of course material. Limitations include that the study was not randomized, used a small sample size, was conducted at a single institution, and in a single course. Additional research is needed to determine the effectiveness of TEL in other settings and courses.

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En raison d’importantes transitions démographiques et épidémiologiques, le nombre de personnes atteintes de la maladie d’Alzheimer et d’autres troubles neurocognitifs majeurs augmentera rapidement dans les sociétés occidentales. Ces maladies posent des enjeux d’envergure pour les personnes atteintes, leurs proches, les communautés et l’organisation des services. Plus largement, ce sont les politiques publiques qui doivent être repensées. Sous ce principe, le gouvernement du Québec a mobilisé une équipe d’experts pour concevoir le Plan Alzheimer du Québec (PAQ) (2007). La principale stratégie de mise en œuvre qui découle de ce plan fût de soutenir le développement de 19 projets pilotes ayant principalement pour objectif de diagnostiquer plus rapidement les personnes atteintes de ces maladies et de rehausser la qualité de leur suivi, au sein des Groupes de médecines de famille (GMF). Le modèle d’appel à propositions développé par l’équipe ministérielle a convié les acteurs locaux du système sociosanitaire québécois le souhaitant à rédiger une proposition en fonction de leurs propres conditions locales de pratique, bien que la proposition devait globalement être en cohésion avec les priorités nationales. Dû au fait que ce type de stratégie de diffusion des politiques publiques vers les organisations délivrant des services pose des défis d’équilibre entre les priorités ministérielles et les réalités locales, nous nous sommes intéressés à la mise en œuvre du plan québécois. Plus précisément, notre principal but de recherche consistait à comprendre de quelle façon les orientations du PAQ se sont traduites dans les projets pilotes. Pour ce faire, nous avons mené une analyse secondaire de données qualitatives qui s’articule autour de trois stratégies de collecte de données : 1) les documents du ministère et ceux des 19 propositions développées par les acteurs locaux, 2) quatre entretiens semi-dirigés auprès d’acteurs-clefs ayant participé au niveau national à la mise en œuvre du PAQ et 3) 15 groupes de discussions focalisées ayant été réalisés auprès de gestionnaires et de professionnels impliqués au sein des innovations, dont des travailleuses sociales. La mise en œuvre du PAQ vers ses formes locales a donné lieu au développement d’une grande diversité de projets innovants, comprenant principalement des médecins, des infirmières et des travailleuses sociales. La mise en place d’un important dispositif d’accompagnement du changement, lors de l’implantation des innovations, a favorisé des ajustements entre les deux principes en apparences contradictoires que sont le respect des objectifs ministériels et l’encouragement des acteurs locaux à adapter le projet en fonction de leurs réalités. Cet accompagnement, globalement positif, a toutefois été mis en place tardivement, ce qui eut des effets durables sur l’implantation des innovations. Nous soutenons donc que la phase initiale de conception des innovations locales est un moment critique qui requiert d’accompagner les acteurs locaux, afin de clarifier le modèle proposé par la politique publique et favoriser la collaboration des principales personnes qui sont parties prenantes du changement.

Este projeto apresenta a construção de um modelo numérico do Sistema Aqüífero Guarani pelo método de elementos finitos para auxiliar o gerenciamento de recursos hídricos subterrâneos na área do projeto piloto de Ribeirão Preto, localizada na região nordeste do Estado de São Paulo. Dados topográficos, hidrológicos e hidrogeológicos da região de interesse foram obtidos principalmente de mapas (impressos e digitais) e poços cadastrados junto a órgãos governamentais, em cooperação com o grupo coordenador do projeto piloto de Ribeirão Preto. Os dados levantados foram armazenados, processados e analisados utilizando ferramenta SIG, seguida da geração de mapas interpolados com características hidrogeológicas. Esses dados foram transferidos para o software de simulação SPA, onde se deu a construção da malha de elementos finitos e a atribuição dos parâmetros e condições de contorno ao modelo. Em seguida, foi feita uma análise de sensibilidade do modelo, e testadas algumas configurações de parâmetros hidrogeológicos e de taxas de recarga. O modelo apresentou bons resultados e desempenho, e, como parte de uma constante evolução, são propostas visitas de campo para verificação de dados para o seguimento desse projeto. / This work presents a numerical model for the Guarani Aquifer System management in the Ribeirão Preto pilot project area, located in the Northeast of São Paulo State. Topographical, hydrological and hydrogeological data of the region were obtained from printed and digital maps and well database recorded in governmental departments, in cooperation with the Ribeirão Preto coordinating group of the pilot project. The collected data were stored, processed and analyzed making use of GIS tool, followed by the generation of interpolated maps with hydrogeological parameters. These data were transferred to the SPA simulation software, which is based on the finite element method. After mesh construction, and attribution of parameters and boundary conditions, a sensitivity analysis of the model was performed. Different hydrogeological parameter configurations were tested. The model proved to represent the established conceptual model adequately. However base flow data and field visits are necessary, in order to improve the model representativity.

Este projeto apresenta a construção de um modelo numérico do Sistema Aqüífero Guarani pelo método de elementos finitos para auxiliar o gerenciamento de recursos hídricos subterrâneos na área do projeto piloto de Ribeirão Preto, localizada na região nordeste do Estado de São Paulo. Dados topográficos, hidrológicos e hidrogeológicos da região de interesse foram obtidos principalmente de mapas (impressos e digitais) e poços cadastrados junto a órgãos governamentais, em cooperação com o grupo coordenador do projeto piloto de Ribeirão Preto. Os dados levantados foram armazenados, processados e analisados utilizando ferramenta SIG, seguida da geração de mapas interpolados com características hidrogeológicas. Esses dados foram transferidos para o software de simulação SPA, onde se deu a construção da malha de elementos finitos e a atribuição dos parâmetros e condições de contorno ao modelo. Em seguida, foi feita uma análise de sensibilidade do modelo, e testadas algumas configurações de parâmetros hidrogeológicos e de taxas de recarga. O modelo apresentou bons resultados e desempenho, e, como parte de uma constante evolução, são propostas visitas de campo para verificação de dados para o seguimento desse projeto. / This work presents a numerical model for the Guarani Aquifer System management in the Ribeirão Preto pilot project area, located in the Northeast of São Paulo State. Topographical, hydrological and hydrogeological data of the region were obtained from printed and digital maps and well database recorded in governmental departments, in cooperation with the Ribeirão Preto coordinating group of the pilot project. The collected data were stored, processed and analyzed making use of GIS tool, followed by the generation of interpolated maps with hydrogeological parameters. These data were transferred to the SPA simulation software, which is based on the finite element method. After mesh construction, and attribution of parameters and boundary conditions, a sensitivity analysis of the model was performed. Different hydrogeological parameter configurations were tested. The model proved to represent the established conceptual model adequately. However base flow data and field visits are necessary, in order to improve the model representativity.

<p>The Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM) is an international framework on sound chemicals management with the objective that “by the year 2020, chemicals are produced and used in ways that minimize significant adverse impacts on the environment and human health”. SAICM was adopted at the International Conference on Chemicals Management in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, in February 2006. To prepare countries to be able to implement SAICM the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) is currently running Pilot Projects in three developing countries and one county with economy in transition: Belarus, Pakistan, Tanzania and Panama. Between October and December 2007 we were doing a Minor Field Study in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, interviewing people involved in the implementation of their Pilot Project which is running from 2006-2009. Our paper consists of two parts, one descriptive and one analysing. In the first part we describe the initiation, the formulation, the implementation and the evaluation of SAICM and the Pilot Project in Tanzania and in the second part we analyse opportunities and hindrances for a successful implementation of the Pilot Project and SAICM in Tanzania. How is the UN governing the implementation, what resources of finances, knowledge, institutions and time does Tanzania have and how is the implementation influenced by different actors interests? We argue that the there is mixture of the top-down and the bottom-up models and that this mixture is fruitful, we argue that Tanzania has enough finances, knowledge and time to implement SAICM but lack institutions, and finally that the different interests are not too various to harm the process.</p>