A Inteligência Artificial Distribuída traz uma série de novas perspectivas para a computação quando considera sistemas heterogêneos, adaptativos, evolutivos, continuamente em funcionamento e abertos. Estes sistemas, chamados de sociedades, apresentam tais características por permitirem que seus componentes, chamados de agentes, migrem entre sociedades, isto é, agentes podem sair e entrar em sociedades. Sociedades abertas permitem a migração dos agentes e coloca dois tipos de problemas para o agente que está migrando: problemas de linguagem e interação, que concernem ao uso de expressões usadas e à maneira como as interações são organizadas na nova sociedade; e, problemas de conhecimento e atuação, que se referem à como um agente irá se comportar a fim de realizar justamente aquilo que a sociedade espera dele. Este trabalho se atem aos problemas de conhecimento e atuação. Para que os agentes da sociedade possam cooperar e coordenar suas ações, é necessário que tenham conhecimento das capacidades, habilidades, desejos e planos dos outros agentes. Grande parte do conhecimento a respeito dos outros pode ser extraído dos papéis que estes podem assumir na sociedade. Assim sendo, o problema colocado para este trabalho é como os agentes da sociedade que receberam o agente imigrante e o próprio agente imigrante conhecerão/aprenderão os papéis uns dos outros. São desenvolvidos três mecanismos de identificação de papéis, bem como a comparação entre eles e sua adequação a tipos de migração. Os três mecanismos são os seguintes: i) Identificação de papéis por protocolo de apresentação: é proposta uma linguagem de descrição de protocolos (LDP) e uma especificação de protocolo de apresentação nesta LDP. Os agentes que utilizam este mecanismo conseguem se identificar com rapidez, porém necessitam conhecer várias informações “locais” da sociedade, o que pode ser muito restritivo para um agente migrante. ii) Identificação de papéis por observação e classificação: esta solução procura classificar o agente observado em um papel de um conjunto prédefinido de papéis. Neste conjunto, os papéis são descritos por meio de processos de interação (PI). Para isto, desenvolveu-se a noção de PI. Para isto, desenvolveu-se a noção de PI. Foram desenvolvidas duas formas de proceder a classificação: construir uma especificação do agente a partir da observação das suas ações e verificar se esta pertence ao conjunto pré-definido de papéis; e, verificar se o comportamento do agente confere com as execuções possíveis para algum dos papéis pré-definidos. Este mecanismo é mais adequado para sociedades abertas e tem boa precisão no resultado apresentado, porém, a identificação do papel de um agente pode ser demorada. iii) Identificação de papéis por reconhecimento de intenções em planos: este mecanismo baseia-se na existência de uma relação entre intenções e papéis. A partir das ações observadas para o agente, procura-se saber qual seu plano, sua intenção e, conseqüentemente, seu papel. Para isto foi implementado um procedimento de indução de planos. Este mecanismo também é adequado para sociedades abertas, no entanto, a identificação, embora satisfatória, nem sempre é completamente correta. Estes três mecanismos foram testados em simulações numa implementação da sociedade Produtor - Consumidor, onde puderam ser comprovadas as características de cada um. / Distributed Artificial Intelligence brings a number of new perspectives to Computing Science when heterogeneous, adaptative and evolutive systems, those under functioning and open, are taken into consideration. These systems, named societies, present these characteristics because they allow their components, named agents, to migrate within societies, that is, agents are allowed to enter and to leave societies. Agents' migration brings two kinds of problems to the migrating agent: language and interaction problems both related to the use of used expressions and to the way the interactions are organized in the new society; and, knowledge and performance problems refering to the way the agent will behave in order to accomplish exactly what society expects him to do. This work is limited to knowledge and performance problems. In order to cooperate and coordinate their actions, the society's agents need to learn about the capabilities, abilities wishes and plans of other agents. A great part of knowledge of others can be extracted from the social roles these agents can play. Therefore, the problem posed in this work is how social agents who has received an immigrating agent and the immigrating agent himself will know and learn one another's roles. Three role identification mechanisms, and the comparison between them and their adaptation to migration types as well are developed. The three mechanisms are the following: i) Role Identification by means of presentation protocol:a language of protocol description (LPD) and a specification of presentation protocol in this LPD are proposed. The agents who use this mechanism can rapidly identify each other, however they need know a number of 'local' social information, which can be very restrictive to the migrating agent. ii) Role identification by means of observation and classification: this solution tries to classify the observed agent as a role out of set of definite roles. In this set, the roles are described by means of interactional processes (IP). Therefore, the notion of IP was developed. Two ways to proceed the role classification were developed: to build the agent's especification departing from the observation of their actions and to check whether this especification belongs to a set of pre-defined roles; and to check whether the agent's behavior fits the possible executions to some predefined roles. This mechanism is more adequate to open societies and has good precision in the result presented, but, the agent's role identification can last longer. iii) Role Identification by means of intention and plans recognition: this mechanism is based on the existence of a relationship between intentions and roles. By departing from the agent's observed actions, his plan, intention, consequently, his role is recognized. Therefore an induced plan procedure was implemented. This mechanism is also adequate to open societies, however, the identification, though satisfactory, is not always totally correct. These three mechanisms were tested in simulated situations in a kind of Producer- Consumer Society implementation in which each one's characteristics could be verified.

A large software system is built by composing multiple programs, possibly developed independently. The component programs communicate by sharing data. Data sharing involves creation of instances of the shared data by one program, called the producer, and its interpretation by another program, called the consumer. Valid instances of shared data and their correct interpretation is usually specified by a protocol or a standard that governs the communication. If a consumer misinterprets or does not handle some instances of data produced by a producer, it is called as a data compatibility bug. Such bugs manifest as various forms of runtime errors that are difficult to find and fix. In this work, we define various compatibility relations, between both producer-consumer programs and version-related programs, that characterize various subtle requirements for correct sharing of data. We design and implement a static analysis to infer types and guards over elements of shared data and the results are used for automatic compatibility checking. As case studies, we consider two widely used shared data-the TIFF structure, used to store TIFF directory attributes in memory, and IEEE 802. 11 MAC frame header which forms the layer 2 header in Wireless LAN communication. We analyze and check compatibility of 6 pairs of producer-consumer programs drawn from the transmit-receive code of Linux WLAN drivers of 3 different vendors. In the setting of version-related programs, we analyze a total of 48 library and utility routines of 2 pairs of TIFF image library (libtiff) versions. We successfully identify 5 known bugs and 1 new bug. For two of known bugs, bug fixes are available and we verify that they resolve the compatibility issues.

Cette thèse analyse les stratégies des firmes multinationales dans leurs différentes dimensions et évalue leur effet sur les consommateurs et travailleurs. Les essaies consécutifs s'intéressent aux choix d'expansion des FMNs, leur décision de délocalisation de production, leurs stratégies de l'investissement direct à l'étranger (IDE) au niveau agrégé, ainsi que les pratiques de la discrimination de prix sur les marchés aux fortes inégalités de revenu. / This thesis examines both theoretically and empirically strategies of multinational firms in their various dimensions and evaluates their impact on consumers and workers. The following essays look at MNEs' product expansion choices, their production localization decisions, foreign direct investment strategies (FOI) at the aggregate level and, finally, price discrimination practices on more unequal markets.

In several countries drawback is a tool for promoting non-traditional exports. However, this custom procedure can not be used by all producers-exporters companies because its use involves strict compliance of the conditions approved by customs law. In the peruvian case, the level of use of drawback is more intensive in certain industries, providing a support for the competitiveness of companies which should be strategically used. / En diversos países el drawback es un mecanismo de promoción de las exportaciones no tradicionales. Sin embargo, este régimen aduanero no puede ser utilizado por todas las empresas productoras-exportadoras pues su acogimiento implica el estricto cumplimiento de las condiciones aprobadas en la legislación aduanera. En el caso peruano, el nivel de utilización del drawback es más intensivo en determinadas industrias, lo que constituye un apoyo para la competitividad de las empresas que debería ser estratégicamente utilizado.

Submitted by Cláudia Bueno (claudiamoura18@gmail.com) on 2016-01-28T13:22:34Z No. of bitstreams: 2 Dissertação - Aristela Resende Ribeiro - 2015.pdf: 5342161 bytes, checksum: a151bb178e607bc6aca89e3e325ab5f5 (MD5) license_rdf: 23148 bytes, checksum: 9da0b6dfac957114c6a7714714b86306 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Luciana Ferreira (lucgeral@gmail.com) on 2016-01-29T11:16:39Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 2 Dissertação - Aristela Resende Ribeiro - 2015.pdf: 5342161 bytes, checksum: a151bb178e607bc6aca89e3e325ab5f5 (MD5) license_rdf: 23148 bytes, checksum: 9da0b6dfac957114c6a7714714b86306 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2016-01-29T11:16:39Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 Dissertação - Aristela Resende Ribeiro - 2015.pdf: 5342161 bytes, checksum: a151bb178e607bc6aca89e3e325ab5f5 (MD5) license_rdf: 23148 bytes, checksum: 9da0b6dfac957114c6a7714714b86306 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2015-09-30 / The Payment Programs for Environmental Services (PES) have been widely researched. However, there is a need to invest in studies that discuss the influence of perception on different members of the program in relation to the success of it. Along this, the objective of the research was to present the perception of the members involved in the process of implementation of Brook Joao Leite in the Water Producer Program (RJLWPP). For that, we interviewed 10 farmers and 15 members of the Project Management Unit (PMU), in addition to the identification and analysis of the aspects of implementation and operation of the Program. Analyzing the perception of the members in relation to the program, we understand that farmers possess adequate knowledge about environmental problems. Regarding the proposed amount to be paid to the owner, 60% considered insufficient or regular, as opposed to 20% who felt the same offer as good or sufficient. On the other hand, 90% of respondents expressed interest in participating effectively in the program. The required paperwork was the main reason for disinterest in the program for 10% of the owners. As the main negative points of the Program, the PMU members pointed out: conflicts between institutions, the length of referrals and the bureaucracy of the Program implementation process. The survey also points out that the institutions have shown uncertainty about the degree of commitment and responsibilities to one another. The program is expected to face difficulties in the process of implementation and consolidation mainly due to the complexity of the legal framework and lack of institutional commitment among members. What means the need to strengthen the institutions involved (resources, technical training, autonomy) for added assurance of maintenance and operation of the Program, regardless of political changes. / Os Programas de Pagamento por Serviços Ambientais (PSA) vêm sendo amplamente pesquisados. Entretanto, existe a necessidade de investimentos em estudos que discutam a influência da percepção dos diferentes integrantes do Programa em relação ao êxito do mesmo. Nessa linha, o objetivo da pesquisa foi apresentar a percepção dos integrantes envolvidos no processo de implantação do Programa Produtor de Água do Ribeirão João Leite (PPARJL). Para tanto, foram entrevistados 10 produtores rurais e 15 integrantes da Unidade de Gestão do Projeto (UGP), além da identificação e análise dos aspectos de implantação e operação do Programa. Analisando a percepção dos integrantes em relação ao Programa, entendemos que os produtores rurais, possuem conhecimento adequado sobre os problemas ambientais. Em relação a proposta do valor a ser pago ao produtor, 60% consideraram insuficiente ou regular, em oposição a 20%, que consideraram a mesma oferta como boa ou suficiente. Por outro lado, 90% dos entrevistados manifestaram interesse em participar efetivamente do Programa. A burocracia exigida foi o principal motivo de desinteresse pelo Programa para 10% dos produtores. Como principais pontos negativos do Programa, os integrantes da UGP destacaram: os conflitos entre instituições, a morosidade dos encaminhamentos e a burocracia do processo de implantação do Programa. A pesquisa também aponta que as instituições demonstraram incertezas quanto ao grau de comprometimento e responsabilidades umas das outras. O Programa deverá enfrentar dificuldades no processo de implantação e principalmente de consolidação, devido a complexidade do arcabouço jurídico e a falta de comprometimento institucional entre os integrantes. O que significa a necessidade de fortalecimento das instituições envolvidas (recursos, capacitação técnica, autonomia), para uma maior garantia da manutenção e operação do PPARJL, independente das mudanças políticas.

My graduation work is focused on logistics aplication at specific provider of logistics services. In theoretical part I describe development of logistics, types and links of supply chain and supply chain in automotive industry. In my application part I describe company GEFCO and car producer TPCA. I analyse present situation, standard and non-standard activities solved by department GEFCO Overland. Next I appreciate questionnaire survey, where I find out hot company's problems and try to give their solution that can increase effectivity, decrease costs and provide more valuable services to company's customers.

Memoria para optar al título de Geógrafo / La presente investigación tiene por objetivo elaborar una Propuesta de Gestión Integral para el Manejo de Residuos Sólidos Domiciliarios (RSD) para la comuna de Macul. Ella se fundamentó en la implementación de una estrategia de gestión enfocada en la sustentabilidad de este tipo de residuos en una comuna intermedia de la Región Metropolitana de Santiago. Es así que se definen lineamientos de gestión integral presentando una zonificación de gestión jerarquizada de los residuos, aplicando criterios urbanos, ambientales, culturales e institucionales-normativos. En este último punto se prestó especial atención a la Ley 20.920/2016 Ley de Marco parar la Gestión de Residuos, la Responsabilidad Extendida del Productor y Fomento al Reciclaje. Se concluye que el primer esfuerzo para el manejo sustentable de los RSD debe estar enfocado, necesariamente, en el ámbito cultural y en la construcción de un concepto de residuos, basado en su valor intrínseco, dejando de entenderse como algo “descartable” e “inservible” para transformarse en un recurso, lo que debe ser legitimado por la población. Finalmente se generan recomendaciones y un Plan de Acción para dar viabilidad a la propuesta. / The cardinal aim of this following investigation, is to create a built-in proposal of paperwork, for the management of Solid House Wastes (SHW) for the Macul county. It is based on the development of a strategy focused on sustainability of this kind of waste in an average county of the metropolitan area of Santiago. Therefore, some built-in proposals are defined showing a zone of hierarchy management of the mentioned wastes, using an urban, environmental, cultural and ruled institutions criteria. In this last point, there was special attention to the law 20.920/2016. Law of frame work for the management of wastes, the due responsibility of the producer and encourage of recycling. It is believed that, the first effort for the management of solid house wastes, must be focused, necessarily, on the cultural environment and in the creation of a concept of waste, based in its inner value, leaving the concepts of “disposable” and “useless” behind, to be transformed into a resource, which must be legitimated by the people. Finally, there are recommendations and an action plan to validate the proposal.

Institute for Rural Development / MRDV

PhD (Agricultural Economics) / Department of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness / The high attrition rate of cooperatives in Limpopo Province is a great concern considering that cooperatives globally and in South Africa have been esteemed to play a role in rural development and poverty reduction. The problem of attrition is a threat in the development of our societies. In response to this, the study investigated the formation of cooperatives, influence of social, human capital and household characteristics. The study also assessed the differences that can be used to discriminate cooperatives earning monthly income and those without a monthly income. The main aim of the study was to develop a framework that could be used to create sustainable cooperatives in the future in Limpopo Province. The study was conducted in five districts of Limpopo Province namely: Sekhukhune, Waterberg, Mopani, Capricorn and Vhembe. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire from 146 cooperatives. Key respondents were cooperatives leaders. Focus group data from Mopani district cooperatives was used to provide a background to the researcher in the development of the framework. Focus group discussion information was only used by the researcher in order to understand the cooperative member’s views. Purposive sampling was used to select a sample of 146 cooperatives due to the availability and accessibility of the cooperatives. SPSS analytical tool was used to analyse the data. Models used in the study were Binary logistic, Multinomial and Discriminant analysis. The findings of the study revealed that household characteristics such as gender, member affiliation affected the formation of legitimate cooperatives. Social capital indicators such as access to information and benefits derived by relatives encouraged the need for funding. However human capital indicators were found not to influence the need for external funding. The study also discovered that there were major differences between cooperatives earning a monthly income and those without the income. There were various benefits derived from the cooperatives by members. The study concluded that for cooperatives to be sustainable, focus should be on human capital, extension services and improvement of the level of education. The notion is that an informed, trained and educated cooperative society is the future.

Holistic environmental policies, which emerged from a mere combination of technical activities in waste management some 40 years ago, constitute the most advanced level of environmental policies. These approaches to environmental policy, among them the policies in integrated waste management, attempt to guide economic agents to an environment-friendly behaviour. Nevertheless, current holistic policies in waste management, including policies on one-way drinks containers and waste electrical and electronic equipment, and implementations of extended producer responsibility with further applications to waste electrical and electronic equipment, reveal more or less severe deficiencies – despite some positive examples. This article relates these policy failures, which are not necessarily the result of an insufficient compliance with the regulations, to missing constitutive elements of what is going to be called an ‘integrated environmental policy’. This article therefore investigates – mostly from a practical point of view – constitutive elements, which are necessary for a holistic policy to serve as a well-functioning allocation mechanism. As these constitutive elements result from a careful ‘integration’ of the environmental commodities into the economic allocation problems, we refer to these policies as ‘integrated environmental policies’. The article also discusses and illustrates the main steps of designing such a policy – for waste electrical and electronic equipment and a (possible) ban of Glyphosat in agriculture. As these policies are dependent on economic and political stability with environmental awareness sufficiently developed, the article addresses mostly waste management policies in highly industrialised countries.