As water infrastructure in urban Ontario strains to meet the demands of a growing population, alternatives to the conventional water supply approach that complement demand management strategies are important to enable more sustainable water use at the household level. The adoption of rainwater harvesting (RWH), for indoor and outdoor uses by single-family households can reduce a households withdrawals on municipal water by 30% if rainwater is used for toilet flushing, laundry and outdoor uses (Despins 2009). The amount of potable water savings because of RWH is influenced by the rate of adoption and the allowed uses of rainwater at the individual household scale. The adoption of RWH systems would lead to reductions in potable water demand, which, in turn would lead to reduced demands on municipal water sources (e.g., groundwater or surface water), and storm water infrastructure resulting in overall reduced ecosystem stress and increased resiliency for climate change adaptation. Greater onsite storm water retention would mimic natural processes and would help reduce excess overland runoff that can result in water contamination. Presently, RWH systems tend to be more accepted and utilized in rural areas. However, there is a history of cistern use in rural and non-rural Waterloo. This history and capacity seems to be largely forgotten or unknown by urban citizens and local government officials. Century houses’ cisterns are often removed or filled in due to: a perceived lack of need, safety concerns and disrepair because of disuse. The increasing popularity of “green” building features and certifications have added some RWH systems for indoor and outdoor use to the urban environment, however, these remain limited instances. Moving RWH forward requires commitment from the Provincial and municipal government. Municipalities’ actions must support the sustainability objectives often referenced in their legislation and policy. This study establishes the drivers of RWH and examines the barriers to practice in the urban environment by examining existing examples and academic literature RWH systems within Canada and internationally. Results from a survey conducted in the City of Waterloo are used to reflect the systems user’s perspective. Interviews with municipal officials and RWH experts further highlight the drivers and barriers to RWH in urban Ontario. Based on the surveys, participants were generally willing to consider adopting RWH systems and a greater use of rainwater in the house, although a lack of information acts as significant barrier. However, Waterloo municipal officials who participated in the interviews described a much less enthusiastic attitude towards RWH. Although barriers identified in this research, including: legislative barriers, risk tolerance, perceptions of water abundance and economic realities shape the willingness to adopt RWH, this study indicates the barriers are surmountable through education and economic signaling.

The ability to extract frequent pairs from a set of transactions is one of the fundamental building blocks of data mining. When the number of items in a given transaction is relatively small the problem is trivial. Even when dealing with millions of transactions it is still trivial if the number of unique items in the transaction set is small. The problem becomes much more challenging when we deal with millions of transactions, each containing hundreds of items that are part of a set of millions of potential items. Especially when we are looking for highly correlated results at extremely low support levels. For 25 years the Direct Hashing and Pruning Park Chen Yu (PCY) algorithm has been the principal technique used when there are billions of potential pairs that need to be counted. In this paper we propose a new approach that allows us to take full advantage of both multi-core and multi-CPU availability which works in cases where PCY fails, with excellent performance scaling that continues even when the number of processors, unique items and items per transaction are at their highest. We believe that our approach has much broader applicability in the field of co-occurrence counting, and can be used to generate much more interesting results when mining very large data sets. / Graduate

Ecotoxicity testing of chemicals for environmental risk assessment is an area where a high number of vertebrates are used across a variety of industrial sectors. The application of the 3Rs in toxicity testing using fish address both the ethical and societal concerns around this issue in addition to the increasing legislative requests for the incorporation of animal alternatives. This thesis aims to highlight the potential of 3D cell culture models to "bridge the gap" between in vitro and in vivo screening procedures for testing of chemicals with the potential to persist or bioaccumulate thereby improving the predictive power of screening procedures. This thesis examines two alternative methods for their potential use as an intestinal based toxicokinetic tool for environmental risk assessment, utilising an in vitro fish cell line replacement tool (RTgutGC). In addition, for the first time a new intestinal primary cell culture based model was developed to address both intestine region specific response (pyloric, anterior, mid and posterior) and size related adaptability to toxins. Paramagnetic oximetry was used to measure oxygen content within 3D structures (spheroids) in order to better understand the microenvironment of these culture models. Using histology, immunohistochemistry, transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), metabolic, fluorescence and gene expression assays, the comparability of this system to native intestinal response was established. Following exposure to carefully chosen environmental contaminants (Benzo[a]pyrene and Copper), the RTgutGC cell line demonstrated comparable responses to existing literature in terms of uptake, metabolism, DNA damage and the presence an equivalent saturable level. Primary enterocytes cultured on transwell inserts remained viable for upto six weeks, with permeability and metabolic activity comparable to native tissue (both in vitro and ex vivo). Taken in combination, these features of enterocytes represent a profile more closely representative of the intestine then the widely used "gut sac" method. With the potential advantages of incorporating complexity at differing levels (connective tissue layer, intestinal bacteria biome), the intestinal models described offer the potential to screen highly persistent toxins which may require prolonged incubation, in addition to the exploration of complex experimental designs which minimise animal usage (uptake, depuration, uptake). As a consequence, the models developed within this thesis significantly enrich the emerging fish based in vitro testing strategies.

Made available in DSpace on 2014-06-11T19:24:45Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2005-03-18Bitstream added on 2014-06-13T18:52:37Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 mauricio_rm_me_ilha_prot.pdf: 7189412 bytes, checksum: 165c0a934d87bdea5e70b44e57f92b0a (MD5) / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) / Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) / O principal objetivo do trabalho foi desenvolver o estudo de ligações diretas entre paredes de blocos de concreto em escala real e reduzida 1A. Foram realizados ensaios de resistência à compressão axial e medidas as deformações em blocos, prismas e paredes nas duas escalas. Também foram montadas paredes em forma de H assentadas sobre bases de concreto armado. Estas foram construídas de 2 formas: na primeira, chamada de PRl, foram construídas 3 (três) unidades de modo que a parede central não possuísse apoio em sua base, com isso, todo o carregamento aplicado foi transferido para as abas. Na segunda forma, chamada PH2, foram montadas 3 (três) unidades, e ,nestas, a parede central ficou apoiada em sua base, dessa maneira, observou-se os efeitos de transferência de carga entre paredes, simulando uma estrutura real, onde geralmente todas as paredes da edificação são apoiadas em outras paredes ou em vigas baldrames. Na confecção dos corpos-de-prova, nas duas escalas em estudo, foi empregada uma argamassa industrializada usada comercialmente. O carregamento foi introduzido de forma centrada, e as deformações foram medidas através de relógios comparadores e de extensômetros elétricos. Para a análise dos resultados foram empregados testes estatísticos, validando estatisticamente as conclusões. Também foi empregada uma análise através de elementos finitos, simulando os ensaios experimentais realizados, comparando-se os resultados e readequando o modelo numérico. Os resultados obtidos permitiram uma avaliação da eficiência dos modelos numéricos empregados e os ajustes necessários nos mesmos, o entendimento da forma de transferência das ações verticais entre as paredes interligadas e as correlações entre as escalas estudadas. / The main objective ofthis research was to develop a study of direct bond (stretcher bond) connections between walls of concrete blocks in real and 1:4 small-scale. In order to know the mechanical properties, it was accomplished shear and axial strength tests where it was also measured the strain in blocks, prisms and walls for both scales. It was executed walls in the H form supported by reinforced concrete base. These walls were done in two different ways, the first was called PRI, (with 3 specimens) it had no support in its central wall base, thus forcing that alI the load imposed to it was transferred to the lateral walIs throughout the connections. The second kind, which was called PH2, with also 3 specimens, was entirely support in its base. This was done in order to observe the load transference effects among walls simulating conventional structures, where all the walls are support over other walls or foundation beams. The specimens in both scales were made using industrialized mortar commercially used. The load was centralized imposed and strains were measurements by electrical displacement gages and strain gages. Statistical tests were used in the result analysis, statistically validating the conclusions. A finite element analysis was also used attempting to simulate the accomplished experimental tests, being this analytical model compared to the experimental results and then, by retrofitting the numerical analysis approaching their results. The obtained results allowed: an evaluation of the efficiency of the numeric models employed and the necessity of retrofitting the analysis; the comprehension in the way of transference of the vertical actions between the interlinked walls; and the correlations among the studied scales.

Submitted by Automa??o e Estat?stica (sst@bczm.ufrn.br) on 2017-03-14T23:51:19Z No. of bitstreams: 1 ArlindoRodriguesDaSilvaNeto_DISSERT.pdf: 3147140 bytes, checksum: 65ec83f6b7b7603769da720a2273e85b (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Arlan Eloi Leite Silva (eloihistoriador@yahoo.com.br) on 2017-03-16T23:01:46Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 ArlindoRodriguesDaSilvaNeto_DISSERT.pdf: 3147140 bytes, checksum: 65ec83f6b7b7603769da720a2273e85b (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2017-03-16T23:01:46Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 ArlindoRodriguesDaSilvaNeto_DISSERT.pdf: 3147140 bytes, checksum: 65ec83f6b7b7603769da720a2273e85b (MD5) Previous issue date: 2016-08-26 / Este trabalho consiste em criar uma ferramenta de BI (Business Intelligence) dispon?vel em nuvem (cloud computing) atrav?s de SaaS (Software as Service) utilizando t?cnicas de ETL (Extract, Transform, Load) e tecnologias de Big Data, com a inten??o de facilitar a extra??o descentralizada e o processamento de dados em grande quantidade. Atualmente, constata-se que ? praticamente invi?vel realizar uma an?lise consistente sem o aux?lio de um software para gera??o de relat?rios e estat?sticas. Para tais fins, a obten??o de resultados concretos com a tomada de decis?o exige estrat?gias de an?lise de dados e vari?veis consolidadas. Partindo dessa vis?o, enfatiza-se neste estudo o Business Intelligence (BI) com o objetivo de simplificar a an?lise de informa??es gerenciais e estat?sticas para propiciar indicadores atrav?s de gr?ficos ou listagens din?micas de dados gerenciais. Assim, ? poss?vel inferir que, com o crescimento exponencial dos dados torna-se cada vez mais dif?cil a obten??o de resultados de forma r?pida e consistente, tornando necess?rio atuar com novas t?cnicas e ferramentas para tratamentos de dados em larga escala. Este trabalho ? de natureza t?cnica de cria??o de um produto de Engenharia de Software, fundamentado a partir do estudo da arte da ?rea, e de um comparativo com as principais ferramentas existentes no mercado, evidenciando vantagens e desvantagens da solu??o criada. / This work is to create a BI tool (Business Intelligence) available in the cloud (cloud computing) through SaaS (Software as Service) using ETL techniques (extract, transform, load) and Big Data technologies, with the intention of facilitating decentralized extraction and data processing in large quantities. Currently, it appears that it is practically impossible conduct a consistent analysis without the aid of a software for reporting and statistics. For these purposes, the achievement of concrete results with decision making requires data analysis strategies and consolidated variable. From this view, it is emphasized in this study Business Intelligence (BI) in order to simplify the analysis of management information and statistics to provide indicators through graphs or dynamic lists of data management. Thus, it is possible to infer that with the exponential growth of data becomes increasingly difficult to obtain results quickly and consistently, making it necessary to work with new techniques and tools for large-scale data processing. This work is technical in nature to create a product of Software Engineering, based from the study of art in the area, and a comparison with the main existing tools on the market, showing advantages and disadvantages of the created solution. / 2020-12-31

This work is focused on the application of carpool, as appropriate solutions to reduce private car traffic. Improving transport accessibility and mobility is possible through the implementation of carpool system at the regional leve. Based on the available data say about the quality of transport services, have been selected data (variables) is subsituted into the formula created to calculate the total level of public transport under whose results could be to assess the level of quality of transport services surveyed villages, the to evaluate and select the region for possible carpool implementation. Build patterns and subsequent results were essentially necessary step to objective analysis is used for selecting the region to carpool application system.

Submitted by Mario BC (mario@bc.ufrpe.br) on 2016-05-06T12:50:36Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Tarcisio Regis de Souza Bastos.pdf: 1384632 bytes, checksum: 1d6ba5d9b577355ec248b624075595ec (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2016-05-06T12:50:36Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Tarcisio Regis de Souza Bastos.pdf: 1384632 bytes, checksum: 1d6ba5d9b577355ec248b624075595ec (MD5) Previous issue date: 2015-04-15 / The state of Pernambuco, IPEA (2011) has high levels of inequality and also shows disparities in poverty and extreme poverty indicators. These factors reveal, therefore, the importance of which is of collective interest the study of income inequality and poverty phenomenon in Pernambuco. Among some public policies to reduce poverty, there is the Family Grant Program, which was created in 2003. The literature, in turn, suggests that it helps in fighting poverty and income inequality, this way, the present work aims to analyze the Family Grant Program, since its implementation by the year 2013, for with this, to show their impact on social variables such as poverty and income inequality. Thus, through the comparative analysis of methods of data these variables, between the periods before and after the implementation of the program and also the intervention model in which we estimated the impact of Bolsa Familia in explicit variables. The results show that the fact that GMP can improve the indicators of poverty and income inequality, but it loses effectiveness from the third year, thus stabilizing at an intermediary level to that achieved in the short term. / O estado de Pernambuco, IPEA (2011) apresenta elevados níveis de desigualdade e também apresenta disparidades nos indicadores de pobreza e indigência. Tais fatores revelam, assim, a importância de que seja de interesse coletivo o estudo do fenômeno da desigualdade de renda e da pobreza em Pernambuco. Dentre algumas políticas públicas de redução de pobreza, destaca-se o Programa Bolsa Família, que foi criado em 2003. A literatura, por sua vez, sugere que ele ajuda no combate a pobreza e a desigualdade de renda, Dessa forma, o presente trabalho tem como finalidade analisar o Programa Bolsa Família, desde a sua implementação até o ano de 2013, para com isso, poder mostrar o seu impacto nas variáveis sociais, tais como pobreza e desigualdade de renda. Assim, através dos métodos de análise comparativa de dados dessas variáveis, entre os períodos antes e após a implementação do Programa e também do modelo de intervenção no qual foi estimado o impacto do Programa Bolsa Família nas variáveis explicitadas. Os resultados encontrados demonstram que o PBF de fato consegue melhorar os indicadores de pobreza e de desigualdade de renda, mas que o mesmo perde efetividade a partir do terceiro ano, com isso se estabilizando em um patamar intermediário ao atingido no curto prazo.

This study was undertaken to evaluate, within the context of a selected Social Marketing Model, the strategies that South Africa has been using in the past 10 years in promoting Road Safety in the country. The underpinning aim of the study was to determine whether or not these strategies have been adequately addressing the essence of Road Safety Promotion in South Africa in the light of the many changes communities have experienced over the past decade. Another key reason for the quest to evaluate these strategies is the fact that even in spite of their partial implementation, the rate of road accidents in the country continues to increase. Effectively, South Africa is busy losing the Road Safety battle. The study argued that it is vital that South Africa embarks on effective strategies of Road Safety promotion in order to drastically reduce road accidents and mortalities to levels, at least, of between one to nine persons per year. All governmental strategies currently in use for promoting Road Safety in South Africa are more than four years old, and no in-depth study has been done to evaluate their effectiveness and the reasons for failure of those well-planned campaigns coming out of the strategies, where the mortality rates from accidents continue to increase. This study evaluated the strategies and the impact of the campaign messages emanating from them. Qualitative research methodology using group interviews was conducted in three of the nine provinces namely North West, Gauteng, and Free State Province, the presumption being that the three South African provinces, like the rest, contain characteristics that are generally prevalent in the country. The findings of the study revealed that Road Safety officers were neither fully conversant with the strategies for promotion of Road Safety in the country, nor adequately equipped to confidently and effectively manage their obligatory mandate to endorse the Road Safety Promotion programmes. The limited and often absent engagement of communities in the design and implementation of Road Safety Promotion Strategies has not boded well for the country. Among the recommendations made were, adequate orientation and training of Road Safety practitioners in the area of Road Safety Strategies and promotion, which would result in the strengthening of community engagement in Road Safety Promotion Strategies, the need to conduct, at short intervals, the impact analyses of the promotional strategies being used, in order, where necessary, to design fresh promotional messages with impact, using the Social Marketing Framework for Road Safety promotion campaigns. / Thesis (PhD)--University of Pretoria, 2011. / Communication Management / PhD / Unrestricted

In this thesis work, we propose a Map-Reduce variant of the Growing Hierarchical Self Organizing Map (GHSOM) called MR-GHSOM, which is capable of handling mixed attribute datasets of massive size. The Self Organizing Map (SOM) has proved to be a useful unsupervised data analysis algorithm. It projects a high dimensional data onto a lower dimensional grid of neurons. However, the SOM has some limitations owing to its static structure and the incapability to mirror the hierarchical relations in the data. The GHSOM overcomes these shortcomings of the SOM by providing a dynamic structure that adapts its shape according to the input data. It is capable of growing dynamically in terms of the size of the individual neuron layers to represent data at the desired granularity as well as in depth to model the hierarchical relations in the data. However, the training of the GHSOM requires multiple passes over an input dataset. This makes it difficult to use the GHSOM for massive datasets. In this thesis work, we propose a Map-Reduce variant of the GHSOM called MR-GHSOM, which is capable of processing massive datasets. The MR-GHSOM is implemented using the Apache Spark cluster computing engine and leverages the popular Map-Reduce programming model. This enables us to exploit the usefulness and dynamic capabilities of the GHSOM even for a large dataset. Moreover, the conventional GHSOM algorithm can handle datasets with numeric attributes only. This is owing to the fact that it relies heavily on the Euclidean space dissimilarity measures of the attribute vectors. The MR-GHSOM further extends the GHSOM to handle mixed attribute - numeric and categorical - datasets. It accomplishes this by adopting the distance hierarchy approach of managing mixed attribute datasets. The proposed MR-GHSOM is thus capable of handling massive datasets containing mixed attributes. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the MR-GHSOM in terms of clustering of mixed attribute datasets, we present the results produced by the MR-GHSOM on some popular datasets. We further train our MR-GHSOM on a Census dataset containing mixed attributes and provide an analysis of the results.

The diploma thesis concerns with the design of the vac- uum treadmill. The aim was to create a vision of this machine for the near future. As the final result we en- counter a brand new conception, consisting of the outer stable base, inner tilting base, upper frame with steel handle, control panel and airtight bellows. The design includes 3 different colour schemes. The first part of the thesis analyses the historical de- velopment and construction and design solutions. The second part describes this particular design project in detail, including its development.