Water shortage is one of the greatest challenges that the world faces today. International and national water initiatives are increasing simultaneously with the number of implemented drinking-water projects. The provision of sustainable safe drinking-water supply is here conceptualized through the Sustainable Livelihood Approach with the view of helping poor people secure their essential basic needs, improve their quality of health and increase their livelihood opportunities. However, a lot of drinking-water projects do not end up with satisfactory outcomes. Widespread results have demonstrated low quality water resource management, worsened access to water supply, constructions shutting down and not the least, that consumers have not been able to take advantage of their new basic drinking-water systems. Projects have often failed in remote rural areas in developing countries where strong social norms, cultural values and power structures prevail. The research is based on identifying and analyzing to what extent past drinking-water projects have addressed public participation and been aware of social, cultural and structural surrounding factors. By using Gunilla Åkesson’s sociological framework the research also addresses the role and value of sociological aspects in drinking-water projects. It is found that past projects have often failed to include public participation and lacked situational awareness to a sufficient extent. The research show the importance for projects staff, managers and technicians to take into account social behaviors, cultural norms and societal structures in the local environment and to provide local people with health awareness and education. By taking this into consideration it would enable people to change their behavior and take advantage of the improved drinking-water systems provided for them. In conclusion, there is a need to address more sociological aspects in water resource management in order to promote sustainable safe drinking-water supplies in remote rural areas in developing countries. It can be argued that this is not only applicable in drinking-water projects but also in other areas of fields within grass root development work.

Opportunistic spectrum access (OSA) promises to significantly improve the utilization of the RF spectrum. Under OSA, an unlicensed secondary user (SU) is allowed to detect and access under-utilized portions of the licensed spectrum, provided that such operation does not interfere with the communication of licensed primary users (PUs). Cognitive radio (CR) is a key enabling technology of OSA. In this dissertation, we propose several radio resource management and routing mechanisms that optimize the discovery and utilization of spectrum opportunities in a cognitive radio network (CRN). First, we propose a sequential channel sensing and probing mechanism that enables a resource-constrained SU to efficiently identify the optimal transmission opportunity from a pool of potentially usable channels. This mechanism maximizes the SUs expected throughput by accounting for the tradeoff between the reward and overhead of scanning additional channels. The optimal channel sensing and probing process is modeled as a maximum-rate-of-return problem in optimal stopping theory. Operational parameters, such as sensing and probing times, are optimized by exploiting the problem's special structure. Second, we study the problem of coordinated spectrum access in CRNs to maximize the CRNs throughput. By exploiting the geographic relationship between an SU and its surrounding PUs, we propose the novel concept of microscopic spectrum opportunity, in which active SUs and PUs are allowed to operate in the same region, subject to power constraints. Under this framework, we formulate the coordinated channel access problem as a joint power/rate control and channel assignment optimization problem. Centralized and distributed approximate algorithms are proposed to solve this problem efficiently. Compared with its macroscopic counterpart, we show that the microscopic-spectrum-opportunity framework offers significant throughput gains. Finally, at the network layer, we study the problem of truthful least-priced-path (LPP) routing for profit-driven CRNs. We design a route selection and pricing mechanism that guarantees truthful spectrum cost reporting from profit-driven SUs and that finds the cheapest route for end users. The problem is investigated with and without capacity constraints at individual nodes. In both cases, polynomial-time algorithms are developed to solve the LPP problem. Extensive simulations are conducted to verify the validity of the proposed mechanisms.

Date June 04, 2008 Level Master Thesis EFO705, 10 points (15 credits) Authors Pornratchanee Sethakaset Tanawan Santimataneedol Bangkok, Thailand Bangkok Thailand Date of Birth: 28 October 1982 Date of Birth: 5 March 1984 Title The Application of Human Resource Management in Thai SMEs – A Case Study of Albatross Company Limited Supervisor Mona Andersson Problems : How can the entrepreneur of SMEs manage their human resources? Can previous research and studies about HRM in SMEs be applied in the Thai entrepreneurial SME? Does the HRM in the company change and transform over time? Purposes : The purposes of this study are to review the relevant studies and research about HRM in SMEs in order to investigate how human resources are managed in SMEs and to determine if the previous studies are applicable to Thai entrepreneurial SMEs. Methodology : This master’s thesis is based on a qualitative approach in order to investigate HRM in SMEs and easier to understand the behavior in a certain case. The main secondary data is also collected from website which is the utilizing material for this thesis. Conclusion : In this study, it was concluded that this Thai SME manages its human resource in a mixture between informal and formal way. HRM is used and practiced more as the company grows which the entrepreneur plays a central role in the Human Resource Management in SMEs.

The importance of human capital is rising tremendously since the last few decades. Human capital is now rewarded as the most important factor in an organization on the way to success. Nowadays in the Netherlands talents need to be able to show employers that they possess certain qualities and employers need to be able to show that they offer something worthwhile for talents. The match is: You can employ men and hire hands to work for you, but you must win their hearts to have them work with you. —Tiorio This research project is primarily about the initial screening within the matching process, where both parties (employer & talent) need to express themselves to each other without having live contact. The strategic question throughout this research is: How can we explain problems between employer and talent during the initial screening phase in the matching process, in terms of measuring, explicating and expressing qualities? Within this question perspectives of both parties are included: to understand the position, requirements and expectations of qualities. The objective of this research is to explore, get insight in and elaborate on the process taking place in the initial meeting. This is researched through qualitative research in the form of a mix of interviews, experiments and text analyses. The result of this research conducts of several tips based on the analyses of this research. The tips are for talents as well as employers. Even though the results of this research were very diverse from the talent‘s perspective, some patterns could be seen. From the employers’ perspective the answers were less diverse and more clear patterns emerged. Altogether many interesting aspects are highlighted in this research.

Namibia’s community based natural resource management program (CBNRM) integrates local participation in rural development and biodiversity conservation. This effort was launched through key legislation that devolved the right to manage wildlife and other renewable resources on communal lands from the state to community level conservancies. Local participation is dependent upon the capacity of the locals to self mobilize and establish conservancies, plan and implement their programs, and monitor and evaluate their progresses and impacts. Accordingly, this study examines the role of capacity development (CD) in CBNRM, particularly its processes, products, performance, and permanence at the individual, organizational (conservancy), and community levels. The research was carried out using interviews and participatory self-assessment exercises with various conservancy stakeholders. This study uncovers why and how capacity development has to be based on local realities and aspirations where capacity users need to have ownership of the process through partnerships with service providers in order to enhance endogenous capacity. However, such notion of “partnership” between CD stakeholders is challenging to translate into reality in the face of power imbalances, where government and NGOs are continuously influenced and coerced by donor interests, where NGOs are considered stronger than the government because they control more financial and human resources, and where conservancies tend to report upwards to NGOs and government instead of their constituents. Moreover, this research reiterates that CD has to be holistic enough to incorporate individual, organizational, and community level changes in order to create sustainable capacities and prevent problems of elitism, manipulation, and dependency on few individuals. With respect to CBNRM, the research argues that its basic premise of diversifying rural livelihoods using incentives to bring about sustainable resource management can only be achieved when conservancies have the capacity to create representative and participatory democratic processes, and when they are able to generate equitable and reliable tangible benefits with manageable costs to their constituents. As seen in this study, when such governance and benefit sharing structures are in place, they enhance local participation by promoting political empowerment, trust, ownership, and positive attitude towards living with wildlife. However, if such conditions are not met, local participation is reduced, while intra-community conflicts from marginalization to nepotism and members’ dissatisfaction and disinterest are inevitable.

<p>Stream restoration is being conducted throughout the world at unprecedented rates to address stream channel degradation and water quality concerns. Natural Channel Design (NCD) is a common method used for restoration and has received governmental endorsement; however, the effects of NCD on channel stability and ecosystem functioning are poorly studied. We examined the effects of a reach-scale NCD project on channel stability, riparian vegetation, and water quality along the Cacapon River, West Virginia using a before-after-control-impact design and determined that restoration increased the abundance and diversity of woody vegetation, but had minimal effects on streambank stability and water quality. Increased erosion rates in some portions of the restored reach were attributed to differences in pre-restoration stability, vegetation removal, and soil composition among sub-reaches. No differences in in-stream concentrations of total phosphorus, nitrates, ammonia, or total suspended solids were detected following restoration; however, in-stream turbidity was drastically increased during construction. This study is a clear example of the value of monitoring streambank migration, vegetation communities, and soils to evaluate the effects of stream restoration and to provide insight on potential reasons for treatment failure. Ideally, pre-restoration monitoring should be used to inform project design by determining restoration potential of areas selected for restoration. </p><p> As a surrogate for process monitoring, we created a maximum entropy model of streambank erosion potential (SEP) in a Geographic Information System (GIS) framework to prioritize sites for management and to determine which variables in the watershed are associated with excessive rates of streambank erosion. Model development included measuring erosion rates throughout a central Appalachian watershed, application of a quantitative approach to locate target areas for management termed Target Eroding Areas (TEAs), and collection of environmental data throughout the study extent using high resolution, remotely sensed data. A likelihood distribution of TEAs from occurrence records and associated environmental variables over our study extent was constructed using the program Maxent. All model validation procedures indicated that the model was an excellent predictor of TEAs, and that the major environmental variables controlling these processes were streambank slope, soil characteristics, shear stress, underlying geology, and riparian vegetation. A classification scheme with low, moderate, and high levels of erosion potential derived from logistic model output was able to differentiate sites with low erosion potential from sites with moderate and high erosion potential. This type of modeling framework can be used in any watershed to address uncertainty in stream restoration planning and practice. </p><p> To address the need for accurate, high resolution estimation of streambank erosion, we also explored the role of laser scanning for estimating streambank migration and volumetric sediment loss. This was accomplished by comparing estimates of streambank migration and volumetric sediment loss derived from repeated erosion pin, streambank profile, and combined airborne and terrestrial light detection and ranging (LiDAR) surveys. Results indicated that LiDAR derived estimates were larger and highly variable compared to estimates derived from erosion pin and streambank profile surveys, which more accurately represented change along the study reach. Inflated LiDAR estimates were most likely the result of combining high resolution terrestrial LiDAR with relatively low resolution airborne LiDAR that could not effectively capture topographic features such as undercut banks. Although cost-prohibitive in some cases, repeated terrestrial LiDAR scans would likely circumvent these issues with higher point densities and better scan angles facilitating more accurate representation of streambank geometry, ultimately providing more accurate estimates of channel change. </p>

<p>To better understand the value of those who engage in environmental stewardship of natural areas, we studied volunteer steward's motivation to participate, their sustainable behaviors and attitudes toward stewardship-related constructs. Specifically, we designed and conducted a survey of volunteers who work as stewards in urban natural areas in Portland, Oregon. We hypothesize that as volunteer frequency increases: participants will be more motivated to participate for environmental reasons, volunteers will be more likely to feel a strong connection to the stewardship site, participants will be more likely to engage in public pro-environmental behaviors, and their level of environmental literacy will increase. Participants were sampled using a face-to-face survey methodology over the course of late winter and spring of 2012 during 18 different Portland Parks and Recreation sponsored stewardship events. We examined the motivations, attitudes and behaviors of the volunteers, and devised appropriate management implications for those organizing volunteer efforts. We equated a three-tiered typology of environmental literacy, based upon the frequency of volunteer participation, and analyzed our survey data using a principal component analysis, generalized linear models, and a qualitative coding analysis. The most frequent participants showed a higher likelihood of participation in public environmental behaviors, whereas participants at all frequency levels were also likely to participate in private environmental behaviors, such as removing invasive plants in one's yard. Volunteers across all frequencies of participation were motivated to engage in stewardship events by a desire to help the environment. By understanding volunteers' motivations and linked behaviors, park managers may gain insights about the recruitment, retention, and messaging of volunteers upon whom they may depend to achieve restoration goals. We recommend considering volunteers' motivations and benefits derived from participation in messaging to recruit and retain volunteers. Additionally, park managers should take advantage of educational opportunities linked to stewardship events, such as training programs and chances for volunteer mentorship.</p>

<p> The vegetation associations in the Eastern San Cristobal Valley of Barry M. Goldwater Range-East (BMGR) were mapped using a combination of field surveys (relev&eacute;s) and interpretation of aerial imagery in order to contribute to ongoing mapping efforts of Barry M. Goldwater Range -East. Throughout the San Cristobal Valley, 149 relev&eacute; samples were collected to characterize the vegetation associations. Seventeen vegetation associations were identified and mapped, including a new <i>Larrea tridentata/Ambrosia dumosa/Grusonia kunzei</i> (Creosote bush-White bursage-Devil's cholla) association. Accuracy assessment of the map was conducted using a contingency table finding the map to be 82% accurate.</p><p> Route proliferation in the San Cristobal Valley of Barry M. Goldwater Range-East (BMGR) was also mapped and measured using remotely sensed imagery in geographic information systems and modeled with geographical variables in a multivariate regression. Throughout the San Cristobal Valley study site, 6,878 km of unauthorized routes were identified. Geographic explanatory variables distance from slopes greater than 34% (b = -3.252e-5, <i>p</i> &lt; 0.001) and the most influential variable distance from unauthorized routes (b = -0.006568, <i>p</i> &lt; 0.001) were tested for significance and influence in predicting unauthorized route density. The resulting model, built from the two significant geographic variables in a multivariate regression, was able to explain 57% of the variability in the data. The results from this study have shown that through the use of GIS and remote sensing, unauthorized route density can be predicted by geographic variables which can then be used to make future route management decisions.</p>

This paper describes and analyzes how individuals and organizations that operate in careers in communications and marketing deal with the search for employees / employers, and how recruiting managers and recruitment consultants are working to create a match between the parties. The study was conducted on behalf of a recruitment agency that offers services in recruiting and staffing for organizations in communication and marketing. The empirical material consists of ten qualitative interviews from three different perspectives on the labor market, recruitment consultants, managers and employees. The interviews were analyzed from sociological and social psychological theories of organizations and individuals opportunities and strategies in today's western labor market. Conclusions that emerged are that organizations need for decreased amount of tied assets provides increased need for temporary employments. To plan and manage the strategic HR operation in the flexible organizations, with more temporary employments and decentralized structures, it has become important to increase factors of control. This generally applies to the entire recruitment process but also for potential employees. Employees increasingly aim to move on to new jobs in new organizations require that organizations develop strong employer brands. Unless employees have incentive to stay in the organization it is a risk of competence losses and the loss of control over HR work. Also people who are looking for jobs use strategies such as marketing to get a job. The study indicates a shift in responsibility for the search from organization to job applicant. A further trend is that today's leaders are looking for new employees with the "right" personality. Job applicant adjusts their self-presentation to their perception of what the employer considers to be a suitable personality in general, but also towards the specific job and organization and thus makes it matchable.

<p> The effective management of submersed aquatic macrophytes depends on understanding their reproductive biology. <i>Potamogeton crispus </i> L. (curlyleaf pondweed, Potamogetonaceae) produces numerous asexual propagules that make traditional management difficult. It has spread to roughly half of the counties in California (USA) from alpine habitats such as Lake Tahoe to the tidally influenced Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. Studies were conducted from May 2012 till October 2012 at the bench and mesocosm scales in Davis and Sacramento, California, to explore the effects of benthic barrier control measures on the propagules (turions) of <i>Potamogeton crispus. </i> The first study examined the effects of three benthic barrier materials (jute, polyethylene and rubber) on turion sprouting. Jute benthic barrier material allows some light and oxygen through the fabric, while polyethylene allows oxygen, but not light. Rubber barrier material blocks light and oxygen exchange. Turion viability, as determined by sprouting, was then assessed post-treatment. Results showed no significant differences at the bench-scale for the untreated control (100% sprouting, SE=0%), jute (100% sprouting, SE=0%), or polyethylene treatments (96.9%, SE=2.1%) (n=16 for all treatments, &alpha; = 0.05). Rubber treatments resulted in 48.4% sprouting (SE= 10.6%; n=16). Results for the mesocosm experiments showed significant differences between the control and the jute and polyethylene treatments (control = 98.4% sprouting, SE= 1.6%; jute = 71.9% sprouting, SE= 4.5%; polyethylene= 70.3% sprouting, SE= 4.7%, n=16 for all treatments). Jute and polyethylene treatments were not significantly different in the mesocosm experiment. The mesocosm experiment with the rubber barrier significantly reduced sprouting (29.7% sprouting, SE= 6.1%; n=16) compared to other treatments. While light had minimal impact on sprouting, anoxia appeared to be the main factor inhibiting sprouting using benthic bottom barriers. Barrier induced anoxic stress combined with herbicides may potentially offer enhanced efficacy. The second study explored enhancement of the impermeable rubber barrier material with dilute acetic acid loaded into cassava starch "pearls". Turions were exposed for two weeks and then assessed for viability via post-treatment sprouting protocol with and without hydrosoil at the bench- and mesocosm-scale. Results for the bench-scale showed that the 20.8 mmol L^&ndash;1 acetic acid treatment was not significantly different (p=.4231) compared to the untreated control (Tukey HDS; p&le;0.05). However, the 41.6 mmol L^&ndash;1 acetic acid treatment was highly significantly different from the control (p-value &lt; 0.0001) at the bench-scale, but did not completely inhibit sprouting (mean sprouting of 31.25% (<i>SE</i>= 11.97)). Complete inhibition of sprouting turions occurred for both experiments at and above acetic acid concentrations of 83.3 mmol L^&ndash;1 (SE= 0). Results showed that tapioca starch saturated with acetic acid and combined with impermeable benthic barriers may offer an effective chemical treatment for the control of <i>Potamogeton crispus.</i> The final study examined hot water exposures under the barriers to kill and inhibit sprouting in turions. Heated water circulated under an insulated benthic bottom barrier may potentially offer a simple non-chemical rapid method to target surface propagules on the sediment, subterranean propagules and young plants. Heated water was used to treat <i>P. crispus</i> turions at the bench and mesocosm scales (25&deg;C, 40&deg;C, 50&deg;C, 60&deg;, 70&deg;C and 80&deg;C exposures for 30 to 300 seconds). Heated water exposures inhibited sprouting turions at 50&deg;C and 60&deg;C at the mesocosm and the bench scales, however, did not completely inhibit sprouting for all time exposures except at the bench-scale 60&deg;C treatment for 300 seconds. For 70&deg;C and 80&deg;C treatment exposures, there was a slight difference at the 30 second exposure mark, but at 60 second and beyond, all 70&deg;C and 80&deg;C treatments provided 100% inhibition. The cost to raise the temperature 60&deg;C from ambient water temperature under the contained limited volume under insulated barriers is estimated to be approximately $2 per 9.3 m² (100 ft²) for 5 minute treatments or $3459 ha^-1 ($1400 acre^-1).</p>