This study combined flood-frequency analysis, 1-D (one-dimensional) hydraulic modeling using HEC-RAS, and flood-loss modeling using FEMA's Hazus-MH (Hazards U.S. Multi-Hazard) in order to: 1) quantify how different flood-frequency methodologies affect flood-risk assessments, and 2) quantify the impacts of different floodplain-management scenarios along the Middle Mississippi River (MMR). The nine scenarios tested here included various combinations of flood-frequency methodology, buyouts, and levee configurations. The levee configurations analyzed included: 1) current levee configuration, 2) no levees, 3) a 1500 m levee setback, 4) a 1000 m levee setback, and 5) a customized levee setback designed to maximize protection around existing infrastructure. Two study reaches were chosen: (1) an Urban Study Reach within St. Clair and northern Monroe Counties, IL, with levees designed to withstand the 500-year flood and (2) an Agricultural Study Reach within Union and Jackson Counties, IL, with <100-year levees. A flood-frequency analysis was completed for the St. Louis, MO gauging station, and detailed building inventories were used to estimate flood losses on a structure-by-structure basis (Hazus-MH UDF analysis) for an array of floods ranging from the 2- to the 500-year events. These flood-loss estimates were combined with a stochastic levee-failure model. Finally, estimated flood damages from Hazus-MH were integrated across the full range of flood recurrences in order to calculate expected annual damage (EAD). This study's flood-frequency analysis and corresponding flood-loss assessment demonstrate how differences in flood-frequency methodology can significantly impact flood-risk assessments. EAD based on the UMRSFFS (Upper Mississippi River System Flow Frequency Study) flood frequencies was 68% ($45.4 million) lower than EAD based on this study's flood frequencies. This decrease in EAD demonstrates that the UMRSFFS flood frequencies and corresponding stages may significantly underestimate flood risk within the Urban Study Reach. The 100-year discharge in the UMRSFFS appears to be underestimated by an estimated 17% (187,000 cfs), resulting in a 10% (1.6 m) underestimation of the 100-year flood level. Given the magnitude of the EAD, discharge, and stage differences documented here, a reanalysis of the MMR flood frequencies, flood profiles, and flood maps should be considered. The hydraulic modeling completed here showed that levee setbacks and levee removal successfully reduce stages for all recurrence intervals. For the 100-year flood, average reductions ranged from 0.20 m for a 1000 m levee setback to 1.61 m with levees removed. In general, stage reductions increased with increasing discharge and with increasing setback distance. The flood-level reductions are attributed to increased floodwater storage and conveyance across the reconnected floodplain. Compared to the current conditions, the levee setback and levee removal scenarios tested here reduced flood losses for large, infrequent flooding events but increased flood losses for smaller, more frequent flood events. When combined with buyouts of unprotected structures, levee setbacks reduced flood losses for all recurrence intervals. The 1000 m and 1500 m levee setbacks required buyouts in order to reduce EAD; however, a levee setback carefully planned around existing high-value structures reduced EAD with or without buyouts. The planned levee setback configuration combined with buyouts resulted in the largest decreases in EAD: a $16.8 million (55%) decrease in the Urban Study Reach and an $8.3 million (93%) decrease in the Agricultural Study Reach. Overall, this project showed that levee setbacks in combination with buyouts are an economically viable approach for flood-risk reduction along the study reaches and likely elsewhere where levees are widely employed for flood control. Designing a levee setback around existing high-value infrastructure can maximize the benefit of the setback while simultaneously minimizing the costs. Potentially, this type of planned levee configuration could be used as a template for the replacement of aging or failing levee systems.

No description available.

The purpose of the present investigation was to identify how knowledge about goal-setting is developed and applied in practice of male players in the Swedish national floorball team, by using a qualitative methodology. Participants were 6 players playing for the Swedish national team. They were asked to respond to the interview questions in relation to their perception of setting goals for a successful outcome in sports, how their goal- setting process has developed and how they deal with goal setbacks and goal attainment. Results revealed that Swedish national players in floorball employed goal setting often for both individual and team goals in practice and competition. In addition, many interesting findings regarding the process of goal setting emerged in the result. The players are aware of their goal-setting process as well the importance of using a combination of both long term and short term goals on a individual and team level. Most of the players do not write down their goals. Their goal commitments were mostly related to winning. The players also experienced that their goal-setting process was efficient but believed that the national team lacked in evaluation, feedback and a dialogue, especially on an individual level. The player’s perception was that they have the right skills to deal with setbacks. When the players reach a goal they are strict with taking the goal to the next level. These findings are discussed in relation to the empirical/ theoretical goal-setting literature and suggestions for best practice by goal setting research are offered.

O Brasil é pioneiro, e ainda ostenta um dos poucos casos de sucesso, na substituição em larga escala de combustíveis fósseis por derivados de biomassa: o uso do etanol como combustível automotivo. Entretanto, a trajetória desse biocombustível vem experimentando não poucos reveses nos últimos anos, fato que lança dúvidas sobre a maturidade da empreitada no país. Os méritos do Brasil na substituição de combustíveis fósseis são inquestionáveis, mas não deveriam eclipsar as lições dos fracassos observados na história recente. Esta pesquisa enfoca os reveses ocorridos com o suprimento de etanol carburante entre 2005 e 2013, pela perspectiva da Gestão Estratégica de Operações, para elucidar porque ocorreram, e explorar que possível papel poderia ter esse ramo da Administração na prevenção de fenômenos semelhantes. A pesquisa foi estruturada como um estudo de caso que se utiliza da estratégia de estudos processuais formais para extrair conclusões a partir de dados exclusivamente de fontes documentais. A aplicação da perspectiva teórica aos dados levantados permitiu concluir que a ocorrência dos reveses está relacionada às atitudes dos envolvidos com o suprimento de etanol carburante -- setor sucroenergético, distribuidores de combustíveis e até o setor público --, que demonstraram, em seus atos, pouco compromisso com a eficácia do suprimento, quando avaliada por critérios de competitividade do produto no mercado que serve. E que a condução estratégica da evolução das capacidades e recursos do suprimento para fazer face às necessidades do mercado foi precária. Os resultados da pesquisa fortalecem a hipótese de que o amadurecimento do suprimento de biocombustíveis passa pela extensão de gestão de operações de caráter estratégico a mais aspectos dele, e em vários níveis. E abre linhas de exploração acadêmica do conhecimento da Gestão Estratégica de Operações à coordenação de atores sociais para garantir o suprimento efetivo de biocombustíveis. / Brazil is a pioneer, and still displays one of the few success stories, in large-scale replacement of fossil fuels with biomass-derived: the use of ethanol as an automotive fuel. However, the trajectory of this biofuel has been experiencing quite a few setbacks in recent years, which casts doubt on the maturity of the enterprise in the country. The merits of Brazil in the replacement of fossil fuels are unquestionable, but should not eclipse the lessons of the failures observed in its recent history. This research focuses on the setbacks that occurred in the supply of fuel ethanol between 2005 and 2013, from the perspective of the Operations Strategy, to elucidate why they occurred, and explore the possible role that branch of Management could have for the prevention of similar phenomena. The research was structured as a case study that uses the strategy of formal process studies to draw conclusions from data from archival sources only. The application of that theoretical perspective to the data collected showed that the occurrence of setbacks is related to the attitudes of those involved with the supply of fuel ethanol -- sugarcane industry, fuel distributors and even the public sector --, which showed, in their actions, little commitment with supply effectiveness, as measured by the criteria of product competitiveness in the market it serves. And that the strategic guiding of the development of supply capabilities and resources to meet the needs of the market was weak. The results of this research strengthen the hypothesis that the maturation of biofuels supply involves the extension of operations management of strategic nature to more aspects of it, and at various levels. And it also opens lines of academic exploration of Operations Strategy findings to help coordinate social actors to ensure the effective supply of biofuels.

This study investigates seismic response of the Moment-Resisting-Steel Frames (MRSF) with the architectural setbacks. The main objective of the study is to understand the variation of the elastic and inelastic, static and dynamic behavior with changes in the geometric dimensions of the tower portion. A second objective of the study is to determine the adequacy of the analysis procedures of various rigors, specified in current seismic design provision, in predicting those behaviors for MRSF with various size of setback. The analytical study is conducted using a regular and 16 irregular models to capture all possible combinations of configuration of setback in five-story, five-bay MRSFs. An irregular model is developed by gradually changing the horizontal and vertical dimensions of the tower portion of the regular base 2D frame-model. All models were designed for (a) equal global displacement and uniform distribution of inter-story drift under First-Mode (FM) lateral force distribution pattern at first significant yield, and (b) equal period of vibration at the first mode, using Nonlinear Static Seismic analysis procedure. Among the conclusions derived from the research is that the variation of (a) the elastic and inelastic inter-story drift, the ductility demand for the top three stories, and (b) the elastic and inelastic global displacement exhibited a pattern similar to the variation of the FM participation factor at the roof, PF1Φr,1. The square-root-of-sum-of-square (SRSS) distribution provided accurate estimates of elastic story shear and inter-story drift demand as well as the story yield strength and drift.

Drainage area is a measure of the number of acres feeding into a creek. Drainage area threshold is the amount of acreage required for the creek to be included on a map. Watersheds mapped according to higher drainage area thresholds will show creek systems that are shorter and concentrated at the bottom of the watershed. Watersheds mapped according to lower drainage area thresholds show creek systems that are longer and extend further up the watershed. Since all watersheds are subject to different land uses, soil types, geology, etc., they should be mapped according to different drainage area thresholds. Headwaters are where creeks begin. There is empirical evidence that properly functioning headwaters significantly reduce erosion, improve water quality, slow stormwater flows, and provide habitat. If municipalities use lower drainage area thresholds to define their creeks, they can include more headwaters in their creek setback requirements. This professional report identifies the Harris Branch watershed as being under relatively more pressure to develop and exhibiting more environmental risk than other watersheds in Austin, Texas’ Desired Development Zone. Creeks in the watershed are redrawn according to reduced drainage area thresholds using a simple ArcGIS analysis. The analysis reveals a critical mass where creek setbacks appear to be too extensive. If creeks with a drainage area of 5 acres are protected by development code, the setbacks created have excessive branching that could be too restrictive for development. A critical mass ratio should be considered when determining which drainage area threshold is most appropriate for a watershed. The critical mass ratio is equal to the number of branches allowed per a specified distance of creek centerline. The process of identifying this critical mass ratio can help growing cities find a balance between the need to encourage development in designated areas and the need to protect natural creek systems everywhere. I recommend that municipalities review the effects of reducing drainage area threshold for each watershed, and then identify the drainage area threshold that, when protected by setback requirements, allows for extended and connected greenways as well as an increase in density. / text

O Brasil é pioneiro, e ainda ostenta um dos poucos casos de sucesso, na substituição em larga escala de combustíveis fósseis por derivados de biomassa: o uso do etanol como combustível automotivo. Entretanto, a trajetória desse biocombustível vem experimentando não poucos reveses nos últimos anos, fato que lança dúvidas sobre a maturidade da empreitada no país. Os méritos do Brasil na substituição de combustíveis fósseis são inquestionáveis, mas não deveriam eclipsar as lições dos fracassos observados na história recente. Esta pesquisa enfoca os reveses ocorridos com o suprimento de etanol carburante entre 2005 e 2013, pela perspectiva da Gestão Estratégica de Operações, para elucidar porque ocorreram, e explorar que possível papel poderia ter esse ramo da Administração na prevenção de fenômenos semelhantes. A pesquisa foi estruturada como um estudo de caso que se utiliza da estratégia de estudos processuais formais para extrair conclusões a partir de dados exclusivamente de fontes documentais. A aplicação da perspectiva teórica aos dados levantados permitiu concluir que a ocorrência dos reveses está relacionada às atitudes dos envolvidos com o suprimento de etanol carburante -- setor sucroenergético, distribuidores de combustíveis e até o setor público --, que demonstraram, em seus atos, pouco compromisso com a eficácia do suprimento, quando avaliada por critérios de competitividade do produto no mercado que serve. E que a condução estratégica da evolução das capacidades e recursos do suprimento para fazer face às necessidades do mercado foi precária. Os resultados da pesquisa fortalecem a hipótese de que o amadurecimento do suprimento de biocombustíveis passa pela extensão de gestão de operações de caráter estratégico a mais aspectos dele, e em vários níveis. E abre linhas de exploração acadêmica do conhecimento da Gestão Estratégica de Operações à coordenação de atores sociais para garantir o suprimento efetivo de biocombustíveis. / Brazil is a pioneer, and still displays one of the few success stories, in large-scale replacement of fossil fuels with biomass-derived: the use of ethanol as an automotive fuel. However, the trajectory of this biofuel has been experiencing quite a few setbacks in recent years, which casts doubt on the maturity of the enterprise in the country. The merits of Brazil in the replacement of fossil fuels are unquestionable, but should not eclipse the lessons of the failures observed in its recent history. This research focuses on the setbacks that occurred in the supply of fuel ethanol between 2005 and 2013, from the perspective of the Operations Strategy, to elucidate why they occurred, and explore the possible role that branch of Management could have for the prevention of similar phenomena. The research was structured as a case study that uses the strategy of formal process studies to draw conclusions from data from archival sources only. The application of that theoretical perspective to the data collected showed that the occurrence of setbacks is related to the attitudes of those involved with the supply of fuel ethanol -- sugarcane industry, fuel distributors and even the public sector --, which showed, in their actions, little commitment with supply effectiveness, as measured by the criteria of product competitiveness in the market it serves. And that the strategic guiding of the development of supply capabilities and resources to meet the needs of the market was weak. The results of this research strengthen the hypothesis that the maturation of biofuels supply involves the extension of operations management of strategic nature to more aspects of it, and at various levels. And it also opens lines of academic exploration of Operations Strategy findings to help coordinate social actors to ensure the effective supply of biofuels.

Increasing urbanization in the US is leading to development or re-development of lands adjacent to solid waste facilities and these lands are being considered for residential communities and commercial projects. Thus, the potential for nuisance complaints against the pre-existing solid waste facility operations has become an increasing reality. The objective of this study was to develop a methodology to gather scientific and quantifiable data related to potential nuisances caused by landfills to determine setbacks and buffer zones near landfill and transfer station operations. Appropriate recommendations for these setbacks were made from case studies conducted at two landfills in Florida. The study involved making measurements related to odor, noise, litter and dust. Impact on housing prices was also evaluated by analyzing publicly available house price data. In this study volatile organic compound (VOC) concentration was used as a surrogate measure for gaseous impacts. The mass flux of VOCs was measured on the landfills using the dynamic flux chamber method. The ultimate purpose of flux measurements was to provide input data for dispersion modeling to analyze the extent of odor impact around the landfills, which is outside the scope of this study. Ambient measurements were also made around Landfill A for validating the dispersion model. Although there are no significant health and odor impacts caused by the landfill, higher background concentration extend 1.2-1.5 km from the landfill center on the Southeast side of the landfill. Litter from the road sides around the landfills was collected and catalogued based on size and material type. Litter count per site obtained for both landfills was less than the 2001 and 2002 state-wide counts. The difference was statistically significant. Noise measurements were made at landfills during incineration and landfilling. Based on average measurements (Leq) obtained at various distances from WTE facility and landfilling activity, and considering EPA recommended noise level of 55 dB(A) for a quiet neighborhood, a set back distance of 1.6-1.9 km was recommended. Impact on house prices near the landfills was done for four landfills in Florida. Analysis showed that three out of four landfills had significantly impacted the house price within 0.6-0.8 km from the edge of the landfill. Dust measurements were made at Landfill B using particulate samplers, quantifying the dust associated with landfilling. Measured values were below National Ambient Air quality Standard (NAAQ) for PM10. Finally, recommendations were developed to mitigate some of these nuisances

Just like rebel groups attract and recruit individuals, these organisations also experiencedisengagement. This study explores causes of rebel disengagement and examines why rebelgroups see increased levels of disengagement. Based on theoretical arguments derived fromliterature on rebel group structure and dynamics, and disengagement. The theoreticalframework is based on different types of rebels, and I suggest two causal mechanisms to fiteither economically opportunistic or ideologically driven rebels. I hypothesise that militarysetbacks for rebel groups lead to increased levels of disengagement. Military setbacks anddisengagement are measured on the group level while the causal mechanisms are considered onthe individual level. The case selection follows an exploratory most-similar design to scrutinisethe degree in which disengagement varies. Using a structured focused comparison, thehypothesis is tested on three cases, JAS during 2016 and 2021 in Nigeria and al-Shabaab during2023 in Somalia. The source material consists of news and NGO reports, academic sources, andsemi-structured expert interviews. The findings support a relationship between militarysetbacks and disengagement, but that further nuance is required to explain the degree to whichdisengagement occurs.

Denna avhandling handlar om förändring av kommunal ledning, specifikt inom vård och omsorg. I Sverige finns inte mindre än 15 000 chefer inom kommunal vård och omsorg. De kan hantera budgetar som överstiger en miljard kronor och mellanchefer inom samma verksamhet kan leda ett hundratal medarbetare. Syftet med avhandlingen är att beskriva organisering av kommunal ledning samt att förklara varför kommunala ledningsorganisationer förändras. Den bygger på litteraturstudier samt på longitudinella fallstudier i Linköpings och Norrköpings kommuner. Studien visar att förändrade omgivningsförhållanden och spänningar som finns i kommunernas övergripande uppgifter, det vill säga medborgarnas intresseorganisation, att vara serviceleverantör, myndighet och samhällsaktör driver på aktörer till att förändra kommunala ledningsorganisationer. Nya idéer växer fram som en effekt av bakslag av tidigare fattade beslut. Bakslagen och nya idéer leder till krav på ledningsförändringar för att kunna hantera uppgifter på ett mer önskvärt sätt. För att få till stånd förändring hänvisas till kommunernas övergripande uppgifter och legitima institutioner som är förknippade med rättvisa, effektivitet, öppenhet och utveckling. / This dissertation deals with municipal management and especially municipal management of eldercare. In Sweden there are at least 15 000 managers in public service managing eldercare. Some managers of them are responsible for budgets of more than one billion SEK. Middle managers in municipal care can be responsible for up to one hundred co-workers. The purpose of the dissertation is to describe the organising of municipal management and explain why it changes. The dissertation is based on studies of literature and longitudinal case studies in Linköping and Norrköping. Changed circumstances and tensions within the municipality’s organization, specifically related to the overall assignments of the municipalities are conditions that influence agents to want to change their management. The overall assignments of the municipalities are democracy, supplier of service, authority and being a society actor. New ideas grow as an effect of organisational setbacks of earlier decisions. The setbacks and new ideas contribute to a demand of management changes. In order to change the management of a municipality, actors have to refer to the overall assignments and institutions such as justice, efficiency, openness and development.