This paper presents a set of factors to consider when conducting investment evaluations for small scale IT systems. These factors have been derived by combining information from an extensive literature review, a single case study and an external expert. The literature review uses prior research on evaluation of large scale investments to inform and constrain the single case study. The single case study adds depth to the analysis by combining technical and operational perspectives from senior management, middle management and the general workforce. Ultimately an expert was consulted to evaluate the generalizability of the findings from the single case study, before the final list of factors was compiled. These factors should not be applied formulaically, as one of the main findings of this study is the diversity and complexity of small scale IT projects, preventing the application of general models. Instead, decision makers are encouraged to use these factors as a complement to their own experience, and to maintain close communication with potential stakeholders throughout the decision process.

Thesis (MA)--University of Stellenbosch, 2006. / Bibliography. Also available via the Internet.

Climate change will impact food systems around the world by creating new ecological threats to crops and challenging the massive energy inputs required by modern industrial agriculture. The severity of these threats suggests that British Columbia's food system is unprepared for the adverse effects of climate change. The province currently produces 48% of its food requirements, much of which is allocated to export markets, and expansion of this system will be difficult as only 1% of provincial land is considered “prime” farmland. One way to prepare a food system for climate threats is to enhance the system’s resilience. A resilient system can quickly adapt to new external problems while maintaining its structure and productivity. A resilient food system is built on three important attributes: internal strength, diversity and flexibility. While there are numerous policy options to enhance resilience, this thesis focuses on role of small-scale agriculture and local food systems. This thesis will argue that provincial and local governments in British Columbia should pursue policies designed to expand small-scale food production and strengthen local food economies, as these scales of agriculture offer the most practical and politically feasible way to create a more resilient food system. To gather policy options that can achieve this goal, this thesis relies on ideas and insights gathered from sixteen interviews with a diverse group of small-scale farmers throughout B.C. These on-farm perspectives are then evaluated within the complex policy environment that impacts agriculture policy. Agriculture policy in B.C. is influenced by multiple variables, including established policies and financial investments that support large-scale and international agriculture, limited government budgets, challenging relations between provincial and local governments, and bureaucratic challenges with implementing and operating agriculture programs. Despite these challenges, there are numerous policy opportunities and partners that can help policies to support small-scale production succeed. This thesis analyses these obstacles and opportunities, and puts forward a comprehensive list of policy options organized by their political practicality. / Graduate / w.mattdell@gmail.com

The overexploitation of coastal ecosystems continues to threaten global biodiversity and fisheries. This has prompted international conservation commitments, such as the Convention of Biological Diversity’s Aichi Target 11, to improve the coverage and integrity of marine protected area (MPA) networks worldwide. As reflected in Target 11, MPA networks need to be both ecologically representative and socially equitable. Systematic conservation planning (SCP) is an effective and efficient process for designing MPA networks to achieve biodiversity targets at minimal impacts to society. However, SCP has rarely been used effectively to develop MPA networks in developing nations. Three key challenges contribute to this ‘research-implementation’ gap: (1) SCP research concepts and tools are biased towards developed countries, (2) complete and high-quality datasets are lacking in developing countries, and (3) socioeconomic complexities and needs of stakeholders tend to be oversimplified. In working towards addressing these challenges, this thesis focuses on Sogod Bay as a Philippines case study to examine the following overarching research question “How can systematic conservation planning be applied as a framework for designing MPAs to achieve national biodiversity objectives in a manner that is socially equitable and accommodating to the needs of coastal communities?”. To help answer this question, the thesis addresses three research objectives: 1. Develop and document strategies for incorporating dimensions of equity (recognition, procedural, and distributive) for stakeholders and coastal communities in the planning stages of SCP. 2. Investigate how recognition and procedural equity can impact the systematic design of MPA plans in terms of biodiversity representation, spatial efficiency, and distributive equity for fisher stakeholder groups and communities. 3. Evaluate and compare MPAs designed using a SCP approach with more conventional planning approaches in terms of their impacts on representation and social equity. Objective one and two were assessed in Chapter two of this thesis. The findings of this chapter demonstrate how equity considerations can be integrated in the planning stages of SCP though consulting with local partners; integrating science-driven and participatory approaches; recognizing the key stakeholder groups of MPAs (recognition equity); engaging with representatives of each stakeholder group and community to inform MPA planning processes (procedural equity), and distributing costs of MPAs fairly across all stakeholder groups and communities (distributive equity). Additionally, the chapter demonstrates how inadequate inclusion of stakeholders and/or the variations between communities can disproportionately impact some fishers and communities more than others. Objective three was achieved through the findings of Chapter three, which investigated impacts on representation and equity from MPA plans derived under a SCP approach and two conventional planning approaches. MPAs planned and selected by communities resulted in inadequately representation and unfair distributions of costs across fisheries and community. A donor-assisted approach that used local knowledge to select MPAs resulted in a plan with near-optimal representation but was inequitable for fisheries and communities. The SCP approach was the only approach to produce a representative and equitable MPA plan, thus highlighting the utility of SCP for achieving the representation and equity aspects of Target 11. / Graduate

abstract: Fish farming is a fast growing industry, which, although necessary to feed an ever growing worldwide population, has its share of negative environmental consequences, including the release of drugs and other waste into the ocean, the use of fish caught from the ocean to feed farm raised fish, and the escape of farm raised fish into natural bodies of water. However, the raising of certain types of fish, such as tilapia, seems to be an environmentally better proposition than raising other types of fish, such as salmon. This paper will explore the problems associated with fish farming, as well as offer a model, based on the literature, and interviews with fish farmers, to make small-scale fish farming both more environmentally, and more economically, sustainable. This paper culminates with a model for small-scale, specifically semi-subsistence, fish farmers. This model emphasizes education of the fish farmers, as well as educators learning from the fish farmers they interact with. The goal of this model is to help these fish farmers become both more environmentally and economically sustainable. / Dissertation/Thesis / M.S.Tech Technology 2011

abstract: The world is grappling with two serious issues related to energy and climate change. The use of solar energy is receiving much attention due to its potential as one of the solutions. Air conditioning is particularly attractive as a solar energy application because of the near coincidence of peak cooling loads with the available solar power. Recently, researchers have started serious discussions of using adsorptive processes for refrigeration and heat pumps. There is some success for the >100 ton adsorption systems but none exists in the <10 ton size range required for residential air conditioning. There are myriad reasons for the lack of small-scale systems such as low Coefficient of Performance (COP), high capital cost, scalability, and limited performance data. A numerical model to simulate an adsorption system was developed and its performance was compared with similar thermal-powered systems. Results showed that both the adsorption and absorption systems provide equal cooling capacity for a driving temperature range of 70-120 ºC, but the adsorption system is the only system to deliver cooling at temperatures below 65 ºC. Additionally, the absorption and desiccant systems provide better COP at low temperatures, but the COP's of the three systems converge at higher regeneration temperatures. To further investigate the viability of solar-powered heat pump systems, an hourly building load simulation was developed for a single-family house in the Phoenix metropolitan area. Thermal as well as economic performance comparison was conducted for adsorption, absorption, and solar photovoltaic (PV) powered vapor compression systems for a range of solar collector area and storage capacity. The results showed that for a small collector area, solar PV is more cost-effective whereas adsorption is better than absorption for larger collector area. The optimum solar collector area and the storage size were determined for each type of solar system. As part of this dissertation work, a small-scale proof-of-concept prototype of the adsorption system was assembled using some novel heat transfer enhancement strategies. Activated carbon and butane was chosen as the adsorbent-refrigerant pair. It was found that a COP of 0.12 and a cooling capacity of 89.6 W can be achieved. / Dissertation/Thesis / Ph.D. Mechanical Engineering 2011

Esta dissertação objetivou a avaliação de perdas de matérias-primas em uma empresa de componentes em TPU do setor calçadista do Rio Grande do Sul mas abordou, também, as condições de trabalho sob a ótica do trabalhador e dos especialistas a fim de melhor entender as perdas da empresa e contribuir para a melhoria de todo o processo. O estudo é apresentado em três artigos: o primeiro teve por objetivo principal, após uma revisão da literatura, estudar como os diferentes modelos de sistemas produtivos consideram as perdas de processo, e selecionar uma ferramenta que possa colaborar na redução de perdas de matérias-primas (que causam perdas econômicas) na empresa estudada e que utiliza o método de produção artesanal mas com características também fordistas. Foi selecionado o método de Análise Macroergonômica do Trabalho (AMT) (Guimarães, 2000) por ter, como característica principal, a participação dos funcionários em todas suas etapas, o que é fundamental para a melhoria do processo, principalmente no caso artesanal, já que ele depende do conhecimento tácito dos trabalhadores. O método permitiu a identificação das perdas no processo e sugestões de melhoria das condições de trabalho, apresentadas no artigo 2. O artigo 3 apresenta as melhorias implementadas e os resultados alcançados que acabaram por diminuir as perdas de matérias-primas de 49,17% para 39% . / This work aimed to evaluate losses of raw materials into a components company in the TPU shoe industry of Rio Grande do Sul, but also raised, the working conditions from the perspective of workers and specialists to better understand the demand the company (the losses) but also contribute to improving the entire process. The study is presented in three papers: the first was aimed at following a review of the literature, studying how the different models of production systems consider the loss process, and select a tool that can assist in reducing losses of raw material (which cause economic losses) in the studied company, which uses the method of craft production but also Fordist characteristics. He was selected the method of Macroergonomic Work Analysis (MA) (Guimarães, 2000), having as main characteristic, the participation of employees in all its stages, which is essential for improving the process, especially for small-scale, since it depends on the tacit knowledge of workers. The method allowed the identification of losses in the process and suggestions for improvement of working conditions, outlined in Article 2. Article 3 sets out the improvements implemented and results achieved which ultimately reduce the losses of raw material of 49.17% to 39%.

Este trabalho tem como proposta desenvolver um difusor aerodinâmico compacto para uma turbina eólica de pequena escala, objetivando alcançar um melhor start rotacional (menor torque de partida para rotacionar) em baixas velocidades de vento. Um difusor é uma estrutura em forma de aro envolta ao rotor da turbina eólica, sua função é amplificar a captação e aceleração do vento, explorando os efeitos aerodinâmicos das zonas de vórtices de baixa pressão na saída do difusor. O estudo concentrar-se-á na manipulação da geometria dos difusores, analisando como seu design impacta no seu comportamento aerodinâmico impacta na capacidade do difusor equacionar as zonas de alta e baixa pressão ao longo de sua estrutura, essa relação é determinante para o efeito aerodinâmico que acelera o escoamento de ar, resultando em um start rotacional em baixas velocidade de vento. O ponto de partida para este trabalho são os estudos desenvolvidos por Ohya et al. (2010) sobre difusores compactos-flangeados (compact-type brimmed diffuser) para turbinas eólicas, denominado Wind-lens Technology. Para alcançar os objetivos, esta pesquisa vai utilizar simulações por CFD com software de túnel de vento virtual e ensaios experimentais em túnel de vento físico para avaliar o comportamento dinâmico (turbina + difusor). Foram desenvolvidas dezenove geometrias a partir de uma área construtiva padronizada para o design de difusores. Desenvolveu-se também, a partir dos resultados encontrados, um MFI (microseparador de fluxo interno), que consiste em uma estrutura adicional com função de potencializar as zonas de vórtices (baixa pressão) no plano de saída do escoamento de ar dos difusores. Os resultados mostraram que a manipulação da geometria do difusor produziu resultados promissores em comparação com o modelo de referência, alcançando em algumas geometrias de difusores um melhor start rotacional. O MFI mostrou-se eficaz para potencializar as zonas de baixa pressão e melhorou o start rotacional. Ao final, definiu-se dois modelos de difusores e suas respectivas versões com MFI como as melhores opções para o start rotacional. / This work aims to develop a compact wind turbine for a turbine and a small scale, aiming at a better rotational start at low wind speeds (lower starting torque to rotate). A diffuser is a rim-shaped structure wrapped around the wind turbine rotor, its function is to amplify the wind uptake and acceleration, exploiting the aerodynamic effects of the low-pressure vortex zones at the diffuser outlet. The study will focus on the manipulation of the diffuser geometry, analyzing how its design impacts on its aerodynamic behavior, especially on the diffuser's ability to equate the high and low pressure zones along its structure, this relation is decisive for the aerodynamic effect that accelerates the air flow, resulting in a rotational start at low wind speeds. The basis for this work are studies developed by Ohya et al. (2010) on compact-flanged diffusers for wind turbines, called Wind-lens Technology. To achieve the objectives, this research will use CFD simulations with virtual wind tunnel software and experimental tests in physical wind tunnel to evaluate the dynamic behavior (turbine + diffuser). Nineteen geometries were developed from a standardized design area for the design of diffusers. An MFI (internal flow microseparator) has also been developed, which is an additional structure whose function is to potentiate the low pressure zones of the diffusers. The results showed that the manipulation of the diffuser geometry produced promising results in comparison to the reference model, reaching in some conditions superior results in RPM and initial start. The MFI proved to be effective in boosting the low pressure zones and improved the initial start. At the end, two models of diffusers and their respective versions with MFI were defined as the best options for the initial start.

Ce travail s'inscrit dans le contexte de l'évaluation et de la prévention des risques d'effets dominos suite à une explosion sur un site industriel. Il s'intéresse plus précisément à la vulnérabilité de réservoirs de stockage soumis à une onde de souffle. Le mode d'explosion étudié est celui de la détonation gazeuse. L’objectif est double. Il consiste d'une part à caractériser le chargement auquel est soumis le réservoir et d'autre part à prédire la réponse du réservoir à ce chargement. Des expérimentations ont été réalisées à échelle réduite, pour trois géométries caractéristiques de réservoirs, satisfaisant des conditions de similitudes énergétiques et mécaniques. Des essais sur maquettes de réservoirs rigides ont permis de caractériser le chargement issu d'une détonation : répartition spatio-temporelle de la surpression et de l’impulsion et détermination de coefficients de réflexion. Des essais sur maquettes métalliques déformables ont permis de déterminer le niveau de chargement nécessaire pour endommager la structure par flambage. Une approche semi-analytique du flambage dynamique basée sur une modélisation simplifiée du chargement de surpression de type Friedlander associée à un modèle de coque élastique surbaissée de Donnell et à la croissance d'imperfections géométriques jusqu'à une taille critique a été développée. Son application permet la construction des courbes critiques de flambage des réservoirs métalliques dans des diagrammes pression-impulsion. La confrontation entre les résultats expérimentaux et les prédictions numériques souligne l'intérêt et la pertinence de la démarche proposée. / This work is a contribution to the assessment and prevention of potential domino effects caused by an explosion in an industrial area. It focuses specifically on the vulnerability of storage tanks subjected to a blast wave. Within this context, we investigate the effects of gaseous detonation. The objective is twofold: on one hand, to characterize the blast loading and, on the other, to predict the structural response. Three representative atmospheric chemical tanks were selected. Experiments were conducted at small scale satisfying Hopkinson-Cranz and structural scaling laws. A first campaign was performed on rigid instrumented cylinders to quantify the loading in terms of time and space pressure distribution. A second campaign was performed on flexible cylinders to quantify the structural response in terms of dynamic buckling damage. Simplified semi-analytical models were developed to provide damage predictions. They are based on a Friedlander pressure-time history pulse description, shallow-shell (Donnell's) equations and critical shape imperfection amplification thresholds. These models are used to construct pressure-impulse buckling damage diagrams for atmospheric tanks subjected to blast loading. The comparison between experimental results and numerical predictions highlights the interest and the relevance of the proposed approach.

COE, Clara de Melo. Avaliação da atividade pesqueira na comunidade de pescadores artesanais de Bitupitá, município de Barroquinha, Ceará. 2015. 79 f. : Dissertação (mestrado) - Universidade Federal do Ceará, Centro de Ciências Agrárias, Departamento de Engenharia de Pesca, Fortaleza-CE, 2015 / Submitted by Nádja Goes (nmoraissoares@gmail.com) on 2016-07-25T12:50:35Z No. of bitstreams: 1 2015_dis_cmcoe.pdf: 2856722 bytes, checksum: a352a55ceee34ebffdd4ae38cf87f452 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Nádja Goes (nmoraissoares@gmail.com) on 2016-07-25T12:50:49Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 2015_dis_cmcoe.pdf: 2856722 bytes, checksum: a352a55ceee34ebffdd4ae38cf87f452 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2016-07-25T12:50:49Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 2015_dis_cmcoe.pdf: 2856722 bytes, checksum: a352a55ceee34ebffdd4ae38cf87f452 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2015 / Fishing plays an important socio-economic role in the employment of labor, work, income generation and food supply for the population, especially for small coastal communities of Ceará State, Brazil. The research aimed to characterize artisanal fisheries held in Bitupitá, municipality of Barroquinha, Ceará and identify the socioeconomic profile of employees. They interviewed 128 fishermen and 22 professionals involved in this fishing community. These were questioned on socioeconomic issues and issues related to fishing. The results of the interviews showed that 59% of Bitupitá fishermen practice fishing in "curral" and 41% carries the hand-line fishing. The main species caught in the region are: “Serra Spanish mackerel” (Scomberomorus brasiliensis), Sardines (Opisthonema oglinum), “Atlantic bumper” (Chloroscombrus chrysurus), “Tarpon” (Megalops atlanticus), “Bigeye trevally” (Caranx sp.), Sword (Trichiurus lepturus) and Lane snapper (Lutjanus synagris). All fishermen interviewed were male with ages ranging from 15 to 65 years old. They declared themselves as professional fishers, but also worked as masons or vigilantes certain times of the year. According to theirs answers, they have low levels of education and incomes are lower than the minimum wage. It was reported that using gear and fishing practices that may be considered unsustainable, but that they use said its happens because of lack of alternative. However, they demonstrated knowledge about the tools which can do some damage to fish and thus prejudice the fishery. The production chain proved to be disorganized, with whether or no evidence of collaboration between its links. A SOWT matrix was drawn up based on the data collected where it was possible to identify the main forces of activity as the presence of highly experienced professionals, plenty of potential and raw material for large investments in fish marketing infrastructure. And the negatives as the failure of fisheries use, overfishing and the misuse and degradation of natural resources. / A pesca tem um importante papel socioeconômico no emprego de mão-de-obra, geração de renda e oferta de alimentos para a população, especialmente para as pequenas comunidades litorâneas do estado do Ceará, Brasil. A pesquisa teve como objetivo caracterizar a pesca artesanal realizada em Bitupitá, município de Barroquinha, Ceará e identificar o perfil socioeconômico dos trabalhadores. Foram entrevistados 128 pescadores e 22 profissionais ligados à pesca dessa comunidade. Estes entrevistados foram abordados com questões socioeconômicas e questões relativas a atividade pesqueira. Os resultados das entrevistas mostraram que 59% dos pescadores de Bitupitá praticam a pesca de “curral” e 41% realiza a pesca de linha-de-mão. As principais espécies capturadas na região são Serra (Scomberomorus brasiliensis), Sardinha (Opisthonema oglinum), Palombeta (Chloroscombrus chrysurus), Camuripim (Megalops atlanticus), Garajuba (Caranx sp.), Espada (Trichiurus lepturus) e Ariacó (Lutjanus synagris). Os pescadores entrevistados eram do sexo masculino e tinham entre 15 e 65 anos. Exerciam, segundo eles, a pesca profissional, mas atuavam também como pedreiros ou vigilantes em determinadas épocas do ano. Segundo declararam, eles apresentam baixos níveis de escolaridade e renda inferior a um salário mínimo. Eles informaram que utilizam apetrechos e práticas de pesca que podem ser consideradas insustentáveis, mas que são usados por falta de alternativa. A cadeia produtiva mostrou-se desorganizada havendo pouco ou nenhuma evidência de colaboração entre seus elos. Através dos dados coletados elaborou-se uma matriz SOWT onde foi possível identificar as principais forças da atividade como sendo a presença de profissionais bastante experientes, a abundância de matéria prima e grande potencial para investimentos nas infraestruturas de comercialização do pescado. E os pontos negativos como sendo a insuficiência do aproveitamento da pesca, a pesca predatória e o mau uso e degradação dos recursos naturais.