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.

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%.

This thesis describes parental attitude towards small-scale schools. The theoretical part serves an easier interpretation of the second, practical part. The practical part investigates the criteria which parents use when selecting a school; the advantages and disadvantages of such schools, the rural environment and its effect on their children. This paper also investigates parents´ opinions on pupils from different grades being taught in one class and attitudes towards teachers of small-scale classes.

Made available in DSpace on 2014-06-11T19:28:04Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2005Bitstream added on 2014-06-13T18:32:33Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 mendes_nas_me_prud.pdf: 2825210 bytes, checksum: 519a5a862fee2bf9859c90d25a5dd932 (MD5) / Neste trabalho, realizamos um estudo sobre pequenos produtores do Reassentamento Rural de Rosana, localizado no município do Euclides da Cunha Paulista. Esse reassentamento é formado em sua maioria de pequenos produtores, antes ilhéus e ribeirinhos. Com a construção da usina hidrelétrica de Rosana, no Rio Paranapanema, eles foram realocados para o reassentamento Rural. A pesquisa teve como objetivo compreender os aspectos socioambientais e econômicos, bem como identificar como foram consideradas as variáveis ambientais no período de implantação do reassentamento e, posteriormente, quais foram os possíveis cuidados com relação às questões ambientais tanto por parte dos reassentados quanto pelo poder público. Além disso, verificamos as perspectivas futuras de permanência desses reassentados. Na pesquisa, constatamos que no Reassentamento Rural de Rosana, a principal atividade econômica é a pecuária bovina. Os reassentados complementam sua renda com a aposentadoria e, também, com o trabalho assalariado e temporário na Destilaria Alcídia e na vizinhança. A agrovila passou a exercer uma outra função: a presença de estabelecimentos comerciais, de serviços de saúde e educação tanto para os seus moradores como para os habitantes dos assentamentos vizinhos e residências dos trabalhadores da Destilaria de Álcool Alcídia. Com relação às questões ambientais, verificamos que não foram consideradas desde sua implantação as variáveis ambientais. Há a ausência dos órgãos públicos no que se refere a essas questões e, também, da assistência técnica, o que poderá comprometer as perspectivas futuras dos reassentados. Daí a necessidade de políticas públicas relacionadas ao crédito agrícola e à assistência técnica, que favoreçam a pequena produção familiar, melhorando assim a condição econômica e social, para garantir a permanência dos reassentados. / In this paper, we have carried on a study on small-scale producers of the Rural Resettlement in Rosana, which is located in Euclides da Cunha Paulista County. Most of this resettlement is formed by small-scale producers, which were formely islanders and riverside in habitants. These were moved on to the resettlement,in view of the construction of the Rosana hydroelectric power station in the Paranapanema River. This research aims to understand the socio-envionmental and economic aspects, as well as to identifify how environmental variables were considered in the implant period of resettlement, and, later on, which was the possible care referring to environmental matters from both the resettled people and the public power. Besides, we have verified these future perspectives of the resettled people's staying. In the research, we have observed that the main economic activity is the cattle husbandry in the Rosana Rural Resettlement. The resettled people complement their income with their retirement salaries, and with temporay - job wages at the Alcidia Distillery and nearby as well. The agrovillage happened to exercise another function: the presence of stores, health and education services for both its own neighborhood's inhabitants as well as for the Alcidia Alcohol Distillery workers. Regarding the environmental matters, we have verified that the environmental variables haven't been considered since its implant. There is an absence of public agencies referring to those matters, and to technical assistance as well, which could compromise the future perspectives of the resettled people. Therefore, there is a lack of public policies in relation to agricultural credit and technical assistance, which, if implemented, would favor the family's small-scale production, in order to improve the economical and social conditions, guaranteeing the resettled people's staying.

Thesis submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree Master Technologiae: Chemical Engineering In the Faculty of Engineering at Cape Peninsula University of Technology / Most biodiesel plants operate batch-wise using homogeneous alkali catalysts. Recently, several heterogeneous catalysts have been suggested in literature, as they have shown potential for overcoming most of the challenges associated with the application of homogeneous catalysts. Previous published techno-economic comparisons of the two technologies on large-scale processes located in the developed world, have revealed the economic superiority of heterogeneously catalysed processes. Hence, prospect exists for current homogeneously catalysed process plants to be converted to heterogeneously catalysed ones. The objective of this research was to investigate the actual cost benefit of converting a small-scale batch biodiesel plant from homogeneous to heterogeneous catalysed process. For this purpose, a small-scale batch biodiesel plant located in South Africa was taken as the base case homogeneous process. Aspen Batch Process Developer® software was used to perform the process simulations. The homogeneous process was converted to the heterogeneous one and results from process simulation were used to evaluate the economics of both processes, which were compared in terms of fixed capital cost, total manufacturing cost and profitability indicators. During economic evaluation, two types of cost factors were used: one prevailing in developed world and the other one relevant to South Africa. The sensitivity analysis of both processes was further performed in order to investigate the impact of some uncertain parameters on their profitability. Finally, a debottlenecking study was carried out. Results obtained from this study showed an increase in the annual throughput of biodiesel as well as significant savings in the total capital cost for the heterogeneous catalysed process relative to the homogeneous one. As regards the estimation of the total unit manufacturing cost of biodiesel, significant differences arose when using the two types of cost factors. Results of economic analyses estimated using cost factors relative to South Africa suggest an increase in the unit manufacturing cost of biodiesel while using the developed world’s cost factors suggests the opposite. This is due to the higher raw material and energy requirement for the CaO process, while knowing that the direct costs are a bigger proportion of the manufacturing costs estimated using the South African cost factors. Profitability and sensitivity analyses only provided positive results when estimated using the South African cost factors. In all cases, the heterogeneous catalysed process was found to be more promising than the homogeneous one over the prescribed project life. The study showed the importance of using cost factors relevant to a particular economic environment during techno-economic assessment of a process. It was also shown that there are economic benefits when replacing settling with centrifugation in biodiesel production processes. In summary, this thesis makes some important contributions. It presents the first process simulation for biodiesel production using Aspen Batch Process Developer® software and thereby proposes a methodology that is currently scarce in the literature. It also reports the first techno-economic analysis applied to the biodiesel field in South Africa and provides a preliminary insight to owners of biodiesel plants as regards the decision to convert or not their homogeneous catalysed plant to heterogeneous one.

CoordenaÃÃo de AperfeÃoamento de Pessoal de NÃvel Superior / 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 Cearà State, Brazil. The research aimed to characterize artisanal fisheries held in BitupitÃ, municipality of Barroquinha, Cearà 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 Bitupità fishermen practice fishing in "curral" and 41% carries the hand-line fishing. The main species caught in the region are: âSerra Spanish mackerelâ (Scomberomorus brasiliensis), Sardines (Opisthonema oglinum), âAtlantic bumperâ (Chloroscombrus chrysurus), âTarponâ (Megalops atlanticus), âBigeye trevallyâ (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 socioeconÃmico no emprego de mÃo-de-obra, geraÃÃo de renda e oferta de alimentos para a populaÃÃo, especialmente para as pequenas comunidades litorÃneas do estado do CearÃ, Brasil. A pesquisa teve como objetivo caracterizar a pesca artesanal realizada em BitupitÃ, municÃpio de Barroquinha, Cearà e identificar o perfil socioeconÃmico dos trabalhadores. Foram entrevistados 128 pescadores e 22 profissionais ligados à pesca dessa comunidade. Estes entrevistados foram abordados com questÃes socioeconÃmicas e questÃes relativas a atividade pesqueira. Os resultados das entrevistas mostraram que 59% dos pescadores de Bitupità praticam a pesca de âcurralâ e 41% realiza a pesca de linha-de-mÃo. As principais espÃcies capturadas na regiÃo sÃo Serra (Scomberomorus brasiliensis), Sardinha (Opisthonema oglinum), Palombeta (Chloroscombrus chrysurus), Camuripim (Megalops atlanticus), Garajuba (Caranx sp.), Espada (Trichiurus lepturus) e Ariacà (Lutjanus synagris). Os pescadores entrevistados eram do sexo masculino e tinham entre 15 e 65 anos. Exerciam, segundo eles, a pesca profissional, mas atuavam tambÃm como pedreiros ou vigilantes em determinadas Ãpocas do ano. Segundo declararam, eles apresentam baixos nÃveis de escolaridade e renda inferior a um salÃrio mÃnimo. Eles informaram que utilizam apetrechos e prÃticas de pesca que podem ser consideradas insustentÃveis, mas que sÃo usados por falta de alternativa. A cadeia produtiva mostrou-se desorganizada havendo pouco ou nenhuma evidÃncia de colaboraÃÃo entre seus elos. AtravÃs dos dados coletados elaborou-se uma matriz SOWT onde foi possÃvel identificar as principais forÃas da atividade como sendo a presenÃa de profissionais bastante experientes, a abundÃncia de matÃria prima e grande potencial para investimentos nas infraestruturas de comercializaÃÃo do pescado. E os pontos negativos como sendo a insuficiÃncia do aproveitamento da pesca, a pesca predatÃria e o mau uso e degradaÃÃo dos recursos naturais.

Este trabalho apresenta resultados de ensaios de arrancamento de geogrelha, obtidos com a utilização de equipamento de dimensões reduzidas. A força de arrancamento foi aplicada por uma máquina universal com capacidade máxima de 30kN, dotada de instrumentação que permitiu registrar a força de arrancamento e o deslocamento da geogrelha em relação ao solo envolvente. Além disto, o ensaio foi instrumentado com uma célula de tensão total instalada no nível da inclusão. A grande vantagem deste equipamento é o pequeno volume de solo utilizado, resultando em um ensaio mais rápido e econômico, proporcionando um controle maior do teor de umidade e do grau de compactação do solo. Considerando que uma grande parte do estado de São Paulo é coberto por solos de granulometria fina, esse equipamento passa a ser uma excelente alternativa para obtenção dos parâmetros de ensaios de arrancamento necessários ao desenvolvimento de projetos em solo reforçado. Para averiguar a possibilidade de uso do ensaio de pequeno porte, nestas condições, para substituir uso das caixas de grandes dimensões foram inicialmente realizadas comparações, através do coeficiente de interação, entre os resultados obtidos através desses dois tipos de ensaios. Os resultados obtidos mostraram que, para as condições de ensaio empregadas utilizando solos com 100% passando na peneira de abertura 2mm e geogrelhas de abertura de malha aproximadamente de 20mm, a resposta do equipamento, se comparada à de ensaios de grandes dimensões, foi excelente. Isto permitiu que se procedesse a uma ampla análise paramétrica, de cunho experimental, em que se variou a velocidade de ensaio, a tensão confinante, as dimensões das amostras de geogrelha, o tipo de solo e a geogrelha, com o intuído de cobrir diferentes situações possíveis de se encontrar nos projetos de engenharia. O trabalho apresenta os principais resultados desta análise / This work presents results of geogrid pullout tests conducted using small scale equipment. The pullout load was applied using a universal load frame, with a maximum capacity of 30kN, capable of recording the pullout load and front displacement. In addition, the test was instrumented with an earth pressure cell installed at the level of the geogrid inclusion. The primary advantage of this equipment is the small volume of soil used in test preparation, resulting in reduced testing time, greater control of the water content and degree of compaction, and significant reduction in overall testing costs. Furthermore, a significant area of the state of Sao Paulo in Brazil is covered by fine grained soils which could be tested according to its pullout behavior using the proposed equipment. To investigate the feasibility of the small scale test facility, comparisons were made between the coefficient of interaction obtained from tests of small and large dimensions. The results show that for the tested materials there were no differences between pull out parameters from both equipment. Additionally it was investigated the effects of testing speed, confining pressure, sample dimensions, and soil and geogrid materials. Results of these tests are presented and discussed

O presente estudo procurou comparar dois tipos de comunidades de pescadores no município de Florianópolis que diferem em relação ao ambiente onde atuam seus integrantes: (1) baías e (2) mar aberto. Os principais objetivos do estudo foram caracterizar o perfil socioeconômico dos pescadores de pequena escala; descrever a atividade pesqueira local com respeito aos meios de produção, espécies capturadas e procedimentos pós-captura; analisar os aspectos financeiros da pesca, procurando definir os custos, receitas e lucros dos envolvidos na atividade e determinar um modelo explicativo para o lucro diário obtido pelos pescadores. O modelo explicativo foi testado através de uma Análise de Covariância (ANCOVA). Para obtenção das informações foram realizadas três campanhas sazonais durante o ano de 2008, quando foram entrevistados 218 pescadores. O perfil socioeconômico dos pescadores entrevistados foi compatível com o encontrado em outras comunidades de pescadores de pequena escala no Brasil e no exterior. A produção pesqueira local é constituída por grande número de espécies, contudo, as frotas são direcionadas, principalmente, para a captura da tainha, corvina, abrótea e anchova (em mar aberto) e camarão-branco (nas baías). Os pescadores utilizam ampla variedade de artes e técnicas de pesca e a produção tem grande relação com a sazonalidade. O tamanho das embarcações, a potência dos motores, o consumo de combustível e o número de tripulantes tiveram valores numericamente superiores na frota que atua em mar aberto. Os lucros diários obtidos pelos pescadores entrevistados apresentaram grande variação, aparentemente causada pela grande variabilidade na captura de pescado, tanto entre estações do ano, quanto entre ambientes e mesmo entre pescadores de uma mesma comunidade. O modelo do lucro diário proposto inicialmente considerou, como fatores explicativos do lucro, o local de pesca, a época do ano, o tipo de pescador, o estado civil, o nível de instrução e a arte de pesca e, como covariáveis, a idade do pescador, o tempo de experiência e o tempo de pesca diário. Após transformação logarítmica de sua variável resposta e covariáveis, o modelo foi testado estatisticamente e os fatores e covariáveis não significativos foram descartados, restando ao final apenas o local de pesca, a época do ano, o tipo de pescador, a arte de pesca e a covariável idade do pescador. O modelo final explicou cerca de 56% da variação do lucro diário, que foi significativamente superior entre os pescadores de mar aberto, na estação de outono e entre os pescadores proprietários. O estudo contribuiu na geração de conhecimento para o entendimento dos processos internos e externos à pesca no Município de Florianópolis, passíveis de afetar seu desempenho e sucesso. / This study sought to compare two types of communities of fishermen in the city of Florianópolis which differ in the environment where its members works: (1) bays and (2) the open sea. The main objectives of the study were to characterize the socioeconomic profile of small-scale fishermen, to describe the local fishing activity with respect to the means of production, species and post-harvesting procedures, examine the financial aspects of fishing, trying to define the cost, revenue and profits involved in the activity and determine an explanatory model for the daily profit obtained by the fishermen. The explanatory model was tested through an Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA). To obtain the information were done three seasonal campaigns during 2008, when 218 fishermen were interviewed. The socioeconomic profile of the fishermen interviewed were consistent with those found in other communities of small-scale fishermen in Brazil and abroad. The local fishery production is made by a large number of species, however, the fleets are directed mainly to the catch of mullet, croaker, abrótea and anchovy (open ocean) and white shrimp (in bays). Fishermen using wide variety of fishing gear and techniques and the production has a great relationship with seasonality. The size of vessels, the power of engines, fuel consumption and number of crew had numerically higher values in the fleet that operates in the open sea. Daily profits obtained by the fishermen interviewed showed great variation, apparently caused by high variability in catch of fish, between seasons, between environments and even among fishermen from the same community. The model of daily profit proposed initially, considered, as explanatory factors of profit, place of fishing, year season, type of fisherman, marital status, level of education and fishing gear, and as covariates, the age of fisherman, the time of experience and the time of daily fishing. After logarithm transformation of your response variable and covariates, the model was tested and statistically not significant factors and covariates were discarded, leaving only the end of the local fishing, the season, the type of fisherman, the fishing gear and the covariate age of the fisherman. The final model explained about 56% of the variation of the daily profit, which was significantly higher among the fishermen in the open sea, in the autumn and between fishermen owners. The study contributed to the generation of knowledge for the understanding of internal and external to the fishery in the city of Florianopolis, which may affect its performance and success.

Aquaculture is playing an important role in the development of fisheries in Vietnam, a role which has accelerated since 2000. Sustainability in aquaculture is receiving increasing attention, and this issue is not only the concern of government, but also stakeholders participating in the value chain. Therefore, this study aims to identify sustainability issues of farmed seafood by assessing the main sustainability issues raising concern. The Global Value Chain framework described by Gereffi et al. (2005) is applied for this study to explore the business relationships in supply chain and the perceptions of sustainability concerned by the value chain actors. A combination of qualitative and quantitative methods was used to collect data. An assessment of four species cultured on the Mekong Delta, the countries farmed seafood ‘hub’, found a clear distinction between species cultured with a local domestic market orientation (Giant Freshwater Prawn Macrobrachium rosenbergii; and Tilapia Oreochromis niloticus) and the two key export commodities - Striped catfish (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus) and Penaeid shrimp (Penaeus monodon & Litopenaeus vannamei). These orientations were based on a range of factors including the development of effective seed supplies and the cultural value of marketing in the live format. This study, conducted in ten provinces in the Mekong Delta from 2009 to 2013 had a focus on understanding the export-orientated commodities, striped catfish and shrimp through collection of baseline information on the value chain of farmed seafood, focusing on the farming sector, the actors and institutions involved and beneficiaries. Sustainability issues and perceptions of experts (top-down) and primary stakeholders (bottom-up) opinions were assessed through participatory workshops. Shrimp and striped catfish production are mainly farmed for export, with 83% and 95% of its production, respectively, leaving the country mainly after processing. Currently, mainly families operate small-/medium-scale farms; while large-farms are integrated within seafood processors. Production efficiency of large-farms tends to be better than small-/medium farms. Many striped catfish and shrimp farms are likely to reach several standard criteria such as economic feed conversion ratio (eFCR), stocking density, no banned chemical/drug and wild-seed use, and land property rights; however, there were still many standard criteria that existing farms could not meet such as effluent management, farm registration, fishmeal control, farm hygiene and record-keeping requirement. Hence, current farming practices, especially small-/medium farms have a long way to go to meet emergent international food standards. Recently, many small-/medium catfish farms faced problems with low fish prices, so they have had to cease catfish farming activities and temporarily stop farming; while some larger farms also had to temporarily stop farming. Therefore, fish price has tended to be a main driving force for catfish farm changes. In the shrimp industry, there were technical changes occurring in the high intensity level of shrimp farms (HiLI); whereas, the remaining shrimp farms had fewer changes in farm management. Most HiLI shrimp farms were affected by AHPNS disease, which was a main factor driving their farm changes. Many perceptions of sustainability were identified by stakeholder groups, however seven sustainability issues had a high level of agreement among stakeholders including input cost, capital & credit costs, unstable markets, government regulation & policy, disease, seed quality, water quality and water availability factors. Hatcheries, farmers and manager groups were more concerned about environmental issues; while for the input suppliers and processors, economics was the main issue. Farmers and processors were two main actors that played an important role in the production process of the value chain. Small-/medium farms dominated the number of farms overall and still played an important role in primary production. However, small-scale farms were considered as more vulnerable actors in the value chain, and they faced more difficulties in meeting increasing requirements on food quality/safety. To maintain the position in the value chain, the solutions could be horizontal and vertical coordination. Thus policy makers will need to find ways to include them in the planning processes. To reach sustainability will require the efforts of direct stakeholders, the role of the state agencies is essential in negotiation and diplomacy to create partnerships with the seafood importing countries. However, efforts to develop sustainable production become impossible without participation from importers, retailers and consumers.

The aim of the study was to assess the possibilities in using ground-penetrating radar to identify small-scale stratigraphy in the upper 1 m of a soil profile and to statistically identify differences in the stratigraphic units discovered using the GPR unit. The study area is ca 15 km southwest of Lycksele near a gravel pit on the banks of Örån. It was located on top of a large (>5 m thick) glacifluvial deposit of indeterminate age overlayed by till from the latest deglaciation. The data sampled included 22 radargrams depicting a total length of >1000 m as well as soil samples from three stratigraphic units from three different trenches (9 samples in total). Visual analysis of the stratigraphy took place via trenches as well as by studying the radar images. The radar images show that three stratigraphic units can be identified clearly (ablation till, S1, a transitional layer of mixed till and glacifluvium, S2, and the underlying glacifluvium, S3) but that the border between the two lower units can be opaque at times. Field observations showed this to be due to the genesis of the topmost unit, the ablation till. Observations in the field also showed relict podsolization in a kettle in the northern part of the study area. Grain-size comparison of the three stratigraphic units identified was performed via sieving. Calculations of the weight percentage were then used for statistical analysis to identify any differences between the strata. Results show that there are differences regarding fine material (ø <0.074 mm, p=0.038), gravel (ø > 2 mm, p<0.0001) and sand (p=0.027) within these three stratigraphic units.