Fault tree analysis, FTA, is one of the most commonly used techniques for safety system assessment. Over the past five years the Binary Decision Diagram (BDD) methodology has been introduced which significantly aids the analysis of the fault tree diagram. The approach has been shown to improve both the efficiency of determining the minimal cut sets of the fault tree, and also the accuracy of the calculation procedure used to quantifY the top event parameters. To utilise the BDD technique the fault tree structure needs to be converted into the BDD format. Converting the fault tree is relatively straightforward but requires the basic events of the tree to be placed in an ordering. The ordering of the basic events is -critical to the resulting size of the BDD, and ultimately affects the performance and benefits of this technique. There are a number of variable ordering heuristics in the literature, however the performance of each depends on the tree structure being analysed. These heuristic approaches do not always yield a minimal BDD structure for all trees, some approaches generate orderings that are better for some trees but worse for others. Within this thesis three pattern recognition approaches, that of machine learning classifier systems, multi-layer perceptron networks and radial basis function neural networks, have been investigated to try and select a variable ordering heuristic for a given fault tree from a set of alternatives. In addition a completely new heuristic based on component structural importance measures has been suggested with significant improvement in producing the smallest BDD over those methods currently in the literature.

This thesis focuses on the analysis of the current state and proposal for modifications of information system for a company in construction business. First part introduces basic terms from the field of ICT, second part describes analyzes of current state of company’s ICT and the last chapter focuses on proposal for modifications of current ICT that are based on results of previous analyzes.

Master of Science / Department of Horticulture, Forestry, and Recreation Resources / Candice Shoemaker / Agriculture is a driving industry for most areas of the United States, and the Great Plains region is no exception. In the state of Kansas, agriculture is the primary industry capturing a spot in the USDA 2012 Census of Agriculture’s Top 10 states for total agricultural sales, total crop sales, and total livestock sales (USDA, 2012). Despite the thriving agricultural industry, little research has been completed on the food systems supporting Kansas communities. What are the characteristics of a local food system within the fabric of an agriculturally rich state? The goal of this study was to evaluate the characteristics and perceptions of the local food system supporting Manhattan, Kansas – a metropolitan area located in North Central Kansas. Specifically, we wanted to understand producer barriers to expanding beyond direct markets into institutional markets such as school dining services, grocery stores, and hospital food services. The objectives were to 1) understand producer concerns for selling to institutions, 2) identify resources producers need to access institutional markets, 3) understand institutional preferences for local purchasing, and 4) understand producer and institution definitions of “local” food. In February 2013, a survey was mailed to 162 Kansas producers identified within a 150 mile distance of Manhattan, Kansas. The response rate was 63% and descriptive statistics were completed. Interviews were completed with eleven local institutions in March/April 2013. Common themes were qualitatively assessed. In general, farms were small-scale, producing a diversity of products, and utilizing direct-to-consumer markets while selling to institutions on a limited basis. Producer concerns for selling to institutions included low prices, small production quantities, and delivery costs. Institution concerns included product quantities, quality, and seasonality, quality of communication, and food safety. There was no consensus on a definition for “local” food systems. Opportunities for developing the local food system of Manhattan, Kansas include increasing seasonal production, increasing producer access to resources, and fostering relationships between local producers and institutions.

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p. 1-224 / Submitted by Santiago Fabio (fabio.ssantiago@hotmail.com) on 2013-03-13T19:22:40Z No. of bitstreams: 1 99999a.pdf: 1747605 bytes, checksum: 40da942ce532ba52bc1409b3a578da5a (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Rodrigo Meirelles(rodrigomei@ufba.br) on 2013-03-23T14:14:46Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 99999a.pdf: 1747605 bytes, checksum: 40da942ce532ba52bc1409b3a578da5a (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2013-03-23T14:14:46Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 99999a.pdf: 1747605 bytes, checksum: 40da942ce532ba52bc1409b3a578da5a (MD5) Previous issue date: 2005 / Esse trabalho utilizou o modelo proposto por Michael Lipsky (1980) para analisar a implementação da política de Avaliação da Aprendizagem em 163 escolas públicas urbanas situadas em 11 municípios do Estado da Bahia, no período 2002-2003. Para esse autor, a burocracia de linha de frente – funcionários públicos em contato direto com o cidadão – , no desenvolvimento do seu trabalho, cria estratégias de enfrentamento para lidar com as dificuldades e pressões inerentes ao serviço público. Ao fazê-lo, altera as políticas públicas sob sua responsabilidade, caracterizando, em última análise, o seu formato final. Aplicando esse modelo ao estudo da política de Avaliação da Aprendizagem, em um primeiro momento, foi feito o levantamento das orientações oficiais que a representaram sob a ótica de seus formuladores (Secretaria da Educação do Estado e Universidade Federal da Bahia, através do Projeto de Avaliação Externa). Em seguida esse desenho foi contrastado com os padrões de prática relatados pelas escolas responsáveis pela implementação da Avaliação de Aprendizagem, na busca de desvios de implementação, analisando-os à luz de suas condições de trabalho. As informações provenientes das 163 escolas foram coletadas a partir da leitura, categorização e tabulação de 654 Relatórios do Diretor encaminhados à equipe central da Avaliação em seis unidades letivas de 2002 e 2003. Verificou-se que, de 48 possibilidades de associação das condições de trabalho aos padrões de prática relatados, apenas 08 tiveram um resultado mediano a forte, o que abre uma discussão sobre possíveis outras causas para o estabelecimento dessas práticas. Além disso, das três etapas da política na escola (planejamento, aplicação e uso), concluiu-se que os padrões de prática associados à etapa de aplicação dos instrumentos não provocaram um redesenho da Avaliação de Aprendizagem, mas aqueles relacionados à fase de planejamento e de utilização dos dados implicaram em dificuldades e usos não previstos inicialmente pelos formuladores da política, sendo, portanto, as etapas que merecem maior atenção quando da proposta de novos desenhos de avaliação em larga escala. / Salvador

Cooling towers form an important part of chilled water systems and perform the function of rejecting the heat to the atmosphere. These systems are often not operated optimally, and cooling towers being an integral part of the system present a significant area to study and determine possible energy saving measures. Operation of cooling towers in economizer mode in winter and variable frequency drives (VFDs) on cooling tower fans are measures that can provide considerable energy savings. The chilled water system analysis tool (CWSAT) software is developed as a primary screening tool for energy evaluation for chilled water systems and quantifies the energy usage of the various components and typical measures that can be applied to these systems to conserve energy, all while requiring minimum number of inputs to analyze component-wise energy consumption and incurred overall cost. A careful investigation of the current model in CWSAT indicates that the prediction capability of the model at lower wet bulb temperatures and at low fan power is not very accurate. A new model for accurate tower performance prediction is imperative, since economizer operation occurs at low temperatures and most cooling towers come equipped with VFDs. In this thesis, a new model to predict cooling tower performance is created to give a more accurate prediction of energy savings for a tower. Further the economic feasibility of having additional cooling tower capacity to allow for economizer cooling, in light of reduced tower capacity at lower temperatures is investigated.

This master thesis is aimed at information systems and a correct method of their selection. The theoretical part introduces the dilemma within information systems especially description types of the systems and their examination and selection. An own solution consists of information strategy determination and the selection of convenient information system.

This thesis is concerned with cost optimization, choosing the right technology to facilitate the work of management and employees in the company and also improve their financial aspects. From a theoretical point of view describes the work area with a focus on Office 2010 and Office 365 and implementing a related technology. It also states the benefits of choosing one of these office packages. The own solution then presents the information systém tools - office suite and the advantages and disadvantages of each implemented solution.

This research attempts to evaluate temporary urban regeneration potential by integrating two systems that make up an interim intervention which addresses an observed problem. The research proposes a systematic approach for a multi-system life cycle assessment model which lays out the process of working with two separate systems to provide a pathway for temporary urban development strategies. To achieve this, the research starts with identifying parameters of temporary urban regeneration through a systematic review of the literature. Key parameters are categorized based on objectives, indicators, as well as, physical characteristics of the literature explored case studies. Then, the findings are utilized to guide the proposed model of connecting two given systems to assess their joint impacts on a temporary urban regeneration system. The proposed MSLCA framework utilizes a holistic modeling structure with a process to integrate and analyze separate systems and quantify results for overall sustainability performance. Finally, the model is used to evaluate a case study involving two systems that address observed problems and provide urban services. The results explore the environmental impacts of the proposed intervention and highlight the effects of individual components on both systems. Through the implementation of the model, decisions on temporary urban intervention are guided by hotspots in the results. The findings reveal an opportunity for future research to expand the model's application to other processes and further its scope beyond environmental indicators. Subsequent studies can investigate opportunities for a holistic approach that includes economic and social aspects. / Doctor of Philosophy / The way we live in cities is heavily influenced by how they are planned. Improvident city planning could deny residents opportunities to enjoy some basic urban amenities. These problems could be self-induced as they are often a result of planning, policies, or personal habits and choice. Planners, urban designers, and regulators are constantly experimenting with different tools of urban regeneration to rediscover genuine urban experiences. This research sets out to investigate opportunities for temporary urban interventions on vacant lands in the city of Riyadh through repurposing idle shipping containers as a tool. This is to address the issues of a lack of urban services within residential subdivisions in the city, the high prevalence of vacant lands, and a wide availability of decommissioned shipping containers. The use of shipping containers for non-cargo purposes has seen an increased interest among architects and designers for their versatility and accessibility. Empty container accumulation is often a result of an unbalanced trading system which is mainly an issue of import-based countries. Therefore, the upcycling potential of intermodal containers can extend their life cycles and take advantage of their structure. It also maximizes the environmental returns of their raw materials. Through such processes of circular economy, potential waste objects can be repurposed as resources into usable structures and thus avoids the use and extraction of new raw materials. It is generally thought that the repurposing of shipping containers into building structures introduces environmental advantages when compared to traditional construction. Similarly, vacant lands are a valuable and well-established resource that can provide the setting for temporary urban interventions. Finding a joint productive use of these systems is at the center of this research as it attempts to assess the urban regeneration value of their merged utility during their idle stage. This helps address a key challenge that most urban area suffers from which is the lack of easily accessible and timely deployable temporary urban intervention to serve a particular use. This research aims to create a model that evaluates the lifecycles of temporary uses based on the joint intersection of contributing systems. The proposed Multi-System Life Cycle Assessment (MSLCA) model is to be applied to assess temporary urban regeneration interventions and help make decisions regarding appropriate approaches. The goal of the model is to propose a value-based approach based on characteristics from two systems. The resulting MSLCA model answers questions on how to apply LCA processes to a transitional intervention with new processes. In doing so, it highlights parameters for systems integration and processes for planning appropriate scenarios for urban interventions. It also highlights the need for unique system boundaries and specifies approaches for system assessment and interpretation. Finally, it provides broader impact categories beyond environmental impacts to consider specific economic and social indicators.

The diploma thesis deals with the assessment and evaluation of the current state of the information system in the company ABC, s.r.o. Based on the outputs of the analyzes, author of this thesis evaluated the achieved results and then proposed possible solutions which should lead to improved work with the information system and increase the efficiency of its use.