The main purpose of this dissertation attempts to clarify the relations between imposed institutional change and social development in terms of Taiwan¡¦s development experiences. There are chiefly three studies in the dissertation. First of all, we reexamine Taiwan¡¦s democratic transition in institutional analysis. With regard to a political entrepreneur model, we shed light on the reasons why the transaction costs of Taiwan¡¦s democratic transition are not expensive and why the process of institutional change is relatively smooth. Secondly, we also explored the development of Taiwan¡¦s IC industry by virtue of imposed institutional analysis. We find it is the desirable government policies and appropriate institutional innovations that Taiwan¡¦s IC industry has made progress at a rapid rate in recent years. Finally, we analyze the interaction between technological choice and economic growth in terms of introducing adjustment costs of technology within a dynamic framework. We make a first attempt at exploring the technological adjustment costs on the rate of steady-state growth and the transitional behavior of the economy in an endogenous growth model.

Objective of this thesis is to identify potential energy savings regarding engine heating of cars within the Jämtland-Härjedalen county, northern Sweden. This could contribute to energy consumption reduction goals of Sweden. Potential energy savings are defined by comparing the current energy consumption with the energy consumption of different energy saving scenarios in terms of behavioural change and technological choices. Energy consumption, both current and potential is modeled in excel based on data derived from quantitative investigation and literature review. Engine heating is identified as an energy consumer, the energy saved by fuel consumption reduction (7,77 TJ/year) does not overcome the invested energy to heat engines (26,36 TJ/year). Engine heating reduces engine wear, fossil fuel consumption (0,34 TJ/year) and emissions currently. Regarding the choice of technology using more automatic time adjustment reduces energy consumption, engine wear, emissions and fossil fuel consumption. Other scenarios show a compromise between energy consumption reduction on one side and fossil fuel consumption reduction in combination with reduced engine wear and emissions on the other side.

A dissertação traz a análise dos contextos tecnológicos das ocupações de grupos ceramistas na Cidade de Pedra, Rondonópolis, Mato Grosso. A tecnologia cerâmica foi estudada segundo critérios relacionados às características da pasta e do contorno de potes cerâmicos. A pesquisa realizada relaciona quatro sítios a céu aberto e quatro sítios em abrigo-sob-rocha de uma área que se insere em um amplo contexto regional de sítios cerâmicos. O estudo da cerâmica presente nos sítios busca observar a diversidade das escolhas tecnológicas relacionadas ao processo produtivo dos potes, a partir de ocupações arqueológicas com cerâmica associada às tradições Uru e Tupiguarani, além de conjuntos cerâmicos não filiados. A interpretação dos dados leva em conta aspectos de caráter cultural implicados na contextualização dos sítios / This dissertation analyzes the technological context of ceramic-making group occupations on the City of Stone (Cidade de Pedra) area in Rondonópolis, Mato Grosso. The ceramic technology was studied according to criteria related to the features present in the paste and contours of ceramic pottery. The research correlates four open-sky sites and four sites under rocky shelters from an area that is inserted within a wide regional context of ceramic sites. The study of the ceramic pieces found at the sites observes the diversity in technological choices related to pottery production processes, from archaeological occupations where ceramic is associated to the Uru and Tupiguarani traditions, in addition to non-affiliated ceramic sets. Data were interpreted taking into account cultural aspects implied within the context of these sites

A dissertação traz a análise dos contextos tecnológicos das ocupações de grupos ceramistas na Cidade de Pedra, Rondonópolis, Mato Grosso. A tecnologia cerâmica foi estudada segundo critérios relacionados às características da pasta e do contorno de potes cerâmicos. A pesquisa realizada relaciona quatro sítios a céu aberto e quatro sítios em abrigo-sob-rocha de uma área que se insere em um amplo contexto regional de sítios cerâmicos. O estudo da cerâmica presente nos sítios busca observar a diversidade das escolhas tecnológicas relacionadas ao processo produtivo dos potes, a partir de ocupações arqueológicas com cerâmica associada às tradições Uru e Tupiguarani, além de conjuntos cerâmicos não filiados. A interpretação dos dados leva em conta aspectos de caráter cultural implicados na contextualização dos sítios / This dissertation analyzes the technological context of ceramic-making group occupations on the City of Stone (Cidade de Pedra) area in Rondonópolis, Mato Grosso. The ceramic technology was studied according to criteria related to the features present in the paste and contours of ceramic pottery. The research correlates four open-sky sites and four sites under rocky shelters from an area that is inserted within a wide regional context of ceramic sites. The study of the ceramic pieces found at the sites observes the diversity in technological choices related to pottery production processes, from archaeological occupations where ceramic is associated to the Uru and Tupiguarani traditions, in addition to non-affiliated ceramic sets. Data were interpreted taking into account cultural aspects implied within the context of these sites

Les innovations médicales ont un impact considérable sur les pratiques cliniques, sur la formulation des politiques et sur les attentes du public envers le système de santé. Dans un contexte de système de santé public, les conséquences économiques importantes des innovations médicales freinent grandement leur adoption alors qu’elles sont souvent représentées dans les médias comme étant hautement désirables. Une telle définition de la problématique limite le débat sur ce qui rend les innovations sociales et technologiques en santé pertinentes d’un point de vue de santé des populations. Il apparaît donc intéressant de tirer profit d’une pratique communicationnelle innovante, le Café scientifique. Ce projet de recherche analyse un Café scientifique ayant mis en scène en mars 2007 un échange entre quatre experts et environ 80 membres du public autour des enjeux relatifs aux innovations en santé. Les objectifs sont : 1) analyser l’application d’une intervention de type Café scientifique; et 2) analyser ses retombées sur les participants. Cette étude de cas unique s’appuie sur des données qualitatives et quantitatives: 1) observation semi-participative; 2) enregistrement audiovisuel de l’activité; 3) questionnaires distribués à la fin de l’activité; et 4) entrevues semi-dirigées (n=11) avec des participants. L’analyse intégrée de ces données permet de mieux comprendre comment le contexte est structurant pour le débat, décrit les principaux rôles adoptés par les participants lors des échanges, identifie les principaux enjeux relatifs aux innovations médicales qui ont été débattus et dégage les dynamiques qui favorisent ou nuisent à un dialogue entre des scientifiques et le public. Le Café scientifique est une pratique encore peu répandue, mais qui suscite un intérêt à la fois chez les chercheurs et les participants. / Medical innovations have significant influence on clinical practice, policy-making and public expectation towards the health care system. In the context of public health care systems, the cost of health innovation is a major barrier to its adoption even if they are often portrayed in the media as inherently desirable. Such a framing of the problem impedes the debate on what makes social and technological health innovations relevant from a population health perspective. Thus it is interesting to take advantage of an innovative communicational process, the Café scientifique. This research project analyzes a Café scientifique that took place in March 2007 which established a dialogue between four experts and around 80 members of the public on health innovation issues. The objectives are: 1) to analyze the application of the Café scientifique, and 2) to analyze its impact on participants. This single case study uses qualitative and quantitative data: 1) semi-participative observation; 2) audiovisual recording of the activity; 3) surveys distributed at the end of the activity; 4) semi-directed interviews (n=11) with participants. Integrated analysis of all data gives a better understanding of how the context is structuring for the debate, describes the main roles adopted by participants, identifies key health innovation issues that were discussed and highlights which features have facilitated or hindered a dialogue between scientists and the public. The Café scientifique is an unusual practice which stirs up interest of both researchers and participants.

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Les innovations médicales ont un impact considérable sur les pratiques cliniques, sur la formulation des politiques et sur les attentes du public envers le système de santé. Dans un contexte de système de santé public, les conséquences économiques importantes des innovations médicales freinent grandement leur adoption alors qu’elles sont souvent représentées dans les médias comme étant hautement désirables. Une telle définition de la problématique limite le débat sur ce qui rend les innovations sociales et technologiques en santé pertinentes d’un point de vue de santé des populations. Il apparaît donc intéressant de tirer profit d’une pratique communicationnelle innovante, le Café scientifique. Ce projet de recherche analyse un Café scientifique ayant mis en scène en mars 2007 un échange entre quatre experts et environ 80 membres du public autour des enjeux relatifs aux innovations en santé. Les objectifs sont : 1) analyser l’application d’une intervention de type Café scientifique; et 2) analyser ses retombées sur les participants. Cette étude de cas unique s’appuie sur des données qualitatives et quantitatives: 1) observation semi-participative; 2) enregistrement audiovisuel de l’activité; 3) questionnaires distribués à la fin de l’activité; et 4) entrevues semi-dirigées (n=11) avec des participants. L’analyse intégrée de ces données permet de mieux comprendre comment le contexte est structurant pour le débat, décrit les principaux rôles adoptés par les participants lors des échanges, identifie les principaux enjeux relatifs aux innovations médicales qui ont été débattus et dégage les dynamiques qui favorisent ou nuisent à un dialogue entre des scientifiques et le public. Le Café scientifique est une pratique encore peu répandue, mais qui suscite un intérêt à la fois chez les chercheurs et les participants. / Medical innovations have significant influence on clinical practice, policy-making and public expectation towards the health care system. In the context of public health care systems, the cost of health innovation is a major barrier to its adoption even if they are often portrayed in the media as inherently desirable. Such a framing of the problem impedes the debate on what makes social and technological health innovations relevant from a population health perspective. Thus it is interesting to take advantage of an innovative communicational process, the Café scientifique. This research project analyzes a Café scientifique that took place in March 2007 which established a dialogue between four experts and around 80 members of the public on health innovation issues. The objectives are: 1) to analyze the application of the Café scientifique, and 2) to analyze its impact on participants. This single case study uses qualitative and quantitative data: 1) semi-participative observation; 2) audiovisual recording of the activity; 3) surveys distributed at the end of the activity; 4) semi-directed interviews (n=11) with participants. Integrated analysis of all data gives a better understanding of how the context is structuring for the debate, describes the main roles adopted by participants, identifies key health innovation issues that were discussed and highlights which features have facilitated or hindered a dialogue between scientists and the public. The Café scientifique is an unusual practice which stirs up interest of both researchers and participants.

Les innovations technologiques pullulent dans le milieu policier depuis quelques années. Devant cette abondance de choix technologiques, et dans une conjoncture de ralentissement économique, la police doit s’assurer de faire une sélection favorisant le meilleur retour sur investissement. L’évaluation des technologies est la meilleure méthode permettant d’atteindre cet objectif. Ce projet de recherche analyse les différentes stratégies d’évaluation des technologies des corps policiers fédéraux et provinciaux du Canada en se basant sur le domaine baromètre de l’identité judiciaire. Cette étude s’appuie sur plusieurs données qualitatives : 1) observation participative à la Sûreté du Québec; 2) entrevues semi-directives (n=11) avec des membres de l’Ontario Provincial Police et de la Gendarmerie Royale du Canada. L’analyse intégrée des données colligées permet de mieux comprendre la dynamique de l’évaluation technologique dans la police. Même si une évolution est perceptible, certaines améliorations pourraient accroître l’efficacité du mini-PTA (Police Technology Assessment) dans un contexte où l’opérationnel et le théorique doivent cohabiter en parfaite harmonie afin de faciliter le travail des utilisateurs. Le mini-PTA est un outil facilitant l’adaptation de l’évaluation des technologies aux réalités régionales, mais ne peut en aucun cas remplacer unilatéralement le PTA fait par les grosses organisations d’évaluation des technologies policières. / Law enforcement has seen a proliferation of technological innovation in recent years. At the same time, the global recession has reduced the fiscal resources available to purchase and deploy new technological solutions. Thus, it is imperative that police forces select the technologies that offer a high return on investment. The technology assessment is the best method for achieving this goal. This research project analyzes different strategies of technology assessment employed by Forensic Identification units in federal and provincial police forces of Canada. This qualitative study is based on: 1) participant observations at the Surete du Quebec and 2) semi-structured interviews (n=11) with members of the Ontario Provincial Police and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. An integrated analysis of the study data offers new insight into the dynamics of technology assessment as currently employed in the police force. The current practices strive to maximize return on investment. Nevertheless, there are refinements that will increase the efficiency of mini-PTA (Police Technology Assessment) and harmonize the operational and theoretical needs required to facilitate the end users' job functions. Even with improvement, the mini-PTA is best suited for smaller, regional police forces. It cannot replace unilaterally the process of PTA conducted by large police technology assessment agencies.