This research aims to investigate the behaviour of glass fibre reinforced polymer bars (GFRP) reinforced continuous concrete deep beams. For this purpose, experimental, analytical and numerical studies were conducted. Nine continuous concrete deep beams reinforced with GFRP bars and one specimen reinforced with steel bars were experimentally tested to failure. The investigated parameters included shear span-to-overall depth ratio (𝑎/ℎ), size effect and web reinforcement ratio. Two 𝑎/ℎ ratios of 1.0 and 1.7 and three section heights of 300 mm, 600 mm and 800 mm as well as two web reinforcement ratios of 0% and 0.4% were used. The longitudinal reinforcement, compressive strength and beam width were kept constant at 1.2%, ≈55 MPa and 175 mm, respectively. The web reinforcement ratio achieved the minimum requirements of the CSA S806-12. The experimental results highlighted that the web reinforcement ratio improved the load capacities by about 10% and 18% for specimens having 𝑎/ℎ ratios of 1.0 and 1.7, respectively. For specimens with web reinforcement, the increase of 𝑎/ℎ ratio from 1.0 to 1.7 led to reductions in the load carrying capacity by about 33% and 29% for beams with overall depths of 300 mm and 600 mm, respectively. Additionally, a considerable reduction occurred in the shear strength due to the increase of the section depth from 300 mm to 600 mm. The experimental results confirmed the impacts of web reinforcement and size effect that were not considered by the strut-and-tie method (STM) of the only code provision, the Canadian S806-12, that addressed such elements. In this study, the STM was illustrated and simplified to be adopted for GFRP RC continuous deep beams, and then, the experimental results obtained from this study were employed to assess the performance of the effectiveness factors suggested by the STMs of the American (ACI 318-2014), European (EC2-04) and Canadian (S806-12) codes as well as those factors recommended by the previous studies to predict the load capacities. It was found that these methods were unable to reflect the influences of member size and/or web reinforcement reasonably, the impact of which has been confirmed by the current experimental investigation. Therefore, a new effectiveness factor was recommended to be used with the STM. Additionally, an upper bound analysis was developed to predict the load capacities of the tested specimens considering a reduced bond strength of GFRP bars after assessing the old version recommended for steel RC continuous deep beams. A good agreement between the predicted results and the measured ones was obtained with the mean and coefficient of variation values for experimental/calculated results of 1.02 and 5.9%, respectively, for the STM and 1.03 and 8.6%, respectively, for the upper-bound analysis. A 2D finite element analysis using ABAQUS/Explicit approach was carried out to introduce a model able to estimate the response of GFRP RC continuous deep beams. Based on the experimental results extracted from the pullout tests, the interface between the longitudinal reinforcement and concrete surface was modelled using a cohesive element (COH2D4) tool available in ABAQUS. Furthermore, a perfect bond between the longitudinal reinforcement and surrounding concrete was also modelled to evaluate the validity of this assumption introduced by many previous FE studies. To achieve a reasonable agreement with the test results, a sensitivity analysis was implemented to select the proper mesh size and concrete model variables. The suitability and capability of the developed FE model were demonstrated by comparing its predictions with the test results of beams tested experimentally. Model validation showed a reasonable agreement with the experiments in terms of the failure mode, total failure load and the load-deflection responses. The perfect bond model has overestimated the predicted results in terms of stiffness behaviour and failure load, while the cohesive element model was more suitable to reflect the behaviour of those specimens. The validated FE model was then employed to implement a parametric study for the key parameters that govern the behaviour of beams tested and to achieve an in depth understanding of such elements. The parametric study showed that the higher the 𝑎/ℎ ratio the more pronounced the effect of web and the longitudinal reinforcements and the lower the effect of concrete compressive strength; and vice versa when 𝑎/ℎ ratio reduces.

The finite element method is a powerful analysis tool which has facilitated a better understanding of the behaviour of reinforced concrete structures. Its use in the research field is widespread and complements experimental tests and the development of new analytical models. Its application in practice engineering has permitted to deal with complex elements. However, the general structural engineer is still reluctant to consider finite element modelling for his work as he finds most of these models excessively sophisticated for his needs and knowledge. In particular, complexity of many finite element tools usually derives from the adoption of advanced concrete constitutive models. Implementation of more simple models based on engineering practice could facilitate its use by less experienced finite element users. In structural engineering practice finite element analysis can be of great usefulness to deal with those more problematic elements and/or where the application of traditional analysis methods presents limitations. This includes the so-called D-regions with a 3D behaviour. The strut-and-tie method and the stress field method are consistent and rational tools for the analysis and design of D-regions, but while their application to 2D elements is well covered in literature, its extension to 3D is problematic. This generally explains why excessively conservative assumptions are still common in the design of these elements. Refinement of current analytical and design approaches or the use of finite element analysis could lead to more rational solutions which in turn will reduce material requirements and costs. A 3D nonlinear finite element-based tool was developed in this thesis oriented towards the analysis and design of 3D D-regions by less experienced finite element users. Regarding material modelling, an orthotropic concrete model was adopted to permit the use of uniaxial stress-strain relationships. Only one single parameter, the uniaxial compressive strength of concrete, needs to be defined. Additionally, several aid functions were implemented, among which the following can be highlighted: a comprehensive, embedded reinforcement model to facilitate the introduction of complex rebar geometries; special support and load elements permitting an integrated and simple treatment of the boundary conditions imposed by them; and a simple design algorithm for the automatic determination of the required rebar areas. Three examples of applications to representative 3D D-regions are presented to show the capabilities of the tool. In particular, the analyses of fourteen four-pile caps, three socket base column-to-foundations connections and one anchorage block are described in the third part of the thesis. Results prove that realistic response predictions can be obtained considering relatively simple constitutive models. The capacity of the tool to configure consistent stress field models depending on the reinforcement arrangement is also demonstrated. The generation of rational reinforcement configurations by applying the implemented design algorithm is also shown. A strut-and-tie-based method for the analysis and design of four-pile caps with rectangular geometries is proposed in the fourth part. The method is based on a refined 3D strut-and-tie model and the consideration of three potential modes of failure: exceeding the reinforcement strength, crushing of the diagonal strut at the base of the column with narrowing of the strut and splitting of the diagonal strut due to transverse cracking. The main innovation is that the strut inclination is not fixed as in current strut-and-tie-based design procedures, but determined by maximizing the pile cap strength. The method accounts for strength softening of cracked concrete, compatibility constraints and reinforcement details. Its application to 162 specimens of literature led to very good predictions of the ultimate strength and, to a lesser extent, of the mode of failure. / El método de los elementos finitos es una potente herramienta de análisis que ha facilitado un mejor conocimiento del comportamiento de las estructuras de hormigón armado. Su uso en el ámbito de la investigación está ampliamente extendido. Su aplicación en la práctica ingenieril ha permitido la resolución de elementos complejos. Sin embargo, el ingeniero estructural común todavía es reticente a usar la modelización por elementos finitos ya que considera que la mayoría de estos modelos son excesivamente sofisticados para sus necesidades. La complejidad de muchas herramientas de elementos finitos suele derivarse de la adopción de modelos constitutivos de hormigón avanzados. La implementación de modelos más sencillos podría facilitar su uso por usuarios menos experimentados. En la práctica ingenieril el análisis con elementos finitos puede ser de gran utilidad para tratar aquellos elementos más problemáticos y/o donde la aplicación de los métodos de análisis tradicionales presenta limitaciones. Esto incluye las llamadas regiones D con comportamiento 3D. El método de bielas y tirantes y el método de campos de tensiones son herramientas racionales para el análisis y dimensionamiento de regiones D, pero su extensión a 3D es problemática. Este hecho explica por qué se adoptan todavía hipótesis excesivamente conservadoras en el dimensionamiento de estos elementos. La propuesta de métodos analíticos y de diseño más adecuados o la modelización con elementos finitos podría conducir a soluciones más racionales, lo que a su vez reduciría las necesidades de material y los costes. Como parte de esta tesis se ha desarrollado una herramienta de cálculo no lineal basada en el método de los elementos finitos orientada al análisis y dimensionamiento de regiones D tridimensionales por usuarios con menos experiencia en la modelización con elementos finitos. Se ha adoptado un modelo ortotrópico para el hormigón para permitir el uso de relaciones uniaxiales de tensión-deformación. Sólo es necesario definir un único parámetro, la resistencia a compresión uniaxial del hormigón. Adicionalmente, se han implementado varias funciones de ayuda, entre las que destacan: un modelo de armadura embebida para facilitar la introducción de geometrías de armado complejas; elementos especiales de apoyo y de carga que permiten un tratamiento integral de las condiciones de contorno; y un algoritmo de diseño para la determinación automática del área de armado necesaria. Se presentan tres ejemplos de aplicación a regiones D 3D representativas para mostrar las capacidades de la herramienta. En concreto, en la tercera parte del documento se describen los análisis de catorce encepados, tres cálices de cimentación y un bloque de anclaje. Los resultados muestran que se pueden obtener predicciones bastante realistas considerando modelos constitutivos relativamente sencillos. También se demuestra la capacidad de la herramienta para configurar modelos de campo de tensiones consistentes dependiendo de la configuración de armado. Además se muestra la capacidad del algoritmo de diseño para configurar disposiciones de armado racionales. En la cuarta parte se propone un método para el análisis y dimensionamiento de encepados sobre cuatro pilotes con geometría rectangular. El método se basa en un modelo 3D de bielas y tirantes refinado y la consideración de tres modos de fallo posibles: rotura del acero, aplastamiento de la biela diagonal en la base de la columna con estrechamiento de la misma y splitting de la biela diagonal debido a la fisuración transversal. La principal novedad es que el ángulo de la biela no se fija como en otros modelos, sino que se determina mediante la maximización de la resistencia del encepado. El método considera el debilitamiento de la resistencia del hormigón fisurado, condiciones de compatibilidad de deformaciones y detalles de armado. Su aplicación a 162 especímenes dio luga / El mètode dels elements finits és una potent eina d'anàlisi que ha facilitat un millor coneixement del comportament de les estructures de formigó armat. El seu ús en l'àmbit de la investigació està àmpliament estès. La seua aplicació en la pràctica enginyeril ha permès la resolució d'elements més complexos. No obstant això, l'enginyer estructural comú encara és reticent a fer servir la modelització per elements finits ja que considera que la majoria d'aquests models són excessivament sofisticats per a les seues necessitats i el seu conèixement. En concret, la complexitat de moltes eines d'elements finits sol derivar-se de l'adopció de models constitutius avançats de formigó. La implementació de models més senzills basats en la pràctica enginyeril podria facilitar el seu ús per a usuaris menys experimentats en la modelització amb elements finits. A la pràctica enginyeril l'anàlisi amb elements finits pot ser de gran utilitat per a tractar aquells elements més problemàtics i/o on l'aplicació dels mètodes d'anàlisi tradicionals presenta limitacions. Això inclou les anomenades regions D amb comportament 3D. El mètode de bieles i tirants i el mètode de camps de tensions són eines racionals per a l'anàlisi i dimensionament de regions D, però la seua extensió a 3D és problemàtica. Aquest fet explica per què s'adopten encara hipòtesis excessivament conservadores en el dimensionament d'aquests elements. La proposta de mètodes analítics i de disseny més adequats o la modelització amb elements finits podria conduir a solucions més racionals, amb el que també es reduirien les necessitats de material i els costos. Com a part d'aquesta tesi s'ha desenvolupat una eina de càlcul no lineal basada en el mètode dels elements finits orientada a l'anàlisi i dimensionament de regions D tridimensionals per a usuaris amb menys experiència en la modelització amb elements finits. S'ha adoptat un model ortotròpic per al formigó per permetre l'ús de relacions uniaxials de tensió-deformació. Només cal definir un únic paràmetre, la resistència a compressió uniaxial del formigó. Addicionalment, s'han implementat diverses funcions d'ajuda, entre les quals destaquen: un model d'armadura embeguda per facilitar la introducció de geometries d'armat complexes; elements especials de suport i de càrrega que permeten un tractament integral i senzill de les condicions de contorn; i un algoritme de disseny per a la determinació automàtica de l'àrea d'armat necessari. Es presenten tres exemples d'aplicació a regions D 3D representatives per mostrar les capacitats de l'eina. En particular, en la tercera part del document es descriuen les anàlisis de catorze enceps sobre quatre pilons, 3 calzes de fonamentació i un bloc d'ancoratge. Els resultats mostren que es poden obtenir prediccions prou realistes considerant models constitutius relativament senzills. També es demostra la capacitat de l'eina per configurar models de camp de tensions consistents depenent de la configuració d'armat. A més es mostra la capacitat de l'algoritme de disseny per configurar disposicions d'armat racionals. En la quarta part es proposa un mètode per a l'anàlisi i dimensionament d'enceps sobre quatre pilons amb geometria rectangular. El mètode es basa en un model 3D de bieles i tirants refinat i la consideració de tres modes de fallada possibles: trencament de l'acer, aixafament de la biela diagonal a la base de la columna amb estrenyiment de la mateixa i splitting de la biela diagonal per causa de la fissuració transversal. La principal novetat és que l'angle de la biela no es fixa com en els models actuals de bieles i tirants, sinó que es determina mitjan\c{c}ant la maximització de la resistència de l'encep. El mètode proposat considera el debilitament de la resistència del formigó fissurat, condicions de compatibilitat de deformacions i detalls d'armat. La seua aplicació a 162 espècimens de la liter / Meléndez Gimeno, C. (2017). A finite element-based approach for the analysis and design of 3D reinforced concrete elements and its applications to D-regions [Tesis doctoral]. Universitat Politècnica de València. https://doi.org/10.4995/Thesis/10251/86193

This thesis shows how misogynous and stereotypical images of women, which historically have been used to transform them into witches and monsters, are now reused in the construction of the term “batikhäxa” (“tie-dye witch”). Feminist and discourse theory form the framework of this study which includes the analysis of three opinion pieces, or political pamphlets, that were published between 2010 – 2018: "Batikhäxorna och makten" by the pseudonym Julia Caesar, "Refugee 'Children" & The Women Who Sexually Exploit Them" by the pseudonym Angry Foreigner and "De ansvariga för Sveriges kaos behöver en intervention för att ställas till svars " by Katerina Janouch. I use critical discourse analysis to study how discursive strategies are applied in these political pamphlets to delegitimate women, making them the scapegoats of society by use of the concept of the tie-dye witch. My thesis argues that the use of the tie-dye witch discourse reproduces patriarchal power relations by denying women the right to have and express their opinions, decide over their own bodies and exercise power in society. The tie-dye witch can therefore also be understood as an anti-feminist counterimage to the feminist witch who was established as a female role model in the 1960s. The study also uncovers the psychological function of the tie-dye witch as a female super monster who demarks the borders of nation, culture, religion, body and gender. In the studied texts, the tie-dye witch is constructed to separate "us" from "the others", and in doing so she also acts as a unifying figure in and of anti-feminist, islamophobic, xenophobic, nationalist and apocalyptic discourses.

O objetivo desta pesquisa é avaliar o potencial de ocorrência de hidrocarbonetos utilizando uma abordagem simplificada para reservatórios de arenito com dados de dois campos petrolíferos. Inclui a modificação de equações tradicionais para os parâmetros relevantes objetivando ajudar a fornecer expressões alternativas para auxiliar na previsão das unidades de fluxo (hidráulicas) dos reservatórios, transmissibilidade e recuperação primária no Bloco de Petróleo de Ritchie e no Campo de Petróleo e Gás de Osland, ambos situados no Delta do Niger, Nigéria. Também envolve a estimativa dos volumes recuperáveis de hidrocarbonetos com os cortes d´água (Water Cut - Cw), o uso de correlações de tempo/profundidade corretas, análise de velocidade aprimorada para petrofísica e interpretações sísmicas envolvendo a recomendação dos pontos para localização de poços de desenvolvimento no Campo de Petróleo e Gás Osland. No geral, quatro equações tradicionais de permeabilidade (Tixier, Timur, Coates e Coates e Danio\'s) foram modificadas para a análise comparativa e previsão da transmissibilidade dos reservatórios selecionados para a recuperação primária de hidrocarbonetos. Da mesma forma, a equação da Schlumberger para as equações de cálculo do índice de fluido livre (Free Fluid Index - FFI), Tiab e Donaldson para o indicador de zona de fluxo (Flow Zone Indicator - FZI) e índice de qualidade do reservatório (Reservoir Quality Index - RQI) foram redefinidas e incorporadas para auxiliar nas avaliações da unidade de fluxo. Além disso, as equações da Schlumberger para a permeabilidade relativa de fluidos também foram modificadas e utilizadas para a predição da Cw associada. Os resultados indicam reservatórios com boas unidades de vazão e taxas de recuperação. Os volumes de Cw nos reservatórios avaliados estão dentro das taxas aceitáveis e permitiram, também, a identificação de outras profundidades prováveis e a recomendação de áreas de drenagem. A utlização de dados de perfilagem de poços em conjunto com os dados sísmicos (Well to Seismic tie - W-ST) ajudou a reduzir a dúvida sobre a espessora econômica (Pay Thickness - Pt) e a área de drenagem (Drainage Area - Ad). Modelos, em forma de simples equações e gráficos, foram sugeridos para a avaliação de reservatórios dentro de unidades de arenito. Com isso, o trabalho penoso no uso de equações tradicionais foi contornado. Desta forma, os erros computacionais que se somam quando se utliza uma série de equações antes das unidades de fluxo serem avaliadas foram evitados. Portanto, acredita-se que os métodos aqui adotados tenham minimizado o risco e a incerteza que acompanham as avaliações da unidade de fluxo, assim como as estimativas de volumes. Recomenda-se que um geólogo com experiência em geofísica ou mesmo um geofísico deve estar sempre envolvido em interpretações sísmicas e petrofísicas. Isso também contribuirá para a redução de riscos e incertezas. / The aim of this research is to evaluate the hydrocarbon potential using a simplified approach in the sandstone reservoirs of the fields within the two case studies. It includes the modification of some traditional equations for the relevant parameters to help provide alternative expressions to aid the prediction of the reservoirs flow (hydraulic) units, transmissibility and primary recovery in Ritchies Oil Block and Osland Oil and Gas Field. It also involves the estimation of the recoverable volumes of hydrocarbons with the associated water cuts (Cw), and the use of correct time/depth correlations and enhanced velocity analysis for petrophysics and seismic interpretations involving the recommendation of the points for siting developmental wells in Osland Oil and Gas Field. Overall, four traditional equations of permeability (Tixiers, Timurs, Coates and Coates and Denoos) were modified for the comparative analysis and prediction of the selected reservoirs transmissibility and primary hydrocarbon recovery. Similarly, the Schlumbergers equation for the free fluid index (FFI), the Tiab, and Donaldsons equations for Flow zone indicator (FZI) and reservoir quality index (RQI) were redefined and engaged to aid the flow units evaluations. In addition, the Schlumbergers equations for fluids relative permeability were also modified and engaged for the prediction of the associated Cw. The results indicate reservoirs with good flow units and rates of recoveries. The volumes of Cw in the evaluated reservoirs are within the acceptable rates and other probable depths and drainage areas were recommended. Well to seismic tie (W-ST) aided to reduce the doubt regarding pay thickness (Pt) and drainages area (Ad). Models, in form of equations and handy charts, were suggested for the evaluation of reservoirs within sandstone units. The drudgery in the use of tradition equations was bypassed. The computational errors that may come with the calculation of a range of equations before flow units are evaluated were avoided. The methods adopted herein are believed to have minimised risk and uncertainty that comes with the flow unit evaluations and volumes estimations. It is supported herein that a geologist upskilled in geophysics or a geophysicist unskilled in geology should always be engaged in seismic and petrophysical interpretations. This will also contribute to risk and uncertainty reduction.

by Kan Yat Cho Joe. / Thesis (M.B.A.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 1998. / Includes bibliographical references (leaf 82). / abstracts --- p.ii / table of contents --- p.iii / LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS --- p.v / LIST OF TABLES --- p.vi / ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS --- p.viii / Chapter / Chapter 1 --- introduction --- p.1 / Objective of Financial Statements --- p.1 / Users of Financial Statements --- p.2 / Chapter 2 --- METHODOLOGY OF STUDY --- p.5 / Selection Criteria --- p.5 / Analysis Approach --- p.7 / Results of Search for Target Company --- p.8 / Chapter 3 --- COMPANY BACKGROUND --- p.10 / Company History --- p.10 / Production Process --- p.12 / Company Structure --- p.14 / Operational Structure --- p.15 / Principal Products --- p.16 / Market Geography --- p.18 / Chapter 4 --- MARCO-ANALYSIS / The PRC Economy --- p.20 / The Steel Industry --- p.23 / Chapter 5 --- MICHAEL PORTER'S FIVE FORCES --- p.26 / Present Competition --- p.26 / Threat of New Entrants --- p.27 / Substitute Products --- p.28 / Bargaining Power of Suppliers --- p.28 / Bargaining Power of Customers --- p.29 / Chapter 6 --- RISK FACTORS / Risk Associated with the PRC --- p.30 / Risk Associated with the Steel Industry --- p.31 / Risk Associated with Magang --- p.32 / Chapter 7 --- FINANCIAL ANALYSIS / Evaluation of Accounting Policies --- p.34 / Adjustments to Financial Statements --- p.35 / Financial Ratio Analysis --- p.44 / Chapter 8 --- VALUATION / Calculation of Discount Rate --- p.58 / Asset and Liability Based Value --- p.61 / Price Earning Multiple --- p.64 / Dividend Growth Model --- p.66 / Discount Cashflow Model --- p.68 / Summary --- p.68 / Chapter 9 --- LIMITATION TO STUDY --- p.70 / Lack of Comprehensive and Accurate Data --- p.70 / Lack of Peer Data --- p.71 / Limited Listing Period --- p.71 / APPENDIX --- p.73 / BIBLIOGRAPHY --- p.82

專利聯盟（patent pools）可以創造龐大的促進競爭效益，但是同時也可能產生妨礙競爭與創新之疑慮，若法律完全不對專利聯盟之運作進行規範，專利權人將得以利用專利聯盟制度作為提昇自己市場獨占力量，抑制市場競爭，甚至是濫用專利排他權的工具。為了畫下專利權人正當行使權利之界限，維護專利制度的政策目的，以規範專利聯盟所產生之專利權濫用問題，美國的法制上遂逐漸發展出以專利權濫用原則（patent misuse doctrine）與競爭法（即美國之反托拉斯法），對專利聯盟進行管制的結構。美國法上之專利權濫用原則創設之初係為了限制輔助侵權理論之適用，此理論最初與競爭法制並無交集，判斷的重點在於專利權人是否逾越其權限，之後隨著1988年美國專利法之修正，以及學理實務的改變，現今專利權濫用原則的認定已牽涉競爭法「合理原則」之判斷，然而，許多爭議也逐漸浮現，例如應如何判斷專利權人在專利聯盟中所為之限制競爭行為是否成立濫用，專利權濫用原則與競爭法之間之關係為何，甚至專利權濫用原則本身是否仍有必要存在，這些問題都尚待解決，因此現今正是對專利權濫用理論進行全面檢討之時機。 本文以下將針對專利聯盟所涉及之專利權濫用問題進行研究，對於實務上專利權人利用專利聯盟所進行之搭售、包裹授權、聯合訂價、競業禁止條款等行為進行觀察，並對其所涉及之專利權濫用問題進行初步分析。基於此一研究所獲得之基礎，本文將嘗試指出專利權濫用理論值得檢討之處，並指出專利權濫用理論兼具專利制度和競爭法制之特質，也反映了兩者間之衝突，其亦具有能夠與時俱進，以及反映專利制度政策公益之特質，因此仍有繼續存在價值。尤其係在專利聯盟成員利用彼此間競業禁止協議抑制新生替代性技術發展之情形，法院在適用競爭法合理原則時，往往因為專利聯盟所創造的促進競爭效益，以及新生技術未來發展的不確定性，而傾向認定此種契約條款為合法，忽略其所產生之抑制創新問題，此時即有適用專利權濫用原則之空間。此外，更可以考慮以我國民法第148條所規範之誠信原則與權利濫用原則作為將專利權濫用理論引入我國法之基礎，而在尚未引入以前，對於專利聯盟所涉及之專利權濫用問題，我國實務可以將美國法專利權濫用原則之理論基礎作為操作民法第148條、專利法第60條、公平交易法第18條及第19條以及其他相關規定時之指導原則。本文之意旨並非在完全以專利權濫用原則取代競爭法規範的角色，而係期待實務上應當設法對專利權濫用原則之價值進行重新評估，以賦予專利權濫用原則嶄新之生命，讓專利權濫用原則與競爭法共同形成一個完善、合理的專利權行使規範體系。 / Patent pool licensing can both create enormous pro-competitive and anti-competitive effects. Without legal intervention, the patentee would be able to manipulate the patent pool system as a mean to increase his own monopoly power, suppress competition in the market, and even misuse his patent exclusive power. In order to prevent the misuse of patent rights, protect patent policy and regulate patent misuse issues in patent pools, the U.S law system employs the “patent misuse doctrine” and competition law (antitrust law) to deal with the above issues. The patent misuse doctrine was initially designed to limit the overexpansion of the contributory infringement theory and has no relationship with competition law. The essential factor to constitute patent misuse is that the patentee extends the patent monopoly over the statutory scope of his patent right. Nevertheless, in pace with the Patent Misuse Reform Act of 1988 and the conversion of the legal practice, the patent misuse doctrine has begun to intertwine with competition law’s “rule of reason” analysis. Gradually, many disputes have emerged, such as how to determine whether the patentee’s conduct constitutes patent misuse in patent pools, what is the relationship between the patent misuse doctrine and competition law, and whether the patent misuse doctrine itself is necessary to exist. Therefore, it is high time to conduct a comprehensive review of the patent misuse theory. This article will provide insights to patent misuse issues in patent pool licensing, such as tie-in arrangement, package licensing, price fixing, non-competition agreements, etc, and review the theoretical basis of the patent misuse doctrine. This article will also submit that the patent misuse doctrine is a doctrine which has both the characteristics of patent law and competition law and can compromise the interests of these two areas of regulations. It can also reflect patent policy and grow and change with time. Therefore, it is a doctrine which should continue to exist. Particularly, in the situation which patent pool members use non-competition agreements to suppress the development of nascent substitute technologies, courts would often consider this kind of agreement to be legal because of the enormous pro-competitive effects created by the patent pool and the uncertainty of the future development of the nascent technology. At this moment, it is necessary to apply the patent misuse doctrine to deal with the problem. In addition, the principle of good faith which is encoded in article 148 of the civil code may be an appropriate medium to introduce the patent misuse doctrine into our legal system. Even if it is not yet introduced into our system, the patent misuse doctrine could be the guiding principle for our legal practitioners to apply article 148 of the civil code, article 60 of the patent act, article 18 and article 19 of the Fair Trade Act in order to deal with patent misuse issues in patent pool licensing. This article supports that the patent misuse doctrine should be refined and cooperate with competition law in order to form a complete regulation of patent misuse conducts, but it does not submit that current competition law should be entirely replaced by the patent misuse doctrine.

Effective knowledge sharing within project teams is critical to knowledge-intensive professional service firms. Prior research studies indicate a positive association between trust, social-cognitive factors, and effective knowledge sharing among co-workers. The conceptual framework proposed here builds on these studies, and draws from theoretical foundations from the organizational behavior, psychology, information studies, sociology, and management literature on organizational trust and knowledge sharing, and identifies the most significant factors found to influence organizational knowledge sharing directly and indirectly through trust. The study makes methodological contributions in the form of conceptualizations for knowledge sharing behavior, trust, and tie strength. Also, it provides a more nuanced and focused analysis, by factoring for knowledge type and co-worker working relationship. Data were collected from 275 knowledge workers (‘legal professionals’ and paralegals) engaged in shared legal project work, at one of Canada’s largest multijurisdictional law firms. The nature of their work required a significant reliance on co-workers, for both explicit and tacit knowledge. Multiple regression analysis, among other statistical techniques, was used to test the hypotheses and determine significant relationships. Of the factors examined in the study, the three found to have the strongest effect on respondents’ trust in their co-workers were shared vision, shared language, and tie strength. Furthermore, the two factors found to have the strongest effect on organizational knowledge sharing behavior were trust and shared vision. Overall trust was also found to have a mediating effect between shared vision and knowledge sharing behavior, and between shared language and knowledge sharing behavior. A significant implication for practitioners is that effective knowledge sharing among co-workers requires a nurturing manager to work on developing co-worker trust and shared vision. Furthermore, a manager wanting to promote trust between co-workers must nurture shared language and shared vision.

Small wind turbines, and especially urban-mounted turbines which require no dedicated pole, have garnered great public enthusiasm in recent years. This enthusiasm has fueled widespread growth among energy conservationists, and estimates predict that the power produced nationally by small wind will increase thirty-fold by 2013. Unfortunately, most of the wind resources currently available have been designed for larger, rural-mounted turbines; thus, they are not well suited for this nascent market. A consequence of this is that many potential urban small wind turbine owners over-predict their local wind resource, which is both costly and inefficient. According to a recent study published by Encraft Ltd., small wind turbines mounted to buildings far underperformed their rural pole mounted counterparts. As a proposed solution to this problem, this project introduces the concept of a Web-based Wind Assessment System (WWAS). This system combines all the necessary resources for potential urban small wind turbine customers into a single web-based tool. The system also presents the concept of a modular wind measurement system, which couples with the WWAS to provide real-time wind data measurements. The benefits of the system include its ease of use, flexibility of installation, data accessibility from any web browser, and expert advice. The WWAS prevents potential clients from investing in a system that may not be viable for their location. In addition, a small wind turbine is designed in this project, which has a unique modular mounting system, allowing the same baseline wind turbine to attach to various structures using interchangeable mounting hardware. This includes such accessible urban structures as street lights, building corners, flag poles, and building walls, among others. This design also utilizes concepts that address some of the challenges associated with mounting small wind turbines to existing urban structures. These concepts include: swept tip blades and lower RPM to reduce noise; vibration suppression using rubber shims; a netted duct to protect wildlife; and a direct-drive permanent magnet generator to ensure low starting torque. Finally, the cost of this system is calculated using off-the-shelf components, which minimize testing and certification expense. This small wind turbine system is designed to be grid-connected, has a 6 foot diameter rotor, and is rated at 1 kW. This design features a unique modular interchangeable mounting system. The cost for this complete system is estimated to be $2,050. If a users' site has an average wind speed of 14 mph (6.5 m/s), this system will generate a return on investment in 8.5 years, leaving over 10 years of profit. The profit for this system, at this sample average wind speed, yields over $4,000 during its 20-year design life, which is a two-fold return on investment. This project has implications for various stakeholders in the small wind turbine market, including designers, engineers, manufacturers, and potential customers. Equally important is its potential role in guiding our future national--even global--energy agenda.

Γίνεται μια γενική ανφορά στο πρόβλημα της ενίσχυσης φέρουσας τοιχοποιίας με σύνθετα υλικά και παρουσιάζονται οι μέχρι τώρα τεχνικές και τρόποι εφαρμογής της μεθόδου. Στη συνέχεια αναπτύσεται λογισμικό το οποίο συνδιάζει την χρήση των πεπερασμένων στοιχείων και των προσομοιωμάτων θλιπτήρων-ελκυστήρων για την σύνθεση του τασικού πεδίου μεμονομένων δομικών στοιχείων Φ.Τ. Αντικειμενικός σκοπός είναι η σύνθεση ενός δικτυώματος από την επίλυση του οποίου να προκύπτει η τοπολογία των οπλισμών και η εκτίμηση του απαιτούμενου εμβαδού σύνθετου υλικού. Παρουσιάζονται τα πειραματικά αποτελέσματα που έχουν προκύψει απο δοκίμια περισφιγμένα διαφόρους τύπους σύνθετου υλικού, για διαφορετικά γεωμετρικέ χαρακτηριστικά και ποσότητες οπλισμού, καθώς και υλικό εμποτισμού. Βαθμονομείται ένα αναλτυικό προσομοίωμα για την περισφιγμένη τοιχοποιία με σύνθετα υλικά. Καταστρώνονται οι εξισώσεις σχεδιασμού Φ.Τ. ενισχυμένης με σύνθετα υλικά για τις κλασσικές περιπτώσεις καταπόνησης και συντίθεται λογισμικό που χρησιμοποιεί τις εξισώσεις αυτές. / Strengthening of masonry structures with FRPs. A general overview of the method and presentation of all the related topics that are known until today. Evaluation of a software that combines the finite element method with the strut-and -tie models in the composition of the stress field of a given load bearing masonry element. The purpose of the method is to compose a truss, from the given stress field, in order to identify the topology of the reinforcment (FRP strips), as well as the amount of the strips needed to be placed in the positions of the struts. Experimental investigation of the confined masonry with FRPs. Presentation of the experimental data using specimens with various b/h ratios confined with different type of fibers, layers of reinforcement, smoothening radious of the corners and with different type of impregnation materials. Synthesis of the equations governing the most important cases of strengthening masonry structures with FRPs and composition of a software for the design of such cases.

No description available.