Os resíduos de equipamentos elétricos e eletrônicos é um dos fluxos de resíduos que mais cresce no mundo. O aumento na produção destes equipamentos como resultado dos avanços tecnológicos e a sua rápida obsolescência promovem o aumento de geração deste tipo de resíduos. Portanto, este trabalho tem como objetivo estudar a recuperação de níquel presente no licor de lixiviação de placas de circuito impresso de telefones celulares obsoletos, através da aplicação de processos hidrometalúrgicos e eletrometalúrgico. Inicialmente, foram preparadas soluções sintéticas a partir da composição química do licor de lixiviação das frações magnética (MA) e não magnética (NMA) das placas de circuito impresso cominuídas. Os elementos presentes nas soluções são: ferro, zinco, níquel e alumínio. Posteriormente, foi realizada uma etapa de remoção do ferro, através de precipitação seletiva. A morfologia e a composição química do precipitado foram analisadas através de Microscopia Eletrônica de Varredura (MEV) e EDS, respectivamente. A composição química das soluções resultantes da precipitação foi determinada através da técnica de espectrofotometria de absorção atômica. Através do processo de precipitação conseguiu-se uma porcentagem de remoção de ferro na solução NMA de 99,6% e na solução MA de 99,9%, porém, observou-se também a coprecipitação de zinco, alumínio e níquel. Com as soluções resultantes desta etapa, foi realizada a purificação das soluções através de extração por solvente, utilizando Cyanex 272 como agente extratante. As variáveis estudadas nos ensaios de extração por solvente foram: pH, concentração do extratante, relação fase aquosa/orgânica (A/O) e temperatura. . Além disso, também foi determinado o número de contatos necessários para a extração de ferro, zinco e alumínio, obtendo assim, uma solução aquosa contendo unicamente níquel. Finalmente, foram realizados os ensaios de eletrodeposição para a obtenção de níquel metálico. Foi avaliado o efeito da temperatura sobre o filme depositado. A morfologia dos depósitos e a espessura da camada foram analisadas através do MEV, verificando que o aumento da temperatura influencia nas características do depósito obtido. / Electric and electronic waste (e-waste) is one of the fastest growing waste streams in the world. Continuous increasing production owing to the technological advances and the products consumption rise, all together with the rapid obsolescence of this scrap promotes the necessity of exchange and the increasing of generate waste. Therefore, the aim of this work is to study a recovering of nickel from leach liquor of cell phones printed circuit boards, through of hydrometallurgical and electrometallurgical process application. Firstly, was prepared synthetic solutions of both magnetic (MA) and nonmagnetic (NMA) fractions of printed circuit boards. The metal ions present in the synthetic solutions are: iron, zinc, nickel and aluminium. Afterwards was realized the iron removal stage, through both selective precipitation and solvent extraction process, in order to make a comparison of these techniques. The precipitates were analyzed across of scanning electron microscope (SEM), and the chemical composition of these solutions through atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS). With selective precipitation it was obtained 99,6% and 99,9% of iron removal with selective precipitation in NMA and MA solutions, respectively. Therefore, it was also observed co-precipitation of zinc, aluminium and nickel. With solutions after precipitation stage was carried out the solutions purification through solvent extraction using cyanex 272 as extractant. Solvent extraction test were studied different parameters, such as: equilibrium pH, extractant concentration, aqueous-organic (A/O) ratio and temperature. It was also determinates the stages number required for iron, zinc and aluminium extraction, to obtain nickel in aqueous solution uniquely. Finally, was carried out the electrodeposition test for obtain metallic nickel. Was analyzed the effect of temperature on the deposited layer. Surface Morphology and thickness of the deposits were evaluated by MEV, verifying that temperature increasing influences on deposited layer.

A study is hereby presented on system embedded photonic interconnect technologies, which would address the communications bottleneck in modern exascale data centre systems driven by exponentially rising consumption of digital information and the associated complexity of intra-data centre network management along with dwindling data storage capacities. It is proposed that this bottleneck be addressed by adopting within the system electro-optical printed circuit boards (OPCBs), on which conventional electrical layers provide power distribution and static or low speed signaling, but high speed signals are conveyed by optical channels on separate embedded optical layers. One crucial prerequisite towards adopting OPCBs in modern data storage and switch systems is a reliable method of optically connecting peripheral cards and devices within the system to an OPCB backplane or motherboard in a pluggable manner. However the large mechanical misalignment tolerances between connecting cards and devices inherent to such systems are contrasted by the small sizes of optical waveguides required to support optical communication at the speeds defined by prevailing communication protocols. An innovative approach is therefore required to decouple the contrasting mechanical tolerances in the electrical and optical domains in the system in order to enable reliable pluggable optical connectivity. This thesis presents the design, development and characterisation of a suite of new optical waveguide connector interface solutions for electro-optical printed circuit boards (OPCBs) based on embedded planar polymer waveguides and planar glass waveguides. The technologies described include waveguide receptacles allowing parallel fibre connectors to be connected directly to OPCB embedded planar waveguides and board-to-board connectors with embedded parallel optical transceivers allowing daughtercards to be orthogonally connected to an OPCB backplane. For OPCBs based on embedded planar polymer waveguides and embedded planar glass waveguides, a complete demonstration platform was designed and developed to evaluate the connector interfaces and the associated embedded optical interconnect. Furthermore a large portfolio of intellectual property comprising 19 patents and patent applications was generated during the course of this study, spanning the field of OPCBs, optical waveguides, optical connectors, optical assembly and system embedded optical interconnects.

Typescript (photocopy). / Digitized by Kansas Correctional Industries / Department: Computer Science.

Magister Artium - MA / This research uses the Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL) approach, more specifically, the appraisal theory to analyse the online message postings by fans of the popular music artist, Beyoncé Knowles. Through their online writings, insight into their evaluative discourses is gained. This research focuses on the emotional, judgemental and evaluative stance in their writings, especially; the linguistic choices that the online fans use in order to convey their attitudes: appreciation and judgement and affect towards Knowles. In order to do such an analysis, the study considers the different Systemic Functional Linguistic (SFL) levels of meaning (interpersonal, textual and experiential metafunctions). Several questions become pertinent: What kinds of interpersonal relations and identities are implicated on the message boards? (Interpersonal metafunction). How are these expressed textually? (Textual metafunction). What kinds of experiences/fields are implicated in the messages? (Experiential metafunction). The research concludes that in terms of identity, fans tend to latch onto a Hip-Hop culture in order to create and maintain a connection to Knowles. Fans display this linguistically by writing certain words out phonetically as they would be pronounced orally. Gender boundaries are transgressed irrespective of the fans' gender. Posts also demonstrate colourful expressive responses in relation to Knowles. Whether the fan is male or female, both feel comfortable in using emotive language to demonstrate the impact which she has on their lives. In terms of appreciation fans tend to express that she has inspired and changed their lives. Attitudes explored demonstrated that a number of Knowles' fans hold positive viewpoints and therefore they would align themselves positively towards her. The element of judgement was explored from different perspectives in relation to Knowles. One, being a website which suggested that Knowles had undergone an evil transformation. For evidence, these fans used her lyrics, gestures and images selectively as a way to "prove" their arguments. As a contribution to knowledge, this research is useful in the sense that when individuals log online and leave their posts on message boards, they do not always realise the impact of the message that they leave behind. Using SFL and the appraisal theory, one is able to establish the attitudes: judgements, appreciation and affect individuals hold towards a particular topic or person (in this case towards Knowles). Through linguistically analysing message boards, one is able to connect individuals to possible identity options. In essence, the letters and words which individuals have strung together create a greater picture than what was possibly intended. Linguistically, it opens more avenues for exploration.

Com a aprovação da Política Nacional de Resíduos Sólidos, a política de sustentabilidade tende ao reaproveitamento de resíduos, em seu ciclo ou destinação final ambientalmente adequada. Neste contexto, são apresentados neste trabalho, estudos do processo de separação de materiais metálicos e não metálicos encontrados em placas de circuito impresso de microcomputadores e a caracterização dos elementos químicos presentes. Para isto efetuou-se a trituração primária (moagem) das placas de circuito impresso, classificação granulométrica, separação de elementos metálicos e não metálicos utilizando separadores, magnético e eletrostático, separação gravimétrica com o uso de clorofórmio e bromofórmio. Para caracterização dos elementos metálicos e não metálicos, foram utilizadas as técnicas de Espectrometria de fluorescência de Raios X e Espectrometria de infravermelho. Os separadores eletrostático e eletromagnético não foram efetivos na separação de placas de circuito impresso para granulometrias inferiores a 9 Mesh. A separação dos elementos metálicos e não metálicos das amostras com granulometrias inferiores a 9 Mesh, teve eficiência parcial utilizando o clorofórmio, mas mostrou-se efetiva com a utilização do bromofórmio. Embora a separação gravimétrica, não tenha sido efetiva, as amostras foram caracterizadas. Para obter uma melhor separação dos elementos presentes na amostra de não metálicos, procedeu-se a trituração secundária (moagem) desta amostra, resultando na desagregação e separação efetiva. / With the approval of the National Solid Waste Policy, the sustainability policy tends to refer to the reuse of waste materials in its cycle or final destination, environmentally right. In this context, it is introduced in this work a study of metallic and nonmetallic materials separation, found in printed circuit boards of microcomputers and present chemical elements characterization. For this purpose it was performed the primary crushing (grinding) of printed circuit boards, particle size classification, separation of metallic and non-metallic elements by using magnetic and electrostatic separators, gravimetric separation using chloroform and bromoform. For characterization of metallic and nonmetallic elements, were used Spectrometry X-ray fluorescence and infrared spectrometry techniques. The electrostatic and electromagnetic separators were not effective in the separation of printed circuit boards for grain sizes below 9 Mesh. The separation of metallic and non-metallic elements of the samples with particle sizes less than 9 Mesh, had partial efficiency using chloroform, but was effective with the use of bromoform. Although the gravimetric separation, has not been effective, the characterized samples were. In order to get better separation of the elements present in non metallic samples it was made the secondary crushing (grinding) of this sample resulting in the breakdown and effective separation.

Drawing upon two forms of qualitative data—interviews with trustees and national trade association publication archival documents—and employing an abductive theory building strategy based on my analysis of higher education governance in the present day and historically, I perform an organizational etiology of U.S. higher education governing boards and governance. Studying governance in higher education lends itself to theory building, as governance lacks a strong basis of comparability, distinguishable from firm-based or other non-profit enterprise governance. Further, while governing boards are principal parties of authority, the shared governance framework almost universally privileges participation by a host of stakeholder parties. Further, the targets of governance, colleges and universities, are comparatively complex and ambiguous in terms of goals, priorities, purposes, products, and strategic interests, as well as in terms of operational, professional, hierarchical, and financial models of sustainability and advancement. I deconstruct governing boards, governance, and governing at several levels of consideration to find that explicit and ubiquitously understood organizational and work objectives and practices of governance conceal a state of organizing that necessitates considerable attention, deliberation, strategic action, and investment of resources by governing boards. It is the state of organizing itself that is a consummate and pervasive focus of attention and consideration. Governance and governing is an ongoing process or state of organizing characterized by a readiness to examine, address, and act upon boundaries of organization, profession, and work practices. As much as governing boards govern institutions, boards govern boundaries, and multiple kinds of boundaries at multiple levels of consideration at that. While boundary work implies work at the periphery, the boundary work of governance and governing boards is itself core to the organization and work performed. I dissect cognitive and practice-based dimensions of governing, ordering perceptions and explanations of the form of work being done by boards as professional organizations, and by tracing the broader culture and history of the field of governance, and show how boundaries and boundary work are a consuming strategic focus. Boards are enduring institutions with paradoxically unenduring boundaries. I find and describe how these boundaries share a set of traits and propensities indicative of a form of organizing without theoretical match or explanation: organizational amorphousness. I build the case for amorphousness throughout and, in the conclusion, explain how governing boards, the field of governance, and the work and practices of governing represent extreme cases of an evolved organizing predicated on dexterity and contingency. This form of organizing seemingly contradicts basic assumptions of organizing and begs the question as to what functions boards actually serve, as well as to what effect.

Nonprofit organizations play an important role in improving their communities. Their ability to meet community needs can be limited due to lack of diversity in their boards of directors, which can also affect equity, performance, and social justice. Procedures for harmonizing the diversity of nonprofit boards with their served community demographics are not well understood. This Delphi study investigated what strategies and practices nonprofit organizations could employ to promote greater diversity in their boards of directors. The study'€™s conceptual framework was based on the theory of diversity management. Twenty-five participants from various nonprofit boards answered open-ended questions in a 3-round through SurveyMonkey. Secondary data were obtained from each participant'€™s nonprofits to provide insight into their practices, policies, and records. These documents worked as substantiation for participant claims. Analysis of the data revealed 6 themes: getting to know the community, involving the community, widening the network to include more groups of people, accurate assessment of the community, creating representation and gaining insider perspective, and having a pool of candidates and board members fit for the position. These themes show a diversity-based strategy for the overall success of a nonprofit organization, which is based on how effectively a nonprofit board of directors establishes networks and maintains positive relationships with their served communities. The results of this study can foster positive social change by illustrating how increasing the diversity of a nonprofit board can enhance organizational effectiveness, extend the organization'€™s reach, enable the organization to serve its chosen communities better, and reduce socioeconomic inequality through new perspectives.

A journey comprised of three paths is the metaphor through which I i) reflect and report on my involvement with four New Zealand primary school Boards of Trustees (BOTs) investigating the emancipatory potential that applications of information and communication technologies (ICTs) may have on their governance processes, ii) analyse appreciative inquiry through application(s) of critical theory, with specific reference to the investigation above so as to deepen understanding of the research method, and iii) reflect on my personal development, as achieved through my engagement with participants and the research process. Stemming from an interest in improving school governance I was keen to identify current use of ICTs by BOTs and to work with them to identify potential applications. Appreciative inquiry with its focus on enhancing existing positive organisational attributes seemed to provide an appropriate structure for my investigation. At the back of my mind however, a concern was formulating: Does this method of research deliver the benefits the literature espouses? What influence would the positive orientation have on the research process and on the power dynamics within the research environment? Complementary streams of critical thinking and reflexivity were invoked to assist my analysis. Applications of ICTs which may appear 'helpful' to BOT governance processes are identified in this report. However, uncritical uptake of these applications may not necessarily be consistent with the emancipatory intentions I aspire to. Framed within Habermas' theory of communicative action, the potential colonisation of the BOT lifeworld by the system is considered. Domesticating influences may potentially constrain democratic processes at local school and societal levels. The participatory action research process undertaken facilitated a deepened understanding of governance for all involved. Identification of time and funding constraints indicates BOTs may be prevented from reaching their true potential. Attempts to enhance governance through additional applications of ICTs will be of minimal effect unless efforts are made to better understand and resource the governance efforts of Trustees. Purported empowerment of the community as mandated in the Education Act 1989 comes with a heavy cost, for schools and individuals. Care must be taken to ensure that 'efficiency' gains are not made at the expense of democratic processes. Critical analysis of appreciative inquiry as a research method highlights the influences of power and language use within the research process. Appreciative inquiry should be seen as a process for, rather than a master of change. The contribution of appreciative inquiry to organisational and personal transformation may be drawn from the ontological basis of the approach rather than from the technicalities of a specific form of implementation. I suggest the focus on what is 'good' be made more complex, to recognise that appreciation may also mean 'to know, to be conscious of, to take full and sufficient account of'. Application of an enhanced definition of appreciation has deepened my understanding of not only the situation under investigation but also the research process itself. Through my enhanced concept of 'appreciation' embedded and sometimes obscured influences were highlighted, better understood, and at times transformed to serve the emancipatory aspirations of participants. In keeping with the reflexivity mandated by my commitment to critical theory and action research, I applied this enhanced definition of appreciation to my personal development during my engagement with participants and the research process. My struggles to apply my chosen social constructionist and critical theory lenses to this work are evident in my attempts to work with the largely functionalist literature in this field and the influence of my undergraduate education. Recognising the theoretical and personal developments I gained as I travelled the three paths of my PhD journey, the scene is now set for me to challenge the predominance of functionalist, mechanistic metaphors which dominate organisational literature. In doing so, I seek an alternative approach to understanding organisational activity; and a new vocabulary through which I might extend my understanding, and negotiate new and emancipatory meaning(s) with others.

This thesis looks at the relationships Board of Trustees need to balance between themselves and their Maori communities. Their researcher was a sole Maori representative on a South Island Board of Trustees and explored the minority position of his role. The research was restricted to one Primary School and one board of Trustees. This research examined the strengths, weaknesses, attitudes and perceptions of Boards of Trustees governance when dealing with issues around their Maori communities. The role of the researcher as both writer and Board of Trustees Member, created ethical issues around objectivity and subjectivity, and sought to show how a researcher is able to remain impartial, in their own study. The research found that relationships between mainstream Boards of Trustees and their Maori communities are better developed by including local iwi or hapu, therefore making a three way relationship.

The writer set out to evaluate the extent to which the Boards of Governors of six provincial high schools in the Highlands of Papua New Guinea were conforming with the provisions of the 1970 Education Act and subsequent Departmental directives. Interviews were conducted with senior officers of the Department of Education, members of the Boards of the six schools and Mission Agency personnel. Board meetings were observed by the writer and records of past meetings and Departmental files were examined. The writer has traced the development of community participation and the sharing of decision making in Papua New Guinea education up to 1970 when school Boards were established by the Education Act, as well as subsequent developments in the relationship between the Department of Education and Boards of Governors. Histories of the six schools used as case studies are given, including accounts of the establishment and development of their Boards of Governors. In only one function, student discipline, did the Boards appear to have a largely executive role. This function was regarded by most Board members as being the area in which their Boards did their most important work. In some of the other functions listed in the Act and in subsequent directives, the Boards' role was found to be only a partially executive one or an advisory or critical one. With some of the functions assigned to them, there was little or no involvement by the Boards. Although the Boards have continued to be viable and to contribute to the effective running of their schools, they were not being used to their full potential and there was a need for their relationship with emerging Provincial Governments to be defined. The writer collected suggestions for improvements in the operations of the Boards from the people interviewed and made further suggestions based on his own observations.