L’économie d’énergie dans le bâtiment est devenue une question préoccupante d’envergure internationale. Le secteur du bâtiment en effet, est l’un des plus énergétivores avec par exemple plus de 43% du total d’énergie produite en France, mais aussi l’un des plus polluants avec environs, 23% des émissions de gaz à effet de serre. Avec l’accroissement des ménages, et la demande par conséquent d’énergie, les problèmes ci-dessus évoqués vont décupler et devenir rapidement ingérables les années à venir, si aucune mesure n’est prise. Ainsi, pour faire face à la situation, plusieurs stratégies sont mises en œuvre aux fins de réaliser l’économie d’énergie dans le bâtiment. Il y a le volet prédiction d’énergie qui oeuvre pour l’énergie juste heure après heure ; le volet recherche et élimination de ponts thermiques, afin de réduire au minimum les déperditions d’énergie représentant environ 30% de la consommation d’énergie ; et le volet conservation d’énergie dans les parois de bâtiment pour sa réutilisation future. Notre thèse s’est penchée sur les deux derniers volets en proposant différentes méthodes de CND et des traitements appropriés permettant la mise en évidence de défauts dans les structures de bâtiment. Des approches d’estimation de matrice de transfert ont été aussi abordées, pour permettre de prévoir le comportement thermique du bâtiment soumis à une sollicitation quelconque. La grande contribution de cette thèse concerne la mise au point d’une technique de mesure de capacité de stockage in-situ. Elle est importante, car il existe quantité de logiciels proposant la composition des structures d’un bâtiment pour une capacité de stockage d’énergie donnée. Mais il n’existe aucune méthode permettant de confirmer ou d’infirmer les résultats issus de calculs artificiels. Cette thèse apporte une solution à cette situation en proposant une méthode simple, sans encombrement, facile à mettre en œuvre et offrant un résultat satisfaisant. / Energy saving in buildings has become a major international issue. Indeed, the building sector is one the most energy consuming sectors, for instance in France it consumes more than 43% of the total produced energy, and also it is one of the most polluter with around 23% of the green house gas emissions. As more and more households appear, the energy demand will increase and the above mentioned problems will be ten times more sever making them unmanageable in the upcoming years if no measure is taken. Thus, to face this situation, many strategies have been setup in order to achieve some energy saving in buildings. Among these strategies we find the energy prediction part which deals with hour by hour right energy; the research and elimination part of thermal bridges which its main objective is to reduce as much as possible the energy losses representing around 30% of the energy consumption; and the energy conservation part in wall buildings for future recycling. Our thesis focuses on the last two parts by proposing different methods of CND as well as appropriate survey treatments which allow to highlight structural failure in buildings. Transfer matrix estimation approaches have been used to predict the thermal behavior for a building that is being put under any kind of stress.The main contribution of this thesis concerns the developing of an in-situ storage capacity measuring technique. This is important since there are many softwares proposing the structural composition of a building for a given amount of energy. Nevertheless, there isn’t any method available for confirming or invalidating the results coming from artificial calculations. This thesis brings a solution to this situation by proposing a simple method, with no obstacles, easy to setup and with satisfactory results.

The introduction of a liberalised electricity market has brought a new challenge to generating companies as well as system regulators. Under this more competitive environment, generating companies are exposed to various risks that might compromise their investment return. Moreover, the various risks in the market affect each type of generation technology in a different way; hence influence the technology choice. Furthermore, it is not yet clear whether the investment cycles in a liberalised electricity market will take place in an orderly fashion or whether 'boom and bust' cycles may arise. As a consequence various market designs, investment incentives and policies have been implemented by system regulators to try to ensure the security of supply. Investment decisions under a market with incentive mechanism are even more complicated to model because the generating company needs to forecast the revenue that the new investment will make from both the energy market and the mechanism. This thesis develops some models that could be used by system regulators to study the performance of market designs and by generating companies to assess a new investment under a liberalised electricity market. Three main models have been developed to serve these purposes. A generation expansion model has been developed using Agent-based modelling approach. In this model each generating company makes investment decision taking into account their competitors' investment strategies and the interactions between them. Several incentive mechanisms are also modelled to study their impacts on the generating companies' investment decision and the dynamic of the investments. A more comprehensive investment framework for a generating company to evaluate an investment in a new power plant has also been developed. The framework consists of two stages: 1) it first models the expected future investments and retirements from all the companies in the market and 2) then calculates the market prices and revenues of the new investment against the future system expansion obtained in the first stage. Two investment models have been developed using this framework. The first model is a probabilistic valuation model to assess investment considering risks and uncertainties. The second model is developed to evaluate investment in an oligopoly electricity market taking into account various risk characteristics of different technologies. The investment framework for a generating company to evaluate an investment is also extended so that the generating company can evaluate investments in a market with an incentive mechanism.

The research investigates individual human resource capacity building for local governance within the context of decentralised human resource management in Thailand by profoundly examining its current implementation of recruitment, selection, training and development and performance management after the decentralisation policy was enacted. The human resource capacity building process in this research includes five stages of core capabilities building: committing and engaging, performing and accomplishing, building relationships and attracting resources, learning and adapting and managing trade-offs and dilemmas. The research firstly focuses on examining the consequences of decentralised human resource practices implementation in Thai local governance. Secondly, it aims to explore the ways in which human resource practices are supportive to individual human resource capacity building. Finally it proposes the prospective implications of effective capacity building through human resource practices for potential policy formulation. This research is based on three related theories: capacity building, human resource management and decentralisation. The research was conducted by using qualitative methodologies. The case study of Thailand was selected because of the uniqueness of its paradoxical decentralised-Unitarian state. Municipal officials were chosen as the unit of analysis. The first findings have illustrated that the decentralisation initiative has certainly affected the HRM at the local level of Thailand. However, this scheme has launched some degree of re-centralisation and partially confirms the pseudo-decentralisation in Thai public administration. Secondly, the research also found that HR practices can be supportive and compatible as a capacity building strategies. However, these HR practices must be designed, conducted and evaluated for the purposes of the local government only. The aim of capacitating individual staff must be taken into account as a part of policy to develop the human side of the organisation. Therefore, there have been both challenges and opportunities for human resource capacity building through HR practices. To conclude, this research has contributed to fill the theoretical gap by examining the capacity building processes through HR practices and it provides the practical suggestion that local context is decisive. The capacity building issue has never been investigated through human resource practices, especially recruitment and selection, training and development and performance management. Moreover, in practice, the research has focused on the development of the local government unit in a country of paradoxically decentralised-Unitarian state like Thailand.

Submitted by Nadir Basilio (nadirsb@uninove.br) on 2018-07-17T21:01:40Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Cristiane Helga Yamane de Oliveira.pdf: 734503 bytes, checksum: b1eff73874a975c200780b9676f447b3 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2018-07-17T21:01:40Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Cristiane Helga Yamane de Oliveira.pdf: 734503 bytes, checksum: b1eff73874a975c200780b9676f447b3 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2016-12-13 / Introduction: Different modalities exercise lead to different magnitudes of pulse oxygen desaturation (DeSpO2) in lung diseases. Objective: To compare the exercise-induced DeSpO2 between incremental cardiopulmonary exercise test on a treadmill (TECPI-E) and the incremental shuttle walk test (ISWT) and between sub-maximum cardiopulmonary exercise test (TECPS-E) and endurance SWT (ESWT) in patients with bronchiectasis (BCT). Material and methods: 72 patients with BCT (28 men, 48 ± 15 years, FEV1:54 ± 23% of predicted) and not oxygen dependent were assessed. The order of the TECPI-E and SWTI was randomized, but not the TECPS-E and ESWT because they require that incremental tests be performed first. Treadmill and hallway tests were performed on two different visits. A reduction  4 was considered DeSpO2. Results: There was no difference in DeSpO2 between TECPI-E (-7.7% ± 6.3%) and ISWT (-6.3% ± 5.8%) and between TECPS-E (-6,8% ± 5,8%) and ESWT (-7.2% ± 6.3%). In the incremental and endurance tests, there was an agreement to DeSpO2 or not DeSpO2 in 56 and 55 patients, respectively. There was a statistically significant difference in heart rate (percentage of the maximum predicted) between TECPI-E (87.0% ± 9.0%) and ISWT (78.9% ± 11.4%) and between TECPS-E (84.5% ± 9.9%) and ESWT (79.3% ± 11.8%). However, when comparing patients who reached 85% of predicted maximum heart rate or not, there was no difference in the magnitude of DeSpO2. Conclusion: In patients with BCT, our results show that field-based tests may replace the laboratory-based tests when the clinic question is the evaluation of exercise-induced DeSpO2. / Introdução: Diferentes modalidades de exercício físico determinam diferentes magnitudes de dessaturação de pulso de oxigênio (DeSpO2) em pneumopatias. Objetivo: Comparar a DeSpO2 induzida pelo exercício entre teste de exercício cardiopulmonar (TECP) incremental em esteira (TECPI-E) e o shuttle walk test (SWT) incremental (SWTI) e entre TECP submáximo em esteira (TECPS-E) e SWT endurance (SWTE) em pacientes com bronquiectasia (BCQ). Material e métodos: Foram avaliados 72 pacientes com BCQ (28 homens, 48  15 anos, VEF1: 54 ± 23 % previsto), não dependentes de oxigênio. A ordem de realização do TECPI-E e SWTI foi randomizada, mas não o TECPS-E e SWTE, pois esses necessitam dos testes anteriores. Os testes em esteira e em corredor foram realizados em duas visitas diferentes. Uma redução  4 foi considerada DeSpO2. Resultados: Não houve diferença na DeSpO2 entre TECPI-E (-7,7% ± 6,3%) e SWTI (-6,3% ± 5,8%) e entre TECPS-E (-6,8% ± 5,8%) e SWTE (-7,2% ± 6,3%). Nos testes incrementais e de endurance, houve concordância de DeSpO2 ou não DeSpO2 em 56 e 55 pacientes, respectivamente. Houve diferença significante na frequência cardíaca (FC, % da máxima prevista) entre TECPI-E (87,0% ± 9,0%) e SWTI (78,9% ± 11,4%) e entre TECPS-E (84,5% ± 9,9% previsto) e SWTE (79,3% ± 11,8% previsto). No entanto, ao comparar os pacientes que atingiram ou não 85% da FC máxima prevista, não houve diferença na magnitude de DeSpO2. Conclusão: Nossos resultados demonstram que, em pacientes com BCQ, os testes de campo podem substituir os testes de laboratório quando a questão clínica é a avaliação da DeSpO2 induzida pelo exercício.

abstract: Social Carrying Capacity (SCC) has been used commonly in the past to study the impact of increasing numbers of tourists on tourists’ satisfaction with a destination. However, it has been used less commonly to research the impact of increasing levels of tourism on residents of tourism destinations. As definitions of sustainable tourism shift to be more inclusive of residents, commonly used constructs should also be refined or modified to reflect this ontological shift. Current operational definitions of SCC tend to focus on crowding as the major indicator SCC has been reached. Even the theories commonly used to study SCC, stimulus-overload and expectancy theories, relate directly to crowding. This Master’s thesis aimed to expand the concept of SCC to be more representative of the manifold impacts experienced by residents of tourism destinations as tourism increases. This aim was accomplished through an exploratory mixed methods study ultimately resulting in the creation of a new SCC measurement tool. The qualitative phase of this research consisted of four focus groups in three sites with varying levels of tourism development. The data from the focus groups were used to inform item writing of a measurement tool that represented a greater number of SCC indicators than crowding to confirm the validity of the indicators in the quantitative phase of the research. After the instrument was distributed via a statewide poll, two structural equation models were fit to compare the operational definitions. A better understanding of the relationship between one of the supporting theories, stimulus-overload theory, and SCC was uncovered with evidence of an emergent connection between SCC and tourism-related stressors. The results of the research indicate that there are multiple indicators of SCC experienced by residents of tourism destinations which can change in degree and expression as tourism development in a community increases. The operational definition including these indicators explained more variance in support for tourism development than overcrowding alone. A greater awareness of these indicators and their evolution can strengthen the theoretical foundation of SCC and enable practitioners to make multi-faceted, proactive decisions when managing a destination. / Dissertation/Thesis / Masters Thesis Community Resources and Development 2020

Africa has long been considered as the next big growth market, according to both experts and economic organisations alike (World Economic Forum, African Union, The Economist, McKinsey). With a youthful population, a burgeoning consumption market, and its increased digital advancement, Africa has unrivalled potential. However, economic progress has lagged, necessitating the need to leapfrog, i.e., harness technological innovation to accelerate economic growth, to contribute towards realising the 2030 Sustainable Development Goal “Decent Work and Economic Growth”. Additionally, Africa cannot afford not to, given the downsides of the lack of economic growth (instability and extremism). In academic research, technological innovation is driven by firms’ and individuals’ absorptive capacity (AC), i.e., their ability to recognise new knowledge, assimilate it, and apply it for commercial ends. However, there remains a lack of understanding on how to operationalise and leverage AC. The research was undertaken with the aim to understand AC from a micro-foundational perspective within the Africa and 4IR contexts. Qualitative research was conducted across 6 African countries (Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa), with 16 social actors, to gain insights on the processes, mechanisms and factors that contribute towards micro-foundational AC. The key findings of this research underscore the importance of the individual within the AC process. Additionally, the importance of contextualising AC to a developing market is highlighted. Other key findings reveal the enabling and hindering factors for successful AC. This research aimed to offer a contribution towards AC micro foundational research, and to offer practical insights for African firms, within the context of the 4IR era. / Mini Dissertation (MBA)--University of Pretoria, 2021. / Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) / MBA / Unrestricted

The purpose of the thesis is to contribute to grid planning and public debate about how the electric power system can cope with electrification and decarbonisation. The thesis is based on the assumption that Sweden, in accordance with the climate goals, will achieve climate neutrality by 2045. Based on a literature review, an analysis is made of how different scenarios predict the future national electricity demand up until 2045 and identifies the underlying drivers for changes in electricity demand. A more detailed analysis based on results from a literature review and interviews with industry representatives is made for four chosen regions, Norrbotten, Västra Götaland, Stockholm and Skåne. For each region, estimates are made of how high the electrification potential is in the industrial, transport, residential and service sectors. The prerequisites for the electricity grid to handle the identified electrification potential, in terms of grid capacity, have been analysed in order to highlight what challenges there are for large-scale electrification to be a key factor in achieving the climate goals. The general belief in the studied scenarios is that the national electricity demand will increase until 2045. The investigated scenarios predict increases resulting in an annual national electricity demand of up to 207 TWh in 2045, corresponding to an increase of almost 60 %. The most significant increases are due to decarbonisation in the industry and transport sector. The regional analysis shows significant electrification potentials in the investigated regions. A few industries stand out with dramatic increases, Borealis AB in Västra Götaland shows an electrification potential of 8 TWh and 1 000 MW and SSAB in Norrbotten shows an electrification potential of 9 TWh and 900 MW. Significant electrification potentials in the transport, residential and service sectors have been identified in metropolitan areas, i.e. in the region of Stockholm, Västra Götaland and Skåne. The grid analysis shows that it will be challenging to increase grid capacity at sufficient speed. It is concluded that there is currently insufficient grid capacity to meet large-scale electrification, and that the grids need to be reinforced. However, the concession process for grid reinforcements is considered too slow to meet the demands that arise, primarily in the industry sector. Three ways to address this challenge have been identified: -          If the permission process for electricity grid expansion does not change and the industry is to choose the electrification route, this needs to be decided before 2030 in order for reinforcements in the electricity grid to be ensured before 2045. -          Speed up the permit process to allow shorter lead times for power grid expansions. -          The industry choose another route for decarbonisation than electrification. The overall conclusion is that new approaches for expanding the electricity grid will be required if large-scale electrification is to be a key factor in achieving the climate goals in 2045.

The ultimate shear capacity of prestressed concrete beams is difficult to predict accurately, especially after being in service for an extended period of time. The Utah Department of Transportation asked researchers at Utah State University to experimentally determine the existing shear capacity of 41-year-old prestressed, decommissioned concrete bridge girders and then provide recommendations on how to increase that ultimate shear capacity. This thesis presents the research findings that relate to the existing shear capacity of the prestressed concrete girders. Eight AASHTO Type II bridge girders were tested up to failure by applying external loads near the supports to determine their ultimate shear capacities. The measured results were then compared to calculated values obtained using the AASHTO LRFD bridge design code, and the ACI 318-08 design code. Prestress losses were also measured by means of a cracking test and then compared to values calculated according to the AASHTO prestress loss equations. Both the ultimate shear capacities and the residual prestress forces were used to evaluate the girders after being in service for more than 40 years.

COVID-19 has had significant impacts on society, both in lifestyle and commerce, especially in Central Florida where the economy is centralized around tourism. While local and state governmental agencies are distributing aid to meet the needs caused by high unemployment, the nonprofit sector mobilized to help fill the gap in assistance by providing resources and services. However prior research into the nonprofit sector finds that prolonged economic downturn may eventually affect the nonprofit force by reduced funding to programs as it did during the 2008 economic recessions. Hence, many nonprofit organizations may be at risk of insolvency in the coming months. Research into organizational survival and capacity-building strategies may solve these problems. Utilizing a sample of 26 nonprofit organizations in the Central Florida area and a web-based survey, this study explores how capacity-building strategies may be correlated with organizational survival. The findings indicate that capacity-building strategies focused on leadership capacity, management and operations capacity, and community engagement capacity may help to increase organizational survival during a pandemic.

Multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) wireless systems use multiple antenna elements at the transmitter and receiver to offer improved spectral efficiency over traditional single antenna systems. In these systems, properties of the transmit and receive antenna arrays play a key role in determining the overall performance of the system. This thesis derives an upper bound on ergodic (average) channel capacity which formally links good antenna diversity performance with good ergodic capacity. As a result of this derivation, antenna arrays with good ergodic capacity performance are designed in this thesis by designing antenna arrays with near-optimal diversity gain. Several approaches are developed to design antenna array elements which achieve near-optimal diversity. These design methods only require an array geometry and the power azimuth spectrum of the propagation environment. Examples and analysis are included that illustrate advantages and disadvantages of each design technique. Three different array geometries are also investigated. Diversity performance results for each design technique and array geometry, averaged over an ensemble of typical power azimuth spectrums, are presented and compared. This analysis shows that the diversity gain achieved by the best design approach is, on average, less than 1.5 dB below the optimal diversity gain.