This diploma thesis consists of a research and a practical part. The research part summarises the problem of slopes movements. The practical part deals with the determination of the slope deformation causes, at the 76th km of the D11 motorway. Causes determination was based on laboratory tests of soil samples taken from the disrupted motorway cut, made at PřF UK soil mechanics lab. Tests of grain size composition were done, plasticity of the L 26 sample was determined and critical strength of the reconstituted L26 and L27 samples was found out in the Translational apparatus box. Soils were categorized due to the according standards and the acquired data were evaluated. In the BricsCAD software, a well arranged locality situation and the slope deformation crosscut underlayed with the geophysical ERT cut were illustrated. In the GEO5 software, slope stability models were created using the Spencer Method of Slices. The slip surface and the groundwater level during the disruption were determined. The practical part also covers a proposal of a remediation appropriate for this deformation and it's modelling in GEO5. For the remediation, the slope stability level is determined. The work is based on the specialized literature, articles, research reports and standards. Powered by TCPDF (www.tcpdf.org)

El trabajo explora la posibilidad teórica de que la demanda de ciertos bienes presente una curva de Engel en forma de S. Se desarrolla un modelo donde la utilidad depende de dos funcionalidades, así como del nivel de estatus. Se plantea que existen tres bienes, uno de los cuales posee aplicación dual en términos de estatus y funcionalidad. Asimismo los agentes poseen un consumo autónomo de estatus el cuál es función de su dotación de riqueza. Bajo el modelo planteado, se exploran las condiciones que esta función de transformación riqueza-estatus debe satisfacer para originar demandas con comportamiento no monótono ante variaciones de ingreso. Asimismo se postula a dos grupos de bienes (teléfonos celulares y calzado deportivo) como candidatos a exhibir el comportamiento analizado, y se contrasta la hipótesis con datos de consumo para Argentina.

The rebound effect refers to the phenomenon that energy savings from improvements in energy efficiency are lower than expected due to unintended second-order effects. Grasping specific mechanisms related to the rebound effect requires a good understanding of interactions between heterogonous agents on multiple markets. Otherwise, policies aimed at reducing energy use may render counter-expected and unforeseen consequences. In this paper, we propose a formal model, where technological change results from interactions on two markets: between consumers and producers in the market for final goods, and heterogeneous power plants in the electricity market. The analysis provides insights to the role of technological change, supply-demand coevolution, and status-driven consumption in explaining the rebound effect. The model is employed to compare effectiveness of economic policies aimed at reducing carbon emissions associated with production of consumer goods, namely: a tax on electricity and "nuclear obligations" to produce ten percent of electricity from nuclear energy. (author's abstract)

This paper presents a simple evolutionary model to study the diffusion patterns of product innovations for consumer goods. Following a Veblenian theme, we interpret consumption as a social activity constrained by social norms and equality of opportunity. Societies that allow for more behavioral variety will experience faster adoption of new consumer goods. We also find that the speed of diffusion as well as the saturation levels reached highly depend on the equality of opportunity. Combining these two effects, we conclude that a social structure displaying behavioral variety and equal opportunities dominates any other social set-up in terms of the speed of adoption of product innovations. (author's abstract) / Series: Working Papers Series "Growth and Employment in Europe: Sustainability and Competitiveness"

Based on Ian Steedman's seminal contribution "Consumption Takes Time", we propose a formal activity-based model for consumer behaviour. The model simultaneously incorporates choices over consumption time, as well as quantities and qualities of products consumed. We identify and examine preconditions for satiation with products and draw implications for economic policy. Satiation with products explains the limited effects of price or income changes on demand and questions the pertinence of economic growth for development. It further highlights the relevance of working time reductions for well-being. (authors' abstract)

Series: SRE - Discussion Papers