New Orleans failed to solve its water infrastructure problems in the nineteenth century because a shifting locus of power in a variable political and financial environment hampered wise decision making, while technology choices were limited by contemporary knowledge, scientists' ignorance, or by technicians' poor presentation skills for new ideas. And, selection was often governed by prejudice: personal, racial, or against technology. New Orleans was able to deal with its water difficulties only when those with the power to make or influence decisions had an available technology capable of handling the problem and they chose to use it. Power and science had to flow together. New Orleans' situation is excellent: a crossroads of trade, an entrepot for the agricultural heartland, the Mississippi River's premier port. And yet, the city's site is dreadful. New Orleans sits in a bowl of land rimmed by water, with the river and the brackish Lake Pontchartrain on either side, amid swampy environs in a hot and wet climate. This city exists only because of the complex system by which it deals with water. The conundrum of New Orleans lies at the confluence of science and power. Whoever holds the power can choose the science and technology with which New Orleans handles water, its everpresent best friend and worst enemy. From the colonial era to the twentieth century, the power to make those choices shifted from the private sector to the public sector and back, with the press and, eventually, women ultimately having influence. Under the fading Spanish empire, from the age of Jefferson to the era of Jacksonian democracy, during the Civil War and Reconstruction, through the dawn of Progressivism: New Orleans confronted the problems of flood prevention, drainage, the omni-present need for a dependable water source for its citizens, and eventually sewerage disposal. This study investigates how those problems were faced, what technology was used and how the work was financed; and also illuminates the lives of those who dealt with New Orleans and water during that time.

>Magister Scientiae - MSc / The growing size of raw data and the lack of internet communication technology to keep up with that growth is introducing unique challenges to academic researchers. This is especially true for those residing in rural areas or countries with sub-par telecommunication infrastructure. In this project I investigate the usefulness of cloud computing technology, data analysis workflow languages and portable computation for institutions that generate data. I introduce the concept of a software solution that could be used to simplify the way that researchers execute their analysis on data sets at remote sources, rather than having to move the data. The scope of this project involved conceptualising and designing a software system to simplify the use of a cloud environment as well as implementing a working prototype of said software for the OpenStack cloud computing platform. I conclude that it is possible to improve the performance of research pipelines by removing the need for researchers to have operating system or cloud computing knowledge and that utilising technologies such as this can ease the burden of moving data.

Busca-se, na presente tese, à luz do sistema constitucional brasileiro, examinar a tributação na prestação de serviços de infraestrutura. Utiliza-se, para tanto, de uma abordagem estrutural-funcionalista, investigando-se o fenômeno jurídico não apenas sob o seu aspecto formal, mas, de igual modo, sob o aspecto promocional de condutas. A prestação de serviços de infraestrutura é, nessa senda, um serviço de interesse público orientado ao desenvolvimento, alinhando-se, em um Estado Social e Democrático de Direito, com os objetivos fundamentais da República. Reconhecendo-se que a dicotomia público-privado não é critério hábil a delimitar as normas jurídicas, constata-se que a prestação de tais serviços por meio de concessões, parcerias público-privadas e permissões também pode ser alvo da função promocional, que tem nos mecanismos tributários, observados os princípios constitucionais a eles subjacentes, um dos meios para sua implementação. Examina-se, assim, o desenho constitucional de competências, para concluir-se que a imunidade recíproca é aplicável, ao lado dos entes políticos, autárquicos e fundacionais, apenas às empresas públicas e sociedades de economia mista, e não aos entes privados prestadores do serviço de interesse público. Com o exame do aspecto material da hipótese de incidência possível de tributos sobre a receita, renda, lucros e serviços, analisa-se a subsunção dos fatos relacionados à prestação dos serviços de infraestrutura às respectivas normas de incidência tributária. A possibilidade de concessão de medidas de desoneração fiscal na prestação dos serviços relacionados aos setores de infraestrutura também é verificada, sendo necessária, para tanto, a correlação do incentivo fiscal com a finalidade de promoção do desenvolvimento nacional e regional. À vista da análise estrutural-funcionalista empreendida, conclui-se que os mecanismos tributários relacionados à prestação descentralizada dos serviços de infraestrutura podem ser utilizados como instrumentos aptos à promoção do desenvolvimento. / The object of this thesis is to examine taxation on the decentralized provision of infrastructure services in light of Brazilian constitutional system. A structuralist and functionalist approach is, therefore, applied to investigate this legal phenomenon not only from a formal aspect, but also from a promotion of conduct standpoint. The provision of infrastructure services is, from such perspective, a service of public interest oriented towards development and aligned with the fundamental objectives of the Republic. Recognizing that the public-private dichotomy is not qualified to delimit the norms of the legal system, it is seen that the provision of such services by means of concession, publicprivate partnerships and permits can also fall under such promotion function, having in the taxation mechanisms, subject to constitutional principles, one of the means for its implementation. An examination is, therefore, made of the separation of competencies under the Constitution, and the conclusion is that reciprocal immunity is applicable, alongside political bodies, independent state organizations and foundations, only to stateowned entities and state-controlled enterprises, and not to private concerns providing services in the public interest. Through the examination of the triggering event of taxes on income, profit and services, an analysis is made of how facts relating to the provision of infrastructure services are framed within the respective tax levying norms. The possibility of conceding tax relief measures also applies to services in infrastructure sectors, provided that the concession of tax incentives is aimed at promoting national and regional development. Based on a structuralist and functionalist analysis, the conclusion reached is that taxation mechanisms relating to the decentralized provision of infrastructure services are instruments capable of promoting development.

Samhällets ökande beroende av bredbandsstruktur och framför allt av digitala tjänster ställer krav på stabilitet och driftsäkerhet. Det innebär att infrastrukturen måste vara robust nog att motstå påfrestningar och ha så god kvalitet att den fungerar och är tillgänglig även vid störningar. Det har hittills inte funnits någon etablerad standard för hur ett nät bör förläggas vilket har lett till en stor variation kring hur nät anläggs och vilken kvalitet de håller. Post- och telestyrelsen (PTS) har på regeringens uppdrag tagit fram föreskrifter som ska leda till att bredbandsnätet byggs upp driftsäkert och robust. Föreskrifter har tagits fram tillsammans med flera av branschens aktörer och beskriver hur en robust fiberanläggning ska anläggas och drivas. Anvisningarna går under samlingsnamnet Robust fiber. I detta examensarbete är det kraven på dokumentation av fibernät som studeras. På grund av Sveriges regerings bredbandsstrategi så har utbyggande av fibernätverket gått i sådan takt att dokumentation släpar efter. Geografiska informationssystem (GIS) är lämpliga att utnyttja för dokumentation och analys av robustheten i fibernät. Syftet med examensarbetet är utveckla en metod till opensource programvaran QGIS för att dokumentera fibernätverk och information om dess beståndsdelar. Metoden för arbetet var att designa en relationsdatabas med stöd för geografiska objekt och implementera detta i QGIS för att modellera upp fibernätverkets struktur och generera en översikt. Databasen sköter information om objekt och utsökningar kan utföras med SQL-frågeuttryckt och kopplas ihop med nätöversikt i QGIS. Resultatet visar att det är möjligt att till stor del uppfylla kraven för dokumentation. Det problem som dock inte lyckades lösas var dokumentationskravet att kunna visa schematiska ritningar för kanalisation.

Thesis advisor: Diana C. Pullin / Thesis advisor: Vincent Cho / A multiple-case qualitative study of five school districts that had implemented various large-scale technology initiatives was conducted to describe what superintendents do to gain acceptance of those initiatives. The large-scale technology initiatives in the five participating districts included 1:1 District-Provided Device laptop and tablet programs (DPD), a Bring Your Own Device program (BYOD), and a Blended program that included a district-sponsored Lease-To-Own laptop and tablet program (LTO). Superintendents and other personnel that were identified by each superintendent as having a key role with the technology initiative were interviewed. Key documentation regarding the large-scale technology initiative was also reviewed. To help bring perspective to the actions of superintendents surrounding large-scale technology initiatives, frame theory was used as a theoretical framework for the overall study. This study sought to determine the factors considered by superintendents in making decisions about technology infrastructure, the factors considered in making decisions about funding a large-scale technology initiative, and how technology infrastructure or funding decisions impacted the perceived acceptance of the initiative. The study found that the decisions made by superintendents with regard to the technology initiative can have an impact on the acceptance of the initiative by all stakeholders. The importance of robust and reliable Wi-Fi networks, funding for technology initiatives from multiple sources, and the significance of device capabilities and reliability were also identified as significant factors in the acceptance of large-scale technology initiatives. / Thesis (EdD) — Boston College, 2014. / Submitted to: Boston College. Lynch School of Education. / Discipline: Educational Leadership and Higher Education.

The rapid economic growth in many developing countries results in a high demand for infrastructure and governments find that they are unable to fund the vital infrastructure or to maintain the existing ones (Gupta and Sravat, 1998). To remedy this they are increasingly opting for an alternative source of funding through the large international companies which have considerable credit standing for concession contracts such as Build Operate and Transfer (BOT) since those companies have a much larger capacity to fund the large scale projects than the recipient country. The objective of this research project is to provide a brief review of the South African experience with the utilisation of the BOT approach for infrastructure developments, examining the risks and the measures used to mitigate them. This is so as to draw lessons for policy makers on how to improve the use of this strategic instrument for infrastructure provision. The emphasis will be on overall risks associated with the scheme as well as the mitigating factors in light of the current social, political and economic context of the country and the region. Data was collected using the Delphi survey method and the study targeted individuals who were knowledgeable and experienced with the issues under investigation and from different sectors involved with execution of BOT infrastructure development projects in South Africa. These included contractors, lenders, operators as well as some from the host government. The questionnaire was designed to identify the perceptions of the individuals regarding risk management in BOT projects as well as identify significant risk associated with the scheme. The 10 most critical risks were ranked based on the ratings of the respondents in the final phase of the Delphi survey. The risk that was rated the most critical turned out to be ‘Political instability in the host country’. This is defined as the danger of political or financial instability in the host country caused by events such as insurrections, strikes, creeping expropriation and outright nationalization.

A thesis submitted to the Faculty of Commerce, Law and Management, University of the Witwatersrand, in fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Management by Research and Dissertation / This study focuses on the gap-filling role of the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA). The use of development banks as a policy instrument to spur economic growth has been a practice followed internationally since World War II. Development banks are intended to extend financing to undertakings in the market economy deemed by the private sector as posing too much financial risk. Usually, these are development-orientated, low-profit green-fields projects initiated by clients in the public sector. By financing such development projects traditionally excluded by the market, the development bank fills a gap in the market. The DBSA was established in 1983 to bridge the gap between the industrialised central government and the underdeveloped Bantustan states and independent territories. At the time, the Bank could finance any development project so long as it fell within the Southern African region. However, post 1994, the DBSA mandate changed, shifting its focus to the public sector – low-income municipalities – and to particularly, specialise in financing infrastructure projects. Now altered, its development finance functions extended far beyond the Bantustan territories and independent states. Interest in the DBSA’s gap-filling role was generated by the observation that it had not been providing development finance according to the traditional tenets of understanding development finance. The problem was two-fold. The Bank’s target client was not necessarily the most deserving. Additionally, projects financed by the DBSA did not automatically fall within the infrastructure development mandate. This thesis has explored how, in light of its financier role prior and post 1994, the DBSA interpreted and acted in relation to its mandate as set out in its policy documents and strategies. This study also delved into the nature of projects financed and if they were in line with the traditional understanding of gap-filling. As well, this report investigated factors contributing to the DBSA’s deviation from its gap-filling role. To carry out this research, case study methodology was used in tandem with the qualitative approach. To answer research questions in-depth-unstructured interviews and document analysis were used. The study was both an exploration of the DBSA’s gap-filling role as well as examination of development finance in action in the South African context. The study drew on literature in New Institutional Economics (NIE) as an umbrella theory best suited to explore the DBSA’s gap-filling role. It was found that prior to 1994 the DBSA did act in line with its gap-filling role. However, post 1994 the Bank most certainly deviated from its gap-filling role. Contributing factors to this divergence were found to be an increasingly competitive private sector, confusion over its development mandate, a challenging municipal client base and a self-sustainability funding model. Prior to 1994, the DBSA enjoyed a monopoly over its target client base, the Bantustan states and independent territories. It had a broad development mandate coupled with capital backing from the Republic of South Africa (RSA) central government. Post 1994, the DBSA mandate was infrastructure development targeted towards the public sector. The Bank was required to adopt a self-sustainability funding model. This, coupled with entry into a competitive private sector moving into the development space, placed a great deal of pressure on the Bank. Therefore, it became necessary to finance profit generating projects rather than those initiated by its mandated low-income high risk client base – poor municipalities. This study contributed to DFI literature by illustrating what functions DFIs are mandated to perform compared to what they do in reality. Also, this analysis has shown traditional market-failure studies assume DFIs perform a gap-filling role. This has to be re-examined taking into account the changing institutional environment. And, particularly in South Africa, more studies need to be conducted to further understand limitations and opportunities the DFI model offers for overall development.

O conceito de Infraestruturas Verdes, apesar de bastante abrangente em suas aplicações, vem sendo consolidado nos últimos anos no Brasil vinculado principalmente à utilização de soluções técnicas de baixo impacto e alto desempenho para manejo das águas pluviais, com o objetivo de reduzir as taxas de escoamento superficial e retenção da poluição difusa no meio urbano. Essas soluções, integradas tanto às edificações quanto aos espaços livres, possuem matriz orgânica e utilizam os recursos naturais locais para sua construção. As variações na composição de solo, no clima, na composição biótica, na situação urbanística, econômica e social influenciam de forma decisiva a configuração final e aplicação das soluções de infraestruturas verdes. Por esse motivo, a tecnologia exige que seja absorvida e reformulada em consonância aos condicionantes locais, formulando uma técnica própria para cada contexto em que se aplica. A dissertação aqui apresentada faz uma análise do desenvolvimento do projeto de infraestruturas verdes desenvolvido para o Campus da Fiocruz no Ceará, o qual consiste na primeira experiência de aplicação de tais conceitos no contexto do semiárido nordestino. O autor da pesquisa é também o autor do projeto em tela, de forma que a dissertação adquire certo caráter de memorial de projeto, explanando os objetivos desejados, os desafios enfrentados para alcance das metas de projeto e apresenta o projeto das soluções finais para cada um dos componentes do sistema de drenagem proposto. Ao final, fica evidente a dificuldade para a incorporação de conceitos inovadores de drenagem pluvial em um projeto com tantos profissionais envolvidos, mas, ao mesmo tempo, as infraestruturas verdes mostraram, em projeto, sua facilidade em trazer respostas mais simples, eficientes e de menor custo para a resolução de diferentes desafios que surgiram durante o processo de concepção. / The concept of Green Infrastructures, although quite comprehensive in its applications, Has been consolidated in recent years in Brazil, mainly linked to the use of Of low-impact, high-performance technical solutions for water management With the objective of reducing the rates of surface runoff and retention of Pollution in the urban environment. These solutions, integrated with both buildings and Spaces, have an organic matrix and use local natural resources to Its construction. Variations in soil composition, climate, biotic composition, Urban, economic and social situation have a decisive influence on the And implementation of green infrastructure solutions. For this reason, technology Requires it to be absorbed and reformulated in line with local constraints, formulating A technique appropriate to each context in which it applies. The dissertation here Presents an analysis of the development of the green infrastructures project Developed for the Campus of Fiocruz in Ceará, which consists of the first experience Of application of such concepts in the context of the northeastern semi-arid region. The author of the research Is also the author of the project on screen, so that the dissertation acquires a certain character Of project memorial, explaining the desired objectives, the challenges faced To reach the project goals and presents the project of the final solutions for each One of the components of the proposed drainage system. In the end, the difficulty For the incorporation of innovative concepts of rainwater drainage in a project With so many professionals involved, but at the same time, green infrastructures Project, its ease in providing simpler, more efficient and Lower cost to solve the different challenges that arose during the process Of design.

Este trabalho realiza um exercício de planejamento estratégico de transportes com foco na infraestrutura de escoamento da produção agrícola da região Centro-Oeste do Brasil. O trabalho parte da compreensão dos fundamentos do planejamento estratégico da infraestrutura de transportes, avalia o pretenso planejamento brasileiro e compreende porque ele não é de fato um planejamento estratégico. A compreensão da multidisciplinaridade dos objetivos do planejamento orienta um tratamento multicritério. A partir da definição de objetivos o autor aplica o método Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) e elenca, através de indicadores, uma ordem de prioridades na execução de um conjunto de obras na região. A partir do exercício simplificado orienta um trabalho de maior envergadura em termos de escopo e metodologia que deveria ser feito para um efetivo planejamento estratégico de infraestrutura de transportes para Brasil. / This study develops an exercise of strategic planning of a transport system for the handling of agricultural products of Brazil\'s Midwest. The work begins by exploring the concepts underlying the strategic planning of a transport infrastructure. Thereafter, it assesses the document presented by the Brazilian government as the national transport system strategic planning, and argues that this document does not fulfill the characteristics of a typical strategic planning. The consideration of the diverse objectives of the strategic planning requires a multi- criteria approach. The author lists several general objectives to guide the transport system strategic planning and employs the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) to define the priority ones. The most relevant objective is then used to rank the main infrastructure works in the region. The exercise developed in this study suggests that to develop an effective strategic planning of the Brazils transport system, a broader and deeper work in terms of scope and methodology must be undertaken.

As cerâmicas à base de dissilicato de lítio apresentam propriedades mecânicas, resistência química, biocompatibilidade, baixo índice de acúmulo de placa e resultados estéticos favoráveis. Entretanto, sua resistência à fadiga e probabilidade de sobrevida (confiabilidade) em sua forma estratificada e monolítica ainda é pouco conhecida. Este estudo tem como objetivo investigar a confiabilidade e o modo de falha das coroas estratificadas de dissilicato de lítio com e sem modificação do desenho da infraestrutura e de coroas monolíticas quando submetidas ao ensaio de fadiga por intermédio da ciclagem dinâmica em água. Trinta coroas foram divididas em 3 grupos: IEC (coroas estratificadas com infraestrutura convencional), IEM (coroas estratificadas com infraestrutura modificada) e MON (coroas monolíticas). Para os grupos IEC e IEM as infraestruturas apresentavam espessura de 0,8 mm. No entanto, no desenho modificado era adicionado uma cinta lingual de 2 mm de altura conectada a postes proximais de 3,5 mm de altura, ambos com 1,3 mm de espessura. As MON eram compostas inteiramente de dissilicato de lítio e apresentavam espessura oclusal de 1,5 mm. As coroas foram cimentadas em troqueis de resina composta e submetidas a ciclagem dinâmica em água (30-300 N). Um endentador monolítico de dissilicato de lítio aplicava carga axial sobre a crista marginal mesial até a fratura, e posteriormente na crista distal. Ao final, as coroas eram analisadas em estereomicroscópio e no microscópico eletrônica de varredura (MEV) para caracterização e classificação dos danos. As falhas encontradas nas coroas foram registradas a cada 125.000 ciclos. A distribuição Weibull a 2 parâmetros (Synthesis 9, Weibull ++; Reliasoft, Tucson, AZ, USA) foi utilizada para calculo da probabilidade de sobrevida em 1, 2 e 3 milhões de ciclos. Comparações entre os grupos também foram realizadas com o módulo de Weibull e a resistência característica (número de ciclos decorrido até a fratura). Tanto em 1 quanto em 2 milhões de ciclos, a probabilidade de sobrevida foi significativamente baixa para as IEM em relação as MON e as coroas IEC não apresentaram diferença entre as IEM e MON. Em 3 milhões, apenas as coroas monolíticas mantiveram a confiabilidade, considerandoque diminuiu significativamente para as estratificadas, independente da modificação da infraestrutura. Fraturas envolvendo os postes proximais e/ou a cinta lingual foram observadas para as IEM, enquanto as IEC o modo de falha predominante foi a fratura coesiva da porcelana de revestimento. As MON também apresentaram fraturas coesivas. As marcas fractográficas identificaram a superfície de contato com o endentador como origem das fraturas. Em conclusão, a alta confiabilidade foi observada para as coroas MON em 3 milhões. As coroas estratificadas não se beneficiaram da modificação das infraestrutura, pois não houve diferença na confiabilidade entre elas nos 3 tempos avaliados. Além disso, o modo de falha no grupo IEM não restringiu a fratura coesiva da porcelana, com presença de fraturas na infraestrutura. Falhas coesivas foram observadas apenas na porcelana de revestimento das IEC e na cerâmica no grupo MON. / Lithium disilicate glass-ceramic provides desirable mechanical properties, chemical resistance, biocompatibility, diminished plaque accumulation, esthetics, and favorable esthetic results. However, the fatigue life and probability of survival (reliability) of lithium disilicate in its monolithic or layered form is still poorly understood. This study aimed to investigate the reliability and failure modes of porcelain veneered lithium disilicate crowns with and without core design modification, and of monolithic crowns when subjected to cyclic fatigue in water. Thirty lithium disilicate molars crowns were made and divided into 3 groups: IEC (bilayer crown with even thickness coping, i.e. conventional core), IEM (bilayer crowns with modified core design) and MON (monolithic crowns). For groups IEC and IEM, copings presented an even thickness of 0.8 mm and the modified design consisted of 1.3 mm thickness with a lingual margin of 2.0mm height connected to full contour proximal struts of 3.5 mm height. Monolithic crowns had an occlusal thickness of 1.5 mm. Crows were luted on composite resin abutment replicas and subjected to cyclic fatigue in water (30-300 N). A monolithic indenter of lithium disilicate was used to deliver the load on the mesial marginal ridge until failure, then the same procedure was performed in the distal ridge. For failure characterization crowns were analyzed in stereomicroscope and scanning electron microscope (SEM). Failure inspection was performed every 125,000 cycles. The 2-parameter Weibull distribution (Synthesis 9, Weibull ++; Reliasoft, Tucson, AZ, USA) was used calculate the probability of survival at 1, 2, and 3 million cycles. Comparisons between groups were also made for Weibull modulus and characteristic strength (number of cycles elapsed until failure). At both 1 and 2 million cycles, reliability was significantly lower for IEM relative to MON and IEC showed no difference between the IEM and MON. At 3 million cycles, only monolithic crowns maintained the reliability, whereas it significantly decreased for porcelain veneered crowns, regardless of core design modification. Fractures involving the proximal struts and/or lingual collar were observed for IEM crowns, whereas IEC crowns chiefly presented porcelain cohesive failures. MON crowns fractured cohesively. All fractures started occlusaly, as depicted by telltale fratographic marks. In conclusion, the highest reliability was observed for MON crowns at 3 million cycles. Layered lithium disilicate crowns did not benefit from framework design modification, as there was no difference in reliability between them in 3 times evaluated. Also, failure modes differed between groups and IEM did not hinder porcelain cohesive failures, instead fractures involving the framework were observed. Cohesive failures were observed only for the porcelain veneer of IEC, and of the lithium dissilicate material in the MON group.