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This dissertation examines the relationship among practices and policies of waste/ing and economic structures to make visible the implications of vehicle disposal policies for environmental policy and theory. Consequently, I attempt to build upon the small body of literature that is now critically engaging with waste production and resulting actions/inaction in the form of policies of management. In doing this I use waste as a lens to examine the interrelationships among environmental degradation and economic and political structures. Further, I examine these phenomena in relation to a physical object, the automobile, to add materiality to abstract notions of waste as it relates to both the political and the economic. Through vehicle recycling policies, I analyze how underlying economic structures in contemporary capitalism result in specific responses to the "problems" of waste as well as how the related responses, or "solutions" perpetuate an un-ecological industrial system which severely restricts the possibilities of making substantial change in the production of environmental harms. / Ph. D.

Tsunamis and storms are the most devastating coastal hazards that can cause great loss of life and infrastructure damage. To assess tsunami and storm hazard, the magnitude and frequency of each type of event are needed. However, major tsunamis and storms are very infrequent, especially tsunamis, and the only reliable record is the deposits they leave behind. Tsunami and storm deposits can be used to calculate the magnitudes of the respective event, and to contribute to the hazard frequency where there is no historical records. Therefore, for locations where both events could occur, it is crucial to differentiate between the two types of events. Existing studies on the similarities and differences between the two types of deposits all suffer from paucity of the number of events and field data, and a wide range of initial conditions, and thus an unequivocal set of distinguishing deposit characteristics has not been identified yet. In this study, we aim to tackle the problem with the MEso-SCAle Particle Transport model (MESCAPT) that combines the advantages of concentration-based Eulerian methods and particle-based method. The advantage of the former is efficiency and the latter is detailed sediment transport and deposit information. Instead of modeling individual particles, we assume that a group of sediment grains travel and deposit together, which is called a meso-scale particle. This allows simulation domains that are large enough for tsunami and storm wave propagation and inundation. The sediment transport model is coupled with a hydrodynamic model based on the shallow water equations. Simulation results of a case study show good agreements with field measurements of deposits left behind by the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami. Idealized tsunami and storm case studies demonstrate the model's capabilities of reproducing morphological changes, as well as microscopic grain-size trends. / Ph. D.

Pour déterminer la vulnérabilité des systèmes de production viticole au changement et variabilité climatique, il faut connaître l’exposition physique d’une région, la sensibilité de la vigne et la capacité adaptative, apporté par le viticulteur par son « savoir-faire ». Ainsi, les mesures d’adaptation comme réponses au changement climatique (CC), résultent de la conjonction de ces trois composantes, analysées dans une perspective locale. L’objectif de cette étude a été définir la variabilité du climat dans la région viticole côtière du sud de l’Uruguay, évaluer les possibles impacts sur la vigne, et d’apporter des réponses sur l’adaptation de la vigne dans un contexte de CC. Dans dix vignobles commerciaux de Tannat situés dans les départements de Montevideo et Canelones, des capteurs de température ont été installés, répartis en fonction de la distance au Río de la Plata. La variabilité spatiale et temporelle de la température des vignobles a été mesurée par une analyse à méso-échelle. À une échelle plus fine, le phénomène de la pénétration de la brise de mer et leur effet sur l’évolution thermique diurne a été ainsi étudié. Le Río de la Plata à travers l’effet de l brise, est une des composants principaux du climat de la région viticole. La réponse de la vigne à la température sur la composition est expliquée par des conditions climatiques générales pendant la maturation (thermiques et hydriques). Les principaux acteurs de la filière (viticulteurs et conseillers) connaissent la variabilité locale du climat et ils ont identifié les aspects défavorables pour la production du raisin de qualité. Cependant, le climat ne semble pas avoir un rôle important dans la prise de décisions, mais d’une manière sous-jacente, il joue un rôle fondamental en la gestion du vignoble. Finalement, ils ont été identifiés des mesures d’adaptation à la variabilité locale du climat, en proposant stratégies à partir de la connaissance locale. / To determine the vulnerability of viticulture farming system to climate change (CC) and variability, the knowledge of climate exposure over the region, sensitivity and adaptive capacity provided by the winegrowers through their “savoir-faire” is primordial to contribute to adaptation issues to CC. The aim of this study was to define climate variability of the southern coastal wine region of Uruguay, evaluate its possible impacts in vinegrape and to provide adaptative responses in the context of CC. Ten plots were installed in commercial vineyards of Tannat over Canelones and Montevideo region at different distances to the Río de la Plata. Spatial and temporal variability of temperature was defined over the coastal region at meso-scale. At a fine scale, it was studied the sea breeze penetration and its impacts in the diurnal thermal evolution. The Río de la Plata through the sea breeze effect is one of the principal climate components in the southern wine region. Temperature grapevine sensitivity on berry composition at harvest is explained by climate general conditions during ripening (thermal and hydric conditions). The principal actors (winegrowers and advisors) know the local climate variability and have well identified unfavorable climate conditions to produce high quality grapes. However, climate seemed to be not relevant in producers’ decision making, but in an underlined way, its plays a fundamental role in vineyard management. Adaptation measures to local climate variability were identified by strategies proposed from the local knowledge / Para determinar la vulnerabilidad de los sistemas de producción vitícola al cambio y la variabilidad climática, se requiere conocer la exposición física de una región, su sensibilidad y la capacidad adaptativa aportada por el viticultor por su savoir-faire. Las medidas de adaptación en respuesta al cambio climático (CC), resultan de la conjunción de estos componentes, analizados desde una perspectiva local. El objetivo del estudio fue definir la variabilidad del clima actual de la región costera Sur de Uruguay, evaluar los posibles impactos en la vid, y aportar respuestas para su adaptación en el contexto de CC. En diez viñedos comerciales de Tannat ubicados en Canelones y Montevideo se instalaron sensores de temperatura según un diseño que contempló la distancia del Río de la Plata. Se precisó la variabilidad espacial y temporal de la temperatura de estos viñedos mediante un análisis a meso-escala. A una escala más fina, se estudió el fenómeno de la penetración de la brisa marina y su efecto en la evolución térmica diurna. El Río de la Plata a través del efecto de la brisa, es uno de los componentes principales del clima de la región vitícola sur. La sensibilidad de la vid a la temperatura sobre la composición es explicada por las condiciones climáticas generales durante la maduración (térmicas e hídricas). Los principales actores del sector (viticultores y asesores) conocen la variabilidad local del clima y tienen identificados los aspectos que son desfavorables para producir uvas de calidad. Sin embargo el clima no parece tener un rol preponderante en la toma de decisiones, pero de manera subyacente, este juega un rol fundamental en la gestión del viñedo. Por último, se identificaron medidas de adaptación a la variabilidad local del clima, proponiendo estrategias a partir del conocimiento local

Ces travaux s'articulent autour de la détection et de la prévision des phénomènes turbulents dans la couche limite atmosphérique. Nous proposons tout d'abord une méthode stochastique innovante de reconstruction locale de l'atmosphère. Nous utilisons des systèmes de particules pour modéliser l'écoulement atmosphérique et sa variabilité interne. L'apprentissage des paramètres turbulents et la mise à jour des particules se font à l'aide d'observations mesurées par un lidar Doppler 3D. Nous présentons ensuite une nouvelle méthode de descente d'échelle stochastique pour la prévision de la turbulence sous-maille. A partir du modèle en points de grille Meso-NH, nous forçons un système de particules qui évolue à l'intérieur des mailles. Notre méthode de descente d'échelle permet de modéliser des champs sous-maille cohérents avec le modèle en points de grille. Dans un troisième et dernier temps nous introduisons les problèmes de remontée d'échelle. La reconstruction de l'atmosphère modélise la turbulence dans un volume restreint qui couvre au plus quelques mailles des modèles météorologiques en points de grille. L'objectif de la remontée d'échelle est de construire une méthode d'assimilation de l'atmosphère reconstruite. En utilisant l'algorithme de nudging direct et rétrograde, nous explorons les problèmes liés à la taille du domaine observé. Nous proposons finalement un algorithme de nudging avec apprentissage de paramètre, illustré sur un cas simple. / Our work aims to improve the turbulent phenomena detection and forecast in the atmospheric boundary layer. First, we suggest a new stochastic method to reconstruct locally the turbulent atmosphere. Particle systems are used to model the atmospheric flow and its internal variability. To update particles and lean the turbulent parameters 3D Doppler lidar measurements are used. Then, a new stochastic downscaling technic for sub-grid turbulence forecast is presented. From the grid point model Meso-NH, a sub-grid particle system is forced. Here, the particles evolve freely in the simulated domain. Our downscaling method allows to model sub-grid fields coherent with the grid point model. Next, we introduce the upscaling issue. The atmosphere reconstruction covers at best few cells of meteorological grid point models. The issue is to assimilate the reconstructed atmosphere in such models. Using the back and forth nudging algorithm, we explore the problems induced by the size of the observed domain. Finally we suggest a new way to use the back and forth nudging algorithm for parameter identification.

CoordenaÃÃo de AperfeiÃoamento de Pessoal de NÃvel Superior / A deficiÃncia hÃdrica em regiÃes semiÃridas, como o Nordeste do Brasil, representa um dos principais fatores limitantes ao desenvolvimento econÃmico, com graves consequÃncias sociais. Para garantir a conservaÃÃo dos recursos hÃdricos disponÃveis, à imprescindÃvel o controle de aÃÃes antrÃpicas que impactem negativamente a disponibilidade hÃdrica. Por exemplo, a ocupaÃÃo desordenada do solo e a utilizaÃÃo de prÃticas inadequadas na agricultura intensificam a erosÃo e o transporte de sedimentos, interferindo diretamente na disponibilidade hÃdrica. O assoreamento de reservatÃrios causa a reduÃÃo de sua capacidade de armazenamento e, consequentemente, sua capacidade de regularizar vazÃes com elevada garantia. O aporte de sedimentos a mananciais contribui tambÃm para a degradaÃÃo da qualidade da Ãgua, atravÃs do aumento da turbidez, o que provoca a reduÃÃo da concentraÃÃo de oxigÃnio dissolvido, e do enriquecimento de nutrientes. Adicionalmente, a erosÃo do solo à um dos principais fatores de degradaÃÃo ambiental, provocando a perda de nutrientes das camadas superficiais de solo. Portanto, uma avaliaÃÃo precisa dos fluxos de sedimento ao longo de sua trajetÃria à imprescindÃvel para a identificaÃÃo de Ãreas potencialmente erosivas e de locais onde predominam processos de deposiÃÃo. Para isso, faz-se necessÃrio o conhecimento das condiÃÃes de transporte dos sedimentos atravÃs e entre os diferentes compartimentos da bacia hidrogrÃfica. O potencial de movimento de uma partÃcula no sistema, denominado de conectividade no transporte de sedimentos, destaca-se como fator determinante para a compreensÃo e estimativa dos fluxos de massa sÃlida. De forma a se avaliar o efeito da conectividade sobre a produÃÃo de sedimentos na regiÃo semiÃrida do Brasil, realizou-se simulaÃÃo hidrossedimentolÃgica da bacia hidrogrÃfica de meso-escala do aÃude BenguÃ, CearÃ, utilizando-se o modelo WASA-SED. Constatou-se que, de um modo geral, o balanÃo de Ãgua no solo determina as condiÃÃes de geraÃÃo de escoamento na regiÃo de estudo: muito embora haja uma predominÃncia de iniciaÃÃo do escoamento superficial por processo Hortoniano, na escala de bacia hidrogrÃfica o excesso de precipitaÃÃo à percebido somente em eventos de grande magnitude ou apÃs sequÃncias de eventos chuvosos, quando a conectividade hidrolÃgica à elevada. Assim, as condiÃÃes de transporte limitam a produÃÃo de sedimentos, gerando padrÃes espaciais muito semelhantes de escoamento superficial e de produÃÃo de sedimentos. Na escala de bacia hidrogrÃfica, o padrÃo espacial de conectividade mostrou-se fortemente relacionado a caracterÃsticas hidrÃulicas do solo, enquanto que na escala de vertente, caracterÃsticas topogrÃficas locais desempenharam um papel mais importante no transporte de sedimentos. A simulaÃÃo de caracterÃsticas especÃficas do semiÃrido pelo modelo WASA-SED, tais como escoamento do tipo Hortoniano, reinfiltraÃÃo a jusante, redistribuiÃÃo lateral de escoamento e densa rede de reservatÃrios, permitiu a estimativa satisfatÃria dos fluxos de Ãgua e sedimentos tanto na bacia do Benguà (933 kmÂ) como na sub-bacia de Aiuaba (12 kmÂ). Um teste mais rigoroso foi realizado com o uso da tÃcnica de CÃsio-137 como traÃador de erosÃo/deposiÃÃo de sedimentos. A comparaÃÃo entre valores modelados e medidos com 137Cs em uma vertente representativa demonstrou boa correlaÃÃo entre os valores. Apesar de se tratar de um resultado local, tal comparaÃÃo indica que o modelo WASA-SED simule os fluxos de sedimento de maneira satisfatÃria tambÃm na escala de vertente / Water deficit in semiarid regions, such as the Northeastern Brazil, is a major limiting factor to economic development, with serious social consequences. To ensure the conservation of the available water resources, it is essential to control the human activities that impact negatively on water availability. For instance, uncontrolled soil use and improper agricultural practices, tend to intensify erosion and sediment transport processes, with direct impacts on water availability. Reservoirs siltation causes a reduction of the storage capacity and, hence, of the ability to supply water with high reliability. Sediment input to water bodies also contributes to water quality degradation, by increasing turbidity, which results in a reduction of the concentration of dissolved oxygen, and nutrient enrichment. In addition, soil erosion is a major factor of environmental degradation, causing the loss of nutrients of the top soil layers. Therefore, an accurate assessment of sediment fluxes along its pathway is essential for the identification of potentially erosive areas and regions where deposition processes predominate. For such estimation, a good understanding of the conditions of sediment transport through and between the different catchment compartments is necessary. The potential for movement of the soil particles within the system, denominated connectivity in sediment transport, stands out as a determining factor for the understanding and estimation of the flow of solid mass. In order to evaluate the effect of connectivity on sediment yield in the semiarid region of Brazil, a hydrosedimentological simulation of the Benguà meso-scale catchment (CearÃ, Brazil) was carried out with the WASA-SED model. It was found that, in general, water balance in the soil matrix determinates the conditions for runoff generation in the study area: although there is a predominance of surface runoff initiation by Hortonian process, in the catchment scale, excess precipitation is observed only in events of great magnitude or sequences of rain events, when hydrological connectivity is high. Thus, the transport conditions limit sediment yield, generating very similar spatial patterns of runoff and sediment yield. At the catchment scale, the spatial pattern of connectivity was strongly related to soil hydraulic properties, while topographic characteristics played a more important role in sediment transport at the finer scale. The simulation of specific features of semiarid regions by the WASA-SED model, such as Hortonian-type flow, downstream re-infiltration of surface runoff, lateral flow redistribution and dense network of reservoirs, allowed a satisfactory estimate of both water and sediments fluxes in the Benguà catchment (933 km Â), as well as in the Aiuaba sub-basin (12 km Â). A more rigorous test was performed with the technique of Cesium-137 as a tracer of soil erosion/deposition. A comparison between modelled and measured (with 137Cs) values in a representative hillslope showed good correlation between the values. Even though it is a local result, this comparison indicates that the WASA-SED model must be able to simulate sediment fluxes satisfactorily also in the hillslope scale

Diese Arbeit untersucht das Versagen von Faser-Kunststoff-Verbunden an dem Material Glasfaser/Epoidharz. Die mechanischen Eigenschaften des Epoxidharzes werden mitteln Zug-, Druck, und Torsionsversuch ermittelt und mittels eines eigen entwickelten Werkstoffmodells abgebildet. Das Versagen innerhalb eines Rovings wird mithilfe von Mikromodellen bestimmt, in denen das Werkstoffmodell der Matrix eingesetzt wird. Der Fokus liegt dabei auf der Ermittlung eines geeigneten repräsentativen Volumenelementes (RVE) für die Mikrostruktur und die Ausarbeitung der Effekte aufgrund des Skalenübergangs. Mit diesem RVE der Mikrostruktur wird das Bruchkriterium nach A. Puck. anhand virtueller Experimente kalibriert und in einem Mesomodell eingesetzt. Das Mesomodell bildet einen auf Druck beanspruchten Rohrprüfkörper ab und wird mit dem entsprechenden Experiment verglichen, um das Bruchverhalten des Rovings zu validieren.

Il existe aujourd'hui un enjeu sociétal majeur à s'intéresser à la propagation du son en milieu extérieur etnotamment, dans notre contexte, à diminuer l'incertitude sur l'estimation des niveaux sonores et améliorer ainsi laprécision des diverses analyses, du bureau d'étude à l'institut de recherche. Dans le cadre de l'acoustiqueenvironnementale, l'influence des conditions météorologiques sur la propagation acoustique en milieu extérieurpeut être importante. Il est donc nécessaire d'appréhender et de quantifier les phénomènes météorologiques demicro-échelles que l'on observe dans la couche limite atmosphérique.Dans ce but, le modèle météorologique de recherche de Météo-France (Meso-NH) a été utilisé. Après avoircomparé les résultats de ce modèle à très fine résolution (de l'ordre du mètre) à l'aide des bases de données de deuxcampagnes expérimentales (Lannemezan 2005 et la Station de Long Terme), il s'est avéré nécessaire de développercet outil en intégrant la prise en compte de la force de traînée des arbres. Dès lors, les résultats issus de Meso-NH surles champs de vent, de température et d'énergie cinétique turbulente aparraissent satisfaisants. Ces informationssont par la suite utilisées en données d'entrée du modèle de propagation acoustique.Le modèle acoustique temporel utilisé est basé sur la méthode Transmission Line Matrix (TLM). Sondéveloppement a été effectué dans le but d'être appliqué à la propagation acoustique en milieu extérieur : prise encompte du relief, de différents types de sol, des conditions atmosphériques, etc. La validation numérique de laméthode TLM, par comparaison avec d'autres modèles (analytique et numérique de type Equation Parabolique), apermis de montrer la pertinence de son utilisation dans le cadre de l'acoustique environnementale.Enfin, à l'aide de ces modèles, des niveaux sonores simulés sous différentes conditions de propagation(favorables, défavorables, homogènes) ont été comparés aux mesures in-situ réalisées lors de la campagneexpérimentale de Lannemezan 2005. Les résultats se sont avérés très satisfaisants au regard de la variabilité desphénomènes observés. Cependant, l'utilisation des champs issus d'un modèle micro-météorologique de type Meso-NH reste délicate du fait de la forte sensibilité du niveau sonore aux profils verticaux de célérité du son. L'étude defaisabilité sur une expérience plus complexe (la Station de Long Terme) est encourageante et, à condition de disposerd'importants moyens de calculs, elle permet de considérer la TLM comme une nouvelle méthode de référence etainsi, d'envisager d'élargir son domaine d'utilisation à d'autres applications. / Actually, it exists a major societal issue to be interested in outdoor sound propagation and specially, in our context, toreduce the uncertainty in noise levels estimation and thus to improve the analyses accuracy, from engineers toresearch institutes. The influence of meteorology on outdoor sound propagation is significant. It is thereforenecessary to understand and quantify the micro scales phenomena into the atmospheric boundary layer.In this way, the French research meteorological model (Meso-NH) has been used. After comparing resultsof this model at very fine resolution (~1 meter) to measurements issued from the databases of two experimentalcampaigns (Lannemezan 2005 and Long Term Monitoring Station: LTMS), it appeared necessary to develop this toolin order to take into account the drag force of the trees. Finally, the Meso-NH results for the wind, temperature andturbulent kinetic energy fields are satisfactory. Then, theses informations can be used as input data for acousticmodels.Our time domain acoustic model is based on Transmission Line Matrix method (TLM). Its development wasdone in order to be applied to outdoor sound propagation: taking into account topography, soil types, meteorologicalconditions, etc. The numerical validation of the TLM method, by comparison with other models (analytical andnumerical: Parabolic Equation), has shown the relevance of its use in the context of environmental acoustics.Finally, thanks to these models, simulated noise levels in different propagation conditions (downward,upward and homogeneous refraction conditions) were compared to in situ measurements carried out during theLannemezan 2005 experimental campaign. Satisfying results were obtained regarding the observed phenomenavariability. However, using the micro-meteorological model Meso-NH is difficult because of the strong acousticsensitivity to the vertical celerity profiles. A feasibility study on a more complex experience (LTMS) is encouragingand, provided having substantial computing resources, it permits to consider the TLM as an accurate method in thecontext of environmental acoustics.

A geração de novas fontes de energia limpa, segura e renovável por meio da fusão nuclear envolve importantes desafios tecnológicos, dentre eles a pesquisa, caracterização e a fabricação de materiais avançados para os futuros reatores de fusão nuclear. Os aços ferrítico-martensíticos de reduzida atividade radioativa, em especial a liga Eurofer-97, destacam-se por apresentar uma combinação única de propriedades para esta aplicação. O objetivo desta Tese de Doutorado é avaliar a estabilidade microestrutural deste aço recozido numa ampla faixa de temperaturas. Cálculos termodinâmicos e testes de dilatometria foram usados para determinar as temperaturas de transformação de fase. A estabilidade microestrutural foi estudada por meio de recozimentos isotérmicos entre 200 e 1350oC após laminação a frio com reduções de 40, 70, 80 e 90%. A avaliação da estabilidade mecânica do aço Eurofer-97 foi realizada por meio de medidas de dureza Vickers. As principais técnicas utilizadas para caracterização microestrutural foram microscopias eletrônica de varredura e de transmissão, tomografia por sonda atômica e medidas de magnetização DC. Tanto a textura como a microtextura foram determinadas por meio de medidas de difração de raios X e de elétrons retroespalhados (EBSD). Recuperação, recristalização primária e crescimento anormal de grão ocorrem neste material recozido abaixo de 800oC. Acima desta temperatura, a transformação martensítica ocorre alterando bastante a micoroestrutura. A cinética de crescimento anormal de grão é alterada pela quantidade de redução a frio previamente aplicada. A hipótese proposta para explicar o crescimento anormal de grãos neste material baseia-se principalmente na vantagem de tamanho adquirida pelos núcleos de recristalização primária com diferenças de orientação médias superiores a 45º em relação aos vizinhos. Neste caso, o crescimento anormal de grão é responsável por fortalecer as componentes {111} e {111}, {001} e {110}. Acima de 800oC a transformação martensítica prevalece elevando a dureza Vickers e randomizando a textura deste aço. As características do produto transformado dependem tanto da temperatura de austenitização quanto do tamanho incial do grão ferrítico. Os dados de composição química das partículas estáveis após recozimento em temperaturas inferiores a 800oC foram usados para validar os resultados dos cálculos termodinâmicos obtidos via Thermo-Calc. / Clean, safe, and renewable energy sources such as nuclear fusion comprise important technological challenges, including research, characterization and manufacture of advanced materials for future fusion reactors. Modified ferritic-martensitic steels with reduced radioactive activity (RAFM), especially Eurofer-97 steel, are among worldwide references in the nuclear field for their unique properties. The scope of this Thesis is to evaluate the microstructural (thermal) stability in ferritic-martensitic Eurofer-97 after annealing within a wide range of temperatures. Themodinamic calculations as well as dilatometric tests were used to determine the main phase transformation temperatures. The microstructural stability of this steel was followed by isothermal annealing between 200 and 1350°C after cold rolling to 40, 70, 80 and 90% reductions in thickness. The mechanical stability in the Eurofer-97 was assessed by Vickers microhardness measurements. Representative samples for each metallurgical condition were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, atom probe tomography, and DC-magnetization tests. Both texture and microtexture were evaluated by X-ray diffraction and electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD) techniques. Recovery, primary recrystallization, and abnormal grain growth (secondary recrystallization) processes have been observed at temperatures below 800°C. The amount of abnormally grown grains depends on the amount of previous cold rolling. The hypothesis for the most probable mechanism responsible for abnormal grain growth is based on the advantage size acquired by nuclei with misorientations above 45º surrounding their neighboring grains, even in regions where primary recrystallization was incomplete. The texture developed after abnormal grain growth has components belonging to ?- and ?-fibers with predominance of {111}, {111}, {100} e {110} components. The martensite transformation takes place when this steel is annealed above 800°C causing an increase of hardness, significant changes in microstructure, and texture weakening. The martensitic sructure depends very much on both austenitization temperature and initial austenitic grain size. The results of chemical analyses of stable particles present in samples annealed below 800oC were used to validate the thermodynamic calculations provided by Thermo-Calc.

This dissertation investigates a recent development in New Institutional Economics that draws attention to the division of three institutional layers - macro, meso and micro. I present an analysis considering the systematic connection between these layers and also a particular investigation of the meso-level. Using historical secondary data on milk regulations in Brazil and Italy, and a fine-grained dataset related to daily laboratory analysis of cow milk quality from 25 of the 27 Brazilian states during a nineteen-year period (1999-2017), I address some research questions in the fields of institutional economics, strategic management and food policy. This dissertation includes three individual chapters in the format of academic articles, besides a general introduction and conclusion. Chapter 2 focuses on the field of institutional economics by addressing the gap in the literature in providing a systematic approach detailing the relationships between macro, meso and micro institutional layers and their analysis as a system. This part presents three concepts - institutional interconnectivity, institutional complementarity, institutional alignment - to enrich this new debate. I adopt a historical and regulatory perspective to employ these concepts in the dairy industry in Brazil and Italy. I present some propositions related to the functioning of institutional layers and their basis in terms of transaction costs. Drawing on regulatory institutional voids, Chapter 3 investigates the impact of meso-institution\'s translation effects on performance, as well as the dependence of this influence on firm-level resources. As expected, I observe the creation of a meso-institution overcoming these institutional voids and increasing firms\' performance, due to the information provision mechanisms that simplify complex rules and induce firms to achieve a better fit between their external and internal environments in terms of resource allocation. I also demonstrate the particular relevance of meso-institutions\' translation effects for small firms. Some contributions to the institutions-based strategy literature are presented. Chapter 4 brings the analysis of efficient meso-institutions affecting the effectiveness of food policy implementation. I find that the translation function of a meso-institution increases the policy\'s effectiveness and highlight a sequential logic of policy implementation from institutional (first-order) to technology and size (second-order) effects. This chapter also has policy implications, advocating that any regulation must be initially translated, and then enforced and monitored, to succeed. / A presente dissertação avalia um recente desenvolvimento teórico da Nova Economia Institucional que apresenta a divisão de três camadas institucionais - macro, meso e micro. O estudo traz uma análise considerando a conexão sistemática entre essas camadas e também uma investigação específica no nível meso. Utilizando dados secundários históricos sobre regulamentações de leite no Brasil e na Itália, e um conjunto de dados relacionados à análise laboratorial diária da qualidade do leite de vacas de 25 dos 27 estados brasileiros durante um período de dezenove anos (1999-2017), este estudo investiga questões nas literaturas de economia institucional, gestão estratégica e política alimentar. Esta dissertação contém três capítulos individuais no formato de artigos acadêmicos, além de uma introdução geral e conclusão. O Capítulo 2 concentra-se no campo da economia institucional, abordando a lacuna na literatura em fornecer uma abordagem sistemática detalhando as relações entre as camadas institucionais macro, meso e micro e sua análise como um sistema. Esta parte apresenta três conceitos - interconectividade institucional, complementaridade institucional, alinhamento institucional - para enriquecer este novo debate. É adotada uma perspectiva histórica e regulatória para avaliar esses conceitos na indústria do leite no Brasil e na Itália. São apresentadas proposições relacionadas ao funcionamento de camadas institucionais em termos de custos de transação. Com base nos vazios institucionais regulatórios, o Capítulo 3 apresenta uma investigação do impacto dos efeitos de tradução das meso-instituições sobre o desempenho, bem como a dependência dessa influência dos recursos no nível da empresa. Os resultados apontam que a criação de uma meso-instituição auxilia na resolução desses vazios institucionais e aumenta o desempenho das empresas, devido aos mecanismos de provisão de informações que simplificam regras complexas e induzem as firmas a uma melhor adequação em seus ambientes externos e internos em termos de recursos alocação. Ainda, os resultados evidenciam uma relevância particular dos efeitos de tradução das meso-instituições para firmas pequenas. São apresentadas contribuições para a literatura de estratégia baseada em instituições. O Capítulo 4 apresenta a investigação de meso-instituições eficientes afetando a eficácia da implementação da política de alimentos. Os resultados ilustram que a função de tradução de uma meso-instituição aumenta a efetividade da política e destaca uma lógica sequencial de implementação de políticas a iniciar com efeitos institucionais (de primeira ordem) a efeitos de tecnologia e tamanho (segunda ordem). Este capítulo também tem implicações políticas, evidenciando que qualquer regulamentação deve ser inicialmente traduzida e então monitorada para ser efetiva.