This dissertation contributes to the disaster resilience policy literature by examining the diffusion of hazard mitigation policy in the U.S. Using the three-paper model, it investigates the adoption of local hazard mitigation plans (LHMPs) from an intergovernmental perspective. The first paper focuses on horizontal diffusion in hazard mitigation planning among local communities. Special attention is paid to the potential factors affecting the adoption of FEMA-approved LHMPs, Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) projects and Pre-Disaster Program (PDM) projects at the county level. The Event History Analysis (EHA) Logit Model and Spatial Autocorrelation Models test the hypotheses corresponding to external factors such as the neighboring effects and internal factors, including disaster risks, neighborhood disadvantage and affluence, government capacity, local disaster resilience advocacy groups, and political support. The empirical results confirmed the significant influence of neighboring effects, indicating that counties are more likely to implement the same mitigation strategies if neighboring counties have done so. The results also revealed that disaster experience, government capacity, and strong democratic support significantly impact the likelihood of adopting LHMP and HMGP. Additionally, the results suggested that disadvantaged communities were more likely to adopt mitigation policies, while affluent communities were less likely to adopt such policies. The second paper evaluates the effectiveness of the FEMA's Program Administration by State Pilot (PAS). By integrating the Propensity Score Matching (PSM) technique with the Difference-in-Differences (DID) analysis, the empirical evidence demonstrated a significant reduction in the approval times for both LHMP and HMGP in pilot states compared to non-pilot states, with an average reduction nearing 30%. This suggests that the PAS program has effectively streamlined administrative processes, thereby enhancing efficiency in disaster management within pilot states. The analysis also indicated that the impact of PAS on the actual funding received through HMGP was insignificant, suggesting that while administrative processes were expedited, the allocation of financial resources remained unaffected. The third paper attempts to understand how local governments respond to top-down policy pressures in vertical diffusion by analyzing the text similarities of hazard mitigation strategies between state hazard mitigation plans and county LHMPs in Ohio using the word embedding technologies. The study employs the Word2Vec algorithm to assess the policy similarity between the hazard mitigation goals outlined in LHMPs and SHMPs. Building on this initial analysis, this research further uses the Beta Regression model to examine the textual similarities within LHMPs in Ohio, focusing on how the type of author - government versus private consultants, and the nature of the goals, whether action-based or hazard-based, affect these alignments. The regression analysis shows that LHMPs authored by government entities tend to exhibit higher textual similarity, reflecting the influence of standardized approaches driven by state and federal guidelines. This suggests a compliance-driven alignment in government-written plans. Conversely, LHMPs authored by private consultants display greater variability, suggesting that these plans are customized to the specific needs and risk assessments of local communities. Additionally, the regression results indicate that action-based and mixed-goal LHMPs are associated with higher textual similarity across counties. To carry out the empirical analysis mentioned above, this dissertation builds a panel dataset for all counties from 2000 to 2020, which contains data on LHMPs, HMA projects, disaster risks, socioeconomic characteristics, regional economic and political indicators, etc. / Doctor of Philosophy / Hazard mitigation in the United States is a critical issue, especially as the frequency and cost of disasters continue to rise. This dissertation investigates the dynamics of hazard mitigation planning within a multi-level governmental framework, focusing on the adoption of Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) approved Local Hazard Mitigation Plans (LHMPs), Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) projects, and Pre-Disaster Program (PDM) projects. across U.S. counties and the influence of federal and state policies on these local initiatives. The first paper examines the horizontal diffusion of LHMPs among local communities, revealing the significant influence of neighboring counties. This "neighboring effect" shows that counties are more likely to adopt similar mitigation strategies if their neighbors have done so, emphasizing the role of regional collaboration in spreading effective disaster resilience practices. Additionally, the study found that counties with more disaster experience and greater governmental capacity are more likely to implement LHMPs, highlighting the importance of preparedness and resources in driving policy adoption. Furthermore, this research finds counties with higher socioeconomic disadvantages are more proactive in adopting mitigation policies, which could be attributed to the higher perceived risks and available federal funding targeted at these communities. The second paper evaluates the impact of FEMA's Program Administration by State (PAS) pilot program on the administrative efficiency of LHMP and HMGP approvals. The findings indicate a significant reduction in approval times in pilot states, suggesting that the PAS program has successfully streamlined administrative processes. However, this expedited process did not lead to increased funding or broader adoption, pointing to the need for further policy enhancements to ensure that administrative improvements translate into real-world benefits for disaster preparedness. The third paper explores the vertical diffusion of policy from state to local governments, using Ohio as a case study. It employs advanced text analysis to measure the similarity between state and local hazard mitigation plans. The results show that government-authored LHMPs tend to closely follow state guidelines, indicating a top-down influence that ensures compliance with federal and state objectives. In contrast, LHMPs authored by private consultants were more varied and aligned to the specific needs and risks of local communities. This suggests that a balance is needed between standardized policies and local customization to effectively address the unique challenges of different regions. By integrating these findings, this dissertation provides a comprehensive overview of how hazard mitigation policies are adopted and implemented across various governmental levels. The research concludes with policy recommendations that advocate for sustained reforms in hazard mitigation funding, emphasizing the need for equitable resource distribution among disadvantaged communities. It also offers critical insights into improving intergovernmental cooperation and policy effectiveness, ensuring that all communities, regardless of their socio-economic status, can enhance their resilience and better prepare for future disasters. This research ultimately serves as a guide for policymakers to refine strategies that foster robust, community-centered resilience practices, enhancing the nation's overall disaster preparedness and response capabilities.

Research Background: The retail industry is undergoing a significant transformation driven by the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies. AI implementation faces challenges, notably risk of malfunctions, which disrupt internal operations. In the context of this research, "non-consumer AI malfunctions" are defined as disruptions in AI systems that are utilized within the organizational operations of retail businesses. Our investigation is motivated by the recognition that while AI has the potential to redefine retail operations fundamentally, a nuanced understanding of how to manage and learn from AI malfunctions, particularly in non-consumer contexts, is essential for realizing this potential fully. This study underscores the importance of researching how organizations effectively respond to such malfunctions and recover from them. Research Purpose: The purpose of this research is investigating diverse mitigation strategies adopted by retail organizations in response to non-consumer AI malfunctions, and to construct a comprehensive framework to address this. Method: This research adopts an exploratory qualitative approach, utilizing semi-structured interviews to gather in-depth insights. Data was collected from key personnel across various retail companies, employing inductive coding using the Gioia Methodology Theory, to identify and analyse emerging themes. In total, interview data from 12 retail specialists was collected and analysed. This methodology is grounded in Sociotechnical Systems Theory, capturing the complex interplay between social and technical factors, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the strategic responses of retail organizations to AI malfunctions. Conclusion: Our study contributes to various research gaps, as it is the first comprehensive study on non-consumer AI malfunctions in the retail industry. By developing a comprehensive framework for addressing non-consumer AI malfunctions, the study contributes to the ongoing advancement of knowledge and understanding in this important area of study. Our study extends the theoretical understanding of the interplay between technology, organization, and strategies, highlighting their inseparable relationship when addressing non-consumer AI malfunctions. Our findings reveal that effective management of AI malfunctions requires adjustments in both social and technical systems, emphasizing the importance of organizational resilience and adaptability.

The aim of this study was to determine a carbon and water footprint for a beverage manufacturing company. The carbon footprint determination was conducted on Scope 1 and Scope 2. The water footprint was determined on the blue water and grey water. The beverage production volumes of the beverage manufacturing company were used to determine both the carbon and the water footprint. The theoretical background to this study was based on both local and international beverage companies and the outcome for the carbon and water footprint was benchmarked against the local and international companies. The objectives of this study were achieved by calculating a carbon and water footprint for the beverage company. The carbon footprint unit of measure is g CO2e / litre produced and the water footprint is litre water/litre produced. The unit of measure for pollutant grey water footprint is measured in milligram. Based on the results achieved in this study, recommendations for carbon and water footprint reductions were made to the beverage company. Reduction targets for production year 2020 were also recommended based on the implementation of the reduction plans. / Environmental Sciences / M. Sc. (Environmental Science)

The following is a case study of the University of New Orleans Disaster Resistant University project. The Disaster Resistant University project involved the creation, adoption, and implementation of an all-hazards campus mitigation plan. On August 29, 2005 Hurricane Katrina struck the City of New Orleans. This disaster caused the need for a reassessment of the original campus mitigation plan. Both the original plan, and its reassessment, are the subject of this case study.

Dans une ferme d'élevage de bar (Dicentrarchus labrax) du sud de la mer du Nord, de fortes mortalités de bar coïncident régulièrement avec l'efflorescence phytoplanctonique printanière. Le rôle du phytoplancton dans ces mortalités a donc été étudié : un suivi saisonnier (février-novembre 2012) a permis de définir les communautés phytoplanctoniques en présence et, la diversité et la toxicité du genre Pseudo-nitzschia. Ainsi, trois espèces potentiellement toxiques ont été identifiées (P. delicatissima, P. pungens, P. fraudulenta) en association avec des concentrations élevées d'acide domoïque (jusqu'à 229 pg. mL-¹). Au cours d'une expérience d'exposition (45 jours), les effets délétères de P. delicatissima sur les juvéniles de bar ont été étudiés. Si un stress d'exposition a été observé via la surproduction de mucus par l'épithélium branchial, cela n'a pas eu d'incidence sur la condition ni la physiologie des poissons. Les mortalités seraient donc davantage liées à un effet de communautés. Cette hypothèse a été testée en utilisant le pouvoir de filtration des moules (Mytilis edulis) en amont des bassins d'élevage. Cela a permis de limiter l'ampleur de l'efflorescence phytoplanctonique printanière. En conséquence, les poissons élevés dans l'eau filtrée avaient de meilleures conditions, croissance et rapport ARN:ADN que ceux élevés dans l'eau de mer non filtrée. Ce travail souligne la nécessité de généraliser le suivi des communautés phytoplanctoniques afin d'identifier les espèces délétères et leur dynamique et de développer des outils de mitigation permettant d'atténuer l'impact des efflorescences phytoplanctoniques sur l'aquaculture. / For several years, mass mortalities of farmed sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) have coincided with phytoplankton spring blooms in the southern North Sea. Since these mortalities could not be explained by classical finfish diseases, phytoplankton noxious effects have been suspected and investigated. A seasonal survey allowed the identification of potentially deleterious phytoplankton species giving particular attention to the Pseudo-nitzschia genus. Three potentially toxic Pseudo-nitzschia species were identified (P. delicatissima, P. pungens, P. fraudulenta) and their presence was related to both domoic acid concentrations and phytoplankton communities. P. delicatissima being dominant over spring and presenting toxic and physical features compatible with fish mortality, a laboratory exposure experiment was carried out. Although gills irritations (mucus overproduction) revealed an exposure stress, no effect on sea bass condition nor on physiological performances was demonstrated. This suggest that phytoplankton community as a whole rather than single species should be involved in fish mortalities. This third hypothesis was tested using mussels (Mytilus edulis) as seawater filters upstream from the rearing tanks to dampen the phytoplankton spring bloom and estimate its impact on fish. Indeed, fish had better condition , growth and RNA:DNA ratio when reared in filtered seawater than in natural seawater. This work highlights the need to develop phytoplankton monitoring in fish farms so as to identify potentially deleterious species and understand their dynamics. It also demonstrates that new mitigation tools should be developed to prevent phytoplankton impacts on farmed fish.

A dissertation submitted to the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Engineering, 2016 / Global climate change is among the major challenges the world is facing today, and can be attributed to enhanced concentrations of Greenhouse Gases (GHG), such as carbon dioxide (CO2), in the atmosphere. Therefore, there is an urgent need to mitigate CO2 emissions, and carbon capture and storage (CCS) is amongst the possible options to reduce CO2 emissions. Against this background, this work investigated the synthesis and performance evaluation of Polyaspartamide (PAA) adsorbent for CO2 capture. In particular, the effect of the presence of water-soluble amines in the amine-grafted poly-succinimide (PSI) (referred to as Polyaspartamide (PAA) adsorbent), was investigated. Methyl Amine (MA) and Mono-Ethanol Amine (MEA) were employed as water-soluble amines and the effect of changes in their concentration on CO2 adsorption capacity was investigated as well. Water-soluble amines were incorporated to allow water solubility of the adsorbent paving the way for freeze-drying to improve the geometric structure (surface area, pore volume and pore size) of the adsorbent. Initially, the PSI was loaded with Ethylenediamine (EDA), forming PSI-EDA. The water-soluble amines were grafted to PSI-EDA, with the EDA added to improve the chemical surface of the adsorbent for CO2 capture. NMR and FTIR analyses were performed and confirmed the presence of MA and MEA amine groups in the PAA, thereby indicating the presence of the grafted amines on the backbone polymer. BET analysis was performed and reported the pore volume, pore size and surface area of the freeze-dried material. It was observed that the physical properties did not change significantly after the freeze-drying compared to literature where freeze-drying was not employed. An increase in adsorption capacity with an increase in MA and MEA concentrations in MA-PAA and MEA-PAA samples was observed. At low amine concentrations (20% amine and 80% EDA grafted), MEA-PAA was observed to exhibit higher adsorption capacity compared to the MA-PAA samples. At high amine (100% amine grafted) concentrations, MA-PAA samples displayed higher adsorption capacity. Three runs were performed on each sample and the results obtained were reproducible. The best adsorption capacity obtained was 44.5 g CO2/kg Ads. Further work was then performed to understand the effects of operating variables on CO2 adsorption as well as the interactive effect using the Response Surface Methodology approach. The experiments were done by use of CO2 adsorption equipment attached to an ABB gas analyzer. A central composite design of experiment method with a total of 20 experiments was employed to investigate three factors, namely, temperature, pressure and gas flow rate. Six regression models were drawn up and mean error values computed by use of Matlab, followed by response surfaces as well as contours, showing the influence of the operating variables on the adsorption capacity as well as interaction of the factors were then drawn up. The results obtained displayed that each of the factors investigated, temperature, pressure and gas flowrate had an incremental effect on the adsorption capacity of PAA, that is, as each factor was increased, the adsorption capacity increased up to a point where no more increase occurred. Adsorption was seen to increase for both an increase in gas flowrate and adsorption pressure to a maximum, thereafter it starts to decrease. A similar trend was observed for the interaction between temperature and pressure. However, the interaction between gas flowrate and temperature was such that, initially as the temperature and the gas flowrate increase, the adsorption capacity increases to a maximum, thereafter, the temperature seizes to have an effect on the adsorption capacity with a combined effect of decreasing temperature and increasing gas flowrate resulting in a further increase in adsorption capacity. It was confirmed that the operating variables as well as the flow regime have an effect on the CO2 adsorption capacity of the novel material. The highest adsorption capacity was obtained in the pressure range 0.5 bar to 1.7 bar coinciding with the temperature range of 10 oC to 45 oC. The interaction of gas flowrate and adsorption pressure was such that the highest adsorption capacity is in the range 0.8 bar to 1.5 bar which coincides with the gas flowrate range from 35 ml / min to 60 ml / min. In conclusion, the best adsorption capacity of 44.5 g / kg via the TGA and 70.4 g / kg via the CO2 adsorption equipment was obtained from 100 % MA grafted PSI. / GR2016

Feng, Xiaofei. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2013. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 157-168). / Electronic reproduction. Hong Kong : Chinese University of Hong Kong, [2012] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Abstracts also in Chinese.

Ghana has experienced an unprecedented failure of microfinance institutions. Within a period of 8 years from 2011 to 2019, the Bank of Ghana has revoked the license of over 489 microfinance institutions. The purpose of the exploratory multiple case study was to explore strategies that microfinance managers apply to mitigate the effects of crisis to remain sustainable. The targeted population was composed of owner-managers from 6 microfinance companies in Ghana and 6 consultants who overcame the microfinance crisis and remained in practice. The situational crisis communication theory and the team leadership model were the conceptual frameworks for this study. Methodological triangulation was used to support the review and analysis of data from structured interviews, focus group discussions, and relevant company documents. Data were analyzed using NVivo to provide alphanumeric coding, and thematic analysis was used to support the identification of themes and subthemes, which were organized and linked to the crisis phenomenon to identify the 5 emerged themes: governance, communication, fundraising, cost reduction, and business model strategies. The study findings may contribute to social change by building confidence in the financial system, making microfinance services available to the lower end market. There may be more historical crisis effect mitigation strategies and evidence available to practitioners, entrepreneurs leading to job creation and sustainable businesses globally. These findings could provide insights for business leaders, owners-managers, the board of directors, practitioners and regulatory bodies to develop strategies to help their institutions survive in crises.

Abstract not available

As managers of extensive vehicle fleets and transportation infrastructures, public transit agencies present unique opportunities for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the transportation sector. To achieve substantial and cost-effective GHG emissions reductions from their activities, public transit agencies need tools and resources that enable effective GHG emissions management. This research thesis presents the background, methodology, and results of the author's development of a public transit agency-level life cycle GHG emissions calculator. The development of the calculator involved a series of research efforts aimed at identifying and addressing the needs of transit agency GHG emissions management: a review of background information on climate change and public transit's role in mitigating climate change; a review of existing GHG emissions calculators for public transit agencies, a review of the methodologies for life cycle GHG emissions analysis; integration and adaption of existing calculation resources; development of calculator spreadsheets for estimating relevant lifecycle GHG emissions and quantifying GHG emission reduction cost-effectiveness; application of the developed calculator to a carbon footprint analysis for a typical mid-size to large-size transit agency; and application of the developed calculator to the evaluation of the cost-effectiveness of various potential strategies for reducing transit agency GHG emissions. The developed calculator provides an integrative resource for quantifying GHG emissions and costs of public transit agency activities, including GHG emission reduction strategies. Further research is needed to calibrate the estimation of upstream life cycle GHG emissions, particularly for vehicle manufacture and maintenance.