Cross-border cooperation is growing mostly thanks to incentives in the form of funding under the European Regional Development Funds (ERDF) and its Interreg programme also called European Territorial Cooperation (ETC). This funding and support under EU cohesion policy, aims at reducing the economic, social and territorial disparities between the EU regions rather than between EU countries. The deepening of European integration on the ground may however be facing obstacles inherent to each country’s specificities Examples include form of government, socioeconomic conditions, political and legal framework. This paper is about cooperation in education in one of the established European cross-border regions called Greater Region (GR), which is an area stretching from Luxembourg, France (Grand Est Region), Belgium (Wallonia region, French community  and German-speaking community of Belgium) and Germany (Rhine-Palatinate and Saarland). The interregional cooperation in education in the GR is framed under Interreg VA and takes shape through cross-border projects and educational networks. These projects are jointly defined by partners from across the Greater region, to achieve the European educational objectives Horizon 2020. This paper will study a cross-border project and its networks in education and within the GR. The research will be conceptualised in multilevel governance (MLG). MLG supposes different levels of interaction, cooperation and networking between different levels of supranational, national and subnational authorities as well as public and private entities in decision-making process. A case study of the cross-border project Sesam’GR, monitored by Interreg VA GR, was chosen. The case study uses interviews as a research method to uncover the inherent obstacles and proposed solutions in such a European border region setting. The study is important in the general scheme of the EU overall integration project and for any existing and future educational projects and networks in particular. The GR lies at the geographic heart of the EU which includes four of its founding member countries. Sesam’GR project is by far the largest educational project in terms of finance and scale within Interreg. By the time the project has reached its end, there are positive indications that will set in motions other projects and will trigger an expansion and multiplication of networks despite the intrinsic challenges grounded in multi-level governance.

O uso de ferramentas de simulação para validar projetos de sistemas digitais é uma prática comum, devido às vantagens que estas trazem ao desenvolvimento destes sistemas, tais como: custo, segurança, velocidade e acuracidade. Porém, a simulação seqüencial de alguns sistemas pode levar várias horas ou até mesmo dias, fazendo desta maneira surgir a necessidade de técnicas para acelerar tal procedimento. Uma solução encontrada para aumentar a velocidade de simulação pode estar no uso de técnicas de sistemas distribuídos, já que muitas vezes o próprio sistema real tem embutido em si um certo paralelismo, o que facilita os procedimentos de distribuição. Ao se tratar da simulação de sistemas distribuídos logo surge um dos grandes problemas inerentes a estes, o controle global do tempo, fazendo com que a sincronização entre os processos seja bastante complicada. Neste trabalho são estudados dois paradigmas de sincronização, o otimista e o conservativo. Tendo como base estes paradigmas, formularam-se duas técnicas para solucionar o problema de sincronização, no contexto da simulação multinível de sistemas digitais. Nos estudos realizados, utilizou-se como plataforma a API WinSock para Windows a fim de proporcionar a comunicação entre processos. Ao final é feita uma análise comparativa das versões desenvolvidas, as quais fizeram uso das técnicas de sincronização acima mencionadas. / The use of simulation tools to validate the design of digital systems is a common practice, due to the benefits these tools bring to the development of those systems: cost, security, velocity, and accuracy. However, the sequential simulation of some systems may take hours or even days, thus creating the need of techniques for speeding up this procedure. A solution for increasing the simulation speed may be the use of techniques based on distributed systems, since very often the real system has an implicit parallelism, which makes easier the aplication of distribution procedures. When dealing with the simulation of distributed systems, one of the big problems that arise is the global control of simulation time, which makes the synchronization among processes very complex. In this work two synchronization paradigms are studied: the optimist and the conservative ones. Based on these paradigms, two techniques for solving the problem of synchronization in the context of multi-level simulation of digital systems have been developed. In these studies, the API WinSock for Windows has been used for supporting the communication between processes. A comparative analysis of the versions we developed, that use the above mentioned synchronization techniques, is also presented.

O uso de ferramentas de simulação para validar projetos de sistemas digitais é uma prática comum, devido às vantagens que estas trazem ao desenvolvimento destes sistemas, tais como: custo, segurança, velocidade e acuracidade. Porém, a simulação seqüencial de alguns sistemas pode levar várias horas ou até mesmo dias, fazendo desta maneira surgir a necessidade de técnicas para acelerar tal procedimento. Uma solução encontrada para aumentar a velocidade de simulação pode estar no uso de técnicas de sistemas distribuídos, já que muitas vezes o próprio sistema real tem embutido em si um certo paralelismo, o que facilita os procedimentos de distribuição. Ao se tratar da simulação de sistemas distribuídos logo surge um dos grandes problemas inerentes a estes, o controle global do tempo, fazendo com que a sincronização entre os processos seja bastante complicada. Neste trabalho são estudados dois paradigmas de sincronização, o otimista e o conservativo. Tendo como base estes paradigmas, formularam-se duas técnicas para solucionar o problema de sincronização, no contexto da simulação multinível de sistemas digitais. Nos estudos realizados, utilizou-se como plataforma a API WinSock para Windows a fim de proporcionar a comunicação entre processos. Ao final é feita uma análise comparativa das versões desenvolvidas, as quais fizeram uso das técnicas de sincronização acima mencionadas. / The use of simulation tools to validate the design of digital systems is a common practice, due to the benefits these tools bring to the development of those systems: cost, security, velocity, and accuracy. However, the sequential simulation of some systems may take hours or even days, thus creating the need of techniques for speeding up this procedure. A solution for increasing the simulation speed may be the use of techniques based on distributed systems, since very often the real system has an implicit parallelism, which makes easier the aplication of distribution procedures. When dealing with the simulation of distributed systems, one of the big problems that arise is the global control of simulation time, which makes the synchronization among processes very complex. In this work two synchronization paradigms are studied: the optimist and the conservative ones. Based on these paradigms, two techniques for solving the problem of synchronization in the context of multi-level simulation of digital systems have been developed. In these studies, the API WinSock for Windows has been used for supporting the communication between processes. A comparative analysis of the versions we developed, that use the above mentioned synchronization techniques, is also presented.

Made available in DSpace on 2016-08-17T14:52:45Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Valeska Martins Souza.pdf: 622283 bytes, checksum: 075dc5eb2d1ecc78b4ecd96ae57ab70e (MD5) Previous issue date: 2002-02-13 / In this dissertation a new methodology of based convex optimization in linear matrix inaqualities is proposal as basic instrument for the synthesis of robust controllers of discrete and linear dynamic systems that take care of to the specifications of perturbations of worse case. / Nesta dissertação é proposta uma nova metodologia de otimização convexa baseada em desigualdades matriciais lineares como instrumento básico para a síntese de controladores robustos de sistemas dinâmicos discretos e lineares que atendam às especificações de pertubações de pior caso.

Submitted by Aline Batista (alinehb.ufpel@gmail.com) on 2018-04-20T14:00:42Z No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) Dissertacao_Luciana_Rochedo_Spencer_Santos.pdf: 6658357 bytes, checksum: 04fb191e6adeb1bde7c81add08a7e8a0 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Aline Batista (alinehb.ufpel@gmail.com) on 2018-04-20T14:22:51Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) Dissertacao_Luciana_Rochedo_Spencer_Santos.pdf: 6658357 bytes, checksum: 04fb191e6adeb1bde7c81add08a7e8a0 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2018-04-20T14:22:59Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) Dissertacao_Luciana_Rochedo_Spencer_Santos.pdf: 6658357 bytes, checksum: 04fb191e6adeb1bde7c81add08a7e8a0 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2017-04-24 / Sem bolsa / O trabalho apresentado tem como objetivo analisar os fatores sociotécnicos que contribuem para a trajetória inovadora da produção vitivinícola na Campanha Gaúcha. Para tanto, utiliza-se como meio de análise o que nos estudos de inovação é nomeado de transição sociotécnica. Dentro dessa análise de transição utilizou-se a abordagem teórica Perspectiva Multinível (PMN) para se proceder com a compreensão da adoção da vitivinicultura, em uma região que tem recebido destaque pela produção de vitis viniferas que dão origem a vinhos finos. Após a apresentação do marco teórico são apontadas duas proposições, ambas relacionadas ao framework PMN, no intuito de somar esforços à teoria já existente em estudos de transição, auxiliando na sistematização de fatores contribuintes à adoção do regime sociotécnico e na compreensão destes na trajetória da produção vitivinícola da Campanha Gaúcha. Para atender os objetivos da pesquisa se procedeu com a coleta de dados em duas etapas, etapas A e B. Ambas realizadas a partir de entrevistas semiestruturadas com categorias pré-definidas. Na etapa A, são identificadas três fases da vitivinicultura na região, a primeira de 1887 a 1969, a segunda de 1970 a 1999 e a terceira de 2000 aos dias atuais. Estas correspondem respectivamente às fases de Experimentação, Estabilização e Resistência identificadas no referencial teórico. Já a finalidade da etapa B é de servir à identificação dos fatores sociotécnicos, suas combinações e como evoluem ao longo do tempo, contribuindo com a adoção da vitivinicultura na Campanha Gaúcha. Na etapa B é possível confirmar as proposições 1 e 2, assim como são destacados os fatores mais favoráveis e menos favoráveis à adoção da vitivinicultura na região. É destacada a análise e sistematização dos fatores multiníveis observados. Entre os fatores da vitivinicultura da Campanha Gaúcha identificados, dá-se destaque aos mais favoráveis à adoção: a característica empreendedora e de motivação, a capacidade de trabalharem em conjunto na identificação de oportunidades e ameaças, assim como o aproveitamento em conjunto de oportunidades e de reconfiguração. Os fatores menos favoráveis à adoção, são: a carga tributária alta sobre o vinho, que desfavorece o vinho fino nacional diante do vinho fino importado; a longa distância da Campanha Gaúcha dos centros maiores, que resulta em mais custos de produção; a ausência de uma cadeia produtiva mais completa para amenizar os custos; e o contrabando de vinhos. / This study aimed to analyze the sociotechnical factors that have contributed to the innovative wine production development in the Campanha Gaúcha region in Southern Rio Grande do Sul State. For such, the sociotechnical transitions methodology was used. Within this transition analysis, the Multi-Level Perspective (MLP) theoretical approach was adopted so as to analyze the wine making industry introduction in a region that has lately grown vitis viniferas, giving rise to fine wines. After a theoretical presentation, two propositions were pointed out, both related to the MLP framework, in order to add to the existing transition studies theory and help in the systematization of factors that can contribute to the adoption of a sociotechnical perspective as well as in understanding the role of these factors in the wine production development in the Campanha Gaúcha region. In order to meet the research objectives, data were collected in two stages, A and B. Both included semi-structured interviews with pre-defined categories. In stage A, three winemaking phases were identified in the region, the first from 1887 to 1969, the second from 1970 to 1999 and the third from 2000 to the present day. These periods correspond respectively to the Experimentation, Stabilization and Resistance phases, which were identified in the theoretical framework. Stage B aimed to identify sociotechnical factors, their combinations and how these evolved over time, thus contributing to the winemaking industry introduction in the Campanha Gaúcha region. Stage B allowed the confirmation of propositions 1 and 2, and highlighted both favorable and unfavorable factors in the winemaking introduction process in the region. The analysis and systematization of the observed multi-level factors are highlighted. Among the most favorable winemaking factors in the Campanha Gaúcha region are: its entrepreneurial and motivational characteristics, the producers' ability to work together to identify opportunities and threats, as well as the joint exploitation of opportunities and reshaping. The least favorable factors were: the high tax burden on wine, which is harmful to national fine wine and favors imported fine wine; the distances between the Campanha Gaúcha and larger centers, which results in higher production costs; the absence of a more comprehensive production chain to mitigate costs; and wine smuggling.

Continuing the previous work in the preprint 97-11 done for the 2D-approach in this paper we describe the Yserentant preconditioned conjugate gradient method as well as the BPX-preconditioned cg-iteration fastly solving 3D-elliptic boundary value problems on unstructured quasi uniform grids. These artificially constructed hierarchical methods have optimal computational costs. In the case of the sequential computing several numerical examples demonstrate their efficiency not depending on the finite element types used for the discretiziation of the original potential problem. Moreover, implementing the methods in parallel first results are given.

Association rules are one of the most popular methods of data mining. This technique allows to discover interesting dependences between objects. The thesis concerns on association rules for hierarchy of objects. As a multi–level structure is used DBLP database, which contains bibliographic descriptions of scientific papers conferences and journals in computer science. The main goal of thesis is investigation of interesting patterns of co-authorship with respect to different levels of hierarchy. To reach this goal own extracting method is proposed. / p.pietruszewski@op.pl

The ongoing transformation of the energy system along a more sustainable trajectory requires advancements in a range of technological fields, as well as active involvement of different societal groups. Integration of photovoltaic (PV) systems in the built environment in particular is expected to play a crucial long-term role in the deployment of renewable energy technologies in urban areas, demanding the successful cooperation of planners, architects, engineers, scientists and users. The realisation of that technological change will require innovation at both an individual (within firms and organisations) and a collective (sector) level, giving rise to systemic approaches for its characterisation and analysis of its drivers. This study investigates the processes that either accelerate or hinder the development and diffusion of Building-Integrated PV (BIPV) applications into the market. Affected by developments in both the renewable energy and construction industries, the BIPV innovation system is a multi-sectoral case that has been explored only partially up to now. Acknowledging the fact that drivers of innovation span the globalised BIPV supply chain, this research adopts both an international and a national spatial perspective focusing on the UK. The analysis is based on a novel analytical framework which was developed in order to capture innovation dynamics at different levels, including technological advancements within firms, competition and synergy with other emerging and established innovation systems and pressures from the wider socio-economic configuration. This hybrid functional framework was conceived by combining elements from three academic strands: Technological Innovation Systems, the Multi-Level Perspective and Business Studies. The empirical research is based on various methods, including desktop research, semi-structured interviews and in-depth firm-level case studies. A thorough market assessment provides the techno-economic background for the research. The hybrid framework is used as a guide throughout the empirical investigation and is also implemented in the analytical part of the study to organise and interpret the findings, in order to assess the overall functionality of the innovation system. The analysis has underlined a range of processes that affect the development and diffusion of BIPV applications including inherent technological characteristics, societal factors and wider transitions within the energy and construction sectors. Future approaches for the assessment and governance of BIPV innovation will need to address its hybrid character and disruptiveness with regards to incumbent configurations, in order to appreciate its significance over the short and long term. Methodological and conceptual findings show that the combination of insights from different analytical perspectives offers a broader understanding of the processes affecting innovation dynamics in emerging technologies. Different approaches can be used in tandem to overcome methodological weaknesses, provide different analytical perspectives and assess the performance of complex innovation systems, which may span multiple countries and sectors. By better reflecting complexities, tensions and synergies, the framework developed here offers a promising way forward for the analysis of emerging sustainable technologies.

Graduation Theses concerns an analysis and evaluation, of how a multi-level marketing, functions in the Czech Republic. Explaining its ideals and principals, while it theoretically applies on a specific company, which is involved with multi-level marketing. The target is to introduce such system in an objective way and evaluate it in practice.

Despite twenty-five years of membership in the European Union (EU), academic contributionsfor understanding a possible impact of the EU membership on Swedish municipalities hasshined with their absence. Thus, municipalities make up a largely un-explored character in thefield concerned with European integrational aspects. The issue of how the EU affects a memberstate has hitherto been biased to the usage of a top-down lens and has mainly focused oncomprehending larger institutional bodies. This thesis takes its point of departure from thisdelivered criticism, by contributing to the burgeoning literature on how municipalities act andinteract with higher tiers of government in a multi-level governance system. Assessing the caseof four municipalities residing in northern Sweden this thesis offers insights into howmunicipalities interact using intergovernmental relations with the Swedish national governmentand the EU through a creation and implementation of strategies for advocating territorialinterests. By conducting interviews, the thesis confirms that a wide array of intergovernmentalrelations or interactions are used in order for promoting ‘northern positions’ to both a nationaland European level. A pattern shows that advocacy actions from subnational actors are directedvertically, while at the same time coordinated horizontally. Individual actors, mainly electedlocal politicians, plays a rather central part in these actions, by using a party channel foradvocating local views. In conclusion, this thesis reveal amongst all that the EU has in factimpacted municipalities in northern Sweden by creating incentives for them to advocate theirinterests towards the central government.