This dissertation addresses the issues of climate change and depletion of non-renewable resources of energy and water, and aims at eliminating the use of non-renewable resources of energy and water for the building operation in single-family detached residences in the U.S. With this aim, this study investigated the feasibility of the off-grid, off-pipe design approach in six climate locations across the U.S. to achieve self-sufficiency in a house for building energy, indoor water use, and household wastewater and sewage disposal using only on-site available renewable resources. For the analysis, a 2,500 ft2, 2000/2001 International Energy Conservation Code standard reference house with typical building and usage characteristics was selected as the base case. The six U.S. climate locations included: Minneapolis, MN, Boulder, CO, Atlanta, GA, Houston, TX, Phoenix, AZ, and Los Angeles, CA. The renewable resources considered for this study included: solar radiation, wind, biomass for building energy needs; rainwater for indoor water use. In addition, the building site was considered for the disposal of household wastewater and sewage. The selected climate locations provided different scenarios in terms of base-case building energy needs and availability of renewable resources. Depending on these, energy and water efficiency measures were selected for reducing the building needs. For the reduced building needs, the sizing of systems for self-sufficiency was performed, including: solar thermal system for building’s space heating and water heating needs, photovoltaic and wind power systems for building’s electricity needs; rainwater harvesting system for indoor water needs; and septic system for the on-site disposal of household wastewater and sewage. In this manner, an integrated analysis procedure was developed for the analysis and design of off-grid, off-pipe homes, and was demonstrated for six U.S. climate locations. The results of the analysis indicated that achieving self-sufficiency for energy, water and sewage disposal was possible is all climates provided the systems for the collection and storage of renewable resources were large. On the other hand, the utilization of these systems was small for locations, where the year-to-year and seasonal variations in the weather conditions and availability of climate resources was large. For increased system utilization, minimization of the peak building needs, utilization of harvested energy for secondary purposes, and considering alternative systems for such applications are preferred.

This thesis analyzes the concept of Friendship in Aristotle&rsquo / s Nicomachean Ethics with its main aspects. Book VIII and Book IX of the Nicomachean Ethics are devoted specifically to the concept of Friendship to explore the moral and political aspects of it. Friendship has been one of the prominent topics for moral philosophers and hence contemporary discussions lead the Nicomachean account of friendship come to the fore. Thus, the main features of friendship in the Nicomachean Ethics as well as contemporary perspectives and discussions on that topic will be analyzed and explored in depth.

Continuous and discrete-time Successive Backward Sweep (SBS) methods for solving nonlinear optimal control problems involving terminal and control constraints are proposed in this dissertation. They closely resemble the Neighboring Extremals and Differential Dynamic Programming algorithms, which are based on the successive solutions to a series of linear control problems with quadratic performance indices. The SBS methods are relatively insensitive to the initial guesses of the state and control histories, which are not required to satisfy the system dynamics. Hessian modifications are utilized, especially for non-convex problems, to avoid singularities during the backward integration of the gain equations. The SBS method requires the satisfaction of the Jacobi no-conjugate point condition and hence, produces optimal solutions. The standard implementation of the SBS method for continuous-time systems incurs terminal boundary condition errors due to an algorithmic singularity as well as numerical inaccuracies in the computation of the gain matrices. Alternatives for boundary error reduction are proposed, notably the aiming point and the switching between two forms of the sweep expansion formulae. Modification of the sweep formula expands the domain of convergence of the SBS method and allows for a rigorous testing for the existence of conjugate points. Numerical accuracy of the continuous-time formulation of the optimal control problem can be improved with the use of symplectic integrators, which generally are implicit schemes in time. A time-explicit group preserving method based on the Magnus series representation of the state transition is implemented in the SBS setting and is shown to outperform a non-symplectic integrator of the same order. Discrete-time formulations of the optimal control problem, directly accounting for a specific time-stepping method, lead to consistent systems of equations, whose solutions satisfy the boundary conditions of the discretized problem accurately. In this regard, the second-order, implicit mid-point averaging scheme, a symplectic integrator, is adapted for use with the SBS method. The performance of the mid-point averaging scheme is compared with other methods of equal and higher-order non-symplectic schemes to show its advantages. The SBS method is augmented with a homotopy- continuation procedure to isolate and regulate certain nonlinear effects for difficult problems, in order to extend its domain of convergence. The discrete-time SBS method is also extended to solve problems where the controls are approximated to be impulsive and to handle waypoint constraints as well. A variety of highly nonlinear optimal control problems involving orbit transfer, atmospheric reentry, and the restricted three-body problem are treated to demonstrate the performance of the methods developed in this dissertation.

This thesis explores the adversarial relationship between India and Pakistan which is rooted in historical animosities that resulted from the end of the British Raj in 1946. This relationship is further exacerbated by the fact that both countries have conducted nuclear tests. An examination of the development of India and Pakistan’s nuclear weapons program, specifically their nuclear doctrines and nuclear capabilities, is provided to determine the nature of their technical nuclear posture. A policy of sufficient deterrence is explained and adopted to keep the level of nuclear arsenals at a number adequate to deter successfully an adversary from initiating a nuclear attack, to reduce the potential for an arms race. A comparable nuclear capability is revealed, even though strategic asymmetry creates a larger Indian nuclear force. Finally, confidence-building measures taken by India and Pakistan in the direction of a more prospective peaceful nuclear relationship are highlighted.

This thesis explores the adversarial relationship between India and Pakistan which is rooted in historical animosities that resulted from the end of the British Raj in 1946. This relationship is further exacerbated by the fact that both countries have conducted nuclear tests. An examination of the development of India and Pakistan’s nuclear weapons program, specifically their nuclear doctrines and nuclear capabilities, is provided to determine the nature of their technical nuclear posture. A policy of sufficient deterrence is explained and adopted to keep the level of nuclear arsenals at a number adequate to deter successfully an adversary from initiating a nuclear attack, to reduce the potential for an arms race. A comparable nuclear capability is revealed, even though strategic asymmetry creates a larger Indian nuclear force. Finally, confidence-building measures taken by India and Pakistan in the direction of a more prospective peaceful nuclear relationship are highlighted.

Orust Kretsloppsakademi is a nonprofit organisation, with a goal of annually generate the same amount of electrical energy that is consumed. Orust is an island on the west coast of Sweden, north of Gothenburg. The population of 15 000 reaches 40 000 during summer, due to the large amount of vacationer. The total electricity demand is 174 GWh a year with a maximum power need of 32 MW. This report presents an analysis for the plausibility of their plan and from a power system stability perspective, the effects on the electrical grid. The conclusion is that the restraints for development of power generation from wind, solar and wave generation, are the power systems capability to transfer power, primarily in the transformers of the grid. Various actions, such as constraints of power output at certain times, and clever location of generation facilities, reduces the utilisation rate of the line segments. In order to substantially decrease the utilisation rate of the line segments, the actions need to be combined. Executed simulations showed that Orust needs to be provided with reactive power, even if Orust is self-sufficient of active power, through its connection to the Swedish power system. The need for reactive power decreased when the feeding transformer allowed a reduced voltage in the regional network. Additionally, generation of reactive power could further increase the possibility for Orust to become self-sufficient on electricity generation.

Made available in DSpace on 2015-05-14T12:11:51Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 arquivototal.pdf: 1567068 bytes, checksum: 70cc82a27089df94c9cdefb797e8f151 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2013-08-16 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / The present dissertation aims at exposing the representation concepts and their respective consequences regarded to Arthur Schopenhauer s world conception. The underlying representation concepts to Schopenhauerian philosophy answer to issues regarding to human knowledge and formulated since classical Antiquity, which justifies the plenty relevance of the theme. It is also very important the urgent need of underlining, in Schopenhauer thoughts, some subtle aspects of the general representation concept, to which the due importance wasn t given by many of those who study the matter. In the achieve of this, in a first moment, the text intends to delimit and expose the theoretical pressupositions which are indispensable to its right comprehension. Afterwards, it attempts to formulate the above-mentioned general concept. Thereafter, has the purpose of ordinating the specific representation concepts according to the Principle of Sufficient Reason. Finally, it has the objective of relating the preceeding ideas to the notion of Will as noumenon or thing-in-itself, besides explaning, based on this Will understanding, a new representation concept, which will be, this time, independent of the above-reffered principle. / A presente dissertação tem como finalidade expor os conceitos de representação e suas respectivas consequências na concepção de mundo de Arthur Schopenhauer. Os conceitos de representação inerentes à filosofia schopenhaueriana respondem a questionamentos relativos ao conhecimento humano formulados desde a Antiguidade Clássica, o que justifica a plena relevância do tema. É também de assaz importância a preemente necessidade de sublinhar-se, no pensamento do filósofo, sutilezas acerca do conceito geral de representação às quais não foi dada a devida importância por parte dos estudiosos da matéria. Para tanto, num primeiro momento, o texto busca delimitar e expor os pressupostos teóricos imprescindíveis para sua compreensão. Em seguida, pretende formular o referido conceito geral. Logo após, tem o propósito de ordenar os conceitos específicos de representação de acordo com o Princípio de Razão Suficiente. Por fim, objetiva relacionar as ideias precedentes à noção de Vontade como númeno ou coisa-em-si, além de explanar, com base nessa, um novo conceito de representação, dessa vez, independente daquele princípio.

O escopo desta pesquisa de doutorado é examinar a relação entre a doutrina hobbesiana da causalidade e o princípio de razão suficiente em Leibniz, assinalando a aproximação e o distanciamento entre um e outro. Se, por um lado, o filósofo alemão é claramente influenciado por Hobbes na formulação de seu princípio, por outro, é por meio desse próprio princípio que ele critica alguns dos aspectos mais decisivos da filosofia de Hobbes, como o seu materialismo, necessitarismo, bem como a sua concepção de justiça divina e a sua tese de que Deus não pode ser conhecido pela luz natural. Em alguns textos de sua juventude, Leibniz prova que nada é sem razão pela identificação da razão suficiente com a totalidade dos requisitos, demonstração que praticamente reproduz aquela pela qual Hobbes defende que todo efeito tem a sua causa necessária. Entretanto, em oposição a Hobbes, que reduz a realidade a corpos em movimento, Leibniz utilizará o conceito de razão suficiente para demonstrar que somente um princípio incorporal pode dotar os corpos com movimento. É igualmente por meio do princípio de razão suficiente e da sua distinção em relação ao princípio de contradição que Leibniz defende que os eventos no mundo não são absolutamente necessários, mas contingentes. Por fim, é utilizando-se deste princípio que o autor da Teodiceia argumentará que Deus pode ser conhecido pela razão natural e que a justiça divina consiste na sua bondade guiada pela sua sabedoria, em contraste com a definição hobbesiana de justiça fundamentada no poder. Assim, se Leibniz se apropria de certos elementos da doutrina hobbesiana da causalidade é para submeter a causalidade eficiente e mecânica que é defendida pelo inglês a uma determinação essencialmente teleológica da realidade. / The aim of this thesis is to examine the relationship between the Hobbesian doctrine of causality and the principle of sufficient reason in Leibniz, indicating the closeness and distance between them. If, on the one hand, the German philosopher is clearly influenced by Hobbes in the formulation of his principle, on the other hand is through this very principle that he criticizes some of the most decisive aspects of the philosophy of Hobbes, as his materialism, necessitarianism, as well his conception of divine justice and his thesis that God can not be known by natural light. In some texts of his youth, Leibniz proves that nothing is without reason by means of the identification of the sufficient reason with the totality of all requisites, demonstration that almost reproduces that one by which Hobbes argues that every effect has a necessary cause. However, in opposition to Hobbes, that reduces the reality to bodies in motion, Leibniz uses the concept of sufficient reason to demonstrate that only an incorporeal principle can provide body with movement. It is also through the principle of sufficient reason and its distinction from the principle of contradiction that Leibniz argues that events in the world are not absolutely necessary, but contingent. Finally, it is using this principle that the author of the Theodicy argues that God can be known by natural reason and that divine justice consists in his goodness guided by wisdom, in contrast to the Hobbesian definition of justice based on power. So, if Leibniz appropriates certain elements of the Hobbesian doctrine of causation is in order to submit the mechanical efficient causality defended by Hobbes to an essentially teleological determination of the reality.

Diploma thesis deals with the possibilities of the realization of self-sustainable buildings in Czech republic. Thesis uses facts from the enviromental protection, landscaping and urbanism to prove the social and enviromental need of this type of structures. Using the define case of Earthships -- self-sufficient houses from recycled materials, thesis describes specific functional principles and adaptation of Earthships to czech climate and legislativ. The main objective of this paper is to give an integrated overview of this topic and really survey the possibilities of this concept to be realized in Czech republic.

Estudos empíricos têm mostrado que a Análise de Mutantes – um dos critérios de teste baseado em erros – é bastante eficaz em revelar a presença de erros. Entretanto, seu alto custo, decorrente principalmente do grande número de mutantes gerados, tem motivado a proposição de diversas abordagens alternativas para a sua aplicação. Um estudo relevante nesse sentido resultou na determinação de um conjunto essencial de operadores de mutação para a linguagem Fortran, mostrando-se que é possível reduzir o custo de aplicação do critério, preservando um alto grau de adequação em relação à Análise de Mutantes. Alguns estudos também têm demonstrado que a redução da eficácia não é significativa. Este trabalho tem como objetivo investigar alternativas pragmáticas para a aplicação do critério Análise de Mutantes e, nesse contexto, é proposto um procedimento para a determinação de um conjunto essencial de operadores de mutação para a linguagem C, a partir dos operadores implementados na ferramenta Proteum. Procurando aplicar e validar o procedimento proposto, dois grupos distintos de programas são utilizados. Para ambos os grupos, o conjunto essencial obtido apresenta resultados bastante significativos quanto à redução de custo, com um decréscimo muito pequeno no grau de adequação em relação à Análise de Mutantes. Estratégias para evoluir e refinar um conjunto essencial para diferentes domínios de aplicação também são investigadas. / Mutation Analysis – one of the error based criteria – has been found to be effective on revealing faults. However, its high cost, due to the high number of mutants created, has motivated the proposition of many alternative approaches for its application. In this perspective, a relevant study resulted on the determination of a sufficient mutant operator set for Fortran, indicating that it is possible to have a large cost reduction of mutation testing, preserving a high mutation score. Some studies have also shown that the reduction on the effectiveness is not significant. This work aims to investigate pragmatic alternatives for mutation analysis application and, in this context, a procedure for the determination of a sufficient mutant operators set for C is proposed, using Proteum testing tool. Aiming to apply and validate the proposed procedure, two different groups of programs are used. For both of them, the sufficient mutant operator set presents very significant results in terms of cost reduction, with a very small reduction on the mutation score. Strategies to evolve and refine an essential mutant operator set to different application domains are also investigated.