En France, depuis les lois de décentralisation (1983) et d’orientation (1989), les établissements scolaires du secondaire se définissent comme des entités organisationnelles quasi autonomes et développent localement des comportements spécifiques. Le constat selon lequel les établissements ne se valent pas n’est plus à faire et les différences attestées ne cessent d’interroger la recherche. Malgré le foisonnement des études pour comprendre les établissements et leurs « productions », la dimension humaine et communicationnelle apparaît négligée alors que, de notre point de vue, dans cette organisation sociale qui n’est autre qu’un construit « humain pour l’humain », elle nous semble essentielle. Cette thèse de doctorat s’intéresse à la communication inter-humaine en terrain scolaire. Elle propose de se plonger au cœur des établissements pour comprendre, en situation, les phénomènes complexes de communication à travers les interactions de ses acteurs sociaux et la construction communicationnelle de ces organisations. Nous proposons d’étudier ces phénomènes à travers la présentation et l’étude de cinq collèges et lycées – aux caractéristiques et aux résultats variés – dans une approche constructiviste, complexe et systémique. Il s’agit de comprendre comment ce « pan » relationnel et humain influence ce que sont, ce que font et ce que « génèrent » ces organisations. Notre étude nous amène à montrer que les systèmes communicationnels présentent des ressemblances importantes, constat qui nous conduit à proposer un modèle des systèmes de communication et à comprendre ces systèmes et leurs effets selon leurs compositions et leurs comportements. Ce modèle théorique nous permet d’envisager des perspectives pragmatiques d’intervention pour tenter d’améliorer les systèmes de communication en établissement et ainsi leurs effets. / In France, since the decentralization and orientation acts of 1983 and 1989, secondary schools are defined as almost autonomous organizational entities and they develop specific behaviours on local scales. The fact that schools are not of equal merit is acknowledged and the obvious differences between them keep on making researchers wonder about them. In spite of the abundance of studies led to understand schools and their « productions », the communicational and human dimension seems to be neglected whereas, in our opinion, in this social organization that is nothing but a « human structure for human beings », it looks essential. This doctoral thesis is about inter-human communication on the school ground. It puts forward to delve into the core of schools to understand the complicated phenomena of communication in real-life situations through the interactions of its organized forces and the communicational construction of these organizations. We will examine these phenomena through the presentation and the study of five secondary and high schools with various idiosyncrasies and results in a constructivist, complex and systemic approach. It is about understanding how this human and relational side can influence what these organizations are, do and generate. Our study will lead us to show that all the communicational systems look alike in many ways, and that assessment will make us propose a pattern of the systems of communication and understand those systems and their effects according to what they consist of and how they perform. This theoretical model will allow us to contemplate some pragmatic angles of intervention to try to improve the systems of communication in schools as well as their effects.

Le développement des énergies renouvelables et des liaisons HVDC conduit à une augmentation de la pénétration de l’électronique de puissance dans les réseaux de transport d’électricité. Comme les convertisseurs possèdent des propriétés physiques différentes de celles des alternateurs synchrones, une évolution des contrôles employés s’avère nécessaire. Au vu de la taille des ensembles à simuler, la validation de solutions innovantes doit être réalisée par des simulations numériques et il est nécessaire d’être vigilant sur les outils utilisés afin d’éviter des temps de calcul prohibitifs. Dans cette thèse, des outils et des méthodes pour l’analyse et la simulation de réseaux de transport 100 % électronique de puissance sont développés. Une partie importante des travaux est consacrée à la modélisation des convertisseurs, ce qui permet de réaliser des simulations numériques plus ou moins précises en fonction du cahier des charges de l’étude et d’appliquer ou de développer des méthodes d’analyse de stabilité. Un modèle simplifié du réseau Irlandais est utilisé comme réseau exemple de façon à valider les méthodes et outils développés dans le cadre de la thèse. / The development of renewable generation and HVDC links lead to an important increase of the penetration of power electronics in the transmission systems. As Power Electronics converters have completely different physical behavior than synchronous machines, an evolution in the way TSOs control transmission systems is needed. It is impossible to build a real size prototype of a transmission system. The validation of the solutions must be done using dynamic numerical simulations. Because of the size of the studied systems, we have to be careful with the simulation tools that we use, in order to reduce the computation time. In this PhD tools and methods for the analysis and simulation of large transmission systems using 100% power electronics are developed. An important part of the work looks at the models of the converters. Those models allow us to do numerical simulations and to apply and develop stability and performance analysis methods for the considered system. A simple model of the Irish network will be used as an example in order to assess the developed methods.

ORWARE, an evolving systems analysis based computer model is used to assess the performance of different waste management options from a life cycle perspective. The present version of the model consists of different submodels for transport, treatment, and disposal of different types of liquid and solid wastes and recycling of materials. Flows between submodels are described by a vector of several substances of different relevance to the system. The model calculates emissions to water and air, amount of residues returned to arable land and energy flows using the tools of life cycle analysis (LCA) and substance flow analysis (SFA). In going in the direction of stringent environmental standards and policies, there is a need for maximizing energy recovery from waste for both environmental and economic benefits. Sweden has already experience of recovering energy from waste for district heating. Recovering energy not only of high value but also of higher quality from waste would be of interest. Hydrogen is one carrier of such energy. The possibility of using hydrogen from waste as a fuel in the transport sector would contribute in heading for creating a clean environment. In this thesis a new submodel for steam reforming of biogas recovered from an anaerobic digester is developed and used with other submodels within the ORWARE framework. Four scenarios representing alternative ways of energy recovery from the organic waste in Stockholm have been simulated to compare the associated energy turnover and different environmental impacts. Digestion of the organic waste and using the biogas to fuel cars is compared against steam reforming of biogas to hydrogen or thermal gasification of the waste and processing the product gases to hydrogen. In the latter two cases hydrogen produced is used in fuel cell cars. Avoided impacts of using the biogas and hydrogen are analyzed using the fourth scenario where the waste is incinerated to generate heat and electricity. Functional equivalence between scenarios is achieved by external supply of heat, electricity and petrol. While recognizing the uncertainties during modelling and simulation, it is possible to conclude that the results indicate that there is advantage of reduced environmental impact and high energy turnover in introducing the technologies of producing hydrogen from waste into the waste management system. Further and thorough investigation is recommended to come up with a sound and firm conclusion. Key words: Systems analysis, Life cycle analysis, Substance flow analysis, Waste management, Environmental impact, Steam reforming, Thermal gasification, Fuel cell vehicles, Hydrogen <img src="http://www.webforum.com/form/kthima/images/spacer.gif" /> / www.ima.kth.se

The often huge configuration spaces of modern software systems render the detection, prediction, and explanation of defects and inadvertent behaviors challenging tasks. Besides configurability, a further source of complexity is the integration of cyber-physical systems (CPSs). Behaviors in CPSs depend on quantitative aspects such as throughput, energy consumption, and probability of failure, which all play a central role in new technologies like 5G networks, tactile internet, autonomous driving, and the internet of things. The manifold environmental influences and human interactions within CPSs might also trigger reconfigurations, e.g., to ensure quality of service through adaptivity or fulfill user’s wishes by adjusting program settings and performing software updates. Such reconfigurations add yet another source of complexity to the quest of modeling and analyzing modern software systems. The main contribution of this thesis is a formal compositional modeling and analysis framework for systems that involve configurability, adaptivity through reconfiguration, and quantitative aspects. Existing modeling approaches for configurable systems are commonly divided into annotative and compositional approaches, both having complementary strengths and weaknesses. It has been a well-known open problem in the configurable systems community whether there is a hybrid approach that combines the strengths of both specification approaches. We provide a formal solution to this problem, prove its correctness, and show practical applicability to actual configurable systems by introducing a formal analysis framework and its implementation. While existing family-based analysis approaches for configurable systems mainly focused on software systems, we show effectiveness of such approaches also in the hardware domain. To explicate the impact of configuration options onto analysis results, we introduce the notion of feature causality that is inspired by the seminal counterfactual definition of causality by Halpern and Pearl. By means of several experimental studies, including a velocity controller of an aircraft system that required new techniques already for its analysis, we show how our notion of causality facilitates to identify root causes, to estimate the effects of features, and to detect feature interactions.:1 Introduction 2 Foundations 3 Probabilistic Configurable Systems 4 Analysis and Synthesis in Reconfigurable Systems 5 Experimental Studies 6 Causality in Configurable Systems 7 Conclusion

Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) / Multi-agent systems consist of multiple agents that interact and coordinate with each other to work towards to certain goal. Multi-agent systems naturally arise in a variety of domains such as robotics, telecommunications, and economics. The dynamic and complex nature of these systems entails the agents to learn the optimal solutions on their own instead of following a pre-programmed strategy. Reinforcement learning provides a framework in which agents learn optimal behavior based on the response obtained from the environment. In this thesis, we propose various novel de- centralized, learning automaton based algorithms which can be employed by a group of interacting learning automata. We propose a completely decentralized version of the estimator algorithm. As compared to the completely centralized versions proposed before, this completely decentralized version proves to be a great improvement in terms of space complexity and convergence speed. The decentralized learning algorithm was applied; for the first time; to the domains of distributed object tracking and distributed watershed management. The results obtained by these experiments show the usefulness of the decentralized estimator algorithms to solve complex optimization problems. Taking inspiration from the completely decentralized learning algorithm, we propose the novel concept of partial decentralization. The partial decentralization bridges the gap between the completely decentralized and completely centralized algorithms and thus forms a comprehensive and continuous spectrum of multi-agent algorithms for the learning automata. To demonstrate the applicability of the partial decentralization, we employ a partially decentralized team of learning automata to control multi-agent Markov chains. More flexibility, expressiveness and flavor can be added to the partially decentralized framework by allowing different decentralized modules to engage in different types of games. We propose the novel framework of heterogeneous games of learning automata which allows the learning automata to engage in disparate games under the same formalism. We propose an algorithm to control the dynamic zero-sum games using heterogeneous games of learning automata.

<p>This research focused on developing adaptable models and protocols for early warning systems for forecasting plant diseases and datasets. It compared the performance of deep learning models in predicting soybean rust disease outbreaks using three years of public epidemiological data and gridded weather data. The models selected were a dense network and a Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) network. The objectives included evaluating the effectiveness of small citizen science datasets and gridded meteorological weather in sequential forecasting, assessing the ideal window size and important inputs, and exploring the generalizability of the model protocol and models to other diseases. The model protocol was developed using a soybean rust dataset. Both the dense and the LSTM networks produced accuracies of over 90% during optimization. When tested for forecasting, both networks could forecast with an accuracy of 85% or higher over various window sizes. Experiments on window size indicated a minimum input of 8 -11 days. Generalizability was demonstrated by applying the same protocol to a southern corn rust dataset, resulting in 87.8% accuracy. In addition, transfer learning and pre-trained models were tested. Direct transfer learning between disease was not successful, while pre training models resulted both positive and negative results. Preliminary results are reported for building generalizable disease models using epidemiological and weather data that researchers could apply to generate forecasts for new diseases and locations.</p>

<p>Information about the conditions of specific fields and assets is critical for farm managers to make operational decisions. Location, rainfall, windspeed, soil moisture, and temperature are examples of metrics that influence the ability to perform certain tasks. Monitoring these events in real time and being able to store historical data can be done using Internet of Things (IoT) devices such as sensors. The abilities of this technology have previously been communicated, yet few farmers have adopted these connected devices into their work. A lack of reliable internet connection, the high annual cost of current on-market systems, and a lack of technical awareness have all contributed to this disconnect. One technology that can better meet the demand of farmers is LoRaWAN because of its long range, low power, and low cost. To assist farmers in implementing this technology on their farms the goal was to build a LoRaWAN network with several sensors to measure metrics such as weather data, distribute these systems locally, and provide context to the operation of IoT networks. By leveraging readily available commercial hardware and opens source software two examples of standalone networks were created with sensor data stored locally and without a dependence on internet connectivity. The first use case was a kit consisting of a gateway and small PC mounted to a tripod with 6 individual sensors and cost close to $2200 in total. An additional design was prepared for a micro-computer-based version using a Raspberry Pi, which made improvements to the original design. These adjustments included a lower cost and complication of hardware, software with more open-source community support, and cataloged steps to increase approachability. Given outside factors, the PC architecture was chosen for mass distribution. Over one year, several identical units were produced and given to farms, extension educators, and vocational agricultural programs. From this series of deployments, all units survived the growing season without damage from the elements, general considerations about the chosen type of sensors and their potential drawbacks were made, the practical observed average range for packet acceptance was 3 miles, and battery life among sensors remained usable after one year. The Pi-based architecture was implemented in an individual use case with instructions to assist participation from any experience level. Ultimately, this work has introduced individuals to the possibilities of creating and managing their own network and what can be learned from a reasonably simple, self-managed data pipeline.</p>

The Army Acquisition Officer lacks proficient experience needed to fill key leadership positions within the Acquisition Corps. The active duty Army officer is considered for the Acquisition Corps functional area between their 5th and 9th years of service as an officer – after completing initial career milestones. The new Acquisition Corps officer is the rank of senior Captain or Major when he arrives to his first acquisition assignment with a proficiency level of novice (in acquisition). The Army officer may be advanced in his primary career branch, but his level decreases when he is assigned into the Acquisition Corps functional area. The civilian grade equivalent to the officer is a GS-12 or GS-13 whose proficiency level is advanced in his career field. The purpose of this study is to use a systems analysis approach to decompose the current acquisition officer professional development system, in order to study how well the current active duty officer flow works and how well it interacts or influences an acquisition officer's professional development; and to propose a potential solution to assist in the management of Army acquisition officers, so they gain proficiency through not only education and training, but also the hands-on experience that is needed to fill key leadership positions in the Army Acquisition Corps. An increased proficiency and proven successful track record in the acquisition workforce is the basis to positively affect acquisition streamlining processes within the Department of Defense by making good decisions through quality experience.

<p><strong>Background and Objectives</strong>: Tools designed for systems analysis (SA) can link the different levels of healthcare by modeling the interacting, interrelated and interdependent components. The objective of this thesis was to investigate the use of discrete event simulation (DES) to help inform decision making.</p> <p><strong>Methods</strong>:</p> <p>Project 1: A new method is developed in which physicians and their delegates are modeled using DES as interacting pseudo-agents when simulating a hospital emergency department (ED).</p> <p>Project 2: Using a SA approach, we examined the referral patterns, healthcare utilization, time intervals and patient flow to identify rate limiting steps that may lead to delayed surgical candidacy and epilepsy surgery at the Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) in Toronto, Ontario.</p> <p>Project 3: A DES model was developed of the surgical evaluation and surgery process and its associated constraints at SickKids to inform decision making at both the institutional and provincial levels. Once validated, the model was used to evaluate the effect of alternative resource capacities on waiting times.</p> <p><strong>Results:</strong></p> <p>Project 1: Neglecting the interaction between physician and delegates in the ED could result in misleading conclusions with respect to physician utilization and waiting times.</p> <p>Project 2: We found that only 5.7% of the eligible population was referred annually for surgical evaluation and that children waited on average 1-2 years for surgery. Through mapping of patient flow and resource utilization we were able to identify multiple barriers to surgery.</p> <p>Project 3: The findings support the recommendations to the province by directing requested funds to identified resources that would decrease waiting times.</p> <p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>SA tools can be used to make decisions that are generalizable to all levels of healthcare. Adopting the use of these tools increases the uptake of evidence in decision making and provides useful and critical information to develop comprehensive policies for improved healthcare.</p> / Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Thesis (MA (Political Science))--University of Stellenbosch, 2010. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This study explores the claim that Great Power Wars are a necessary condition for successful hegemonic ascent in the modern world-system, primarily from the standpoint of World- Systems Analysis. This study advances the conception of hegemony primarily in economic and state terms, and it was investigated, by way of a historical case study, how the Thirty Years’ War (1618-1648) impacted the economic domains of agro-industrial production, commerce, and finance of the United Provinces of the Netherlands, and its main rival for systemic leadership, Hapsburg Spain. The variables utilised in the study were Great Power War, and the ‘material base’ of the state involved (both independent), the three abovementioned economic domains (intervening), and hegemony or defeat (dependent). The case study was primarily descriptive and explanatory, with the use of process-tracing in its compilation, and a method of within-case structured, focused comparison was utilised with the aim of tentatively producing standardised, generalised knowledge concerning the wider link between Great Power War and hegemony beyond the Dutch case. The findings of the study, although derived from only one historical case of hegemonic ascent in the modern world-system, strongly support the argument that Great Power War is necessary to secure the hegemony of the leading insular core state, which is physically removed from the fighting during the conflict, since the full mobilisation of its economy is effected, while the economies of most other core states are impaired, especially the main continental rival for hegemony. However, the ascending hegemon must also possess the requisite favourable ‘material base’. Further research on this topic is called for, given the potential destructiveness of a future Great Power War, and its role in establishing hegemony in the modern world-system. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Hierdie studie ondersoek die bewering dat Groot Moontheid Oorloë ‘n noodsaaklike vereiste is vir suksesvolle hegemoniese bestyging in die moderne wêreld-sisteem, hoofsaaklik vanaf die standpunt van Wêreld-Sisteem Analise. Hierdie studie bevorder die konsepsie van hegemonie hoofsaaklik in ekonomiese en staat terme, en dit het ondersoek, deur middel van ‘n historiese gevallestudie, hoe die Dertig Jaar Oorlog (1618-1648) ingewerk het op die ekonomiese arenas van agri-industriële produksie, handel, and finansies van die Verenigde Provinsies van Nederland, en hul mededinger vir sistemiese leierskap, Spanje. Die veranderlikes wat in die studie ingespan was, was Groot Moontheid Oorlog, en die ‘materiële basis’ van die state in kwessie (onafhanlik), die drie bogenoemde ekonomiese arenas (albei tussenkomend), en hegemonie of nederlaag (afhanklik). Die gevallestudie was hoofsaaklik beskrywend en verduidelikend, en proses-nasporing (oftewel ‘process-tracing’) is in die samestelling daarvan benut, en ‘n metode van gestruktureerde, gefokusde vergelyking (oftewel ‘structured, focused comparison’) is gebruik binne die gevallestudie met die doel om tentatiewe gestandardiseerde en veralgemeende kennis te genereer wat bydra tot die verduideliking van die wyer skakel tussen Groot Moontheid Oorlog en hegemonie buite die geval van die Verenigde Provinsies. Die bevindinge van die studie, hoewel gegenereer aan die hand van slegs een historiese geval van hegemoniese bestyging in the moderne wêreld-sisteem, het sterk steun verleen aan die argument dat Groot Moontheid Oorloë nodig is om die hegemonie van die vernaamste insulêre kern staat te bewerkstellig, wat fisies verwyderd van die gevegte is tydends die oorlog, aangesien die volle mobilisasie van die ekonomie van hierdie staat bewerkstellig word, terwyl die ekonomieë van die meerderheid van die ander kernstate benadeel word, veral die vernaamste kontinentale mededinger om hegemonie. Die opkomende hegemoon moet egter ook oor die vereiste gunstige ‘materiële basis’ beskik. Verdere navorsing in hierdie veld word benodig, gegewe die waarskynlike vernietiging wat gesaai kan word deur ‘n toekomstige Groot Moontheid Oorlog, en die rol daarvan in die daarstelling van hegemonie in die moderne wêreld-sisteem.