The systems analysis of biomass in the Borås municipality is conducted so as to identify the amount of biomass consumed by certain designated systems for this study. Using the principles of urban metabolism and material flow accounting, the system boundary is setup and biomass is categorized into system specific entities which are to be quantified. The symbiosis principle and the cascading approach of resource utilization are used to determine the systems which are working together and the resources they share among each other. Selected flows are established to be calculated for paper and paper products; fuel and construction wood; biogas; and blended transportation fuels. The flows are considered one by one, it is found that the consumption system and the waste management system are main players in the flow of paper and its products. The flow of fuel and construction wood is surveyed across different companies in the municipality for 2013. The fate of the waste construction wood for 2011 is traced across the waste handling systems of Borås Energi och Miljö till the Combined Heat and Power plant at Ryaverket. The quantities of fuel wood consumed by the CHP and residential heat are received from statistical sources. The main players in the biogas production flow are the waste management system and the digesters at Gässlösa and Sobacken. The consumption of enriched biogas is then examined for different transportation sub-systems. The flows for blended fuels is considered for petrol, diesel; separately analysed from them are their blended quantities of ethanol and other renewable additives. The sold quantities of petrol and diesel have been received from the market survey for the year 2013. The flows are then individually validated by common critical parameters to determine how reliable the information sources are. The resulting flows are discussed for the symbiosis of resources and significance of urban metabolism concepts. / Program: Masterutbildning i energi- och materialåtervinning

O presente estudo teve como principal objetivo demonstrar o uso da análise de sistemas comportamentais, mais especificamente, o Modelo de Engenharia de Sistemas Comportamentais, no aprimoramento dos serviços prestados pelo Centro para o Autismo e Inclusão Social, da USP. Os objetivos específicos foram: definir a missão do CAIS; reorganizar os processos a partir da definição da missão; estabelecer indicadores de feedback dos principais subsistemas que compõem o sistema processador e descrever o passo a passo da aplicação das ferramentas da Análise de Sistemas Comportamentais. O método utilizado foi a pesquisa-ação, caracterizada por ser um tipo de pesquisa social, com base empírica, que é concebida e realizada em estreita associação com uma ação ou com a resolução de um problema coletivo e no qual os pesquisadores e os participantes representativos da situação ou do problema estão envolvidos de modo cooperativo ou participativo. Os principais resultados foram o estabelecimento de dados de feedback do sistema processador, que antes do estudo não existiam, como os dados de pré e pós-testes realizados pelos terapeutas antes e após as aulas, os resultados das avaliações em tentativas discretas às quais os terapeutas foram submetidos, dados sobre a frequência em aula e sua correlação com os resultados nas avaliações. Os resultados do sistema receptor foram informações sobre os egressos, quanto à atuação na área do autismo e os resultados de avaliação das crianças no VB-Mapp, antes e após o início das intervenções. Outro resultado do presente trabalho foi a criação de uma disciplina específica de graduação, intitulada Análise do Comportamento Aplicada ao Autismo, garantindo maior visibilidade e estabilidade do trabalho realizado pelo CAIS e, consequentemente, maior número de alunos de graduação matriculados semestralmente na disciplina. Conclui-se que, de todas as etapas do modelo de intervenção utilizado, a fundamental foi a definição do macrossistema e da missão do CAIS. A partir dessas definições, vários processos foram redesenhados e tarefas distribuídas, possibilitando a coleta de dados de feedback, fundamental para o planejamento e decisões tomadas a cada mudança de semestre / The main objective of the present study was to demonstrate the use of the behavioral systems analysis, more specifically, the Behavioral Systems Engineering Model, in the improvement of the services provided by the Center for Autism and Social Inclusion, (CAIS-USP). The specific objectives were: defining the mission of the CAIS; reorganize the processes from the definition of the mission; establishing feedback indicators of the main subsystems that compose the processor system and describe the step-by-step application of Behavioral Systems Analysis tools. The method applied was action research, characterized by being a type of social research, with empirical basis, that is conceived and carried out in close association with an action or with the resolution of a collective problem and in which the researchers and the representative participants (situation or problem) are involved in a cooperative or participative manner. The main results were the establishment of feedback data from the processor system, which before the study did not exist, such as the pre and post test data performed by the therapists before and after classes, the results of the discrete trial assessment to which the therapists were submitted to, data on the frequency in class and its correlation with the results of evaluations. The results of the receptor system were information about the alumni, regarding the performance in the autism area and the results of the children´s assessments in the VB-Mapp, before and after the beginning of the interventions. Another result of the present study was the creation of a specific undergraduate discipline, entitled Applied of Behavior Analysis to Autism, guaranteeing greater visibility and stability of the work carried out by CAIS and, consequently, a higher number of undergraduate students enrolled in each semester. Considering all the stages of the applied intervention model, the conclusion is that the most fundamental one was the definition of the macrosystem and the mission of the CAIS. From these definitions, several processes had been redesigned and tasks were distributed, allowing the collection of feedback data, fundamental for the planning and decisions taken in each semester

Squeal noise has been an on-going concern with automotive brake systems since their inception. Even after many decades of research no single theory exists that adequately describes the phenomenon, and no general methods for eliminating squeal noise exist. Broadly speaking, three primary methods of analysis have been applied to understanding and eliminating brake squeal: analytical, experimental and numerical. Analytical models provide some insight into the mechanisms involved when a brake squeals, but have limitations in applicability to specific brake systems. Experimental methods provide the backbone of brake squeal investigations, especially in an industrial environment. However, the core focus of this thesis is to use a large scale finite element analysis (FEA) model to investigate brake squeal. Initially the FEA model was developed and the dynamic characteristics were validated against experimental modal analysis results. A complex eigenvalue analysis was performed to identify potential squeal modes which appear as unstable system vibration modes. Further techniques are described that allow the deeper probing of unstable brake system modes. Feed-in energy, which is the conversion of friction work into vibrational energy during the onset of squeal, is used to determine the relative contribution of each brake pad to the overall system vibration. The distribution of the feed-in energy across the face of a brake pad is also calculated. Component strain energy distributions are determined for a brake system as a guide to identifying which components might best be modified in addressing an unstable system mode. Finally modal participation is assessed by calculating the Modal Assurance Criterion (MAC) between component free modes and the component in the assembly during squeal. This allows participating modes to be visualised and aids in the development of countermeasures. The majority of the work in this thesis was performed using the commercial FEA code MSC.Nastran with user defined friction interfaces. An alternative approach using a contact element formulation available in Abaqus was also implemented and compared to the MSC.Nastran results. This analysis showed that considerable differences were noted in the results even though the overall predicted stability correlated relatively well to observed squeal. Abaqus was also used in a case study into the design of a brake rotor in a noisy brake system. The results of this study provided good correlation to observed squeal and facilitated effective rotor countermeasures to be developed. Some success was achieved in the main aims of predicting brake squeal and developing countermeasures. However, while the tools presented do allow a deeper probing of system behaviour during squeal, their use requires good correlation to observed squeal on brake system to be established. As such, their use as up-front design tools is still limited. This shortcoming stems from the complexity of brake squeal itself and the limitations in modelling the true nature of the non-linearities within a brake system.

Patterns provide solutions to recurring design problems in a variety of domains, including that of software design. The best patterns are generative: they show how to build the solution they propose, rather than just explaining it. A collection of patterns that work together to generate a complex system is called a pattern language. Pattern languages have been written for domains as diverse as architecture and computer science, but the process of developing pattern languages is not well understood. This thesis focuses on defining both the structure of pattern languages and the processes by which they are built. The theoretical foundation of the work is existing theory on symmetry breaking. The form of the work is itself a pattern language: a Language Designer's Pattern Language (LDPL). LDPL itself articulates the structure of pattern languages and the key processes by which they form and evolve, and thus guides the building of a properly structured pattern language. LDPL uses multidisciplinary examples to validate the claims made, and an existing software pattern language is analyzed using the material developed. A key assumption of this thesis is that a pattern language is a structural entity; a pattern is not just a transformation on system structure, but also the resultant structural configuration. Another key assumption is that it is valid to treat a pattern language itself as a complex, designed system, and therefore valid to develop a pattern language for building pattern languages. One way of developing a pattern language for building pattern languages would be to search for underlying commonality across a variety of existing, well known pattern languages. Such underlying commonality would form the basis for patterns in LDPL. This project has not directly followed this approach, simply because very few pattern languages that are genuinely structural have currently been explicitly documented. Instead, given that pattern languages articulate structure and behavior of complex systems, this research has investigated existing complex systems theory - in particular, symmetry-breaking - and used that theory to underpin the pattern language. The patterns in the language are validated by examples of those patterns within two well known pattern languages, and within several existing systems whose pattern languages have not necessarily been explicitly documented as such, but the existence of which is assumed in the analysis. In addition to developing LDPL, this project has used LDPL to critique an existing software pattern language, and to show how that software pattern language could potentially have been generated using LDPL. Existing relationships between patterns in the software language have been analyzed and, in some cases, changes to patterns and their interconnections have been proposed as a way of improving the language. This project makes a number of key contributions to pattern language research. It provides a basis for semantic analysis of pattern languages and demonstrates the validity of using a pattern language to articulate the structure of pattern languages and the processes by which they are built. The project uses symmetry-breaking theory to analyze pattern languages and applies that theory to the development of a language. The resulting language, LDPL, provides language developers with a tool they can use to help build pattern languages.

The current degree of economic inequality in the US is the largest it has been since prior to the Great Depression and growing. Economic inequality is linked to mortality, social capital, interpersonal trust, and democratic participation, beyond the effects of poverty. Two main constructs are reviewed as predictors of support for efforts to reduce inequality: 1) distributive justice norms (equity and equality of outcome), and 2) causal attributions (individual and structural). Justification of the unequal status quo is often driven by reference to dominant cultural values personal responsibility and just deserts, which are likened to individual attributions and equity, respectively. However, individuals may also recognize that economic outcomes are determined by structural factors such as discrimination and privilege. Recognition that structural factors determine economic outcomes is referred to as systems analysis. Systems analysis is expected to be unrelated to individual attributions, reflecting the common view that economic outcomes are determined by both individual and structural factors. Furthermore, systems analysis is conceptualized as the central determinant of both the extent to which equality of outcome is desirable, despite prevailing preferences for equity, and the use of dominant cultural values as justifications for opposition to redistribution. Because systems analysis reflects the view that resources are not distributed solely based on individual merit, it implies that resources are not distributed fairly. This belief is expected to increase endorsement for equality of outcome and weaken negative effects of equity and individual attributions on support for redistribution. Predictors of support for government action to reduce inequality were examined using the US sample (n = 1414) of the 1991 International Social Justice Project. Opposition to reducing inequality is often driven by reference to dominant cultural values such as the equity distributive justice norm and individualistic causal attributions. The present study tested the hypothesis that supporters and opponents share a common endorsement of these dominant values, but differ in the extent to which they acknowledge that structural factors determine economic outcomes (defined as systems analysis). Results indicated that the negative relationship between individual attributions and support for redistribution was only significant among participants with low systems analysis.

One of the petroleum industry?s goals is to reduce the environmental impact of oil and gas operations in environmentally sensitive areas. To achieve this, a number of Environmentally Friendly Drilling (EFD) technologies have been developed to varying degrees. For example, the use of an elevated platform as an alternative to the gravel pad is less intrusive and leads to a more environmentally friendly approach to drilling operations. Elevated drilling platforms will require the use of piles. Another alternative to the gravel pad is the use of composite mats. Since the demand of low impact technologies for drill site construction has rapidly increased, the parametric study for the feasibility of using pile foundations and composite mats is conducted in this research. Even though a number of EFD technologies have already been developed to varying degrees, few have been integrated into a field demonstrable drilling system (i.e., combination of technologies) compatible with ecologically sensitive areas. In general, it is difficult to select the best combination of EFD technologies for a given site because there are many possible combinations and many different evaluation criteria. The proposed technology evaluation method is based on a systems analysis that can be used for integrating current and new EFD technologies into an optimal EFD system. An optimization scheme is suggested based on a combination of multi-attribute utility theory and exhaustively enumerating all possible technology combinations to provide a quantitative rationale and suggest the best set of systems according to a set of criteria, with the relative importance of the different criteria defined by the decision-maker. In this research, the sensitivity of the optimal solution to the weight factors and the effects of the uncertainty of input scores are also discussed using a case study. An application of the proposed approach is described by conducting a case study in Green Lake at McFaddin, TX. The main purpose of this case study is to test the proposed technology evaluation protocol in a real site and then to refine the protocol. This research describes the results of the case study which provided a more logical and comprehensive approach that maximized the economic and environmental goals of both the landowner and the oil company leaseholder.

Ever since the early 90¡¦s the global software market and knowledge accumulation have been growing at a rapid speed. Knowledge has become a critical asset for professional software service industry and therefore, the demands for knowledge management in this industry have been increased dramatically. This study presents a novel approach for knowledge management in structured systems analysis and design area for a professional software service firm. A case study and a prototype system were used to illustrate the feasibility and usability of the proposed method. These results provide a practical base and better understanding for the professional software firms when they implement a knowledge management system.

Turkey, as a recent signatory to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) has to adopt policies to restrict greenhouse gas emissions at a time when energy demand is increasing rapidly. We report on an intertemporal, spatial network model representing the energy system that seeks to address the difficult trade-offs involved. We compute and optimal mix of fuels and technologies / considering efficiencies and investments in generation and transmission. The model allows analysis of emissions and investment decisions to attain set targets. Extensions allowing the study of dependency on fossil fuels and imports are also discussed.

The success of a Hospital Information System (HIS) is related to the software, its users, and the fit between the system and the hospital&rsquo / s operations. The objective of this thesis is to analyze the Hospital Information System used by a private hospital, and streamline the system to better fit the requirements of the hospital. The modules of the HIS, the processes, the requirements of external parties, the attitudes of users as well as the control mechanisms and the forms are analyzed through observations, interviews and document inspections. The results of the study indicate that only a small proportion of problems are noticed by managers, and inaccuracies occur when users provide inputs to the system. Moreover, the HIS yields additional clerical work. Lack of standardization and partial automation are among the main reasons for inefficiencies. Improvements in the software design are proposed as a means for streamlining the existing system.

Research Project Technical Completion Report / Office of Water Research and Technology Project A-031-ARIZ / Annual Allotment Agreement No. 14-31-0001-5003 / FCST Research Category VII-C; OWRT Problem Area: 10 / Project Duration June 1971 to June 1975 / No publication date on item; publication date from catalog. / The Arizona Water Information System (AWIS) was developed for storage and retrieval of water resources data and for dissemination of water resources information pertaining to the State of Arizona. Collectively, the AWIS system contains a number of distinct elements. The Activity File is a listing of water resource activities and projects dating from 1961, which can be accessed by keywords or by agency to retrieve abstracts and information on approximately 1,000 projects; the file recently was updated and additional projects covered in a regional program pertaining to the Lower Colorado River Basin portions of Arizona, California, and Nevada. A bimonthly Arizona Water Resources News Bulletin and a companion Project Information Bulletin were initiated under this project and will be continued as a cooperative effort of the Arizona Water Commission and the University of Arizona Water Resources Research Center and Office of Arid Lands Studies. A cassette-tape pilot series on Arizona water trends also was produced and evaluated for use potential, which appears favorable. A western state conference on water information dissemination, sponsored by this project and OWRT, was held in Phoenix in 1973, to discuss the above kinds of activities in the several states and the possibilities for cooperative regional activities. The capability for interactive hydrologic data processing, utilizing the DEC -10 computer system at the University of Arizona, was developed in 1974 with the support of the Arizona Water Commission (AWC). Ground-water and quality-of-water data furnished by AWC have been stored progressively in the system, and are retrievable by remote terminal through telephone hookup, by quarter- township grid location or by drainage basin. Routine inquiries can be answered rapidly, or more complex retrievals can be made as desired.