87 research outputs found
A low-cost GPS GSM/GPRS telemetry system: Performance in stationary field tests and preliminary data on wild otters (Lutra lutra)
No full textBackground: Despite the increasing worldwide use of global positioning system (GPS) telemetry in wildlife research, it has never been tested on any freshwater diving animal or in the peculiar conditions of the riparian habitat, despite this latter being one of the most important habitat types for many animal taxa. Moreover, in most cases, the GPS devices used have been commercial and expensive, limiting their use in low-budget projects. Methodology/Principal Findings: We have developed a low-cost, easily constructed GPS GSM/GPRS (Global System for Mobile Communications/General Packet Radio Service) and examined its performance in stationary tests, by assessing the influence of different habitat types, including the riparian, as well as water submersion and certain climatic and environmental variables on GPS fix-success rate and accuracy. We then tested the GPS on wild diving animals, applying it, for the first time, to an otter species (Lutra lutra). The rate of locations acquired during the stationary tests reached 63.2%, with an average location error of 8.94 m (SD = 8.55). GPS performance in riparian habitats was principally affected by water submersion and secondarily by GPS inclination and position within the riverbed. Temporal and spatial correlations of location estimates accounted for some variation in the data sets. GPS-tagged otters also provided accurate locations and an even higher GPS fix-success rate (68.2%). Conclusions/Significance: Our results suggest that GPS telemetry is reliably applicable to riparian and even diving freshwater animals. They also highlight the need, in GPS wildlife studies, for performing site-specific pilot studies on GPS functioning as well as for taking into account eventual spatial and temporal correlation of location estimates. The limited price, small dimensions, and high performance of the device presented here make it a useful and cost-effective tool for studies on otters and other aquatic or terrestrial medium-to-large-sized animals. © 2012 Quaglietta et al
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No full textCom a intenção de contribuir para os estudos na temática da liderança sob a perspectiva das relações que se estabelecem em organizações sociais, essa pesquisa trata de transformações psíquicas e sociais a partir da lógica do cotidiano e das histórias cruzadas de pessoas que lidam diariamente com as consequências das desigualdades sociais em suas vidas. Tendo como primeiro plano as histórias e perspectivas de cinco mulheres de dois empreendimentos solidários da cidade de São Paulo, o Ângela de Cara Limpa e a União Popular de Mulheres do Campo Limpo e Adjacências, o processo foi sendo elaborado ao longo das interações que se estabeleceram entre nós. A pesquisa foi realizada a partir de entrevistas e observação participante e a perspectiva adotada na análise foi a das singularidades de cada história e de cada empreendimento. Essas histórias, ainda que únicas, permitem observar situações e sentimentos, bem como transformações e possibilidades de futuro, marcados por diversas contradições. As reflexões tratam de quatro principais tópicos de análise: identidade, Economia Solidária, reconhecimento e liderança. A identidade é observada como um processo permanente de formação e transformação, a partir de condições materiais e históricas dadas. Nessas condições, desigualdade social e desigualdade de gênero são marcadores presentes, influenciando constantemente nas percepções individuais, coletivas e nas tomadas de decisão em relação a suas vidas. A Economia Solidária surge como uma alternativa à falta de emprego, renda e qualidade de vida. Embora a busca primeira a essas organizações seja pela renda, é a solidariedade que se mostra mais presente nas histórias. A solidariedade também é um dos muitos aspectos que favorece a luta pelo reconhecimento no processo de busca de pertencimento na sociedade. A reinvindicação de direitos e sentir-se entre iguais, são alguns dos fatores que aparecem na luta por reconhecimento dessas mulheres. Por fim, as lideranças mostram-se não como a única fonte de inspiração e manutenção dessas iniciativas sociais, mas são fundamentais, deixando suas marcas e inspirações, e sendo marcadas e inspiradas por outros, num processo de construção constante. Mais do que buscar direções únicas, essa pesquisa traz possibilidades e perspectivas para a atuação com comunidades e mulheres. As conclusões e recomendações para o campo apontam a perspectiva das relações e do compromisso na busca pela redução das desigualdades sociaisSeeking to contribute to studies on the leadership theme from the perspective of the relationships established in social organizations, this research deals with psychic and social transformations based on the logic of daily life and the cross stories of people who deal everyday with the consequences of social inequalities in their lives. The interactions established among us made the process exclusive. The stories and perspectives are about five women from two solidarity economy enterprises in the city of São Paulo: Angela de Cara Limpa and União Popular de Mulheres do Campo Limpo e Adjacências. The research took place from interviews and participant observations. The analysis adopted the perspective of the singularities of each story and each organization. These stories, although unique, allow us to observe situations and feelings, as well as transformations and possibilities of the future, marked by several contradictions. The reflections deal with four main topics of analysis: identity, solidarity economy, recognition and leadership. Identity observed as a permanent process of formation and transformation, given material and historical conditions. Under these conditions, social inequality and gender inequality are present markers, constantly influencing individual, collective perceptions and life decision-makings. Solidarity economy emerges as an alternative to lack of employment, income or quality of life. Although the first search in these organizations is for income, solidarity is the main present aspect in the stories. Solidarity is also one of many aspects that favors the struggle for recognition in the process of seeking belonging in society. The claim of rights and feel equal, are some of the factors that appear in the struggle for recognition of these women. Finally, the leaderships are not the only source of inspiration and maintenance of these social initiatives. They are fundamental in leaving their marks and inspirations, and being marked and inspired by others, in a constant construction process. More than seeking unique directions, this research offers possibilities and perspectives of working with communities and women. The conclusions and recommendations point to the perspective of relationships and commitment in the search for the reduction of social inequalitie
Stakeholdermanagement door woningcorporaties in Stedelijke Vernieuwing
No full textDe term stakeholders, of belanghouders, valt in de corporatiesector steeds vaker. De term wordt vaak in verband gebracht met het cren van invloed van bewoners, organisaties of burgers op de corporatie om hiermee legitimiteit voor de corporatie te verwerven. Dit legitimiteitsvraagstuk kent zijn oorsprong in het maatschappelijk ondernemen. Sinds de verzelfstandiging van de corporaties middels de Bruteringswet halverwege de jaren 90 zijn zij zelf verantwoordelijk voor hun financi boekhouding en beleidsvorming. Met deze financi loskoppeling van de overheid laait een discussie in de sector op wat nu eigenlijk de positie is van de corporatie. Hiermee doet het maatschappelijk ondernemen zijn intreden, wat er op neer komt dat een corporatie haar doelen richt op de maatschappij, de vraag ophaalt uit de maatschappij, verantwoording aflegt aan de maatschappij en haar winst inzet voor de maatschappij. De maatschappij is hiermee een stakeholder van de corporatie. Het aantal stakeholders neemt verder toe door onder andere uitbreiding van de prestatievelden in het BBSH naar leefbaarheid en zorg en de aandacht in Stedelijke Vernieuwing naast fysieke ingrepen voor sociale en economische ingrepen. Stakeholders zijn er in vele soorten en maten; van zorg- en welzijnsinstellingen, basisscholen en gemeenten tot collega corporaties, belangenverenigingen, milieuactivisten, pers en natuurlijk de klant. In literatuur over de corporatiesector wordt gewezen op het oog hebben voor stakeholders (SEV (2008), Futura (2008), Elsing, M. (2007). De corporatie kan niet om stakeholders heen. De taak van corporaties stopt niet bij stenen stapelen. Stakeholders zijn degenen die de corporatie legitimiteit en de mogelijkheid tot ondernemen geven (SER, 2005). Nu zou men denken dat hiermee de term stakeholdermanagement valt; hoe de omgang met stakeholders bewust vorm te geven. Echter deze term duikt in de discussies rondom stakeholders in de corporatiesector nog niet vaak op. Literatuur vanuit andere vakgebieden zoals organisatiekunde en procesmanagement richt zich wel op stakeholdermanagement. Echter hoe wordt stakeholdermanagement door de corporatiesector met haar aandacht voor maatschappelijk ondernemen vormgegeven? Dit rapport probeert het gat in literatuur en onderzoek naar stakeholdermanagement door woningcorporaties te dichten. Daarbij wordt gebruik gemaakt van een vanuit de literatuur geformuleerd analytisch model ten aanzien van stakeholdermanagent. Dit model wordt vervolgens getoetst aan de praktijk om af te sluiten met conclusies en aanbevelingen ten aanzien van stakeholdermanagement door woningcorporatiesArchitectur
su un problema di caratterizzazione di certe classi formule risolto tramite la nozione di interpretabilità relativa
No full textIntroduzione ad una classe di problemi di logica della interpretabilità relativa detti "problema di Guaspari" per varie teorie e "survey" dei risultati ottenuti e pubblicati dall'autore in collaborazione con i proff. De Jongh e Montagna intorno ad essi.Introduction to a class of problems of the logic of relative interpretability called "Guaspari problem" for various theories and survey of the results obtained and published by the author in collaboration with the proff. De Jongh and Montagna around them
Idealised tidal dynamics in an estuary with a horizontally movable time dependent barrier: A contribution to one of the possible solutions of the sludge problem in the Eems estuary
No full textIn this thesis the hydrodynamic behaviour of an idealised relatively short tidal estuary is studied using a cross-sectionally averaged model, i.e. a one dimensional model. The geometry of the estuary is simplified and only the hydrodynamic processes are considered. This model is used to gain insight in the behaviour of currents and water levels influenced by a movable barrier situated in the estuary. It is investigated whether shifting the motion of the barrier in time influences the sedimentation in the embayment
Improving risk management of land development activities in Dutch municipalities: A case study research on how Dutch municipalities can embed risk management in their land development process
No full textSince the 1990’s Dutch municipalities successfully invested in land development, which turned into a profitable undertaking (Groetelaers, 2013). Municipalities that invested a lot in land development formerly could rely on future profits from a booming housing market. The impact of the financial crisis on the land and housing markets changed this situation dramatically and brought great financial problems to a lot of Dutch municipalities. Large scale land acquisitions involve great financial risks. The financial crisis showed that generally, municipalities were not able to manage these risks sufficiently (Groetelaers, 2012, 2013). Despite the increased risk awareness that the financial crisis raised in most municipalities, the risk management of land development activities needs improvement. The main reason is that in any case it is undesirable that municipalities face the same scenario as during the financial crisis of 2008 and once again have to take major losses on development projects that started years ago. When a municipality ends up in financial problems this could have severe financial consequences for society. An increased financial burden for local citizens through higher taxes and less financial resources that are available for social serves both are possible consequences for society. The question remains whether the increased risk awareness among most municipalities is enough to avoid a similar scenario as during the crisis. Their lies a danger that municipalities will fall into their old pattern again when the economy recovers. The risk awareness of municipalities may have increased the past few years, but has to be shaped for the future. Because of this reason, it is important to investigate the possibilities for Dutch municipalities to become more in control of their financial position. Municipalities need to embed risk management in their organization and land development processes in order to improve their risk management of land development activities and gain more control over their financial position. This led to the following research question: What are the elements and requirements of good risk management that a municipality has to implement to deal knowingly and adequately with future risks concerning land development, so that they gain more control over their financial position? In order to answer this research question, several research methods have been used: - A literature study to find the principles of ‘good’ risk management regarding land development. - A desk research to identify the legal framework regarding risk management of land development in which municipalities currently have to operate. - A municipality scan, consisting of a selection procedure of Dutch municipalities and a desk research, to analyze how risk management of land development activities comes to expression in the risk reporting of Dutch municipalities and find suitable municipalities for a case study research. - A case study research at four Dutch municipalities to learn how risk management of land development is organized in practice. The case study research forms a significant part of this research, because it gives insight in three important aspects that help to answer the main research question. First of all, the results of the case study research make it possible to reflect whether or not the current of risk management of land development activities in municipalities is consistent with the principles of ‘good’ risk management. Second, the case study research identifies lessons to be learnt, distinguished in areas of concern and learning points, regarding risk management of land development activities which are useful for other municipalities. Finally, the case study research provides insight in what aspects encourage and what aspects hinder the successful implementation of measures to improve risk management in municipalities. The objective of this research is to improve the risk management within Dutch municipal land agencies in such a way that their risk assessment with respect to land development projects becomes more effective.Technology, Policy and ManagementBuilt Environment and Spatial DevelopmentSystems Engineering, Policy Analysis and Managemen
Share scheduling in distributed systems
No full textElectrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Scienc
"Frequency and ventilation": A survey of theoretical and experimental ventilation modelling
No full textAerospace Engineerin
Initial morphological evolution of a mega nourishment: The Hondsbossche Dunes one year after construction
No full textThe coastal protection system of the Dutch low-lying hinterland is under increasing pressure due to growing population and high economic value combined with climate change and a rising sea level. Supplying sand to dunes, beach and shoreface by means of nourishments is a widely applied technique to increase coastal safety. Climate change and a rising sea level lead to higher water levels and higher and longer waves at the North Sea. These increased loads cause a heavier impact on the Dutch coast and therefore, wave boundary conditions have been revised by the Dutch Government. After a reassessment of the coastal protection system in 2003, several parts of the Dutch coast did not comply with the safety standards and were appointed 'Weak Links'. The Hondsbossche and Pettemer sea defence was one of the weak links. The Hondsbossche Dunes nourishment provided the desired solution to improve coastal safety and at the same time maintain, and where possible, improve environmental quality. The design of the nourishment is of a magnitude that is unprecedented. It covers a stretch of approximately twelve kilometres of coast. In contrast to traditional nourishments that typically consist of about 1-2 million m3 of sand, the Hondsbossche Dunes nourishment contains a volume of 35.6 million m3 of sand. The implementation of nourishments modifies the topography of the bed and impacts the nearshore coastal regime. After the nourishment is constructed, the cross-shore profile evolves towards an equilibrium shape, and the shoreline planform adjusts via alongshore spreading. As a result, increased erosion rates are often observed in the first period after completion of nourishments. To improve the design of future nourishments, it is essential to understand and quantify the processes that govern the initial morphological evolution of recently completed nourishment projects. Twelve months after completion of the nourishment, sand losses at the Hondsbossche Dunes nourishment appeared to be large. This study focuses on understanding the processes that govern these large initial volume losses. Bathymetric data obtained from monthly monitoring surveys during and after construction, combined with wave forcing data are used to analyse morphological evolution and hydrodynamic forcing. Furthermore, a process-based cross-shore sediment transport model is applied to assess the relative contribution of several hydro- and morphodynamic factors on the initial morphological development of the nourishment in more detail. The results show that after twelve months 2.5% of the initially nourished sediment volume is lost from the project area. The high losses are mainly due to energetic wave forcing in the first twelve months after construction, with an average net northward transport potential that is 2.5 times higher compared to the long term yearly average. Morphological response is an event-driven process, such that large morphological changes coincide with months with energetic waves. About 60-80% of the volume changes occur over a period of only three months, during the Northern Hemisphere winter. Compared to long term natural variation in wave forcing, relatively more and higher waves approach from South-Western direction during the first year after construction. This results in severe erosion at the southern shoulder of the nourishment and considerable accretion at the northern transition zone with the adjacent coastline. The adaptation of steep cross-shore profiles on similar timescales as the volume changes, suggests a relation between steep slopes and volume losses. However, the interaction with other morphological parameters (e.g. alongshore gradients and variations in grain size) and the presence of subtidal bars prevent the establishment of a direct relation. These insights can provide guidance for other large-scale sandy strategies. The findings indicate that wave forcing dominates the initial morphological response of a recently completed mega nourishment. The stochastic character of temporal wave forcing implies that a considerable uncertainty bandwidth is introduced in the design of nourishments. The effect of other parameters, such as profile shape and sediment size, is less pronounced in morphological development. Also these parameters are more controllable, and as a result they introduce relatively less uncertainty in the prediction of initial sediment losses at recently completed nourishments.Civil Engineering and GeosciencesHydraulic Engineerin
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