Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Static SIMS'

This work sets out a framework to provide a metrological basis for static SIMS measurements. This surface analytical technique has been is use for over thirty years but, because of the lack of an infrastructure, has not achieved its full potential in industry. To build this basis, the measurement chain is studied from the sample through to the detector and data processing. By understanding the effects of each link in the chain, repeatabilities are reduced by orders of magnitude to below 1%, the ion beam current and flux density are calibrated to better than 2%, ion beam damage in polymers is controlled and detection efficiencies calculated. Utilising these developments, a characterised and calibrated SIMS spectrometer is used to establish reference materials. An inter-laboratory study to assess the extent of spectrum variability between spectrometers was conducted involving over twenty laboratories worldwide. Analysis of the data gives the level of repeatability and reproducibility using current procedures. Repeatabilities for some laboratories are as good as 1% but many are at 10% and a few as poor as 80%. A Relative Instrument Spectral Response, RISR, is developed to facilitate the comparison of spectra from one instrument to another or library data. For most instruments reproducibilities of 14% are achievable. Additionally, the wide variety of ion beam sources and energies, presently in use, result in spectra that are only broadly comparable. A detailed study of these effects provides, for the first time, a unified method to relate the behaviour for all ion species and energies. A development of this work gives a totally new spectroscopy, known as G-SIMS or gentle-SIMS. Here, the static SIMS spectrum for a low surface plasma temperature is calculated which promotes those spectral intensities truly representative of the analysed material and reduces those caused by additional fragmentation and rearrangement mechanisms. The resulting GSIMS spectra are easier to identify and are interpreted more directly. This work provides the essential basis for the development of static SIMS. Future work will improve the consistency of library data so that the valid data for molecular identification can be uniquely extracted. The measurement base will be developed to meet the growing requirements for static SIMS analysis of complex organic and biomaterials.

Hmotnostná spektrometria sekundárnych iónov s analýzou doby letu (TOF-SIMS) patrí vďaka vysokej citlivosti na prvkové zloženie medzi významné metódy analýzy pevných povrchov. Táto práca demonštruje možnosti TOF-SIMS v troch odlišných oblastiach výskumu. Prvá časť práce sa zaoberá lokalizáciou defektov vysokonapäťových polovodičových súčiastok, ktorá je nevyhnutná k ich ďalšiemu skúmaniu metódou TOF-SIMS. Bola navrhnutá experimentálna zostava s riadiacim softvérom umožňujúca automatizované meranie záverného prúdu v rôznych miestach polovodičový súčiastok. Druhá časť práce sa zaoberá kvantifikáciou koncentrácie Mg dopantov v rôznych hĺbkach vzoriek AlGaN. Kvantifikácia je založená na metóde RSF a umožňuje charakterizáciu AlGaN heteroštruktúr určených na výrobu tranzistorov s vysokou elektrónovou mobilitou (HEMT) alebo na výrobu rôznych optoelektronických zariadení. Sada 12 AlGaN kalibračných vzoriek dopovaných Mg, určených na kvantifikáciu hĺbkových profilov, bola pripravená metódou iónovej implantácie. Posledná časť práce demonštruje možnosti metódy TOF-SIMS vo výskume heterogénnej katalýzy. Hlavným objektom nášho výskumu je dynamika oxidácie CO na oxid uhličitý na polykryštalickom povrchu platiny za tlakov vysokého vákua. V tejto práci prezentujem prvé TOF-SIMS pozorovanie časopriestorových vzorov v reálnom čase, ktoré vznikajú v dôsledku rôzneho pokrytia povrchu Pt reaktantmi. Výsledky TOF-SIMS experimentu boli porovnané s výsledkami podobného experiment v rastrovacom elektrónovom mikroskope (SEM).

La microscopie à éclairements structurés (SIM) permet théoriquement de doubler la résolution d’un microscope optique standard. Pour atteindre cette limite théorique, le SIM requière un contrôle très précis des illuminations, ce qui le rend coûteux et difficile à calibrer. Cette thèse cherche à simplifier drastiquement le principe du SIM en proposant une approche « aveugle » qui reconstruit une image de l’échantillon à partir d’éclairements aléatoires, i.e., très facile à générer. Cette stratégie permet en théorie l’imagerie super-résolue tout en réduisant fortement le coût de l’instrument. Nous avons étudié du point de vu théorique et algorithmique les performances et les limitations d’un estimateur joint de l’objet et des illuminations (estimateur Blind-SIM joint). Notamment, une reformulation mathématique du problème d’estimation jointe a été proposée qui permet d’analyser l'origine de la super-résolution mais également de proposer des nouvelles stratégies de mises en œuvre très rapides. Une étude empirique a mis en lumière l’impact de la parcimonie et du contenue fréquentielles des illuminations sur le niveau de super-résolution obtenu. L’estimateur joint étant asymptotiquement inconsistant, nous nous sommes également intéressé à définir un « critère de contraste » pour ce problème permettant d’estimer uniquement l’objet d’intérêt. Une étude mathématique de la capacité de super-résolution de ce type d'estimateur a été conduite. Enfin, on a observé un effet de super-résolution en condition réelles sur de nombreux objets, 2 ou 3D, fixe ou mobile, biologique ou non tel que des billes, des podosomes, de l’actine
Structured illumination microscopy (SIM) allow theoretically to double the super-resolution of a standard optical microscope. However, to reach this theoretical limit, SIM require a precise knowledge of the illuminations, making it costly and difficult to calibrate. The aim of this thesis is to simplify the use of SIM by using a blind approach who allow the use of random illuminations to reconstruct a super-resolved image of the object. This strategy theoretically allow the super-resolution, while maintaining a low cost instrumentation. During those three years of thesis, we have studied theoretically and algorithmically the performances and the limitations of a joint estimator of the objet and the illuminations (joint Blind-SIM estimator). A mathematically equivalent reformulation of the joint problem was proposed allowing us to study the super-resolution origin and to propose a fast and parallelizable new approach. An empirical study has highlighted the impact of parsimony and of the frequency content of the illuminations on the reached super-resolution level. Because the joint estimator is asymptotically not consistent, we also studied a contrast criterion for our problem (typically a marginal likelihood), here only the object of interest is estimated. We have mathematically studied the super-resolution capacity of this kind of estimators. Finally, real data using random illuminations where acquired and we have observed a super-resolution effect using our algorithms on multiples real objects of different kind, 2 or 3D, fix or mobile, biological or not, like beads, podosomes, actines

Cette thèse porte sur le développement d'une structure d'alimentation sans transformateur pour des décharges à barrière diélectrique (DBD). Une DBD est une charge permettant d'obtenir des plasmas froids à la pression atmosphérique. Ce dispositif est fortement capacitif et son alimentation doit délivrer plusieurs kilovolts pour allumer et entretenir la décharge. Cette haute tension est classiquement obtenue à l'aide d'un transformateur élévateur. Dans une première partie, nous montrons que les éléments parasites du transformateur impactent fortement le transfert d'énergie vers la décharge. C'est pourquoi dans une seconde partie, nous proposons une nouvelle topologie d'alimentation sans transformateur élévateur. Les caractéristiques fondamentales et le dimensionnement de notre alimentation sont obtenus par une analyse théorique. Dans cette topologie, les interrupteurs sont directement connectés à la DBD ; ils doivent donc supporter des tensions de plusieurs kilovolts. Il y a encore quelques années, il n'existait pas de semi-conducteur capable de supporter ce niveau de tension, à moins d'utiliser des interrupteurs fonctionnant à très basse fréquence. De récents progrès sur les matériaux semi-conducteurs ont permis d'élaborer des transistors et des diodes à base de carbure de silicium (SiC) capables de supporter des tensions allant jusqu'à 10 kV. Ce niveau de tension est tout à fait compatible avec la topologie d'alimentation proposée ici.Nous consacrerons la troisième partie du manuscrit à la mise en œuvre de notre convertisseur. Ce dernier, conçu à base de semi-conducteurs SiC, est fonctionnel et permet d'allumer une décharge. Cependant le fonctionnement initialement prévu est fortement affecté par la présence des capacités parasites notamment celles des interrupteurs. Nous détaillerons le rôle de chacune d'entre elles. Nous proposerons enfin des solutions permettant d'améliorer le transfert de puissance : mise en série de semi-conducteurs basses tensions, utilisation sur DBD de forte puissance
This thesis focuses on the development of a dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) transformerless power supply. A DBD can produce cold plasma at atmospheric pressure. This device is a capacitive load, which must be supplied by a high voltage alternative source. This high voltage is classically obtained by amplifying a low level voltage with a step up transformer. In the first part, we show that the parasitic elements of the transformer limit the power transfer to the DBD load. This is why, in a second part, we propose a new topology without step-up transformer. A theoretical study of the converter allows to size our power supply and to deduce the fundamental characteristics of the latter. In our topology, the power switches are directly connected to the high voltage. A few years ago, it was inconceivable to connect directly a transistor to a high level of voltage (5kV), unless using very low frequency switches. Recent progress on semiconductor devices led to the development of transistors and diodes based on silicon carbide (SiC), which are able to hold up to 10kV. This voltage level is compatible with our topology.In the third part, we focus on the realization of our transformerless power supply and its operation. Our power supply based on 10 kV SiC semiconductors can ignite the discharge; however the parasitic capacitance and particularly those of the switches affect the power transfer. The role of each one of them is analyzed in detail.In the last part we propose solutions to improve the power delivered by this supply: series connection of lower voltage switches, supplying a high power DBD

This dissertation presents the development of a new framework for international commercialization of innovative structural products in residential construction. Development of his framework required the examination of six subjects related to international commercialization. 1) commercialization models previously developed, locally and internationally, 2) barriers to the process, 3) stakeholders, actions, and decisions critical to the process, 4) characteristics of innovations that are suitable for international use, 5) characteristics of foreign markets that are ideal to adopt such innovations, and 6) strategies to overcome barriers The framework development was based on one structural product, SIPs. This product has been successfully developed and implemented in the United States and is being considered for commercial use in Saudi Arabia. Structural product clusters are particularly appropriate because of their innovative nature and their major influence on the structure of residential buildings. The study relies on sequential explanatory mixed-method research design, consisting of two distinct phases (Creswell 2003), to gain insight into processes surrounding commercialization. The rationale for this approach is that quantitative data and its results provide a general picture of the barriers to international commercialization in the available sample, which can mapped onto an initial framework. The qualitative data and its analysis help to refine and expand statistical results by exploring participants' actual decision processes that can be also mapped to a second framework. Both data sets can be merged, mapped onto one final framework. Variables related to the six subjects, mentioned above, were distilled from literature into open-ended questionnaires for two groups of key stakeholders in the supply chain of innovative structural products: 1) SIPs stakeholders in the US and 2) stakeholders of innovative structural products in Saudi Arabia. The primary purpose of the open-ended questionnaires was to ensure usage of correct terminology used in this study and to encourage full, meaningful answers—capturing all possible factors affecting the process of international commercialization. The author collected responses using web-based surveys. The results yielded the development of a reliable instrument to be implemented in further steps of this research. Next, the researcher collected variables related to the questions from previous open-ended questionnaires into closed-ended questionnaires to collect the data (on perceived barriers to international commercialization), using web-based surveys, and performed a preliminary analysis of the data using frequency analysis. This process yielded market-based strategies for developing an initial framework for international commercialization in residential construction. Subsequently, a focused examination of barriers to international commercialization was needed. The researcher collected such data through an applied understanding of the specific development processes for SIPs to be introduced to a new, international market, namely Saudi Arabia. Based on the model's structure, the researcher conducted six case studies of real stakeholder processes along the supply chain, SIPs development domestically and internationally, and tracked data for real risks of the commercialization process. Findings suggested perceived versus actual risks and barriers to the commercialization process for an integral product to the residential construction process. This was an important distinction because of proposed development methods and the application of market diffusion. Based on the barriers identified, the researcher developed market-based strategies to be incorporated into a second framework. This framework along with the initial framework and the literature-based framework have been triangulated to develop one final framework. The final framework was then introduced to a few experts in the industry to increase its validity.
Ph. D.

Mestrado em Desenvolvimento e Cooperação Internacional
This dissertation attempts to review the critical theoretical issues concerning Small States and Small Insular Developing States, while aiming to answer some crucial related questions and to distinguish between these two notions. Additionally we attempt to spotlight some issues related to the development of Cape Verde having in consideration a possible comparison with two of the most successful African SIDS, namely Mauritius and Seychelles. A brief analysis of the social and economical situation of the three countries is made, seeking to underline their key development elements and assessing their economical and social structure. This dissertation mainly aims at assessing what Cape Verde can apprehend from the Mauritian and Seychellois experience, in an attempt to draw some useful conclusions to its development.
Esta dissertação procura rever as questões teóricas essenciais que dizem respeito aos Pequenos Estados e aos Pequenos Estados Insulares em Desenvolvimento e, simultaneamente, responder a algumas questões relacionadas com este âmbito. Adicionalmente, pretendem-se destacar algumas questões relacionadas com o desenvolvimento de Cabo Verde, tendo em consideração uma possível comparação com dois dos SIDS Africanos mais bem sucedidos, nomeadamente as Maurícias e as Seicheles. Com este intuito, é efectuada uma breve apreciação da situação económica e social destes países, numa tentativa de sublinhar os seus elementos fundamentais e de analisar a sua estrutura económica e social. Esta dissertação tem como seu objectivo fundamental a apreciação do que Cabo Verde poderá apreender da experiência de desenvolvimento das Maurícias e das Seicheles, numa tentativa de elaborar conclusões frutuosas para Cabo Verde.

Disasters and climate change threaten the very existence of a special group of developing states- Small Island Developing States (SIDS). This research tackles the problem of limited uptake of integrated approaches to address risk in practice- in particular through disaster risk reduction (DRR) and climate change adaptation (CCA). The benefits of these approaches are so significant that they can be considered to be investments in development. Focusing on Barbados, a SIDS, this research therefore seeks to identify the prospects for establishing an integrated disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation (DRR-CCA) development decision-making framework. It also seeks to understand the policy implications for other SIDS. In addressing the research problem, a risk governance framework and mixed methods approach is proposed for identifying the prospects for DRR-CCA. This allows for the challenges and the potential in actor networks, institutions, and the various dimensions of risk decision-making to be identified. The specific SIDS DRR-CCA risk governance framework utilised to generate the prospects is identified from literature. Data from documents, surveys and in-depth semi-structured interviews with 30 representatives from 20 organisations operating at different levels were gathered on DRR and CCA risk governance in Barbados from November, 2014 to May 2015. Analysis was carried out using document analysis, thematic analysis; social network analysis, and descriptive statistics. The research identifies that SIDS require an enhanced risk governance framework for DRR-CCA. This framework has a systemic approach at the core, as well as an explicit development approach supported by a joined-up governance approach. Furthermore, risk assessments should include assessments of adaptive capacity. Existing potential for DRR-CCA risk governance was identified in highly dense networks, established disaster management networks, and a unique polycentric network that engages intraregional partners in national governance. Notwithstanding, challenges related to cohesion within and across institutions and sectors; missing community and socio-economic participation; as well as issues connected to unadjusted mind-sets to address the DRR paradigm shift in practice, and limited development-socio-ecological systems approaches, meant that the prospects identified mainly addressed these shortcomings. A spatial methodology for DRR-CCA seemed feasible. This research contributes a framework for conceptualising DRR-CCA risk governance in SIDS which could be applicable to others. It offers a Caribbean SIDS perspective and practical suggestions for DRR-CCA that are relevant to SIDS practitioners and donors. Further research should focus on testing the prospects across the varying governance contexts of SIDS.

"Ideally, peacekeeping operations demonstrate the concern of the international community in situations of instability or conflict arising between or within states. They are conceived to bring about peace and 'ensure the effective promotion and protection of [human] rights'. As a result, peacekeeping operations as well as peacekeepers are expected to comply with standards of human rights and humanitarian law. With respect to the Economic Community of West African States Cease-Fire Monitoring Group (ECOMOG), its intervention in Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea Bissau, and Côte d'Ivoire have been generally welcomed as a response to barbaric and devastating wars in West Africa. However, the observation of ECOMOG missions reveals several instances of violations of human rights and humanitarian law committed by ECOMOG peacekeepers. These violations include attacks against civilians, summary executions, rapes, torture, looting, etc. In other words, the saviours have turned into violators of rights. While these violations have provoked concern and indignation, few measures have been taken to address the problem, hold peacekeepers accountable and prevent abuses in the future. ... This study is divided into five chapters. Chapter one provides, among other, the background of the study, the statement of the research problem and the significance of the study. Chapter two gives an insight into the creation, structure, mechanisms and evolution of ECOMOG as the peacekeeping organ of ECOWAS. Chapter three examines the basis for the applicability of human rights and international humanitarian law to peacekeepers and shows the violations committed by the ECOMOG peacekeepers since 1990. Chapter four analyses the responses to abuses committed by ECOMOG peacekeepers. It discusses the national, regional and universal responses to these abuses. It investigates both prevention and accountability mechanisms existing to address abuses committed by ECOMOG peacekeepers. It also explores some potential accountability and prevention mechanisms. Finally, chapter five makes some concluding remarks and suggests specific recommendations for the improvement of the existing responses." -- Introduction.
Thesis (LLM (Human Rights and Democratisation in Africa)) -- University of Pretoria, 2004.
http://www.chr.up.ac.za/academic_pro/llm1/dissertations.html
Centre for Human Rights
LLM

Mestrado em Desenvolvimento e Cooperação internacional
This dissertation presents the main characteristics and development drawbacks of two groups of countries in special situations, specifically LDCs and SIDS. In this context, issues related to international support measures aimed at easing the development process of LDCs are addressed, as well as the (sometimes controversial) question of graduation from LDC status. Against this background, the case of Cape Verde — the first SIDS to ever graduate from the LDC list — is examined, anticipating the consideration of crucial development financing issues, of particular importance to the country's ability to ensure continued development once its graduation from LDC status takes effect, in January 2008.
Esta dissertação analisa as principais características e as dificuldades que se levantam ao desenvolvimento de dois grupos de países em situações especiais, especificamente os PM A e os SIDS. Neste contexto, são abordadas questões relacionadas com medidas de apoio por parte da comunidade internacional, visando facilitar o processo de desenvolvimento dos PMA, e analisada a questão (por vezes controversa) da transição da lista de PMA. Neste quadro, é analisado o caso de Cabo Verde - o primeiro SIDS a transitar da lista de PMA -, com a consideração prévia de importantes questões de financiamento do desenvolvimento, de suma importância para a capacidade do país suster o seu desenvolvimento, a partir da entrada em vigor da sua graduação da lista dos PMA, em Janeiro de 2008.

This thesis is a descriptive study of problem representations of climate-induced human mobility in policy. Two cases which are severely impacted by climate change have been selected for the analysis: Kiribati and Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Policies of these cases are analysed through a qualitative text analysis following the methodological approach “What’s the Problem Represented to Be?”. A particular focus is given to the issue of “planned relocations” as this is a form of human movement that is, per definition, driven by policy. The analysis found negative representations of human mobility to be present in both cases, but also positive representations in the case of Kiribati. Planned relocations were represented as something necessary and difficult by both the cases, but a substantial difference concerned the intended length of such movements. Lastly, this study highlights the need for further research on policy engagement in climate-induced human mobility.

Small islands developing states (SIDS) sustainability is a United Nations’ aim. Their markets are often influenced by external policies imposed by larger economies. Could an anti-competitive measure affect the food vulnerability of a SIDS? This research examines the effects of an external non-tariff measure (NTM) on Puerto Rico’s (PR) agribusinesses. It explores the effects of a maritime cabotage regulation (US Jones Act) on the affordability and accessibility of produce and grains. PR imports 100% of their needs of grain and over 85% of fresh produce. PR’s food imports are generally from the US and the trade service is restricted to the use of the US maritime transportation. As a result, the supply chain of these two sectors although different, are limited by the US Act that may impact the cost of food, its availability, firms’ efficiency and other structures of production. Using a mixed convergent design, PR’s agrifood supply chains were explored and analysed in relation to the maritime cabotage regulation. Oligopolistic structures and collusion between maritime transporters and local agribusinesses importers limit the access to data, but other internal factors also have a role. Fieldwork shows that while the cabotage regulation itself is a constraint, interaction with others NTM and the current political framework between US and PR are relevant. Factors such as lack of efficiency, poor innovation and a self-limitation of the agribusinesses firms were found. The novelty of this research is the use of mixed methods to evaluate the effects of cabotage on the agrifood supply chain.

Small islands developing states (SIDS) sustainability is a United Nations’ aim. Their markets are often influenced by external policies imposed by larger economies. Could an anti-competitive measure affect the food vulnerability of a SIDS? This research examines the effects of an external non-tariff measure (NTM) on Puerto Rico’s (PR) agribusinesses. It explores the effects of a maritime cabotage regulation (US Jones Act) on the affordability and accessibility of produce and grains. PR imports 100% of their needs of grain and over 85% of fresh produce. PR’s food imports are generally from the US and the trade service is restricted to the use of the US maritime transportation. As a result, the supply chain of these two sectors although different, are limited by the US Act that may impact the cost of food, its availability, firms’ efficiency and other structures of production. Using a mixed convergent design, PR’s agrifood supply chains were explored and analysed in relation to the maritime cabotage regulation. Oligopolistic structures and collusion between maritime transporters and local agribusinesses importers limit the access to data, but other internal factors also have a role. Fieldwork shows that while the cabotage regulation itself is a constraint, interaction with others NTM and the current political framework between US and PR are relevant. Factors such as lack of efficiency, poor innovation and a self-limitation of the agribusinesses firms were found. The novelty of this research is the use of mixed methods to evaluate the effects of cabotage on the agrifood supply chain.

Tyrimo objektas – etnografinio muziejaus kaip ugdymo erdvės funkcionavimas. Tyrimo tikslas – pasitelkus Lietuvos liaudies buities muziejuje taikomų eksponavimo formų, priemonių, rengiamų edukacinių programų analizę, atskleisti etnografinio muziejaus kaip ugdymo erdvės funkcionavimo specifiką. Tikslui įgyvendinti siekiama šių uždavinių: 1. išsiaiškinti prioritetines muziejų veiklos kryptis Lietuvos muziejų veiklą reglamentuojančiuose dokumentuose ir atskleisti Lietuvos liaudies buities muziejaus veiklos prioritetų ištakas bei kaitą; 2. nustatyti eksponavimo formų Lietuvos liaudies buities muziejuje specifiką; 3. ištirti mokymo bei mokymosi neformalioje Lietuvos liaudies buities aplinkoje galimybes; 4. išsiaiškinti, ar esama komercijos elementų savitoje Lietuvos liaudies buities muziejaus edukacinėje programoje – tradicinėse šventėse; 5. atskleisti ugdymo medijų naudojimo muziejuose kaitą ir tos kaitos pasekmes ugdymo procesui. Paskutiniais dešimtmečiais pasaulinėje praktikoje ugdymas yra laikomas yra visų muziejų veiklos pagrindu. Nors Lietuvos muziejų veiklą reglamentuojančiuose įstatymuose bei Lietuvos liaudies buities muziejaus statute daugiau akcentuojamos paveldosauginės muziejaus kaip institucijos funkcijos, atgavus nepriklausomybę, muziejus pradėjo teikti pirmenybę edukacinei veiklai. Nuo 1991 metų čia rengiamos veikiančios ekspozicijos, kuriose eksponatai naudojami pagal paskirtį. Jos ne tik suteikia lankytojui didesnes išmokimo bei susipažinimo su praeities kontekstu... [toliau žr. visą tekstą]
Subject of investigation: The functioning of the ethnographic museum as an educational space. Goal of investigation: To determine the specific nature of the functioning of the ethnographic museum as an educational space through an analysis of the forms and methods of exhibition and educational programs of the Open Air museum of Lithuania. The following tasks were pursued to implement this goal: 1. to determine the fundamental direction of priority activities of museums in documents regulating the activity of Lithuanian museums and to determine the source and changes of priority activities at the Open Air museum of Lithuania; 2. to determine the specific character of forms of exhibition at the Open Air museum of Lithuania; 3. to examine the prospects for learning and teaching within the informal environment of Open Air museum of Lithuania; 4. to determine whether there are commercial elements in the educational program of the Open Air museum of Lithuania, during traditional celebrations; 5. to elucidate changes in the use of educational media at museums and the effects of those changes on the educational process. Over the preceding decades in global practice education has been considered the foundation for all museum activities. Although laws regulating the activities of Lithuanian museums and the statute of the Open Air museum of Lithuania place greater emphasis on the heritage protection functions of the museum as an institution, following Lithuanian independence the museum... [to full text]

Small Island Developing States (SIDS) of the Caribbean are one of the world’s ‘hottest’ ‘biodiversity hotspots’. However, this biodiversity continues to be threatened by habitat loss, and now, by climate change. The research reported here investigated the potential of species distribution modelling (SDM) as a plant conservation tool within Caribbean SIDS, using Trinidad as a case study. Prior to the application of SDM, ancillary analyses including: (i) quantification and mapping of forest cover change (1969 to 2007) and deforestation rates, and (ii) assessment of the island’s vegetation community distribution and associated drivers were carried out. Community distribution and commercial importance and global/regional rarity were used to generate a list of species for assessing the potential of SDM within Trinidad. Species occurrence data were used to generate species distribution models for present climate conditions within the SDM algorithm, MaxEnt. These results were assessed through expert appraisal and concurrence with results of ecological analyses. These models were used to forecast suitable species climate space forty years into an SRES A2 future. Present and future models were then combined to produce a ‘collective change map’ which showed projected areas of species’ range expansion, contraction or stability for this group of species with respect to Trinidad’s Protected Areas (PAs) network. Despite the models being indicative rather than accurate, it was concluded that species’ climate space is likely to decrease or disappear across Trinidad. Extended beyond Trinidad into the remainder of the Caribbean region, SDM may be a crucial tool in identifying which PAs within the region (and not individual islands) will facilitate future survival of given target species. Consideration of species conservation from a regional, rather than an individual island perspective, is strongly recommended for aiding the Caribbean SIDS to adapt in response to climate change.

Dans un contexte qualifié d’ « économie du savoir », où la croissance de l’économie mondiale repose de plus en plus sur les activités intensives en connaissance, la thèse s’interroge sur la capacité de deux petits États insulaires en développement – Maurice et Trinidad – à s’adapter pour s'intégrer à cette dynamique. Ces anciennes colonies britanniques, membres du Commonwealth depuis leur accession à l'indépendance dans les années soixante, font état d’indicateurs de développement en constante progression et sont souvent considérées comme des modèles de réussite économique. La thèse étudie la mise en place des institutions dans ces pays et cherche à évaluer dans quelle mesure l’héritage de la période coloniale, à travers la trace qu'ils en conservent dans la période contemporaine, peut faciliter la transition de leurs économies vers les secteurs intensifs en savoir. Pour ce faire, elle retrace leur trajectoire de développement institutionnel et économique des origines jusqu’à nos jours et elle s’intéresse notamment aux mesures prises aujourd’hui pour doter le pays du cadre nécessaire à l’économie de la connaissance, en particulier à travers le rôle de l’enseignement supérieur en tant qu’outil fondamental pour former le capital humain. Tout en reconnaissant que certains des atouts dont disposent les deux pays pour s’engager dans ce processus avec succès peuvent être mis en relation avec leur passé colonial, la thèse approfondit l’hypothèse que leur transformation en économies de la connaissance risque aussi d'être entravée par des caractéristiques héritées de cette période et qui, des décennies après l'accession à l'indépendance, freinent une large diffusion de la connaissance au sein de leur population
At a time when economic growth is thought to be driven primarily by knowledge, the purpose of this research is to analyse to what extent two Small Island Developing States – Mauritius and Trinidad – are adequately equipped for this new economic context. As former British colonies, they both joined the Commonwealth upon gaining independence in the nineteen-sixties and they have since largely succeeded in overcoming their initially unfavourable conditions. Today, their good political, economic and social development is widely acknowledged. The main focus of this research is to evaluate how far colonial legacy, which is still visible in the contemporary institutions of both these states, can favour the transition they wish to undertake towards knowledge-intensive activities as drivers of economic growth. For this purpose, the research analyses the development trajectory followed by their institutions and their economy spanning the whole period of their colonial and post-independence history; additionally, this research considers the steps which are undertaken nowadays to build the framework required to foster a knowledge economy by studying more specifically the role of higher education as an essential tool for human capital formation. While upholding that some of the assets which could help them achieve their objectives can be linked to their colonial past, the research contends that the transformation of these two countries into knowledge-based economies could be hindered by the legacy of colonisation on some of their current features and which, decades after gaining independence, impedes the widespread diffusion of knowledge amongst their population

Yes
This chapter is an output from the PMI2 Project funded by the UK Department of Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) for the benefit of the Malaysian Higher Education Sector and the UK Higher Education Sector. Any views expressed are not necessarily those of BIS, nor British Council.

Este trabalho procurou ser uma análise da importância das infra-estruturas e da formação de recursos humanos no desenvolvimento dos Pequenos Estados Insulares em Desenvolvimento. Sendo países com especificidades muito próprias que lhes conferem também níveis diferentes de vulnerabilidade, o estudo empírico procurou mostrar que, no caso de Cabo Verde e de São Tomé e Príncipe, o investimento na criação de infra-estruturas, quando associado à prestação de serviços de qualidade, pode ser directamente gerador de valor, induzir outros investimentos ou criar condições sociais para o desenvolvimento. Também a formação de recursos humanos pode, através da implementação de sistemas educativos de qualidade, ser geradora de desenvolvimento ao criar cidadãos social e politicamente activos, potenciadora da atracção de investimentos produtivos ou da prestação de serviços de maior valor acrescentado. Nesta análise, as componentes do IDH serviram de linha orientadora, embora outras de carácter qualitativo tivessem servido para colmatar falhas que uma análise quantitativa sempre apresenta ou para chegar a algumas conclusões quando não foi possível quantificar investimentos ou indicadores de desenvolvimento. Esta análise suportou-se num quadro teórico que não pôde deixar de tocar conceitos de desenvolvimento e de infra-estrutura, este ultimo ainda não suficientemente consolidado, mas também a diferente importância que tem sido conferida à formação de recursos humanos no processo de desenvolvimento. Foi também feita referência à problemática dos SIDS, pelo facto de Cabo Verde e São Tomé e Príncipe integrarem esse grupo de países, e ao papel que a cooperação internacional pode desempenhar no financiamento de programas de desenvolvimento.
This work has searched to be an analysis of the importance of infrastructures and human resources in the development of the Small Island Developing States. Cape Verde and São Tomé and Príncipe are both countries with specifications of their onw which also give them completely different vulnerability levels. The empirical study has proved to demonstrate that, in the case of Cape Verde and São Tomé and Príncipe, the investment in the creation of infrastructures, when associated with the delivery of quality services, can be directly a generator of value, lead to other investments or create social conditions to the development. The training of the human resources can also be a generator of development, through the implementation of quality educational systems, creating politically and socially active citizens, as well as attracting productive investments or delivery of higher added value services. In this analysis, the HDI components served as a guideline, although others of qualitative character have served as a guideline, although others of qualitative character have served to cover the flaws that a quantitative analysis always presents or to come to some conclusions whenever it has not been possible to quantify investments or development indicators. This analysis has based itself on a theoretical picture which could not help focussing on the development and infrastructures concepts, the latter not yet sufficiently consolidated, but also the different importance that has been given to the training of human resources in the development process. It has also been made a reference to the SIDS issue, since Cape Verde and São Tomé and Príncipe integrate that group of countries, and to the role that the international cooperation and specifically the ODA can play in the financing of the development programs.

Small Island Developing States (SIDS), como categoria de países, foi criada pelo sistema da ONU, em 1992, para designar pequenos Estados insulares que partilham vulnerabilidades económicas, sociais e ambientais peculiares aos mesmos, decorrentes da sua insularidade e do seu pequeno tamanho. Por este facto, em 1994, a ONU criou o Plano de Ação de Barbados (BPOA) para ajudar estes países a superarem as supramencionadas vulnerabilidades. O BPOA foi unanimemente adotado pelos SIDS e tem sido o único instrumento internacional de desenvolvimento concebido para estes países e subscrito coletivamente pelos mesmos. Porém, as estratégias de desenvolvimento económico baseadas neste plano de ação, que vêm sendo implementadas nos SIDS desde a sua adoção, há mais de duas décadas, não têm respondido de forma adequada às necessidades de desenvolvimento destes países. Em alguns casos, as vulnerabilidades vêm-se agravando. A falha do BPOA em ajudar os SIDS a atingirem os objetivos para que foi concebido decorre do seu foco na gestão ambiental, em detrimento do crescimento económico (do PIB), e a sua abordagem exógena de desenvolvimento, que coloca ênfase na assistência internacional e exacerba a dependência destes países de fatores exógenos, em detrimento da promoção ou do aproveitamento dos fatores endógenos de desenvolvimento. Em busca de uma alternativa viável ao BPOA, este estudo utilizou a metodologia de investigação construtiva para conceber um novo modelo conceptual de estratégia de desenvolvimento económico para os SIDS (EDE-SIDS), adotando uma abordagem endógena de desenvolvimento e um foco no crescimento económico, buscando encontrar um equilíbrio entre a geração da riqueza, o desenvolvimento social e a sustentabilidade ambiental. O EDE-SIDS foi validado conceptualmente junto a 73 pontos focais de 43 organismos internacionais, bilaterais e regionais, e um painel de 392 especialistas que operam nos sectores público, privado, social e internacional, ligados direta ou indiretamente às questões de desenvolvimento dos SIDS. Foi ilustrado com o caso de São Tomé e Príncipe (STP), onde se fez aproximação ao caso concreto de um dos SIDS.
Small Island Developing States (SIDS), as a category of countries, was created by the UN system in 1992 to describe small island states that share economic, social and environmental vulnerabilities peculiar to them, arising from their insularity and small size. For this reason, in 1994, the UN created the Barbados Plan of Action (BPOA) to help these countries overcome the above vulnerabilities. The BPOA was unanimously adopted by SIDS and has been the only international development instrument designed for these countries, which was endorsed collectively by them. However, economic development strategies based on this action plan, being implemented in SIDS since its adoption, for over two decades, have not responded adequately to the development needs of these countries. In some cases, the vulnerabilities come up worse. The failure of the BPOA in helping SIDS to achieve the objectives for which it was designed stems from its focus on environmental management at the expense of economic growth (GDP), and its exogenous development approach, which places emphasis on international assistance and exacerbates the dependence of these countries to exogenous factors, at the expense of promotion or utilization of endogenous development. In search of a viable alternative to the BPOA, this study used the constructive research methodology to design a new economic development strategy model for SIDS (EDS-SIDS), adopting an endogenous development approach and a focus on economic growth, seeking a balance between creation of wealth, social development and environmental sustainability. The EDS-SIDS was validated conceptually with 73 focal points of 43 international, bilateral and regional bodies, and a panel of 392 experts operating in the public, private, social and international sectors directly or indirectly linked to development issues of SIDS. It was illustrated with the case of Sao Tome and Principe (STP), which made approach to the case of one of the SIDS.
Petits États insulaires en développement (PEID) comme une catégorie de pays a été créée par le système des Nations Unies en 1992 pour décrire les petits Etats insulaires qui partagent vulnérabilités économiques, sociales et environnementales qui leur sont propres, découlant de leur insularité et petite taille. Pour cette raison, en 1994, l’ONU a créé le Plan d'action de la Barbade (PAB) pour aider ces pays à surmonter les vulnérabilités ci-dessus. Le PAB a été adopté à l’unanimité par les PEID et a été le seul instrument de développement international conçu pour ces pays, qui a été approuvé collectivement par eux. Cependant, les stratégies de développement économique fondées sur ce plan d’action, mis en oeuvre dans les PEID, depuis son adoption, depuis plus de deux décennies, ne l’ont pas répondu de manière adéquate aux besoins de développement de ces pays. Dans certains cas, les vulnérabilités viennent pire. L’échec du PAB pour aider les PEID à atteindre les objectifs pour lesquels il a été conçu découle de l'accent mis sur la gestion de l’environnement au détriment de la croissance économique (PIB), et sa démarche de développement exogène, qui met l’accent sur l’assistance internationale et exacerbe la dépendance de ces pays à des facteurs exogènes, au détriment de la promotion ou l’utilisation d’un développement endogène. A la recherche d’une alternative viable au PAB, cette étude a utilisé la méthodologie de la recherche constructive pour concevoir un nouveau modèle conceptuel de stratégie de développement économique pour les PEID (EDE-PEID), en adoptant une approche de développement endogène et un accent sur la croissance économique, à la recherche d’un équilibre entre la création de la richesse, le développement social et la durabilité environnementale. L’EDE-PEID a été validé conceptuellement avec 73 points focaux de 43 organismes internationaux, régionaux et bilatéraux, et un panel de 392 experts opérant dans les secteurs publics, privés, sociaux et internationaux directement ou indirectement lié à des questions de développement des PEID. Il a été illustré par le cas de Sao Tomé-et-Principe (STP), qui a fait l’approche au cas de l’un des PEID.