Dissertations / Theses: 'Technology - Risk assessment'

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Ericsson, Emil, and Eric Gregorson. "Quantitative Risk Assessment of Wave Energy Technology." Thesis, Uppsala universitet, Elektricitetslära, 2018. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:uu:diva-342033.

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European Commission (2011) aims to reduce the greenhouse gas emission sby 85-95% by 2050 in comparison to 1990’s levels. Wave energy could be an important step to archiving this goal. This report aims to develop a quantitative risk assessment for the Uppsala University's wave energy converter. Failure rates have been collected from various databases and reports and have been processed accordingly in order to implement them in the risk analysis. CAPEX, OPEX and possible downtime windows have been estimated. A fault tree analysis (FTA) has estimated the total unavailability, unreliability and downtime. Furthermore an economical assessment model using Monte Carlo and the unreliability data from the FTA has been developed, estimating the expected LCOE and OPEX/WEC for parks consisting of 20, 100, and 200 WECs (wave energy converters). The result show that the O-ring seal has the largest impact on both the unavailability, and the economy of the OPEX/WEC. Second biggest contributor is the translator bearing failure. The study also shows that the CAPEX cost has to be reduced to make the LCOE competitive in comparison to other renewable sources. A comparison between the system unavailability and unreliability has also been done in terms of different component parameters.

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Cardenas, Davalos Alfonso Daniel, and Chin Hui Wendy Chia. "How is risk assessment performed in international technology projects." Thesis, Umeå University, Umeå School of Business, 2010. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:umu:diva-30812.

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In today’s ever changing business landscape, technology and innovation projects play a key role in creating competitive advantages for an organisation. However, many such projects are often hampered by under performance, cost overruns and lower than predicted revenue (Morris and Hough, 1987 and Christoffersen et al, 1992). This seems to indicate the lack of risk management in the way we manage projects. On the other hand, it is impossible to have any projects without risks. Thus, it is essential to have effective risk management rather than trying to eliminate risk out of projects. These factors have guided this study to focus on understanding the way risk assessment is performed in international technology projects. It aims to identify the link between risk assessment and project categorization, drawing from the ransaction cost economics (TCE) perspective. A qualitative approach applying semi-structured interviews was conducted with ten interviewees holding different roles in the engineering and technology projects within a multinational company with presence in more than 100 countries around the world. The application of the data display and analysis technique by Miles and Huberman (1984, 1994) enables initial findings to be presented using the “dendogram” method, thereafter, leading to the development of a two-dimensional risk assessment matrix as the final result of this study.

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Gibbs, Jonathan Marcus. "A program risk assessment method for aviation technology transitions." Thesis, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 2011. http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/67184.

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Thesis (S.M.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Aeronautics and Astronautics, 2011.
Cataloged from PDF version of thesis.
Includes bibliographical references (p. 286-287).
This work presents a method for assessing the potential impacts of program risks on aviation technology transitions. It first establishes a framework that provides a methodology to complete the assessment of those risks. Next, the framework is applied to a technology transition to data link and reduced separation procedures in the North Atlantic airspace for commercial and business aircraft. This transition is facilitated by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and supported by the Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSPs) and other state authorities within the North Atlantic airspace. The assessment identified the most influential risks for each stakeholder impact category, mitigation difficulty, and highlighted the ways each risk influenced other risks. In total, 24 risks were identified. The assessment found that the risks were highly connected and influenced several stakeholder impact categories simultaneously. Out of the five risks with the highest aggregate stakeholder impact, only one also had a high likelihood of occurrence.
by Jonathan Marcus Gibbs.
S.M.

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Wong, Michael Men How. "Risk assessment and risk allocation in IS/IT private finance initiative projects." Thesis, University of Bath, 1999. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.301527.

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Moore, Brian Cameron. "Modeling risk of lunar construction activities : a technology assessment approach." Diss., Georgia Institute of Technology, 1992. http://hdl.handle.net/1853/19032.

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Akomode, Oghaleme Joseph. "Information technology supported risk assessment for tendering in manufacturing management." Thesis, University of the West of Scotland, 1998. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.265886.

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Shumaker, Todd, and Dennis Rowlands. "Risk assessment of the Naval Postgraduate School gigabit network." Thesis, Monterey, California. Naval Postgraduate School, 2004. http://hdl.handle.net/10945/1351.

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Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited
This research thoroughly examines the current Naval Postgraduate School Gigabit Network security posture, identifies any possible threats or vulnerabilities, and recommends any appropriate safeguards that may be necessary to counter the found threats and vulnerabilities. The research includes any portion of computer security, physical security, personnel security, and communication security that may be applicable to the overall security of both the .mil and .edu domains. The goal of the research was to ensure that the campus network is operating with the proper amount of security safeguards to protect the confidentiality, integrity, availability, and authenticity adequately from both insider and outsider threats. Risk analysis was performed by assessing all of the possible threat and vulnerability combinations to determine the likelihood of exploitation and the potential impact the exploitation could have on the system, the information, and the mission of the Naval Postgraduate School. The results of the risk assessment performed on the network are to be used by the Designated Approving Authority of the Naval Postgraduate School Gigabit network when deciding whether to accredit the system.
Civilian, Research Associate

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Griffis, Nelson Glenn. "Factors influencing the implementation of risk-assessment technology in child protective services /." The Ohio State University, 1995. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu148786754173161.

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Shumaker, Todd. "Risk assessment of the Naval Postgraduate School gigabit network /." Monterey, Calif. : Springfield, Va. : Naval Postgraduate School ; Available from National Technical Information Service, 2004. http://library.nps.navy.mil/uhtbin/hyperion/04Sep%5FRowlands.pdf.

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Chandra, Shailja Built Environment Faculty of Built Environment UNSW. "Investigating green building assessment tools: a risk-analysis based approach." Awarded by:University of New South Wales. School of Built Environment, 2006. http://handle.unsw.edu.au/1959.4/24970.

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This research investigates risks arising from the mechanism of green building assessment tools that may impact on the consistency of their outcomes and render them ineffective in reliably fulfilling their goals in the building industry. None of the past efforts at developing assessment tools have focused on the risk aspects of assessment tools. Moreover, slowly the building industry has started placing considerable reliance on them without completely understanding the consequences of potential risks. The origin of risks lies in the realization that assessing sustainability in buildings is complex and full of conflicting concepts and opinions, and that amidst all this, assessment tools are expected to deliver multiple performance objectives and goals. Given that the importance of assessing sustainability in buildings cannot be ignored, it becomes extremely important that assessment tools are understood well and are free from risks. To accomplish this, an array of potential risks are systematically brought together using a risk categorization method, which facilitated a basis to critically analyse the literature in the light of risks. This addressed the acknowledged gap in the literature on risks relating to assessment tools. Four categories are discussed under this categorization. These categories provide a basis for the quantitative investigation, which applies techniques of uncertainty analysis to quantify these risks. In the quantitative investigation, uncertainty in 40 input parameters is propagated through several alternative forms of the mechanism of assessment tools. The input parameters are selected using the assessment data of a case study (Arts Faculty building, University of Sunshine Coast). The design of alternative forms of the mechanism is based on the identified risk categories and is carried out using a vehicle assessment tool (Green Building Tool). The uncertainty propagation is carried out using a risk analysis tool (@Risk). Descriptive statistics is deployed to analyse the results of the uncertainty propagations. Analysis of the results has brought an understanding and insights into various aspects of the mechanism in the context of their predisposition to increase or decrease risks. To ensure that an assessment tool's specific goals are fulfilled, the mechanism needs to be designed carefully so that it is low-risk and appropriate to the intent. By providing in-depth insights into the mechanism, the methodology and outcomes of this research are important for the future development of green building assessment tools.

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Oladeji, Olayinka. "Quantitative risk assessment of groundwater quality utilizing GIS technology and coupled groundwater models." Thesis, Aston University, 2012. http://publications.aston.ac.uk/16522/.

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The thesis presents a two-dimensional Risk Assessment Method (RAM) where the assessment of risk to the groundwater resources incorporates both the quantification of the probability of the occurrence of contaminant source terms, as well as the assessment of the resultant impacts. The approach emphasizes the need for a greater dependency on the potential pollution sources, rather than the traditional approach where assessment is based mainly on the intrinsic geo-hydrologic parameters. The risk is calculated using Monte Carlo simulation methods whereby random pollution events were generated to the same distribution as historically occurring events or a priori potential probability distribution. Integrated mathematical models then simulate contaminant concentrations at the predefined monitoring points within the aquifer. The spatial and temporal distributions of the concentrations were calculated from repeated realisations, and the number of times when a user defined concentration magnitude was exceeded is quantified as a risk. The method was setup by integrating MODFLOW-2000, MT3DMS and a FORTRAN coded risk model, and automated, using a DOS batch processing file. GIS software was employed in producing the input files and for the presentation of the results. The functionalities of the method, as well as its sensitivities to the model grid sizes, contaminant loading rates, length of stress periods, and the historical frequencies of occurrence of pollution events were evaluated using hypothetical scenarios and a case study. Chloride-related pollution sources were compiled and used as indicative potential contaminant sources for the case study. At any active model cell, if a random generated number is less than the probability of pollution occurrence, then the risk model will generate synthetic contaminant source term as an input into the transport model. The results of the applications of the method are presented in the form of tables, graphs and spatial maps. Varying the model grid sizes indicates no significant effects on the simulated groundwater head. The simulated frequency of daily occurrence of pollution incidents is also independent of the model dimensions. However, the simulated total contaminant mass generated within the aquifer, and the associated volumetric numerical error appear to increase with the increasing grid sizes. Also, the migration of contaminant plume advances faster with the coarse grid sizes as compared to the finer grid sizes. The number of daily contaminant source terms generated and consequently the total mass of contaminant within the aquifer increases in a non linear proportion to the increasing frequency of occurrence of pollution events. The risk of pollution from a number of sources all occurring by chance together was evaluated, and quantitatively presented as risk maps. This capability to combine the risk to a groundwater feature from numerous potential sources of pollution proved to be a great asset to the method, and a large benefit over the contemporary risk and vulnerability methods.

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Arbaban, Esfahani Elham. "Environmental Risk Assessment of Nonylphenol Spillage in Göta Älv." Thesis, Högskolan i Borås, Institutionen Ingenjörshögskolan, 2008. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:hb:diva-19077.

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Environmental concern due to handling of hazardous chemicals is growing. This issue drawsstakeholder attentions more than before to risks associated with accidental spillage in industryor traffic. This study aims at addressing the risks resulting from the spillage of one metrictonne nonylphenol from an imaginary traffic accident.The environmental risk assessment approach outlined in this study attempts to address theconcern for the potential impact of hazardous substances on the environment by examiningboth exposures and effects of such incidents on the structure and function of the ecosystem.Nonylphenol has been selected as the discharged contaminant in this thesis for these reasons.It is an organic liquid with low vapour pressure. It is not produced in Sweden. About 2400tonnes are imported yearly. It is mainly used for making nonylphenol ethoxylates, which havea wide use as detergents, emulsifiers, lubricants and additives in a variety of industries. It isreleased from the ethoxylates in waste water. There are some published reports on its toxicityas well as endocrine property to species.In this study the exposure concentrations are predicted through developing a multimedia fateexposuremodel for the Göta älv fresh water ecosystem. It is a dynamic version of QMXfugacitymodel applicable for river basins. This fate model is integrated with a simplified foodweb model in order to quantify the extent of nonylphenol concentration in organisms.Moreover the dose response correlation derived from the most validated experimental studiesis utilized to estimate Predicted No Effect Concentration for aquatic ecosystem.The probability of accidental spillage of nonylphenol is extremely low and is not part of thisstudy. On the other hand the consequence of spillage affecting the ecosystem is treated fromseveral aspects, mainly by using the PEC/PNEC ratio. In the aquatic ecosystem pelagic (freewater) and benthic (bottom zone) organisms are studied.Estimated risk concerning the spillage suggests that acute toxicity among pelagic organisms isplausible up river especially in the Trollhättan region. However sub-lethal effects such asreproduction and growth inhibition will probably be observed all along the river with mostconcern in up river. In the sediment phase the benthic organisms are shown to be put at riskfor a prolonged period of time and organisms may suffer from chronic toxicity. In addition thesediment acts as a sink for contaminant with potential release of the hazardous substance.However, it is difficult to predict a full extent of adverse consequences. But it seems that sublethaleffects on benthos and consequent side effects on other populations should beconcluded as the most important direct consequence of a nonylphenol spillage.
Uppsatsnivå: D

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Amaral, Marcelo Francisco. "Integration of Dynamic Line Rating within a Risk-Based Security Assessment Framework." Thesis, Uppsala universitet, Industriell teknik, 2017. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:uu:diva-337880.

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The following work applies Dynamic Line Rating (DLR) to a Risk-Based SecurityAssessment (RBSA) methodology with the ultimate goal to perform day-aheadforecastanalysis. DLR quantifies transmission capacities of overhead lines whilst beingdependent on ambient conditions. It takes into account variations in its surroundings,therefore making DLR less conservative compared to the traditional worst-casescenario oriented Static Line Rating (SLR). Applying DLR to overhead transmissionlines (OHLs) entails different spans of potential benefits for solving grid exhaustionproblems due to crescent electrical consumptions.The RBSA methodology allows for the assessment of security of power systemoperations in a future state under uncertainties that arise from contingencies andforecast errors, e.g., loads or renewable infeeds. The methodology models inputuncertainty with a copula integration with Monte-Carlo (MC) sampling framework.Several case-studies are executed for the assessment of DLR impacts, especiallycomparing them to SLR through the evaluation of system risk. Two case-studies areperformed for a specific time of the day, one analyzing risk and ratings and the otherconcerning system impacts upon evolution of system forecast uncertainty (SFU) tovalues above day-ahead analysis usual intervals. The following two cases are theextensions to 24 point analyses, with the same goal, although more generalized. Thefinal case study analyzes the economical impact of DLR applications and assesses analternative system configuration behavior. This alternative setup is in constantcomparison with the original configuration used throughout the project, advantagesand drawbacks of both configurations are discussed. Finally, success of thisintegration and assessment of impact and methodology is addressed in the end.

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DREWSEN, VICTORIA, and SOPHIE LÖÖB. "Corporate social responsibility in risk assessment processes undertaken in Swedish export transactions." Thesis, KTH, Skolan för industriell teknik och management (ITM), 2017. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:kth:diva-224160.

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Keating, Corland G. "Validating the OCTAVE Allegro Information Systems Risk Assessment Methodology| A Case Study." Thesis, Nova Southeastern University, 2014. http://pqdtopen.proquest.com/#viewpdf?dispub=3611814.

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An information system (IS) risk assessment is an important part of any successful security management strategy. Risk assessments help organizations to identify mission-critical IS assets and prioritize risk mitigation efforts. Many risk assessment methodologies, however, are complex and can only be completed successfully by highly qualified and experienced security experts. Small-sized organizations, including small-sized colleges and universities, due to their financial constraints and lack of IS security expertise, are challenged to conduct a risk assessment. Therefore, most small-sized colleges and universities do not perform IS risk assessments, which leaves the institution's data vulnerable to security incursions. The negative consequences of a security breach at these institutions can include a decline in the institution's reputation, loss of financial revenue, and exposure to lawsuits.

The goal of this research is to address the challenge of conducting IS risk assessments in small-sized colleges and universities by validating the use of the Operationally Critical Threat, Asset, and Vulnerability Evaluation (OCTAVE) Allegro risk assessment methodology at a small-sized university. OCTAVE Allegro is a streamlined risk assessment method created by Carnegie Mellon University's Software Engineering Institute. OCTAVE Allegro has the ability to provide robust risk assessment results, with a relatively small investment in time and resources, even for those organizations that do not have extensive risk management expertise.

The successful use of OCTAVE Allegro was validated using a case study that documented the process and outcome of conducting a risk assessment at George Fox University (GFU), a small-sized, private university located in Newberg, Oregon. GFU has the typical constraints of other small-sized universities; it has a relatively small information technology staff with limited expertise in conducting IS risk assessments and lacks a dedicated IS risk manager. Nevertheless, OCTAVE Allegro was relatively easy for GFU staff to understand, provided GFU with the ability to document the security requirements of their IS assets, helped to identify and evaluate IS security concerns, and provided an objective way to prioritize IS security projects. Thus, this research validates that OCTAVE Allegro is an appropriate and effective IS risk assessment method for small-sized colleges and universities.

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Fletcher, Sarah Marie. "Risk assessment of groundwater contamination from hydraulic fracturing fluid spills in Pennsylvania." Thesis, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 2012. http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/72885.

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Thesis (S.M. in Technology and Policy)-- Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Engineering Systems Division, Technology and Policy Program, 2012.
Cataloged from PDF version of thesis.
Includes bibliographical references (p. 109-115).
Fast-paced growth in natural gas production in the Marcellus Shale has fueled intense debate over the risk of groundwater contamination from hydraulic fracturing and the shale gas extraction process at large. While several notable incidents of groundwater contamination near shale gas wells have been investigated, the exact causes are uncertain and widely disputed. One of the most frequently occurring and widely reported environmental incidents from shale gas development is that of surface spills. Several million gallons of fluid are managed on each well site; significant risk for spill exists at several stages in the extraction process. While surface spills have been primarily analyzed from the perspective of surface water contamination, spills also have the potential to infiltrate groundwater aquifers. This thesis develops a risk assessment framework to analyze the risk of groundwater resource contamination in Pennsylvania from surface spills of hydraulic fracturing fluid. It first identifies the major sources of spills and characterizes the expected frequency and volume distribution of spills from these sources using results from a preliminary expert elicitation. It then develops a stochastic groundwater contaminant transport model to analyze the worst-case potential for groundwater contamination in local water wells. Finally, it discusses the range of risk perception and incentives from a wide-ranging stakeholder base, including industry, communities, environmentalists, and government. This thesis concludes that while the vast majority of shale gas operations do not result in large spills, the worst-case potential for groundwater contamination is high enough to warrant further attention; it also recommends increased inclusion of community stakeholders in both industry and government risk management strategies.
by Sarah Marie Fletcher.
S.M.in Technology and Policy

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Casas, Victoriano. "An information security risk assessment model for public and university administrators /." View online, 2006. http://ecommons.txstate.edu/arp/109.

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Lindsten, Fredrik. "Angle-only based collision risk assessment for unmanned aerial vehicles." Thesis, Linköping University, Department of Electrical Engineering, 2008. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:liu:diva-15757.

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This thesis investigates the crucial problem of collision avoidance for autonomous vehicles. An anti-collision system for an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is studied in particular. The purpose of this system is to make sure that the own vehicle avoids collision with other aircraft in mid-air. The sensor used to track any possible threat is for a UAV limited basically to a digital video camera. This sensor can only measure the direction to an intruding vehicle, not the range, and is therefore denoted an angle-only sensor. To estimate the position and velocity of the intruder a tracking system, based on an extended Kalman filter, is used. State estimates supplied by this system are very uncertain due to the difficulties of angle-only tracking. Probabilistic methods are therefore required for risk calculation. The risk assessment module is one of the essential parts of the collision avoidance system and has the purpose of continuously evaluating the risk for collision. To do this in a probabilistic way, it is necessary to assume a probability distribution for the tracking system output. A common approach is to assume normality, more out of habit than on actual grounds. This thesis investigates the normality assumption, and it is found that the tracking output rapidly converge towards a good normal distribution approximation. The thesis furthermore investigates the actual risk assessment module to find out how the collision risk should be determined. The traditional way to do this is to focus on a critical time point (time of closest point of approach, time of maximum collision risk etc.). A recently proposed alternative is to evaluate the risk over a horizon of time. The difference between these two concepts is evaluated. An approximate computational method for integrated risk, suitable for real-time implementations, is also validated. It is shown that the risk seen over a horizon of time is much more robust to estimation accuracy than the risk from a critical time point. The integrated risk also gives a more intuitively correct result, which makes it possible to implement the risk assessment module with a direct connection to specified aviation safety rules.

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Schaffner, Grant. "Assessment of hip fracture risk in astronauts exposed to long-term weightlessness." Thesis, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 1999. http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/9371.

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Thesis (Ph.D.)--Harvard--Massachusetts Institute of Technology Division of Health Sciences and Technology, 2000.
"August 1999."
Includes bibliographical references.
A human exploration mission to Mars could take place within 10 years. During the 6 to 12 month journey astronauts would likely lose bone mineral density (BMD) at a mean rate of 1-2 percent per month in weight-bearing areas, approximately 10 times the rate associated with normal ageing. There exists an important need to quantify the fracture risk associated with this loss. Methods: Using computational modeling, the factor of risk for hip fracture (applied load divided by failure load) was assessed following 0, 6, and 12 months of weightlessness for: 1) the mid-stance phase of gait, and 2) a fall to the side impacting the greater trochanter. Peak applied loading was calculated for Earth and Mars gravity levels using the equations of motion for three-segment models representing locomotion and falls. Mars simulations included extravehicular activity (EVA, with spacesuit) and intravehicular activity (IVA). The structural properties of the femur were analyzed using a three-dimensional finite element model derived from quantitative computed tomography scans of a representative cadaveric femur. Space flight associated changes in density, geometry, and muscle strength were incorporated. Results: Peak applied joint contact force ranges for mid-stance were: 1.2- 2.5 kN (Earth), 0.9-1.8 kN (Mars IVA), and 1.5-2.4 kN (Mars EVA). Peak applied joint contact forces for fall impact were: 4.2-8.0 kN (Earth), 2.7-5.1 kN (Mars IVA), and 3.1-5.0 kN (Mars EVA). Femoral strength in mid-stance decreased from 5.9-6.1 kN (0 months) to 5.1- 5.4 kN (12 months), while femoral strength in fall impact decreased from 4.2-4.4 kN (0 months) to 3.8-4.0 kN (12 months). Typically, the factor of risk for hip fracture was highest for falls in Earth gravity following 12 months of weightlessness (1.12-2.08), and lowest for IVA locomotion in Mars gravity (0.26-0.49). All fall conditions yielded a high likelihood of fracture. Astronauts are advised to take precautions against falling following long duration space flight and could benefit from the temporary use of hip pads.
by Grant Schaffner.
Ph.D.

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Kiellman, Tracy Jo. "A health risk assessment for the decommissioning of the Georgia Institute of Technology Research reactor." Thesis, Georgia Institute of Technology, 1998. http://hdl.handle.net/1853/16698.

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Nehl, Ryan E. "Analysis of naturally-occurring and technology-based hazards in Indiana's District 6 region." Virtual Press, 2007. http://liblink.bsu.edu/uhtbin/catkey/1380106.

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Naturally-occurring and technology-based hazards affect public health and safety to varying degrees. Naturally-occurring hazards include weather-related events and infectious disease epidemics/pandemics. Examples of technology-based hazards include hazardous materials incidents and electrical power outages. Due to limited resources, emergency planners have to prioritize hazards that may affect local jurisdictions. The purpose of the reported study was to construct a hierarchy of public safety hazards at the county and district levels to aid emergency planners. Public safety representatives from Indiana's District 6 region completed a survey, based on the Oregon Emergency Management Hazard Analysis Methodology, which assigns numerical scores to various hazard categories based on history, vulnerability, maximum potential, and probability of occurrence within a given jurisdiction. Participants also completed an open-ended question, in narrative form, to describe any additional hazards that may affect their jurisdiction. Significant differences were found in point totals for various hazards (p = .000). Significant differences were found among public safety disciplines in rating the infectious disease hazard (p = .02). No significant differences were found in point totals between naturally-occurring and technology-based hazards (p = .86). Overall, a high level of agreement between disciplines on rating hazards, and significant differences between hazard categories suggests that hazard category prioritization is warranted.
Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Management

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Conrad, Scott. "Assessment of Risk Factors and Mitigation Recommendations for Adoption of the California Community Colleges Online Education Initiative." Thesis, Brandman University, 2015. http://pqdtopen.proquest.com/#viewpdf?dispub=3685792.

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The purpose of this study was to identify and prioritize a list of implementation risk factors and suggested mitigation measures for the development team of the California Community Colleges (CCC) Online Education Initiative (OEI) to improve the probability of successful implementation. This study led to the development of an authoritative and comprehensive prioritized list of risk factors and user-recommended mitigation strategies for the risks of a large-scale shared learning management system (LMS) implementation. The data collected and the conclusions derived from surveying college administrators and faculty are intended to augment the literature as well as advance the understanding of how to successfully implement a new shared LMS of this scale successfully. The participants in the policy Delphi study were 10 administrators, 10 full-time faculty members, and 7 adjunct faculty members from the cohort of the first colleges accepted to adopt the OEI. Two rounds of questionnaires were administered using the online electronic survey program SurveyMonkey. The first round asked participants to prioritize software implementation risk factors and make mitigation suggestions for the highest priority risks. The second round asked participants to rank the mitigation suggestions for the top 10 risks identified in the first round. Only 2 of the top 10 risk factors were statistically significant: underfunding of maintenance and support, and lack of faculty and staff responsibility, ownership, and buy-in for the project. There were no statistically significant differences in risk factor assessments based on job type, length of time in job, legacy LMS, legacy LMS experience, or size of college. OEI leadership and colleges should evaluate and implement the top mitigation suggestions for at least the first 2 risk factors and preferably all of the top 10. Engaging the early adopters in assessing potential implementation risks, prioritizing them, brainstorming mitigation measures, and prioritizing those measures yielded an actionable list the team can use to reduce implementation risks and improve the probability of success of the new OEI system.

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Ordaz, Irian. "A probabilistic and multi-objective conceptual design methodology for the evaluation of thermal management systems on air-breathing hypersonic vehicles." Diss., Atlanta, Ga. : Georgia Institute of Technology, 2008. http://hdl.handle.net/1853/26478.

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Thesis (Ph.D)--Aerospace Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 2009.
Committee Chair: Mavris, Dimitri N.; Committee Member: German, Brian J.; Committee Member: Osburg, Jan; Committee Member: Ruffin, Stephen M.; Committee Member: Schrage, Daniel P.. Part of the SMARTech Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Collection.

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Eriksson, Linnea, and Lisa Sundberg. "Pathogen inactivation and quantitative microbial risk assessment for Peepoo sanitation system, Kibera." Thesis, Uppsala universitet, Institutionen för geovetenskaper, 2020. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:uu:diva-420176.

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Unsafe sanitation systems poses a risk for pathogen transmission, wherefore it is important to both inactivate pathogens present in human excreta and conduct safe sanitation systems from use to end-use. The Peepoo toilet, using ammonia sanitisation, have been suggested as a low-cost sanitation solution and is implemented in schools in Kibera, an urban slum in Kenya. This master thesis aim to study the inactivation efﬁciency of ammonia sanitisation when treating human excreta with urea, and to quantify the risks of exposure to microbial hazards from the Peepoo sanitation system using faecal indicator bacteria. Excreta was collected from four schools in Kibera. After adding urea to mimic the inactivation of the Peepoo in the laboratory, the inactivation rate was correlated to temperature and free ammonia concentration for Campylobacter spp., Escherichia coli and Enterococcus spp.. Campylobacter spp. and E. coli both had a high inactivation rate even at low temperature and low addition of urea. Inactivation rate of Enterococcus spp. was lower and close to zero when 1.87 % urea was added for 15 °C. For Enterococcus spp. a lag-phase was observed, which was not affected by temperature but by concentration of free ammonia. For investigated bacteria, inactivation rate increased with increased temperature and free ammonia concentration. Along the Peepoo management chain, several hazardous events were identiﬁed such ascontamination during usage, handling and transportation. Sampling showed a higher contamination of Enterococcus spp. than of E. coli. Enterococcus spp. was used as a faecal indicator for Ascaris and E. coli was used as an indicator of E. coli O157:H7 in a quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA). Through the QMRA, the risk of infection of Ascaris and E. coli O157:H7 for one exposure event was simulated based on a Exponential and a Beta-Poisson dose-response model respectively. The risk of infection of Ascaris was around 12 % regardless of where exposure occurs, if Ascaris eggs were present. For risk for infection with E. coli O157, the simulated risks were below 10 % at almost all exposure points, with most of the high risk exposure points located in the schools. There are risks of pathogen transmission in the Peepoo management chain that should be further investigated. Ammonia sanitisation permits a high degree of microbial inactivation but to secure a safe end-product it is recommended to be kept in room temperature (24.05±0.62 °C) or higher.

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Esperon, Miguez Manuel. "Financial and risk assessment and selection of health monitoring system design options for legacy aircraft." Thesis, Cranfield University, 2013. http://dspace.lib.cranfield.ac.uk/handle/1826/8062.

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Aircraft operators demand an ever increasing availability of their fleets with constant reduction of their operational costs. With the age of many fleets measured in decades, the options to face these challenges are limited. Integrated Vehicle Health Management (IVHM) uses data gathered through sensors in the aircraft to assess the condition of components to detect and isolate faults or even estimate their Remaining Useful Life (RUL). This information can then be used to improve the planning of maintenance operations and even logistics and operational planning, resulting in shorter maintenance stops and lower cost. Retrofitting health monitoring technology onto legacy aircraft has the capability to deliver what operators and maintainers demand, but working on aging platforms presents numerous challenges. This thesis presents a novel methodology to select the combination of diagnostic and prognostic tools for legacy aircraft that best suits the stakeholders’ needs based on economic return and financial risk. The methodology is comprised of different steps in which a series of quantitative analyses are carried out to reach an objective solution. Beginning with the identification of which components could bring higher reduction of maintenance cost and time if monitored, the methodology also provides a method to define the requirements for diagnostic and prognostic tools capable of monitoring these components. It then continues to analyse how combining these tools affects the economic return and financial risk. Each possible combination is analysed to identify which of them should be retrofitted. Whilst computer models of maintenance operations can be used to analyse the effect of retrofitting IVHM technology on a legacy fleet, the number of possible combinations of diagnostic and prognostic tools is too big for this approach to be practicable. Nevertheless, computer models can go beyond the economic analysis performed thus far and simulations are used as part of the methodology to get an insight of other effects or retrofitting the chosen toolset.

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Jenkins, Thomas. "A biomechanical approach to improved fracture risk assessment with a focus on reference point microindentation." Thesis, University of Southampton, 2015. https://eprints.soton.ac.uk/376998/.

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Osteoporosis is a bone disease with two primary definitions: 1) the World Health Organisation definition of low Bone Mineral Density (BMD) and 2) the National Institutes of Health definition of increased bone fragility and fracture risk. Though BMD, alongside clinical factors, is the current gold standard for diagnosing osteoporosis, these measures are risk factors that only define a small proportion of individuals who fracture. Changes in the biomechanical properties of the bone may relate to fracture risk and bone disease and, if they can be clinically assessed, could be useful in supplementing existing techniques to improve future diagnosis and treatment. This thesis addresses whether there are biomechanical changes in osteoporotic as well as osteoarthritic bone and whether these can be measured through Reference Point Microindentation (RPI). RPI has previously been applied in vivo with no reported complications and the hypothesis that a higher indentation depth of a needle-like test probe implies increased fracture risk. Despite emerging implementation of RPI, there is limited research to advise on optimal testing with this technique. Therefore, recommendations are provided to minimise testing variation by studying the variability associated with RPI testing parameters in vitro. Primarily, a best practice would be to: keep maximum load, sample preparation and mode-of-use consistent, fix the device in its stand, remove soft tissue and machine the bone, ensure sufficient cortical thickness and make multiple repeat measurements. These recommendations then guided the main, clinically focussed, study of this thesis. RPI was applied to femoral neck samples extracted from fractured and osteoarthritic patients, finding the surface measured indentation depth to be increased relative to cadaveric control samples. Furthermore, the measured indentation property had minimal correlation with current existing techniques, supplementing BMD and clinical factors to improve discrimination of fractured from control tissue. Complementary fracture toughness testing allowed for improved understanding of bone disease and interpretation of the RPI results. This study demonstrated that fracture toughness properties of the inferomedial femoral neck seem largely unaffected by osteoporosis or osteoarthritis. Furthermore, correlation between RPI and fracture properties was minimal, implying that the technique was assessing other properties to discriminate the osteoporotic and osteoarthritic from control bone. Indent imaging, through micro-computed tomography and serial sectioning techniques, confirmed this to be the case with RPI being a multifactorial measure comprised of structural as well as fracture mechanics and elastoplastic properties. Altogether, this thesis provides insight into the effects of both osteoporosis and osteoarthritis on the biomechanical properties of the femoral neck and presents how these could potential be clinically assessed through RPI, supplementing existing techniques to improve fracture risk assessment.

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Hellström, Ängerud Linnéa. "Credit Risk Assessment of Real Estate Companies : How does the Credit Assessment of Banks and Bond Investors Differ?" Thesis, KTH, Fastigheter och byggande, 2017. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:kth:diva-211143.

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The vast majority of the Swedish real estate companies are to some extent financed by debt and are dependent on external capital when expanding their business. Swedish real estate companies have traditionally financed their business through bank loans, but as a result of – among other things – stricter regulations, an increasing share of the Swedish real estate companies seek funding in the capital market, and corporate bonds in particular have emerged as an alternative to bank loans. In all types of lending, whether it is a bank loan or an investor who buys a bond, the lender must assess the credit risk of the company and / or the bond. This is to ensure the company's repayment ability and that the borrower gets sufficient compensation for the risk undertaken. In this thesis, the credit risk assessment process has been evaluated from two different perspectives to explore if there are any differences in the assessment conducted by banks and bond investors. In this thesis, it appears that the differences between the different parties' assessment are relatively small and that both parties evaluate approximately the same parameters and key performance indicators.
De allra flesta fastighetsbolag i Sverige finansierar sig delvis genom externt kapital och är beroende av nya krediter när de vill utöka sin verksamhet. Svenska fastighetsbolag har traditionellt sett finansierat sig via banklån men på grund av bland annat striktare regleringar väljer alltfler fastighetsbolag att söka finansiering på kapitalmarknaden, där framförallt företagsobligationer har växt fram som ett alternativ till bankfinansiering. I alla typer av kreditgivning, oavsett om det handlar om banklån eller en investerare som köper en obligation, måste kreditgivaren göra en kreditriskbedömning av bolaget och/eller obligationen. Detta för att säkerställa bolagets återbetalningsförmåga och att långivaren får tillräcklig kompensation för den risk denne tar. I det här examensarbetet har kreditriskbedömningsprocessen utvärderats från två olika perspektiv för att se om det går att hitta några skillnader i bedömningen utförd av banker respektive obligationsinvesterare. Resultatet tyder på att skillnaderna mellan de olika parternas bedömning inte är särskilt stora utan båda parter utvärderar ungefär samma parametrar och nyckeltal.

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Lundberg, Carl. "Assessment and Evaluation of Man-portable Robots for High-Risk Professions in Urban Settings." Doctoral thesis, Kista : Data- och systemvetenskap, Kungliga Tekniska högskolan, 2007. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:kth:diva-4540.

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Lee, Anne Lim. "Return on Investment of the CFTP Framework With and Without Risk Assessment." ScholarWorks, 2017. https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/3306.

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In recent years, numerous high tech companies have developed and used technology roadmaps when making their investment decisions. Jay Paap has proposed the Customer Focused Technology Planning (CFTP) framework to draw future technology roadmaps. However, the CFTP framework does not include risk assessment as a critical factor in decision making. The problem addressed in this quantitative study was that high tech companies are either losing money or getting a much smaller than expected return on investment when making technology investment decisions. The purpose of this research was to determine the relationship between returns on investment before and after adding risk assessment to the CFTP framework. Paap's CFTP framework and process to improve technology investments thus served as the theoretical framework for this study. Data were obtained from cloud computing companies using the companies' market risk data and actual returns on investment data. The results and findings of paired sample two-tailed t tests for means and equal variances showed that return on investment was positively related to adding a traditional risk assessment model to Paap's CFTP framework. These findings regarding the addition of risk assessment to the technology investment framework may be used by investors to (a) make better and more expeditious decisions, and (b) obtain a high return on technology investment by selecting the highest return value and lowest risk value.

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Wheeler, Sonya. "A structured technique for applying risk based internal auditing in information technology environments : (with specific reference to llA RBIA, King Report and CobiT) /." Link to the online version, 2005. http://hdl.handle.net/10019/1310.

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Paliwal, Monica. "Development of a novel balance assessment tool to study postural instability and fall risk." Diss., University of Iowa, 2015. https://ir.uiowa.edu/etd/6826.

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Balance disorders and falls are prevalent among multiple pathologies that affect the musculoskeletal or sensorineural systems. Annually, fall-related injuries put excessive economic burden on society and yet, current clinical balance assessment tools based on functional tests are inaccurate and have limited association with fall risk. Therefore, there is a growing need of an accurate balance and fall risk assessment tool for clinical use. The primary purpose of this research was to develop an accurate Center of Pressure (COP) based balance assessment tool to study postural instability and fall risk. Chapter 1 aimed at development of the COP based tool using cost effective equipment- a Wii Balance Board (WBB) and testing its accuracy and errors. The result of this study indicated that the WBB tool is reliable in assessing balance and the linearity and hysteresis errors in WBB tool are higher than force plates but it compares well in terms of cost, portability and availability. Chapter 2 aimed at assessing the relation between the radiographic parameters of balance, COP metrics, and health related quality of life in adults with spinal deformities. The results of this investigation revealed that just like radiographic parameters, COP metrics could help explain some variability in symptoms in patients with comparable extent of deformity. Chapter 3 attempted to establish a threshold value of COP metrics for binary classification of fall risk in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). The findings of this study highlighted path length as an excellent predictor of future falls with high test accuracy, sensitivity and specificity. This dissertation concludes that the WBB tool has the potential to revolutionize balance and fall risk assessment in clinical fields such as geriatrics, rehabilitation, neurology, and orthopedics.

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Shoniregun, Charles Adetokunbo. "An investigation of the impacts and the risk assessment of technology enabled information on TEI SMEs in the UK." Thesis, University of East London, 2004. http://roar.uel.ac.uk/3427/.

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The main purpose of this research is to identify ways of minimising the risk liability on the new form of SME business operations which depend only on TEI (internet-eC). The rapid evolution and spread of information technology (IT) during the last few years is challenging both SMEs, and insurance companies to rethink the very nature of risk exposure due to some SMEs reliance on TEI. Parallel to this notion is the task of identifying key elements or threads that might be common to TEISMEs business operations. The success of the internet-eC will also depend on a variety of factors independent of the Predictive Model of internet-eC suitability, such as security and risk assessment of TEISME business operations. The research work has identified the key impacts and risk assessment within the context of technology-enabled information (TEI), which engaged in the process of discovering the opportunities and challenges presented by electronic data or information transfer to small medium enterprises (SMEs) business operations. Weaknesses in the existing security risk assessment approaches have been established from our findings. The research has revealed that there is an urgent need for a risk assessment model that can be applied to Technology-Enabled Information Small-Medium Enterprises (TEISME) business operational risks. It has also been found that it is necessary for all TEISME to identify the products' (e.g. goods or services) suitability for internet-eC. The suitability of any products that may be sold on the internet-eC is just one factor that needs to be taken into account by TEISME. Many TEISMEs launch internet-eC websites without thinking through what it will take and how the website will impact their business operations. Without a solid business plan, regardless of whether the business has an V in front of it or not, the TEISME have already prescribed their own downfall. Nevertheless, a trend is apparently beginning to emerge regarding which commodities sell well electronically and which do not. It appears that the sectors of travel, technology, literature and music are reaping the benefits of online retailing, whilst other sectors are missing out. This thesis is divided into parts, Part One consists of Chapters 1, 2 and 3. Chapter 1 sets the scene for the research rationale, hypotheses, and the clarification of what constitutes TEI and TEISME. Chapter 2 presents the impacts of TEI on SMEs in the UK. Chapter 3 is an in-depth review of risk and risk assessment of TEI on TEISME and explains the underlying principles. This chapter also presents the weaknesses of both quantitative and qualitative risk assessment model to TEISMEs. Part Two consists of Chapters 4 and 5. Chapter 4 presents the methods and methodology with clear justification of their adaptation. Chapter 5 presents the results of the findings. Part Three has Chapters 6 and 7. Chapter 6 is based on the critical evaluation relating to the research. Chapter 7 presents the conclusions and recommendations, and the contribution to knowledge with further development plans for future work. Part Four is the final and referential section.

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Abu-Shaqra, Baha. "Technoethics and Sensemaking: Risk Assessment and Knowledge Management of Ethical Hacking in a Sociotechnical Society." Thesis, Université d'Ottawa / University of Ottawa, 2020. http://hdl.handle.net/10393/40393.

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Cyber attacks by domestic and foreign threat actors are increasing in frequency and sophistication. Cyber adversaries exploit a cybersecurity skill/knowledge gap and an open society, undermining the information security/privacy of citizens and businesses and eroding trust in governments, thus threatening social and political stability. The use of open digital hacking technologies in ethical hacking in higher education and within broader society raises ethical, technical, social, and political challenges for liberal democracies. Programs teaching ethical hacking in higher education are steadily growing but there is a concern that teaching students hacking skills increases crime risk to society by drawing students toward criminal acts. A cybersecurity skill gap undermines the security/viability of business and government institutions. The thesis presents an examination of opportunities and risks involved in using AI powered intelligence gathering/surveillance technologies in ethical hacking teaching practices in Canada. Taking a qualitative exploratory case study approach, technoethical inquiry theory (Bunge-Luppicini) and Weick’s sensemaking model were applied as a sociotechnical theory (STEI-KW) to explore ethical hacking teaching practices in two Canadian universities. In-depth interviews with ethical hacking university experts, industry practitioners, and policy experts, and a document review were conducted. Findings pointed to a skill/knowledge gap in ethical hacking literature regarding the meanings, ethics, values, skills/knowledge, roles and responsibilities, and practices of ethical hacking and ethical hackers which underlies an identity and legitimacy crisis for professional ethical hacking practitioners; and a Teaching vs Practice cybersecurity skill gap in ethical hacking curricula. Two main S&T innovation risk mitigation initiatives were explored: An OSINT Analyst cybersecurity role and associated body of knowledge foundation framework as an interdisciplinary research area, and a networked centre of excellence of ethical hacking communities of practice as a knowledge management and governance/policy innovation approach focusing on the systematization and standardization of an ethical hacking body of knowledge.

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Wan, C. "Modelling and systematic assessment of maritime container supply chain risks." Thesis, Liverpool John Moores University, 2019. http://researchonline.ljmu.ac.uk/9944/.

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Maritime container supply chains (MCSCs) is exposed to various risks arising from both internal operations and the external environment, and the increasing complexity of the modern global logistics system makes the situation even worse, thus causing a significant challenge to the effective risk management of MCSCs. However, systematic studies on this topic are relatively few. In view of this, this study aims to explore and analyse various MCSC risks, develop suitable risk assessment methods, and evaluate the overall performance of MCSCs from a systematic perspective, so as to ensure the safety, reliability, and resilience of MCSCs. This research starts with the identification and classification of all possible risk factors that may be involved in an MCSC based on a comprehensive literature review, and the research results are further validated through a Delphi expert survey. The identified risk factors are then analysed, screened, and assessed in detail. The novelty of this study lies not only on the risk assessment of MCSCs under an uncertain environment from a supply chain level but also on the consideration of the impact of risk condition of each individual MCSC on the overall performance of the entire container supply network. The research results will provide useful insights and valuable information for both researchers and practitioners on the risk analysis and assessment of MCSCs, which is beneficial to different types of stakeholders involved in the maritime shipping industry. The work is also able to provide a theoretical foundation for risk-based decision making and shipping route optimisation in further work. Although the risk assessment methods are presented on the basis of the specific context in MCSCs, it is believed that, with domain-specific knowledge and data, they can also be tailored for a wide range of applications to evaluate the reliability and performance of other supply chain systems, especially where a high level of uncertainty is involved.

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Jensen, Erick. "An assessment of safety/risk management practices/perspectives among high school/middle school technology education instructors and business/industry professionals." Menomonie, WI : University of Wisconsin--Stout, 2005. http://www.uwstout.edu/lib/thesis/2005/2005jensene.pdf.

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36

Filippou, Angeliki. "Arsenic and other heavy metals in hydropower plants : An assessment of occupational risk hazards at Fortum’s underground hydropower plants in Sweden." Thesis, KTH, Hållbar utveckling, miljövetenskap och teknik, 2019. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:kth:diva-264044.

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Arsenic (As) is a metalloid that occurs naturally in the Earth’s crust, in bedrock and soil. The concentrations that Arsenic can be found are normally between 1-3 ppm. However, the concentrations vary naturally between different locations on the globe, and usually places that have sulphur-rich and shale deposits are linked to higher concentrations of Arsenic. Elemental Arsenic and especially inorganic Arsenic have been classified as human carcinogens, with long term exposure causing adverse effects like skin and lung cancer. The objective of this study is to investigate whether or not Fortum’s underground hydropower plants in Sweden, are within areas that present higher concentrations of Arsenic and if so, to assess if there may be any occupational risk hazards for the maintenance personnel while working in the plants. Based on SGU’s open geochemical database a map of Arsenic’s geospatial distribution was constructed, and according to that map and locations of Fortum’s underground stations, seven of them were selected to be further studied. Since the most relevant exposure pathways for the personnel in the plants, were considered to be intake of groundwater and inhalation of dust, samples of water and bedrock were collected from the selected plants, to be analyzed in the lab for the metal concentrations. Moreover, to better comprehend and assess the ways the personnel is exposed to the hazardous materials, a questionnaire was handed to them during the field visits. The results from the lab analyses of the rock samples, showed increased concentrations of Arsenic in the sample from Järpströmmen (9 ppm), and the samples from Anjan (4.5 ppm) and Kvarnfallet (4.6 ppm). However, all water samples concentrations in Arsenic were below the permissible limit of 10 μg/L. Although, the tap water sample from Anjan hydropower plant presented high content of Manganese and Iron associated to the bedrock deposits, and the tap water sample from Krångede presented high copper concentrations, associated to the existing piping system. According to these results, a few simple remediation actions were suggested for two abovementioned locations. It was concluded, by combination of all results from lab analyses of rock, water samples and questionnaire responses, that under current conditions, there are no unacceptable human health risks, due to exposure to arsenic, for the personnel working in the plants. However, it is advised that in the case that a new activity changes the steady state conditions, a new investigation should take place.
Arsenik (As) är en metalloid som förekommer naturligt i berggrund och jord. De koncentrationer som arsenik kan hittas i är normalt mellan 1 och 3 ppm. Koncentrationerna varierar naturligt mellan olika platser på jorden, och vanligtvis är platser med sulfider och skiffer kopplade till högre koncentrationer av arsenik. Elementär arsenik och oorganisk arsenik har klassificerats som karcinogener, som med långvarig exponering orsakar hud- och lungcancer. Syftet med denna studie är att undersöka huruvida Fortums underjordiska vattenkraftverk i Sverige ligger inom områden som uppvisar högre koncentrationer av arsenik och i så fall bedöma om det kan föreligga yrkesrisker för underhållspersonalen vid arbetet i kraftverken . Baserat på SGU:s öppna geokemiska databas byggdes en karta över arsenikens geospatialfördelning, och enligt denna karta och läget av Fortums underjordsanläggningar valdes sju av dem ut för att studeras ytterligare. Eftersom de mest relevanta exponeringsvägarna för personalen i kraftverken ansågs vara intag av grundvatten och inandning av damm, samlades prov av vatten och berggrund från de valda kraftverken, som analyserades i laboratorium för metallkoncentrationerna. För att bättre förstå och bedöma hur personalen utsätts för de farliga materialen, gavs ett frågeformulär till dem under fältbesöken. Resultaten från laboratorieanalyserna av bergproverna visade ökade koncentrationer av arsenik i provet från Järpströmmen (9 ppm), proven från Anjan (4,5 ppm) och Kvarnfallet (4,6 ppm). Alla koncentrationer av arsenik i vattenprover var dock under den tillåtna gränsen på 10 μg / L. Kranvattenprovet från Anjans kraftverk visade högt innehåll av mangan och järn kopplat till berggrunden, och kranvattenprovet från Krångede uppvisade höga kopparkoncentrationer kopplade till rörsystemet. Enligt dessa resultat föreslogs några enkla saneringsåtgärder för de två ovan nämnda kraftverken. Det slöts genom en kombination av alla resultat från laboratorieanalyser av berg- och vattenprover och frågeformulärssvar, att det under rådande förhållanden inte finns några oacceptabla hälsorisker för personalen som arbetar i kraftverken på grund av exponering för arsenik . Det rekommenderas dock att i händelse av att en ny verksamhet ändrar statusförhållandena, bör en ny utredning ske.

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Medel, Vera Carlos Pablo. "Seismic probabilistic safety assessment and risk control of nuclear power plants in Northwest Europe." Thesis, University of Manchester, 2016. https://www.research.manchester.ac.uk/portal/en/theses/seismic-probabilistic-safety-assessment-and-risk-control-of-nuclear-power-plants-in-northwest-europe(c51a155a-289b-40c0-a642-644cb527939b).html.

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Nuclear power plays a crucial role in energy supply in the world: around 15% of the electricity generated worldwide is provided from nuclear stations avoiding around 2.5 billion tonnes of CO2 emissions. As of January 2016, 442 reactors that generated 380+ GW were in operation and 66 new reactors were under construction. The seismic design of new nuclear power plants (NPPs) has gained much interest after the high-profile Fukushima Dai-ichi accident. In the UK, a tectonically stable continental region that possesses medium-to-low seismic activity, strong earthquakes capable of jeopardising the structural integrity of NPPs, although infrequent, can still occur. Despite that no NPP has been built in Great Britain after 1995, a New Build Programme intended to build 16 GW of new nuclear capacity by 2030 is currently under way. This PhD project provides a state-of-the-art framework for seismic probabilistic safety assessment and risk control of NPPs in Northwest Europe with particular application to the British Isles. It includes three progressive levels: (i) seismic input, (ii) seismic risk analysis, and (iii) seismic risk control. For seismic input, a suitable model to rationally define inputs in the context of risk assessments is proposed. Such a model is based on the stochastic simulation of accelerograms that are compatible with seismic scenarios defined by magnitude 4 < Mw < 6.5, epicentral distance 10 km < Repi < 100 km, and different types of soil (rock, stiff soil and soft soil). It was found to be a rational approach that streamlines the simulation of accelerograms to conduct nonlinear dynamic analyses for safety assessments. The model is a function of a few variables customarily known in structural engineering projects. In terms of PGA, PGV and spectral accelerations, the simulated accelerograms were validated by GMPEs calibrated for the UK, Europe and the Middle East, and other stable continental regions. For seismic risk analysis, a straightforward and logical approach to probabilistically assess the risk of NPPs based on the stochastic simulation of accelerograms is studied. It effectively simplifies traditional approaches: for seismic inputs, it avoids the use of selecting/scaling procedures and GMPEs; for structural outputs, it does not use Monte Carlo algorithms to simulate the damage state. However, it demands more expensive computational resources as a large number of nonlinear dynamic analyses are needed. For seismic risk control, strategies to control the risk using seismic protection systems are analysed. This is based on recent experience reported elsewhere of seismically protected nuclear reactor buildings in other areas of medium-to-low seismic activity. Finally, a scenario-based incremental dynamic analysis (IDA) is proposed aimed at the generation of surfaces for unacceptable performance of NPPs as function of earthquake magnitude and distance. It was found that viscous-based devices are more efficient than hysteretic-based devices in controlling the seismic risk of NPPs in the UK. Finally, using the proposed scenario-based IDA, it was found that when considering all controlling scenarios for a representative UK nuclear site, the risk is significantly reduced ranging from 3 to 5 orders of magnitude when using viscous-based devices.

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Zare, Garizy Tirazheh [Verfasser], and Hans Ulrich [Akademischer Betreuer] Buhl. "Systemic Risk Assessment in Complex Network Structures: Information Technology as a Challenge and a Chance / Tirazheh Zare Garizy ; Betreuer: Hans Ulrich Buhl." Augsburg : Universität Augsburg, 2018. http://d-nb.info/1152210955/34.

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Wright, Caroline. "Multiple Substrate-Induced Respiration and Isothermal Calorimetry : Applicability in Risk Assessment of Contaminated Soil." Thesis, Uppsala universitet, Institutionen för geovetenskaper, 2017. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:uu:diva-321192.

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At present, soils face great threats. Consequences of human activities, such as climate change, acidification and contamination result in decreased soil health. This is a threat to human health and well-being, since our society is dependent on soil ecosystem services. The soil ecosystems provide resources, such as food and fresh water, regulate the climate and play key parts in important life supporting biological processes, e.g. cycling of carbon and nutrients. Due to increased awareness of the threats that soils face, and its importance to humans, soil quality monitoring has recently received increased attention. Microorganisms run most biological processes in the soil, such as decomposition of organic material and nutrient cycling. Thus, microbial activity and diversity are considered useful biological indicators for soil quality monitoring. These biological properties can be examined using different methods. The aim of the project was to evaluate the potential of multiple substrate-induced respiration (MSIR), using the MicroRespTM system, and isothermal calorimetry for determining microbial activity and diversity in soils contaminated with copper (Cu) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH). Thereby, the methods’ applicability in risk assessment of contaminated soil could be decided. MSIR is considered appropriate for determining microbial activity and functional diversity, while isothermal calorimetry has not been tested as much in this area. The calorespirometric ratio (produced heat per unit CO2) was calculated to evaluate potential relationships between heat and CO2 at different contamination levels. Although there was some variation between the methods, Cu had a clear effect on both microbial activity and functional diversity. Both methods were thus considered applicable in risk assessment of soil contaminated with Cu. The impact of PAH appeared to be more complex, the effects on microbial activity varied and PAH had little significant effect on functional diversity. Neither of the methods were therefore considered applicable for assessment of soil contaminated with PAH. The calorespirometric ratio did not provide useful results, and cannot be recommended for risk assessment purposes at present.
I dagsläget utsätts marken för stora hot. Följder av mänsklig aktivitet, så som klimatförändringar, försurning och förorening försämrar markens kvalitet. Detta är ett hot mot människors hälsa och välmående, eftersom vårt samhälle är beroende av markens ekosystemtjänster. Markens ekosystem förser oss med exempelvis mat och rent vatten, reglerar klimatet, och har nyckelroller i viktiga biologiska processer, exempelvis cirkulering av kol och näringsämnen. På grund av ökad medvetenhet om hoten mot marken samt dess betydelse för människan, har kontroll av markens kvalitet börjat få ökad uppmärksamhet. Mikroorganismer sköter de flesta biologiska processer som sker i marken, så som nedbrytning av organiskt material och cirkulering av näringsämnen. Därmed anses mikrobiell aktivitet och diversitet vara lämpliga biologiska indikatorer vid kontroll av markens kvalitet. Dessa biologiska egenskaper kan mätas med flera olika metoder. Syftet med projektet var att utvärdera potentialen i att använda multipla substrat-inducerad respiration (MSIR), genom att använda systemet MicroRespTM, samt isotermisk kalorimetri för att mäta mikrobiell aktivitet och funktionell diversitet i mark förorenad med koppar (Cu) och polycykliska aromatiska kolväten (PAH). Därmed kunde metodernas tillämplighet i riskbedömning av förorenad mark bestämmas. MSIR anses vara en lämplig metod i syfte att undersöka mikrobiell aktivitet och funktionell diversitet, medan isotermisk kalorimetri inte är lika beprövat. Kvoten mellan värmeproduktion och respirerad CO2, the calorespirometric ratio, beräknades för att utvärdera eventuella samband mellan värmeproduktion och respiration vid olika föroreningskoncentrationer. Trots att det förekom viss variation mellan metoderna, hade Cu en tydlig effekt på både mikrobiell aktivitet och funktionell diversitet. Båda metoder ansågs därför vara tillämpbara i riskbedömning av Cu-förorenad jord. PAH hade varierande effekt på mikrobiell aktivitet och liten signifikant effekt på funktionell diversitet. Ingen av metoderna ansågs därför tillämpbar i riskbedömning av jord förorenad med PAH. The calorespirometric ratio tillhandahöll ej användbara resultat, och kunde därmed inte rekommenderas i riskbedömningssyfte.

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Gordon, Keith. "MACT Implementation at an Organic Chemical Manufacturing Facility: Human Health Risk Reduction." ScholarWorks@UNO, 2010. http://scholarworks.uno.edu/td/1222.

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Human health risk assessments are used by environmental regulatory agencies to determine risk from Hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs). In this study, the Human Exposure Model (HEM-3) was used to compare the cancer and non-cancer inhalation health effects of a single organic chemical manufacturing facility in Geismar, Louisiana prior to and after Maximum Achievable Control Technologies (MACT) were implemented. The results indicate significant reductions in both cancer risk and non-cancer hazards. The analysis also indicated that the equivalent cancer risk reduction could have been achieved by addressing MACT in only one production process and one single pollutant (ethylene dichloride) within that process. This demonstrates the value that these risk assessments have at evaluating emissions at the facility level, and how they could be used in the control strategy decision making process.

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Nordberg, Anna. "Priority setting strategies for regulatory testing of industrial chemicals." Licentiate thesis, Stockholm : Philosophy and the History of Technology, Kungliga Tekniska högskolan, 2007. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:kth:diva-4554.

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Rose, Brett Tyler. "Tennessee Rockfall Management System." Diss., Virginia Tech, 2005. http://hdl.handle.net/10919/29263.

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The Rockfall Management System developed for Tennessee DOT (TennRMS)integrates a customized rockfall risk rating system, web-based GIS application, and rockfall database to provide a robust single interface for interacting with rock slope information. The system should prove to be a valuable tool for the proactive management of rock slopes. The most important use of the system will be to identify and prioritizing rock slopes with the greatest potential for rockfall in order to provide decision makers with all the necessary information they need to plan remediation efforts. Over time, TennRMS can be used to track costs and effectiveness of different remediation methods used on problem rock slopes. Three papers have been developed for publication in peer reviewed journals. The papers describe the work done in support of developing Tennessee's Rockfall Management System (TennRMS) and its components. The system can be described by its conceptual framework and actual implemented components. Asset management incorporating risk & decision analysis and knowledge management makes up the conceptual framework. The system components include a field data collection system using PDA's, a rockfall database and a web-based GIS interface. The papers articulate the development and implementation of the various components and to provide a detailed review of rockfall management systems as implemented over the past 15 years.
Ph. D.

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Andersson, Mikael, and Sanna Tegnér. "Utvärdering av taxonomi och systemstöd för riskbaserad analys inom den svenska Luftfartsinspektionen." Thesis, Linköping University, Department of Science and Technology, 2004. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:liu:diva-2232.

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The Swedish Aviation Safety Authority has decided to standardise a classification system for reporting deviations found in inspections. The purpose of a classification system is that similar deviations always should be reported in the same way since this will enable better decisions regarding different risk areas. The inspectors are therefore constrained to use a standardised classification system and are not free to use their own words when reporting deviations. A hierarchal classification system with predefined phrases is in aviation referred to as taxonomy. Taxonomy is already in use when reporting accidents and incidents but not when reporting deviations found in inspections. If the taxonomy also could be implemented when reporting deviations found in inspections it would make it possible to find out what kind of accident or incident the deviation has been involved in. To make this connection possible and to enable further analyses the information has to be stored, preferably in a database.

We have examined the already existing taxonomy and its usability in inspection reporting. Were the old taxonomy has been found insufficient we have examined how to build up a new suitable taxonomy. We have also begun the extension of the taxonomy in certain domains in aviation. To be able to test the extended taxonomy we have developed a system support that consists of a database and help functions consisting of checklists and linked regulation text. The system support also contains risk assessment matrixes.

We have through this work seen that a great extension of the existing taxonomy is necessary. As the taxonomy is formed it is hard to make direct connections between accidents/incidents and deviations found in inspections without a mapping tool. However we think that a database management system should be implemented in inspections. A database management system would be a useful help for the inspectors and enable easier access to data for analyses.

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Iosi, Alessandra. "GMO Food Safety and Regulations in the EU and the US: Analysis of the legal and scientific factors and their impact on releases." Master's thesis, Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna, 2018. http://amslaurea.unibo.it/15834/.

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Gli alimenti provenienti da Organismi Geneticamente modificati prodotti e consumati da diverse decadi negli Stati Uniti che detengono il primato per la produzione di tali beni. La tendenza statunitense si è poi propagata in altre nazioni dove produzione e consumo di OGM sono aumentati, tuttavia, l’Unione Europea che all’epoca della ricerca e dello sviluppo delle piante provenienti da tecnologie DNA-ricombinanti è stata una forte sostenitrice di questa tecnica, adesso è l’area geografica che impone più resistenza alla loro introduzione nei propri territori. Attraverso direttive e regolamenti e con lo scopo di garantire la sicurezza dell’ambiente, delle persone e degli animali nei propri territori, l’UE applica dei criteri di sicurezza molto restrittivi, appellandosi al Principio di Precauzione. Sebbene giustificato, questo comportamento ha però un impatto negativo nell’economia di esportazione degli USA, paese in cui invece le regolamentazioni in merito sono meno stringenti. Questo elaborato ha lo scopo di fotografare la situazione normativa attuale in EU ed USA, valutando e contestualizzando leggi e regolamenti in funzione nei rispettivi paesi, focalizzandosi sui punti critici dell’analisi del rischio quali gli allergeni e dei metodi utilizzati per la loro valutazione, di valutare le possibili conseguenze di questi comportamenti, eventualmente proponendo delle misure alternative a quelle ad oggi in atto.

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Wägander, Fredrik. "Genteknik och Risksamhället. En undersökning om Sveriges förhållande till GMO utifrån ett riskperspektiv under det tidiga 1990-talet." Thesis, Uppsala universitet, Ekonomisk-historiska institutionen, 2015. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:uu:diva-259163.

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The purpose of this thesis is to analyse Sweden’s first GMO-legislation which was implemented in 1994. The legislation was created because of Swedens commitment to the EES-agreement, but also because of the necessity for GMO-legislation. The analysis is based on Ulrich Beck’s theory which stipulates that highly developed societies are no longer industrial societies but instead have become risk societies, which also has a connection to and is strongly influenced by the precautionary principle. In a risk society the logic of risk production dominates the logic of wealth production and the regulations and actions of governments correlate to this perspective. The questions the analysis seeks to answer are how the actors involved in the making of Sweden’s first comprehensive GMO-legislation has considered, judged and finally chosen to handle the potential risks associated with gene technology. The results show that Sweden had a distinctive focus on risk, which also had a strong connection to ethics, which in the end was about how big of a risk could be accepted based on the moral resonsibility for the environment. In some parts Sweden took the restrictions further than required for by the EES-agreement based on the risk approach. The legislation can be characterized as being surrounded by an epistemological problem, due the lack of definitive knowledge about GMOs at the time. These results also support the view found by earlier research, when it comes to how Sweden has handled the issues surrounding GMOs during an early stage.
Uppsatsens syfte är att utifrån ett riskperspektiv analysera Sveriges första heltäckande GMO-lagstiftning vilken antogs 1994. Lagstiftningen skapades som ett resultat av Sveriges åtaganden via EES-avtalet, men också utifrån nödvändigheten av att skapa en heltäckande GMO-lag. Undersökningen bygger på Ulrich Becks teori om att välutvecklade samhällen har gått från att vara industrisamhällen till att bli risksamhällen. I risksamhället dominerar riskproduktionens logik över rikedomsproduktionens logik där regeringars och myndigheters agerande styrs utifrån detta perspektiv. Frågor som undersökningen söker svar på är hur de aktörer som var inblandade i skapandet av Sveriges första heltäckande GMO-lag resonerat kring, bedömt och slutligen hanterat de risker som ansågs finnas med gentekniken. Resultatet visar att Sverige hade ett uttalat fokus på risker som i förlängningen går tillbaka till etiska frågor, där vilka risker som kunde accepteras utifrån det moraliska ansvaret för miljön stod i centrum. I vissa delar så införde Sverige en striktare lagstiftning än vad EES-avtalet krävde utifrån ett riskperspektiv. Lagstiftningen kan sägas ha karaktäriserats av ett epistemologiskt problem, vilket var en följd av den okunskap som förelåg vid tidpunkten. Detta stödjer också den tidigare forskningens uppfattningar kring hur Sverige hanterat frågan med GMO på ett tidigt stadium.

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Kermisch, Céline. "Risques et perceptions des risques: analyse historique et critique." Doctoral thesis, Universite Libre de Bruxelles, 2008. http://hdl.handle.net/2013/ULB-DIPOT:oai:dipot.ulb.ac.be:2013/210568.

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Etude historique des conditions d’émergence du champ de recherches de la perception des risques ;analyse critique du paradigme psychométrique et de la théorie culturaliste, ainsi que des conceptions du risque qui les sous-tend. /

Historical study of the emergence conditions of risk perception as a research field; critical analysis of the psychometric paradigm and cultural theory, as well as of the underlying risk conceptions.
Doctorat en Philosophie
info:eu-repo/semantics/nonPublished

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Ala, Soraia Luísa Pereira Pinto. "Technology commercialization models." Doctoral thesis, Universidade de Aveiro, 2016. http://hdl.handle.net/10773/17101.

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Doutoramento em Gestão Industrial
O desenvolvimento económico sustentado das empresas é um fator chave para a competitividade. Num ambiente competitivo global, intenso e dinâmico, a eficiência e rapidez do desenvolvimento de novos produtos e serviços pode permitir obter a diferenciação que sustenta uma vantagem competitiva. De forma a tornar a inovação numa competência sustentada, é necessária a criação de um eficiente processo de transferência de conhecimento dos centros de investigação e desenvolvimento (I&D) para as empresas. A criação de valor económico e social requer que o este conhecimento seja incorporado numa tecnologia. A eficiência dos processos de comercialização de tecnologias tem impacto na criação de novas empresas de base tecnológica e consequentemente no desenvolvimento económico do país. No entanto, as elevadas taxas de insucesso destes processos são um forte sinal da necessidade de investigar novos modelos de comercialização. Neste contexto, a definição de novos modelos de comercialização de tecnologia é de destacada importância para aumentar a eficiência do processo, para a criação de valor a partir do conhecimento gerado pela investigação e desenvolvimento e consequentemente para aumentar a competitividade. A principal contribuição deste trabalho de investigação reside na proposta de um novo modelo de comercialização de tecnologia, resultante da análise de diferentes modelos de comercialização de tecnologia, na identificação dos seus fatores críticos de sucesso, bem como dos elementos facilitadores. De forma a atingir estes objetivos, o trabalho incidirá sobre a: i. Descrição teórica do processo e dos conceitos inter-relacionados; ii. Análise de processos, atividades e dos diversos atores envolvidos; iii. Análise do valor e do risco da tecnologia, bem como da assimetria de informação entre os atores; iv. Definição e a avaliação de um novo modelo valorização da tecnologia e na redução do risco.
Sustainable economic development is a key factor for competitiveness. In a global, intense and dynamic competitive environment, efficiency and development lead time of new products and services enablers’ differentiation and competitive advantage. In order to make innovation a sustained competence, an efficient knowledge transfer process from Research and Development (R&D) organizations to other parties is required. The deployment of this knowledge to create social and economic value requires it to be embedded in a technology. The efficiency of technology commercialization processes impacts the creation of new technological-based companies and consequently countries economic development. However these processes have high failure rates which point toward the need to investigate new technology commercialization models. In this context, the definition of a new technology commercialization model is particularly important to increase process efficiency, to create value from knowledge generated by research and development and therefore to increase competitiveness. This research work main contribution, towards different technology commercialization models analysis, their critical success factors, and enablers´ identification, is to propose a new technology commercialization model. In order to achieve these objectives, the work will focus on: i. Process theoretical description and inter-related underpinnings; ii. Process, activities and involved actors analysis; iii. Technology risk, value and informational asymmetry analysis; iv. Proposal of a value approach and risk reduction technology commercialization model and assessment model.

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Bertling, Sofia. "Corrosion-included metal runoff from external constructions and its environmental interaction : a combined field and laboratory investigation of Zn, Cu, Cr and Ni for risk assessment." Doctoral thesis, KTH, Materialvetenskap, 2005. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:kth:diva-175.

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The 1990s has seen an increased awareness of possible environmental effects of corrosion-induced metal release from outdoor constructions. Considerable efforts have been initiated to perform critical assessments of possible risks of selected metals. Gaps of knowledge have been identified and research investigations started. This doctoral thesis is the result of an interdisciplinary research effort in which scientific insight into corrosion, soil chemistry and ecotoxicology has been integrated. The work comprises atmospheric exposure of pure metals and commercial materials for outdoor use. The focus is on release of four metals, copper, zinc, chromium and nickel. Their chemical speciation and bioavailable fraction in metal runoff were determined, both at the release moment and after environmental interaction with, e.g., soil and limestone. Total metal concentrations in runoff are influenced both by material properties (e.g., corrosion product solubility, and specific surface area) and by exposure parameters (e.g., rain volume, intensity, contact time and pollutants). Long-term runoff rates of copper, zinc, chromium and nickel were based on exposures (4-8 years) at standardized conditions (45o inclination facing south) in Stockholm, Sweden. Runoff rates for pure copper range from 1.2 to 1.5 g m-2 yr-1, depending on year. At the copper release moment the potential environmental effect was evaluated using 72 hours growth inhibition test with the green algae Raphidocelis subcapitata. This resulted in a mean value of 15 μg L-1 causing a 50% growth reduction (EC50). Long-term runoff rates for pure zinc range from 1.9 to 2.5 g m-2 yr-1. A considerable variation in average annual runoff rates (0.07-2.5 mg zinc m2yr-1) was observed between different investigated commercial zinc-based materials. An average 72 hour (EC50) value of 69 μg L-1 towards Raphidocelis subcapitata was found for runoff water from zinc-based materials. Long-term runoff rates from stainless steel of grade 304 and 316 range from 0.23 to 0.30 chromium and 0.28 to 0.52 nickel mg m-2 yr-1, with corresponding concentrations in the runoff at the release moment far below reported ecotoxic concentrations for chromium and nickel. Two predictive runoff rate models were successfully developed for transforming copper runoff rate data from Stockholm to other exposure sites. One model is based on rain pH, yearly precipitation and building geometry, and the other on average annual SO2 concentration, yearly precipitation and building geometry. In addition to total metal concentration, adequate effect assessments also require information on chemical speciation of the released metal and its bioavailability. Metal chemical speciation in runoff was determined experimentally through an ion selective electrode (for copper), and also modelled with the Windermere Humic Aquatic model (WHAM (V)). Bioavailability assessments were generated through bioassay tests. At the moment of metal release, all methods show that the majority (60-99%) of the metal in runoff exists in its most bioavailable form, the hydrated metal ion. During subsequent environmental entry the metal undergoes major reductions in concentration and bioavailability. This was evidenced by model column studies of the capacity of soil to retain and immobilize the metal in runoff water, and by model and field column studies of the capacity of limestone to retain copper. The retention by soil of all metals investigated is very high (96-99.8%) until each materials retention capacity is reached. Limestone also exhibits a substantial capacity (5- 47%) to retain copper. The capacity is significantly increased by increased amount and decreased fraction of limestone particles. Any outer or inner surface with significant retention ability and with low possibility of subsequent mobilization is an excellent candidate for neutralizing metal release and its potential ecotoxic effects. This was demonstrated through computer modelling (WHAM(V)) and biosensor tests (Biomet™), which showed the most bioavailable and ecotoxic metal species to be reduced during passage through soil and limestone. Predictions based on the computer model HYDRUS-1D suggest a time-period of between 4 and 8000 years, depending on runoff water and soil characteristics, before saturation in soil retention capacity of copper and zinc is reached. A significant fraction of the retained metal is extractable towards the strong complexing agent EDTA, indicating possible future mobilisation. It is also available for plant uptake, as shown by DGT- (Diffuse Gradients in Thin films-) analysis of copper and zinc in soil. The data generated, presented and discussed are all believed to be important for risk assessment work related to corrosion-induced metal release from outdoor constructions. As evidenced from this doctoral thesis, such work requires a complete set of data on annual runoff rates, concentrations, chemical speciation and bioavailability and its changes during environmental entry, together with knowledge on, e.g., type of material, service life of coating, building geometry, and dewatering system.
QC 20100901

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Murphy, Anthony Patrick. "Dealing with contaminated land in the 'New Regime' : an appraisal of the use of plants as biomonitors for metal contamination analysis and risk assessment for a former landfill site in Greenwich." Thesis, University of Greenwich, 2007. http://gala.gre.ac.uk/6255/.

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In assessing the health risks posed from heavy metals in a contaminated site, it is important to determine when the contamination occurred and when the metals become available to the surrounding biota. Trees and plants growing in the vicinity of a contaminated site may provide such a historic record. There have been few studies on their role as biomarkers to identify metal mobility or bioavailability for continuous monitoring purposes. The aim of the study was to evaluate the role of plants as biomonitors for site characterisation and risk assessment purposes and to see if there was any selectivity between metal uptake in leaves and roots. Tree cores were also collected as metals in soil or ground water and may be drawn up via tree roots and deposited in the growth rings. This was examined using Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (LAICPMS) and Proton Induced X-Ray Emission (PIXE). From the plant analysis, the elements present in highest amount were lead, zinc and cooper. The mobility of lead could be monitored by bramble and nettle leaves; that of copper by nettle roots and bramble leaves and that of zinc by nettle roots, bramble and sycamore leaves. Analysis of tree cores by LAICPMS and PIXE showed a contrasting contaminant signature between the sampled trees, as there was inconsistency of metal concentrations within the same segment of growth ring. This variability may offer an insight into labile metal function within the tree physiology. The utility of using the dendrochemical record may best serve as an indicator of macro-environmental perturbations, rather than an indicator of labile metal chronologies, for which only lead showed a reasonably consistent decline through time, across the tree core record.

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Mazaheri, Arsham. "How the ISPS code affects port and port activities." Thesis, Högskolan i Borås, Institutionen Ingenjörshögskolan, 2008. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:hb:diva-18834.

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Following terrorist attacks on twin towers in the USA and Limburg oil tanker in Yemen, theIMO has defined a supplementary chapter and an appendix named ISPS code to its SOLAS,to prevent similar events in maritime transportation. The ISPS code forces the ports, ships andall organizations, who work in marine industry, to keep their security gates more tightly. Thissituation affects involved parties in good and bad ways. Good impacts like increasing insecurity level, efficiency, effectiveness and competitiveness; and bad effects like increasing inannual costs, administration works and manning.This thesis is based on a study that was run by preparing an electronic questionnaire anddistributing among the Swedish ports to get first hand information about the ISPS codeimpacts on port and port activities. Through them it was found that the ISPS code achieved itsmain goal, which it has been described as less smuggling and less theft in Sweden; whileactually the ISPS is an anti terrorism regulation by its nature.On the other hand, the indirect impacts of the code have played an important role in itssuccess; therefore they have been reviewed as well. The ISPS code’s indirect impacts on portscan be summarized as its effects on efficiency, effectiveness, administration cost, serviceprice, profit, competitiveness, service level, customer satisfaction, damage occurring,documentation, manning , lead time and checking process.
Uppsatsnivå: D

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Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Technology - Risk assessment'

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