Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Hazardous issues'

Master of Arts<br>Department of Geography<br>John A. Harrington Jr<br>Wildcat Creek Watershed near Manhattan, Kansas, experiences damaging flash floods that have required evacuations in recent years (Spicer 2011). The purpose of this study was to qualitatively examine the issue of flooding in the Wildcat Creek Watershed through interviewing stakeholders (those that reside, own a business, or study) using a semi – structured approach. Interview discussion examined stakeholders’ perceptions of 1) how they understand the processes that create the flooding hazard, 2) whether or not they value the implementation of mitigation efforts to reduce the negative impacts of flooding, 3) whether they feel at risk to flooding, and 4) who they consider a trusted source of information about the hydrologic characteristics of the watershed. Based on the results of this study, a spatial relationship in perceptions of flooding issues in the Wildcat Creek Watershed was found. Across the study area, stakeholders understood many of the physical causes of flooding, but did not tend to see the connections among the many physical components. Overall, stakeholders believed that mitigation strategies to curb flash flooding were valuable, although many were not supportive of paying for these efforts through potential taxation from a watershed district. Despite the increase of flooding events in the past decade (Anderson 2011), many stakeholders neither saw any changes in their personal risk of exposure to flooding nor a change in their flood vulnerability. In the context of the flooding issue in Wildcat Creek Watershed, most participants trusted their neighbors and community leaders as sources of information instead of professionals who research and/or conduct work on the watershed.

Road hazards have been threatening drivers’ safety. Drivers should perceive road hazards in order to reduce or eliminate risks (Shinar, 2007a). Hazard perception is a cognitive ability which can be improved through practice (Mark S. Horswill, Hill, & Wetton, 2015). Failures in hazard perception can cause adversities (Spainhour, Brill, John Sobanjo, Jerry Wekezer, & Primus Mtenga, 2005). Hence, understanding the cognitive process of hazard perception is important for improving drivers’ reactions and creating human-like autonomous systems. While there is no agreement among researchers about the concept of hazard perception (Baars, 1993; Mica R. Endsley, 1995b; Flach, 1994), most accepted views describe hazard perception as a process (Banbury, 2017). One of the predominant cognitive theories which describes hazard perception as a process is Neisser’s action-perception (Neisser, 1987). Neisser’s model relates hazard perception to mental map of the world and includes limitations of drivers’ memories. The action-perception model alongside other dominant hazard perception theories which describe the phenomenon can only be valid if drivers have mental models of hazards (Mica R. Endsley, 2000). Mental models which can facilitate the hazard perception process cannot be described by dominant theories that describe mental models as cognitive structural and functional models (Preece et al., 1994) In fact, the mental model which can be used for hazard perception and risk anticipation should explain how hazard can fail a traffic system and cause crash. Thus, the first experiment explores the existence of such a mental model by using Schema World Action Research Method (SWARM) cognitive probes. The result proves the existence of subjective mental models of hazards. Mental models are subjective, and drivers can have different preference of actions to a hazard accordingly. Automation of driving requires drivers to monitor the Autonomous vehicles (AVs) behaviors and takeover the control when needed (Banks & Stanton, 2017). For a successful monitoring of AVs drivers should build an appropriate level of trust in systems according to systems reliability (Lee & See, 2004). AVs should produce acceptable results to be considered reliable and drivers should develop accurate mental models of AVs actions and limitations (Walliser, 2011). Drivers will evaluate systems actions by their subjective mental models including mental models of hazards. However, AVs are designed by their designers and have limitations in replicating human-like reactions to hazards (Don Norman, 2016). The second experiment investigates how discrepancies between design models of AVs and drivers’ mental models including mental models of hazards can influence drivers’ trust in automation. In this part, naturalistic method and a Tesla S is used and participants are interviewed after five days of driving by using advanced automated systems. Results show that drivers use their mental models of hazards to predict hazardous scenarios and takeover the control before hazards materialize. Additionally, findings reveal how complexity of the system can result in function confusion, mode confusion, and misinterpreting AVs capabilities, which can result in abuse of automated systems. Results reveal that there is a need for adequate training of drivers on autonomous and advanced systems.

All-hazards pandemic planning is the foundation of current emergency management planning doctrine, yet there is limited information and limited studies related to its effectiveness in mitigating pandemics. The North Texas emergency management community handles incidents of West Nile Virus, H1N1 influenza, and a recent Ebola incident. Despite efforts to mitigate these threats, reported cases and deaths are still occurring from both influenza and West Nile virus. The purpose of this case study was to assess the risk perceptions of emergency planners in a small emergency operation center in North Texas using the cultural theory of risk perception as the theoretical framework. The raw data for this study originated from qualitative semi structured interviews with five emergency managers. By way of qualitative hand coding and thematic extraction, four primary themes emerged from the data: (a) political/organizational climate, (b) emergency response, (c) training and experience, and (d) communication. Additionally, all themes yielded relevant subthemes. The all-hazards approach to pandemic planning was effective as long as planners swiftly adjusted or adapted their plan for individual emergency events. The emergency management community still struggles with ineffective communication, negative political influences, poor coordination, and training shortfalls. Lack of trust in the levels of government emerged as a potential underlying cause to many of the issues. These findings may promote positive social change by assisting emergency management planners in assessing communications, coordination, training, appropriate use of personnel, and to identify areas where lack of trust between community partners may be affecting the overall response effort.

This study sets out: 1. To identify and demonstrate a body of knowledge relevant to Maori and remediation of biological hazards, chemical hazards and natural disasters (disaster recovery) 2. To do it in a Maori-appropriate way that supports Maori research approach 3. To provide something new and useful for Maori and other stakeholders involved in such issues A Kaupapa Maori mixed-methodology was used to guide research decisions and actions, including the development of a ‘Haurapa’ approach based on the journey of a ‘typical Maori researcher’. Through literature review, case studies and semi-structured interviews, a pool of knowledge was identified and used to draw out a set of themes and indicators which complement others in related fields. New knowledge was validated against related findings. Use of the findings is demonstrated, along with ideas for future application and testing. A conceptual ‘Pa model’ is proposed as a useful way to approach the subject for engagement with Maori and improved understanding of the overall context. Existing frameworks are adapted to work for this topic, including a useful tool for filtering potential indicators. In conducting this study, the following hunches or hypotheses were considered: ? That Maori are not adequately prepared or included regarding modern hazards and disaster response ? A lack of Maori involvement results in inequalities ? Valuable gains can be made with a Maori-centred approach and proper treatment of Maori issues The conclusion supports the statements and recommends further work in the area.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Wisconsin--Madison, 1991.<br>Typescript. Vita. eContent provider-neutral record in process. Description based on print version record. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 93-97).

This study uses geographic information systems to determine if the aggregation of census block data are better than census block group data for analyzing social vulnerability. This was done by applying a social vulnerability method that used census block group data for a countywide analysis and converting it to use census blocks for a countywide analysis and a municipal-wide analysis to determine which level of aggregation provided a more precise representation of social vulnerability. In addition to calculating the social vulnerability, the results were overlaid with an evacuation zone for the threat of a train derailment, determining which aggregation better depicted at-risk populations. The results of the study showed that the census blocks enable a more exact measurement of social vulnerability because they are better at capturing small pockets of high-risk areas. This study concludes that census block are more advantageous than census block groups because they are more sensitive and geographically exact in measuring social vulnerability, allow for a better interpretation of social vulnerability for smaller areas, and show spatial patterns of vulnerability at a finer spatial scale.

碩士<br>國立政治大學<br>風險管理與保險研究所<br>93<br>【Abstract】 Along with economy development and increase of national income, automobiles become a necessity for people in transportation and communication. In recent years, due to the trend in taking vacation by car, the amount of automobile has rapidly grew. Consequentially, frequent use has resulted in higher percentage of the damage or loss of the automobiles. As automobile insurance has characteristics in localism and territorialism, it is highly related to social environment and citizen’s behavior. Under such a scenario, all the automobile insurance companies need to invest all kinds of resources to provide full scale services. Meanwhile, since its premium volume accounts for more than half the overall property insurance business premium volume, its underwriting result in loss ratio usually has a significant impact on the overall performance in operation. One of the cumulated cankers in the automobile insurance market is that while extending business, insurance companies often aim at increasing premium volume, so that they take the methods against regulations, such as excessive commission, rebate and wrongful pricing. All of them may have deteriorated the unsoundness and stability of the insurance market. In addition, many marketing channels play a significant role to automobile insurance business. In light of automobile dealers’ operation, the ones in large scale normally carry on an automobile maintenance workshop at the same time. Their services cover wide range, include: car selling, insurance soliciting, components price controlling and repair and maintenance services etc. In this way, they acquire the advantage in the marketing competition. Meanwhile, merchants, forwarding agents and the vehicle-inspection workshops are also related to the automobile insurance, and certainly they are the important channels that shall not be neglected. By taking Automobile Insurance - Body Damaged Coverage as the main object, this research makes a thorough analysis on the operation of the above-mentioned marketing channels, and explores all the possible moral hazard stemmed from different channels. To eliminate the moral hazards and the claim insufficiency, this research submits certain recommendation to the regulatory authority and the insurance industry in order to achieve sound development of the automobile insurance market. Key words: Automobile Insurance、Moral Hazard、Marketing Channel、Automobile Dealer、Merchant、Forwarding Agent、Vehicle-Inspection Workshop

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Wisconsin--Madison, 1996.<br>Typescript. Vita. eContent provider-neutral record in process. Description based on print version record. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 121-128).

Tese de doutoramento em Sistemas Sustentáveis de Energia, apresentada ao Departamento de Mecânica da Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia da Universidade de Coimbra<br>Due to the scarcity of fossil fuels and the environmental problems arising from its use and exploitation, countries are opting for developing technologies based on renewable sources as alternatives to satisfy the growing energy demand. Among the renewable energy technologies, in some countries solar energy seems to be a promising solution to meet the energy supply due to its abundance and non-polluting character. Based on solar energy industrial applications, the Concentrated Solar Power Systems (CSP) option is growing both in number of solar power plants and installed capacity, impacting also substantially in job generation. Among the CSP technologies that are dominating the market, are central receiver systems (CRS). CRS requires the use of heliostats to reflect solar radiation in its surfaces in order to concentrate it in a receiver. This process results in a considerable amount of concentrated solar radiation (visible light, infrared and ultraviolet radiation) inside and in the neighborhood of the installations. Usually solar power plants are located in sunny environments due to requirements for power generation. Meanwhile, as the ozone layer damage has been exceeding its natural restoration, a growing level of UV radiation reaches the surface of the Earth where solar industry working force will be facing new risks. Some previous studies have provided information about exposure to high levels of solar radiation, indicating that it may negatively influence the biological system. Working population performing activities outdoors and exposed to solar radiation may meet health impairments on skin, eyes and nervous system. The excess of light due to both the reflection of the sun light on the heliostats' surface and the brightness of the receiver is considered as a possible situation of risk for the eyes. The OSHA defined dehydration, heat exhaustion, heat stroke as consequences of exposures to heat. These impairments on health may also negatively impact the performance of the workers and, simultaneously, decrease their productivity. This work aims to contribute with crucial information about the environmental conditions in solar energy facilities. In addition, the exposures to solar radiation in a case study, a CRS facility in an experimental solar facility in Mexico, are assessed. The research briefly outlines the relation between solar effects on eyes, skin and nervous system subjected to momentary and cumulative exposures. It also addresses the Methodology and safety doses. An assessment of eye, skin and level of heat stress on working population, based on solar radiation measurements was carried and results are presented and discussed. The main objective is to contribute with information directed to environmental scientists, standard developers and the solar industry. This way it will be possible to improve/develop procedures directed toward the occupational health and safety within solar energy industry.<br>Devido aos problemas ambientais decorrentes do uso e exploração de combustíveis fósseis, os países têm optado pelo desenvolvimento de tecnologias baseadas em fontes renováveis como alternativas para alcançar a crescente procura de energia. Entre as tecnologias de energia renovável, em alguns países, a energia solar parece ser uma solução promissora para garantir o fornecimento de energia devido à sua abundância e ao seu carácter não poluente. Com base em aplicações industriais de energia solar, os sistemas de energia solar concentrada (CSP, siglas em inglês) estão a crescer em número de centrais de energia solar e em capacidade instalada, tendo um impacto substancial na criação de empregos. Entre as tecnologias CSP que dominam o mercado, está a tecnologia denominada, sistemas recetores centrais (siglas em inglês, CRS). O CRS requer o uso de helióstatos para refletir a radiação solar nas suas superfícies, de modo a concentrá-la num preceptor. Este processo resulta numa quantidade considerável de radiação solar concentrada (luz visível, infravermelho e ultravioleta) dentro e nas imediações das instalações. Normalmente, as centrais de energia solar estão localizadas em ambientes ensolarados devido aos requisitos de geração de energia. Entretanto, como os danos da camada de ozono excedem a sua restauração natural, um nível crescente de radiação UV atinge a superfície da Terra onde o público trabalhador da indústria solar enfrentará novos riscos. Alguns estudos anteriores forneceram informações sobre a exposição a altos níveis de radiação solar. Indicando que estes podem influenciar negativamente o sistema biológico. A população trabalhadora que realiza atividades ao ar livre, expostas tais quantidades elevadas de radiação solar, pode enfrentar deficiências de saúde na pele, nos olhos e no sistema nervoso. O excesso de luz devido ao reflexo da luz do sol sobre a superfície dos helióstatos e o brilho do recetor são considerados possíveis situações de risco para o olho. A OSHA definiu a desidratação, a exaustão por calor, e a insolação como consequências das exposições ao calor. Estes efeitos nefastos na saúde também podem afetar negativamente o desempenho do trabalhador, diminuindo a sua produtividade. Este trabalho tem como objetivo contribuir com informações sobre as condições do meio ambiente nas instalações de energia solar. Como exemplo de aplicação, as condições de exposição à radiação solar em um CRS são apresentadas e avaliadas num caso de estudo realizado numa instalação solar experimental no México. Neste trabalho descreve-se, brevemente, a relação de efeitos solares nos olhos, pele, e sistema nervoso quando submetidos a exposições momentâneas e cumulativas. Apresenta-se a metodologia de estudo e as doses de segurança. É prevista uma avaliação do olho, pele e nível de estresse térmico na população trabalhadora, com base em medições de radiação solar. Os resultados serão apresentados e discutidos na seção final da análise do caso de estudo. O presente trabalho tem como principal objetivo contribuir com informações dirigidas a cientistas ambientais, criadores de normas, e à indústria solar, para que se possam melhorar/desenvolver procedimentos direcionados para a saúde e segurança ocupacional no setor de energia solar.<br>CONACYT (Concejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología) PhD grant 218563 No.314149 Mexican National Council for Science and technology<br>LAETA (Associated Laboratory for Energy, Transports and Aeronautics) Project PestE/EME/LA0022/201

碩士<br>世新大學<br>公共關係暨廣告學研究所(含碩專班)<br>104<br>Tobacco hazard prevention has been a serious issue among the world including Taiwan. For example, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taiwan’s government in charge of health for the public, and the nonprofit association, John Tung Foundation, have helped pass the Tobacco Hazards Prevention Act and Health and Welfare Surcharge of Tobacco Products. Meanwhile, they communicated cigarette-related news via mass media in an intention to improve smokers' attitude and behavior toward their own health. Recently, social media has also been adopted in health communication due to its popularity, which increases the attention in academic field. However, relevant studies in Taiwan have focused on its effectiveness and evaluation from the perspective of social marketing. Very few studies concentrated on the health-related message creation, message communication strategy, and post type and form on social media, not to mention its influence on the audience. Thus, the gap must be bridged. This study tried to realize the tobacco-related message on Facebook Fan Page of Ministry of Health and Welfare and John Tung Foundation by exploring the message issue, message post form, promotion and issue endorsement, message narratives, the subject to message appeals, message appeals, social support in message, users’ social support and feedback. Last, the study also analyzed 129 messages from Ministry of Health and Welfare and 664 from John Tung Foundation and came up with 5 main results: 1) The tobacco prevention messages content from both pages are identical but Ministry of Health and Welfare emphasize one-way promotion. 2) The message post forms are diverse, drifted away from simple text or hyperlink. 3) The message source and endorsement are of little difference between the two pages. Endorsement is suggested to vary due to different target audience. 4) Both of the two pages mainly rely on rational appeal while emotional appeal subsidiary. John Tung Foundation uses Fear appeals more often. 5) Social support and feedback engagement are lacking, which makes Facebook a one-way communication tool. The study ends up by giving suggestions to the academic and practical field based on the results and conclusions in an expectation to strengthen practical field for effectively improve audience’s health attitude and behavior.