Order picking is considered one of the most time-consuming operations in picker-to-parts warehouses. Accordingly, more emphasis has been given to the task of improving the efficiency of order picking systems in general, and the required traveled distance during the order picking operation, specifically. In this thesis, we focus on two main factors that significantly affect the efficiency of order picking systems: the assignment storage policies, including the full-turnover, nearest-location and random storage policies; and the warehouse layout structure, in terms of the depth and the number of storage aisles. We investigate the combined effects of these two factors on the order picking travel distance. While previous research compares the full-turnover to the random storage policy, we compare the performance of the full-turnover policy to the nearest-location and random storage policies over various warehouse layout alternatives. For this purpose, we present a methodology for estimating order picking travel distance in a single-block, open-ended warehouse, under the assumptions of S-shape routing and discrete order policies.

This thesis proposes a framework that combines a mode choice model with a large scaled agent-based multimodal traffic microsimulation. Both components are discussed with respect to their development as separate entities. The mode choice model uses a formulation that explicitly considers latent modal captivity despite using conventional travel survey data. An existing multimodal microsimulation traffic assignment model used in the study area is enhanced and partially calibrated for use with the MATSIM traffic assignment tool. Both of the components are then tested independently in terms of statistical and behavioral validity and a conceptual procedure to test the implications of the mode choice model on mode switching behaviour within the traffic assignment model is presented. Other applications of both the travel assignment model and mode choice model are discussed. In order for the framework to become operational, further development with respect to the traffic assignment model is required.

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This Master's Thesis offers a study of the works of Swiss travel narratives' writer Nicolas Bouvier (1929-1998). Bouvier develops a poetics that defines the practical rules of his travels as well as the aesthetic rules of his writing. / These rules form a whole that can be named poetics of transparency and divided into two complementary poles, each linked to themes and images of disappearance or apparition. Both are oriented towards one single goal: to make the world visible for the reader. Seemingly contradictory, the two movements of Bouvier's project are connected by a polyphonic worldview, mirrored in narratives by the interweaving of multiple voices. / Bouvier's work is a model of the travel narrative's evolution in the XXth century. Compared to travel writings of the classical and romantic periods, it appears as a reversed interpretation of the genre's codes, leading it to explore the possibilities of grasping a world poetic rather than objective.

The overall purpose of this study was to better understand why youth travellers are visiting Manitoba. A web-survey was administered to visitors of the Hostelling International - Canada, Manitoba Region website. Youth leisure travellers planning to visit Manitoba were found to be between 24 and 28 years of age, mostly from Canada and Australia, not students, but educated and employed, with between $501 and $3,500 available for travel purposes. Respondents’ travel plans were found to include; travel alone or with one other person, an average stay of 5 days planned for Manitoba, travel by rented vehicle or by bus, and the use of the internet, guidebooks and family and friends as information sources prior to travel. Dominant motives for travel to Manitoba were uncovered, and relationships of Manitoba specific travel motives were found with several demographic and travel characteristics. The results of this study can be used by the Manitoba tourism sector to market Manitoba travel experiences and to emphasize how they cater to one or more dominant travel motives. This will enable them to better attract and satisfy their customers.

This thesis proposes a framework that combines a mode choice model with a large scaled agent-based multimodal traffic microsimulation. Both components are discussed with respect to their development as separate entities. The mode choice model uses a formulation that explicitly considers latent modal captivity despite using conventional travel survey data. An existing multimodal microsimulation traffic assignment model used in the study area is enhanced and partially calibrated for use with the MATSIM traffic assignment tool. Both of the components are then tested independently in terms of statistical and behavioral validity and a conceptual procedure to test the implications of the mode choice model on mode switching behaviour within the traffic assignment model is presented. Other applications of both the travel assignment model and mode choice model are discussed. In order for the framework to become operational, further development with respect to the traffic assignment model is required.

The purpose of this research is to investigate the relationships between the movement time, travel speed and occupant density during trial evacuations, particularly for theatre-type rooms. The study mainly focuses on crowd movement behaviour within a restricted space and covers aspects of human behaviour and issues needed to be considered in terms of the characteristics of lecture theatres. A set of experiments were carried out in three building blocks at the University of Canterbury in order to obtain the actual data for analysis. The number of students evacuating from each exit and the evacuation time were recorded, and their movement behaviour was monitored by video camera. Based on the experimental data, a numerical analysis was undertaken to formulate an equation for the prediction of evacuation time applying to lecture theatres. The developed equation was compared with other available relationships from the literature. An evacuation model under development, named EvacuatioNZ, was applied to simulate the experiments and the results were compared with the experimental data. The comparison showed that the developed equation showed a better performance in predicting evacuation time of lecture theatres than other available methods however, had some limitations. The EvauctioNZ model was able to be improved by using an alternative geometry input but was still not as accurate as the developed method. A recommended modification of the model was presented for improvement.

Au Québec, en 2007, plus de 1 384 000 voyages internationaux ont été effectués. Ce nombre est 50 % plus élevé qu'il ne l'était en 2000. Conséquemment, le comité consultatif québécois sur la santé des voyageurs (CCQSV) a émis, comme priorité en 2008, de dresser un portrait actuel de l'épidémiologie et du fardeau lié aux maladies acquises en voyage. OBJECTIFS Décrire l'épidémiologie des 4 maladies à l'étude au Québec, entre 2004 et 2007. Secondairement, comparer certains résultats avec une étude antérieure pour 3 de ces maladies et valider une variable nommée "ÉPISODE ACQUIS HORS QUÉBEC" ajoutée au fichier provincial des maladies à déclaration obligatoire (MADO) en 2003. DEVIS : Étude descriptive transversale des cas de fièvre typhoïde, d'hépatite A, de malaria et de shigellose. DONNÉES ET MÉTHODOLOGIE: Les cas des quatre maladies à l'étude, inscrits dans le fichier MADO, entre les années 2004 et 2007, ont été analysés avec l'information disponible dans les enquêtes épidémiologiques. Pour les cas de shigellose, un échantillonnage a eu lieu. Les variables ont été colligées par un seul évaluateur à l'aide d'une grille pré-testée. La qualité des données a été validée par une double collecte et une double saisie. Lorsque possible, les données concernant l'ensemble des voyageurs, et non seulement les cas, ont été tirées des données sur les voyages internationaux de STATISTIQUE CANADA. La sensibilité et la spécificité de la variable "épisode acquis hors Québec" ont été calculées en comparant l'information inscrite au fichier MADO avec celle des questionnaires d'enquête épidémiologique des directions de santé publique, considérés comme l'étalon or. L'étude de Provost et al. (2006) a été utilisée aux fins de comparaisons. RÉSULTATS: La proportion de cas liés aux voyages a été calculée : malaria (78,3 %), fièvre typhoïde (73,4 %), shigellose (50 %) et hépatite A (35,8 %). Le nombre de cas déclarés durant la période varie de 55 cas pour la fièvre typhoïde à 760 cas pour la shigellose. L'incidence annuelle moyenne (par 100 000 personnes) liée aux voyages pour la période 2004-2007 est de 0,59 pour la malaria, 0,13 pour la fièvre typhoïde, 0,49 pour la shigellose et 0,44 pour l'hépatite A. Les immigrants qui retournent visiter la famille et les amis (VFA). sont importants en proportion chez les cas de malaria (52,9 %). Les cas d'hépatite A surviennent davantage durant les voyages de plus de deux semaines (75,6 %). Une proportion importante des cas d'hépatite A provient de l'Afrique (28,3 %). Le sous-continent indien obtient le rapport du nombre de cas sur le nombre de voyages le plus élevé pour la fièvre typhoïde, l'hépatite A et la shigellose. La shigellose se démarque des autres maladies avec une majorité de cas chez les touristes (76,1 %) et les cas surviennent principalement lors de courts séjours d'une semaine ou moins (39,6 %). La variable "ÉPISODE ACQUIS HORS QUÉBEC" du fichier MADO présente encore une proportion importante de dossiers ou l'information est inconnue (28,6 %) pour les maladies à l'étude. En excluant les données inconnues, la variable présente une sensibilité de 97,5 % et une spécificité de 98,5 %. Comparativement à la période 2000-2002, la proportion de cas chez les VFA a augmentée pour la malaria et la fièvre typhoïde. La proportion de cas de malaria contractés en Afrique sub-saharienne a aussi augmentée (87,2 % vs 72 % en 2000-2002). CONCLUSIONS Les 4 maladies à l'étude sont encore des maladies fréquentes chez les voyageurs internationaux québécois. Les voyageurs à destination de l'Afrique et du sous-continent indien méritent une attention spéciale, tout particulièrement les voyageurs du type VFA. Les touristes devraient être avisés du risque de shigellose malgré la vaccination contre d'autres maladies. Il est recommandé d'uniformiser le format des questionnaires d'enquête au niveau provincial et de sensibiliser les professionnels à l'importance de saisir le pays d'acquisition au fichier MADO. Malgré l'excellente sensibilité et spécificité de la variable, il est conseillé de l'utiliser avec prudence.

This thesis presents the design of an interactive tool to improve elders’ social interactions. First, we studied the social interactions of the elderly. These interactions often diminish as elders experience dynamic physical, social, and cognitive decline. We examined how technology might extend these diminishing social interactions. We looked for the ways to minimize the technological barriers faced by the elderly in order to more easily integrate the technology into their lives. The final design focused on social interaction through travel and knowledge of a place. It is a service called ‘My City Counselor’, which allows elders to share their knowledge about local places they know well. This tool is designed to support the elderly in building new relationships or in maintaining close existing relationships by providing useful local information or by sharing common memories.

No description available.