This thesis attempts to analyze spatial perception for navigation in a virtual arena and to cover neuronal basics of distance estimation. For this purpose, we created a virtual version of Hidden goal task which is an analogy to Morris water maze. The thesis presents results of the experiment with removing orientation cues in a circular arena. The aim of the experiment was to determine, if the assumption of Cognitive mapping theory about orientation cues equivalence is valid for our arena. Experiment outcome indicates that the accuracy of goal position estimation is not only influenced by the number of cues but also by the individual hierarchy of the cues. The hierarchy emerges from the distance of the cue from the goal, although in some cases it can be affected by an outstanding identity of the particular cue. These findings are a basis for the experiment utilizing the functional magnetic resonance method to determine neuronal basics for estimating distances in virtual arena in both the egocentric and allocentric reference frame. Results support the findings of the cited papers about the participation of occipital and parietal lobe in estimating object distance in space. Comparison of the two reference frames showed that whereas the egocentric estimation is related to activity in premotor cortex,...

Demonstrations are considered an important illustrative tool in chemistry education. Quite often teachers use demonstrations of experiments and multimedia demonstrations. Besides, "non-experimental" demonstrations might also be useful, such as material models and demonstrations based on macroscopic analogy that can be usually carried out only with household items and materials. This dissertation is especially aimed at selecting appropriate demonstrations, at their design, development and use of "non-experimental" demonstrations. Moreover, special attention was paid to the interdisciplinary demonstrations concerning the nanoworld, so called "nanodemonstrations". All "nanodemonstrations" presented are safe, cheap and rather timesaving. Furthermore, they can be carried out in a form of lecture and / or students' demonstration. Newly created as well as adopted (and modified) "nanodemonstrations" were collected into the Czech database of "nanodemonstrations". The database was additionally accompanied with following educational materials concerning "nano": two PowerPoint presentations, worksheets that supplement students' "nanodemonstrations" and worksheets with interdisciplinary tasks. This thesis also deals with the evaluation of "nanodemonstrations" and worksheets in secondary school classes. The...

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This study proposes novel optimization methodologies for the optimization of problems that reveal non-physical step discontinuities. More specifically, it is proposed to use gradient-only techniques that do not use any zeroth order information at all for step discontinuous problems. A step discontinuous problem of note is the shape optimization problem in the presence of remeshing strategies, since changes in mesh topologies may - and normally do - introduce non-physical step discontinuities. These discontinuities may in turn manifest themselves as non-physical local minima in which optimization algorithms may become trapped. Conventional optimization approaches for step discontinuous problems include evolutionary strategies, and design of experiment (DoE) techniques. These conventional approaches typically rely on the exclusive use of zeroth order information to overcome the discontinuities, but are characterized by two important shortcomings: Firstly, the computational demands of zero order methods may be very high, since many function values are in general required. Secondly, the use of zero order information only does not necessarily guarantee that the algorithms will not terminate in highly unfit local minima. In contrast, the methodologies proposed herein use only first order information, rather than only zeroth order information. The motivation for this approach is that associated gradient information in the presence of remeshing remains accurately and uniquely computable, notwithstanding the presence of discontinuities. From a computational effort point of view, a gradient-only approach is of course comparable to conventional gradient based techniques. In addition, the step discontinuities do not manifest themselves as local minima. / Thesis (PhD)--University of Pretoria, 2010. / Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering / unrestricted

In dieser Dissertationsschrift wird ein Design-Science-Ansatz unternommen zur Analyse der IT-Unterstützung mobiler Gesundheitsdienstleister. Dabei wurde für das Forschungsfeld E-Health bzw. M-Health an der Schnittstelle von Gesundheits- und Wirtschaftsinformatik ein Ausbau der Prozessorientierung untersucht. Daraus resultierten basierend auf einer Analogie zum technischen Außendienst in sechs wissenschaftlichen Erst- und Koautorenschaften des Verfassers (siehe Tabelle 3 sowie Literaturverzeichnis für bibliographische Details) Artefakte und Gestaltungswissen. Mit deren Hilfe können komplexe Versorgungsabläufe als Hilfestellung für Rettungs- oder ambulante Pflegekräfte IT-gestützt auf modernen tragbaren Endgeräten, wie Smartphones mit Touchscreen, zur Verfügung gestellt werden, unter anderem zum Ausbau evidenzbasierten Handelns. Die Resultate werden weiterhin in einem Ordnungsrahmen für Gestaltungswissen lokalisiert, so dass diesbezügliche Erkenntnisse auch andernorts leicht wiederverwendet werden können. Bisherige Evaluationen des Konzepts und eines bereits vorliegenden Prototyps, insbesondere mit Anwenderzielgruppen, erbrachten positive Resultate bzw. Rückmeldungen hinsichtlich der Akzeptanz, so dass dieser für eine praktische Implementierung weiter vorbereitet werden kann.

The theme of this doctoral thesis is the design of concrete shell structures with the focus on finding their optimal shape. The optimal shape of a concrete shell is the shape in which for a given load (usually the dead weight of the structure) no significant bending moments are generated in the shell and the structure is in the so-called membrane state. The inspiration for this thesis is the work of Swiss engineer Heinz Isler, who developed the shapes of shell structures using model tests of appropriately loaded flexible membranes. He developed the shell structure for large spans by inverting the resultant shape, which carried its weight almost entirely via membrane forces. The numerical solution of the above experiments using Midas Civil is presented herein. The basic principles of the method are demonstrated on the example of sagged cable. The numerically found shapes are compared with the analytical solution. A shell is designed based on the numerically found shapes and its stress response to dead load is described, particularly in relation to the membrane action. In the next part, the acquired knowledge and methods were used to design three relatively complicated shell structures. Each structure was statically analysed and its static behaviour was described. Structures with perfectly rigid or flexible supports, which simulate real behaviour of the supports, were studied. In the final phase, the results of static analysis of the selected shell were experimentally verified on a physical model in a scale of 1: 55.56. The model has been built using 3D printing. The thesis describes the use of a modelling similarity, the model design, the production process, and the experiment. The load test confirmed the optimal design of the shell structure and the validity of the numerical method for finding their shapes.

This doctoral thesis focuses on the research of the pedestrian bridges formed by the flat arch. To understand the basic static behaviour of the flat arch it was necessary to make a study of the development of the direct flat arch as footbridge with large span and the impact of stiffness on its camber. For the mathematical modeling FEM software ANSYS were used. The calculation has shown that a design of purely concrete flat arch would demand enormous bending stiffness, which can be achieved only through a massive cross-section. The findings gained in this chapter were further used to design a unique pedestrian bridge formed by the curved in plan flat arch, where to transfer of the large bending moments a steel pipe was designed. Several variants with different span and rise of the arch in plan were tested. From the tested variants was then selected footbridge with a span of 45 m and with the rise of the arch 10 m, which seemed to be the best solution according to the calculations and it was further analyzed in detail. The studied structure is formed by curved concrete slab that is stiffened through the steel brackets on the inner side of a steel tube with a graded thickness. The external cables that are situated in the handrail pipe balance the dead load torsional moment. Designed structure and the static analysis procedure were verified on a fully functional 1:6 scale model. The thesis describes the model analogy used for the design of the model, its structural design and its implementation. Load tests on the model confirmed correctness of the design of the proposed curved in plan pedestrian bridge, its high carrying capacity and the accuracy of the developed procedure of static analysis. Results and experiences acquired from the design and the realization of model are the basis for a practical realization of studied structures. The last part of the thesis deals with the possibility of replacement of the steel components with concrete in pedestrian bridges formed

The aim of the doctoral thesis focuses on the static and dynamic analysis of a plan curved cable stayed and suspension pedestrian bridges suspended on a single-side of their deck. The first part of this thesis deals with an analysis of the equilibrium in the transversal direction of a deck cross section suspended on a single-side. The section and its arrangement should be designed so that the torsion caused by the deck self-weight and dead load would be minimal. This theory was verified on a simple study of a single-sided suspended section with and without prestressing. Second part of the thesis deals with the design of a study of a plan curved cable stayed pedestrian bridge. The study describes in detail a finding of an initial state of the structure and the static and dynamic analysis performed by software ANSYS. The static analysis describes the response of the structure on the most frequent variable loads only, but not design of dimensioning according to the valid codes. The dynamic analysis verifies a predisposition of the structure to the vibrations and others harmful oscillation effects. The next objective of the thesis was to design a study of a plan curved suspension pedestrian bridge suspended on a single-side. A process of an analysis of these structures has not found in any available references. Especially, the finding of an initial state of a suspension cable has not been documented anywhere and by anybody. The study was analyzed with the same geometry as the cable stayed variation in order to compare both structures. The static and dynamic analysis was performed, too. The last part of the thesis describes the verification of structural solution on a fully functional model in a 1:10 scale, proposed process of the initial state finding, response of the structures on the loading and ultimate load test. The important step is the comparison of the results of the completed physical model and the calculation model.

The theme of this doctoral thesis is research of footbridges curved in plan that are formed by stress ribbon. Recently, several noteworthy curved pedestrian bridges, which decks are suspended on their inner edges on suspension or stay cables, have been constructed. However, curved stress ribbon bridges have not been built so far. The goal of this study was to answer the question whether the use of curved stress ribbon structures is even possible. For this reason, in the first stage feasibility study of these structures has been prepared. Knowledge of both curved pedestrian bridges, which decks are suspended on their inner edge and straight stress ribbon has been used. For the mathematical modeling FEM software ANSYS was used. The obtained findings were further used to design a new type of a modern, aesthetic curved bridge for pedestrians. The structure is formed by slender reinforced deck, which is through the steel brackets on the inner side stiffened by steel section. Torsion of the deck, caused by curved structure and asymmetrical cross-section, is reduced by cable situated in the handrail. Footbridge span is 45 m, arc camber in plan is 10 m, free bridge width is 3 m. Described is a general structure effect, detail static and dynamic analysis was carried out. Designed structure including construction stages were experimentally verified on a fully physical functional 1:6 scale model. The thesis describes the model analogy used for the design of the model, its structural design and its implementation. The model was subjected to a series of load tests including the final ultimate strength test. Performed tests confirmed the good match of calculation with the reality, correctness of the design and high resistance of designed construction. Acquired results and experiences from design and realization of model form the basis for practical realization of studied structures.

Innovative Lösungsprinzipien auf andere Lebens- und Wirtschaftsbereiche zu übertragen, ist eine sich wiederholende Herausforderung in Wissenschaft und Praxis. In der vorliegenden Arbeit werden Kooperationsphänomene der Erwerbs- und Bedarfswirtschaften thematisiert. Es wird der Frage nachgegangen, ob die Gestalt und Organisation eines Kooperationsphänomens systematisch mit deskriptiv-analytischen Untersuchungsmethoden (Systemtheorie und Morphologie) beschrieben und bereichsübergreifend, unter Einbeziehung individueller Besonderheiten, übertragen werden kann. Das Vorhaben wird als Analogiebildung verstanden. Ein Schema zur Analogiebildung für Kooperationsphänomene wird entwickelt. Zur Validierung des Schemas wird als Analogiequelle das Organisationskonzept der Zwei-Ebenen-Kooperation ausgewählt, welches ursprünglich für Produktionsnetze konzipiert wurde und sich insbesondere auf Klein- und Mikrounternehmen ausrichtet. Als Empfänger wird der Bereich der dezentralen Energieversorgung festgelegt, in dem sich verstärkt kooperative Organisationsformen einer selbstbestimmten, kooperativen und bürgernahen dezentralen Energieversorgung herausbilden. Auf der Grundlage der Analogiebetrachtung aus dem Bereich der Produktionsnetze wird ein neuartiges, kooperatives Organisationskonzept für die dezentrale Energieversorgung entworfen. Die Arbeit wird damit interessant für alle, die an einer systematischen Übertragung von Wissen zur Gestalt und Organisation von Kooperationsphänomenen und der Ausgestaltung eines kooperativen Organisationskonzeptes für die dezentrale Energieversorgung interessiert sind.