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With the recent developments of several bridge managements systems and their wide-spread use, bridge engineers are realizing the importance of systematic and well planned investments and appropriate management. However the results are far from satisfactory. Bridge management systems need more effective policy analysis tools that can take advantage of the vast amounts of available information to be more efficient. The objective of this research is to develop a policy analysis tool, which is generic in nature and can be applied to any bridge management system provided all the appropriate data is available. In particular, this policy analysis tool is geared to suit policy making, planning and budgeting for the interstate bridges in the state of Virginia. The policy analysis tool developed in this research is a discrete event simulation model capable of extracting information from text files in the Pontis Data Interchange format and simulate user defined element level policies. The model testing was performed using the interstate bridges of the Salem district in Virginia. All the relevant information was extracted from their PONTIS databases. Several scenarios with varying network policies were simulated. The results indicate the validity and the accuracy of the model. The policy analysis tool is a useful addition to the existing policy analysis tools and is capable of handling probabilistic distributions of data instead of single value averages. This will enable the tool to capture more information thereby making the simulation model more realistic. The general framework that was developed here can be applied to any infrastructure problem, and eventually it should be possible to achieve a discrete event simulation based integrated infrastructure management system. / Master of Science

In dieser Grundlagenstudie wird evaluiert wie präzise 3D-Gesichtsaufnahmen eines Patientenkollektivs mit einer Lippen-, Kiefer-, Gaumenspalte mit dem 3D-Bildaufnahmesystem Vectra M3 (Canfield) und der Analysesoftware Facial Analysis Tool (FAT), entwickelt in der Abteilung MKG der Universität Leipzig, analysiert werden können. Im ersten Studienabschnitt werden 3D-Gesichtsaufnahmen von 3 Patienten und einem Modellkopf erstellt und für 62 manuell festgelegte Landmarken (LM) 10-mal die x-, y-, z-Koordinaten bestimmt. Die statistisch ermittelten prozentualen Variationskoeffizienten und die FAT-Beurteilungen der Messdaten werden graphisch verglichen und zeigen eine gute Übereinstimmung. Die Präzision der LM-Positionierungen ist Landmarken-abhängig Im zweiten Abschnitt werden an 91 Patienten mit unterschiedlichen Spaltdiagnosen jeweils 146 Distanzen aus LM und auch konstruierten Punkten mittels FAT ermittelt. Die prozentualen Variationskoeffizienten der Messdaten der Patientenkollektive werden nach Spaltdiagnose (beid-, rechts-, linksseitiger LKG-Spalte und Minimalvarianten), nach Geschlecht und Alter (≤ , >16 Jahre) graphisch ausgewertet. Die Variationskoeffizienten der Distanzen innerhalb einer Patientengruppe sind vergleichsweise hoch, insbesondere im Nasen- / Mundbereich mit kleinen Distanzen. Eine Differenzierung nach Geschlecht und Alter ist nicht möglich. Im dritten Abschnitt werden Symmetrieindizes für 36 Distanzen von den nach Spaltdiagnose gruppierten 91 Patienten errechnet und graphisch ausgewertet. Die Patienten mit einer einseitigen Anomalie weisen im Nasen- / Mundbereich eine erhöhte Asymmetrie auf. Bei den Patienten mit rechtsseitiger LKG-Spalte sind die Distanzen in der rechten Gesichtshälfte des fehlgebildeten Bereichs im Mittel größer als in der linken, bei linksseitiger LKG-Spalte sich diese Verhältnisse umgekehrt.

Video analysis and visualization are widely used in various applications, including sports analysis, video surveillance and medical imaging. This study investigates the use of video visualization as a tool in the field of shooting. The study aims to answer the question: "What can be a good visualization strategy for video-based shooting analysis?". To answer this question, a software, using video visualization to analyze shooting videos, was created. The visualized videos were then tested by both inexperienced individuals and shooting experts. The implementation steps of the project consisted of recording shooting videos followed by implementing the visualizations. Object detection was used to track the shooting target and extract data. Displayed on the visualized videos were colored markings to show the locations of the aimpoint of the gun and the target. The data extracted was used to show graphs of relevant shooting metrics. The user tests focused on collecting quantitative and qualitative data from the users. The testers reacted positively to the use of visualized videos as a tool for analysing shooting performance. The analysis of the testers responses suggests that video visualization is an effective tool for analyzing shooting videos and holds great promise for future research in the field of shooting. The program implemented in the study has good potential for being used as a tool for improving shooting strategies.

This thesis presents a new testbed for Automatic Incident Detection (AID) systems that uses real-time traffic video and data feeds from the Ministry of Transportation, Ontario (MTO) COMPASS Advanced Traffic Management System (ATMS). This new testbed, termed the AID Comparison and Analysis Tool (AID CAAT), consists largely of a data warehouse storing a significant amount of traffic video, the corresponding traffic data and an accurate log of incident start/end times. An evaluation was conducted whereby the AID CAAT was used to calibrate, and then analyze the performance of four AID systems: California Algorithm 8, McMaster Algorithm, the Genetic Adaptive Incident Detection (GAID) Algorithm and the Citilog - VisioPAD. The traditional measures of effectiveness (MOE) were initially used for this evaluation: detection rate (DR), false alarm rate (FAR), and mean time to detection (MTTD). However, an in-depth analysis of the test results (facilitated by the AID CAAT) revealed the need for two additional MOEs: False Normal Rate and Nuisance Rate. The justification and sample calculations for these new MOEs are also provided. This evaluation shows the considerable advantages of the AID CAAT, and also suggests the strengths and weaknesses of the AID systems tested. / Thesis / Master of Applied Science (MASc)

In dieser Grundlagenstudie wird evaluiert wie präzise 3D-Gesichtsaufnahmen eines Patientenkollektivs mit einer Lippen-, Kiefer-, Gaumenspalte mit dem 3D-Bildaufnahmesystem Vectra M3 (Canfield) und der Analysesoftware Facial Analysis Tool (FAT), entwickelt in der Abteilung MKG der Universität Leipzig, analysiert werden können. Im ersten Studienabschnitt werden 3D-Gesichtsaufnahmen von 3 Patienten und einem Modellkopf erstellt und für 62 manuell festgelegte Landmarken (LM) 10-mal die x-, y-, z-Koordinaten bestimmt. Die statistisch ermittelten prozentualen Variationskoeffizienten und die FAT-Beurteilungen der Messdaten werden graphisch verglichen und zeigen eine gute Übereinstimmung. Die Präzision der LM-Positionierungen ist Landmarken-abhängig Im zweiten Abschnitt werden an 91 Patienten mit unterschiedlichen Spaltdiagnosen jeweils 146 Distanzen aus LM und auch konstruierten Punkten mittels FAT ermittelt. Die prozentualen Variationskoeffizienten der Messdaten der Patientenkollektive werden nach Spaltdiagnose (beid-, rechts-, linksseitiger LKG-Spalte und Minimalvarianten), nach Geschlecht und Alter (≤ , >16 Jahre) graphisch ausgewertet. Die Variationskoeffizienten der Distanzen innerhalb einer Patientengruppe sind vergleichsweise hoch, insbesondere im Nasen- / Mundbereich mit kleinen Distanzen. Eine Differenzierung nach Geschlecht und Alter ist nicht möglich. Im dritten Abschnitt werden Symmetrieindizes für 36 Distanzen von den nach Spaltdiagnose gruppierten 91 Patienten errechnet und graphisch ausgewertet. Die Patienten mit einer einseitigen Anomalie weisen im Nasen- / Mundbereich eine erhöhte Asymmetrie auf. Bei den Patienten mit rechtsseitiger LKG-Spalte sind die Distanzen in der rechten Gesichtshälfte des fehlgebildeten Bereichs im Mittel größer als in der linken, bei linksseitiger LKG-Spalte sich diese Verhältnisse umgekehrt.

Examensarbete beskriver hur ett analysverktyg har skapats för materialförbrukningen på Motorunderhållsavdelningen på Volvo Aero Corporation. Analysverktyget tar fram snittlistor och inköpslistor till motorn PW100. Dokumentering vid skapandet av analysverktyget sker i sju delar. Genom att skapa ett analysverktyg kan de strategiska materialplanerarna på Volvo Aero lätt generera en snittlista eller en inköpslista som baseras på historisk data. Tidigare var de strategiska materialplanerana tvungna att beräkna snittlistor manuellt och mycket handpåläggning gjorde att resultatet inte alltid var pålitligt. En förstudie gjordes för att få en bättre inblick i den nuvarande organisationen och hur arbetet styrs på motorunderhållsavdelningen på Volvo Aero. Intervjuer utfördes löpande samtidigt som en litteraturstudie inom området logistik gjordes. Detta för att få tillräckligt med kunskap till att skapa ett analysverktyg utifrån behov. En kravspecifikation togs fram för att bestämma vad analysverktyget skall innehålla för funktioner. Eftersom en stor mängd data hanterades användes Microsoft Access. Data hämtades från databasen SAP. Analysverktyget är uppbygd i tre delar: 1. Snittlista: Visar den genomsnittliga förbrukningen av material för vald motortyp och underhållstyp. 2. Lagersaldo: Kontrollerar vad som finns i lager utifrån vald motortyp och underhållstyp. Nya och begagnade delar är valbara. 3. Inkommande material: Visar material som inte har levererats in utifrån vald motortyp och underhållstyp. Utifrån dessa tre delar skapades en inköpslista. Inköpslistan innehåller motortyp, materialnummer, materialbeskrivning, kvantitet, pris och ABC-klassifikation. Noggrannare listor kan tas fram vilket leder till minskad kapitalbindning och en förbättrad leveransservice. Resultatet blir mer faktabaserat eftersom tidigare historik uttnyttjas. / The thesis report describes the way of creating an analysis tool for material consumption at the department of engine service at Volvo Aero Corporation. The analysis tool generates average lists and purchase lists for PW100 engine. The documentation of the analysis tool is described in seven parts. By using the tool the structural material planner can in an easy manner generate lists that are based on earlier historical data. Instead of creating lists manually the material planner can gain more accurate lists much faster. Previously there were no fact based results in comparison with today. Pre studies were made to gain a better insight of the current organization and processes at the engine service department. Interviews with staff as well literature studies in the field of storage and spare parts manage has given possibilities to create an analysis tool. Plan of requirements were created to specify the features of the analysis tool. The program Microsoft Access was chosen due to the amout of data to construct the analysis tool. All information was brought from the database SAP. The analysis tool was built in three integrated parts: 1. Average list: shows the average consumption of material for selected engine and maintenance type. 2. Stock status: checks the stock for material for selected engine and maintenance type. New and used material is selectable. 3. Incoming material: shows incoming material that is undelivered for selected engine and maintenance type. By these three integrated parts the analysis tool generates a purchase list. The list contains engine type, material number, material description, quantity, price and ABC-classification. By implementing the analysis tool in the daily work purchases will be more accurate. Capital binding will decrease as well.

Harmonic distortion in a power system can excite non-characteristic harmonics from converter interfaced loads and generators which can then propagate back into the system, exciting other harmonics in the system. In this thesis, a harmonic analysis tool is presented that is designed to perform high accuracy, computationally efficient, steady-state harmonic analysis of distribution systems when multiple converter interfaced loads and generators exist in the system. The harmonic analysis tool requires less detail and engineering time than PSCAD/EMTDC while offering reliable assessment of harmonic coupling problems that are not captured by existing frequency-domain harmonic analysis tools. To do this, 5 harmonic models of common power electronic converter topologies were developed and implemented into this tool. The harmonic models are shown to be highly accurate; when tested in an unbalanced system with even and odd harmonic distortion, the harmonic models showed a maximum error of less than 0.4% when compared to PSCAD/EMTDC.

Harmonic distortion in a power system can excite non-characteristic harmonics from converter interfaced loads and generators which can then propagate back into the system, exciting other harmonics in the system. In this thesis, a harmonic analysis tool is presented that is designed to perform high accuracy, computationally efficient, steady-state harmonic analysis of distribution systems when multiple converter interfaced loads and generators exist in the system. The harmonic analysis tool requires less detail and engineering time than PSCAD/EMTDC while offering reliable assessment of harmonic coupling problems that are not captured by existing frequency-domain harmonic analysis tools. To do this, 5 harmonic models of common power electronic converter topologies were developed and implemented into this tool. The harmonic models are shown to be highly accurate; when tested in an unbalanced system with even and odd harmonic distortion, the harmonic models showed a maximum error of less than 0.4% when compared to PSCAD/EMTDC.

Thesis (MScEng)--University of Stellenbosch, 2001. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Recent advances in semiconductor technology extended the economic power range for DC transmission to just a few MW. Network planners need tools to compare AC and DC alternatives in order to find the best technical and economic solution for a specific network. TESAT, a software analysis tool, is developed to determine the optimum conductor and line technology for a network. Voltage regulation problems are identified and can be solved with network devices which have the potential to solve network problems more effectively and economically than ever before. PSAT, another software analysis tool developed in previous research, is used to model networks and support technologies. Hence, with the aid of TESAT and PSAT, line and support technologies are combined in an attempt to find the most effective solution in terms of cost and technical performance. This is demonstrated with the aid of a case study. Furthermore, interfaces between PSAT and the real world are developed. This includes an extension to the input interface of PSAT that calculates the equivalent impedances of a transmission line automatically, as well as an interface to share data between ReticMaster and PSAT. A dispersed generation and support technology database is also developed as an extension to the output interface ofPSAT. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Onlangse vooruitgang in halfgeleiertegnologie het tot gevolg dat GS transmissie ekonomies is vir slegs 'n paar MW. Netwerkbeplanners benodig gevolglik pakette om WS en GS alternatiewe te vergelyk vir 'n spesifieke netwerk. In hierdie tesis is 'n analitiese sagteware-pakket (TESAT) dus ontwikkelom die optimale geleier en lyntegnologie VIr 'n netwerk te bepaal. Spanningsregulasie-probleme word geïdentifiseer en opgelos met netwerktoestelle wat die potensiaal het om netwerkprobleme meer doeltreffend en ekonomies as ooit tevore op te los. PSAT, 'n ander analitiese sagteware-pakket wat in vorige navorsing ontwikkel is, word dan ook gebruik om netwerke en steuningstegnologieë te modelleer. Dus word PSA T en TESA T gebruik om lyn- en steuningstegnologieë te kombineer. Die doel hiervan is om die mees doeltreffende oplossing in terme van kostes en tegniese werksverrigting te vind. Dit word met behulp van 'n gevallestudie gedemonstreer. Verder word koppelvlakke tussen PSA T en die eksterne wêreld ontwikkel. Dit sluit in: (a) 'n uitbreiding van die intreekoppelvlak van PSAT wat die ekwivalente impedansie vir 'n transmissielyn outomaties bereken; (b) die koppelvlak om data te deel tussen PSAT en ReticMaster. 'n Verspreide generasie- en steuningstegnologie databasis is uiteindelik ook ontwikkel as 'n uitbreiding van die uittreekoppelvlak van PSAT.