The code division multiple access (CDMA) system implemented by the direct-sequence (DS) spread spectrum (SS) technique is one of the most promising multiplexing technologies for wireless communications services. The SS communication adopts a technique of using much wider bandwidth necessary to transmit the information over the channel. In the DS-CDMA system, due to the inherent structure interference, referred to as the multiple access interference (MAI), the system performance might degrade. Next, for DS-CDMA systems over frequency-selective fading channels, the effect of inter symbol interference (ISI) will exist, such that a multiuser RAKE receiver has to be employed to combat the ISI as well as MAI. Since, in practical wireless communication environment, there may have several communication systems operated in the same area at the same time. In this thesis, we consider the environment of DS-CDMA systems, where the asynchronous narrow band interference (NBI) due to other systems is joined suddenly to the CDMA system. In general, when a system works in a stable state with adaptive detectors, a suddenly joined NBI signal will cause the system performance to be crash down. Under such circumstance, the existing conventional adaptive RAKE detectors may not be able to track well for the rapidly sudden changing NBI associated with the problems of ISI and MAI. It is known that the adaptive filtering algorithms, based on the sliding window linear constrained recursive least squares (SW LC-RLS), is very attractive to a violent changing environment. The main concern of this thesis is to propose a novel sliding window constant modulus RLS (SW CM-RLS) algorithm, based on the Min/max criterion, to deal with the NBI for DS-CDMA system over multipath channels. For simplicity and having less system complexity the generalized side-lobe canceller (GSC) structure is employed, and is referred to as the SW CM-GSC-RLS algorithm. The aim of the SW CM-GSC-RLS algorithm is used to alleviate the effect of NBI. It has the advantages of having faster convergence property and tracking ability, and can be applied to the environment in which the NBI is suddenly joined to the system under the effect of channel mismatch to achieve desired performance. At the end of this thesis, we extend the idea of the proposed algorithm to the space-time DS-CDMA RAKE receiver, in which the adaptive beamformer with temporal domain DS-CDMA receiver is employed. Via computer simulation results, we show that our new proposed schemes outperform the conventional CM GSC-RLS algorithm as well as the GSC-RLS algorithm (the so-called LCMV approach), in terms of mean square error of estimating channel impulse response, output signal to interference plus noise ratio and bit-error-rate.

In this thesis, the Generalized Finite Difference (GFD) method is applied to analyze the elastoplastic deformation behavior of a long functionally graded (FGM) tube subjected to internal pressure. First, the method is explained in detail by considering the elastic response of a rotating FGM tube. Then, the pressurized tube problem is treated. A long FGM tube with fixed ends (axially constrained ends) is taken into consideration. The two cases in which the modulus of elasticity only and both the modulus of elasticity and the yield limit are graded properties are analyzed. The plastic model here is based on incremental theory of plasticity, Tresca&#039 / s yield criterion and its associated flow rule. The numerical results are compared to those of analytical ones. Furthermore, the elastic response of an FGM tube with free ends is studied considering graded modulus of elasticity and Poisson&#039 / s ratio. The results of these computations are compared to those of Shooting solutions. In the light of analyses and comparisons stated above, the applicability of the GFD method to the solution of similar problems is discussed. It is observed that, in purely elastic deformations the accuracy of the method is sufficient. However, in case of elastic-plastic deformations, the discrepancies between numerical and analytical results may increase in determining plastic displacements. It is also noteworthy that the predictions for tubes with two graded properties, i. e. the modulus of elasticity and the yield limit, turn out to be better than those with one graded property in this regard.

Analytical and numerical models are developed to investigate the effect of orthotropy on the stress distribution in variable thickness solid and annular rotating disks. The plastic treatment is based on Hill&rsquo / s quadratic yield criterion, total deformation theory, and Swift&rsquo / s hardening law. The elastic-plastic stress distributions, residual stresses and radial displacement distributions are obtained after having analysed the cases of rotating solid disk, annular disk with rigid inclusion, annular disk subjected to either internal or external pressure. Thermal loading is also considered for the annular disk with rigid inclusion. Effects of different values of elastic and plastic orthotropy parameters are investigated. It is observed that the elastic orthotropy significantly affects the residual stresses in disks. The most remarkable effect of the plastic orthotropy is observed on the disk with rigid inclusion.

Shear strength characterization of discontinuities is an important concept for slope design in discontinuous rocks. This study presents the development of a methodology for implementing Barton-Bandis empirical shear strength failure criterion in three dimensional distinct element code, 3DEC, and verification of this methodology. Normal and shear deformation characteristics of discontinuities and their relations to the discontinuity surface characteristics have been reviewed in detail. First, a C++ dynamic link library (DLL) file was coded and embedded into 3DEC for modelling the Barton-Bandis shear strength criterion. Then, a numerically developed direct shear test model was used to verify the normal and shear deformation behaviour with respect to empirical results of the Barton-Bandis shear strength criterion. A three dimensional simple discontinuous rock slope was modelled in 3DEC based on Barton-Bandis shear strength criterion. The slope model was first utilized by Mohr-Coulomb failure criterion. Then, with the use of the new model developed here, the effects of the discontinuity surface properties on shear strength were introduced to the slope problem. Applicability of the developed model was verified by three large scale real case studies from different open pit lignite mines of Turkish Coal Enterprises (TKi), namely Bursa Lignites Establishment (BLi) &ndash / 2 cases and &Ccedil / an Lignite Establishment (&Ccedil / Li). The results with the new model option, which allows users to use important discontinuity surface properties like joint roughness coefficient and joint wall compressive strength, compared well with results of previous studies using Mohr-Coulomb failure criterion.

The stress distribution in a rotating solid shaft with temperature dependent yield stress subject to a temperature cycle is investigated. It is presumed that the shaft is in a state of generalized plane strain and obeys Tresca&rsquo / s yield criterion and the flow rule associated with it. By the temperature cycle it is meant that the surface temperature of the shaft is increased to a limiting value, it is held at this temperature for a while, and then slowly decreased at the same rate to the reference temperature. The isothermal shaft is rotated up to around elastic limit rotation speed and then the temperature cycle is applied to the surface of the shaft. Even in an initially purely elastic shaft, two plastic regions with different forms of the yield condition emerge simultaneously at the centre and expand into the elastic region. However, the expansion of the plastic zone ceases soon thereafter, and an unloaded region spreads into the plastic core. It is shown that the stress distribution is altered significantly by the temperature cycle, hence also leading to non-zero residual stresses at stand-still.

Many databases involve ordered discrete responses in a temporal and spatial context, including, for example, land development intensity levels, vehicle ownership, and pavement conditions. An appreciation of such behaviors requires rigorous statistical methods, recognizing spatial effects and dynamic processes. This dissertation develops a dynamic spatial ordered probit (DSOP) model in order to capture patterns of spatial and temporal autocorrelation in ordered categorical response data. This model is estimated in a Bayesian framework using Gibbs sampling and data augmentation, in order to generate all autocorrelated latent variables. The specifications, methodologies, and applications undertaken here advance the field of spatial econometrics while enhancing our understanding of land use and air quality changes. The proposed DSOP model incorporates spatial effects in an ordered probit model by allowing for inter-regional spatial interactions and heteroskedasticity, along with random effects across regions (where "region" describes any cluster of observational units). The model assumes an autoregressive, AR(1), process across latent response values, thereby recognizing time-series dynamics in panel data sets. The model code and estimation approach is first tested on simulated data sets, in order to reproduce known parameter values and provide insights into estimation performance. Root mean squared errors (RMSE) are used to evaluate the accuracy of estimates, and the deviance information criterion (DIC) is used for model comparisons. It is found that the DSOP model yields much more accurate estimates than standard, non-spatial techniques. As for model selection, even considering the penalty for using more parameters, the DSOP model is clearly preferred to standard OP, dynamic OP and spatial OP models. The model and methods are then used to analyze both land use and air quality (ozone) dynamics in Austin, Texas. In analyzing Austin's land use intensity patterns over a 4-point panel, the observational units are 300 m × 300 m grid cells derived from satellite images (at 30 m resolution). The sample contains 2,771 such grid cells, spread among 57 clusters (zip code regions), covering about 10% of the overall study area. In this analysis, temporal and spatial autocorrelation effects are found to be significantly positive. In addition, increases in travel times to the region's central business district (CBD) are estimated to substantially reduce land development intensity. The observational units for the ozone variation analysis are 4 km × 4 km grid cells, and all 132 observations falling in the study area are used. While variations in ozone concentration levels are found to exhibit strong patterns of temporal autocorrelation, they appear strikingly random in a spatial context (after controlling for local land cover, transportation, and temperature conditions). While transportation and land cover conditions appear to influence ozone levels, their effects are not as instantaneous, nor as practically significant as the impact of temperature. The proposed and tested DSOP model is felt to be a significant contribution to the field of spatial econometrics, where binary applications (for discrete response data) have been seen as the cutting edge. The Bayesian framework and Gibbs sampling techniques used here permit such complexity, in world of two-dimensional autocorrelation. / text

The report evolves from previous work in the field that questions the efficacy of the 50-year rule, or criterion consideration G, of the National Register of Historic Places program to register and protect modern and recent past resources. Proponents of the recent past argue that by restricting evaluation of historic architecture to only that which is 50-years or older is leading to widespread endangerment and demolition of buildings and sites with periods of significance from the postwar era. This report studies the use of criterion G in-depth since the inception of the National Register program and attempts to identify and quantify the resources lost through continued adherence to the 50-year rule. The analysis is done in two parts. Part one examines the history of the use of criterion G by tracking patterns in the National Register of Historic Places data between 1966 and 2010 to determine how and where the case for exceptional significance has been made. Part two challenges the capacity of the existing framework of the 50-year rule and the NRHP program to protect the recent past by surveying the current status of a 145 AIA award-winning buildings from the 1960s. Most are virtually undiscovered in the canon of American architectural history, and all could likely be found as exceptionally significant. The study finds more than 75% of the AIA award-winners standing and possessing good integrity, but only 6% actually listed on the Register. The report concludes that we are losing less to outright demolition than estimated, but lack of context studies and an inconsistent vocabulary for postwar architecture is preventing the registration of intact resources from the 1960s that could greatly benefit from the awareness and recognition that is the primary purpose of the National Register. / text

Thesis (Ph.D. (Education))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2008

Thesis (Ph.D. (Education))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2008

This study monitored the conceptualisation, implementation and evaluation of criterion-referenced assessment for Modern Dance by two teachers specifically chosen because they represented the two most usual stances in current teaching i.e. one valuing dance as part of a wider, more general education, the other as a performance art. The Review of Literature investigated the derivation of these differences and identified the kinds of assessment criteria which would be relevant in each context. It then questioned both the timing of the application of the criteria and the benefits and limitations inherent in using a pre-active or re-active model. Lastly it examined the philosophy of criterion-referenced assessment and thereafter formulated the main hypothesis, i. e. "That criterion-referenced assessment is an appropriate and realistic method for Modern Dance in schools". Both the main and sub-hypotheses were tested by the use of Case Study/Collaborative Action research. In this chosen method of investigation the teachers' actions were the primary focus of study while the researcher played a supportive but ancillary role. The study has three sections. The first describes the process experienced by the teachers as they identified their criteria for assessment and put their new strategy into action. It shows the problems which arose and the steps which were taken to resolve them. It gives exemplars of the assessment instruments which were designed and evaluates their use. It highlights the differences in the two approaches to dance and the different competencies required by the teachers if their criterion-referenced strategy was adequately and validly to reflect the important features of their course. In the second section the focus moves from the teachers to the pupils. Given that the pupils have participated in different programmes of dance, the study investigates what criteria the pupils spontaneously use and what criteria they can be taught to use. It does this through the introduction of self-assessment in each course. In this way the pupils' observations and movement analyses were made explicit and through discussion, completing specially prepared leaflets and using video, they were recorded and compared. And finally, the research findings were circulated to a larger number of teachers to find to what extent their concerns and problems had been anticipated by the first two and to discover if they, without extensive support, could also mount a criterion-referenced assessment strategy with an acceptable amount of effort and within a realistic period of time. And given that they could, the final question concerned the evaluations of all those participants i.e. teachers, parents and pupils. Would this extended group similarly endorse the strategy and strengthen the claim that criterion-referenced assessment was a valid and beneficial way of assessing Modern Dance in Schools?