Most of the past research on the problem of deadlock avoidance for complex resource allocation systems (RAS) has acknowledged the fact that the computation of the maximally permissive (optimal) deadlock avoidance policy (DAP) possesses super-polynomial complexity for most RAS classes, and therefore, it has resorted to solutions that trade off maximal permissiveness for computational tractability. In this work, we distinguish between the off-line and the on-line computation that is required for the effective implementation of the maximally permissive DAP, and we seek to develop representations of this policy that will require minimal on-line computation. The particular representation that we adopt is that of a compact classifier that will effect the underlying dichotomy of the reachable state space into safe and unsafe subspaces. Through a series of reductions of the derived classification problem, we are also able to attain extensive reductions in the computational complexity of the off-line task of the construction of the sought classifier. In a first study of the aforementioned problem, we restrict our attention to a particular RAS class that is motivated by an ongoing project called Gadara. This particular RAS class accepts the separation of the safe and unsafe subspaces of its instantiations through a set of linear inequalities. We propose design procedures that will construct a classifier employing the minimum possible number of linear inequalities, and we formally establish their "completeness", i.e., their ability to provide an effective classifier for every instance of the considered RAS class. We also offer heuristics that, if necessary, can alleviate the computational effort that is necessary for the construction of the sought classifier. We extend the aforementioned results to encompass more general RAS classes, where the sought dichotomy might not be represented by a set of linear inequalities. To this end, we propose new parametric and non-parametric classification schemes for this more complex case, and establish formally their completeness. We also provide effective and computationally efficient procedures for the synthesis of the sought classifiers. A bottleneck in the developments described above is defined by the fact that they presuppose the availability of the enumerations of the RAS safe and unsafe subspaces. To address this obstacle, we propose a novel approach for the deployment of the maximally permissive DAP for RAS, that is based on the identification and the efficient storage of a critical subset of states of the underlying RAS state space. In particular, the proposed algorithm provides those critical states, while avoiding the complete enumeration of the RAS state space. Furthermore, we extend the existing theory on maximally permissive deadlock avoidance, so that it can handle RAS with reader/writer (R/W) locks. A key challenge that is posed by this new RAS class stems from the fact that the underlying state space is not necessarily finite. We effectively address this obstacle by taking advantage of special structure that exists in the set of unsafe states and enables a finite representation of this set through its minimal elements. Finally, we would like to mention that numerical experimentation demonstrates the efficacy of the proposed approaches, and establishes their ability to support the deployment of maximally permissive DAP for RAS with very large structure and state spaces. To the best of our knowledge, these experiments also establish the ability of the proposed methodology to effectively compute tractable implementations of the maximally permissive DAP for problem instances significantly beyond the capacity of any other approach currently available in the literature. Moreover, this is the first work to address the RAS with R/W locks.

This dissertation addresses problems arising in freight routing and scheduling where full truckload (FTL) and less-than-truckload (LTL) carriers are used to serve transportation needs. Each of the problems investigated in this dissertation tries to optimize/maximize consolidation to decrease system transportation costs by (1) carefully choosing the timing and path of freight and/or (2) introducing consolidation points. Approaches are proposed that enable effective planning and operation of freight routing and scheduling for large-scale transportation networks. Chapter 2 presents solution approaches for a shipper pickup and delivery planning problem faced by many large retailers to move freight from suppliers to distribution centers. Each shipment is moved either direct via a LTL carrier or possibly consolidated with other shipments and moved by one or two FTL routes. When using a FTL carrier, the shipper takes advantage of contracted lane rates that establish prices per mile for a truck operated between two locations that are significantly less than the comparable LTL price for shipping a full truckload. Consolidated FTL routes may each visit multiple shipment origins (supplier locations) and/or destinations (distribution center locations). Additionally, FTL routes may move shipments through a single crossdock facility en route. The challenge in this planning problem is to exploit as much as possible negotiated truckload lane rates and to judiciously make use of routes through crossdock facilities to consolidate shipments. The primary contributions of this section are that (1) an interesting new problem variant is introduced to the field of transportation and logistics that is important in practice and (2) the solution approach demonstrates that exploiting knowledge of the problem and solution structure to cleverly select subsets of path variables for evaluation during each iteration of an integer programming based local search heuristic is effective on path-based routing models. Chapter 3 evaluates how to route each customer shipment through a sequence of transfer terminals in a LTL carrier network. At each terminal stop, a shipment is unloaded from an inbound trailer and reloaded onto an outbound trailer. A load plan determines the specific sequence of terminal transfers to be used for freight moving between each origin and destination. The design of the load plan determines the linehaul transportation and handling costs required to serve customers. We develop an improved very large-scale neighborhood search heuristic for solving an integer programming model for load plan design. The main contributions of this section include (1) the investigation of the pros and cons of optimizing system-wide into a single destination versus optimizing freight for all destinations in a small region, and (2) a solution approach that can find load plans with costs 6 to 7\% lower than those used in practice, and can find 2.5 to 5\% additional cost savings using the same time budget when compared to an approach optimizing system-wide into a single destination. Chapter 4 addresses a strategic planning problem that extends the load plan design problem to consider terminal roles. We investigate two-stage approaches that first identify the set of transfer terminals and then develop the corresponding load plan. Computational results compare the terminals chosen as transfer facilities from the proposed integer programming based local search method with a traditional hub location formulation and a simple facility location formulation to depict the benefits gained from modeling additional information. The key contributions of this section are (1) the introduction of a new hub location problem variant incorporating freight dispatch timing and trailer transportation cost characteristics found in the LTL trucking industry and (2) a solution approach utilizing IP-based local search that demonstrates the importance of incorporating freight dispatch timing. Finally, Chapter 5 summarizes the main conclusions from this dissertation and discusses directions for further research.

El objetivo principal es la evaluación de la biomasa como recurso energético renovable en Cataluña. Su alcance requiere el estudio de diversas temáticas, desarrolladas en los doce capítulos que componen el documento.El Capítulo 1 describe los objetivos de la tesis. El Capítulo 2 describe los motivos que justifican la valorización energética del recurso biomasa. El Capítulo 3 presenta la metodología general utilizada. El Capítulo 4 realiza un análisis multicriterio del aprovechamiento energético de biomasa forestal. El Capítulo 5 cuantifica la biomasa disponible para usos energéticos en Cataluña. Los Capítulos 6, 7, 8 y 9 analizan las tecnologías y la viabilidad de la producción de energía con colza y chopo. El Capítulo 10 caracteriza físico-químicamente la biomasa de colza como combustible complementario al actual uso del grano para biodiesel. El Capítulo 11 evalua el uso de cultivos para la producción de productos químicos. El Capítulo 12 resume las Conclusiones generales. / The main goal is the evaluation of biomass as renewable resource in Catalonia. Its scope requires the study of different subjects, developed in the twelve chapters that compose the document. The Chapter 1 describes the goals of the PhD thesis. The Chapter 2 describes the reasons that justify the energetic use of biomass. The Chapter 3 shows the general methodology used. The Chapter 4 carries out a multicriterion analysis of energetic valorisation of forestry biomass. The Chapter 5 quantifies the available biomass for energy production in Catalonia. The Chapters 6, 7, 8 and 9 analyze the technologies and the feasibility of power generation using rapeseed and poplar energy crops. The Chapter 10 characterizes physical-chemically the rapeseed biomass as complementary fuel to the current use of the grain for bio-diesel production. The Chapter 11 evaluates the potential use of other crops for chemicals production. The Chapter 12 summarizes the Main Conclusions.

The development of an index to compare different sources of energy is presented; the index address the appraisal of the source of energy from its sustainable performance and also using the factors that influence the user's decision making process of adopting an alternative energy. The index is used to compare the fuel cell system and the traditional grid system powered by coal fired power plants, for a typical residential unit located in the rural Appalachian region in Ohio.

Software test automation is widely accepted as an efficient software testing technique. However, automation has failed to deliver the expected productivity more often than not. The goal of this research was to find out the reason for these failures by collecting and understanding the metrics that affect software test automation and provide recommendations on how to successfully adopt automation with a positive return on investment (ROI). The metrics of concern were schedule, cost and effectiveness. The research employed an experimental study where subjects worked on individual manual and automated testing projects. The data collected were cross verified and supplemented with additional data from a feedback survey at the end of the experiment. The results of this study suggest that automation involves a heavy initial investment in terms of schedule and cost, which needs to be amortized over subsequent test cycles or even subsequent test projects.

Purpose: Transitioning into retirement may be a suitable period to help adults establish an active lifestyle. One innovative approach to promote PA may be through multimedia-based programs. This experiment aimed to explore the feasibility DVD and videogame-based exercise programs in promoting physical activity (PA) in adults transitioning into retirement. Underlying motivations, functional fitness, quality of life, and elicited beliefs from participating in the exercise programs were also explored. Methods: Twenty-seven adults were randomized into either a nine-week exercise DVD (n = 9), exergame (n = 9), or waitlisted control group (n = 9). Main outcomes include adherence was based on attendance during the in-lab component and participant logs during the in-home component. PA levels were measured through accelerometery and assessed at baseline, four-, nine- and 12-weeks. Secondary outcomes related to motivation were assessed at baseline, three- and nine-weeks. Tertiary outcomes such as physiological/functional fitness and quality of life outcomes were assessed at pre- and post-intervention. Results: During the in-lab portion, t-tests showed that adherence was slightly higher in the exergame group than the DVD group (t16 = -0.06, p = .96; d = .31). Repeated measures of analysis showed that the group x time interaction for moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) (F2,24 = 0.87, p = .52; η2 = .05), while overall PA saw negligible changes (F2,24 = 0.16, p = .85; η2 = .01). At the end of the intervention, overall adherence was similar between both exercise groups (t16 = -0.06, p = .96; d = .03). The group by time interaction effect yielded a moderate effect size for MVPA (F2,24 = 1.07, p = .36; η2 = .08) and overall PA (F2,24 = 1.11, p = .35; η2 = .08). Overall PA only increased in the exergame group (d = .74). The exergame group saw major decreases in instrumental attitude (d = .64), injunctive norm (d = .79), perceived behavioural control (d = .40) and intention (d = .90). Both exercise groups enhanced strength, mobility, and aerobic endurance outcomes (d = .33-.98), as well as several quality of life domains (d = .32-.89). At the post-intervention follow-up, both exercise groups were more active than the control group (d = .49-1.03). Two-thirds of the DVD group adopted DVD-based exercise, while a third of exergame group adopted videogame-based exercise. Conclusions: With a high adoption rate, DVD-based exercise programs may be a feasible and acceptable approach to promote PA levels. Participants in both groups were generally satisfied, indicating that the exercise program was enjoyable, comprehensive, and a simple and convenient way to exercise at home. Improvements to important functional and quality of life domains were also identified. Further research will be required to fully test the effectiveness of exercise DVDs and exergames on adherence and PA behaviour in adults transitioning into retirement. / Graduate / 0384 / christopher.yao7@gmail.com

Introduction Occupational therapists are concerned with enabling people to perform the daily life tasks they need, want, or are expected to perform for fullest possible integration into community living and participation in society. Children with mild disabilities have problems performing personal and instrumental activities of daily living (ADL) tasks at home or school, and that can limit their full integration and participation in their homes and school lives. There is a need, therefore, to identify their specific problems with ADL task performance so as to be able to develop effective interventions. Not only, there is a need for evidence related to effectiveness of occupational therapy interventions for children with mild disabilities, but also a need for valid occupational-therapy-specific evaluation tools for use with children. Purpose The purpose of this thesis was to contribute evidence to support the valid use of the Assessment of Motor and Process Skills (AMPS) with children, including children living in Middle Europe. More specifically, I aimed to evaluate validity evidence from different sources related to the use of the AMPS in occupation-based and occupation-focused evaluation and intervention. Method This thesis consisted of four studies, implemented in two phases. Phase one focused on evaluation of a) validity evidence of the AMPS scales in relation to internal structure and stability of item difficulty calibration values for a Middle European sample compared to samples from other world regions (Study I); b) the stability of the mean AMPS measures between typically-developing children from Middle Europe and from other world regions (Study II); and c) the sensitivity of the AMPS measures to discriminate between typically-developing children and children with and at risk for mild disabilities (Study III). Participants for phase one were from both Middle Europe and from other world regions and they were selected from the AMPS database, Ft. Collins, Colorado, USA. Data were analyzed using many-facet Rasch analyses, ANOVAs, regression analyses, related post-hoc tests, and effect size calculations. Phase two of the research project focused on evaluating validity evidence for the use of the AMPS as a standardized, occupation-based, and occupation-focused evaluation tool in the context of a feasibility study with children with mild disabilities implemented in a Swiss setting (Study IV). Data were analyzed based on feasibility objectives and the principles of deductive content analysis. The evaluation of validity evidence of the AMPS in relation to consequences of testing and test fairness was a focus of all studies (Studies I to IV). Results In Study I, data for 1346 participants from Middle Europe and 144,143 participants from other world regions were analyzed. The participants were between the ages of 3 and 103 years, and they were well or had a variety of diagnoses. The results revealed that overall the item difficulty calibration values of the AMPS remained stable and that only one out of 36 ADL items of the AMPS demonstrated DIF, but this DIF did not lead to DTF (i.e., all measures fell within 95% confidence bands). In Study II, data for 11,189 typically-developing children from Middle Europe and other world regions who were between the ages of 2 and 15 were analyzed. The results of ANOVAs revealed significant effects for mean ADL motor and for ADL process ability measures by region and a significant age by region interaction effect for mean ADL process ability. Out of 168 estimated contrasts between Middle Europe and the other world regions for mean ADL motor and ADL process ability, only seven were statistically significant (4.17%), and only two were more than ±1 SE from the international means. In Study III, regression analyses of data for 10,998 children, 4 to 15 years, who were typically-developing or with mild disabilities, revealed significant age by group interaction effects. Post hoc t tests revealed significant group differences in ADL ability at all ages beyond the age of 4. ADL process ability effect sizes were moderate to large at all ages and ADL motor ability effect sizes were mostly moderate to large age 6 and above. In Study IV, the use of the AMPS within the context of a feasibility study based on data of 17 Swiss children with mild disabilities was evaluated. The analyses revealed several strengths and problems that were related to the time, equipment, and materials for administering the AMPS, the adherence to standardized administration procedures, the scope of the AMPS as a test of ADL performance, and the reliable rating by the blinded rater. Conclusion This thesis provided evidence to support the validity of the AMPS measures and scales when used to evaluate quality of ADL task performance of persons from Middle Europe. Additionally, this thesis provided evidence that the international age-normative means of the AMPS are likely applicable to children from Middle Europe. Moreover, the findings supported the sensitivity of the AMPS measures to discriminate between typically-developing children and children with and at risk for mild disabilities. When it comes to implementation of the AMPS in the context of a feasibility study, the findings indicated both strengths and problems in using the AMPS as an outcome measure that need to be considered when planning further studies.

No description available.

Background: Home visits are part of general practice work in Germany. Within the context of an expanding elderly population and a decreasing number of general practitioner (GPs), open questions regarding the organisation and adequacy of GPs’ care in immobile patients remain. To answer these questions, we will conduct a representative primary data collection concerning contents and organisation of GPs’ home visits in 2014. Because this study will require considerable efforts for documentation and thus substantial involvement by participating GPs, we conducted a pilot study to see whether such a study design was feasible. Methods: We used a mixed methods design with two study arms in a sample of teaching GPs of the University Halle. The quantitative arm evaluates participating GPs and documentation of home visits. The qualitative arm focuses on reasons for non-participation for GPs who declined to take part in the pilot study. Results: Our study confirms previously observed reasons for non-response of GPs in the particular setting of home visits including lack of time and/or interest. In contrast to previous findings, monetary incentives were not crucial for GPs participation. Several factors influenced the documentation rate of home visits and resulted in a discrepancy between the numbers of home visits documented versus those actually conducted. The most frequently reported problem was related to obtaining patient consent, especially when patients were unable to provide informed consent due to cognitive deficits. Conclusions: The results of our feasibility study provide evidence for improvement of the study design and study instruments to effectively conduct a documentation-intensive study of GPs doing home visits. Improvement of instructions and questionnaire regarding time variables and assessment of the need for home visits will be carried out to increase the reliability of future data. One particularly important methodological issue yet to be resolved is how to increase the representativeness of home visit care by including the homebound patient population that is unable to provide informed consent.

The central nervous system is the most likely target of mobile telephony radiofrequency field (RF) exposure in terms of biological effects. Several EEG (electroencephalography) studies have reported variations in the alpha-band power spectrum during and/or after RF exposure, in resting EEG and during sleep. In this context, the observation of the spontaneous electrical activity of neuronal networks under RF exposure can be an efficient tool to detect the occurrence of low-level RF effects on the nervous system. In this thesis research work we developed a dedicated experimental setup in the GHz range for the simultaneous exposure of neuronal networks and monitoring of electrical activity. A transverse electromagnetic (TEM) cell was used to expose the neuronal networks to GSM-1800 signals at a SAR level of 3.2 W/kg. Recording of the neuronal electrical activity and detection of the extracellular spikes and bursts under exposure were performed using Micro Electrode Arrays (MEAs). This work provides the proof of feasibility and preliminary results of the integrated investigation regarding exposure setup, culture of the neuronal network, recording of the electrical activity and analysis of the signals obtained under RF exposure. In the main experiment (16 cultures), there was a 30% reversible decrease in mean firing rate (MFR) and bursting rate (BR) during the 3 min exposures to RF. Additional experiments are needed to further characterize this effect, especially in terms of temperature elevation at the microscopic level.