The emergence of Linked Data in the form of knowledge graphs in RDF has been one of the most recent evolutions of the Semantic Web. This led to the development of question answering systems based on RDF and SPARQL to allow end users to access and benefit from these knowledge graphs. However, a lot of information on the Web is still unstructured, which restricts the ability of answering questions whose answer does not exist in a knowledge base. To tackle this issue, hybrid question answering has emerged as an important challenge. In fact, hybrid question answering entails the task of question answering by combining both structured (RDF) and unstructured knowledge sources (text) into one answer. This thesis tackles hybrid question answering based on natural language questions. It focuses on the analysis and improvement of an open source system called HAWK, identifies its limitations and provides solutions and recommendations in the form of a generic question-answering pipeline called HAWK_R. Our system mostly uses heuristic methods, patterns and the ontological schema and knowledge base and provides three main additions: question classification, annotation and answer verification and ranking based on query content. Our results show a clear improvement over the original HAWK based on several Question Answering over Linked Data (QALD) competitions. In fact, our methods are not limited to HAWK and can also help increase the performance of other question answering systems.

Background: In the past decade, distance education enrollment has become more common in colleges and universities, increasing from 1.6 million students in 1998 to an estimated 6.7 million in 2012. The purpose of this study was to identify which constructs in Rogers' (2003) diffusion of innovation theory are more likely to contribute to adoption and diffusion of distance education in health education. Health education instructors and faculty can use the information obtained from the results of this study if they want to implement distance education. Methods: A quantitative, cross-sectional, descriptive, and correlational survey design was used in this study. An instrument designed to measure constructs and factors affecting the adoption and diffusion of distance education in health education were developed for the study. Health educators employed by health education departments listed in the AAHE (2011) Directory (N=498) were contacted by email and asked to participate in this study. The survey was distributed through SurveyMonkeyTM survey software that was activated December 2012 - January 2013. Results and Conclusions: A total of 245 health education faculty completed the instrument, but 21 participants were omitted because they did not complete at least 95% of the survey instrument. A total of 224 survey instruments were retained and included in the analysis, providing a 44.9% response rate. Based on the Pearsons correlation and multiple linear regression it can be concluded that the likelihood of distance education adoption by health education faculty is highly dependent on the communication channels and characteristics of the innovation (distance education) constructs of the diffusion of innovation theory. There was a large majority of participants in the early majority adopter category and this is because of two reasons. The first reason is that participants had not decided whether to accept or reject distance education. The other reason is that distance education is a relatively new innovation and it has not fully diffused through the health education profession. Experience with distance education was not shown to increase the likelihood of distance education adoption because the majority of participants have not yet decided whether to accept or reject distance education. The social system construct was the least predictive of distance education adoption. If distance education has not yet fully diffused through the health education profession then it is hard for the social system to impact the likelihood of distance education adoption.

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Made available in DSpace on 2014-06-11T19:32:11Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2010-09-23Bitstream added on 2014-06-13T20:42:52Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 teixeira_dg_dr_araiq.pdf: 2545330 bytes, checksum: a6a1d20f601e5055143107f1be1c8ecb (MD5) / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) / Este trabalho está basicamente dividido em duas partes. A primeira está relacionada à limpeza da superfície da liga de alumínio AA6063T5 e sua influência na proteção contra a corrosão. A segunda parte se refere à preparação de revestimentos híbridos orgânicoinorgânico pelo processo sol-gel e deposição sobre a superfície da liga de alumínio por dipcoating. Três amostras de liga AA6063T5 foram investigadas: como recebida, debastada e polida mecanicamente e tratada quimicamente. O tratamento mecânico foi realizado utilizando lixas SiC de granulometria 320 a 4000 e o químico foi realizado utilizando uma solução aquosa contendo uma mistura de hidróxido, sulfato e cloreto de sódio. Todas as amostras foram caracterizadas fisicamente por difratometria de raios X (XRD), medidas de dureza, microscopia eletrônica de varredura (SEM) e microscopia óptica (MO), e por medidas de potencial de circuito aberto (OCP) e espectroscopia de impedância eletroquímica (EIS) em solução 3,5% NaCl. As imagens SEM mostraram que a presença de partícula intermetálicas na superfície da liga diminui após o tratamento químico comparado ao tratamento mecânico. Os resultados de EIS mostraram que o tratamento químico oferece maior resistência à corrosão do que as submetidas aos outros tratamentos, porque o ataque alcalino utilizado dissolveu a maioria dos precipitados contendo Fe ou Cu, elementos responsáveis por sítios catódicos. A lavagem com HNO3 pela qual passou a amostra tratada quimicamente provavelmente reforçou a camada de óxido, tornando a superfície da liga mais resistente ao ataque por cloreto. Os revestimentos híbridos foram somente depositados na liga que recebeu tratamento químico. Esses filmes híbridos foram preparados com tetraetoxi-silano (TEOS) e 3-metacriloxipropril trimetoxi silano (MPTS), pela hidrólise e policondensação em meio ácido seguido por... / This work is basically divided in two parts: the first one is related to the surface treatment of AA6063T5 aluminum alloy and its influence on the protection against corrosion. The second concerns to the preparation of organic-inorganic hybrid coatings by the sol-gel process that were deposited on the aluminum alloys by dip-coating. Three samples of AA6063T5 aluminum alloys were investigated, the as-received one, after mechanical and chemical treatment, respectively. The mechanical treatment was realized using SiC paper grades 320 to 4000 and the chemical one was done by an aqueous solution containing a mixture of sodium hydroxide, chloride and sulfate. All samples were physically characterized by X-ray diffractometry (XRD), hardness measurements, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and optical microscopy (OM), and electrochemically by open circuit measurements (OCP) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) in 3.5% NaCl solution. The SEM images depicted that the presence of intermetallic particles on the alloy surface decreased after the chemical treatment compared to the mechanical one. The EIS results showed that the sample chemically treated possesses a higher corrosion resistance than those obtained using other procedures. EIS results showed that the chemically treated sample presented higher corrosion resistance than the ones submitted to other procedures. The alkaline treatment dissolves the great part of precipitates containing iron or copper, which are responsible by the cathodic sites formation. The washing of the sample with nitric acid solution after the alkaline treatment removes impurities from the surface and can give to the oxide layer higher resistance against the action of the chloride ion. The hybrid coatings were only deposited on the alloy that received the chemical treatment. Hybrid films containing tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) and 3-methacryloxypropyltrimetho... (Complete abstract click electronic access below)

Made available in DSpace on 2014-06-11T19:35:07Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2009-08-21Bitstream added on 2014-06-13T21:07:09Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 simoes_lgp_dr_araiq_prot.pdf: 2153738 bytes, checksum: 66c238b6a746cef4ca77e4c10263010b (MD5) / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) / Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) / Nos últimos anos materiais com propriedades híbridas têm sido muito estudados, um exemplo é a compatibilização de cerâmicas em matrizes poliméricas. Neste trabalho, foi estudada uma metodologia para criar funcionalidades em nanomateriais por intermédio da síntese e modificação da superfície de cerâmicas (TiO2 e SiO2) e compósitos (Tio2/Ag e SiO2/Ag). Inicialmente foi estudada a reação entre o 3-aminopropiltrietoxisilano (APS) e nanopartículas comerciais de TiO2 e SiO2, em que os resultaados e espectroscopia na região do infra-vermelho (IV) e análise elementar de carbono (CHN) mostraram que a reação entre o siloxano e as partículas ocorre, formando um híbrido. Em seguida foram realizadas sínteses pelo método sol-gel dos óxidos e dos compósitos de TiO2/Ag e SiO2/Ag e ambos foram funcionalizados com siloxano. O APS foi introduzido na reação posteriormente a formação das partículas gerando um material híbrido. Os resultados de IV ilustram que todos os materiais foram funcionalizados, pois ilustravam as absorções em aproximadamente 1600 e 3000 cm-1, atribuídos ao estiramento da ligação CH2-NH@. A funcionallização foi fundamenetal para que filmes de TiO2/APS pudessem ser aplicados por dip-coating em superfícies de vidros a 150 gráus C, com excelente propriedades self-clean, determinadas pela degradação da Rodamina B. Os nanocompósitos de SiO2/Ag com APS apresentaram propriedades bactericidas segundo a norma JIS Z 2801 quando aplicado na forma de filmes finos em superfície de vidro ou incorporado em matriz polimérica de polipropileno. / In recent years, materials with hybrid properties have been studied, and one example is the compatibility of ceramics with polymeric matrix. In this work, we have studied a method to introduce functionalities in nanomaterials through the synthesis and surface modification of ceramics (TiO2 and SiO2) and composites (TiO2/Ag and SiO2/Ag). Initialy it were studied the reaction between the 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APS) and commercial nanoparticles of TiO2 and SiO2, where the results of infra-red spectroscopy (CHN) showed that the reaction between the siloxane and the particles occurs, resulting in hybrid materials. Then, it was carried out syntheses of oxides by the method of sol-gel and composites of TiO2/Ag and SiO2/Ag both functionalized with siloxane. The APS was introduced in the reaction after the formation of particles given rise hybrid materials. The results of IR ilustrated that all materials have been functionalized, as illustrated in the absortion around 1600 and 3000 cm-1, attributed to the stretching of CH2-NH2 bonding. The functionalization was crucial by dip-coating on glass surfaces at 150 degrees C films of TiO2/APS. With excellent self-clean properties, determined by the degradation of rhodamine B. The nanocomposites of APS SiO2/Ag exhibits bactericidal properties according to JIS Z 2801 standard when applied as thin films on glass surface or embedded in polymeric matrix of polypropylene.

Detta examensarbete är en konceptstudie som har genomförts tillsammans med BAE System. Huvudmålet är att ta fram gällande lagkrav samt ett förslag på en teknisk lösning. Den tekniska lösningen ska utvecklas för att kunna använda ett hybridfordon för att kunna verka som reservkraftanläggning. Det som framkommer i rapporten är att lagkraven är möjligt att efterleva och därför finns en utvecklingspotential i den tekniska lösningen. Tekniskt sett är det möjligt att ansluta hybridfordonet till elnätet. Detta kan genomföras genom att likrikta spänningen från generatorn i hybridfordonet för att sen ansluta till en omriktare som kan skapa en önskvärd amplitud på sinusspänningen. Efter omriktaren kommer det behövas ett LCL-filter för att på så sätt få en renare AC-spänning. Spänningen kommer sen att behöva kopplas in på en transformator för att kunna skapa ett TN-S system.  För att kunna skapa ett TN-S system kommer transformatorn behöva vara av typen D/Yo så man på Y0 kan ansluta en jordpunkt för att kunna uppnå ett direktjordat system vilket underlättar för att kunna bygga upp ett nät med selektivitet. För att få dom olika delarna att samverka behövs kommunikation mellan hybridfordonet och omriktaren om vilket effektbehov som finns.

This thesis is concerned with the problem of formal verification of correctness specifications for continuous and hybrid dynamical systems. Our main focus will be on developing and automating general proof principles for temporal properties of systems described by non-linear ordinary differential equations (ODEs) under evolution constraints. The proof methods we consider will work directly with the differential equations and will not rely on the explicit knowledge of solutions, which are in practice rarely available. Our ultimate goal is to increase the scope of formal deductive verification tools for hybrid system designs. We give a comprehensive survey and comparison of available methods for checking set invariance in continuous systems, which provides a foundation for safety verification using inductive invariants. Building on this, we present a technique for constructing discrete abstractions of continuous systems in which spurious transitions between discrete states are entirely eliminated, thereby extending previous work. We develop a method for automatically generating inductive invariants for continuous systems by efficiently extracting reachable sets from their discrete abstractions. To reason about liveness properties in ODEs, we introduce a new proof principle that extends and generalizes methods that have been reported previously and is highly amenable to use as a rule of inference in a deductive verification calculus for hybrid systems. We will conclude with a summary of our contributions and directions for future work.

Orientador: Sérgio Eduardo de Paiva Gonçalves / Banca: Alessandra Bühler Borges / Banca: Andrea Anido Anido / Resumo: O objetivo desta pesquisa foi avaliar a influência do laser Nd:YAG nas propriedades mecânicas (dureza e módulo de elasticidade) da interface adesiva, utilizando a técnica da nanoindentação, empregando-se sistema adesivo convencional Adper Single Bond 2 - 3M ESPE (SB) ou autocondicionante Clearfil SE Bond - Kuraray (CSE). Doze terceiros molares humanos tiveram suas superfícies oclusais desgastadas até a exposição da dentina superficial. Uma cavidade circular padronizada com fresa 3053 foi realizada na superfície oclusal proporcionando 2 mm de dentina remanescente. Os espécimes foram embutidos em resina acrílica, e seccionados no sentido mésio-distal, sendo as 24 hemi-coroas obtidas divididas em quatro grupos: Grupo controle (SBC) - aplicação do sistema SB de acordo com as recomendações do fabricante; Grupo laser (SBL) - aplicação do sistema adesivo SB e tratamento com laser Nd:YAG (140mJ/cm2/60s/não contato); Grupo controle (CSEC) - aplicação do sistema adesivo autocondicionante CSE de acordo com as recomendações do fabricante; Grupo laser (CSEL)- aplicação do sistema adesivo autocondicionante CSE e tratamento com laser Nd:YAG (140mJ/cm2/60s/não contato). Após a polimerização dos sistemas adesivos, foram aplicados dois incrementos da resina composta Filtek Z 350 (3M ESPE). Os corpos-de-prova foram imersos em água destilada e armazenados por 24h em estufa 37ºC e submetidos à nanoidentação em aparelho Nano Indenter® XP (MTS®, MN, EUA).. Os resultados foram submetidos aos testes estatísticos de Análise de Variância (ANOVA), Tukey e t-Student (p<0,05). Concluiu-se que a aplicação do laser Nd:YAG em ambos os sistemas adesivos não alterou o nível de dureza da interface adesiva, no entanto alterou o módulo de elasticidade / Abstract: The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of Nd: YAG laser on the mechanical properties (hardness and modulus of elasticity) of the adhesive interface, using the technique of nanoindentation, employing conventional adhesive system Single Bond 2 3M ESPE (SB) or selfetching adhesive system Clearfil SE Bond - Kuraray (CSE). On 12 human molars, a flat superficial dentin surface was exposed by abrasion. A standardized circular cavity with bur 3053 was performed on the occlusal surface and dentin thickness was standardized in 2 mm. The specimens were embedded in resin acrylic and sectioned mesio-distally through their long axes, and the 24 hemi-crowns obtained divided into four groups: Control Group (SBC) - the application of SB system according to the manufacturer's recommendations; Laser Group (SBL) - SB adhesive system and treatment with Nd: YAG laser (140mJ/cm2/60s/no contact) Control Group (CSEC) - application of CSE self-etching adhesive system according to the manufacturer's recommendations; Laser Group (CSEL) - application of CSE self-etching adhesive system and treatment with Nd: YAG laser (140mJ/cm2/60s/no contact). After polymerization of the adhesives, were applied two increments of composite resin Filtek Supreme and specimens were immersed in distilled water and stored for 24 hours at 37 ºC and submitted to nanoidentation in Nano Indenter ® XP (MTS ®, MN, USA. Nanoindentation were made on composite resin, adhesive system, hybrid layer and dentin. The results were analyzed by a tree-way ANOVA, Tukey and e t-Students (p<0,05). It was concluded that the application of Nd:YAG laser in both adhesive systems did not change hardness level of hybrid layer, however chanded the elastic modulus / Mestre

Thesis (MTech (Electrical Engineering))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2009 / Traditional high voltage power transformers feature sensors measuring basic parameters from oil and gas and are limited to on-site monitoring. Unforeseen failures and breakdowns on these transformers have led to extensive financial losses even with planned maintenance schedules in place. A distinct need has arisen to actively monitor and identify causes of such failures. However, no or little infrastructure exists for effective remote condition monitoring. Wireless sensor networks can be introduced to actively monitor and identify causes of such failures. Sensor motes in the network are battery operated and therefore constrained by limited energy in these batteries. An alternative to battery-powered sensor motes is the conversion of available energy harvested from the surrounding environment into useable electrical energy powering the sensor motes. The primary objective of this research was to examine methods to harvest energy from both the environment and high voltage power transformer. A low cost and feasibly sized hybrid energy harvesting power management prototype was successfully developed that enabled sustained sensor mote operation for prolonged condition monitoring of high voltage transformers. The sensor mote utilised a piezoelectric cantilever to generate usable electrical energy from the transformer tank vibration. Together with solar energy harvesting, the system allowed for a battery-less self-sustained wireless sensor mote capable of autonomously monitoring its surroundings. The power management system's modular architecture provided for the inclusion of additional energy harvesting techniques. This allowed condition monitoring solutions not exclusively for power transformers but proposed an extensible condition monitoring solution for various applications.

abstract: Identifying factors associated with service infusion success has become an important issue in theory and practice, as manufacturers turn to services to advance performance. The goals of this dissertation are to identify the key factors associated with service infusion success and develop an integrative framework and associated research propositions to isolate the underlying determinants of successful hybrid solution strategies for business customers. This dissertation is comprised of two phases. The first phase taps into the experience and learning gained by executives from Fortune-100 manufacturing firms who are managing the transition from goods to hybrid offerings for their customers. A discovery-oriented, theory-in-use approach is adopted to glean insights concerning the factors that facilitate and hinder those service transition strategies. Twenty-eight interviews were conducted with key executives, transcripts were analyzed and key themes were identified with special attention directed to the particular capabilities that managers consider crucial for successful service-growth strategies. One such capability centers on the ability of a firm to successfully transfer newly-developed hybrid solutions from one customer engagement to another. Building on this foundation, phase two involves a case study that provides an in-depth examination of the hybrid offering replication process in a business-to-business firm attempting to replicate four strategic hybrid offerings. Emergent themes, based on 13 manager interviews, reveal factors that promote or impede successful hybrid offering transfer. Among the factors that underlie successful hybrid offering transfers across customer engagements are close customer relationships, a clear value proposition embraced by organizational numbers, an accurate forecast of market potential, and collaborative working relationships across units. The findings from the field studies provided a catalyst for a deeper examination of existing literature and formed the building blocks for the conceptual model and several key research propositions related to the successful transfer of hybrid offerings. The model isolates five sets of factors that influence the hybrid offering transfer process, including the characteristics of (1) the source project team, (2) the seeking project team, (3) the hybrid offering, (4) the relationship exchange, and (5) the customer. The conceptualization isolates the critical role that the customer assumes in service infusion strategy implementation. / Dissertation/Thesis / Ph.D. Business Administration 2013