Lei, Man Cheong. / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2011. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 79-80). / Abstracts in English and Chinese. / Abstract --- p.i / Acknowledgement --- p.iii / Table of Contents --- p.iv / Chapter 1. --- Introduction --- p.1 / Chapter 2. --- Introduction to Ureteroscope --- p.3 / Chapter 2.1. --- Ureteroscope --- p.3 / Chapter 2.2. --- Configuration of flexible ureteroscope --- p.5 / Chapter 2.2.1. --- The optical system --- p.5 / Chapter 2.2.2. --- Deflection mechanism --- p.6 / Chapter 2.2.3. --- Control wires (Guidewires) --- p.9 / Chapter 2.2.4. --- Working channel --- p.10 / Chapter 2.3. --- Problems of the existing products --- p.10 / Chapter 2.4. --- Designs of the bending section --- p.11 / Chapter 2.4.1. --- Pin-joint bending section --- p.12 / Chapter 2.4.2. --- Wire-connected bending section --- p.15 / Chapter 2.5. --- CAD Modeling of the bending section --- p.16 / Chapter 2.5.1. --- Different designs of components --- p.16 / Chapter 2.5.2. --- Configuration of the bending section --- p.17 / Chapter 3. --- Wire-Driven Deflection Mechanism --- p.19 / Chapter 3.1. --- Literature review --- p.19 / Chapter 3.2. --- Geometry modeling of the bending section --- p.21 / Chapter 3.2.1. --- Description of formulation --- p.21 / Chapter 3.2.2. --- Assumption --- p.21 / Chapter 3.2.3. --- Notation --- p.22 / Chapter 3.2.4. --- Geometric analysis --- p.22 / Chapter 3.3. --- Simulations of the motion of the deflection mechanism --- p.26 / Chapter 3.3.1. --- Construction of the simulation --- p.26 / Chapter 3.3.2. --- Controlled by a pair of wires --- p.28 / Chapter 3.3.2.1. --- For bending section composed by identical parts --- p.28 / Chapter 3.3.2.2. --- For bending section composed by two sub-sections --- p.29 / Chapter 3.3.3. --- Controlled by two pairs of wires --- p.30 / Chapter 3.3.3.1. --- Deflecting in the same direction --- p.30 / Chapter 3.3.3.2. --- Deflecting in opposite direction --- p.31 / Chapter 3.4. --- Trajectory of the distal end --- p.32 / Chapter 3.4.1. --- Bending section composing by identical parts --- p.32 / Chapter 3.4.2. --- Bending section composing by two sub-sections --- p.40 / Chapter 3.4.2.1. --- Controlled by a single pair of wires --- p.43 / Chapter 3.4.2.2. --- Controlled by two pairs of wires --- p.46 / Chapter 3.5. --- Static analysis of the deflection mechanism --- p.57 / Chapter 4. --- Application: Design of Ureteroscope --- p.64 / Chapter 4.1. --- Design of the bending section --- p.64 / Chapter 4.2. --- Design of the control body --- p.67 / Chapter 4.2.1. --- Parts introduction and major assembling --- p.68 / Chapter 4.2.2. --- Control mechanism --- p.72 / Chapter 5. --- Conclusion and Future Work --- p.75 / Chapter 6. --- Bibliography --- p.79 / Chapter Appendix A: --- List of Publication --- p.81 / Chapter Appendix B: --- MATLAB Programs V --- p.83

Novos equipamentos e tecnologias disponíveis no mercado vêm desempenhando papel crucial para o desenvolvimento e modernização do setor agrícola. A eletrônica e a automação têm-se mostrado cada vez mais importante e necessária neste processo de evolução, agilizando atividades, bem como reduzindo custos, principalmente aqueles associados à mão-de-obra demandada para execução de tarefas rotineiras. No contexto de irrigação verifica-se um objetivo comum referente à adoção de técnicas que propiciem a otimização da utilização de água pelas culturas, maximizando a eficiência dos processos de distribuição e aplicação de água e minimizando as perdas. Acerca disto, o conhecimento ou estimativa da vazão em um sistema de irrigação torna-se imprescindível ao se pensar em um plano de irrigação ou manejo de água eficiente. Existem diversos instrumentos e métodos de estimativa de vazão, cada qual com suas vantagens e limitações. Portanto, considerando um ideal de inovação tecnológica, foi proposto o desenvolvimento de um instrumento de medição de vazão utilizando dispositivos eletrônicos, de fácil utilização e baixo custo. Deste modo, este trabalho teve como objetivos: a) Desenvolver um medidor eletrônico de vazão utilizando célula de carga; b) Realizar testes hidráulicos e gerar uma equação matemática que represente a vazão instantânea em um conduto forçado, no qual o medidor estará instalado; e c) Determinar parâmetros de desempenho para o medidor desenvolvido. O experimento foi realizado no Laboratório de Hidráulica do Departamento de Engenharia Rural da ESALQ/ USP em Piracicaba SP. Desenvolveu-se um medidor de vazão que se enquadra na categoria de medidores do tipo força, no qual estão disponíveis opções de acesso a rotinas de medição, calibração e configurações. Na rotina de medição a leitura de vazão é atualizada aproximadamente a cada 7 segundos, sendo possível selecionar e alterar a unidade de exibição da vazão instantânea. O equipamento consta de uma rotina de calibração, na qual foi implementado o Método dos Mínimos Quadrados para definição de coeficientes de ajuste de uma equação de regressão ao conjunto de dados coletados nesta rotina. O procedimento de calibração do medidor foi desenvolvido com o objetivo de dispensar a necessidade de mão-de-obra especializada, bem como equipamento, computadores e métodos mais complexos e de difícil acesso. A tela de configurações permite observar e ajustar a equação de regressão utilizada, bem como ativar ou desativar a transmissão de dados via serial (RS-232) para computadores. O medidor proposto é capaz de operar na faixa de 7 a 28 m³.h-1 com erro máximo de ±1,4 m³.h-1 (±2,7%), sendo o coeficiente K de perda de carga localizada aproximadamente 0,55. Para as condições de estudo, a força de arraste máxima esperada sobre o conjunto anteparo-alavanca é próxima de 1,87 N, acarretando um esforço na célula de carga de até 3 N. / New available equipments and technologies in the market are each time more important for the agricultural section development and modernization. The electronics and automation area have great value on this evolution, speeding up activities as well as decreasing costs, mainly those costs regarding with necessary labor to execute routine tasks. On irrigation there is a common objective of choosing techniques that optimize crops water use, increasing efficiency and reducing losses of water distribution and application processes. The flow metering in an irrigation system is indispensable stuff when an efficient water management is desired. There are many tools, devices and methods of flow metering each one with its respective features. Considering a technology innovation principle this work had the purpose to develop an electronic flow meter easy to use and low cost, using electronic devices. Nevertheless this research had the following objectives: a) An electronic flow meter development by using load cell; b) Hydraulics tests in order to determine a math equation that matches the instantly flow inside a pipeline; and c) Flow meter assess determining performance parameters. The research was done at Hydraulics Laboratory, Rural Engineering Department (Laboratório de Hidráulica - Departamento de Engenharia Rural), ESALQ/USP on Piracicaba-SP-Brazil. The developed equipment is based on drag force that a body experiences when immersed in a fluid stream. The flow meter developed has some screen options allowing user tasks definition like: metering, calibration, and make some internal configurations. In the metering task the flow value is updated on intervals close to 7 seconds being possible to select or change units showing flow results. The calibration task was developed to avoid or release the specialized labor need, equipments, computers or any sophisticated and complex method. In this task, it was implemented Least Square Method in order to calculate coefficients of a fitting equation. This equation was used to estimate flow from digital signals acquired from the electronic circuit. The configuration interface allows the visualization and change the fitting equation used by the system. It also allows the data transmission for computers by serial port (RS-232 protocol). The proposed flow meter is able to work from 7 to 28 m³.h-1 with uncertainty of ±1.4 m³.h-1 (± 2.7%). The coefficient of local head loss (K) was close to 0.55 for Reynolds number values higher than 105. In this work, the greatest drag force expected acting on the flat circular body and cylindrical object is about 1.87 N, resulting in a force on load cell up to 3 N.

Education in South Africa is experiencing challenges of interest in its learners towards science and mathematics within the primary and secondary phases of learning. The result of this failed interest is represented by the amount of scarce skills present in the technology, ICT and engineering sectors, resulting in a lack of research and development of current and future technologies. The solution to this problem is to create a lateral approach through learners’ interests by using performance media as a medium of instruction. This intervention is established as part of the University of the Witwatersrand where it will serve as a crucible of research, exploration and education of science and technology through cross-faculty co-operation. Using the University’s vast academic and educational resources, this intervention will become a staging ground for new scientific and technological development conveyed through a variety of performance mediums which will be presented to learners, students and the general public. Situated adjacent to the Parktown Education Campus, this facility is the beginning of planned expansion by the University linking its various campuses through Braamfontein civic district. The site has an important historical and heritage association with Johannesburg - through its heritage landmarks - and by its use through the National Children’s Theatre. Whilst this has been a site for performance art over the last two decades, the expansion and integration of this building will continue this legacy into the future through the exploration of new and dynamic performance mediums. / 2014 Thesis - M.Arch(Prof.)

The purpose of the current study was to understand public opinion formation by determining what factors influence opinion leaders in the organic food community to engage in the genetically modified food debate, and how opinion leaders describe American lay publics' engagement in the debate.

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The purpose of the research undertaken for this thesis was to examine management practices relating to new product development processes in small to medium-sized manufacturing firms (SMEs). The thesis topic has its origins in a European Community funded research project carried out during 1997-9 and designated CIMA (Continuous Improvement in Global Innovation Management) ESPRIT project 26056. The CIMA project had as its objective the development, testing and dissemination of a methodology to support knowledge transfer in the product innovation process. The CIMA model suggested a relationship between management behaviours and performance outcomes that used literature from a variety of research areas including continuous improvement, product innovation, performance measurement, and inter-project learning. This literature was centred largely on research undertaken in large organisations, with little information available on the new product development (NPD) practices in SMEs. This thesis sought to examine the management of NPD activities in SMEs across a range of important variables as identified in larger organisations in an effort to evaluate whether they were as relevant in smaller organisations. The literature review reduced the research to four broad questions: 1.what is the relationship between a business unit’s competitive strategy and its new product development strategy, 2.how management involvement in improving NPD performance, 3.does a more systematic approach to management of NPD projects would lead to better outcomes, and finally 4.how new product development performance is measured in SMEs. A two-stage, field based research methodology was used to gather data for this thesis. Firstly, a quantitative survey instrument was used to collect data across a broad range of variables. The data thus gathered were supported by a subsequent set of interviews in three SMEs that. In each of these firms, employees from the broad functional areas of sales, operations, and design, were interviewed to gain a greater understanding of the issues that might emerge in the quantitative survey. Thematic analysis was used to examine the qualitative data. Descriptive statistics, in the main were used to evaluate the quantitative data. Findings relevant to each of the research questions provide valuable insights into NPD practices in SMEs. For instance, strategies tend to be hazy, and have a short term emphasis. The qualitative interviews in particular showed a lack of certainty and direction when it came to strategy. With regard to management involvement, there was more emphasis on individual effort rather than team-based activities. Managers tended not to look for external sources to improve their NPD performance. The approach taken in managing NPD activities, whether it was systematic or informal, did not appear to affect innovativeness, though it did appear to impact other variables such as time-to-market. Finally, performance measurement in SMEs tended to emphasise cost outcomes as opposed to variables critical to customers such as conformance quality or time-to-market. Further, outcomes in those performance dimensions did not appear to influence future strategy or actions within the organisations. A detailed review of the data is provided in chapters five, six and seven. / Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Agricultural industries play a key role in promoting the economic prosperity and growth of Tongan society. Agricultural exports, such as the pumpkin industry, receive foreign exchange to pay for the imports. This project aims to develop an understanding of the problems involved in exporting pumpkins from Tonga to the Japanese rice market. It also aims, as an action research project, to increase the understanding of the problem owners in order to improve the operation of the industry. The inquiry explores the perceived problems and concerns of all parties involved in the development of the industry including the exporters, farmers, government departments and the Tongan Development Bank as well as the Japanese pumpkin importers. The study used a systems approach, utilising action research methodology as an entry point to conduct a collaborative inquiry. A market analysis of the niche market of the pumpkin industry was carried out.The following have been identified as the most important factors in the development of the industry. (1) It was found that low quality standard of pumpkin exports has been the main concern as it hinders the development of the niche market. (2) Insufficient government support services have also contributed to the low quality standard. Partly as a result of the action research project a strategic plan for the industry was developed and this has already led to changes in industry practices. / Master of Science (Hons)

This research is an investigation into how organisations can engineer new collaborative business processes. This engineering of processes is based on technical advances, which enables organisations to enhance their communication and collaboration with their customer and each other. This research identifies how advanced technologies can be properly applied to create collaborative business processes of within and across organisations. This research has enabled this collaboration and extended its boundaries to facilitate dynamic collaborations amongst multiple organisations that may not necessarily be known to each other. The new model of collaboration achieves the recommended collaborative environment by restructuring the business processes for Web-based applications. This thesis also validates the proposed model for the collaboration in a global environment. This creation and validation of the model satisfies the requirements of a PhD-level research. The concept of Collaborative Business Process Engineering (CBPE) is unique in that it describes how cluster-based processes of multiple organisations can be engineered. Furthermore, this research also integrates the existing concepts of Business Process Re-engineering (BPR) and Business Process Management (BPM) in the model. CPBE is able to evaluate the impact of the interoperability of the organisations on their engineered business processes as well as their business structures. This research further demonstrates the implementation of CBPE in a proposed Collaborative Web-Based System (CWBS). This thesis discusses how the Web Services (WS) and mobile technologies, specifically Universal Description, Discovery and Integration (UDDI), influence the interoperation amongst multiple organisations. The impact of the WS on engineered business processes and the extension of this impact on multiple organisations and their clusters are included in this research. This thesis also describes the existing model of collaboration and provides a literature review to support the need for the proposed model of collaboration. Existing technologies for the engineering of the new collaborative business processes are explained. Detailed descriptions of the research methodologies (quantitative and qualitative), philosophies (interpretivist and constructivist) and theories (evolutionary and socio-technical) used are identified and described here. The dynamic aspects of collaboration in the proposed new model of collaboration, wherein organisations can enter and exit the collaboration at will are discussed. The thesis also discusses the factors influencing the collaboration, such as trust, security, confidence level and the availability of the channels for collaboration. The dynamic aspects of the proposed model are tested against the static aspects of the current model wherein the collaborating organisations need to set up prior contract before collaboration. A part of this study deals with evaluation of the significance of the CBPE for the organisations that adapt technologies such as Web Service and mobility. Finally, this thesis demonstrates an investigation in the impact of interoperability emanating from emerging technologies, specifically the Web Services technology, on organisations by providing a model as well as conceptual implementations. The proposed model of CBPE and the conceptual implementations facilitate the use of the emerging technologies for effective collaborations. These emerging technologies are presented and described in Chapter 2 while their impacts on the proposed model of CBPE are explained in Chapter 4. The proposed model in this thesis enables numerous businesses to collaborate electronically thereby producing dynamically collaborating groups/clusters. This thesis presents the modelling, understanding of collaborative business process that transcend the organisational boundaries, factors that influence collaborative business processes and the entry and exit criteria for these collaborative organisations. / Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Australia's space activities since the early sixties have been science-oriented and uncoordinated. As a result, Australia has been unable to develop a long-term sustainable domestic technological capability; with industry being dependent on government funding for its involvement in the nation's space plan. This thesis examines public policy aspects focussing on technology independence that is the building of competencies for the sustainable development of an industry. It compares national technological development by relating Australia's recent space-related successes and failures to those of other nations (especially selected Asian countries and Israel). The overarching research problem addressed within this thesis examined the Australian national space policy and strategy since 1984.It investigated why the Australian Space Industry Development Strategy was not a successful influence on the development of a long-term sustainable national technological base or on the establishment of a viable commercial space-related industry in Australia. The research included the development of a strategic multilevel planning system involving a network innovation model into a nation's space science and technology policy development. The outcomes of the research reported in the thesis are discussed. The level of technological capability and capacity is a direct, inversely related factor to an increase in the degree in technology dependency. Australia needs a change of philosophy by accepting the global challenge through defining and supporting, within a national strategic planning, a national space strategy that incorporates network innovation concepts: a concept that must involve a balanced supply (science) and demand (commercial) characteristics of an innovation network system. / Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) (Management)