Competition in the global economic scenario has led to the use of simulation in many areas such as manufacturing, health systems, military systems and transportation. With the importance of simulation in supporting decision making and operations, model building has been recognised as one of the crucial steps in simulation studies. However, model building is not as easy as it may seem. It can be time-consuming and expensive, and requires special training, skills and experience. This research, therefore, aims to investigate a new method to rapidly build a simulation model based on the classification of problems in assembly lines using a cladistics technique and template approach. Three objectives were established in order to achieve the aim and a four-stage research programme was developed according to these objectives. The first stage starts by developing a thorough understanding of and collecting typical problems in assembly lines. The next stage formulates the classification of problems and the main deliverable is a cladogram, a tree structure that can be used to represent the evolution of problems and their characteristics. The third stage focuses on the development of a proof-of-concept prototype based on an established classification and template approach. The prototype helps users to develop a model by providing the physical elements and specific elements required for the performance measures analysis. The prototype is then tested and validated in the final stage. The results show that the prototype developed can help to rapidly build a simulation model and reduce model development time.

Coarctation of the aorta (CoA) is a congenital heart disease in which the aorta witnesses localized obstruction. CoA can be fatal if left untreated. Endovascular stenting of CoA is an attractive treatment of choice in adolescents and adults; however, it can be associated with problems like stent malapposition and inappropriate stent expansion. The main objective of this study is to investigate the effects of stent implantation on the hemodynamic factors in a patient with mild coarctation. Computational fluid dynamics was utilized to illustrate the hemodynamic factors like velocity distribution, wall shear stress, and trans-coarctation pressure drop in pre- and post-intervention states. These factors were used to assess the success of stent deployment in this patient. Large Eddy Simulation (LES) model is employed in this work to provide detailed information on hemodynamics in patient-specific preand post-intervention geometries of the aorta. The results of an in-house lumped parameter code, in which its input parameters are obtained from patient-specific clinical data, were applied as the boundary conditions in this study. / Thesis / Master of Applied Science (MASc)

Providing care services across several departments and care givers creates the complexity of the patient pathways, as it deals with different departments, policies, professionals, regulations and many more. One example of complex patient pathways (CPP) is one that exists in integrated care, which most literature relates to health and social care integration. The world population and demand for care services have increased. Therefore, necessary actions need to be taken in order to improve the services given to patients in maintaining their quality of life. As the complexity arises due to different needs of stakeholders, it creates many problems especially when it involves complex patient pathways (CPP). To reduce the problems, many researchers tried using several decision tools such as Discrete Event Simulation (DES), System Dynamic (SD), Markov Model and Tree Diagram. This also includes Direct Experimentation, one of techniques in Lean Thinking/Techniques, in their efforts to help simplify the system complexity and provide decision support tools. However, the CPP models were developed using a single tools which makes the models have some limitations and not capable in covering the entire needs and features of the CPP system. For example, lack of individual analysis, feedback loop as well as lack of experimentation prior to the real implementation. As a result, ineffective and inefficient decision making was made. The researcher also argues that by combining the DES and SD techniques, named the hybrid simulation, the CPP model would be enhanced and in turn will help to provide decision support tools and consequently, will reduce the problems in CPP to the minimum level. As there is no standard framework, a framework of a hybrid simulation for modelling the CPP system is proposed in this research. The researcher is much concerned with the framework development rather than the CPP model itself, as there is no standard model that can represent any type of CPP since it is different in term of its regulations, policies, governance and many more. The framework is developed based on several literatures, selected among developed framework/models that have used combinations of DES and SD techniques simultaneously, applied in a large system or in healthcare sectors. This is due to the condition of the CPP system which is a large healthcare system. The proposed framework is divided into three phases, which are Conceptual, Modelling and Models Communication Phase, and each phase is decomposed into several steps. To validate the suitability of the proposed framework that provides guidance in developing CPP models using hybrid simulation, the inductive research methodology will be used with the help of case studies as a research strategy. Two approaches are used to test the suitability of the framework – practical and theoretical. The practical approach involves developing a CPP model (within health and social care settings) assisted by the SD and DES simulation software which was based on several case studies in health and social care systems that used single modelling techniques. The theoretical approach involves applying several case studies within different care settings without developing the model. Four case studies with different areas and care settings have been selected and applied towards the framework. Based on suitability tests, the framework will be modified accordingly. As this framework provides guidance on how to develop CPP models using hybrid simulation, it is argued that it will be a benchmark to researchers and academicians, as well as decision and policy makers to develop a CPP model using hybrid simulation.

The main goal of the master’s thesis SIMULATION OF INTERCONNECTION OF SOLAR CELLS IN MATLAB is introduction of conversion principle of solar radiation into electrical energy in photovoltaic cells. The thesis deals with mathematical models and equations that describe the solar cell and their interconnection. The main task was to develop a user interface program using MATLAB. The produced program is intended to simulate a single cells or series connection, parallel or in series – parallel cells, and so simulate a photovoltaic panel.

Yes / A two-dimensional numerical model is developed to study the propagation of a solitary wave in the presence of a steady current flow. The numerical model is based on the Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) equations with a k-ε turbulence closure scheme and an internal wave-maker method. To capture the air-water interface, the volume of fluid (VOF) method is used in the numerical simulation. The current flow is initialized by imposing a steady inlet velocity on one computational domain end and a constant pressure outlet on the other end. The desired wave is generated by an internal wave-maker. The propagation of a solitary wave travelling with a following/opposing current is simulated. The effects of the current velocity on the solitary wave motion are investigated. The results show that the solitary wave has a smaller wave height, larger wave width and higher travelling speed after interacting with a following current. Contrariwise, the solitary wave becomes higher with a smaller wave width and lower travelling speed with an opposing current. The regression equations for predicting the wave height, wave width and travelling speed of the resulting solitary wave are for practical engineering applications. The impacts of current flow on the induced velocity and the turbulent kinetic energy (TKE) of a solitary wave are also investigated. / National Natural Science Foundation of China Grant #51209083, #51137002 and #41176073, the Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province (China) Grant #BK2011026, the 111 Project under Grant No. B12032, the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central University, China (2013B31614), and the Carnegie Trust for Scottish Universities

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In this study, a three-dimensional, three-phase dynamic simulation model based on geological investigations of Korolev oilfield in Kazakhstan was used as a development planning tool in order to improve performance of three new wells. The model, developed previously by means of a seismic study, well log and core data, incorporating with characteristics of oilfield productivity, properties of reservoir, liquids and gases that are saturating the hydrocarbon-bearing horizon can be used to calculate development parameters for Korolev field, including production well locations, drilling schedules, and to facilitate both long-term and short-term forecasting for the purposes of optimizing the hydrocarbon recovery from the field. The objective of this work is to assess the impact of adding 3 extra producing wells and find ways to optimize cumulative production with the least impact on the existing development plan by means of deeper understanding subsurface dynamic processes of the Korolev field. The challenge is a high degree of connectivity between wells in the productive formation throughout the field so that any change of production parameters affects the whole field&rsquo / s cumulative production. Trying to find a solution to optimum production of the reservoir forecast studies were carried out, the impact of each new well on development parameters was defined, sub-surface processes changes due to extra producers lead-in were explained and as a result of this thesis two optimization models were proposed, one of which will bring nearly 9.7 million barrels more oil.

The biological need for lighting by an individual differs from the merely visual purpose, such as viewing objects and doing work or movement. Lack of adequate daylight for biological stimulation can lead to health problems, for e.g. imbalanced circadian rhythm. The importance of daylight is vital for hospital patients who are mostly physically and/or psychologically stressed. As, many patients stay indoors for 24 hours, they might be vulnerable to the lack of daylight which is necessary for health reasons. Hence, for hospital patients, daylight can be a strong therapeutic environmental design element to ensure good health and accelerate clinical recovery. The complex relationship between daylight environment and individuals responses are not fully understood. Controversy results that are debated by the previous researchers, has made the implementation of daylighting strategies in the architectural design of hospital in-patient rooms critical, mainly for therapeutic purpose. Strong evidence needs to be established that can build confidence to both architects and policy makers to use daylight for therapeutic purpose and integration of therapeutic effect of daylight to in-patient room architecture is necessary as well. This thesis provides information to architects (with examples) for incorporation of therapeutic effect of daylight in the design of in-patient rooms to reduce patient length of stay (LoS) in hospitals. A triangulation research method was applied in this work, where theories were developed qualitatively and tested quantitatively. Literature review was carried out to establish the potential effect of daylight on patient health. Retrospective field investigations were conducted to establish the quantitative relationship between daylight intensity and patient LoS inside in-patient rooms by developing Multiple Linear Regression (MLR) models under a general hospital environment. Using the daylighting goal to enhance therapeutic benefit for hospital patients, referred from literature and verified from field investigation data, a daylight design concept (sky window configurations) was developed and evaluated by prospective simulation study, and found better compared to traditional standard hospital window configurations, in order to enhance therapeutic benefit for hospital patients. A dynamic annual Climate-Based Daylight Modelling (CBDM) method that uses RADIANCE (backward) raytracer combined with a daylight coefficient approach considering Perez all weather sky luminance model (i.e. DAYSIM), was used for simulation analysis. This thesis develops strategies for architects to incorporate therapeutic effect of daylight in the architectural design of hospital in-patient rooms, including guidelines to support architectural decisions in case of conflicting situations, and to identify the range of daylight intensities within which patient LoS is expected to be reduced. The strategies also consider the ultraviolet radiation (UVR) protections and discuss the challenges of climate change for daylight researchers for the incorporation of therapeutic effect of daylight in the design of hospital in-patient rooms. The thesis provides a contribution to knowledge by establishing strong evidence of quantitative relationship between daylight and LoS, and by presenting new architectural forms for hospital in-patient room design as one of the possible ways to incorporate therapeutic effect of daylight in the design of hospital in-patient rooms effectively. It is expected that the research will encourage and help architects and policy makers to incorporate therapeutic effect of daylight in the design of hospital in-patient rooms, efficiently.

O fenômeno do congestionamento, decorrente do rápido aumento da demanda por todos os meios de transporte só tende a se agravar, já que sistemas de transporte (vistos como um todo) têm um grande impacto na economia mundial. No caso do transporte veicular em particular, é notório que a demanda por mobilidade é uma das características da nossa sociedade. O impacto direto e indireto dos congestionamentos em áreas urbanas e interurbanas é imenso, e precisam ser avaliados adequadamente para que seus efeitos sejam pelo menos minorados. Esta dissertação apresenta o AVNET, uma modelagem baseada em agentes para avali- ação do balanceamento de carga em redes de tráfego veicular, capaz de investigar micros- copicamente a interação entre oferta, demanda e as particularidades do comportamento dos motoristas, aqui tratados como agentes autônomos capazes de perceber o estado do ambiente e se adaptar a ele utilizando replanejamento heurístico. O principal objetivo do AVNET é investigar a interação entre a percepção que o agente possui do tráfego e a consequente adaptação através da mudança de rota durante a viagem. De forma cíclica, o AVNET propõe que o estado do ambiente influencia na percepção do agente, e a ação do agente influencia no estado do ambiente. As medidas de balanceamento de carga visam avaliar o desempenho do ponto de vista do motorista, ao invés de abordar a avaliação do ponto de vista da rede como algumas abordagens tradicionalmente propõe. Experimentos foram realizados a partir da variação nas condições de oferta - utili- zando uma rede com topologia em estilo de grade e uma abstração de algumas vias arte- riais da cidade de Porto Alegre/RS - variação nas condições de demanda - o tipo de dis- tribuição e número de viagens - e dos tipos de agentes utilizados. Os resultados ajudam a responder como será o balanceamento de carga de redes de tráfego veicular conforme as condições de oferta e demanda do ambiente, e de percepção/ação dos agentes. / The phenomenon of congestion, due to the rapid increase in demand for all means of transport is only going to worsen, since systems transport (seen as a whole) have a major impact on the world economy. In the case of vehicular transport in particular, it is clear that the demand for mobility is a characteristic of our society. The direct and indirect impact of congestion in urban and long distance is immense, and must be properly evaluated for their effects are at least mitigated. This dissertation presents the AVNET, an agent-basead modelling to evaluate load bal- ancing in networks of vehicular traffic, able to microscopically investigate the interaction between supply, demand and the peculiarities of the behavior of drivers, here treated as autonomous agents, capable to perceive the state of the environment and adapt to it using heuristic redesign. The main goal of AVNET is to investigate the interaction between the perception that the agent has the traffic and the consequent adaptation by changing the route during the trip. Cyclically, the AVNET propose that the state of the environment influences the perception of the agent and the agent’s action influences the state of the environment. Experiments were performed from the variation in supply conditions - using a network grid topology and an abstraction of some arterial roads in the city of Porto Alegre/RS - changes in demand conditions - the type of distribution and number of trips - and the types of agents used. The results will help answer how the balancing network load of vehicular traffic as conditions of supply and demand of the environment, and perception / action agents.

O fenômeno do congestionamento, decorrente do rápido aumento da demanda por todos os meios de transporte só tende a se agravar, já que sistemas de transporte (vistos como um todo) têm um grande impacto na economia mundial. No caso do transporte veicular em particular, é notório que a demanda por mobilidade é uma das características da nossa sociedade. O impacto direto e indireto dos congestionamentos em áreas urbanas e interurbanas é imenso, e precisam ser avaliados adequadamente para que seus efeitos sejam pelo menos minorados. Esta dissertação apresenta o AVNET, uma modelagem baseada em agentes para avali- ação do balanceamento de carga em redes de tráfego veicular, capaz de investigar micros- copicamente a interação entre oferta, demanda e as particularidades do comportamento dos motoristas, aqui tratados como agentes autônomos capazes de perceber o estado do ambiente e se adaptar a ele utilizando replanejamento heurístico. O principal objetivo do AVNET é investigar a interação entre a percepção que o agente possui do tráfego e a consequente adaptação através da mudança de rota durante a viagem. De forma cíclica, o AVNET propõe que o estado do ambiente influencia na percepção do agente, e a ação do agente influencia no estado do ambiente. As medidas de balanceamento de carga visam avaliar o desempenho do ponto de vista do motorista, ao invés de abordar a avaliação do ponto de vista da rede como algumas abordagens tradicionalmente propõe. Experimentos foram realizados a partir da variação nas condições de oferta - utili- zando uma rede com topologia em estilo de grade e uma abstração de algumas vias arte- riais da cidade de Porto Alegre/RS - variação nas condições de demanda - o tipo de dis- tribuição e número de viagens - e dos tipos de agentes utilizados. Os resultados ajudam a responder como será o balanceamento de carga de redes de tráfego veicular conforme as condições de oferta e demanda do ambiente, e de percepção/ação dos agentes. / The phenomenon of congestion, due to the rapid increase in demand for all means of transport is only going to worsen, since systems transport (seen as a whole) have a major impact on the world economy. In the case of vehicular transport in particular, it is clear that the demand for mobility is a characteristic of our society. The direct and indirect impact of congestion in urban and long distance is immense, and must be properly evaluated for their effects are at least mitigated. This dissertation presents the AVNET, an agent-basead modelling to evaluate load bal- ancing in networks of vehicular traffic, able to microscopically investigate the interaction between supply, demand and the peculiarities of the behavior of drivers, here treated as autonomous agents, capable to perceive the state of the environment and adapt to it using heuristic redesign. The main goal of AVNET is to investigate the interaction between the perception that the agent has the traffic and the consequent adaptation by changing the route during the trip. Cyclically, the AVNET propose that the state of the environment influences the perception of the agent and the agent’s action influences the state of the environment. Experiments were performed from the variation in supply conditions - using a network grid topology and an abstraction of some arterial roads in the city of Porto Alegre/RS - changes in demand conditions - the type of distribution and number of trips - and the types of agents used. The results will help answer how the balancing network load of vehicular traffic as conditions of supply and demand of the environment, and perception / action agents.