Thesis (M.A.)--York University, 2005. Graduate Programme in Communication and Culture. / Typescript. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 108-113). Also available on the Internet. MODE OF ACCESS via web browser by entering the following URL: http://gateway.proquest.com/openurl?url%5Fver=Z39.88-2004&res%5Fdat=xri:pqdiss &rft_val_fmt=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:dissertation&rft_dat=xri:pqdiss:MR11791

Thesis (MEng) -- Stellenbosch University, 2014. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Beamforming is a technique used to combine signals from an array of antennas to effectively synthesize a single aperture and beam. In the Radio Astronomy community the technique is used to obtain a desirable beam pattern as well as to electronically point the beam of an array. Next generation radio telescopes such as the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) surpass current technology and will extensively make use of beamforming techniques. Various factors determine the output of a beamformer; however, given an array with a fixed configuration only the weights applied to the incoming signals affect the synthesized aperture and beam. Furthermore, the incoming data must be processed in real-time, at a rate equal to the input-output rate of the processor. Both the weighting function and the real-time implementation of beamforming, are the primary subjects of this thesis. In this thesis various deterministic weighting functions are investigated. The algorithms are implemented in a matlab program, serving as a simulation tool for investigating the techniques. The program is verified by comparing the expected theoretical outcomes to the simulated output. For the program the following functionalities are included: a steering technique, spectral weighting, Dolph-Chebychev, and the Least Square Error algorithm. Applications of these techniques is investigated and their prominence in the Radio Astronomy community is established. For the real-time beamformer implementation, the UniBoard platform configured with beamformer firmware, is investigated. This is important as the UniBoard is an excellent example of a beamformer implementation within the Radio Astronomy community. The architecture is used to emulate a linear array by implementing a python control script, where the output corresponded accurately with the expected theoretical values. The thesis also constitutes the design and implementation of a digital frequency domain beamformer on the ROACH board. This processing board is employed by the Karoo Array Telescope (KAT-7) in South Africa. This work is therefore important as it demonstrates a beamformer implementation on an architecture in use by the Radio Astronomy community. An antenna array is designed and built for the verification of the beamformer design. Results with a good degree of accuracy were obtained and where errors exist they are discussed. / AFRIKKANSE OPSOMMING: Bundelvorming is ’n tegniek waarmee die seine van ’n antenna samestelling gekombineer word om ’n enkele effektiewe stralingsvlak en stralingspatroon te sintiseer. In die Radio Astronomie gemeenskap word die tegniek gebruik om ’n gewenste stralingspatroon te sintiseer sowel as om die rigting van die patroon elektronies te beheer. Die Square Kilometre Array (SKA) is ’n toekomstige radioteleskoop en sal grootliks gebruik maak van bundelvorming tegnieke. Die uitset van bundelvormers word geaffekteer deur verskeie faktore, maar vir ’n gegewe samestelling is dit net die gewigsfunksies wat toegepas word op die inkomende seine wat die gesintiseerde patroon kan beheer. Verder moet die inkomende data verwerk word teen ’n tempo gelykstaande aan die inset-en-uitsetkoers van die verwerker. Die gewigsfunksie so wel as die implementasie van die bundelvormer is albei primêre onderwerpe van die tesis. ’n Verskeindenheid van deterministiese bundelvormingstegnieke sal ondersoek word in hierdie tesis. Die algoritmes is in ’n matlab program geïmplementeer vir simulasie doeleindes. Die program is geverifieër deur die uitset te vergelyk met die verwagte teoretiese waardes. Die program sluit die volgende funksies in: ’n rigting beheer algoritme, spektraalgewigte, Dolph-Chebychev, en die minste vierkantsfout algoritme. Hierdie tegnieke is van belang weens hul toepassing in die Radio Astronomie gemeenskap. Vir die implementasie van ’n bundelvormer is die UniBoard hardeware, geprogrameer in ’n bundelvormings modus, van gebruik gemaak. Hierdie aspek is belangrik omdat die Uni- Board ’n goeie voorbeeld van ’n geïmplementeerde bundelvormer in die Radio Astronomie gemeenskap is. Die UniBoard word gebruik om ’n lineêre samestelling te emuleer deur in python ’n beheer skrip te skryf, waar die uitset van die emuleerder akkuraat ooreenstem met die verwagte waardes. Die tesis behels ook die ontwerp en implementasie van ’n digitale frekwensiegebied bundelvormer op die ROACH platform. Hierdie verwerker word tans gebruik in die Karoo Array Telescope (KAT-7) in Suid-Afrika. Hierdie werk is dus belangrik omdat dit die implementasie van ’n bundelvormer op tegnologie wat huidiglik in die Radio Astronomie gemeenskap gebruik word demonstreer. Daarbenewens is ’n antenna samestelling ontwerp en gebou om die bundelvormer te verifieër. Die resultate is akkuraat tot ’n redelike mate. Waar daar ’n fout onstaan het word dit in die tesis bespreek.

Thesis (MEng)--Stellenbosch University, 2015. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This thesis presents the design, construction and measurement of two wide-band LNA’s for the SKA-Mid range (350-1200 MHz). The first wide-band LNA involves the investigation of classic low noise amplifier techniques, which includes basic noise theory, stability analysis, feedback design and the development of sophisticated matching techniques for ultra wide-band performance. Final measurements show a flat gain response equal to 19 dB, with a noise figure of 1.5 dB and an output return loss of 10 dB across the entire bandwidth. A multi-path cascading concept is introduced for the second low noise amplifier design, which aims to connect two single frequency amplifiers in parallel to operate from 500 to 700 MHz. The design process involves several optimization schemes to realise the matching networks for the cascaded topology and the noise performance of the device was confirmed by using multi-port noise theory. The prototype presents significant bandwidth improvements compared to a single frequency LNA design. Excellent agreement between the simulation and measurement were obtained with a flat gain response of 20 dB across a 2:1 bandwidth, with a low noise figure of 0.95 dB and an output return loss of 13 dB across the operation bandwidth of 400 to 800 MHz. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Hierdie tesis behandel die ontwerp, konstruksie en meting van twee wyeband laeruis versterkers vir die SKA - Mid reeks (350–1200 MHz). Die eerste wyeband laeruis versterker, ondersoek klassieke laeruis versterker tegnieke wat insluit basiese ruisteorie, stabiliteit analise, terugvoerontwerp en die ontwikkeling van gevorderde aanpassingstegnieke vir ultra wyeband werkverrigting. Finale metings het ’n plat aanwins van 19 dB, met ’n ruisfiguur van 1.5 dB en ’n uittree-refleksie koëffisiënt van -10 dB oor die hele bandwydte vertoon. ’n Multi-pad konsep word bekend gestel vir die tweede laeruis versterker. Die ontwerp het twee enkel frekwensie laeruis versterkers in parallel verbind om vanaf 500 tot 700 MHz te werk. Die ontwerp proses bevat verskeie optimalisering skemas om die aanpassings netwerke vir die kaskade topologie te realiseer. Die ruissyfer van die versterker is bevestig deur die gebruik van multi-pad ruisteorie. Die prototipe het beduidende bandwydte verbeterings vertoon in vergelyking met ’n enkel frekwensie versterker ontwerp. ’n Uitstekende ooreenkoms tussen die simulasie en meting was verkry met ’n plat aanwins van 20 dB oor ’n 2:1 bandwydte, met ’n laeruisfiguur van 0.95 dB en ’n uittree-refleksie koëffisiënt van -13 dB oor die bandwydte van 400-800 MHz.

The primary aim of this research was to investigate the fundamental acoustic properties of several cementitious materials, the influence of mix design parameters/constituents, and finally the effect of the physical and mechanical properties of cementitious material concrete/mortar on the acoustic properties of the material. The main objectives were: To understand the mechanism of sound production in musical instruments and the effects of the material(s) employed on the sound generated; To build upon previous research regarding selection of the tested physical/mechanical properties and acoustic properties of cementitious materials; To draw conclusions regarding the effect of different constituents, mix designs and material properties upon the acoustic properties of the material; To build a model of the relationship between the acoustic properties of a cementitious material and its mix design via its physical/mechanical properties. In order to meet the aim, this research was conducted by employing the semi-experimental (half analytical) method: two experimental programmes were performed (I and II); a mathematical optimization technique (least square method) was then implemented in order to construct an optimized mathematical model to match with the experimental data. In Experimental Programme I, six constituents/factors were investigated regarding the effect on the physical/mechanical and acoustic properties: cementitious material additives (fly ash, silica fume, and GGBS), superplasticizer, and basic mix design parameters (w/c ratio, and sand grading). 11 properties (eight physical/mechanical properties: compressive strength, density, hardness, flexural strength, flexural modulus, elastic modulus, dynamic modulus and slump test; and three acoustic properties: resonant frequency, speed of sound and quality factor (internal damping)) were tested for each constituents/factors related mortar type. For each type of mortar, there were three cubes, three prisms and three cylinders produced. In Experimental Programme I, 20 mix designs were investigated, 180 specimens produced, and 660 test results recorded. After analysing the results of Experimental Programme I, fly ash (FA), w/b ratio and b/s ratio were selected as the cementitious material/factors which had the greatest influence on the acoustic properties of the material; these were subsequently investigated in detail in Experimental Programme II. In Experimental Programme II, various combinations of FA replacement level, w/b ratios and b/s ratios (three factors) resulted in 1122 test results. The relationship between these three factors on the selected 11 properties was then determined. Through using regression analysis and optimization technique (least square method), the relationship between the physical/mechanical properties and acoustic properties was then determined. Through both experimental programmes, 54 mix designs were investigated in total, with 486 specimens produced and tested, and 1782 test results recorded. Finally, based upon well-known existing relationships (including, model of compressive strength and elastic modulus, and the model of elastic modulus and dynamic modulus), and new regressioned models of FA-mortar (the relationship of compressive strength and constituents, which is unique for different mixes), the optimized object function of acoustic properties (speed of sound and damping ratio) and mix design (proportions of constituents) were constructed via the physical/mechanical properties.

>Magister Scientiae - MSc / The main aim of this study is to investigate theelectrochemical determination of two beneficial (selenium and zinc) and two toxic (chromium and vanadium) metals in the potable water within the City of Cape Town's distribution area. The Water Laboratory of the City's Scientific Services Branch analyses for these metals in their elemental state, using the Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometer (ICP-OES). This is a standard method used for the detection of trace metals. The most sensitive voltammetric method for determining these metals is by adsorptive stripping voltammetry, using a thin mercury film electrode with a glassy carbon support. This voltammetric method is used for quantitative determination of specific ionic species. Because of mercury's toxicity it is not really favoured for trace metals anymore. Many other possibilities are under investigation, e.g. bismuth-film, modified glassy carbon and antimony electrodes. The boron-doped diamond (BDD) electrode has distinct advantages when used to determine metal concentrations. Advantages of BDD electrodes include lower detection limit, speciation and wider potential window. In this study cyclic voltammetry (CV) was used to determine the copper, cadmium and lead concentrations in potable water by means of square wave voltammetry (SWV) and a bare glassy carbon electrode (GCE). Furthermore, a boron-doped diamond electrode (BDDE) was used to investigate the possibilities of determining selenium, chromium and vanadium by SWV. Real samples (potable water samples) were analysed electrochemically to qualify and quantify these metals and determine whether they comply with the SANS 241:2006 drinking water guidelines.The copper, cadmium, lead and selenium peaks appear very close to the theoretical values, which indicate that these metals can be detected by SWV method, but further analysis with more samples is advised. Even though responses were observed for vanadium and chromium, it was not reliable and requires further investigation. Further studies into the analyses of zinc are also advised.

Dans cette thèse nous étudions deux types de pavages : des pavages par une paire de carres et des pavages sur le réseau tri-hexagonal (Kagome). Nous considérons différents problèmes combinatoires et probabilistes. Nous commençons par le cas des carres 1x1 et 2x2 sur des bandes infinies de hauteur k et obtenons des résultats sur la proportion moyenne des carres 1x1 pour les cas planaire et cylindrique pour k < 11. Nous considérons également des questions échantillonnage et comptage approximatif. Pour obtenir un échantillon aléatoire nous définissons des chaines de Markov pour les pavages par des carres et sur le réseau Kagome. Nous montrons des bornes polynomiales pour le temps de mélange pour les pavages par des carres 1x1 et sxs des régions n log net les pavages Kagome des régions en forme de losange. Nous considérons aussi des chaines de Markov avec des poids w sur les tuiles. Nous montrons le mélange rapide avec des conditions spécifiques sur w pour les pavages par des carres 1x1 et sxs et pavages Kagome. Nous présentons des simulations qui suggèrent plusieurs conjectures, notamment l'existence des régions gelées pour les pavages aléatoires par des carres et sur le réseau Kagome des régions avec des bords non plats. / In this thesis we study two types of tilings : tilings by a pair of squares and tilings on the tri-hexagonal (Kagome) lattice. We consider different combinatorial and probabilistic problems. First, we study the case of 1x1 and 2x2 squares on infinite stripes of height k and get combinatorial results on proportions of 1x1 squares for k < 11 in plain and cylindrical cases. We generalize the problem for bigger squares. We consider questions about sampling and approximate counting. In order to get a random sample, we define Markov chains for square and Kagome tilings. We show ergodicity and find polynomial bounds on the mixing time for nxlog n regions in the case of tilings by 1x1 and sxs squares and for lozenge regions in the case of restrained Kagome tilings. We also consider weighted Markov chains where weights are put on the tiles. We show rapid mixing with conditions on for square tilings by 1x1 and sxs squares and for Kagome tilings. We provide simulations that suggest different conjectures, one of which existence of frozen regions in random tilings by squares and on the Kagome lattice of regions with non flat boundaries.

O fator de Dancoff, em sua formulação clássica, corrige a corrente de nêutrons incidente na superfície de uma vareta combustível devido à presença das demais varetas da célula. Alternativamente, esse fator pode ser interpretado como a probabilidade de um nêutron oriundo de uma vareta de combustível entrar em outra vareta sem colidir no moderador ou no revestimento. Para combustíveis perfeitamente absorvedores essas definições são equivalentes. Entretanto, quando se assume a hipótese de absorção parcial no combustível, essa equivalência não se verifica. Então, os fatores de Dancoff devem ser determinados em termos de probabilidades de colisão. Ao longo dos últimos anos, vários trabalhos, usando ambas as definições, vêm relatando melhorias no cálculo dos fatores Dancoff. Neste trabalho, esses fatores são determinados através do método de probabilidades de colisão para células em geometria cluster com contorno externo quadrado, assumindo-se absorção total (Black Dancoff Factors) e parcial (Grey Dancoff Factors) no combustível. A validação dos resultados é feita através de comparações com a célula cilíndrica equivalente. O cálculo é realizado considerando-se reflexão especular, para a célula quadrada, e condição de contorno difusa (white) para a célula cilíndrica equivalente. Os resultados obtidos, com o aumento do tamanho das células, evidenciam o comportamento assintótico da solução. Além disso, são computados fatores de Dancoff para as células canadenses CANDU-37 e CANFLEX por ambas as metodologias de cálculo, direta e probabilística. Finalmente, os fatores de multiplicação efetivo, keff, para as células com contorno externo quadrado e a cilíndrica equivalente, são determinados e as diferenças registradas para os casos onde se assumem as hipóteses de absorção total e parcial. / In its classical formulation, the Dancoff factor for a perfectly absorbing fuel rod is defined as the relative reduction in the incurrent of resonance neutrons into the rod in the presence of neighboring rods, as compared to the incurrent into a single fuel rod immersed in an infinite moderator. Alternatively, this factor can be viewed as the probability that a neutron emerging from the surface of a fuel rod will enter another fuel rod without any collision in the moderator or cladding. For perfectly absorbing fuel these definitions are equivalent. In the last years, several works appeared in literature reporting improvements in the calculation of Dancoff factors, using both the classical and the collision probability definitions. In this work, we step further reporting Dancoff factors for perfectly absorbing (Black) and partially absorbing (Grey) fuel rods calculated by the collision probability method, in cluster cells with square outer boundaries. In order to validate the results, comparisons are made with the equivalent cylindricalized cell in hypothetical test cases. The calculation is performed considering specularly reflecting boundary conditions, for the square lattice, and diffusive reflecting boundary conditions, for the cylindrical geometry. The results show the expected asymptotic behavior of the solution with increasing cell sizes. In addition, Dancoff factors are computed for the Canadian cells CANDU-37 and CANFLEX by the Monte Carlo and Direct methods. Finally, the effective multiplication factors, keff, for these cells (cluster cell with square outer boundaries and the equivalent cylindricalized cell) are also computed, and the differences reported for the cases using the perfect and partial absorption assumptions.

Regression analysis constitutes a large portion of the statistical repertoire in applications. In case where such analysis is used for exploratory purposes with no previous knowledge of the structure one would not wish to impose any constraints on the problem. But in many applications we are interested in a simple parametric model to describe the structure of a system with some prior knowledge of the structure. An important example of this occurs when the experimenter has the strong belief that the regression function changes monotonically in some or all of the predictor variables in a region of interest. The analyses needed for statistical inference under such constraints are nonstandard. The specific aim of this study is to introduce a technique which can be used for statistical inferences of a multivariate simple regression with some non-standard constraints.

This study aims at developing a model to estimate flood damage cost caused in Gonaives, Haiti by Hurricane Jeanne in 2004. In order to reach this goal, the influence of income, inundation duration and inundation depth, slope, population density and distance to major roads on the loss costs was investigated. Surveyed data were analyzed using Excel and ArcGIS 10 software. The ordinary least square and the geographically weighted regression analyses were used to predict flood damage costs. Then, the estimates were delineated using voronoi geostatistical map tool. As a result, the factors account for the costs as high as 83%. The flood damage cost in a household varies between 24,315 through 37,693 Haitian Gourdes (approximately 607.875 through 942.325 U.S. Dollars). Severe damages were spotted in the urban area and in the rural section of Bassin whereas very low and low losses are essentially found in Labranle. The urban area was more severely affected by comparison with the rural area. Damages in the urban area are estimated at 41,206,869.57USD against 698,222,174.10 17,455,554.35USD in the rural area. In the urban part, damages were more severe in Raboteau-Jubilée and in Downtown but Bigot-Parc Vincent had the highest overall damage cost estimated at 9,729,368.95 USD. The lowest cost 7,602,040.42USD was recorded in Raboteau. Approximately, 39.38% of the rural area underwent very low to moderate damages. Bassin was the most severely struck by the 2004 floods, but Bayonnais turned out to have the highest loss cost: 4,988,487.66 USD. Bassin along with Labranle had the least damage cost, 2,956,131.11 and 2,268,321.41 USD respectively. Based on the findings, we recommended the implementation and diversification of income-generating activities, the maintenance and improvement of drains, sewers and gullies cleaning and the establishment of conservation practices upstream of the watersheds. In addition, the model should be applied and validated using actual official records as reference data. Finally, the use of a calculation-based approach is suggested to determine flood damage costs in order to reduce subjectivity during surveys.

O fator de Dancoff, em sua formulação clássica, corrige a corrente de nêutrons incidente na superfície de uma vareta combustível devido à presença das demais varetas da célula. Alternativamente, esse fator pode ser interpretado como a probabilidade de um nêutron oriundo de uma vareta de combustível entrar em outra vareta sem colidir no moderador ou no revestimento. Para combustíveis perfeitamente absorvedores essas definições são equivalentes. Entretanto, quando se assume a hipótese de absorção parcial no combustível, essa equivalência não se verifica. Então, os fatores de Dancoff devem ser determinados em termos de probabilidades de colisão. Ao longo dos últimos anos, vários trabalhos, usando ambas as definições, vêm relatando melhorias no cálculo dos fatores Dancoff. Neste trabalho, esses fatores são determinados através do método de probabilidades de colisão para células em geometria cluster com contorno externo quadrado, assumindo-se absorção total (Black Dancoff Factors) e parcial (Grey Dancoff Factors) no combustível. A validação dos resultados é feita através de comparações com a célula cilíndrica equivalente. O cálculo é realizado considerando-se reflexão especular, para a célula quadrada, e condição de contorno difusa (white) para a célula cilíndrica equivalente. Os resultados obtidos, com o aumento do tamanho das células, evidenciam o comportamento assintótico da solução. Além disso, são computados fatores de Dancoff para as células canadenses CANDU-37 e CANFLEX por ambas as metodologias de cálculo, direta e probabilística. Finalmente, os fatores de multiplicação efetivo, keff, para as células com contorno externo quadrado e a cilíndrica equivalente, são determinados e as diferenças registradas para os casos onde se assumem as hipóteses de absorção total e parcial. / In its classical formulation, the Dancoff factor for a perfectly absorbing fuel rod is defined as the relative reduction in the incurrent of resonance neutrons into the rod in the presence of neighboring rods, as compared to the incurrent into a single fuel rod immersed in an infinite moderator. Alternatively, this factor can be viewed as the probability that a neutron emerging from the surface of a fuel rod will enter another fuel rod without any collision in the moderator or cladding. For perfectly absorbing fuel these definitions are equivalent. In the last years, several works appeared in literature reporting improvements in the calculation of Dancoff factors, using both the classical and the collision probability definitions. In this work, we step further reporting Dancoff factors for perfectly absorbing (Black) and partially absorbing (Grey) fuel rods calculated by the collision probability method, in cluster cells with square outer boundaries. In order to validate the results, comparisons are made with the equivalent cylindricalized cell in hypothetical test cases. The calculation is performed considering specularly reflecting boundary conditions, for the square lattice, and diffusive reflecting boundary conditions, for the cylindrical geometry. The results show the expected asymptotic behavior of the solution with increasing cell sizes. In addition, Dancoff factors are computed for the Canadian cells CANDU-37 and CANFLEX by the Monte Carlo and Direct methods. Finally, the effective multiplication factors, keff, for these cells (cluster cell with square outer boundaries and the equivalent cylindricalized cell) are also computed, and the differences reported for the cases using the perfect and partial absorption assumptions.