The Master's Thesis is focused on optimization of inbound logistics of Toyota Peugeot Citroën Automobile. The aim of the Master's Thesis is analysis of current status of logistics in TPCA and detailed observation and research of logistic processes and routes with emphasis on the planning system. Factors affecting the decision making during logistics planning and process of information searching were identified with special attention for milk-routes. First chapter describes development of logistics a specifics of logistics in automotive industry. Following chapter analyse current status of logistics, types of logistic routes a system of the planning. Third chapter propose options for logistics planning optimization with help of improved information source obtaining, study the suitability of used logistics routes and test possibilities of utilization of commercial software. Last chapter of thesis is comparing logistics of TPCA and Škoda Auto.

Mergers and acquisitions continue to enjoy importance as strategies for achieving growth, although their success in creating shareholder value remains contested. The aim of this research was to evaluate whether, in the long-run, acquiring companies created or destroyed value by evaluating the differences between pre- and post-acquisition firm performance, using, abnormal share price performance, operating financial performance and intrinsic value performance metrics. This research used a non-representative, judgemental sample of 29 JSE listed firms to conclude that, on average, mergers and acquisitions destroy value within two years post-acquisition, although some evidence was found in support of acquiring firm value creation in the third year after the acquisition. Results indicated a significant -6.62% decline in acquiring firm average cumulative average abnormal return (ACAAR) between 504 trading days before and after acquisition announcement dates. This finding reversed in year three, resulting in a positive ACAAR of 8.76%. Similarly, average intrinsic value (AIV) performance indicated that between one year before and one year after the acquisition, AIV deteriorated with a significant -0.131. However, between year one and two after the acquisition, AIV recovered by 0.112. Overall evidence indicated positive and significant AIV growth of 0.370 between one year before and three years after the acquisition. The research found insignificant results for the pre and post-acquisition evaluation of industry-adjusted cash-flow return on all assets (IACRAA). / Dissertation (MBA)--University of Pretoria, 2012. / Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) / unrestricted

A run-of-mine ore milling circuit is primarily used to grind incoming ore containing precious metals to a particle size smaller than a specification size. A traditional run-of-mine (ROM) ore single-stage closed milling circuit comprises of the operational units: mill, sump and cyclone. These circuits are difficult to control because of significant nonlinearities, large time delays, large unmeasured disturbances, process variables that are difficult to measure and modelling uncertainties. A nonlinear model predictive controller with state estimation could yield good control of the ROM ore milling circuit despite these difficulties. Additionally, the ROM ore milling circuit is an energy intensive unit and a controller or power optimizer could bring significant cost savings. A nonlinear model predictive controller requires good state estimates and therefore a neural network for state estimation as an alternative to the particle filter has been addressed. The neural network approach requires fewer process variables that need to be measured compared to the particle filter. A neural network is trained with three disturbance parameters and used to estimate the internal states of the mill, and the results are compared with those of the particle filter implementation. The neural network approach performed better than the particle filter approach when estimating the volume of steel balls and rocks within the mill. A novel combined neural network and particle filter state estimator is presented to improve the estimation of the neural network approach for the estimation of volume of fines, solids and water within the mill. The estimation performance of the combined approach is promising when the disturbance magnitude used is smaller than that used to train the neural network. After state estimation was addressed, this work targets the implementation of a nonlinear controller combined with full state estimation for a grinding mill circuit. The nonlinear controller consists of a suboptimal nonlinear model predictive controller coupled with a dynamic inversion controller. This allows for fast control that is asymptotically stable. The nonlinear controller aims to reconcile the opposing objectives of high throughput and high product quality. The state estimator comprises of a particle filter for five mill states as well as an additional estimator for three sump states. Simulation results show that control objectives can be achieved despite the presence of noise and significant disturbances. The cost of energy has increased significantly in recent years. This increase in price greatly affects the mineral processing industry because of the large energy demands. A run-of-mine ore milling circuit provides a suitable case study where the power consumed by a mill is in the order of 2 MW. An attempt has been made to reduce the energy consumed by the mill in the two ways: firstly, within the nonlinear model predictive control in a single-stage circuit configuration and secondly, running multiple mills in parallel and attempting to save energy while still maintaining an overall high quality and good quantity. A formulation for power optimization of multiple ROM ore milling circuits has been developed. A first base case consisted not taking power into account in a single ROM ore milling circuit and a second base case split the load and throughput equally between two parallel milling circuits. In both cases, energy can be saved using the NMPC compared to the base cases presented without significant sacrifice in product quality or quantity. The work presented covers three topics that has yet to be addressed within the literature: a neural network for mill state estimation, a nonlinear controller with state estimation integrated for a ROM ore milling circuit and power optimization of a single and multiple ROM ore milling circuit configuration. / Dissertation (MEng)--University of Pretoria, 2015. / Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering / Unrestricted

The thesis investigates the relation between empathy for refugees and the experience of participation in a role-play as an educational tool, by focusing on the role-play “On the Run” by the Swedish Red Cross Youth Association. This role-play starts with an introduction, includes a one-hour long play where the participants take roles of family members who have to flee their country, and ends with a debriefing that is argued to be important for the emotional understanding of the participation in the role-play. The thesis explores how this role-play develops empathy for refugees, and how it affects the learning process. The result of the study is presented, which employed an online questionnaire with open-ended questions concerning how the former participants experienced and reflected on the role-play. The analysis of the answers shows that the participants generally appreciated the role-play, that empathy can be identified in their answers as a result of the participation, and that both affective empathy and perspective-taking empathy can be identified as outcomes of that role-play.

Humans naturally select a point at which to transition from walking to running when gradually increasing locomotor speed. This point is known as the walk-to-run transition (WRT). The WRT is traditionally expressed in terms of speed and is known to occur within a close range of 2.1 m/s, which is an accepted heuristic (i.e., empirically based, rounded) threshold value. Very little research exists defining the WRT in terms of cadence (steps/min) despite the fact that spatial temporal aspects of gait underlying the WRT include this parameter. Preliminary evidence suggests that the WRT may be associated with a cadence of 140 steps/min in adults. This overlooked approach to identifying the WRT may be better than speed because of the simplicity and accessibility of recording cadence in both lab- and free-living settings. Wearable technologies can be used to determine cadence in real-time in a variety of settings, and could be used in the future to expand our current knowledge of the WRT. In turn, this knowledge could be used to inform training practices and/or rehabilitation of gait disorders. The purposes of this secondary analysis of an existing treadmill-based data set were to: (1) identify the optimal WRT cadence threshold, and (2) compare the accuracy of the cadence cutpoint to the previous WRT indicators identified in literature (i.e., speed and Froude number). This secondary analysis focused only on the data collected from the 28 participants (20 men, 8 women) whose protocol was terminated due to selecting to run during the treadmill portion of the larger CADENCE-Adults study. The CADENCE-Adults protocol consisted of a series of five-minute bouts beginning at 0.2 m/s and increasing in 0.2 m/s increments, with each bout followed by two minutes of standing rest. Participants could choose to walk or run each bout. The cadence of the bout during which the participants chose to run was considered the WTR cadence, and ROC analyses were performed to determine the optimal cadence cutpoint. Sensitivity, specificity and overall accuracy were calculated to compare the accuracy of the speed and Froude values from literature to the calculated cadence cutpoint. In addition, these analyses were expanded post hoc to also examine the accuracy of the previously proposed cadence cutpoint from the literature and the speed and Froude cutpoint identified from the dataset. Following analyses, three cadence cutpoints (134, 139, or 141 steps/min) were identified that shared equal overall accuracy (92.9%); therefore, there was no single optimal cutpoint. This also occurred for the speed cutpoints, where both 1.9 and 2.0 m/s shared overall accuracies of 78.6%. The optimal Froude cutpoint identified was 0.46 (82.0% overall accuracy). The rank-order overall accuracy of previously identified cutpoints were: a cadence of 140 steps/min (91.1%), Froude number of 0.5 (76.8%) and speed of 2.1 m/s (66.1%). Based on the identified optimal cadence cutpoints, a heuristic range of running cutpoints was recommended anchored on specificity vs. sensitivity preferences. For researchers interested in identifying episodes more likely to be running behavior (with the preference that very few episodes of walking behavior are mistakenly identified), it would be best to use 140 steps/min. However, if they want to be as inclusive as possible in identifying episodes of running behavior (and can tolerate more mistakenly identified episodes walking behavior), they could use 135 steps/min. When applied to this dataset, 96.0% (24/25) of the individuals who were ≥140 steps/min were running, but this decreased to 92.5% (25/27) with ≥135 steps/min. In conclusion, cadence clearly performed much better in terms of overall accuracy when compared to traditionally used WRT indicators of speed and Froude numbers. The recommended heuristics cadence cutpoint range can be used by researchers who want to evaluate the locomotor patterns of individuals when analyzing free-living step-defined data collected using wearable devices.

Title: Walking step coordination characteristic comparison for walking on running simulator and off-road walking. Objectives: Goal of the thesis is to measure, analyze and evaluate data of activity and involvement of lower limb muscles for offroad walking and walking on running simulator. The measured characteristic will be intra-individually and extra-individually compared. Method: Surface polyelectromyography method for data measurement and kineziological movement analysis method for values comparison are used in the thesis. Ten muscles of lower limb (2  5 muscles on left and right lower limb) were chosen. Results: Ten lower limb muscles were chosen and their activity for walking on running simulator and offroad walking was measured by surface polyelectromyography method on ten sportsmen. The results indicate that chosen muscles participate on monitored movement. The analysis shows that the muscles activity follows the same order for each of tested sportsmen independently on the external condition (running simulator and offroad walking). The thesis that correlation of measured values is higher for running simulator have been confirmed. But m.gluteus.med. and m.glut.max. have variation in the activity of the involvement in the field and on the treadmill. Similar results have also m.vastus med....

This diploma thesis deals with the biomechanics of running and the kinematic analysis of running in children aged 6 - 8 years. The paper consists of two parts. The first part deals with the biomechanics of running and its development, running injuries and describes the kinematic analysis of running. The PubMed, the ScienceDirect Database and sources of the National Medical Library and of the Charles University were searched for creating this theoretical part. The second part describes the experiment - methods and its results. 70 children were recorded during overground running at spontaneous speed. The obtained video recording was measured using the Kinovea 0.8.12. program. The video was scrolled through frames and three moments of the stance phase (initial contact, midstance and moment toe-off) were detected. At these moments selected angles in the sagittal plane were analyzed. These angles were described in the terms of descriptive statistics. Certain characteristics subdivided the cohort into two groups. These were compared in kinematic parameters to determine statistically significant differences. The obtained values from the experiment are discussed and compared with the the values from the recent literature dealing with kinematics of running. At last the suggestions for further research are...

Those who frequent the coastline may be accustomed to seeing driftwood washed onshore, some of it having seemingly found a home there for many years, others having been freshly deposited during the last set of storms; However, if a passerby were to take a closer look at the driftwood on the coastline, they may notice that some of these logs – also known as Large Woody Debris (LWD) – are anchored in place, a practice which is generally used for the purpose of stabilizing the shoreline or reducing wave-induced flooding. Records of existing anchored LWD project sites date back to 1997 and anecdotal evidence suggests that the technique has been used since the mid-1900’s in coastal British Columbia (BC), Canada, and Washington State, USA. Now, with an increased demand for natural and nature-based solutions, the technique is again gaining popularity. Despite this, the design of anchored LWD has largely been based on anecdotal observations and experience, as well as a continuity of design practices from the river engineering field. To date, there is no known peer-reviewed literature on the design or efficacy of LWD protection systems in a coastal environment. In 2019, the “Efficacy and Design of Coastal Protection using Large Woody Debris” research project was initiated to determine if LWD are effective at stabilizing the shoreline under wave action, if they are effective at reducing wave run-up, and if they are durable enough to meet engineering requirements for shore protection. In addition, the project aimed to determine the optimum configuration of LWD for design purposes. To meet these objectives, this study included the following work: (1) field studies of existing LWD installations, (2) experimental modeling of beach morphology with and without LWD structures, (3) experimental modeling of wave run-up with and without LWD structures, and (4) development of preliminary design guidance. The first phase of the project included field investigations at 15 existing anchored LWD sites in coastal BC and Washington State. Site characteristics, design techniques, and durability indicators were examined and correlated to a new design life parameter: ‘Effective Life’. Six primary installation techniques were observed: Single, Multiple, Benched, Stacked, Matrix, and Groyne. Observed durability and/or performance issues included: missing LWD, erosion, arson, wood decay, and anchor corrosion/damage. The Effective Life of anchored LWD was found to be strongly correlated to the tidal range and the upper beach slope for all installation types, and the LWD placement elevation relative to the beach crest elevation for single, shore-parallel structures. The many noted durability issues and ineffectiveness as mitigating erosion indicates that existing design methods for anchored LWD have not generally been effective at providing coastal protection and meeting engineering design life requirements. A comprehensive set of over 60 experimental tests were completed as part of the overall research program. Thirty-two (32) tests were analyzed as part of this study relating to the morphological response of a gravel beach with and without various LWD configurations. The tests were conducted within a wave flume at the National Research Council’s Ocean, Coastal and River Engineering Research Centre (NRC-OCRE), at a large scale (5:1) based on site characteristics and LWD design characteristics made during the previous field investigations. Tests were also conducted to assess experiment repeatability, sensitivity to test duration, sensitivity to wave height, wave period, and relative water level, influence of regular waves, and influence of log roughness. The position of the most seaward LWD (whether considering distance or elevation) was found to be strongly linked to morphological response. A theoretical relationship was developed between LWD elevation and sediment volume change. Configurations which included LWD placement below the still water level, such as the Benched configuration, were found to be most effective at stabilizing the beach profile. As part of the experimental modeling program, 24 tests were also conducted for the purpose of estimating the effect of LWD design configuration on wave run-up. In total, six different beach and LWD configurations were tested under a base set of four regular wave conditions. The study findings indicated that anchored LWD may increase wave run-up relative to a gravel beach with no structures. In particular, configurations with more logs tended to result in higher wave run-up. However, additional research is needed on the effect of LWD on wave run-up to confirm and expand these findings. There are a number of potential engineering, ecological, social, and economic benefits associated with anchored LWD installations if designed, installed, and monitored appropriately for the site conditions and user needs. To realize these potential benefits, significant additional research is needed on the topic. One of the most significant barriers to usage is a lack of information on how to effectively anchor LWD structures. However, this research project provides a baseline for future comprehensive studies on the effect and design of coastal protection using LWD. The project provides preliminary design considerations for the usage of LWD as coastal protection and contributes to the growing body of literature on nature-based solutions.

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Bakgrund: Behovet av ögonsjukvård ökar, ett sätt att möta det ökande behovet är genom sjuksköterskemottagningar. Uppgiftsväxling till sjuksköterskemottagningar medför förändringar för såväl patienter, sjuksköterskor som hälso- och sjukvårdens organisation. Det är därför betydelsefullt att tillvarata erfarenheter för att säkerställa vård med hög kvalité och främja en god arbetsmiljö. Syfte: Syftet var att belysa erfarenheter av sjuksköterskemottagning inom ögonsjukvård. Metod: En systematisk litteraturstudie med kvalitativ design och induktiv ansats. Resultat: Kategorierna som framkom var: nya arbetsuppgifter, säker vård, effektiv resursanvändning och vårdrelation. Med rätt förutsättningar kunde uppgiftsväxling genomföras på ett säkert sätt inom ögonsjukvård, därmed ökades mottagningarnas kapacitet. De nya arbetsuppgifterna föregicks av utbildning och upplevdes utveckla yrkesrollen. Förbättrad tillgänglighet och mer tid under besöken upplevdes som positivt av patienterna och stärkte vårdrelationen med sjuksköterskorna. Både patienter och sjuksköterskors erfarenheter av sjuksköterskemottagningar var positiva. Slutsats: Uppgiftsväxling till sjuksköterskemottagning kan stärka yrkesrollen, genomföras på ett säkert sätt, öka kapaciteten och stärka vårdrelationen. När sjuksköterskemottagningar utvecklas behöver förutsättningar skapas för en god arbetsmiljö och säker vård. Mer forskning behövs om hur arbetsmiljön och gruppdynamiken inom yrkeskåren och mellan yrkesgrupper påverkas vid uppgiftsväxling. Specialistsjuksköterskeutbildningen med inriktning mot ögonsjukvård behöver förbereda studenterna på en dynamisk yrkesroll. / Background: The need for ophthalmic care is increasing, one way to meet the increasing need is through nurse-run clinics, which entails changes for patients, nurses as well as the health care system. It is important to take advantage of experiences to ensure high-quality care and promote a good working environment Aim: The aim was to highlight experiences of nurse-run clinic in ophthalmology. Method: A systematic literature review with qualitive design and inductive approach. Results: The categories that emerged were: new tasks, safe care, using resources efficiently and care relationship. Both patients and nurses' experiences of nursing clinics were positive. With the right conditions, task-shifting could be carried out safely in ophthalmic care, thereby increasing the capacity of the clinics. The new tasks were preceded by training and were perceived to affect the professional role in a positive way. Improved accessibility and increased time during the visits were perceived as positive by the patients and strengthened the care relationship with the nurses. Conclusion: As nurse-run clinics develop, conditions need to be created for a good working environment and safe care. Task-shifting to nurse-run clinics can strengthen the professional role, be carried out safely, increase capacity and strengthen the care relationship. More research is needed on how the work environment and group dynamics within the profession and between occupational groups are affected when task-shifting is implemented. Specialist nurse education in ophthalmic care need to prepare students for a dynamic professional role.