Advances in fiber optic communications and the convergence of the optical-wireless network will dramatically increase the network heterogeneity and complexity. The goal of our research is to create smart receivers that can autonomously identify and demodulate, without prior knowledge, nearly any signal emerging from the next-generation of high-speed optical communication networks.

Behavioral adaptation and cognitive control are crucial for goal-reaching behaviors. Every creature is ubiquitously faced with choices between behavioral alternatives. Common sense suggests that errors are an important source of information in the regulation of such processes. Several theories exist regarding cognitive control and the processing of undesired outcomes. However, most of these models focus on the consequences of an error, and less attention has been paid to the mechanisms that underlie the commissioning of an error. In this article, we present an integrative review of neuro-cognitive models that detail the determinants of the occurrence of response errors. The factors that may determine the likelihood of committing errors are likely related to the stability of task-representations in prefrontal networks, attentional selection mechanisms and mechanisms of action selection in basal ganglia circuits. An important conclusion is that the likelihood of committing an error is not stable over time but rather changes depending on the interplay of different functional neuro-anatomical and neuro-biological systems. We describe factors that might determine the time-course of cognitive control and the need to adapt behavior following response errors. Finally, we outline the mechanisms that may proof useful for predicting the outcomes of cognitive control and the emergence of response errors in future research.

Os avanços tecnológicos apontam para uma renovação da infraestrutura atual de comunicações ópticas, de modo a torná-la adequada à operação dentro dos novos paradigmas das redes, em que a elasticidade e eficiência espectrais se aliam à alta capacidade de transmissão. Sob o ponto de vista do planejamento de uma operadora de telecomunicação, é desejável que a substituição de equipamentos ocorra de forma mais gradual e que a operação da infraestrutura atual seja otimizada para acomodar a demanda por alta capacidade sem requerer a construção de uma infraestrutura completamente nova. Neste contexto, esta tese investiga estratégias de otimização combinando técnicas que utilizam múltiplas taxas de transmissão (MLR &#8211 Mixed Line Rate) e múltiplos formatos de modulação (MMF &#8211 Multiple Modulation Formats) com foco em um cenário condizente a realidade brasileira, com taxa de transmissão de 10 Gbit/s modulados com a técnica não retorna a zero (NRZ &#8211 non return to zero), migrando para taxa de 40 e/ou 100 Gbit/s. São analisados os benefícios proporcionados com o uso de redes MLR-MMF em comparação com a substituição da rede legada por apenas uma taxa (SLR &#8211 single line rate). A infraestrutura da camada física considerada é uniforme e pode transportar sinais de 10/40/100 Gbit/s, apenas os tipos de transponders são diferentes. Para analisar o desempenho da rede descrita é proposto um modelo de integração entre as ferramentas MatLab e OptiSystem. A primeira é utilizada para definir a rota e a segunda para simular a propagação do sinal óptico na fibra ao longo da rota escolhida. Os valores de taxa de erro de bit (BER &#8211 Bit Error Rate) e a relação sinal ruído óptica (OSNR &#8211 Optical Signal Noise Rate) são armazenados em um banco de dados para uso posterior. Dessa forma diversas topologias podem ser analisadas. Em uma rede real esse tipo de informação pode ser obtido por meio de técnicas de monitoramento óptico (OPM &#8211 Optical Performance Monitoring). Por esse motivo, também são investigados e testados experimentalmente dois métodos de monitoramento da OSNR: i) anulamento da polarização para obter OSNR e ii) monitor multiparâmetro baseado em modulação da polarização em baixa frequência. A partir das análises, concluiu-se que o uso de redes MLR-MMF pode ser uma alternativa para equilibrar o consumo energético e a probabilidade de bloqueio (PB). A opção por esse tipo de rede ajuda na economia energética e mantém a PB em níveis aceitáveis. Além disso, o uso de monitoramento óptico auxilia na obtenção de informações usadas para controlar e gerenciar eficientemente recursos de rede cumprindo os requisitos de qualidade de serviço. / Technological advances point out to an upgrade on the current optical communication infrastructure in order to adequate it to the new networks paradigms, where elasticity and spectral efficiency are associated to the high capacity transmission. From the perspective of a telecom operator planning, it is desirable that the equipment replacement occurs as gradually as possible and that the operation of the current infrastructure is optimized to accommodate the demand for high capacity without requiring the build-upof a completely new infrastructure. In this context, this thesis investigates optimization strategies combining MLR (mixed line rate) and MMF (multiple modulation formats) techniques focusing on a scenario similar to the Brazilian reality, with a transmission rate of 10 Gbit/s NRZ modulated, switching to a rate of 40 and/or 100 Gbit/s. The benefits provided by the use of MMF-MLR network (non return to zero)s compared to the replacing based on a legacy network by only one rate (SLR single line rate) are discussed. The infrastructure of the physical layer is considered uniform and can carry signals 10/40/100 Gbit/s, only the transponder configurations are different. To analyze the network performance we proposed an integration of MATLAB and OptiSystem tools. The first is used to define the route and the second to simulate the propagation of the optical signal in the fiber along the chosen route. The BER and OSNR values are stored in a database for later use. In this way several topologies can be analyzed. In a real network such information may be obtained by optical monitoring techniques (OPM). For this reason, two methods for monitoring OSNR are also investigated: i) the polarization nulling and ii) multiparameter monitor based on modulation of polarization at low frequency. From the analysis it was concluded that the use of MMF-MLR schemes can be an alternative to balance the energy consumption and the blocking probability (BP). The option for this type of network saves energy and helps maintaining BP within acceptable levels. Furthermore, the use of optical monitoring allows the gathering of information used to control and efficiently manage network resources meeting the requirements for quality of service.

Die zugrunde liegenden Prozesse altersbedingter Veränderungen exekutiver Funktionen werden vielfach untersucht. Für eine flexible Anpassung ist die Überwachung von Handlungen und deren Konsequenzen notwendig. Handlungsüberwachung wird mit ereigniskorrelierten Potentialen (EKP) wie der error-related negativity/error negativity (ERN/Ne) und der correct-related negativity/correct negativity (CRN) gemessen. Die Arbeit untersucht die Handlungsüberwachung bei jüngeren und älteren Erwachsenen mit dem Ziel, das Wissen über kompensatorische Strategien bei Älteren und deren Auswirkung auf die EKP Befunde zu erweitern. Ältere zeigten reduzierte ERN/Ne und größere oder vergleichbar große CRN Amplituden im Vergleich zu Jüngeren. Während nur die Jüngeren eine Reduktion der ERN/Ne mit größerer Aufgabenschwierigkeit zeigten, zeigten beide Gruppen eine ERN/Ne Reduktion unter der Instruktion, die Geschwindigkeit anstatt Genauigkeit erforderte. Nur bei Jüngeren variierte die CRN mit der Kompatibilität der Trials, mit der Aufgabenschwierigkeit und Instruktion. Ältere wiesen geringere Fehlerraten und längere Reaktionszeiten als Jüngere auf. Dieses Muster deutet auf eine kompensatorische oder strategische Anpassung in Folge von Defiziten in der Nutzung einer erfolgreichen Kombination von proaktiver und reaktiver Kontrolle hin. Es wird postuliert, dass ERN/Ne und CRN einen gemeinsamen Prozess darstellen, der allgemeine Überwachungsfunktionen reflektiert. Die ERN/Ne beinhaltet zusätzlich einen Prozess, der Fehlerüberwachung signalisiert. Daraus ergibt sich die Vermutung, dass die reduzierte ERN/Ne bei Älteren entweder auf eine Verringerung spezifischer Fehlerprozesse oder auf eine Beeinträchtigung allgemeiner Überwachungsfunktionen zurückzuführen ist. Altersbezogene Veränderungen der EKP Befunde könnten den veränderten Einsatz von kompensatorischer Kontrolle bei Älteren im Vergleich zu Jüngeren reflektieren. Dieser Frage sollte in zukünftigen Studien nachgegangen werden. / Executive functions decline with age and a growing body of research aims at investigating age-related changes of the underlying processes. One important function is to monitor actions and action outcomes, which is necessary for flexible adjustments and learning. This so-called performance monitoring can be measured with event-related potentials (ERP), namely the error-related negativity/error negativity (ERN/Ne) and the correct-related negativity/correct negativity (CRN). This work examined performance monitoring in younger and older adults with the aim to advance knowledge about compensatory strategies in older adults and their implications for ERP results. Findings revealed reduced ERN/Ne and larger or similar-sized CRN in older compared to younger adults. While only younger adults showed a decrease of ERN/Ne with higher task difficulty, both age groups showed a reduction of ERN/Ne in the speed compared to the accuracy condition. Additionally, only younger adults showed variations, in that the CRN was smaller for compatible compared to incompatible trials, in the easy compared to the difficult condition, and in the speed compared to the accuracy condition. Behaviorally, older adults had less errors and longer response latencies than younger adults. This pattern may reflect compensatory or strategic adjustments with age which may be due to deficits in the use of a successful combination of proactive and reactive control. It was further assumed that ERN/Ne and CRN share a common process that reflects general monitoring functions and ERN/Ne includes an additional process that reflects error-specific monitoring. Accordingly, the ERN/Ne attenuation in older adults is either caused by reduced error-specific processing or compromised general monitoring functions. Age-related changes in ERP findings indicate altered engagement of compensatory cognitive control in older compared to younger adults. However, this question has to be further clarified in future studies.

Drilled shaft retaining walls are common earth retaining structures, well suited to urban environments where noise, space, and damage to adjacent structures are major considerations. The design of drilled shaft retaining walls in non-expansive soils is well established. In expansive soils, however, there is no consensus on the correct way to account for the influence of soil expansion on wall behavior. Based on the range of design assumptions currently in practice, existing walls could be substantially over- or under-designed. The goal of this research is to advance the understanding of the effects of expansive clay on drilled shaft retaining walls. The main objectives of this study are to identify the processes responsible for wall loading and deformation in expansive clay, to evaluate how these processes change with time, and to provide guidance for design practice to account for these processes and ensure adequate wall performance. The primary source of information for this research is performance data from a four-year monitoring program at the Lymon C. Reese research wall, a full-scale instrumented drilled shaft retaining wall constructed through expansive clay in Manor, Texas. The test wall was instrumented with inclinometers and fiber optic strain gauges, and performance data was recorded during construction, excavation, during natural moisture fluctuations, and during controlled inundation tests that provided the retained soil with unlimited access to water. In addition to the test wall study, a field assessment of existing TxDOT drilled shaft retaining walls was conducted. The main process influencing short-term wall deformation was found to be global response to stress relief during excavation, which causes the wall and soil to move together without the development of large earth pressures or bending stresses. Long-term wall deformations were governed by the development of drained conditions in both the retained soil and the foundation soil after approximately eight months of controlled inundation testing. To ensure adequate wall performance, the deformations and structural loads associated with short- and long-term conditions should be combined and checked against allowable values. / text

Power conservation has become a high priority to South African industries due to recent environmental assessments and electricity price hikes. This research aims to demonstrate to Industry the many simple and cost effective ways to increase their industrial efficiency with simple modifications, as well as making them more aware of common assembly errors that significantly increase power consumption. This has been accomplished with the design, construction and testing of a test rig capable of producing the desired test results which simulate Industry usage. A test rig was required to test certain energy efficient equipment. This dissertation contains an explanation of the tests required, as well as how they were conducted. These test requirements directed the design outcomes of the test rig. Due to the variety of equipment to be tested, and the accuracy required, the test rig had to be fully adjustable. The design process is explained in this dissertation, along with relevant theory with regard to the testing procedures. The testing procedures were designed to be as accurate as possible. The setup equipment and procedure is briefly explained to ensure an understanding of the capabilities of the test rig. This dissertation contains the results obtained from testing a variety of couplings, belts and motors under different conditions. The results obtained show the difference between the efficiency of a standard motor and that of a high efficiency motor. The efficiency comparison of the Poly V TM, Poly Chain® and SPB V-belts showed very distinct advantages and disadvantages of each belt. The coupling testing was conducted under conditions of misalignment, and resulted in distinct differences in the efficiencies of each coupling at different degrees of misalignments. The couplings tested were the Fenaflex®, the Quick-Flex®, and the Fenagrid® coupling. All results obtained were analyzed and discussed in the relevant sections. The results obtained showed that the high efficiency motor is significantly more efficient than the standard motor at full load, although at low loading, the motor efficiencies were very similar. The coupling tests showed the negative effects misalignment has on the efficiency of the Quick-Flex® and Fenagrid® coupling as well as the capability of the Fenaflex® coupling to withstand the effects of large misalignments without significant efficiency loss. v The belt testing revealed the advantages and disadvantages of each type of belt used. This showed that although the synchronous belt did not lose efficiency with decreased tension, it became unstable, and was difficult to keep on the pulley if not aligned correctly. The V-belts can handle low tension well. Prolonged use of the belts can cause them to stretch, lowering the tension into a “danger zone” that will cause the belts to slip. This slip can damage the belt and pulley. At the lower tension of the V-belt, although the efficiency increases slightly, the vibration of the slack side of the belt is significant, and can be dangerous as the belt could jump off the pulley. The Poly V TM belt has some of the advantages of the V-belt, except that it is unable to maintain its friction at low tension, as the belt width prevents it from being wedged into the grooves like the V-belt. The fluid coupling tests showed that the shock loading on a high inertia system can be significantly reduced with the aid of a fluid coupling. The reduced shock loading can reduce energy consumption, and increase the life of electric motors and the equipment that they drive by preventing excessive overloading. / Thesis (M.Sc.Eng.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2011.

Os avanços tecnológicos apontam para uma renovação da infraestrutura atual de comunicações ópticas, de modo a torná-la adequada à operação dentro dos novos paradigmas das redes, em que a elasticidade e eficiência espectrais se aliam à alta capacidade de transmissão. Sob o ponto de vista do planejamento de uma operadora de telecomunicação, é desejável que a substituição de equipamentos ocorra de forma mais gradual e que a operação da infraestrutura atual seja otimizada para acomodar a demanda por alta capacidade sem requerer a construção de uma infraestrutura completamente nova. Neste contexto, esta tese investiga estratégias de otimização combinando técnicas que utilizam múltiplas taxas de transmissão (MLR &#8211 Mixed Line Rate) e múltiplos formatos de modulação (MMF &#8211 Multiple Modulation Formats) com foco em um cenário condizente a realidade brasileira, com taxa de transmissão de 10 Gbit/s modulados com a técnica não retorna a zero (NRZ &#8211 non return to zero), migrando para taxa de 40 e/ou 100 Gbit/s. São analisados os benefícios proporcionados com o uso de redes MLR-MMF em comparação com a substituição da rede legada por apenas uma taxa (SLR &#8211 single line rate). A infraestrutura da camada física considerada é uniforme e pode transportar sinais de 10/40/100 Gbit/s, apenas os tipos de transponders são diferentes. Para analisar o desempenho da rede descrita é proposto um modelo de integração entre as ferramentas MatLab e OptiSystem. A primeira é utilizada para definir a rota e a segunda para simular a propagação do sinal óptico na fibra ao longo da rota escolhida. Os valores de taxa de erro de bit (BER &#8211 Bit Error Rate) e a relação sinal ruído óptica (OSNR &#8211 Optical Signal Noise Rate) são armazenados em um banco de dados para uso posterior. Dessa forma diversas topologias podem ser analisadas. Em uma rede real esse tipo de informação pode ser obtido por meio de técnicas de monitoramento óptico (OPM &#8211 Optical Performance Monitoring). Por esse motivo, também são investigados e testados experimentalmente dois métodos de monitoramento da OSNR: i) anulamento da polarização para obter OSNR e ii) monitor multiparâmetro baseado em modulação da polarização em baixa frequência. A partir das análises, concluiu-se que o uso de redes MLR-MMF pode ser uma alternativa para equilibrar o consumo energético e a probabilidade de bloqueio (PB). A opção por esse tipo de rede ajuda na economia energética e mantém a PB em níveis aceitáveis. Além disso, o uso de monitoramento óptico auxilia na obtenção de informações usadas para controlar e gerenciar eficientemente recursos de rede cumprindo os requisitos de qualidade de serviço. / Technological advances point out to an upgrade on the current optical communication infrastructure in order to adequate it to the new networks paradigms, where elasticity and spectral efficiency are associated to the high capacity transmission. From the perspective of a telecom operator planning, it is desirable that the equipment replacement occurs as gradually as possible and that the operation of the current infrastructure is optimized to accommodate the demand for high capacity without requiring the build-upof a completely new infrastructure. In this context, this thesis investigates optimization strategies combining MLR (mixed line rate) and MMF (multiple modulation formats) techniques focusing on a scenario similar to the Brazilian reality, with a transmission rate of 10 Gbit/s NRZ modulated, switching to a rate of 40 and/or 100 Gbit/s. The benefits provided by the use of MMF-MLR network (non return to zero)s compared to the replacing based on a legacy network by only one rate (SLR single line rate) are discussed. The infrastructure of the physical layer is considered uniform and can carry signals 10/40/100 Gbit/s, only the transponder configurations are different. To analyze the network performance we proposed an integration of MATLAB and OptiSystem tools. The first is used to define the route and the second to simulate the propagation of the optical signal in the fiber along the chosen route. The BER and OSNR values are stored in a database for later use. In this way several topologies can be analyzed. In a real network such information may be obtained by optical monitoring techniques (OPM). For this reason, two methods for monitoring OSNR are also investigated: i) the polarization nulling and ii) multiparameter monitor based on modulation of polarization at low frequency. From the analysis it was concluded that the use of MMF-MLR schemes can be an alternative to balance the energy consumption and the blocking probability (BP). The option for this type of network saves energy and helps maintaining BP within acceptable levels. Furthermore, the use of optical monitoring allows the gathering of information used to control and efficiently manage network resources meeting the requirements for quality of service.

Productivity improvement in the software industry is one of the major challenges facing many software development companies in this century. Most companies have adopted agile methodologies in order to profit from the benefits claimed for them. Agile methodologies are characterised by frequent software delivery, short feedback loops, quicker response to change, and problem identification earlier in the development process. The agile approach has been recognised as paving a way for companies to acquire higher software productivity, delivering good-quality and cost-effective software, enabling software development companies to respond to business challenges with their demands for high quality, high performance and high development speed in delivering the final product. For companies that adopt agile methodologies, understanding the factors that influence their teams’ software development productivity is a challenging task for management and practitioners today. In this research, an analysis is presented that identifies productivity factors that affect agile teams. It is a study of agile methods to identify common agile practices and/or values that have impact on productivity, and describes suitable metrics that could be used to measure agile team productivity. A qualitative research approach was used, and the case study was chosen as the research strategy. Two South African companies that are located in two different provinces and that adopted agile methodologies in their software development, were selected for the case studies. Qualitative content analysis was used in the research to permit subjective interpretation of factors that influence agile team productivity, and to analyse to what extent these factors affected productivity. This research has shown that an understanding of the factors that influence an agile team’s productivity gives significant insight into the way agile teams work, motivates team members to work together, and leads to uniform metrics in tracking each team’s progress. The study indicates that tracking an agile team’s work and providing adequate tools needed to execute their tasks results in improving agile team productivity. It should be recognised that using metrics to measure performance in agile teams is helpful in creating a team’s culture and trust. In this study, it was found that the factors identified in both literature and case studies affected productivity in the two companies under study, both positively and negatively. The study also found that applying the correct metrics in assessing, analysing and reviewing an agile team’s performance is important when monitoring productivity. Successful software delivery is only possible if individuals are committed to their work, are provided with the necessary tools and have access to a stable working environment. In addition, individual factors such as knowledge, skills, abilities, personalities and experience should be considered when forming agile teams. Consideration of these factors will result in grouping people that are able to work together and achieve a common goal, which is important in improving productivity. A conceptual framework for agile team productivity was proposed. The discussion of the findings is presented in more detail in this research. / School of Computing / M.Sc. (Computing)

Behavioral adaptation and cognitive control are crucial for goal-reaching behaviors. Every creature is ubiquitously faced with choices between behavioral alternatives. Common sense suggests that errors are an important source of information in the regulation of such processes. Several theories exist regarding cognitive control and the processing of undesired outcomes. However, most of these models focus on the consequences of an error, and less attention has been paid to the mechanisms that underlie the commissioning of an error. In this article, we present an integrative review of neuro-cognitive models that detail the determinants of the occurrence of response errors. The factors that may determine the likelihood of committing errors are likely related to the stability of task-representations in prefrontal networks, attentional selection mechanisms and mechanisms of action selection in basal ganglia circuits. An important conclusion is that the likelihood of committing an error is not stable over time but rather changes depending on the interplay of different functional neuro-anatomical and neuro-biological systems. We describe factors that might determine the time-course of cognitive control and the need to adapt behavior following response errors. Finally, we outline the mechanisms that may proof useful for predicting the outcomes of cognitive control and the emergence of response errors in future research.

L’économie des contrats complets prédit qu’au sein d’une relation d’agence d’une organisation productive, en présence d’aléa moral, un dispositif de vérification de l’information permet de répondre à la fois à un problème de coopération entre les individus et à un problème de coordination des activités. Cependant, au lieu de discipliner des comportements opportunistes, ce dispositif peut engendrer des coûts cachés et réduire la motivation intrinsèque des agents à réaliser une activité qui leur a été attribuée. Sous certaines conditions, il génère une réduction de l’activité, et une perte en termes d’allocation ce qui nuit à l’efficacité.Dans cette thèse de doctorat, nous avons conduit trois expérimentations contrôlées de terrain avec assignation aléatoire qui visaient à modifier les configurations du dispositif de vérification de l’information afin de résoudre un problème organisationnel propre à trois relations d’agence particulières.Dans notre premier chapitre, nous avons testé l’effet de la variation de la quantité d’informations détenues par les cotisants sur le dispositif de vérification de la déclaration sociale grâce à des messages ciblés contenant des explications sur le pouvoir de contrôle de l’Agence centrale des organismes de sécurité sociale (Acoss) afin de réduire la fraude sociale.Dans notre deuxième chapitre, nous avons testé la réduction de l’intensité de la surveillance électronique de la performance des conseillers d’un centre d’appels sous-traitants afin d’améliorer leur qualité de vie au travail.Enfin, dans notre troisième chapitre, nous avons testé l’effet de la négociation contractuelle du dispositif d’évaluation de la participation des étudiants de licence pendant les travaux dirigés afin d’améliorer leur réussite à l’université. / Economics of complete contracts foresees that within an agency relationship of a productive organization, in the presence of moral hazard, an information check device can address both a problem of cooperation between individuals and a problem of coordination of activities. However, instead of disciplining opportunistic behaviours, this device can generate hidden costs and reduce the intrinsic motivation of agents to perform an activity that has been assigned to them. Under certain conditions, it generates a reduction of the outcome, and a loss in terms of allocation, which is detrimental to efficiency.In this Ph.D. thesis, we conducted three randomized controlled field trials that aimed at modifying the configurations of the information check device to solve an organizational problem specific to three specific agency relationships.In our first chapter, we tested the effect of varying the amount of information held by contributors on the social reporting verification device through targeted messages containing explanations of the control power of the Agence centrale des organisations de sécurité sociale (Acoss) in order to reduce social fraud.In our second chapter, we tested the reduction in the intensity of the electronic monitoring of the performance of advisors of an outsourced call centre in order to improve their quality of life at work.Finally, in our third chapter, we tested the effect of the contractual negotiation of the device which evaluate the participation of undergraduate students during the tutorials in order to improve their success at the university.