Ankle foot orthosis (AFO) stiffness affects ankle range of motion but can also provide energy storage and return to improve mobility. To perform multiple activities during the day, a person may want to change their AFO stiffness to meet their activity’s demand. Carrying multiple AFO and changing the AFO is inconvenient and could discourage users from engaging in multiple activities. This thesis developed a new quick-release mechanism (QRM) that allows users to easily change posterior strut elements to change AFO stiffness. The QRM attaches to the AFO and requires no tools to operate. The new QRM includes a quick-release key, weight-bearing pin, receptacle anchor, and immobilization pin. A prototype was modelled with SolidWorks and simulated with SolidWorks Simulation. The QRM was designed to have no mechanical failure during intense activities such as downhill walking and running. Unlike a solid screw connection, the QRM needed an additional part to eliminate unsecured motion related to clearance between the quick release key and receptacle anchor. Mechanical test results and measurement data demonstrated no deformation on each part after mechanical testing. User testing revealed that, although the quick release mechanism can be locked or unlocked rapidly, the person’s posture when operating can facilitate strut swapping. A learning effect occurred by repeated practice. The Quick Release AFO (QRAFO) prototype verified the manufacturing feasibility of the QRAFO design. Overall, the novel quick release AFO improved strut swapping time without sacrificing device strength.

This MSc thesis reprocessed seismic data collected at a site near the Gota River in 2011, focusing on two lines. The two seismic lines ran through a landslide scar zone for a total length of 1 km, both of which used dynamite as the seismic source. The thesis used a standard seismic processing tool for this purpose, with the main processes including static corrections, bandpass filtering, velocity analysis, NMO corrections, stack, and migration. Analysis of the resulting images reveals a coarse-grained layer near the surface, which is in contact with the quick clays overlying them. Bedrock is close to the surface at high elevations and reaches a depth of 90 m under the landslide scar. The reflections are discontinuous at some locations. The first breaks were inverted using tomography methods and the resulting inversion models was correlated with the reflection images. Analysis of the subsurface topography suggests a situation where the quick-clay landslide hazard may be present, the specifics of which need to be combined with other geological and geotechnical investigations and scenario buildings. The high-resolution reflection seismic imaging method has a great promise for quick-clay landslide studies.

No description available.

The purpose of this research was to test a conceptual model which examines consumer satisfaction/dissatisfaction (CS/D) with apparel retail stores and to investigate the moderating effects of shopping orientations and store type on confirmation/disconfirmation (C/DC) about quick response technologies (QRT) based attributes and CS/D with a retail store. Shopping orientation included fashion, economic, and time orientations. Store type included specialty chain, department, discount, and small independent stores. The conceptual framework for this study was based on retail strategic planning (Berman & Evans, 1992; Cory, 1988) and consumer satisfaction theory (Oliver, 1980). A convenience sample of 200 female apparel consumers was selected from a southeast city in the United States. The survey design employed a structured questionnaire with some open-ended questions. A questionnaire was pilot tested for content validity and instrument reliability. Descriptive statistics (Le., frequencies, percentages), multiple regressions, ANOVAs, and ANCOVA were used for data analysis to test the hypotheses. The response rate was 86.2 % for 200 usable responses. C/DC (i.e., QRT based, non-QRT based attributes) had significant effects on CS/D with apparel retail stores. The results supported the disconfirmation of expectation model (Oliver, 1980). C/DC of QRT based attributes (e.g. reduced stockout, fast turnaround of goods) have more influence on CS/D than C/DC of non-QRT based attributes (e.g., location of store, store hours). Results from a preliminary test indicated that QRT based attributes are improved by implementing QRT. The orientation of consumers is related to the level of C/DC of QRT based attributes, which determines CS/D. Fashion orientation, economic orientation, and store type were significant moderators between C/DC of QRT based attributes and CS/D with apparel retail stores. The retail QRT information assembled in the review of literature and the results of the study could help industry trade associations adjust their strategy for potential QRT adopters and promote QR implementation efficiently, and help retailers do strategic planning when they implement QRT. / Ph. D.

Quick-service restaurant owners who fail to apply effective business strategies could risk business closure within the first 5 years of operations. The purpose of this multiple case study was to explore effective strategies that independent quick-service restaurant owners used to sustain business longer than the first 5 years. Resource-based theory was the conceptual framework for this study. Data were collected via semistructured interviews with 6 owners of independent quick-service restaurants in the southern region of the United States who sustained their businesses longer than the first 5 years, and from the review of business documents pertaining to sustainability. Data were also collected using business artifacts such as job descriptions, menus, websites, social media platforms, and business licenses, and analyzed using methodological triangulation. Member checking was used to help ensure reliability and validity of the interpretations. Six key themes emerged from the data: organization value, customer required excellence, financial perspective, human assets, physical operating materials, and technological prowess. The 6 themes aligned with the 5 types of internal resources established in the conceptual framework. The implications of this study for positive social change include the potential to support the welfare of the local citizens and owners of quick-service restaurants across the United States by providing strategies necessary to increase business survival rates, improve job sustainability, and encourage job creation.

<p>At the same time as many urban economies are developing into 24-hour societies it is becoming increasingly popular amongst shift workers to compress their working hours. This is done by working longer shifts (>8h) and/or restricting free time (<16h) in between shifts – the main reasons are to gain longer bouts of free time and extra free weekends. However, there is a limited knowledge of the effects of such arrangements on sleep and wakefulness. Thus, the main purposes of the present thesis were to evaluate the effects of long working hours (in the form of 12h shifts) and short recovery periods. Another aim was to evaluate possible mechanisms that could suggest why some individuals develop problems with shift work while others do not.</p><p>We used a combination of methods - sleep diaries, wake diaries, blood samples and objective measures of sleep and cognitive performance - across whole or large parts of shift schedules to evaluate acute effects of particularly demanding working periods, as well as the total effects of a shift cycle. Study I evaluated the effect of changing from an 8h- to a 12h-shift system. Study II evaluated the effects of long shifts in a shift schedule with both 8h- and 12h-shifts. Study III evaluated the effects of several consecutive short recovery periods (8-9h of recovery) and whether satisfaction with ones’ work hours was associated to problems with sleep and sleepiness. Study IV evaluated whether endocrinological markers of catabolic (cortisol) and anabolic (testosterone) activity changed across a shift sequence and whether satisfaction were related to them. Study V was a laboratory simulation of the effects of a short recovery period (4h of sleep) and whether a short nap could counteract any detrimental effects.</p><p>There was no convincing evidence for 12h shifts inducing more problems with sleep and sleepiness than 8h shifts. With regard to recovery time between shifts, the shortest recovery times (only 8h) seriously shortened sleep duration and increased sleepiness, while 12h of recovery (between two consecutive 12h shifts) was judged as having no or limited effects on acute measures. The problems with the shortest recovery periods were worse in a schedule with several consecutive shifts and less pronounced in a schedule with few consecutive shifts. With regard to individual differences, it was found that subjects being dissatisfied with their working hours were vulnerable to short recovery periods, which was evident by less sufficient sleep and an accumulation of sleepiness across work periods with limited recovery time. Interestingly, these problems disappeared when they were allowed to recover after the work period. In addition, dissatisfied male shift workers had lower testosterone levels at the end of work periods, indicating disturbed anabolic activity. The simulated quick return supported that curtailed sleep affected sleepiness and performance and that a short nap could counteract these effects temporarily.</p><p>It is concluded that long shifts (up to 12h) may be acceptable, whereas short recovery time (8h or less) is not. Most of the problems with short recovery periods were related to short sleep and sleepiness, and there is, clearly, a subgroup of workers that suffer more from this than others. It is argued that insufficient sleep and low testosterone levels (in males) might be key factors for developing shift intolerance, mainly by reducing the capacity to recover from shift work.</p>

At the same time as many urban economies are developing into 24-hour societies it is becoming increasingly popular amongst shift workers to compress their working hours. This is done by working longer shifts (&gt;8h) and/or restricting free time (&lt;16h) in between shifts – the main reasons are to gain longer bouts of free time and extra free weekends. However, there is a limited knowledge of the effects of such arrangements on sleep and wakefulness. Thus, the main purposes of the present thesis were to evaluate the effects of long working hours (in the form of 12h shifts) and short recovery periods. Another aim was to evaluate possible mechanisms that could suggest why some individuals develop problems with shift work while others do not. We used a combination of methods - sleep diaries, wake diaries, blood samples and objective measures of sleep and cognitive performance - across whole or large parts of shift schedules to evaluate acute effects of particularly demanding working periods, as well as the total effects of a shift cycle. Study I evaluated the effect of changing from an 8h- to a 12h-shift system. Study II evaluated the effects of long shifts in a shift schedule with both 8h- and 12h-shifts. Study III evaluated the effects of several consecutive short recovery periods (8-9h of recovery) and whether satisfaction with ones’ work hours was associated to problems with sleep and sleepiness. Study IV evaluated whether endocrinological markers of catabolic (cortisol) and anabolic (testosterone) activity changed across a shift sequence and whether satisfaction were related to them. Study V was a laboratory simulation of the effects of a short recovery period (4h of sleep) and whether a short nap could counteract any detrimental effects. There was no convincing evidence for 12h shifts inducing more problems with sleep and sleepiness than 8h shifts. With regard to recovery time between shifts, the shortest recovery times (only 8h) seriously shortened sleep duration and increased sleepiness, while 12h of recovery (between two consecutive 12h shifts) was judged as having no or limited effects on acute measures. The problems with the shortest recovery periods were worse in a schedule with several consecutive shifts and less pronounced in a schedule with few consecutive shifts. With regard to individual differences, it was found that subjects being dissatisfied with their working hours were vulnerable to short recovery periods, which was evident by less sufficient sleep and an accumulation of sleepiness across work periods with limited recovery time. Interestingly, these problems disappeared when they were allowed to recover after the work period. In addition, dissatisfied male shift workers had lower testosterone levels at the end of work periods, indicating disturbed anabolic activity. The simulated quick return supported that curtailed sleep affected sleepiness and performance and that a short nap could counteract these effects temporarily. It is concluded that long shifts (up to 12h) may be acceptable, whereas short recovery time (8h or less) is not. Most of the problems with short recovery periods were related to short sleep and sleepiness, and there is, clearly, a subgroup of workers that suffer more from this than others. It is argued that insufficient sleep and low testosterone levels (in males) might be key factors for developing shift intolerance, mainly by reducing the capacity to recover from shift work.

Diploma thesis is focused on selected company analysis firm that provide book-keeping and tax advice. Diploma thesis is based on fulfilment analyses as SLEPTE, Five forces model by POTRER and Financial analyse. Thesis respect specific field of company business and todays market situation. At the end of master thesis SWOT analysis is applied and relevant conclusion are defiened. This conclusion defice corporate trategy. By this, the aim of the thesis is succesfully done

Title: Conditions for executing a q-fulfillment process from the warehouse of a retailer of consumables - Based on a case study at Staples. Context: Changing customer expectations, increasing GDP per capita and urbanization drives the development of quicker e-fulfillment. Research shows that customers are more likely to complete their purchase and buy more often if the retailer has fast delivery options, like same-day delivery. No literature was found describing how warehouse activities of e-commerce retailers should be adjusted to be able to deliver to the customer within an hour.  Purpose: The study aims to fill the identified research gap by establishing conditions for a retailer of consumables to execute a q-fulfillment process from a warehouse. Economic consequences of the established conditions are also aimed to be clarified. Lastly the study explores under which conditions the case company, Staples, can execute a q-fulfillment process in their automated warehouse. Questions at issue:  Under which conditions can an e-commerce retailer of consumables execute a q-fulfillment process in a warehouse?How are a retailer’s costs affected by applying the established conditions for executing a q-fulfillment process?Under which conditions can Staples execute a q-fulfillment process in their automated warehouse?Methodology: The study took an objective ontological approach, and epistemological and axiological assumptions were made. The research philosophy was positivistic, and a deductive approach was taken. The methodological choice was qualitative, and a case study was made together with the case company, Staples. All of these methodological choices esteemed by the authors as best suited for this explorative research. The sample selection was a mixture between a purposive and a convenience sampling, since it fitted the study, and the case company was located close to the authors. The theoretical chapters contain document secondary data, while the empirical chapters contain primary data in terms of one-to-one interviews. The data analysis consists of a circular flowchart and pattern matching to analyze the gathered data. The study achieved reliability since it was not affected by random deviations, and replicability because it was sufficiently detailed. It is valid since it was generalizable and the expected casual relationships among the variables were true. Ethical considerations were kept in mind throughout the entire study and the authors collaborated well.  Results: The authors found 20 conditions for a retailer of consumables to fulfill to be able to execute a q-fulfillment process, and 21 conditions for Staples to fulfill. Many similarities were found between the two research questions and only one condition differed. The authors also found that some of the conditions drive more costs than others and that the retailer by themselves has to decide which conditions are applicable to their individual process.  Keywords: E-commerce, Q-commerce, Quick-commerce, Quick order fulfillment, Q-fulfillment &amp; Inventory management.

Les catalyseurs hétérogènes sont des matériaux complexes dont les structures peuvent être modifiées en cours de fonctionnement. Une meilleure compréhension des relations entre propriétés catalytiques et propriétés structurales est nécessaire pour répondre à de nouveaux enjeux environnementaux et économiques. Seules les caractérisations in situ résolues dans le temps i.e. dans des conditions réelles, permettent d’apporter ces informations. Dans ce travail, nous nous sommes intéressés à la caractérisation operando par spectroscopie d’absorption des rayons X (XAS) résolue dans le temps de deux types de catalyseurs hétérogènes : les catalyseurs Fischer-Tropsch et les catalyseurs d’hydrodésulfuration. Si ces catalyseurs sont connus depuis de nombreuses années, peu de caractérisations sont réalisées in situ ou operando au cours de la réaction.Etant données leurs conditions réactionnelles (haute température et haute pression), la mise en œuvre de ces caractérisations a nécessité tout d’abord la construction des outils nécessaires à la caractérisation in situ de catalyseurs hétérogènes sous haute pression de gaz. Ensuite, nous avons réuni un ensemble cohérent de techniques de caractérisation autour du catalyseur Fischer-Tropsch afin de permettre son étude structurale à différentes échelles : l’ordre local avec le Quick-EXAFS et l’ordre à grande distance avec la diffraction des rayons X. Afin d’observer l’effet de la forme cristalline de la phase active sur les propriétés catalytiques, nous avons pour un même catalyseur, activé selon deux voies d’activation, quantifié son activité au moyen de la spectroscopie Raman et la spectrométrie de masse. D’autre part, la caractérisation simultanée de deux centres métalliques, accessible par le dispositif QEXAFS installé sur la ligne de lumière SAMBA, a permis d’obtenir une description fine des processus d’activation des catalyseurs bimétalliques d’hydrodésulfuration. Notre étude s’est portée, sur la comparaison de catalyseurs de même formulation avec des prétraitements différents (séché/calciné) et de deux catalyseurs promus par des métaux différents : le cobalt et le nickel. / Heterogeneous catalysts are complex material whose structures can change on working conditions. To tackle new environmental and economic issues a better knowledge of the relationship between catalytic and structural properties is needed. Only in situ time resolved characterisations i.e. in real working conditions can provide this information.In this study we worked with operando time-resolved X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy (XAS) on two types of heterogeneous catalysts: Fischer-Tropsch catalysts and hydrodesulfurisation catalysts. If these catalysts have been known for many years, only few characterisations are conducted in situ or operando during the reaction.Given their reaction conditions (high temperature and high pressure), these characterisations involved first the construction of tools for in situ characterisation of heterogeneous catalysts under high pressure of gas. Then we assembled a coherent set of characterisation techniques around the Fischer-Tropsch catalyst to enable the structural study at different scales: the local order with the Quick-EXAFS and long-range order with the X-ray diffraction. To observe the effect on the catalytic properties of the crystalline form of the active phase, we quantified for the same catalyst its activity by Raman spectroscopy and mass spectrometry after activation by two different treatments Besides, simultaneous characterisation of two metal species, accessible by the QEXAFS setup installed on the SAMBA beamline, allowed an accurate description of the activation process of bimetallic catalysts for hydrodesulfurisation. We focused our study on the comparison of catalysts with the same formulation with different pretreatments (dried / calcined) and two catalysts promoted by different metals: cobalt and nickel.