La prise en charge rapide et systématique des patients en traumatologie par des protocoles tels que l’Advanced Trauma Life SupportTM maximise la survie. À l’intérieur de ces protocoles, l’examen le plus souvent proposé pour l’évaluation neurologique est l’International Standards For Neurological Classification of Spinal Cord Injury (ISNCSCI). Cet outil d’évaluation des patients avec une lésion médullaire traumatique (LMT) est le plus reconnu mondialement, mais n’est pas adapté à la prise en charge initiale en traumatologie de par son exhaustivité. L’objectif principal de ce mémoire était de combler le besoin pour un outil d’évaluation neurologique adapté au patient avec une LMT en contexte aigu.La première partie de ce travail consista au développement et à la validation d’une version simplifiée de l’ISNCSCI qui a été nommée le Montreal Acute Classification of Spinal Cord Injury (MAC-SCI). Sa validation par rapport à l’ISNCSCI révéla une capacité à déterminer correctement le grade de sévérité ainsi que l’étage lésionnel de la LMT dans 100% des cas. La seconde partie de ce travail évalua la capacité du MAC-SCI à détecter les variations neurologiques périopératoires et montra qu’aucune détérioration neurologique n’était ratée. Finalement, la troisième partie de ce travail évalua l’implémentation clinique du MAC-SCI et montra des taux de complétion 2,4 fois supérieurs à ceux de l’ISNCSCI. Nous souhaitons que le MAC-SCI soit incorporé dans les protocoles de traumatologie à grande échelle dans le but d’uniformiser l’évaluation neurologique des patients en situation de traumatologie et ultimement d’améliorer les soins prodigués aux patients blessés médullaires. / Rapid and systematic management of trauma patients using protocols such as the Advanced Trauma Life SupportTM maximizes survival. Within these protocols, the tool the most often suggested for neurological assessment is the International Standards For Neurological Classification of Spinal Cord Injury (ISNCSCI). This assessment tool for patients with traumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI) is the most recognized worldwide, but is not suitable for initial trauma care due to its comprehensiveness. The main objective of this thesis was to fulfill the need for a neurological assessment tool adapted to the patient with TSCI in an acute context. The first part of this study consisted in the development and validation of a simplified version of the ISNCSCI which was named the Montreal Acute Classification of Spinal Cord Injury (MAC-SCI). Its validation against the ISNCSCI revealed an ability to correctly determine the grade of severity as well as the neurological level of injury of the TSCI in 100% of cases. The second part of this study assessed the ability of the MAC-SCI to detect perioperative neurological variations and showed that no neurological deterioration was missed. Finally, the third part of this study evaluated the clinical implementation of the MAC-SCI and showed completion rates 2.4 times higher than the ISNCSCI. We would like the MAC-SCI to be incorporated into large-scale trauma protocols in order to standardize the neurological assessment of trauma patients and ultimately improve the care provided to patients with spinal cord injuries.

Yes / A feasibility study of a novel configuration for a super-wide impedance planar antenna is presented based on a 2 × 2 microstrip patch antenna (MPA) using CST Microwave Studio. The antenna comprises a symmetrical arrangement of four-square patches that are interconnected to each other with cross-shaped high impedance microstrip lines. The antenna array is excited through a single feedline connected to one of the patches. The proposed antenna array configuration overcomes the main drawback of conventional MPA with a narrow bandwidth that is typically <5%. The antenna exhibits a super-wide frequency bandwidth from 20 GHz to 120 GHz for S11 < −15 dB, which corresponds to a fractional bandwidth of 142.85%. The antenna’s performance of bandwidth, impedance match, and radiation gain were enhanced by etching slots on the patches. With the inclusion of the slot, the maximum radiation gain and efficiency of the MPA increased to 15.11 dBi and 85.79% at 80 GHz, which showed an improvement of 2.58 dBi and 12.54%, respectively. The dimension of each patch antenna was 4.3 × 5.3 mm2 . The results showed that the proposed MPA is useful for various existing and emerging communication systems such as ultra-wideband (UWB) communications, RFID systems, massive multiple-output multiple-input (MIMO) for 5G, and radar systems. / This work was partially supported by the Innovation Program under grant agreement H2020-MSCA-ITN-2016 SECRET-722424 and financial support from the UK Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) under grant EP/E022936/1.

Combining the most recent technologies in concrete, Ultra-High-Performance Fibre-Reinforced Concrete (UHPFRC) arises as a promising material for the near future. UHPFRC have shown how flexible concrete can be to adapt to the ever-changing social and environmental demands. With its high flexibility composition and its mechanical properties, UHPFRC is full of both unexplored and unexploited possibilities. Engineers should take responsibility for this task. However, it is fair to acknowledge that this is not an easy task and it requires the development of reliable and widely accepted design standards provided by the scientific community. A major concern about durability, long-lasting structures and reduction of maintenance cost, as well as the development of new concrete technologies, improved knowledge of fibre effect and a huge growth in the fibre industry accompanied by fibre price reduction have led, among other factors, to the development of new types of concrete whose mechanical behaviour substantially differs from conventional fibre-reinforced concrete. This is why current characterisation methodologies and design standards must be reviewed and adjusted to these newer materials. However, design standard revision cannot disregard former milestones achieved thanks to decades of hard work. It must offer an integrated view in which new types of concrete comprise existing ones in a broader group, because at the end of the day and despite having newer and improved properties, new types of concrete are still concrete. That is how it should be understood and how it must be reflected in newer codes and standards. The work presented herein is focused on one of these recently developed materials that embraces major advanced technologies in concrete: Ultra-High-Performance Fibre-Reinforced Concrete (UHPFRC). This work is specifically focused on those crucial requirements for the development and widespread use of it, such as constitutive tensile characterisation and classification. This work includes a deep revision of the uniaxial tensile behaviour of concrete and its development as fibre technology has evolved. In addition, traditional characterisation standard methods as well as those recently developed for its specific use on UHPFRC are reviewed and called into question. Throughout the document, the development of different methodologies to determine the uniaxial constitutive tensile behaviour of UHPFRC from bending tests are shown, together with a simplified characterisation proposal specially developed for being included in a standard. All developed methodologies presented herein are checked and validated. These methods are specifically designed for their application on experimental results obtained from a special type of four-point bending test, whose standardisation proposal for UHPFRC is also shown. Finally, a classification proposal is presented as a function of more relevant UHPFRC tensile parameters necessary for design that can be directly obtained from the standard characterisation test method suggested. Proposed classification encompasses the existing classification for conventional reinforced and fibre-reinforced concrete. In it, both plain concrete and fibre-reinforced concrete are presented as a particular case of a more general tensile constitutive response for concrete. Standard methodology and classification proposed are in accordance with the evolution of concrete and unify historic milestones achieved by the international research community. / El Hormigón de Muy Alto Rendimiento (HMAR) combina los últimos avances tecnológicos en hormigón y se erige como un material prometedor para el futuro. El HMAR ha demostrado su gran capacidad para adaptarse a las cada vez más exigentes demandas sociales y medioambientales. Con un gran abanico de posibilidades en su dosificación para conseguir las propiedades mecánicas deseadas, el HMAR es un material lleno de posibilidades aún sin explorar y sin explotar. Los ingenieros tienen la responsabilidad de esta tarea. Sin embargo, es justo reconocer que no se trata de una tarea fácil y que requiere de un desarrollo previo de códigos de diseño adecuados y ampliamente aceptados por parte de la comunidad científica. La aparición de nuevas tecnologías, el mayor conocimiento sobre la aportación de las fibras así como su industrialización y bajada de precios, las mayores preocupaciones sobre la durabilidad estructural, incremento de la vida útil o la reducción de los costes de mantenimiento, entre otros factores, han derivado en el desarrollo de nuevas tipologías de hormigones cuyo comportamiento mecánico difiere de manera sustancial de los tradicionales hormigones con fibras. Es por ello que tanto la readaptación de las metodologías de caracterización como las metodologías de diseño deben ser reformuladas. Y esto debe hacerse de manera no disruptiva, es decir, manteniendo la línea de los hitos alcanzados en los hormigones con fibras convencionales de manera que queden integrados en metodologías de caracterización y de diseño que los engloben, porque al fin y al cabo, y aunque con nuevas y mejores propiedades mecánicas, los nuevos hormigones siguen siendo hormigones. Así debe ser entendido y así debe quedar reflejado en las nuevas normativas. El presente trabajo se centra en uno de esos nuevos materiales desarrollados con el avance de las nuevas tecnologías como es el HMAR. En especial, este documento se centra en ese aspecto tan fundamental para el desarrollo de nuevos hormigones como es la caracterización mecánica y la tipificación. Este trabajo incluye una revisión del comportamiento mecánico uniaxial a tracción del hormigón y de su evolución con la aparición de las diferentes tecnologías. Además, se revisan y se ponen en cuestión los sistemas tradicionales de caracterización, así como los nuevos sistemas desarrollados en los últimos años para su empleo específico en el HMAR. A lo largo del documento se desarrollan diferentes metodologías para la obtención del comportamiento constitutivo a tracción del HMAR, así como la propuesta de una metdología simplificada de caracterización especialmente diseñada para ser incluida en una norma, todas ellas debidamente validadas. Estas metodologías son de aplicación específica a los resultados experimentales obtenidos mediante un ensayo a cuatro puntos sin entalla, cuya propuesta de estandarización para el HMAR ha sido también desarrollada. Finalmente, se presenta una propuesta de tipificación de acuerdo a los parámetros más relevantes del comportamiento a tracción del HMAR que son necesarios para el diseño y que pueden ser directamente obtenidos del ensayo de caracterización propuesto. Esta clasificación engloba a la clasificación existente para el hormigón armado convencional y los actuales hormigones con fibras, de manera que se presenta la actual definición de hormigón con fibras como un caso particular de estos nuevos hormigones, respetando al máximo la evolución de este material y aunando los logros conseguidos por la comunidad científica. / Dins de les combinacions de les tecnologies més recents en el formigó, el formigó de molt alt rendiment (UHPFRC) sorgeix com un material prometedor per al futur pròxim. L'UHPFRC ha demostrat poder ser un formigó flexible per adaptar-se a les sempre canviants demandes socials i mediambientals. Amb una gran flexibilitat en la seua composició i les seues propietats mecàniques, l`UHPFRC està ple de possibilitats de ser explorades i explotades. Els enginyers han de prendre la responsabilitat d'aquesta tasca. No obstant això, és just reconèixer que això no serà fàcil i requerirà el desenvolupament de normes de disseny fiables i àmpliament acceptades per la comunitat científica. Hi ha una gran preocupació al voltant de la durabilitat, la vida útil de les estructures i la reducció del cost de manteniment, juntament amb el desenvolupament de noves tecnologies de formigó, un millor coneixement de l'efecte de la fibra i un enorme creixement en la indústria de la fibra acompanyat per la reducció del preu de la fibra, han conduït, entre altres factors, al desenvolupament de nous tipus de formigons, el comportament mecànic dels quals es diferencia substancialment dels formigons reforçats amb fibres convencionals. És per això que les metodologies de caracterització actuals i les normes de disseny han de ser revisades i ajustades a aquests nous materials. No obstant això, la revisió del codis de disseny no pot prescindir de les antigues fites aconseguides gràcies a dècades de treball dur. S'ha d'oferir una visió integrada en la qual els nous tipus de formigons integren els ja existents en un grup més ampli, ja que, al cap i la fi i malgrat tenir propietats noves i millorades, els nous tipus de formigons són encara un tipus de formigó. Així es com s'hauria d'entendre i reflectir-se en els nous codis i normes. El treball presentat en aquest document es centra en un d'aquests materials que s'han desenvolupat recentment i que abasta les principals tecnologies avançades en el formigó: el Formigó de Molt Alt Rendiment Reforçat amb Fibres (UHPFRC). Aquest treball se centra específicament en els requisits fonamentals per al desenvolupament i l'ús generalitzat d'aquest, com ara la caracterització i classificació del comportament constitutiu a tracció. Aquest treball inclou una revisió profunda del comportament a tracció uniaxial del formigó i els seus canvis al temps que la tecnologia de les fibres ha evolucionat. A més, els mètodes tradicionals estàndard de caracterització, així com els recentment desenvolupats per al seu ús específic en l'UHPFRC són revisats i qüestionats. Al llarg del document, es mostra el desenvolupament de diferents metodologies per a determinar el comportament constitutiu a tracció uniaxial de l'UHPFRC, juntament amb una proposta de caracterització simplificada especialment desenvolupada per poder ser inclosa en normativa. Totes les metodologies desenvolupades presentades en aquest document han estat comprovades i validades. Aquests mètodes estan dissenyats específicament per a la seva aplicació en els resultats experimentals obtinguts a partir d'un tipus especial d'assaig de flexió a quatre punts, a més també s'inclou una proposta d'estandardització per a l'UHPFRC. Finalment, es presenta una proposta de classificació en funció dels paràmetres més rellevants del comportament a tracció de l'UHPFRC que són necessaris per al disseny i que es poden obtindre directament del mètode d'assaig estàndard suggerit per a la caracterització de l'UHPFRC. La classificació proposada té amb compte la classificació existent per al formigó armat convencional i el reforçat amb fibres. En ella, tant el formigó en massa com el formigó reforçat amb fibres es presenten com un cas particular d'una resposta constitutiva a tracció més general per al formigó. La metodologia estàndard i la classificació proposada estan d'acord amb l'evolució de formigó i unifica l / López Martínez, JÁ. (2017). CHARACTERISATION OF THE TENSILE BEHAVIOUR OF UHPFRC BY MEANS OF FOUR-POINT BENDING TESTS [Tesis doctoral]. Universitat Politècnica de València. https://doi.org/10.4995/Thesis/10251/79740

The finite element method is a powerful analysis tool which has facilitated a better understanding of the behaviour of reinforced concrete structures. Its use in the research field is widespread and complements experimental tests and the development of new analytical models. Its application in practice engineering has permitted to deal with complex elements. However, the general structural engineer is still reluctant to consider finite element modelling for his work as he finds most of these models excessively sophisticated for his needs and knowledge. In particular, complexity of many finite element tools usually derives from the adoption of advanced concrete constitutive models. Implementation of more simple models based on engineering practice could facilitate its use by less experienced finite element users. In structural engineering practice finite element analysis can be of great usefulness to deal with those more problematic elements and/or where the application of traditional analysis methods presents limitations. This includes the so-called D-regions with a 3D behaviour. The strut-and-tie method and the stress field method are consistent and rational tools for the analysis and design of D-regions, but while their application to 2D elements is well covered in literature, its extension to 3D is problematic. This generally explains why excessively conservative assumptions are still common in the design of these elements. Refinement of current analytical and design approaches or the use of finite element analysis could lead to more rational solutions which in turn will reduce material requirements and costs. A 3D nonlinear finite element-based tool was developed in this thesis oriented towards the analysis and design of 3D D-regions by less experienced finite element users. Regarding material modelling, an orthotropic concrete model was adopted to permit the use of uniaxial stress-strain relationships. Only one single parameter, the uniaxial compressive strength of concrete, needs to be defined. Additionally, several aid functions were implemented, among which the following can be highlighted: a comprehensive, embedded reinforcement model to facilitate the introduction of complex rebar geometries; special support and load elements permitting an integrated and simple treatment of the boundary conditions imposed by them; and a simple design algorithm for the automatic determination of the required rebar areas. Three examples of applications to representative 3D D-regions are presented to show the capabilities of the tool. In particular, the analyses of fourteen four-pile caps, three socket base column-to-foundations connections and one anchorage block are described in the third part of the thesis. Results prove that realistic response predictions can be obtained considering relatively simple constitutive models. The capacity of the tool to configure consistent stress field models depending on the reinforcement arrangement is also demonstrated. The generation of rational reinforcement configurations by applying the implemented design algorithm is also shown. A strut-and-tie-based method for the analysis and design of four-pile caps with rectangular geometries is proposed in the fourth part. The method is based on a refined 3D strut-and-tie model and the consideration of three potential modes of failure: exceeding the reinforcement strength, crushing of the diagonal strut at the base of the column with narrowing of the strut and splitting of the diagonal strut due to transverse cracking. The main innovation is that the strut inclination is not fixed as in current strut-and-tie-based design procedures, but determined by maximizing the pile cap strength. The method accounts for strength softening of cracked concrete, compatibility constraints and reinforcement details. Its application to 162 specimens of literature led to very good predictions of the ultimate strength and, to a lesser extent, of the mode of failure. / El método de los elementos finitos es una potente herramienta de análisis que ha facilitado un mejor conocimiento del comportamiento de las estructuras de hormigón armado. Su uso en el ámbito de la investigación está ampliamente extendido. Su aplicación en la práctica ingenieril ha permitido la resolución de elementos complejos. Sin embargo, el ingeniero estructural común todavía es reticente a usar la modelización por elementos finitos ya que considera que la mayoría de estos modelos son excesivamente sofisticados para sus necesidades. La complejidad de muchas herramientas de elementos finitos suele derivarse de la adopción de modelos constitutivos de hormigón avanzados. La implementación de modelos más sencillos podría facilitar su uso por usuarios menos experimentados. En la práctica ingenieril el análisis con elementos finitos puede ser de gran utilidad para tratar aquellos elementos más problemáticos y/o donde la aplicación de los métodos de análisis tradicionales presenta limitaciones. Esto incluye las llamadas regiones D con comportamiento 3D. El método de bielas y tirantes y el método de campos de tensiones son herramientas racionales para el análisis y dimensionamiento de regiones D, pero su extensión a 3D es problemática. Este hecho explica por qué se adoptan todavía hipótesis excesivamente conservadoras en el dimensionamiento de estos elementos. La propuesta de métodos analíticos y de diseño más adecuados o la modelización con elementos finitos podría conducir a soluciones más racionales, lo que a su vez reduciría las necesidades de material y los costes. Como parte de esta tesis se ha desarrollado una herramienta de cálculo no lineal basada en el método de los elementos finitos orientada al análisis y dimensionamiento de regiones D tridimensionales por usuarios con menos experiencia en la modelización con elementos finitos. Se ha adoptado un modelo ortotrópico para el hormigón para permitir el uso de relaciones uniaxiales de tensión-deformación. Sólo es necesario definir un único parámetro, la resistencia a compresión uniaxial del hormigón. Adicionalmente, se han implementado varias funciones de ayuda, entre las que destacan: un modelo de armadura embebida para facilitar la introducción de geometrías de armado complejas; elementos especiales de apoyo y de carga que permiten un tratamiento integral de las condiciones de contorno; y un algoritmo de diseño para la determinación automática del área de armado necesaria. Se presentan tres ejemplos de aplicación a regiones D 3D representativas para mostrar las capacidades de la herramienta. En concreto, en la tercera parte del documento se describen los análisis de catorce encepados, tres cálices de cimentación y un bloque de anclaje. Los resultados muestran que se pueden obtener predicciones bastante realistas considerando modelos constitutivos relativamente sencillos. También se demuestra la capacidad de la herramienta para configurar modelos de campo de tensiones consistentes dependiendo de la configuración de armado. Además se muestra la capacidad del algoritmo de diseño para configurar disposiciones de armado racionales. En la cuarta parte se propone un método para el análisis y dimensionamiento de encepados sobre cuatro pilotes con geometría rectangular. El método se basa en un modelo 3D de bielas y tirantes refinado y la consideración de tres modos de fallo posibles: rotura del acero, aplastamiento de la biela diagonal en la base de la columna con estrechamiento de la misma y splitting de la biela diagonal debido a la fisuración transversal. La principal novedad es que el ángulo de la biela no se fija como en otros modelos, sino que se determina mediante la maximización de la resistencia del encepado. El método considera el debilitamiento de la resistencia del hormigón fisurado, condiciones de compatibilidad de deformaciones y detalles de armado. Su aplicación a 162 especímenes dio luga / El mètode dels elements finits és una potent eina d'anàlisi que ha facilitat un millor coneixement del comportament de les estructures de formigó armat. El seu ús en l'àmbit de la investigació està àmpliament estès. La seua aplicació en la pràctica enginyeril ha permès la resolució d'elements més complexos. No obstant això, l'enginyer estructural comú encara és reticent a fer servir la modelització per elements finits ja que considera que la majoria d'aquests models són excessivament sofisticats per a les seues necessitats i el seu conèixement. En concret, la complexitat de moltes eines d'elements finits sol derivar-se de l'adopció de models constitutius avançats de formigó. La implementació de models més senzills basats en la pràctica enginyeril podria facilitar el seu ús per a usuaris menys experimentats en la modelització amb elements finits. A la pràctica enginyeril l'anàlisi amb elements finits pot ser de gran utilitat per a tractar aquells elements més problemàtics i/o on l'aplicació dels mètodes d'anàlisi tradicionals presenta limitacions. Això inclou les anomenades regions D amb comportament 3D. El mètode de bieles i tirants i el mètode de camps de tensions són eines racionals per a l'anàlisi i dimensionament de regions D, però la seua extensió a 3D és problemàtica. Aquest fet explica per què s'adopten encara hipòtesis excessivament conservadores en el dimensionament d'aquests elements. La proposta de mètodes analítics i de disseny més adequats o la modelització amb elements finits podria conduir a solucions més racionals, amb el que també es reduirien les necessitats de material i els costos. Com a part d'aquesta tesi s'ha desenvolupat una eina de càlcul no lineal basada en el mètode dels elements finits orientada a l'anàlisi i dimensionament de regions D tridimensionals per a usuaris amb menys experiència en la modelització amb elements finits. S'ha adoptat un model ortotròpic per al formigó per permetre l'ús de relacions uniaxials de tensió-deformació. Només cal definir un únic paràmetre, la resistència a compressió uniaxial del formigó. Addicionalment, s'han implementat diverses funcions d'ajuda, entre les quals destaquen: un model d'armadura embeguda per facilitar la introducció de geometries d'armat complexes; elements especials de suport i de càrrega que permeten un tractament integral i senzill de les condicions de contorn; i un algoritme de disseny per a la determinació automàtica de l'àrea d'armat necessari. Es presenten tres exemples d'aplicació a regions D 3D representatives per mostrar les capacitats de l'eina. En particular, en la tercera part del document es descriuen les anàlisis de catorze enceps sobre quatre pilons, 3 calzes de fonamentació i un bloc d'ancoratge. Els resultats mostren que es poden obtenir prediccions prou realistes considerant models constitutius relativament senzills. També es demostra la capacitat de l'eina per configurar models de camp de tensions consistents depenent de la configuració d'armat. A més es mostra la capacitat de l'algoritme de disseny per configurar disposicions d'armat racionals. En la quarta part es proposa un mètode per a l'anàlisi i dimensionament d'enceps sobre quatre pilons amb geometria rectangular. El mètode es basa en un model 3D de bieles i tirants refinat i la consideració de tres modes de fallada possibles: trencament de l'acer, aixafament de la biela diagonal a la base de la columna amb estrenyiment de la mateixa i splitting de la biela diagonal per causa de la fissuració transversal. La principal novetat és que l'angle de la biela no es fixa com en els models actuals de bieles i tirants, sinó que es determina mitjan\c{c}ant la maximització de la resistència de l'encep. El mètode proposat considera el debilitament de la resistència del formigó fissurat, condicions de compatibilitat de deformacions i detalls d'armat. La seua aplicació a 162 espècimens de la liter / Meléndez Gimeno, C. (2017). A finite element-based approach for the analysis and design of 3D reinforced concrete elements and its applications to D-regions [Tesis doctoral]. Universitat Politècnica de València. https://doi.org/10.4995/Thesis/10251/86193

This thesis explores the potential of Large Language Models (LLMs) to assist in the technical documentation process at Saab. With the increasing complexity and regulatory demands on such documentation, the objective is to investigate advanced natural language processing techniques as a means of streamlining the creation of technical documentation. Although many standards exist, this thesis particularly focuses on the standard ASD-STE100, Simplified Technical English abbrv. STE, a controlled language for technical documentation. STE's primary aim is to ensure that technical documents are understandable to individuals regardless of their native language or English proficiency.  The study focuses on the implementation of Direct Preference Optimization (DPO) and Supervised Instruction Fine-Tuning (SIFT) to refine the capabilities of LLMs in producing clear and concise outputs that comply with STE. Through a series of experiments, we investigate the effectiveness of LLMs in interpreting and simplifying technical language, with a particular emphasis on adherence to STE standards. The study utilizes a dataset comprised of target data paired with synthetic source data generated by a LLM. We apply various model training strategies, including zero-shot performance, supervised instruction fine-tuning, and direct preference optimization. We evaluate the various models' output using established quantitative metrics for text simplification and substitute human evaluators with company internal software for evaluating adherence to company standards and STE. Our findings suggest that while LLMs can significantly contribute to the technical writing process, the choice of training methods and the quality of data play crucial roles in the model's performance. This study shows how LLMs can improve productivity and reduce manual work. It also looks at the problems and suggests ways to make technical documentation automation better in the future.

There is a shortage of design and technological personnel at foundries. This problem is not unique to Russia - in “gold billion” countries it has existed for more than 30 years and is successfully solved with outsourcing. The engineering company offers enterprises in the region a comprehensive solution to technological problems, including development of casting design, technology development, development of tooling, subcontracting of tooling, production of a pilot batch of castings. For independent control of casting manufacturing parameters, the purchase of laboratory equipment is provided. A significant advantage of the designed enterprise is the presence of a website with a calculator, which allows the client to determine online the cost of work depending on the complexity of the casting and the problems that arise during its manufacture (except for shrinkage defects). The site provides for monitoring the integrity of the client’s filling out forms. The level of complexity is controlled by the number of dimensions in the drawing. The solution to these problems is specified in the contract. Examples of solving complex problems in the design of castings, equipment, and implementation in production are given. Emerging problems and solutions are described. An engineering company in foundry production is opened as an individual entrepreneur due to low turnover. Tax minimization was calculated, a simplified system was adopted, income minus expenses. / В настоящее время существует значительный дефицит конструкторско-технологического персонала на предприятиях литейного производства. Данная проблема не является уникальной для России – в промышленно развитых странах она существует уже более 30 лет и успешно решается при помощи аутсорсинга. Инжиниринговая фирма предлагает для предприятий региона комплексное решение технологических задач, в том числе: разработку конструкции отливки, разработку технологии, разработку оснастки, изготовление оснастки на субподряде, получение опытной партии отливок. Для самостоятельного контроля параметров изготовления отливки предусмотрена закупка лабораторного оборудования. Существенным преимуществом проектируемого предприятия является наличие сайта с расчетчиком, позволяющего клиенту в режиме онлайн определить стоимость работ в зависимости от сложности отливки и возникающих при ее изготовлении проблем (кроме усадочных дефектов). На сайте предусмотрен контроль добросовестности заполнения клиентом контрольных форм. Уровень сложности контролируется по количеству размеров на чертеже. Решение указанных проблем оговаривается в договоре. Приведены примеры решения сложных задач по конструированию отливок, оснастки, внедрению в производство. Описаны возникающие проблемы и решения. Инжиниринговая фирма в литейном производстве открывается в формате ИП, в связи с небольшими оборотами. Рассчитана минимизация налогообложения, принята упрощенная система, доходы минус расходы.

This research project focuses on a model designed for the evaluation of ABET instructional programmes. In the light of rapid changes in the socio-economic and political contexts in Africa and particularly in South Africa, this study examines adult basic education and training, which has become acknowledged as an indispensable tool for the transformation and development of societies. Since 1994 education has become a constitutional right for all citizens of South Africa. In an attempt to offer basic education and training to all adults many institutions and departments have established ABET programmes offering adults the skills they may need in order to contribute to the development of their communities. The lack of guidelines for instructing, assessing and evaluating ABET programmes prompted the choice of research topic. The study begins with a review of relevant literature pertaining to the field of adult education and also provides a general discussion on didactics as it .is relevant to adult education. The study proposes a model for evaluating ABET instructional programmes. Focus group discussions are employed as a research tool to validate the proposed model and its accompanying guidelines. The study reveals that, for ABET instructional programmes to be outcomes based, relevant, conducive to critical thinking and creativity and productive of meaningful assessment, a model for evaluating the programmes' performance in these areas is essential. Based on this presupposition, the study proceeds to develop a model for the evaluation of ABET programmes. It draws on literature pertaining to educational evaluation in general and extrapolates the findings to construct a model appropriate for evaluating ABET programmes. In the field component of the study, endeavour is made to validate the model according to the perceptions of a sample of ABET practitioners. In-depth focus interviews are conducted to validify the various components of the model. In conclusion, the study recommends further research into the didactics of adult education and training (ABET) in order to improve adult education practices. / Curriculum and Instructional Studies / D. Ed. (Didactics)

This master theses deals with certain aspects of Czech as foreign language. It comprises of 2 parts. The first one is theoretical background and explains key concepts as e.g. migration, foreign pupil in czech school, teaching of foreign pupils, reading comprehension, characteristic of level A1 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. It introduces European language portfolio and vocabulary for level A1. The second part is focused on field research that was realised at primary school in Prague. For this qualitative research were chosen 10 pupils from Slavic and Non-Slavic countries. The aim of this research was gaining of compact information about chosen pupils by analysing their individual educational plan, interviews with pupils, teachers and headmaster, analysing their tests and observation. The reseach was concentrated on reading comprehension. 3 different texts were made. One from them was made according to vocabulary for level A1. The other texts were text from textbook and it's simplified version. Each text had a few questions that pupils had to answer. The results of two texts were compared and commented. We cannot say that if pupil is longer time in Czech environment, he or she has better command of Czech language. Comparison of two types of texts did not bring...

O trabalho realizado nesta tese esteve apoiado em dois objetivos principais. O primeiro centrado na otimização das etapas e processos de fabricação de células solares de silício de alto rendimento envolvendo redução de custos. O segundo objetivo foi direcionado na implementação de células solares eficientes e não dependentes do armadilhamento de impurezas através da difusão de alumínio. Para levar a cabo estes objetivos de forma planejada, o trabalho dividiu-se em otimizações teóricas e implementações experimentais. As otimizações teóricas foram realizadas utilizando dois programas: um programa desenvolvido (simulacell.pas) e implementado no próprio LME (versão 2), e o outro adquirido comercialmente, PC1D. De acordo com os resultados obtidos em estruturas completas n+p e n++n+p foi possível concluir que tanto as estruturas formadas através de emissores homogêneos como as obtidas utilizando emissores duplamente difundidos permitem alcançar eficiências elevadas, 25,5% a 26,0%, respectivamente, em um amplo intervalo de espessuras e concentrações superficiais de dopantes. No que tange aos desenvolvimentos experimentais, este trabalho se inicia com o desenvolvimento de um processo simplificado de baixo custo, em células solares de silício Cz de baixa resistividade com estrutura n+pp+, tipo \"mesa\". Este processo simplificado também está baseado na difusão de fósforo e alumínio (P/Al), utilizando gases industriais e reagentes químicos de grau \"para análise\", como uma transposição do processo de fabricação anteriormente desenvolvido no LME-EPUSP em substratos de silício FZ utilizando tecnologia planar. A célula solar mais representativa do processo implementado, A-16-1, permitiu atingir eficiências no entorno de 17%. As implementações experimentais visaram inicialmente o desenvolvimento de um procedimento visando à qualificação de materiais de partida (silício), utilizando a técnica de decaimento fotocondutivo (PCD) através de dois procedimentos de passivação de superfícies; oxidações térmicas e difusões suaves de fósforo. Posteriormente, utilizando o sistema PCD, novas otimizações dos emissores de tipo n+ homogêneos e regiões de tipo p foram realizadas, seguidos por oxidações térmicas passivadoras hidrogenadas, preservando-se o tempo de vida do volume em valores elevados (aproximadamente 1ms, após a realização de todas as etapas térmicas). Estes resultados qualificam o silício e os materiais de consumo utilizados, assim como, o novo processo de fabricação desenvolvido. Esta técnica também permitiu qualificar os emissores com perfil Gaussianos processados, atingindo valores da ordem de 45fA/cm2 para densidades de recombinação em estruturas n+pn+. Desenvolveram-se também estruturas n+p em materiais Cz de baixa resistividade 2-3W.cm de dois diferentes fabricantes, e silício FZ com 0,5W.cm. Pôde ser comprovada a qualidade das etapas que compõem o processo completo otimizado tendo-se obtido tensões de circuito aberto-implícitas de 652,4mV (Si-Cz fabricante 1) e 662,6mV (Si-Cz fabricante 2), e 670,8mV (FZ). De acordo com simulações realizadas utilizando parâmetros habituais de dispositivos do próprio LME, estas tensões, quando associadas a um conjunto óptico frontal típico das células solares de alto rendimento do LME (texturização química aleatória e filme de SiO2), permitirão atingir valores entre 19% - 20%. Entretanto, utilizando texturização e camada dupla torna-se plausível atingir o marco de 21% de rendimento, ultrapassando assim a barreira dos 17% (recorde nacional), e comprovando a potencialidade da infra-estrutura deste laboratório para o desenvolvimento de células solares não dependentes do efeito do armadilhamento de impurezas através da difusão de alumínio. / The work developed at this thesis has been based on two main objectives. First, it was focused on the optimization of the steps and processes for the fabrication of high efficiency solar cells, reducing production costs. The latter objective was directed to develop solar cells that were efficient and non-dependent on impurities gettering performed through the aluminum diffusion. In order to attend the planned objectives the work was divided into the theoretical objectives and experimental developments. The theoretical optimizations were performed using two different program codes: one was developed at LME (simulacell.pas), being upgraded afterwards (version 2); and the other was acquired commercially, the PC1D. According to the obtained results in complete structures n+p and n++n+p, it was possible to conclude that the homogeneous and double diffused emitter structures can provide high efficiencies, from 25,5% to 26,0%, respectively, for a wide range of thicknesses and surface doping levels. Concerning the experimental developments, this work starts with a low cost simplified process, using Cz silicon solar cells with low base resistivity and the structure n+pp+, \"mesa\" type. This simplified process was also based on the phosphorus/ aluminum diffusion (P/Al), using industrial gases and for analysis grade chemical reagents, as a fabrication process transposition of the process previously developed at LME-EPUSP using silicon substrates with planar technology. The most representative solar cells of the implemented process, A-16-1, provided about a 17% efficiency. The experimental implementations aimed the development of procedure for starting material (silicon) qualification, by using the photoconductive decay technique (PCD) with two surface passivation procedures: thermal oxidation and light phosphorus diffusion. Later, using PCD system, new optimizations of n+ homogeneous emitters and p-type region were performed, followed by passivating thermal oxidations with hydrogenation, maintaining the volume lifetime at high values (approximately 1ms, after each thermal step). These results qualified the used silicon and the consumer materials, as well the new fabrication process developed. This technique has also allowed qualifying the processed Gaussian profile emitters, providing values about 45fA/cm2 for the recombination current density in n+pp+ structures. N+p structures were also developed using Cz silicon with low resistivity 2- 3W.cm of two different manufacturers and FZ with 0.5W.cm. It could be proved the quality of the steps of a complete optimized process resulting implicit open circuit voltages of 652.4mV (Cz silicon - manufacturer type 1), 662.6mV (Cz silicon - manufacturer type 2), and 670.8mV (FZ silicon). According to the theoretical simulations performed using the usual parameters of devices processed at LME (random chemical texturization and SiO2 film), efficiencies between 19%-20% can be reached. However, using a random texturization and a double layer anti-reflection system, a 21% efficiency becomes possible, surpassing the 17% barrier (national record), and proving the potentiality of this laboratory facility for the development of solar cells non-dependent on impurity gettering through the aluminum diffusion.

O trabalho realizado nesta tese esteve apoiado em dois objetivos principais. O primeiro centrado na otimização das etapas e processos de fabricação de células solares de silício de alto rendimento envolvendo redução de custos. O segundo objetivo foi direcionado na implementação de células solares eficientes e não dependentes do armadilhamento de impurezas através da difusão de alumínio. Para levar a cabo estes objetivos de forma planejada, o trabalho dividiu-se em otimizações teóricas e implementações experimentais. As otimizações teóricas foram realizadas utilizando dois programas: um programa desenvolvido (simulacell.pas) e implementado no próprio LME (versão 2), e o outro adquirido comercialmente, PC1D. De acordo com os resultados obtidos em estruturas completas n+p e n++n+p foi possível concluir que tanto as estruturas formadas através de emissores homogêneos como as obtidas utilizando emissores duplamente difundidos permitem alcançar eficiências elevadas, 25,5% a 26,0%, respectivamente, em um amplo intervalo de espessuras e concentrações superficiais de dopantes. No que tange aos desenvolvimentos experimentais, este trabalho se inicia com o desenvolvimento de um processo simplificado de baixo custo, em células solares de silício Cz de baixa resistividade com estrutura n+pp+, tipo \"mesa\". Este processo simplificado também está baseado na difusão de fósforo e alumínio (P/Al), utilizando gases industriais e reagentes químicos de grau \"para análise\", como uma transposição do processo de fabricação anteriormente desenvolvido no LME-EPUSP em substratos de silício FZ utilizando tecnologia planar. A célula solar mais representativa do processo implementado, A-16-1, permitiu atingir eficiências no entorno de 17%. As implementações experimentais visaram inicialmente o desenvolvimento de um procedimento visando à qualificação de materiais de partida (silício), utilizando a técnica de decaimento fotocondutivo (PCD) através de dois procedimentos de passivação de superfícies; oxidações térmicas e difusões suaves de fósforo. Posteriormente, utilizando o sistema PCD, novas otimizações dos emissores de tipo n+ homogêneos e regiões de tipo p foram realizadas, seguidos por oxidações térmicas passivadoras hidrogenadas, preservando-se o tempo de vida do volume em valores elevados (aproximadamente 1ms, após a realização de todas as etapas térmicas). Estes resultados qualificam o silício e os materiais de consumo utilizados, assim como, o novo processo de fabricação desenvolvido. Esta técnica também permitiu qualificar os emissores com perfil Gaussianos processados, atingindo valores da ordem de 45fA/cm2 para densidades de recombinação em estruturas n+pn+. Desenvolveram-se também estruturas n+p em materiais Cz de baixa resistividade 2-3W.cm de dois diferentes fabricantes, e silício FZ com 0,5W.cm. Pôde ser comprovada a qualidade das etapas que compõem o processo completo otimizado tendo-se obtido tensões de circuito aberto-implícitas de 652,4mV (Si-Cz fabricante 1) e 662,6mV (Si-Cz fabricante 2), e 670,8mV (FZ). De acordo com simulações realizadas utilizando parâmetros habituais de dispositivos do próprio LME, estas tensões, quando associadas a um conjunto óptico frontal típico das células solares de alto rendimento do LME (texturização química aleatória e filme de SiO2), permitirão atingir valores entre 19% - 20%. Entretanto, utilizando texturização e camada dupla torna-se plausível atingir o marco de 21% de rendimento, ultrapassando assim a barreira dos 17% (recorde nacional), e comprovando a potencialidade da infra-estrutura deste laboratório para o desenvolvimento de células solares não dependentes do efeito do armadilhamento de impurezas através da difusão de alumínio. / The work developed at this thesis has been based on two main objectives. First, it was focused on the optimization of the steps and processes for the fabrication of high efficiency solar cells, reducing production costs. The latter objective was directed to develop solar cells that were efficient and non-dependent on impurities gettering performed through the aluminum diffusion. In order to attend the planned objectives the work was divided into the theoretical objectives and experimental developments. The theoretical optimizations were performed using two different program codes: one was developed at LME (simulacell.pas), being upgraded afterwards (version 2); and the other was acquired commercially, the PC1D. According to the obtained results in complete structures n+p and n++n+p, it was possible to conclude that the homogeneous and double diffused emitter structures can provide high efficiencies, from 25,5% to 26,0%, respectively, for a wide range of thicknesses and surface doping levels. Concerning the experimental developments, this work starts with a low cost simplified process, using Cz silicon solar cells with low base resistivity and the structure n+pp+, \"mesa\" type. This simplified process was also based on the phosphorus/ aluminum diffusion (P/Al), using industrial gases and for analysis grade chemical reagents, as a fabrication process transposition of the process previously developed at LME-EPUSP using silicon substrates with planar technology. The most representative solar cells of the implemented process, A-16-1, provided about a 17% efficiency. The experimental implementations aimed the development of procedure for starting material (silicon) qualification, by using the photoconductive decay technique (PCD) with two surface passivation procedures: thermal oxidation and light phosphorus diffusion. Later, using PCD system, new optimizations of n+ homogeneous emitters and p-type region were performed, followed by passivating thermal oxidations with hydrogenation, maintaining the volume lifetime at high values (approximately 1ms, after each thermal step). These results qualified the used silicon and the consumer materials, as well the new fabrication process developed. This technique has also allowed qualifying the processed Gaussian profile emitters, providing values about 45fA/cm2 for the recombination current density in n+pp+ structures. N+p structures were also developed using Cz silicon with low resistivity 2- 3W.cm of two different manufacturers and FZ with 0.5W.cm. It could be proved the quality of the steps of a complete optimized process resulting implicit open circuit voltages of 652.4mV (Cz silicon - manufacturer type 1), 662.6mV (Cz silicon - manufacturer type 2), and 670.8mV (FZ silicon). According to the theoretical simulations performed using the usual parameters of devices processed at LME (random chemical texturization and SiO2 film), efficiencies between 19%-20% can be reached. However, using a random texturization and a double layer anti-reflection system, a 21% efficiency becomes possible, surpassing the 17% barrier (national record), and proving the potentiality of this laboratory facility for the development of solar cells non-dependent on impurity gettering through the aluminum diffusion.