Cette thèse s’intéresse au cas d’un port maritime dans lequel des terminaux à conteneurs coopèrent afin de fournir un meilleur service global. Pour coordonner les opérations entre les terminaux, un modèle et plusieurs méthodes de résolution sont proposés. L’objectif est de minimiser les temps de rotation des navires aux longs cours, des navires caboteurs, des barges fluviales et des trains. Une solution au modèle fournit une affectation des véhicules de transport de conteneurs aux terminaux, ce qui inclue les camions, ainsi qu’une allocation de ressources et des intervalles temporels pour leurs prises en charge et pour celles de leurs conteneurs. Pour obtenir des solutions au modèle, une formulation du problème comme un programme linéaire en variables mixtes est proposée, ainsi que plusieurs heuristiques basées sur la programmation mathématique. Une méthode de planification en horizon glissant est introduite pour la gestion dynamique avec prise en compte des incertitudes. Des expériences numériques sont conduites avec des milliers d’instances réalistes variées, dont les résultats indiquent la viabilité de notre approche. Des résultats démontrent qu’autoriser la coopération entre terminaux augmente significativement la performance du système. / This thesis deals with the case of a maritime port in which container terminals are cooperating to provide better global service. In order to coordinate operations between the terminals, a model and several solving methods are proposed. The objective is to minimize turnaround times of mother and feeder vessels, barges and trains. A solution to the model provides an assignment of container-transport vehicles to the terminals, including trucks, as well as an allocation of resources and time intervals to handle them and their containers. To obtain solutions to the model, a mixed-integer programming formulation is provided, as well as several mathematical programming based heuristics. A rolling horizon framework is introduced for dynamic management under uncertainty. Numerical experiments are conducted on thousands of various realistic instances. Results indicate the viability of our approach and demonstrate that allowing cooperation between terminals significantly increases the performance of the system.

No / This article presents a printed crescent-shaped monopole MIMO diversity antenna for wireless communications. The port-to-port isolation is increased by introducing an I-shaped conductor symmetrically between the two antenna elements and shaping the ground plane. Both the computed and experimental results confirm that the antenna possesses a wide impedance bandwidth of 54.5% across 1.6-2.8 GHz, with a reflection coefficient and mutual coupling better than -10 and -14 dB, respectively. By further validating the simulated and the measured radiation and MIMO characteristics including far-field, gain, envelope correlation and channel capacity loss, the results show that the antenna can offer effective MIMO/diversity operation to alleviate multipath environments.

Display/control gain is the amount of movement that occurs on a display in response to a unit amount of movement on the control. Two studies were conducted to determine the adequacy of identifying the optimum gain for an interface as a method of control-display interface optimization. The first study examined the effects of changes in both the maximum control input and the display width on target acquisition performance with a touch tablet and a trackball. The hypothesis that an interaction between the control input and the display output would determine performance was not supported for either device. There was a main effect of the control input for the touch tablet, and significant effects of the control input and the display width for the trackball. The results also indicate that, at least for the touch tablet, gain is not a sufficient specification for performance. The second study evaluated the effects of changes in the display amplitude, the display target width, and the control amplitude. There were significant interactions among these three factors for both touch tablet and trackball target acquisition performance. These results extend the findings of the first study with respect to the inability of gain to predict performance. In addition, the inadequacy of Fitts' Law as it applies to the given interfaces is discussed. / Ph. D. / incomplete_metadata

The Navy, through its Total Quality Leadership (TQL) program, has emphasized the need for objective criteria in making design decisions. There are numerous tools available to aid human factors engineers meet the Navy’s need. For example, simulation modeling provides objective design decisions without incurring the high costs associated with prototype building and testing. Unfortunately, simulation modeling of human— machine systems is limited by the lack of task completion time and variance data for various objectives. Moreover, no study has explored the use of a simulation model with a Predetermined Time System (PTS) as a valid method for making design decisions for display interactive consoles. This dissertation concerns the development and validation of a methodology to incorporate a PTS known as Modapts into a simulation modeling tool known as Micro Saint. The operator task context for the model was an interactive displays and controls console known as the AN/SLQ-32(V). In addition, the dissertation examined the incorporation of a cognitive workload metric known as the Subjective Workload Assessment Technique (SWAT) into the Micro Saint model. The dissertation was conducted in three phases. In the first phase, a task analysis was performed to identify operator task and hardware interface redesign options. In the second phase data were collected from two groups of six participants who performed an operationally realistic task on 24 different configurations of a Macintosh AN/SLQ-32(V) simulator. Configurations of the simulated AN/SLQ-32(V) were defined by combinations of two display formats, two color conditions, and two emitter symbol sets, presented under three emitter density conditions. Data from Group 1 were used to assign standard deviations, probability distributions and Modapts times to a Micro Saint model of the task. The third phase of the study consisted of (1) verifying the model-generated performance scores and workload scores by comparison against scores obtained from Group 1 using regression analyses, and (2) validation of the model by comparison against Group 2. The results indicate that the Modapts/Micro Saint methodology was a valid way to predict performance scores obtained from the 24 simulated AN/SLQ-32(V) prototypes (R² = 0.78). The workload metric used in the task network model accounted for 76 percent of the variance in Group 2 mean workload scores, but the slope of the regression was different from unity (p = 0.05). The statistical finding suggests that the model does not provide an exact prediction of workload scores. Further regression analysis of Group 1 and Group 2 workload scores indicates that the two groups were not homogenous with respect to workload ratings. / Ph. D.

It was the purpose of this study to develop an accurate and detailed documented history of the CNJ Maritime Terminal. The study sought to answer specific questions concerning the historical, construction, and architectural significance of this structure to Jersey City, Hudson County and New Jersey. The history includes the purpose for which the structure was built, why the site was chosen, how the terminus was built, how the structure was utilized, who used the facility, why the site underwent modernization, how the modernization was instituted, who were the architects for this building, why the structure was expanded, and what alterations have been made to this structure since the CNJ Railroad Company filed for bankruptcy in 1967. This history was developed after researching both primary and secondary sources. These sources included CNJ Railroad Annual Reports, CNJ Railroad Company Charters, Peabody & Sterns Original Architectural Drawings, personal journals and correspondences, maps, technical publications, photographs, illustrations, books, magazines, CNJ Engineering Department files, historical society collections, private collections, and direct observation. The history of the CNJ Maritime Terminal, as developed within this study, comprises the historical documentation needed to secure more state funding so that the restoration for the historical site can be completed. The information can be of great value when used to justify the monies needed to complete this restoration. / Master of Science

When implementing an intelligent transportation system (ITS), stakeholders often overlook the importance of evaluating the system once it is in place. Determining the extent to which the objectives of an investment have been met is important to not only the agency involved, but also to other agencies, so that lessons are learned and mistakes are not repeated in future projects. An effective evaluation allows a transit provider to identify and address areas that could use improvement. Agencies implementing ITS investments often have different goals, needs, and concerns that they hope their project will address and consequently the development of a generic evaluation plan is difficult to develop. While it is recognized that the U.S. Department of Transportation has developed guidelines to aid agencies in evaluating such investments, this research is intended to complement these guidelines by assisting in the evaluation of a site specific ITS investment. It presents an evaluation framework and plan that provides a systematic method for assessing the potential impacts associated with the project by defining objectives, measures, analysis recommendations, and data requirements. The framework developed specifically addresses the ITS investment on the OmniLink local route deviation bus service in Prince William County, Virginia, but could be used as a basis for the evaluation of similar ITS investments. The OmniLink ITS investment includes an automatic vehicle location (AVL) system, mobile data terminals (MDTs), and computer-aided dispatch (CAD) technology. / Master of Science

The purpose of this study was to determine the extent specific ergonomic factor implementations in computer and video display terminal (VDT) installations for student use in middle school classrooms. The data interpretations using existing furniture without modification or adaptation. Of all the seating observed, 75% of the seating met standards for middle school students. Keyboards and video display screens had been placed on existing tables and were all higher than ergonomically desirable for middle school students or adults.

Text in Afrikaans, abstract in Afrikaans and English / In the case of an economical activity such as a distribution system, the distribution depot normally forms the nucleus of the network. The market place that is being served is not static and with the passing of time, due to the change in demand together with the change in the product range which is being offered, a tendency develops for the distribution point to move away from the nucleus of the network, thereby not representing the optimal location anymore. There is therefore a constant need for companies to determine whether their distribution system is suitable for their present, as well as their future trading circumstances. This factor together with the normal endeavour to minimise physical distribution costs, results in the need for a sophisticated approach to the whole problem of relocating distribution networks. The aim of this study is therefore to develop a basic model which will set out guidelines for the relocation of distribution centres. With the above mentioned in mind, the first step is a study of the theory to highlight and analyse applicable techniques and methods that could possibly be used in this model. The accent throughout this section is placed on well known and proven theories and techniques. The second part of this research focuses on the empirical study that forms the basis for the building of a relocation model. With the help of practical examples it is shown how to apply the model and each step is being highlighted and illustrated. The model that has been designed in this study clearly outlines the steps that enable the user to undertake and optimally apply a relocation study. Its application does not necessarily require highly trained personnel or complicated programming. It is therefore recommended that this model be applied in the case of the relocation of distribution centres. / In die geval van ekonomiese aktiwiteite soos 'n distribusiesisteem, vorm die verspreidingsdepot gewoonlik die kernpunt van die netwerk. Die markplek wat bedien word is egter nie staties nie en met die verloop van tyd, as gevolg van die verandering in die aanvraag tesame met die verandering in die produkreeks wat aangebied word, ontstaan daar 'n neiging dat die oorsponklike verspreidingspunt weg beweeg vanaf die kernpunt van die netwerk en dus nie meer die optimale liggging verteenwoordig nie. Daar is dus 'n konstante behoefte by maatskappye om te bepaal of hulle distribusiesisteme geskik is vir hulle huidige, sowel as toekomstige handelsomstandighede. Hierdie faktor, tesame met die normale strewe na minimalisering van fisiese distribusiekoste, het tot gevolg dat daar 'n behoefte bestaan aan 'n gesofistikeerde benadering tot die hele problematiek van vestiging van verspreidingsnetwerke. Die studie het dus ten doel die ontwikkeling van 'n basiese model wat riglyne daarstel vir die hervestiging van verspreidingsentra. Met bogenoemde in gedagte, is daar in die eerste plek 'n teoretiese studie onderneem wat toepaslike tegnieke en metodes wat moonlik in hierdie model opgeneem kon word, uitgelig en geanaliseer het. In hierdie gedeelte word die aksent deurentyd op bekende en bewese teoriee geplaas. Die tweede gedeelte van die navorsing fokus op die empiriese studie wat met die bou van 'n hervestigingsmodel gepaard gaan. Daar word aangetoon hoe om die model toe te pas en elke stap word met behulp van praktiese voorbeelde toegelig en verduidelik. Die model wat hier ontwikkel is le duidelike riglyne neer wat die verbruiker in staat stel om 'n hervestigingstudie aan te pak en optimaal toe te pas. Die toepassing daarvan vereis nie noodwendig hoogsopgeleide personeel of ingewikkelde programering nie en word daar gevolglik aanbeveel dat hierdie model toegepas word in die geval van die hervestiging van verspreidingsentra. / Business Management / D. Comm.

Thesis (MScEng)--Stellenbosch University, 2014. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Currently maritime ports, including the Port of Cape Town, experience congestion, pollution and other logistics-related problems due to increasing levels of container traffic. The presence of these problems has caused port planners, port operators and logistics firms to look for new solutions in this transport sector. The dry port concept, whereby offloaded containers are stored outside the maritime port in a dedicated logistics area, is recognized as a means for solving some of these major problems, thereby promoting economic development and logistics integration as well as reducing the demand on limited capacity (land and access) at the maritime port. Therefore, the core objective of this study is to demonstrate that the implementation of the dry port concept is a feasible alternative for expanding the throughput capacity of the Cape Town Container Terminal. The Port of Cape Town is strategically one of the best placed ports in South Africa as it is positioned at the South Western extremity of the continent of Africa, thereby linking America and Europe with Asia, the Far East and Australia. Furthermore, the Port of Cape Town also forms a direct link between international trade and about three (3) million consumers in the Western Cape. The recent expansion of the Cape Town Container Terminal was a major investment which included the upgrading of equipment and the expansion of workable surface area, thereby increasing the container terminal yard capacity to 1.4million TEU (TEU = Twenty foot Equivalent Unit) per annum. However, this report showed that the abovementioned increase in volumes as well as the resulting congestion continues to be a challenge at the Port of Cape Town. Firstly, the predicted future container volumes show that the demand in the Port of Cape Town could reach between 1.9 million and 3.2 million TEU per annum by 2039. Secondly, the evaluation of the operational and infrastructural characteristics of the existing Cape Town Container Terminal demonstrated that container terminal yard (CY) area is the capacity limiting characteristic of the terminal and that the operational and infrastructural limits could be reached between 2018 and 2026. The two main functions of a dry port in the Western Cape transportation network would be international trade processing and congestion relief, which are achieved through the duplication and supplementation of the Cape Town Container Terminal facilities at an inland location. The dry port would allow the Western Cape supply chain to absorb any future container volume demands that exceed the CY capacity of the Port of Cape Town and could potentially attract an annual throughput of 0.7 million TEU by 2039. Furthermore, the facility could address the problem of congestion in and around the greater Cape Town metropolitan, resulting in an improved transportation network that will have a positive effect on passenger traffic, productivity of trucks, competitiveness of the Port of Cape Town as well as the environmental sustainability of the transportation system. The dry port concept would therefore be appealing to Transnet Port Authority / Transnet Port Terminals, Shippers and Logistics Managers and the Western Cape Regional Community. The site selection analysis performed in this study evaluated three possible dry port locations, namely: Kraaifontein Area, Ysterplaat Air Force Base and Bellville Precinct. Although the analysis identified that all three of the sites have the potential to be developed into a successful dry port; however, that the Bellville Precinct is the preferred location due to the presence of the Belcon freight rail facility. The success of such a facility will greatly depend on the project’s ability to ensure that the resources needed for the initial investment is kept to a minimum, and ultimately the most viable dry port solution in the Western Cape region would be the phased development of Bellville Precinct. From this it is clear that a dry port could be a feasible alternative for expanding the throughput capacity of the Port of Cape Town, as well as improving the transport infrastructure in the Cape Town area. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Maritieme hawens, insluitende die Kaapstadse hawe, ondervinding tans opeenhoping, besoedeling en ander logistieke probleme as gevolg van toenemende vlakke van die houer verkeer. Die teenwoordigheid van hierdie probleme het veroorsaak dat hawe beplanners, hawe-operateurs en logistiek maatskappye op soek is vir nuwe oplossings in die vervoer sektor. Die droë hawe konsep word erken as 'n middel vir die oplossing van sommige van hierdie probleme, en sodoende ekonomiese ontwikkeling en logistieke integrasie te bevorder, sowel as die verlaging van aanvraag op beperkte kapasiteit (grond en toegang) by die maritieme hawe. Daarom is die kern doel van hierdie studie om aan te toon dat die implementering van die droë hawe konsep 'n haalbare alternatief is vir die uitbreiding van die deurset kapasiteit van die Kaapstadse Houerterminaal. Die Kaapstadse hawe is strategies een van die bes geplaaste hawens in Suid-Afrika, want dit is geleë aan die suid-westerlikste punt van Afrika en verbind Amerika en Europa met Asië, die Verre Ooste en Australië. Verder vorm die Kaapstadse hawe ook 'n direkte skakel tussen die buitelandse markte en die drie (3) miljoen verbruikers in die Wes-Kaap. Die onlangse uitbreiding van die Kaapstadse Houerterminaal het die stoorkapasiteit van die terminaal aansienlik verbeter an 1.4 miljoen TEU per jaar, deur middel van die opgradering van toerusting en die uitbreiding van werkbare oppervlak. Hierdie verslag bewys egter dat die bogenoemde toename in volumes sowel as die gevolglike opeenhoping steeds teenwoordig is in die Kaapstadse hawe. Eerstens, die voorspelde toekomstige houervolumes toon dat die aanvraag in die Kaapstadse hawe tussen 1.9 miljoen en 3.2 miljoen TEU's per jaar kan bereik teen 2039. Tweedens, die evaluering van die operasionele en infrastrukturele kenmerke van die bestaande Kaapstadse Houerterminaal het getoon dat die houer stoorarea die kapasiteit beperkende kenmerk van die terminaal is en dat die operasionele en infrastrukturele perke moontlik tussen 2018 en 2026 bereik kan word. Die twee hoof funksies van 'n droë hawe in die Wes-Kaap vervoer netwerk sal internasionale handel verwerking en opeenhoping verligting wees. Hierdie funksies sal bereik word deur die duplisering en aanvulling van die Kaapstadse Houerterminaal fasiliteite by 'n binnelandse perseel. Die droë hawe sal toelaat dat die Wes-Kaap verskaffersiklus enige toekomstige houervolumes, wat meer is as die houer stoorarea kapasiteit van die Kaapstadse hawe, te kan hanteer en kan potensieel 'n jaarlikse deurset van 0.7 miljoen TEU hanteer. Verder kan die

This thesis is a study of multiple access schemes for satellite land mobile systems that provide a domestic or regional service to a large number of small terminals. Three orbit options are studied, namely the geostationary, elliptical (Molniya) and inclined circular orbits. These are investigated for various mobile applications and the choice of the Molniya orbit is justified for a U. K. system. Frequency, Time and Code Division Multiple Access (FDMA, TDMA and CDMA) are studied and their relative merits in the mobile environment are highlighted. A hybrid TDMA/FDMA structure is suggested for a large system. Reservation ALOHA schemes are appraised in a TDMA environment and an adaptive reservation multiple access protocol is proposed and analysed for a wide range of mobile communication traffic profiles. The system can cope with short and long data messages as well as voice calls. Various protocol options are presented and a target system having 100,000 users is considered. Analyses are presented for the steady state of protocols employing pure and slotted ALOHA and for the stabilty of the slotted variant, while simulation techniques were employed to validate the steady state analysis of the slotted ALOHA protocol and to analyse the stability problem of the pure ALOHA version. An innovative technique is put forward to integrate the reservation and the acquisition processes. It employs the geographical spread of the users to form part of the random delay in P-ALOHA. Finally an economic feasibility study is performed for the spacesegment. For costs of capital (r) less than 23 % the discounted payback period is less than the project's lifetime (10 years). At r- 8% the payback period is about 5.6 years, while the internal-rate-of-return is 22.2 %. The net present value at the end of the projects lifetime is £M 70 at r-8%.