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It is widely recognised that one's ability of adaptation is remarkable and thermal comfort is significantly related to such adaptations. This study proposes an alternative method of predicting adaptive thermal comfort based on the availability of adaptations, in particular behavioural adaptations, which needs quantifications of individual adaptation processes and of interactions between them. The fundamental argument of this method is that exercising an adaptive behaviour leads to an increase in comfort temperature, which is termed adaptive increment in this study. Apart from adaptive increments, this method also determines a baseline thermal comfort temperature (the thermal comfort temperature without adaptations) and a correction factor that considers the factors affecting adaptive behaviours, based on which, the highest operative temperature at which people may still feel thermally comfortable. This may be applied in mixed mode (MM) buildings to achieve a higher air-conditioning (AC) setpoint which may lead to a significant reduction in cooling energy. This method is believed to be flexible in dealing with different environments with various levels of adaptations and likely to be advantageous over the steady-state and adaptive models in predicting thermal comfort temperature of an environment with abundant adaptive opportunities. This study also evaluates ways of promoting the use of adaptive opportunities. It explores how adaptive thermal comfort theories may be used for behaviour modelling and in turn be applied to enhance the energy performances and comfort levels of real buildings. To improve the feasibility of this method key effective adaptive behaviours are studied in detail through lab experiments and field studies. The lab experiment has found the adaptive increment of taking cold water to be 1.5°C which is more significant than the previous literature suggests. When all the studied adaptive behaviours are exercised, the overall adaptive increment is as high as 4.7°C. However, the research has identified some issues associated with the adaptive opportunities studied. These include the existence of constraints on the use of adaptive behaviours, the low availability of some effective adaptive opportunities, the low operation frequency of desk fans and the misuse of windows and AC systems. Despite this, the availability of more adaptive opportunities has been verified to be capable of increasing the highest operative temperature at which people may still feel thermally comfortable: the lab experiment shows that over 80% of the participants can still find it thermally comfortable at an operative temperature of 30°C on the condition that adequate adaptive opportunities are provided; the field study shows that the thermal comfort temperature of occupants increases by at least 1°C when desk fans and cool mats are available. Based on these analyses, it proposes an MM system which encourages occupants to exercise adaptive opportunities and improves both comfort levels and energy efficiency. Building performance simulation results show that the proposed MM system is effective in reducing the reliance on AC systems and promotes effective uses of windows and AC systems. By applying the MM system and the associated passive energy-saving strategies, an office can cut cooling energy by about 90% and the peak cooling load by over 80% during transitional seasons.

This study focused on measuring the importance and contribution of information obtained from the library, particularly electronic information services (EIS), to success in solving clinical problems in hospitals. Three research questions with three main hypotheses were advanced and tested on clinicians in 44 hospitals in Hong Kong. The findings were tested against the framework from Wilson's (1996) existing general information behaviour model, from which a new extended model for clinicians was built. Measures of EIS were then derived from the new model. The research was broadly divided into a series of five studies in two stages: nominal group, quantitative survey, and interviews in the first stage, and randomized controlled study as well as the analyses of statistical data and computer transaction logs in the second stage. The key results in Stage I led to the studies in Stage 11. The randomized controlled study in Stage 11 attempted to reduce the barriers identified in the information environment, with a view to test the results of an educational intervention, and to confirm that the hypotheses were true given reduced barriers and the presence of enabling conditions. The effects of the interventions in this experimental study were validated and verified by statistical data and transaction logs. Corroborative evidence from the two-stage studies showed that the three main inter-connected hypotheses were supported: success in problem-solving is related to the information sources used; user satisfaction is related to success in problem-solving; and EIS use is an indicator of user satisfaction. EIS use is determined by a number of factors: the preference for EIS, the use of the library, the skills and knowledge in searching, the profession of the user and the characteristics of the work environment. Educational intervention was found to improve success in problem-solving, the attitudes, skills and knowledge in searching, the satisfaction with and use of EIS, and is an important enabling condition. The research rejected part of the first hypothesis posed that success in problem-solving is related to clinical question posed and suggests that further research is needed in this area. The study supported the extension of the general model to clinical information needs and behaviours and found new relationships. The study found an additional determinant of EIS satisfaction, the satisfaction with the information obtained. EIS satisfaction would not be changed by educational intervention alone if the information obtained was not satisfactory. On the other hand, education can improve EIS satisfaction regardless of whether the problem has been solved. Of critical importance is the time factor in determining the use (or non-use) of EIS. There is new evidence that the awareness of the user of an answer in literature is a determining factor for active searching. Borrowing the concept of opportunity cost from economic theory, the researcher relates it with the differing levels of self-efficacy and postulates a model for planning EIS and related library services. From the new extended model of information behaviour, sixteen main measures or indicators were tested on a proposed framework in developing performance measures to diagnose information behaviours and predict EIS use, satisfaction and success in problem-solving. In measuring EIS, the researcher suggested the holistic approach in assessing traditional (non-electronic) library and information services as part of information behaviours of clinicians. The study pointed to the imbalance between self-efficacy and the actual skills and knowledge of users in their searching mentality and activities and the implication for library practice. Qualitative aspects that require further research on measurement were suggested. The study has important ramifications for theory and practice for the information professional. The new extended model of information behaviour for clinicians establishes deterministic relationships that help explain why an information search is pursued actively, continuously, or not at all. Measures that have been derived from these relationships can help diagnose and predict information behaviours. The study highlights the flexibility and utility of the general model of information behaviour. Also, this is the first time that such a methodological approach has been adopted to derive EIS measures. The application of the randomized controlled study methodology in information science was proven to be feasible and yielded definitive results. The researcher proposes that further development of information behaviour model should incorporate the element of knowledge generation process in an organization.

Intensity modulation direct detection (IMDD) transmission scheme has been the mainstay in optical communication ever since semiconductor lasers were put to use as the choice transmission sources. With the development of new improved laser types, this method will continue to dominate the third generation light wave networks where bit rates have steadily risen beyond 10Gbps mark. The main attraction of this scheme lies in its simplicity. With EDFA amplifiers providing a cost effective solution to the attenuation problem, long haul network capacity under the scheme has greatly increased. At the design stage of such systems, it is essential to accurately predict the behavior of each system component right from the laser transmitter up to the optical receiver under custom specific operating conditions and laser diodes are one of the key components for a wide range of light wave communication systems. For this purpose, computer-aided simulation techniques based on behavioral models of laser diodes have been developed and validated for a variety of applications [4-8]. A ‘representative’ behavior model, which closely approximates the device’s actual physical model, is essential to the system designer. Unfortunately, the component vendor or manufacturer may not be able to provide all the information needed to predict such behavior. The only information that can be made available, are certain measured variables over a specified measurement range. The designer therefore, needs a tool to effectively convert this data into a useful model with sufficiently accurate parameters for predicting behavior. As the complexity of the model increases, more detailed knowledge of the laser is required and the computation time for system performance calculation increases. While sophisticated models provide considerable insight into important characteristics of the lasers, for system simulation purposes a relatively simple model is often adequate. In this thesis we will propose a very robust and efficient procedure for estimating the modal parameters and go on to propose a complete solution to the 0D laser model extending to such domains as the below threshold dynamics and temperature effects. / Thesis / Master of Engineering (ME)

A challenge in Human-Robot Interaction is tailoring the social skills of robot companions to match those expected by individual humans during their rst encounter. Currently, large amounts of user data are needed to con gure robot companions with these skills. This creates the need of running long-term Human-Robot Interaction studies in domestic environments. A new approach using personas is explored to alleviate this arduous data collection task without compromising the level of interaction currently shown by robot companions. The personas technique was created by Alan Cooper in 1999 as a tool to de ne user archetypes of a system in order to reduce the involvement of real users during the development process of a target system. This technique has proven bene cial in Human-Computer Interaction for years. Therefore, similar bene ts could be expected when applying personas to Human-Robot Interaction. Our novel approach de nes personas as the key component of a computational behaviour model used to adapt robot companions to individual user's needs. This approach reduces the amount of user data that must be collected before a Human-Robot Interaction study, by associating new users to pre-de ned personas that adapt the robot behaviours through their integration with the computational behaviour model. At the same time that the current robot social interaction level expected by humans during the rst encounter is preserved. The University of Hertfordshire Robot House provided the naturalistic domestic environment for the investigation. After incorporating a new module, an Activity Recognition System, to increase the overall context-awareness of the system, a computational behaviour model will be de ned through an iterative research process. The initial de nition of the model was evolved after each experiment based on the iii ndings. Two successive studies investigated personas and determined the steps to follow for their integration into the targeted model. The nal model presented was de ned from users' preferences and needs when interacting with a robot companion during activities of daily living at home. The main challenge was identifying the variables that match users to personas in our model. This approach open a new discussion in the Human-Robot Interaction eld to de ne tools that help reduce the amount of user data requiring collection prior to the rst interaction with a robot companion in a domestic environment. We conclude that modelling people's preferences when interacting with robot companions is a challenging approach. Integrating the Human-Computer Interaction technique into a computational behaviour model for Human-Robot Interaction studies was more di cult than anticipated. This investigation shows the advantages and disadvantages of introducing this technique into Human-Robot Interaction, and explores the challenges in de ning a personas-based computational behaviour model. The continuous learning process experienced helps clarify the steps that other researchers in the eld should follow when investigating a similar approach. Some interesting outcomes and trends were also found among users' data, which encourage the belief that the personas technique can be further developed to tackle some of the current di culties highlighted in the Human-Robot Interaction literature.

Within the AutoDrive project, openPASS is used to develop a cognitive stochastic traffic flow simulation for urban intersections and highway scenarios, which are described in deliverable D1.14. The deliverable D2.16 includes the customizations of the framework openPASS that are required to provide a basis for the development and implementation of the driver behavior model and the evaluated safety function. The trial design for the evaluation of the safety functions is described. Furthermore, the design of the driver behavior study is introduced to parameterize and validate the underlying driver behavior model.

As part of the AutoDrive project, OpenPASS is used to develop a cognitive-stochastic traffic flow simulation for urban intersection scenarios described in deliverable D1.14. The deliverable D4.20 is about the design of the modules for the stochastic traffic simulation. This initially includes an examination of the existing traffic simulations described in chapter 2. Subsequently, the underlying tasks of the driver when crossing an intersection are explained. The main part contains the design of the cognitive structure of the road user (chapter 4.2) and the development of the cognitive behaviour modules (chapter 4.3).

As part of the AutoDrive project, the OpenPASS framework is used to develop a cognitive-stochastic traffic flow simulation for urban intersection scenarios described in deliverable D1.14. This framework was adapted and further developed. The deliverable D5.13 deals with the construction of the stochastic traffic simulation. At this point of the process, the theoretical design aspects of D4.20 are implemented. D5.13 explains the operating principles of the different modules. This includes the foundations, boundary conditions, and mathematical theory of the traffic simulation.

Literature survey shows that with, a few exceptions, the consumer behaviour of domestic water consumers has not been a common area of research. This explains the scarcity of information in this specific field. This scarcity was noted in the region and very much so in the context of Mauritius. And yet, such information is very much relevant for the management of the water sector, for the improvement of the service, for policy makers, for personal and social development and for achieving consumer satisfaction. This research brings about information that would contribute in its own way to these areas. The object of this thesis is to study the consumer behaviour in respect of domestic water consumers in Mauritius, to develop new theories and to build a consumer behaviour model. The thesis, at its outset, gives the background of the research. It contains the description of the water supply situation in Mauritius, its production, its distribution and its management. The brief on the people of Mauritius helps to put in the right context the pluricultural nature of the Mauritian society which is important for the understanding of the consumer behaviour of Mauritians. The literature survey, inter-alia, gives the historical development of consumer behaviour, its relevance to marketing, and its study as a discipline in its own right. The very scarcity of theories and models of consumer behaviour of domestic water consumers cannot be overlooked. The literature survey, therefore, covers some of the theories and models specifically on commodities. These models along with the literature review serve as theoretical foundation for the present research The models of consumer behaviour which have been literature reviewed have further enabled to construct an integrated model of consumer behaviour which serves as a framework for the discussion and analysis of the new model which is developed during the course of this research. The research is one mainly of general interest and can be classified as an exploratory research with a substantial contribution of descriptive research. The research has necessitated the collection of primary data. For this purpose, the objective approach was adopted and a consumer survey was carried out with the use of a direct structured questionnaire. The survey has been supplemented by discussions of focus groups. The analysis of the consumer survey is followed by the testing of the hypotheses, the development of theories and discussions on results obtained. The building of a new model of consumer behaviour based on the findings of the research is then undertaken and discussed. The thesis covers a wide spectrum from the need of a domestic water connection, consumption of domestic water, post-consumption behaviour to the illegal use of water in Mauritius. The thesis winds up with conclusions and recommendations. The specific topic of this thesis is a rare one. This research is but a step in the furtherance of knowledge. It stands as an original regional contribution to the science of management and to its development. / Graduate School of Business Leadership / DBL

The primary aim of this thesis was to explore the role culture plays in service delivery, more specifically on consumers' perceptions of service quality and its potential impact on complaint behaviour. A key premise of the thesis was that prominent models of service quality are conceptualized largely in western contexts without considering conceptual meaning in various contexts or nuances of meaning. Furthermore, there may indeed be unique aspects of culture in each context not yet identified in the extant literature. With this in mind, a qualitative approach was employed in order to gain an in-depth understanding of consumers' perceptions. The thesis was conducted in three stages culminating in three separate papers. Stage 1 involved a student sample of Trinidad and Tobago nationals currently enrolled at university in the North West region of the UK. Generally this stage served as a pilot for the larger cross-national study. Interview data and subsequent thematic analyses culminated in a holistic, multi-dimensional hierarchical framework labelled Conceptualization of Service Quality in Cultural Context (CSQCC). Within this framework two key cultural triggers called Culture of Closeness and Culture of Servitude where found to have an overarching influence on all variables in the model. As well as uniquely including culture, the CSQCC also encompasses human resources and operational variables not included in traditional service quality models namely Employee Work Ethic/Attitudes, Organizational Responsibility and Customer Responsibility. Stage 2 which included samples of British and Trinidad and Tobago nationals, all currently living in their country of birth were part of the larger study sample. Findings from both country contexts indicate that the general structure of the CSQCC identified in Stage 1 is upheld demonstrating universality in terms of the range of factors consumers utilize in their evaluations of service quality, at least in Britain and the UK. Notwithstanding the similarities, the importance weightings for the universal aspects of the CSQCC framework appear to vary. Furthermore, cultural triggers again were found to have an overarching influence consumers' perceptions, two such triggers were identified for British nationals-British Reserve and Culture of Cordiality, and for Trinbagonian nationals two additional triggers-Festive Culture and Culture of Entitlement. Data for Stage 3 was collected at the same time at Stage 2 and involved a cross-national analysis of consumer complaint behaviour. Based on the empirical data a Cultural Framework of Consumer Complaint Behaviour (CFCCB) was proposed inclusive of consumers' behavioural processes and post-interaction behavioural outcomes. There are four key processes-cognitive, motivational, environmental and emotive-with emotions playing a central role. The unique cultural triggers identified in Stages 1 and 2 were also found to influence these behavioural processes which in turn impact behavioural outcomes. To the best of the researcher's knowledge such a holistic model as the CFCCB has not been previously conceptualized. There is no such thing as "culture-free" behaviour; culture and human behaviour are deeply intertwined, and thus multinationals and global firms need to be environmentally sensitive, identify the cultural triggers in potential markets, and assess their likely impact on service quality delivery.