The research objectives were (1) to perform a detailed review of the literature on speech recognition technology and the attentional demands of driving; (2) to develop decision tools that assist designers of in-vehicle systems; (3) to experimentally examine automatic speech recognition (ASR) design parameters, input modalities, and driver ages; and (4) to provide human factors recommendations for the use of speech recognition technology in automotive applications. Two experiments were conducted to determine the effects of ASR design parameters, input modality, and age on driving performance, system usability, and driver preference/acceptance. Eye movement behavior, steering input behavior, speed maintenance behavior, reaction time to forward scene event, task completion time, and task completion errors when driving and performing in-vehicle tasks were measured. Driver preference/acceptance subjective data were also recorded. The results showed that ASR design parameters significantly affected measures of driving performance, system usability, and driver preference/acceptance. However, from a practical viewpoint, ASR design parameters had a nominal effect on driving performance. Differences measured in driving performance brought on by changes in ASR system design parameters were small enough that alternative ASR system designs could be considered without impacting driving performance. No benefits could be claimed for ASR systems improving driving safety/performance compared to current manual-control systems. Speech recognition system design demonstrated a moderate influence on the usability of in-vehicle tasks. Criteria such as task completion times and task completion errors were shown to be different between speech-input and manual-input control methods, and under different ASR design configurations. Therefore, trade-offs between ASR system designs, and between speech-input and manual-input systems, could be evaluated in terms of usability. Finally, ASR system design had a nominal effect on driver preference/acceptance. Further research is warranted to determine if long-term use of ASR systems with less than optimal design parameters would result in significantly lower values for driver preference/acceptance compared to data collected in this research effort. Human factors recommendations for the use of ASR technology in automotive applications are included. The recommendations are based on the empirical research and the literature review on speech recognition technology and the attentional demands of driving. / Ph. D.

Spodoptera frugiperda is one of the main insect pests of the New World, and causes extensive damage to economically important crops such as cotton and corn. One of the most common control strategies is the use of Bt plants; however, their intense and indiscriminate use has led to the evolution of resistance in some populations. The establishment of a refuge can be a viable option to delay this process. Refuges consist of areas where non-Bt crops are planted, in order to provide susceptible insects to the population. In this study, I initially developed a model to describe the evolution of resistance of fall armyworm populations in different refuge configurations (seed mixture, blocks, and strips) and sizes (20% - 50%), considering the larval movement. I demonstrated that with a seed mixture, in most cases, the higher the rate of larval movement, the higher the proportion of resistant insects in the population, regardless of the type of resistance tested; meanwhile, strip configurations showed the opposite trend. In the second part of this study, I obtained data to validate the proposed model. The development of the fall armyworm on corn leaves was determined at five constant temperatures ranging from 14°C to 30°C. These data were also used to estimate the number of generations of fall armyworms at 42 locations in the state of Florida, from 2006 to 2016, which were interpolated and represented on maps, using GIS (Geographic Information System). I observed that counties farther south had the highest numbers of generations, and that fall armyworms should be able to overwinter as far north as ~29°N. Using the data obtained in the experiment, a new model was proposed, covering a wider range of conditions and allowing the user to define the crop area, the thermal requirements of the population studied, the viability and oviposition functions, the migration rate, the rate of larval movement and the frequency of alleles for resistance. The model was verified with monitoring data collected in a crop area in Florida from 2012 - 2015, only 70 km from the area that provided the population for the experiment. I also used the model to estimate the number of adults for 2016 and for two hypothetical situations that considered possible scenarios involving global warming (mean temperatures in 2016 + 1°C and + 2°C). The model succeeded in fitting the monitoring data, and indicated that the simulated increases in mean temperature could produce outbreaks nearly twice as large as the levels of fall armyworm estimated for 2016. The model can be used to estimate the population dynamics of S. frugiperda in a particular area, according to the crop composition and disposal, to investigate the effects of temperature changes on the levels of fall armyworm populations, to define appropriate refuge areas in order to manage the evolution of insect resistance, and to define the best periods for plantation and harvesting during the year to reduce pest populations, among others. / Spodoptera frugiperda é um dos principais insetos-praga do hemisfério ocidental, causando diversos danos a cultivos de interesse econômico, como milho e algodão. Uma das estratégias mais comuns de controle é o uso de plantas Bt, contudo sua aplicação intensa e indiscriminada levou à evolução de resistência em algumas populações. O estabelecimento de refúgio pode representar uma opção viável para atrasar esse processo. Refúgios são áreas nas quais cultivos não-Bt são plantados de forma a fornecerem insetos suscetíveis para a população. Neste estudo, eu desenvolvi inicialmente um modelo para descrever a evolução de resistência de populações de S. frugiperda em diferentes configurações de refúgio (mistura de sementes, blocos e faixas) e tamanhos (20 - 50%), considerando o movimento larval. Eu demonstrei que para a mistura de sementes, na maioria dos casos, maiores taxas de movimentação larval implicavam em maiores proporções de insetos resistentes na população, independente do tipo de resistência testada, enquanto áreas com configurações em faixas apresentaram tendência oposta. Na segunda parte deste trabalho, eu obtive dados para validar o modelo proposto. O desenvolvimento de S. frugiperda em folhas de milho foram determinadas em 5 temperaturas constantes variando de 14°C a 30°C. Estes dados também foram utilizados para estimar o número de gerações do inseto em 42 localizações no estado da Flórida de 2006 a 2016, que foram interpolados e representados em mapas, utilizando SIG (Sistema de Informações Geográficas). Eu observei que condados mais ao sul apresentaram maior número de gerações e que S. frugiperda é capaz de passar o inverno abaixo de latitudes ~29°N. Utilizando os dados obtidos no experimento, um novo modelo foi proposto, considerando um intervalo maior de condições e permitindo ao usuário definir a área de cultivo, as exigências térmicas da população estudada, as funções de oviposição e viabilidade, a taxa de migração, a taxa de movimentação larval e a frequência do alelo de resistência. O modelo foi verificado com dados de monitoramento de 2012 a 2015, coletados em uma área de cultivo localizada na Flórida, distante apenas 70 km da área que forneceu a população para o experimento laboratorial. Eu também utilizei o modelo para estimar o número de adultos para 2016 e para duas situações hipotéticas que consideraram possíveis cenários envolvendo o aquecimento global (médias de temperaturas de 2016 + 1°C e + 2°C). O modelo se ajustou aos dados de monitoramento com sucesso e indicou que os aumentos simulados na temperatura média poderiam produzir surtos quase duas vezes maiores que os níveis de S. frugiperda estimados para 2016. O modelo pode ser usado para estimar a dinâmica populacional de S. frugiperda em uma determinada área de acordo com a composição e disposição dos cultivos, investigar os efeitos das mudanças de temperatura nos níveis populacionais, definir áreas de refúgio apropriadas para o manejo da evolução de resistência, definir os melhores períodos para plantação e colheita durante o ano de forma a reduzir a população da praga, entre outros.

abstract: Food production and consumption directly impacts the environment and human health. Protein in particular has significant cultural and health implications, and how people make decisions about what type of protein they eat has not been studied directly. Many decision tools exist to offer recommendations for seafood, but neglect livestock or plant protein. This study attempts to address these shortcomings in food decision science and tools by asking the questions: 1) What qualities of a dietary protein-based decision tool make it effective? 2) What do people consider when making decisions about what type of protein to consume? Using literature review, meta-analysis, and surveys, this study attempts to determine how the knowledge gained from answering these questions can be used to develop an electronic tool to engage consumers in making sustainable and healthy decisions about protein consumption. The data show that, given environmental and health information about the protein types, people in the sample of farmers market shoppers are more likely to purchase wild salmon and organically grown soybeans, and less likely to purchase grain-fed beef. However, the order of preference among the six types of protein did not change. Additional results suggest that there is a disconnect between consumers and sources of dietary protein, indicating a need for improved education. Inconsistency in labeling and information regarding protein types is a large source of confusion for consumers who participated in the survey, highlighting the need for transparency. Results of this study suggest that decisions tools may help improve decision making, but new ways of using them need to be considered to achieve this. / Dissertation/Thesis / Masters Thesis Liberal Studies 2015

Spodoptera frugiperda is one of the main insect pests of the New World, and causes extensive damage to economically important crops such as cotton and corn. One of the most common control strategies is the use of Bt plants; however, their intense and indiscriminate use has led to the evolution of resistance in some populations. The establishment of a refuge can be a viable option to delay this process. Refuges consist of areas where non-Bt crops are planted, in order to provide susceptible insects to the population. In this study, I initially developed a model to describe the evolution of resistance of fall armyworm populations in different refuge configurations (seed mixture, blocks, and strips) and sizes (20% - 50%), considering the larval movement. I demonstrated that with a seed mixture, in most cases, the higher the rate of larval movement, the higher the proportion of resistant insects in the population, regardless of the type of resistance tested; meanwhile, strip configurations showed the opposite trend. In the second part of this study, I obtained data to validate the proposed model. The development of the fall armyworm on corn leaves was determined at five constant temperatures ranging from 14°C to 30°C. These data were also used to estimate the number of generations of fall armyworms at 42 locations in the state of Florida, from 2006 to 2016, which were interpolated and represented on maps, using GIS (Geographic Information System). I observed that counties farther south had the highest numbers of generations, and that fall armyworms should be able to overwinter as far north as ~29°N. Using the data obtained in the experiment, a new model was proposed, covering a wider range of conditions and allowing the user to define the crop area, the thermal requirements of the population studied, the viability and oviposition functions, the migration rate, the rate of larval movement and the frequency of alleles for resistance. The model was verified with monitoring data collected in a crop area in Florida from 2012 - 2015, only 70 km from the area that provided the population for the experiment. I also used the model to estimate the number of adults for 2016 and for two hypothetical situations that considered possible scenarios involving global warming (mean temperatures in 2016 + 1°C and + 2°C). The model succeeded in fitting the monitoring data, and indicated that the simulated increases in mean temperature could produce outbreaks nearly twice as large as the levels of fall armyworm estimated for 2016. The model can be used to estimate the population dynamics of S. frugiperda in a particular area, according to the crop composition and disposal, to investigate the effects of temperature changes on the levels of fall armyworm populations, to define appropriate refuge areas in order to manage the evolution of insect resistance, and to define the best periods for plantation and harvesting during the year to reduce pest populations, among others. / Spodoptera frugiperda é um dos principais insetos-praga do hemisfério ocidental, causando diversos danos a cultivos de interesse econômico, como milho e algodão. Uma das estratégias mais comuns de controle é o uso de plantas Bt, contudo sua aplicação intensa e indiscriminada levou à evolução de resistência em algumas populações. O estabelecimento de refúgio pode representar uma opção viável para atrasar esse processo. Refúgios são áreas nas quais cultivos não-Bt são plantados de forma a fornecerem insetos suscetíveis para a população. Neste estudo, eu desenvolvi inicialmente um modelo para descrever a evolução de resistência de populações de S. frugiperda em diferentes configurações de refúgio (mistura de sementes, blocos e faixas) e tamanhos (20 - 50%), considerando o movimento larval. Eu demonstrei que para a mistura de sementes, na maioria dos casos, maiores taxas de movimentação larval implicavam em maiores proporções de insetos resistentes na população, independente do tipo de resistência testada, enquanto áreas com configurações em faixas apresentaram tendência oposta. Na segunda parte deste trabalho, eu obtive dados para validar o modelo proposto. O desenvolvimento de S. frugiperda em folhas de milho foram determinadas em 5 temperaturas constantes variando de 14°C a 30°C. Estes dados também foram utilizados para estimar o número de gerações do inseto em 42 localizações no estado da Flórida de 2006 a 2016, que foram interpolados e representados em mapas, utilizando SIG (Sistema de Informações Geográficas). Eu observei que condados mais ao sul apresentaram maior número de gerações e que S. frugiperda é capaz de passar o inverno abaixo de latitudes ~29°N. Utilizando os dados obtidos no experimento, um novo modelo foi proposto, considerando um intervalo maior de condições e permitindo ao usuário definir a área de cultivo, as exigências térmicas da população estudada, as funções de oviposição e viabilidade, a taxa de migração, a taxa de movimentação larval e a frequência do alelo de resistência. O modelo foi verificado com dados de monitoramento de 2012 a 2015, coletados em uma área de cultivo localizada na Flórida, distante apenas 70 km da área que forneceu a população para o experimento laboratorial. Eu também utilizei o modelo para estimar o número de adultos para 2016 e para duas situações hipotéticas que consideraram possíveis cenários envolvendo o aquecimento global (médias de temperaturas de 2016 + 1°C e + 2°C). O modelo se ajustou aos dados de monitoramento com sucesso e indicou que os aumentos simulados na temperatura média poderiam produzir surtos quase duas vezes maiores que os níveis de S. frugiperda estimados para 2016. O modelo pode ser usado para estimar a dinâmica populacional de S. frugiperda em uma determinada área de acordo com a composição e disposição dos cultivos, investigar os efeitos das mudanças de temperatura nos níveis populacionais, definir áreas de refúgio apropriadas para o manejo da evolução de resistência, definir os melhores períodos para plantação e colheita durante o ano de forma a reduzir a população da praga, entre outros.

Investeringar är grunden i ett företag och därmed är investeringsprocessen ett intressant fenomen att titta närmare på. Efter att ha studerat litteratur och tidigare forskning, som tar upp problematiken i investeringsprocessen, framkom att beslutsfattarens roll är en väsentlig del vid investeringsprocessen. Studien behandlar både beslutfattarens bakgrund och val som påverkar investeringsbeslutfattande i restaurangsbranschen, beslutfattarens bakgrund och val behandlas som påverkande respektive förklarande faktorer. Studien syftar på att ta reda på om och i vilken omfattning belutfattarens bakgrund påverkar sina val i investeringsprocessen. Genom att tillämpa en kvantitativ metod i form av en enkätundersökning lyftes beslutsfattarens bakgrund och investeringsprocess fram. Utifrån enkätundersökningen gjordes en statistisk analys för att hitta eventuella samband mellan de påverkande samt förklarande faktorerna. Resultatet av enkätundersökningen och statistiska analysen visade att det fanns starka samband mellan faktorer såsom kön, ålder, investeringsrutin, kalkylanvändning, utbildningstyp och utbildningsnivå. Detta bekräftar tidigare forskning och teorier om beteendeinriktad investeringsbeslutfattande.

Die genaue Kenntnis über den Wasserhaushalt stellt die Grundlage für die Bewirtschaftung der Ressource Wasser dar. Im urbanen Raum spielen dabei die siedlungshydrologischen Randbedingungen, wie Versiegelung, Anschlussgrad an die Kanalisation oder wasserbauliche Eingriffe, eine nicht zu vernachlässigende Rolle. Zur Quantifizierung der verschiedenen Wasserhaushaltsgrößen wurde ein konzeptioneller Ansatz entwickelt, der die jeweiligen Randbedingungen berücksichtigt und deren gegenseitige Beeinflussung abbildet. Hierbei muss der Einfluss auf den Wasserhaushalt auch bei veränderten Bedingungen simulierbar sein. Als Untersuchungsgebiet wurde das Gebiet der Wuhle, ein rechter Nebenfluss der Spree, gewählt, da es alle relevanten Aspekte der Wasserwirtschaft beinhaltet. Die Wuhle entspringt auf der Barnim-Grundmoränenhochfläche bei Ahrensfelde und mündet nach etwa 15,7 km Lauflänge im Stadtteil Köpenick in die Spree. Der Ansatz beruht auf der Berechnung der Wasserhaushaltsgrößen mit Hilfe eines flächendifferenzierten Verfahrens zur Ermittlung des Gesamtabflusses aus Niederschlag abzüglich der Verdunstung sowie dessen Aufteilung in einen oberirdischen und einen unterirdischen Teil. Zur Verifizierung der wasserhaushaltlich bestimmten Abflussgrößen wurden detaillierte hydraulische Untersuchungen an der Wuhle durchgeführt und abschnittsweise interpretiert. Anschließend wurde mit Hilfe der Förderdaten der Wasserwerke eine Grundwasserhaushaltsbilanz durchgeführt. Im Ergebnis ließ sich hydrogeologisch der Anteil an Uferfiltrat an der Gesamtfördermenge ermitteln. Zur Simulation des Einflusses des Wasserhaushaltes und der Grundwassernutzung auf den Grundwasserkörper wurde mit Hilfe des Simulators FEFLOW© eine numerische Modellierung der Strömungsverhältnisse durchgeführt. Über den Abgleich der simulierten Grundwasserhöhen mit den Grundwasserständen aus der Stichtagsmessung erfolgte eine zusätzliche Überprüfung der wasserhaushaltlich berechneten Abflussgrößen. / The exact knowledge of the water balance is the basis of the water supply and distribution within a catchment area. In an urban area the boundary conditions of the civil engineering like the sewer system or the hydraulic engineering plays an important role. To quantify the water balance a conceptual approach was developed which takes the current conditions and their interdependence into consideration. The impact of changing conditions on the water balance can also be simulated. As investigation area the catchment of the Wuhle River was chosen because it includes all relevant aspects of water management. The Wuhle River has its source on the ground moraine of the Barnim plateau directly at the city boundary in Ahrensfelde and reaches the Spree in the quarter Köpenick after about 15.7 km. This method uses a differentiated calculation by area to determine the total outflow of rainfall minus evaporization. It also determines the submontane and aboveground distribution. For verification purposes detailed hydraulic investigations were carried out at the Wuhle. With the production rate of the waterworks the groundwater balance was then calculated. As a result the amount of bank filtrate of the total groundwater withdrawal was determined in a hydro geological way. Using the simulation software FEFLOW© a numeric model of the flow pattern was created to simulate the influence on the water balance and the groundwater. The displayed subterranean catchment area of the water work Wuhlheide was based on the water table contours which were interpolated from a fixed date measurement of the groundwater heads. By comparing the simulated groundwater heads and the water levels from the fixed date measurement an additional verification of the water balance was realised.