Made available in DSpace on 2014-12-17T14:53:14Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 JaniereL.pdf: 2102402 bytes, checksum: 6a424cc3be8c6b5ca19e575a77e57039 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2006-05-19 / Coordena??o de Aperfei?oamento de Pessoal de N?vel Superior / This thesis presents a contribution to the study customer satisfaction models, analyzing the relationship between antecedent variables satisfaction and customer loyalty, through a survey with car s buyers in Natal. The theorical survey is focused in concepts of customer satisfaction and loyalty, and in the customer satisfaction index models. For the field survey, was applied a questionnaire, based on the Norwegian Customer Satisfaction Barometer (NCSB), considered by Johnson et al. (2001), with 106 customer of concessionary Fiat, the Pontanegra Autom?veis. The main results obtained by the multiple regression analysis reveal that, considering the Fiat, the satisfaction is influencing by reliance degree in the firm seriousness and by complaining handling, the loyalty is influenced by possibility of again pay the same value if was again buy a car, the satisfaction degree with a car, affective commitment relationship firm customer of the own car and the complaining handling. Considering the concessionaire, the satisfaction is influenced by reliance degree in the firm seriousness, ability degree of the concessionaire in delivery service and by complaining handling, already the loyalty is influencing by possibility of again pay the same value if was again buy a car, affective commitment relations to be concessionaire s customer, by calculate commitment in relation the economic loss of bought this car of this firm and complaining handling / Esta tese apresenta uma contribui??o ao estudo de modelos de satisfa??o do cliente, analisando as rela??es que envolvem as vari?veis antecedentes da satisfa??o e da fidelidade do cliente, atrav?s de uma pesquisa com compradores de carros em Natal. A pesquisa te?rica ? focada em conceitos de satisfa??o e fidelidade do cliente e nos modelos ?ndices de satisfa??o do cliente. Para a pesquisa de campo, foi aplicado um question?rio baseado no Modelo ?ndice de Satisfa??o Noruegu?s (NCSB), proposto por Johnson et al. (2001), a 106 clientes da Concession?ria Pontanegra Autom?veis. Os principais resultados obtidos pela regress?o m?ltipla, revelam que, levando em considera??o a Fiat, a satisfa??o ? influenciada pelo grau de confian?a na seriedade da empresa e pelo tratamento das reclama??es, a fidelidade ? influenciada pela possibilidade de pagar novamente o mesmo valor se fosse comprar de novo um carro, o grau de satisfa??o com o carro, o compromisso afetivo em ser cliente do fabricante do seu carro e o tratamento das reclama??es. Considerando a Concession?ria, a satisfa??o ? influenciada pelo grau de confian?a na seriedade da empresa, pelo grau de capacidade da concession?ria em prestar um servi?o e pelo tratamento das reclama??es. J? a fidelidade ? influenciada pela possibilidade de pagar novamente o mesmo valor se fosse comprar de novo um carro, pelo compromisso afetivo em ser cliente da concession?ria, pelo compromisso calculado quanto ?s perdas econ?micas de ter comprado este carro deste fabricante, em vez de outro similar de outro fabricante, e pelo tratamento das reclama??es

There has been a steady growth in the traffic generated by Mobile Network Operators (MNOs), and by 2020 it is expected to overload the existing licensed spectrum capacity and lead to the problem of scarce resources. One method to deal with this traffic overload is to access unlicensed and shared spectrum bands using an opportunistic approach. The use of Licensed Shared Access (LSA) is a novel approach for spectrum sharing between the incumbent user (i.e., the current owner of the shared spectrum) and the LSA licensee (i.e., the temporary user of frequencies, such as an MNO). The LSA system allows the incumbent users to temporarily provide the LSA licensee with access to its spectrum resources. However, licensees must adopt vertical handover and traffic steering procedures to vacate their customers from the LSA band without causing interference, whenever this is required by the incumbent. These procedures should be carried out, de facto, before the base station is turned off as a part of a rapid release of unscheduled LSA band facing evacuation scenarios. Thus, in this dissertation, a cognitive mechanism is proposed to make decisions in advance to find the best target network(s) for evacuated customers in connected mode and with active traffic per class of service. On the basis of these decisions, the vertical handover and traffic steering procedures are carried out for the best target network(s), which are selected in advance and undertaken immediately to avoid interference between the licensee and incumbent services. Furthermore, this guarantees the seamless connectivity and QoS of evacuated customers and their traffic respectively, during and after the unscheduled evacuation scenarios. A performance evaluation conducted in a simulating scenario consisting of one LTE-LSA and three Wi-Fi networks, demonstrated that the proposed solution could be completed within the time required for the unscheduled evacuation, as well as, being able to ensure the QoS and seamless connectivity of the evacuees. The total execution time obtained during the performance evaluation of the proposed solution was around 46% faster than of two related works and could thus avoid interference between the licensee and incumbent services.

The work deals with philosophical and theological consideration of marriage as the natural institution. It comes out of the implied hypothesis of inherent ideals of love, failthfullness and inseparability, whose fulfillment man often searches in marriage. The theoretical part describes marriage and family from the point of view of the Christian ethics. It characterizes the sacramental and the non-sacramental marriages, looks for common ideas and points out their differences. It touches also the problems of contemporary families e.g. abortion, fertility and divorce rate. The practical part includes the results of the survey among the present-day young people about their ideals of Christian marriage. Then it analyses the birth registry entries for the period of 1993{--}1998 in Pelhřimov and its surroundings and compares the church marriages to the civil ones from the point of view of their divorce rate and the number of the children born in these marriages. The conclusion of the work evaluates the results of the practical part, compares it with the countrywide surveys and answers the introductory question of this work: if is possible to live the ideal of Nasareth family.

Submitted by isabela.moljf@hotmail.com (isabela.moljf@hotmail.com) on 2017-05-05T13:45:21Z No. of bitstreams: 1 marcoaurelioalvespereira.pdf: 7599008 bytes, checksum: 48e04292d562d8084f38167b184afde1 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Adriana Oliveira (adriana.oliveira@ufjf.edu.br) on 2017-05-17T13:39:25Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 marcoaurelioalvespereira.pdf: 7599008 bytes, checksum: 48e04292d562d8084f38167b184afde1 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2017-05-17T13:39:25Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 marcoaurelioalvespereira.pdf: 7599008 bytes, checksum: 48e04292d562d8084f38167b184afde1 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2010-03-26 / O cervo-do-pantanal (Blastocerus dichotomus) é um mamífero de grande porte, sendo considerado o maior cervídeo nativo da America do Sul. Esta espécie encontra-se extinta em 60% da sua área de distribuição histórica que compreendia as várzeas naturais dos grandes rios entre o sul do Amazonas e o norte da Argentina. Apesar de se encontrar ameaçado de extinção, pouco se sabe acerca dos aspectos ecológicos do cervo-do-pantanal. Nesse contexto, o presente estudo, busca investigar a sazonalidade no comportamento espacial desta espécie, como também analisar informações relacionadas à fidelidade de habitat e relações intra-específicas através da sobreposição de áreas núcleo. Para tanto o mesmo contém uma revisão introdutória e dois capítulos abordando os seguintes temas: 1- estudo comparativo para o efeito da sazonalidade entre animais reintroduzidos e ou nascidos na Estação Ecológica de Jataí (EEJ) e animais de população natural, localizados na bacia do rio Paraná; 2- relações espaciais através da sobreposição de áreas núcleo para animais reintroduzidos e ou nascidos na EEJ. Ao todo 39 cervos-do-pantanal marcados sendo 9 da área de reintrodução e 30 da área de população natural, contribuíram para as análises do presente trabalho. Os resultados revelam que ambas as populações estudadas tiveram áreas de vida maiores para machos do que para fêmeas, o que pode ser reflexo das diferenças nas estratégias de utilização do ambiente por indivíduos de ambos os sexos. Para os animais da EEJ as áreas estimadas para a estação chuvosa geralmente foram menores do que as estabelecidas na seca, já para os animais da bacia do rio Paraná observou-se uma inversão na ordem desses valores, ou seja, a média na estação chuvosa foi maior do que a média no período de seca. Tal inversão pode estar relacionada com a dinâmica das características ambientais promovida pela sazonalidade para cada região. A análise de fidelidade de habitat na área de reintrodução revelou uma sobreposição de suas áreas núcleos estimada para as duas estações seca e chuvosa, com fêmeas apresentando porcentagem de fidelidade maior do que machos. A análise envolvendo a sobreposição de áreas núcleo entre os animais desta região revelaram que dois animais, sendo um macho e uma fêmea, sobrepuseram seus núcleos de atividade mesmo quando estimados com concentração média harmônica (30%) de distribuição de utilização das localizações espaciais. Os dados utilizados neste trabalho fazem parte dos resultados obtidos pelo Projeto Cervo-do-Pantanal de Porto Primavera, coordenado pelo NUPECCE (Núcleo de Pesquisa e Conservação de Cervídeos), localizado na Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias FCAV/UNESP de Jaboticabal, como parte das ações compensatórias referente ao reservatório formado pela usina hidrelétrica Sérgio Motta ou “Porto Primavera”. / Marsh deer (Blastocerus dichotomus) is a large mammal and is considered the largest deer native to South America, this species is extinct in 60% of its historic range that included the natural flood plain of the great rivers between the southern Amazon and northern Argentina. Despite being threatened with extinction, little is known about the ecological aspects of deer marsh. In this context, this study aims to investigate the seasonality in the spatial behavior of this species, but also analyze information related to habitat use and intraspecific relations using overlapping core areas. To this end it contains a review and two introductory chapters covering the following topics: 1 - comparative study for the seasonality effect of reintroduced animals and / or born in the Ecological Station (EEJ) and animals natural population located in the River Paraná; 2 - spatial relations using overlapping core areas to reintroduced animals and / or born in the EEJ. A total of 39 deer-billed and 9 marked the reintroduction area and 30 in the area of natural population, contributed to the analysis of this work. The results show that both populations studied areas of life were higher for males than for females, which may reflect differences in strategies for using the environment of individuals of both sexes. For animals of the EEJ areas estimated for the rainy season were generally lower than those established in the dry season, as for animals of the Paraná River basin showed a reversal in the order of these values, ie, the average during the rainy season was higher than the average during the dry season. This reversal can be related to the dynamics of environmental characteristics promoted by the seasonal pattern for each region. The analysis of habitat use of reintroduction area revealed an overlap in their core areas estimated for both dry and wet seasons, with females showing higher percentage of fidelity than males. The analysis involving the overlap of core areas among the animals of this region revealed that two animals are one male and one female overlapped its core activity even when estimated harmonic mean concentration (30%) of distribution of use of spatial locations. The data used in this work are part of the results obtained by the Project Cervo-do-Pantanal de Porto Primavera, coordinated by NUPECCE (Núcleo de Pesquisa e Conservação de Cervídeos), located at the Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias FCAV/UNESP de Jaboticabal, as part stock compensation related to the reservoir formed by the Sergio Motta or "Porto Primavera Dam.

Les enfants ayant un trouble du spectre de l’autisme (TSA) présentent parfois des comportements problématiques, comme des comportements agressifs ou stéréotypés. L’émission de tels comportements peut avoir des conséquences néfastes, tant pour l’enfant que pour son entourage. Ainsi, l’enfant peut être limité dans ses apprentissages et vivre de l’isolement social. Leurs parents peuvent quant à eux vivre un niveau élevé de stress parental. Afin de répondre à ces besoins, cette thèse doctorale vise l’évaluation d’une adaptation parentale du Prevent-Teach-Reinforce (PTR, Dunlap et al., 2010), un programme initialement conçu pour diminuer les comportements problématiques et augmenter les comportements désirables des enfants en milieu scolaire. Basé sur les principes du soutien comportemental positif, ce programme prévoit l’atteinte des objectifs suite à la mise en place d’une intervention comportementale qui tient compte de la fonction du comportement problématique. L’intervention comprend des stratégies d’intervention pour modifier les antécédents, pour enseigner des comportements désirables et pour modifier les conséquences. Une étude randomisée a montré l’efficacité du PTR auprès d’enfants en milieu scolaire et deux études l’ont évalué à l’aide de devis expérimentaux à cas uniques en milieu familial pour des enfants ayant des troubles développementaux. Cette thèse, comprenant trois articles, constitue la première évaluation randomisée du PTR en contexte familial pour diminuer les comportements problématiques d’enfants ayant un TSA. Le premier article décrit les adaptations apportées au programme initial en prévision d’une implantation en contexte d’intervention comportementale précoce et en milieu familial, pour les enfants ayant un TSA. De plus, un parallèle est fait entre le programme et les principes clés de l’intervention psychoéducative. Le deuxième article présente les principaux résultats du projet de thèse, dans lequel 24 familles ont reçu deux interventions distinctes : le PTR durant huit semaines ou une formation théorique d’environ trois heures. Des analyses de variance ont été menées afin de statuer sur l’efficacité du programme. En somme, les comportements problématiques des enfants appartenant aux deux groupes ont diminué et les comportements désirables ont augmenté. Il n’est donc pas possible de statuer sur l’efficacité unique du PTR à diminuer les comportements problématiques. Les parents ont implanté le PTR avec une grande fidélité et ont accordé un score élevé de validité sociale au programme. Le troisième article présente les résultats en lien avec le stress parental. Les scores initiaux de stress parental ont été associés à la sévérité des comportements problématiques, montrant une corrélation modérée entre les deux concepts. Par ailleurs, une analyse de variance a permis de montrer que le stress parental a diminué uniquement chez les parents qui ont implanté de PTR. En conclusion, cette thèse a montré que le PTR semble être efficace pour diminuer les comportements problématiques et augmenter les comportements désirables des enfants ayant un TSA lorsque leurs parents l’implantent, mais davantage d’études sont nécessaires pour confirmer cette hypothèse. Ces études devraient comporter davantage de sujets et comparer le PTR à un groupe ne recevant aucun type d’intervention pour diminuer les comportements problématiques. / Children with an Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis sometimes show challenging behaviors such as aggressive or stereotyped behaviors. The presence of such behavior can have harmful consequences for both the children and the people living with them. For example, the child may be limited in his or her learning and experience social isolation. Parents may experience high levels of parental stress. In order to respond to these problems, this thesis evaluated a parental adaptation of the Prevent-Teach-Reinforce model (PTR; Dunlap et al., 2010), a program designed to reduce children’s challenging behaviors and increase their desirable behaviors in school settings. Based on the principles of positive behavioral support, this program aims to achieve its objectives by implementing a behavioral intervention taking into account the behavioral function of the challenging behavior. The intervention includes intervention strategies to modify the behavior’s antecedents, to teach desirable behaviors and to modify the behavior’s consequences. A randomized controlled study demonstrated the effectiveness of the PTR for school-aged children and two studies evaluated it in home settings for children with developmental disorders, using single case experimental designs. This thesis, comprising three articles, is the first randomized study evaluating the PTR in family settings to reduce challenging behaviors of children with ASD. The first article describes the adaptations made to the initial program in order to implement it with children with an ASD diagnosis receiving early intensive behavioral intervention or in family settings. In addition, a parallel was made between the PTR and the key principles from the psychoeducation field. The second article presents the main results of this thesis, with the 24 families which received two distinct interventions: the PTR for eight weeks or a theoretical training for about three hours. Analyzes of variance were conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of the PTR. In sum, children of both groups saw a reduction in challenging behaviors and an increase in desirable behaviors. It is therefore not possible to rule on the unique effectiveness of the PTR to reduce challenging behaviors. Parents implemented the PTR with great fidelity and rated the PTR with a very high level of social validity. The third article presents the results on parental stress. Initial parental stress scores were associated with the severity the child’s problem behaviors, showing a moderate correlation between the two concepts. On the other hand, an analysis of variance showed that parental stress only decreased for parents who implemented the PTR. In conclusion, this thesis has shown that PTR may be effective in decreasing problem behaviors and in increasing desirable behaviors of children with ASD. However, more studies are needed to confirm these hypotheses. These studies should include more subjects and compare the PTR to a group of children not receiving any type of intervention to reduce challenging behaviors.

Au stade de projet amont, les ingénieurs utilisent souvent des modèles de basse fidélité possédant de larges erreurs. Les approches déterministes prennent implicitement en compte les erreurs par un choix conservatif des paramètres aléatoires et par l'ajout de facteurs de sécurité dans les contraintes de conception. Une fois qu'une solution est proposée, elle est analysée par un modèle haute fidélité (test futur): une re-conception peut s'avérer nécessaire pour restaurer la fiabilité ou améliorer la performance, et le modèle basse fidélité est calibré pour prendre en compte les résultats de l'analyse haute-fidélité. Mais une re-conception possède un coût financier et temporel. Dans ce travail, les effets possibles des tests futurs et des re-conceptions sont intégrés à une procédure de conception avec un modèle basse fidélité. Après les Chapitres 1 et 2 qui donnent le contexte de ce travail et l'état de l'art, le Chapitre 3 analyse le dilemme d'une conception initiale conservatrice en terme de fiabilité ou ambitieuse en termes de performances (avec les re-conceptions associées pour améliorer la performance ou la fiabilité). Le Chapitre 4 propose une méthode de simulation des tests futurs et de re-conception avec des erreurs épistémiques corrélées spatialement. Le Chapitre 5 décrit une application à une fusée sonde avec des erreurs à la fois aléatoires et de modèles. Le Chapitre 6 conclut le travail. / At the initial design stage, engineers often rely on low-fidelity models that have high uncertainty. In a deterministic safety-margin-based design approach, uncertainty is implicitly compensated for by using fixed conservative values in place of aleatory variables and ensuring the design satisfies a safety-margin with respect to design constraints. After an initial design is selected, high-fidelity modeling is performed to reduce epistemic uncertainty and ensure the design achieves the targeted levels of safety. High-fidelity modeling is used to calibrate low-fidelity models and prescribe redesign when tests are not passed. After calibration, reduced epistemic model uncertainty can be leveraged through redesign to restore safety or improve design performance; however, redesign may be associated with substantial costs or delays. In this work, the possible effects of a future test and redesign are considered while the initial design is optimized using only a low-fidelity model. The context of the work and a literature review make Chapters 1 and 2 of this manuscript. Chapter 3 analyzes the dilemma of whether to start with a more conservative initial design and possibly redesign for performance or to start with a less conservative initial design and risk redesigning to restore safety. Chapter 4 develops a generalized method for simulating a future test and possible redesign that accounts for spatial correlations in the epistemic model error. Chapter 5 discusses the application of the method to the design of a sounding rocket under mixed epistemic model uncertainty and aleatory parameter uncertainty. Chapter 6 concludes the work.

Genetic algorithms (GA) are stochastic global search methods based on the mechanics of natural biological evolution, proposed by John Holland in 1975. Here in this thesis, we have exploited possible utilities of Genetic Algorithm optimization in Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) experiments. We have performed (i ) Pulse sequence generation and optimization for NMR Quantum Information Processing, (ii ) efficient creation of NOON states, (iii ) Composite operator design and (iv ) delay optimization for refocused quantitative INEPT. We have generated time optimal as well as robust pulse sequences for popular quantum gates. A Matlab package is developed for basic Target unitary operator to pulse sequence optimization and is explained with an example. Chapter 1 contains a brief introduction to NMR, Quantum computation and Genetic algorithm optimization. Experimental unitary operator decomposition using Genetic Algorithm is explained in Chapter 2. Starting from a two spin homonu- clear system (5-Bromofuroic acid), we have generated hard pulse sequences for performing (i ) single qubit rotation, (ii ) controlled NOT gates and (iii ) pseudo pure state creation, which demonstrates universal quantum computation in such systems. The total length of the pulse sequence for the single qubit rotation of an angle π/2 is less than 500µs, whereas the conventional method (using a selective soft pulse) would need a 2ms shaped pulse. This substantial shortening in time can lead to a significant advantage in quantum circuits. We also demonstrate the creation of Long Lived Singlet State and other Bell states, directly from thermal equilibrium state, with the shortest known pulse sequence. All the pulse sequences generated here are generic i.e., independent of the system and the spectrometer. We further generalized this unitary operator decomposition technique for a variable operators termed as Fidelity Profile Optimization (FPO) (Chapter 3) and performed quantum simulations of Hamiltonian such as Heisenberg XY interaction and Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction. Exact phase (φ) dependent experimental unitary decompositions of Controlled-φ and Controlled Controlled-φ are solved using first order FPO. Unitary operator decomposition for experimental quantum simulation of Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction in the presence of Heisenberg XY interaction is solved using second order FPO for any relative strengths of interactions (γ) and evolution time (τ ). Experimental gate time for this decomposition is invariant under γ or τ , which can be used for relaxation independent studies of the system dynamics. Using these decompositions, we have experimentally verified the entanglement preservation mechanism suggested by Hou et al. [Annals of Physics, 327 292 (2012)]. NOON state or Schrodinger cat state is a maximally entangled N qubit state with superposition of all individual qubits being at |0 and being at |1 . NOON states have received much attention recently for their high precession phase measurements, which enables the design of high sensitivity sensors in optical interfer- ometry and NMR [Jones et al. Science, 324 1166(2009)]. We have used Genetic algorithm optimization for efficient creation of NOON states in NMR (Chapter 4). The decompositions are, (i ) a minimal in terms of required experimental resources – radio frequency pulses and delays – and have (ii ) good experimental fidelity. A composite pulse is a cluster of nearly connected rf pulses which emulate the effect of a simple spin operator with robust response over common experimental imperfections. Composite pulses are mainly used for improving broadband de- coupling, population inversion, coherence transfer and in nuclear overhauser effect experiments. Composite operator is a generalized idea where a basic operator (such as rotation or evolution of zz coupling) is made robust against common experimental errors (such as inhomogeneity / miscalibration of rf power or errror in evaluation of zz coupling strength) by using a sequence of basic operators available for the system. Using Genetic Algorithm optimization, we have designed and experimentally verified following composite operators, (i ) broadband rotation pulses, (ii ) rf inhomogeneity compensated rotation pulses and (iii ) zz evolution operator with robust response over a range of zz coupling strengths (Chapter 5). We also performed rf inhomogeneity compensated Controlled NOT gate. Extending Genetic Algorithm optimization in classical NMR applications, we have improved the quantitative refocused constant-time INEPT experiment (Q-INEPT- CT) of M¨kel¨ et al. [JMR 204(2010) 124-130] with various optimization constraints . The improved ‘average polarization transfer’ and ‘min-max difference’ of new delay sets effectively reduces the experimental time by a factor of two (compared with Q-INEPT-CT, M¨kel¨ et al.) without compromising on accuracy (Chapter 6). We also introduced a quantitative spectral editing technique based on average polarization transfer. These optimized quantitative experiments are also described in Chapter 6. Time optimal pulse sequences for popular quantum gates such as, (i ) Controlled Hadamard (C-H) gate, (ii ) Controlled-Controlled-NOT (CCNOT) Gate and (iii ) Controlled SWAP (C-S) gate are optimized using Genetic Algorithm (Appendix. A). We also generated optimal sequences for Quantum Counter circuits, Quantum Probability Splitter circuits and efficient creation of three spin W state. We have developed a Matlab package based on GA optimization for three spin target operator to pulse sequence generator. The package is named as UOD (Unitary Operator Decomposition) is explained with an example of Controlled SWAP gate in Appendix. B. An algorithm based on quantum phase estimation, which discriminates quantum states non-destructively within a set of arbitrary orthogonal states, is described and experimentally verified by a NMR quantum information processor (Appendix. C). The procedure is scalable and can be applied to any set of orthogonal states. Scalability is demonstrated through Matlab simulation.

The Swedish Armed Forces’ Flying School has been training future pilots for a long time. For almost 60 years, the SK 60 aircraft (SAAB 105) has been used to train fixed-wing pilots. The Flying School has a flight simulator of type BITD (Basic Instrument Training Device), named FlightBook, as a tool to help students practise their flying and to learn through experience. Experiential learning is used in various kinds of education, one of which is flying training. David A. Kolb has developed a learning cycle that explains the process of experiential learning. The learning cycle starts with concrete experience followed by reflective observation, abstract conceptualization and active experimentation. This study analyses FlightBook using Kolb’s learning cycle to see if it is appropriate for use in flying training. The results of this study show that FlightBook is an effective tool for practising some elements of flying training. FlightBook is necessary for emergency training because of the high risk and it being impossible to conduct some of the training during actual flying. For landing an aircraft, FlightBook is not as suitable as it is for emergency training but is still an effective tool for the initial steps, prior to the final stage. For the final stage, when the aircraft is getting close to the runway, FlightBook does not have the credibility that flying instructors and students wish it had. In real flying, pilots use feel and balance to get things right before landing, which is not possible with FlightBook. Experience gained when practising with FlightBook is essential for future pilots so that the training can continue to be as effective as possible. Otherwise the training may be even more delayed and that will cause problems for the Swedish Armed Forces. / Försvarsmaktens flygskola har under en lång tid utbildat blivande piloter. I nästan 60 år har skolflygplanet SK 60 (SAAB 105) använts för utbildning av transport- och stridspiloter. Flygskolan har en flygsimulator av typen BITD (Basic Instrument Training Device - Grundläggande instrumentträningsstation), vid namn FlightBook, som hjälpmedel i flygutbildningen. I FlightBook lär sig flygeleverna genom erfarenhetsbaserat lärande. Erfarenhetsbaserat lärande används i flera utbildningar. Flygutbildningen är en av dem. David A. Kolb har skapat en modell som förklarar processen som sker under erfarenhetsbaserat lärande med hjälp av en lärcykel. Lärcykeln inleds med att konkreta erfarenheter samlas in och följs därefter av reflekterande observationer, abstrakta konceptualiseringar och aktivt experimenterande. Arbetet analyserar FlightBook med Kolbs lärcykel och resultatet visar att FlightBook är ett bra hjälpmedel för att öva vissa moment i flygträning. Vid övning av nödträning är FlightBook väsentlig, framförallt för flygsäkerheten, eftersom de flesta momenten inte är lämpliga att öva i verkligheten. Vid övning av landning är FlightBook inte lika lämplig som vid nödträning eftersom de sista momenten under landning skiljer sig från verkligheten. Trovärdigheten som lärare och elever önskar under de sista momenten saknas. I verkligheten använder sig piloterna av känsla och balans för att komma rätt inför landning vilket inte är möjligt i övning med FlightBook. Momenten inför landning är dock lämpliga att öva. Erfarenheterna som erhålls när eleverna övar i FlightBook är nödvändiga för att flygutbildningen ska fortsätta vara så effektiv som möjligt. Förseningar i flygutbildningen kan genom fortsatt effektivisering förhindras och därmed undvika problem för Försvarsmakten.

Design space exploration (DSE) is used to improve and understand engineering designs. Such designs must meet objectives and structural requirements. Design improvement is non-trivial and requires new DSE methods. Turbomachinery manufacturers must continue to improve existing engines to keep up with global demand. Two challenges of turbomachinery DSE are: the time required to evaluate designs, and knowing which designs to evaluate. This research addressed these challenges by developing novel surrogate and principal component analysis (PCA) based DSE methods. Node and PCA-based surrogates were created to allow faster DSE of turbomachinery blades. The surrogates provided static stress estimation within 10% error. Surrogate error was related to the number of sampled finite element (FE) models used to train the surrogate and the variables used to change the designs. Surrogates were able to provide structural evaluations three to five orders of magnitude faster than FEA evaluations. The PCA-based surrogates were then used to create a PCA-based design workflow to help designers know which designs to evaluate. The workflow used either two-point correlation or stress and geometry coupling to relate the design variables to principal component (PC) scores. These scores were projections of the FE models onto the PCs obtained from PCA. Analysis showed that this workflow could be used in DSE to better explore and improve designs. The surrogate methods were then applied to vibratory stress. A computationally simplified analysis workflow was developed to allow for enough fluid and structural analyses to create a surrogate model. The simplified analysis workflow introduced 10% error but decreased the computational cost by 90%. The surrogate methods could not directly be applied to emulation of vibration due to the large spikes which occur near resonance. A novel, indirect emulation method was developed to better estimate vibratory responses Surrogates were used to estimate the inputs to calculate the vibratory responses. During DSE these estimations were used to calculate the vibratory responses. This method reduced the error between the surrogate and FEA from 85% to 17%. Lastly, a PCA-based multi-fidelity surrogate method was developed. This assumed the PCs of the high and low-fidelities were similar. The high-fidelity FE models had tens of thousands of nodes and the low-fidelity FE models had a few hundred nodes. The computational cost to create the surrogate was decreased by 75% for the same errors. For the same computational cost, the error was reduced by 50%. Together, the methods developed in this research were shown to decrease the cost of evaluating the structural responses of turbomachinery blade designs. They also provided a method to help the designer understand which designs to explore. This research paves the way for better, and more thoroughly understood turbomachinery blade designs.

Please read the abstract in the section 00front of this document. / Dissertation (MSc)--University of Pretoria, 2010. / Zoology and Entomology / unrestricted