Virtual environment (VE) design for cognitive rehabilitation necessitates a new methodology to ensure the validity of the resulting rehabilitation assessment. We propose that benchmarking the VE system technology utilizing a user-centered approach should precede the VE construction. Further, user performance baselines should be measured throughout testing as a control for adaptive effects that may confound the metrics chosen to evaluate the rehabilitation treatment. To support these claims we present data obtained from two modules of a user-centered head-mounted display (HMD) assessment battery, specifically resolution visual acuity and stereoacuity. Resolution visual acuity and stereoacuity assessments provide information about the image quality achieved by an HMD based upon its unique system parameters. When applying a user-centered approach, we were able to quantify limitations in the VE system components (e.g., low microdisplay resolution) and separately point to user characteristics (e.g., changes in dark focus) that may introduce error in the evaluation of VE based rehabilitation protocols. Based on these results, we provide guidelines for calibrating and benchmarking HMDs. In addition, we discuss potential extensions of the assessment to address higher level usability issues. We intend to test the proposed framework within the Human Experience Modeler (HEM), a testbed created at the University of Central Florida to evaluate technologies that may enhance cognitive rehabilitation effectiveness. Preliminary results of a feasibility pilot study conducted with a memory impaired participant showed that the HEM provides the control and repeatability needed to conduct such technology comparisons. Further, the HEM affords the opportunity to integrate new brain imaging technologies (i.e., functional Near Infrared Imaging) to evaluate brain plasticity associated with VE based cognitive rehabilitation.

Ship-mounted cranes are used to transfer cargo from large container ships to smaller lighters when deep-water ports are not available. The wave-induced motion of the crane ship produces large pendulations of hoisted cargo and causes operations to be suspended. In this work, we show that in boom type ship-mounted cranes, it is possible to reduce these pendulations significantly by controlling the slew and luff angles of the boom. Such a control can be achieved with the heavy equipment that is already part of the crane so that retrofitting existing cranes would require a small effort. Moreover, the control is superimposed on the commands of the operator transparently. The successful control strategy is based on delayed-position feedback of the cargo motion in-plane and out-of-plane of the boom and crane tower. Its effectiveness is demonstrated with a fully nonlinear three-dimensional computer simulation and with an experiment on a 1/24 scale model of a T-ACS (The Auxiliary Crane Ship) crane mounted on a platform moving with three degrees of freedom to simulate the ship roll, pitch, and heave motions of the crane ship. The results demonstrate that the pendulations can be significantly reduced, and therefore the range of sea conditions in which cargo-transfer operations could take place can be greatly expanded. Furthermore, the control strategy is applied experimentally to a scaled model of a tower crane. The effectiveness of the controller is demonstrated for both rotary and gantry modes of operation of the crane. This work was supported by the Office of Naval Research under Contract #N00014-96-1-1123. / Ph. D.

It is sometimes necessary to transfer cargo from a large ship to a smaller ship at sea. Specially designed craneships are used for this task, however the wave-induced motions of the ship can cause large pendulations of cargo being hoisted by a ship-mounted crane. This makes cargo transfer in rough seas extremely dangerous and therefore transfer operations normally cease when sea state 3 is reached. If the cargo pendulations could be reduced in higher sea states, transfer operations would be possible. By controlling the boom luff angle, one can reduce the cargo pendulations in the plane of the boom significantly. A two-dimensional pendulum with a rigid massless cable and massive point load is used to model the system. A control law using time-delayed position feedback is developed and the system is simulated on a computer using the full nonlinear equations of motion. A three-degree-of-freedom ship-motion simulation platform, capable of simulating heave, pitch, and roll motions, was built. The computer simulation results were experimentally verified by mounting a 1/24th scale model of a T-ACS crane on the ship-motion simulation platform. / Master of Science

No description available.

This thesis aims at presenting the Discrete Vortex Method (DVM) as a tool to determine the flow field and associated wind loads over structures. Two structures are considered: the first is a surface-mounted prism and is used to simulate wind loads over low-rise structures. The second is a bridge section with attached flaps that can be oriented to vary the moment coefficient. Advantages and disadvantages of using DVM for these applications are discussed. For the surface-mounted prism, the results show that the developed code correctly predicts the flow separation around the corners. As for the surface pressures, it is concluded that parallel processing, which could be easily implemented for DVM, should be used to correctly predict surface pressures and their variations. This is due to the required slow time advancement of the computations. The results on attaching flaps to bridge sections yield required orientations to minimize moments under different angles of attack. / Master of Science

This Ph.D. thesis provides an analysis of "ordered statements" in the Royal Canadian Mounted Police ("R.C.M.P."). Statements can be compelled from R.C.M.P. members who are under "internal" investigation for misconduct. Ordered statements from police officers raise a number of difficult and complex questions that have not been thoroughly examined in Canada. Accountability in policing consists of a complex web of criminal, internal, administrative, public, and civil mechanisms to review misconduct. In order to properly consider ordered statements four threads of analysis are utilized. First, by way of background, context and comparison, this thesis describes and evaluates internal management, culture and discipline in policing, in particular the R.C.M.P. Second, this thesis examines and evaluates the role of various external mechanisms that regulate police conduct. Third, various models of civilian oversight are compared and contrasted to position the R.C.M.P. regime internationally. Fourth, the working environment of police officers and R.C.M.P. members is explored, demonstrating that it is significantly different from other occupations, calling into question the applicability of traditional management practices. The thesis concludes that the legal and constitutional position of ordered statements is uncertain, adding to morale and organizational problems in the R.C.M.P. Based on interviews with 107 members, and an examination of other sources, this thesis reveals how ordered statements in the R.C.M.P. work in actual practice, and how this mechanism impacts upon individual members and the organization itself. The results reveal marked disparity between official and member accounts. The material and findings not only challenge basic theoretical premises that inform the employment context of R.C.M.P. members, they seriously question the function of and need for ordered statements. They also establish that the specific employment and organizational context must be more adequately considered by academics and policy-makers when examining the issue of ordered statements. These findings fill gaps in the literature and hopefully contribute to theory on police accountability. The thesis ends with a number of recommendations to improve the current R.C.M.P. regime.

This Ph.D. thesis provides an analysis of "ordered statements" in the Royal Canadian Mounted Police ("R.C.M.P."). Statements can be compelled from R.C.M.P. members who are under "internal" investigation for misconduct. Ordered statements from police officers raise a number of difficult and complex questions that have not been thoroughly examined in Canada. Accountability in policing consists of a complex web of criminal, internal, administrative, public, and civil mechanisms to review misconduct. In order to properly consider ordered statements four threads of analysis are utilized. First, by way of background, context and comparison, this thesis describes and evaluates internal management, culture and discipline in policing, in particular the R.C.M.P. Second, this thesis examines and evaluates the role of various external mechanisms that regulate police conduct. Third, various models of civilian oversight are compared and contrasted to position the R.C.M.P. regime internationally. Fourth, the working environment of police officers and R.C.M.P. members is explored, demonstrating that it is significantly different from other occupations, calling into question the applicability of traditional management practices. The thesis concludes that the legal and constitutional position of ordered statements is uncertain, adding to morale and organizational problems in the R.C.M.P. Based on interviews with 107 members, and an examination of other sources, this thesis reveals how ordered statements in the R.C.M.P. work in actual practice, and how this mechanism impacts upon individual members and the organization itself. The results reveal marked disparity between official and member accounts. The material and findings not only challenge basic theoretical premises that inform the employment context of R.C.M.P. members, they seriously question the function of and need for ordered statements. They also establish that the specific employment and organizational context must be more adequately considered by academics and policy-makers when examining the issue of ordered statements. These findings fill gaps in the literature and hopefully contribute to theory on police accountability. The thesis ends with a number of recommendations to improve the current R.C.M.P. regime. / Law, Peter A. Allard School of / Graduate

Harvester operators are handling large amounts of information while processing trees. Primarily by looking at the close environment, the trees, and the harvesting head, but also through the bucking display placed in front of the operator. Head-mounted displays have been under development since the 1960s but have yet to find any major applications where they excel outside military aircrafts despite numerous tries. This master thesis aims at evaluating the usability for head-mounted displays (HMDs) and augmented reality (AR) technology within forestry, by answering the research question: Are HMDs suited for displaying information in harvesters? What information is suitable to display in HMDs and how should it be displayed for best effect? A literature review about the current state of the art of HMDs and AR has been compiled which can be read independently. Qualitative user studies have been performed to map the current interactions of harvester operators by observation and interviews in the field. Interviews have been made with subject matter experts in relating fields. The insights gathered from the user studies led to three interface designs for bucking which were designed, prototyped and tested for usability in a harvester simulator. Ideas for other more immersive uses of the HMD were also designed. For bucking is assortment and species the most important information for the operators, contrary to how it is displayed today, where diameter and fed length is presented as the most significant information. Near machine navigation is a problem area which may be solved with AR. Operators participating in the test were positive towards the technology after testing. Our conclusion is that HMDs shows enough promise and performance to be evaluated further by tests in the field. Weight, brightness, and a non-occluding design are the most important properties for an HMD for harvesters. / Skördaroperatörer hanterar stora mängder information vid fällning och aptering. Främst genom att titta på omgivningen, träden och aggregatet men också via apteringsskärmen framför sig. Head-mounted Displays (HMDs) har varit under utveckling sedan 1960 talet men har hittat få tillämpningar utanför det militära flyget trots många studier. Detta examensarbete försöker utreda om HMDs och augmented reality (AR) är lämpliga tekniker för det mekaniserade skogsbruket genom att svara på frågorna: Är HMDs lämpliga för att visa information för skördaroperatörer? Vilken information skall då visas och hur ska den visas på bästa sätt? En litteraturstudie om HMDs och AR har genomförts och kan läsas fristående. Kvalitativa användarstudier har genomförts för att kartlägga skördaroperatörers arbete genom observationer och intervjuer. Intervjuer har även gjorts med experter inom närliggande områden. Från studierna har tre gränssnitt utvecklats och testats i en skördarsimulator. Idéer för AR gränssnitt har även de utformats. För aptering är sortiment och trädslag den viktigaste informationen att visas, i motsats till dagens gränssnitt där diameter och utmatad längd visas tydligast. Navigation i närheten av skördaren är ett problemområde som skulle kunna lösas med hjälp av AR. Operatörer i användartester har varit positiva till tekniken. Vår slutsats är att HMDs är tillräckligt lovande för fortsatta tester i fält för skördaroperatörer. Vikt, ljusstyrka och en design som inte skymmer sikten är de viktigaste faktorerna för en HMD för skördarbruk.

臺北縣政府警察局自92年4月成立全國首創之「騎警隊」，擔服起「觀光警察」及風景區治安維護之使命；而騎警隊成立也衝撃著現行警察封建、保守、官僚體制，成立之初，不論是體制或是馬術專業技術上甚至不被看好其存續之機，而現今騎警隊成立已逾四年了，不論是在風景點或各受邀場合表演，這批身穿降紅色制服、騎著馬的警察總是成為全場的焦點，吸引著民眾關懷目光，在同仁克盡職責完成各任務使命下，「騎警隊」代表的意義，促成了本研究的動機也冀望透過本研究能更了解民眾對騎警之期待與期許及對警察形象之助益。 基於上述的研究目的，本研究在探討旅遊景點之遊客與當地民眾對騎警隊品牌形象與警察品牌形象之評價，及在不同人口統計變數下，有無顯著影響關係及其間的差異。由於本研究議題適合一般社會大眾，因此本研究對象擬以現地居民與遊客為主。採取問卷調查方式，本研究共發放問卷400 份，回收問卷400份(內含無效問卷113 份；有效問卷為287 份)。經由統計分析方法：因素分析、效度和信度檢定、相關分析、迴歸分析來驗證資料對研究假設模型的支持程度。主要研究發現為： (1)新的警政組織單位成立需有策略的提出，而策略的提昇並非自然產生， 需有突破的作為。建立警察的品牌形象建立也須有此想法與需求。 (2)依照本問卷調查顯示出，騎警隊的品牌形象內容計有：重要性、親近性、功能性、專業性、吸引力，能提供未來成立騎警單一行政體系時的目標，而稽核的依據，可參酌本研究各種人口變項所在乎的項目，並找出建立騎警隊的品牌形象中以吸引力最為顯著。 (3)騎警成立之最大功能「為民服務」、「警民互動」及鑑於臺北縣騎警隊隊員平時散置於各警察局單位，隊員卻運用勤餘時間自發性地投入馬術運動，為本研究之觀察重點。 依據研究所得，騎警隊品牌形象對警察品牌滿意之影響有明顯助益，並依本研究中騎警品牌形象可分為重要性、親近性、功能性、專業性及吸引力等五個形象構面，提出具體的研究建議。 / In April of 2003, the Taipei County Police Bureau originated a “mounted police squad”, to take the responsibility of “sightseeing police force” with a mission statement to protect the well being in tourist areas. The establishment of the mounted police squad impacted the conservative bureaucratic system of the regular police force. Even though neither the system nor its horse-riding techniques made it favourable to maintain its existence, it has been almost four years since its establishment. From tourist attractions to staged performances, these mounted policemen dressed in red have always been the main attraction that awed its audience. The meaning of the “mounted police squad” inspired the purpose of this research: to better understand the anticipation and expectations people have of the mounted police squad as well as how it affects the image of the regular police force. Based on the objective mentioned above, we conducted a survey on tourists and residents of the tourist areas. The participants were asked to rate the images of the mounted police and the regular police forces by taking a questionnaire designed for the average population. Based on this population, we investigated the significance of the difference and relationship between the ratings for the two police groups. A total of 400 questionnaires were returned, of which 287 were valid in the final analysis. We used statistical analysis methods including factor analysis, validity and form reliability tests, correlation analysis, and regression analysis to investigate our hypothesis. The results of our research include the following: (1) New police units and its image need to be strategically established and to have breakthroughs in achievement. (2) The public image of the mounted police can be grouped into the following categories: importance, intimacy, functionality, professionalism, and attractiveness, and the ability to possibly promote a sole unit organization for the mounted police in the future. Based on the questionnaires, the attractiveness was the most significant factor for the image of the mounted police. (3) Public service and community relations form the main functions of the mounted police. Yet, members spend their spare time practicing their horse-riding skills, thus forming the main focus of our investigation. Our research also showed that the impact of the image of the mounted police on that of the regular police force was statistically significant. Based on our research on the image of the mounted police (which can be organized into five components: importance, intimacy, functionality, professionalism, and attractiveness), we can make several research recommendations.

Most of the today’s concrete structures are older than tenyears, and the need to strengthening existing structures is growing steadily. This is due to various reasons such as degradation due to ageing, environmentally induced degradation, poor initial design or construction and lack of maintenance, to name a few. Among the benefits of strengthening existing structures are; less impacts on the environmental and financial benefits. Therefore, there is a need to find alternative ways to strengthen concrete structures more effectively. For the past decades, several different strengthening methods have been studied. Two examples are externally bonded reinforcement (EBR) and near surface mounted reinforcement (NSM). The outcome of these studies has shown a significant enhancement to the structures. Steel plates and rebar have been used to strengthen concrete structures and have shown good increases in flexural capacity. For this purpose, resins have been used to implement the steel plates and rebar, e.g. shotcrete and epoxy. Due to the weight of steel and its sensitivity to corrosion, new materials have been sought. A promising material for this use is the fiber reinforced polymers (FRP). There are several types of FRP such as, carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP), glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) and aramid fiber reinforced polymer (AFRP). These new material has shown a better performance, due to their light weight, resistance to corrosion,etc. NSM and EBR perform extremely well in practice as long as sufficient anchorage is provided. However, a premature debonding has been observed by several researchers. This report will study an alternative method to reinforce existing concrete structures called “Side Near Surface Mounted Reinforcement (S-NSMR)” in association with a project run by Gabriel Sas at Luleå University of Technology. This is compared to Bottom Near Surface Mounted Reinforcement (B-NSM), which is a well-established method. It is assumed that the fiberutilisation will increase in NSM applied on the side of the beam. If this hypothesis is proven correct, the proposed method will also solve a major constrain in the utilisation of the NSM technique. In certain cases, the bottom of a beam is not fully accessible for strengthening using bottom Applied NSM techniques due to e.g. partition walls or beam-column joints. To test the effect of S-NSMR seven concrete beams, one reference beam with no fiberreinforcement and two sets of three, for S-NSMR and B-NSMR respectively with different CFRP-rebar length, were tested in the laboratory. An analytical calculation has also been carried out. In this thesis, a parametric study is performed with FEM software Atena. The thesis begins with a study of the failure phenomena occurring in the earlier mentioned strengthening method. A benchmark model is then modelled with a good comparison to the experimental results. An idealised model of the steel reinforcement in the concrete beam is used according to Eurocode 2. Material parameters in concrete are calculated according to Atena theory documents. The influence of creep and shrinkage are considered by reducing the elastic modulus of concrete by 25 %, reducing the tensile strength by 50 % and fracture energy accordingly. Thereafter, three additional parameters were chosen to continue the parametric study with Atena, 1) CFRP with E-modulus 160 GPa, 2) two different position in cross-section height of S-NSM and 3) five shorter CFRP-rebar each 100 mm smaller than the previous rebar. The behaviour of the two reinforcing types is then compared. The first parameter is, CFRP with a smaller E-modulus. It could be observed that all beams lost their stiffness, especially after yielding of the steel reinforcement. A small improvement in ductility could also be observed. The utilisation rate of CFRP increased by 13-16% in the case of S-NSM and 18-20% in the case of B-NSM. The second parameter is, different position of CFRP along the height of the beams cross-section in S-NSM beams. The positions of the CFRP was lowered in two steps. In each case an increase in stiffness and a decrease in ductility could be observed. However, the increase of the stiffness was still smaller than the stiffness in the B-NSM, in all cases. The failure mode changed from a ductile (concrete crushing) type to a more brittle kind (peeling-off concrete), due to large flexural cracks at the end of the CFRP-rebar.   The utilisation rate of CFRP-rebar, is decreased in each S-NSM beam except for S-NSM 2 with the height 25 mm. The reduction in the utilisation rate of the CFRP is 7-32 % and in S-NSM 2 with the height H25mm showing an increased in utilisation rate by 7 %. The third is parameter, different length of CFRP-rebar. In the case of S-NSM, the failure mode changed from a ductile failure mode to a brittle failure mode. The utilisation rate decreased with the decrease in CFRP length. In three of five cases, the S-NSM shows a higher ultimate load-displacement relation, and in all five cases the maximum tensile strains in the CFRP were higher in S-NSM than B-NSM. Even though the stiffness in the S-NSM is lower than the B-NSM, it would be more preferable to use the S-NSM than B-NSM, because of its higher ultimate load and lower displacements.