Factory shop floors of the future will see a significant increase in interconnected devices for monitoring and control. However, if a Service Orientated Architecture (SOA) is implemented on all such devices then this will result in a large number of permutations of services and composite services. These services combined with other business level components can pose a huge challenge to manage as it is often difficult to keep an overview of all the devices, equipment and services. This thesis proposes an SOA based novel assimilation architecture for integrating disparate industrial hardware based processes and business processes of an enterprise in particular the plastics machinery environment. The key benefits of the proposed architecture are the reduction of complexity when integrating disparate hardware platforms; managing the associated services as well as allowing the Micro Injection Moulding (µIM) process to be monitored on the web through service and data integration. An Enterprise Service Bus (ESB) based middleware layer integrates the Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) based environmental and simulated machine process systems with frontend Google Gadgets (GGs) based web visualisation applications. A business process framework is proposed to manage and orchestrate the resulting services from the architecture. Results from the analysis of the WSN kits in terms of their usability and reliability showed that the Jennic WSN was easy to setup and had a reliable communication link in the polymer industrial environment with the PER being below 0.5%. The prototype Jennic WSN based µIM process monitoring system had limitations when monitoring high-resolution machine data, therefore a novel hybrid integration architecture was proposed. The assimilation architecture was implemented on a distributed server based test bed. Results from test scenarios showed that the architecture was highly scalable and could potentially allow a large number of disparate sensor based hardware systems and services to be hosted, managed, visualised and linked to form a cohesive business process.

The challenge of satisfying the demand for basic services in the current dispensation has intensified. It is anticipated that once this initial challenge has been overcome, the tide will turn and secondary services such as transfer of ownership of forestry plantations will become the new challenge. The quest for efficient and effective service delivery is paramount, regardless of whether services delivered are basic or not. This research investigation puts performance management (which focuses on individual and organisational performance), as a necessity for service delivery. The focus was on service delivery within the Chief Directorate: Forestry in the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry. The findings demonstrated that the presence of performance management and other supporting systems does not guarantee automatic improvement in service delivery. The distinction is how effective an organisation can apply performance management in conjunction with a complete set of functional policies, systems and instruments to improve its impact on service delivery. / Public Administation / M.Tech. (Public Management)

This work is motivated by the question: how much complexity is appropriate for a cloud parameterization used in general circulation models (GCM). To approach this question, cloud parameterizations across the complexity range are explored using general circulation models and theoretical Monte-Carlo simulations. Their results are compared with high-resolution satellite observations and simulations that resolve the GCM subgrid-scale variability explicitly. A process-orientated evaluation is facilitated by GCM forecast simulations which reproduce the synoptic state. For this purpose novel methods were develop to a) conceptually relate the underlying saturation deficit probability density function (PDF) with its saturated cloudy part, b) analytically compute the vertical integrated liquid water path (LWP) variability, c) diagnose the relevant PDF-moments from cloud parameterizations, d) derive high-resolution LWP from satellite observations and e) deduce the LWP statistics by aggregating the LWP onto boxes equivalent to the GCM grid size. On this basis, this work shows that it is possible to evaluate the sub-grid scale variability of cloud parameterizations in terms of cloud variables. Differences among the PDF types increase with complexity, in particular the more advanced cloud parameterizations can make use of their double Gaussian PDF in conditions, where cumulus convection forms a separate mode with respect to the remainder of the grid-box. Therefore, it is concluded that the difference between unimodal and bimodal PDFs is more important, than the shape within each mode. However, the simulations and their evaluation reveals that the advanced parameterizations do not take full advantage of their abilities and their statistical relationships are broadly similar to less complex PDF shapes, while the results from observations and cloud resolving simulations indicate even more complex distributions. Therefore, this work suggests that the use of less complex PDF shapes might yield a better trade-off. With increasing model resolution initial weaknesses of simpler, e.g. unimodal PDFs, will be diminished. While cloud schemes for coarse-resolved models need to parameterize multiple cloud regimes per grid-box, higher spatial resolution of future GCMs will separate them better, so that the unimodal approximation improves.

Syftet med detta arbete är att studera vilka olika arbetssätt läraren använder för att introducera, befästa och använda nya begrepp i undervisningen i samhällsorienterande ämnen (SO) samt hur undervisningen uppfattas av elever med språkstörningsdiagnos i en klass i årskurs 4. Utifrån ett specialpedagogiskt perspektiv är fokus att hitta arbetssätt som stöder lärandet för elever med språkstörningsdiagnos. I min studie ingår lärarintervju, lektionsobservationer samt två elevintervjuer. Jag analyserade data utifrån Grundad teori. Analysprocessen var uppbyggd av flera steg och mynnade ut i en egen grundad teoretisk modell med utgångspunkt i mitt syfte och mina frågeställningar. Den teoretiska modellen representeras av sex trappsteg, tydlighet, varierade arbetssätt, repetition, progression, förståelse och förmåga att använda ord och begrepp där det personliga stödet utgör förutsättningen - grunden - för att eleverna med språkstörningsdiagnos ska kunna tillgodogöra sig den klassgemensamma undervisningen. Läraren hade samtalet i helklass som stomme i sin undervisning. Hen använde arbetssätt baserade på forskning: tydliga instruktioner uppdelade i steg, visuellt stöd, elevernas tidigare kunskaper och erfarenheter samt vardagsspråk är utgångspunkt, många tillfällen för repetitioner och uppgifter där eleverna får använda de nya orden och begreppen. Eleverna beskrev att de behövde många repetitioner för att ta till sig nya ord och begrepp. De upplevde de största svårigheterna när många nya begrepp presenterades samtidigt och om de själva skulle söka förklaringar i skriven text. Det bästa sättet att ta till sig ny kunskap var att lyssna, gärna i kombination med bilder av olika slag. De var överens om att Ipad var ett bra verktyg som gav möjlighet att lyssna och tala istället för att läsa och skriva. Studien visar på nödvändigheten av funktionella metoder och uppgifter i klassrummet i kombination med extra anpassningar och personligt stöd utifrån elevens individuella behov. / The aim of this work has been to study the methods a teacher practice when introducing, consolidating, and using new concepts in society orientated subjects and how the education was perceived by students with language disorder diagnosis in a class of 4th graders. Based on a special educational perspective, the focus has been to find ways of working that supports the learning of students with language disorder diagnosis. My study includes a teacher interview, lesson observations, as well as two student interviews. I have analyzed the data on the basis of Grounded theory. The several steps of the analytical process have resulted in a theoretical model of my own record, initialized by my purpose and my issues. The theoretical model is represented by six steps: clarity, various approaches, repetition, progression, understanding and the ability to use words and concepts where personal support is the condition - the basis for students with language disorder diagnosis being able to assimilate the class shared teaching. The observed teacher used conversation with the whole class as the foundation of the teaching. The methods were based on research: clear step-by-step instructions, visual aids, students prior knowledge and experience, as well as everyday language as starting point. The teacher also gave many opportunities for rehearsals and tasks where they are allowed to use new words and concepts. Both of the interviewed students stated that they needed many repetitions to absorb new words and concepts. They mostly experienced difficulties, when many new concepts were introduced simultaneously and if they themselves were expected to find the explanations in texts. The best way to absorb new knowledge was to listen, preferable in combinations with images of the various kinds. They agreed that the iPad was a good tool giving the opportunity to listen and speak instead of reading and writing. The study shows the necessity of functional methods and tasks in the classroom combined with extraordinary adaptions and personal support based on the students individual needs.

Unmittelbar nach den Tode beginnen im Koerper chemische Prozesse. Waehrend der Zersetung des Gewebes gehen vom Koerper verschieden Gerueche aus - je nach Dekompositionsstadium. Da aasfressende Insektenarten durch diese charakteristischen Gerueche angelockt werden, kann ihre vorhersehbare Sukzession zusammen mit unserem Wissen ueber ihre Entwicklung genutzt werden, Rueckschlusse auf den post mortem interval (PMI) zu fuehren. Solche Berechnungen anhand von Insektenarten und ihrer Larvenentwicklung basieren auf experimentell ermittelten Daten, da das Auftreten der Arten und Temperaturadaptationen lokal variieren koennen. Jedoch sind die Zusammenhaenge zwichen den aeusseren Bedingungen, die die Dekompostion beeinflussen, und den resultierenden Geruechen unbekannt, und somit entsteht auch eine Luecke in unserem Wissen ueber die Besiedelung des Koerpers durch Insekten. Diese Studie beleuchtet die Zersetzungsprozesse in Zusammenhang auf Klima, die Produktion von fluechtigen Geruchssubstanzen der verschiedenen Dekompositionsstadien und der Attraktivitaet der fuer die Gerueche verantwortlichen Substanzen auf Aasinsekten, beispielhaft gezeigt anhand der Kaisergoldfliege Lucilia caesar Linneus, 1758 (Diptera: Calliphoridae. Weiterhin soll gezeigt werden, dass Individuen der gleichen Insektenart, die einen zersetzenden Koerper besiedeln, von verschiedenen Geruchsmustern, und somit verschiedenen Dekompositionsstadien, angelockt werden, abhaengig vonGeschlecht, Ernaehrung und Entwicklungszustand (vittellogene Phase und Paarungszustand). Die Ergebnisse tragen zum Verstaendnis von geruschssinn- und physiologisch gesteurtem Verhalten der Insekten sowie der Dekompositionsprozesse bei und ermoeglichen zuverlaessigere Leichenliegezeitbestimmungen. / After death a body undergoes chemical processes, which depend on oxygen, bacteria, temperature, humidity, and more. The longer a body remained undetected, the more important it is to know these parameters to estimate the time of death. During the decay, a dead body emits a series of odour types, depending on the stage of decomposition. As necrophagous insect species are attracted by the characteristical decomposition odour, we use their predictable succession on a corpse and our knowledge about the larval development rates to draw conclusions about the post mortem interval (PMI). These estimations are based on case-studies and locally collected data as insect succession and development can vary due to external circumstances, as well as distribution and local temperature-adaptation of the insects. However, the interactions between external factors and the resulting emission of different odours and therefore on insect settlements is largely unknown. This study gives new insights on decomposition processes according to climate conditions, the production of volatile odour pattern of distinct decay stages and the attraction of necrophagous insects, exemplified on Lucilia caesar Linneus, 1758 (Diptera: Calliphoridae), to these odours and separated volatile compounds. Furthermore it is shown that insects of the same species, settling a dead body, are attracted by different odour pattern, thus by different decomposition stages, depending on their sex, nutrition and development stage (vittellogenous phase and mating status). The results contribute to the understanding of insect behaviour mediated by odour and physiological parameters, decomposition processes and help making reliable estimates of the exact time of death.

Factory shop floors of the future will see a significant increase in interconnected devices for monitoring and control. However, if a Service Orientated Architecture (SOA) is implemented on all such devices then this will result in a large number of permutations of services and composite services. These services combined with other business level components can pose a huge challenge to manage as it is often difficult to keep an overview of all the devices, equipment and services. This thesis proposes an SOA based novel assimilation architecture for integrating disparate industrial hardware based processes and business processes of an enterprise in particular the plastics machinery environment. The key benefits of the proposed architecture are the reduction of complexity when integrating disparate hardware platforms; managing the associated services as well as allowing the Micro Injection Moulding (µIM) process to be monitored on the web through service and data integration. An Enterprise Service Bus (ESB) based middleware layer integrates the Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) based environmental and simulated machine process systems with frontend Google Gadgets (GGs) based web visualisation applications. A business process framework is proposed to manage and orchestrate the resulting services from the architecture. Results from the analysis of the WSN kits in terms of their usability and reliability showed that the Jennic WSN was easy to setup and had a reliable communication link in the polymer industrial environment with the PER being below 0.5%. The prototype Jennic WSN based µIM process monitoring system had limitations when monitoring high-resolution machine data, therefore a novel hybrid integration architecture was proposed. The assimilation architecture was implemented on a distributed server based test bed. Results from test scenarios showed that the architecture was highly scalable and could potentially allow a large number of disparate sensor based hardware systems and services to be hosted, managed, visualised and linked to form a cohesive business process.

Für einen ökologischen Waldumbau sind naturwissenschaftliche und ökonomische Grundlagen erforderlich, um die Entscheidungsträger unterstützen. Die Problematik des Waldumbaus bei heterogenen Bedingungen des Osterzgebirges setzt ein flächenbezogenes Informationsmanagement voraus. Durch Aufbau eines forstökologischen Informationssystems werden naturwissenschaftliche und forstbetriebliche Grunddaten auf räumliche Einheiten übertragen und damit Entscheidungshilfen. Zur Erzielung standortsgerechter, stabiler und leistungsfähiger Mischbestände müssen unter Berücksichtigung waldbaulicher und ertragskundlicher Verhältnisse waldbauliche Strategien aufgezeigt und deren mittelfristige Umsetzung geplant werden. Zur Gestaltung des Planungskonzepts werden ausgehend vom IST-Zustand geeignete Maßnahmen zum Erreichen eines SOLL-Zustands aufgezeigt. Instrumentelle Basis bildet ein Forstökologisches Informationssystem, dessen GIS-Funktionalitäten flächenbezogene Entscheidungshilfen durch vielschichtige Datenanalyse ermöglichen. Die Auswertung von analogen und digitalen Luftbildern mit verschiedenen Stichprobenverfahren werden kombiniert. Mit einem Kalkulationsprogramm werden Bewirtschaftungsmaßnahmen hinsichtlich zu erwartender Kosten und Erlöse charakterisiert. Durch das Informationssystems lassen sich die naturwissenschaftlichen und forstbetrieblichen Grunddaten auf räumliche Einheiten übertragen. Planungsvorschläge zum Waldumbau in Form von Entscheidungshilfen stehen zur Verfügung. Die Integration auf Intensivmeßflächen gewonnener Daten ins Informationssystem und Übertragung auf flächige Bezugseinheiten gewährleisten die Beachtung vielfältiger Ursache-Wirkungsbeziehungen zur forstbetrieblichen Planung. Für die verschiedenen Höhenstufen werden spezifische waldbauliche Behandlungsvarianten durch Entscheidungsmodelle abgebildet, die eine flächenbezogene Umsetzung ermöglichen.

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This thesis explores the relationship between culture and human-centred design in Botswana, a topic on which there is little previous research. The pinnacle of good product innovation is when it is grounded on sensitive cultural analysis of users' culture; however, it has been observed that designers have not yet been able to encode cultural phenomena to the same extent as cognitive and physical human factors. The study develops a theoretical framework of cultural analysis, comparing traditional with contemporary socio-cultural factors that can be applied to designing products. The content analysis method was used to extract and synthesise traditional and contemporary socio-cultural factors from Botswana's cultural sources. An experimental study was undertaken in Botswana to investigate how socio-cultural factors can be integrated in product design, and the participants' challenge was to transfer and apply these into product features that reflect Botswana's culture. This data was analysed using the qualitative method of textual and visual content analysis. A culture-orientated design model has been proposed to assist designers to consciously integrate culture in their design practice. The framework demonstrates how to specify, analyse and integrate socio-cultural factors in the early stages of the design process by advancing local thought, content and solutions. It advances a new approach to design education, theory, research and practice. It emerged that culture can be used as a resource of information and a source of inspiration for product innovation that connects with users' traditions. The research findings show that culture-orientated products have meaningful content that reflects users' lifestyles as well as providing them with symbolic personal, social and cultural values, and that these aspects facilitate product acceptance.

The challenge of satisfying the demand for basic services in the current dispensation has intensified. It is anticipated that once this initial challenge has been overcome, the tide will turn and secondary services such as transfer of ownership of forestry plantations will become the new challenge. The quest for efficient and effective service delivery is paramount, regardless of whether services delivered are basic or not. This research investigation puts performance management (which focuses on individual and organisational performance), as a necessity for service delivery. The focus was on service delivery within the Chief Directorate: Forestry in the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry. The findings demonstrated that the presence of performance management and other supporting systems does not guarantee automatic improvement in service delivery. The distinction is how effective an organisation can apply performance management in conjunction with a complete set of functional policies, systems and instruments to improve its impact on service delivery. / Public Administation / M.Tech. (Public Management)