The isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP) has been cited often in the scientific literature; however, there is still a lack of agreement as to the ideal body position used during this test, and how body position impacts the relationship between IMTP performance and dynamic performance. Thus, one aim of this dissertation was to compare two different IMTP positions and correlate the kinetic outputs from each position to vertical jump (VJ) performance. Another purpose of this dissertation was analyze which method of data normalization for IMTP force variables best correlates to squat jump (SJ) and countermovement jump (CMJ) performance. In the first study, subjects presented higher force outputs for an upright position (hip angles 145°, knee 125°) when compared to a bent position (hip angles 125°, knee 125°). However, there were no statistical differences among correlations from the two positions when correlating to VJ performance. Thus, we suggest that the upright position should be the one used for research and monitoring due to higher force values presented. The second part of this study was to compare correlations from non-normalized and normalized data from the IMTP to SJ and CMJ. Besides non-normalized data, five common methods of normalization were used – subtracting the body mass force, dividing the forces per body mass, allometric scale, scaling by height (Ford’s scale) and scaling by Sinclair coefficient value. In general, higher value correlations were presented with the non-normalized methods for both jumps – SJ and CMJ. Therefore, when using IMTP data to correlate with VJ performance, there is no need to normalize the data.

Software designers make decisions between alternate approaches early in the development of a software application and these decisions can be difficult to change later. Designers make these decisions based on estimates of how alternatives affect software qualities. One software quality that can be difficult to predict is performance, that is, the efficient use of resources in the system. It is particularly challenging to estimate the performance of large, interconnected software systems composed of components. With the proliferation of class libraries, middle-ware systems, web services, and third party components, many software projects rely on third party services to meet their requirements. Often choosing between services involves considering both the functionality and performance of the services. To help software developers compare their designs and third-party services, I propose using performance prototypes of alternatives and test suites to estimate performance trade-offs early in the development cycle, a process called Design-Time Performance Testing (DTPT).<p> Providing software designers with performance evidence based on prototypes will allow designers to make informed decisions regarding performance trade-offs. To show how DTPT can help inform real design decisions. In particular: a process for DTPT, a framework implementation written in Java, and experiments to verify and validate the process and implementation. The implemented framework assists when designing, running, and documenting performance test suites, allowing designers to make accurate comparisons between alternate approaches. Performance metrics are captured by instrumenting and running prototypes.<p> This thesis describes the process and framework for gathering software performance estimates at design-time using prototypes and test suites.

The INSPIRE initiative requires that every European member state establishes a national SDI and related web services. Among these a WFS must be implemented to query spatial data. Therefore several Quality of Service specifications must be fullled by this web service, among these are performance, capacity and availability. In this study work a WFS will be implemented for Nature SDI plus. In this European project the WFS will provide spatial data from several data specications of ANNEX I and III. The main object is to test the conformance to the INSPIRE specification. Therefore load and performance tests will be performed.

Software designers make decisions between alternate approaches early in the development of a software application and these decisions can be difficult to change later. Designers make these decisions based on estimates of how alternatives affect software qualities. One software quality that can be difficult to predict is performance, that is, the efficient use of resources in the system. It is particularly challenging to estimate the performance of large, interconnected software systems composed of components. With the proliferation of class libraries, middle-ware systems, web services, and third party components, many software projects rely on third party services to meet their requirements. Often choosing between services involves considering both the functionality and performance of the services. To help software developers compare their designs and third-party services, I propose using performance prototypes of alternatives and test suites to estimate performance trade-offs early in the development cycle, a process called Design-Time Performance Testing (DTPT).<p> Providing software designers with performance evidence based on prototypes will allow designers to make informed decisions regarding performance trade-offs. To show how DTPT can help inform real design decisions. In particular: a process for DTPT, a framework implementation written in Java, and experiments to verify and validate the process and implementation. The implemented framework assists when designing, running, and documenting performance test suites, allowing designers to make accurate comparisons between alternate approaches. Performance metrics are captured by instrumenting and running prototypes.<p> This thesis describes the process and framework for gathering software performance estimates at design-time using prototypes and test suites.

Rigid polyurethane foam is a polymeric material which is widely used for thermal insulation in building construction and other applications. Given recent emphasis on energy conservation and efficiency, there has been continuous growth in its use over the years. This raises significant fire safety concerns since polyurethanes are inherently very flammable and prone to release toxic gases as the foam thermally decomposes and burns. To improve fire safety characteristics by reducing ignitability and flammability of the foams, various flame retardants (FR) have been introduced into base foam formulations. But with the introduction of FR agents, there has been rising concern within the fire safety community and general public regarding the overall benefits versus detrimental impacts of even commonly used FR agents. In the case of rigid polyurethane foam, however, such an assessment is difficult as there are few cross comparisons in the literature that detail the impacts of different concentrations of common fire retardants, such as brominated, phosphorus-based and expandable graphite agents, on the fire behavior, smoke development and toxic gas production for even single base foam formulations. The present experimental work focuses on a systematic evaluation of these factors using three common, commercial fire retardants added in concentrations of 0%wt, 10%wt and 20%wt to a single formulation of rigid polyurethane foam. Cone calorimeter and smoke density tests are used to simulate well ventilated and poorly ventilated fire conditions during material fire performance assessment, while FTIR, Novatech P 695 gas analyzers and TD-GC/MS methods are used to investigate the gases evolved during oxidative pyrolysis and combustion of the samples. Concentration measurements of principal fire gases such as CO, CO2, reduced O2, and NOx are combined with more detailed investigation of the volatile organic compounds generated during the fire testing. Use of gas absorption sampling followed by off-line Thermal Desorption/Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (TD-GC-MS) analysis for identification of toxic gases has proven of significant benefit in this application. The full set of data obtained provides a more comprehensive identification of the evolved products during three characteristic periods in the combustion process. As such, it expands current knowledge and provides valuable new insight and understanding of thermal degradation, combustion and smoke development, as well as overall fire performance, of fire retarded rigid polyurethane foams in well-ventilated and poorly ventilated environments.

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abstract: The objective of the research is to test the use of 3D printed thermoplastic to produce fixtures which affix instrumentation to asphalt concrete samples used for Simple Performance Testing (SPT). The testing is done as part of materials characterization to obtain properties that will help in future pavement designs. Currently, these fixtures (mounting studs) are made of expensive brass and cumbersome to clean with or without chemicals. Three types of thermoplastics were utilized to assess the effect of temperature and applied stress on the performance of the 3D printed studs. Asphalt concrete samples fitted with thermoplastic studs were tested according to AASHTO & ASTM standards. The thermoplastics tested are: Polylactic acid (PLA), the most common 3D printing material; Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), a typical 3D printing material which is less rigid than PLA and has a higher melting temperature; Polycarbonate (PC), a strong, high temperature 3D printing material. A high traffic volume Marshal mix design from the City of Phoenix was obtained and adapted to a Superpave mix design methodology. The mix design is dense-graded with nominal maximum aggregate size of ¾” inch and a PG 70-10 binder. Samples were fabricated and the following tests were performed: Dynamic Modulus |E*| conducted at five temperatures and six frequencies; Flow Number conducted at a high temperature of 50°C, and axial cyclic fatigue test at a moderate temperature of 18°C. The results from SPT for each 3D printed material were compared to results using brass mounting studs. Validation or rejection of the concept was determined from statistical analysis on the mean and variance of collected SPT test data. The concept of using 3D printed thermoplastic for mounting stud fabrication is a promising option; however, the concept should be verified with more extensive research using a variety of asphalt mixes and operators to ensure no bias in the repeatability and reproducibility of test results. The Polycarbonate (PC) had a stronger layer bonding than ABS and PLA while printing. It was recommended for follow up studies. / Dissertation/Thesis / Masters Thesis Civil, Environmental and Sustainable Engineering 2018

Orientador: Guilherme de Camargo Ferraz / Banca: Antonio de Queiroz Neto / Banca: Herbert Gustavo Simões / Resumo: Avaliou-se o desempenho atlético de 10 cavalos puro sangue árabe (PSA) com média de 7±2 anos. Os grupos foram submetidos a dois meses de treinamento isocalórico, distribuídos em dois tipos de treinamento, sendo um grupo de treinamento exclusivo a passo (GI) e outro grupo de treinamento com exercícios a passo, trote, cânter e galope (GII). Os programas de treinamento foram avaliados por meio de análises lactatêmicas e monitoramento cardíaco durante testes a campo e em esteira rolante. Utilizou-se teste t de student e Tukey para análise estatística dos dados obtidos. A partir dos testes de esforço em esteira rolante e a campo foi possível calcular as V160, V180 e V200 e as V2 e V4, sem diferença significativa entre os grupos. Já o tempo de fadiga e velocidades atingidas aumentaram para ambos os grupos. A lactatemia de recuperação não apresentou diferenças após o treinamento. As FC de recuperação reduziram após o treinamento, 1 min após o término do TFCmáx (de 210±0 para 122±15 para GI e de 199±1 para 125±14 para GII). O GI60 apresentou maior sensibilidade muscular escapular, lombar e glútea. GI60 e GII60 desenvolveram alguma sensibilidade tanto no TFDS quanto no TFDP. Concluiu-se que o GI foi mais prejudicial às estruturas musculares e tendíneas devido ao tempo elevado de treinamento. Ambos os protocolos imprimiram melhorias do desempenho atlético representadas por aumento do tempo de fadiga e melhor recuperação da FC pós TFCmáx / Abstract: The objective of this work was to evaluate the athletic performance of 10 purebred Arabian horses with an average of 7 ± 2 years old. After adaptation to the exercise, groups underwent two months of isocaloric training, randomly distributed into two types of training, one group was trained with only walk exercises (GI) and other group was trained with exercises in all gaits (GII). Training programs were assessed by analysis of lactate concentration [LA] and cardiac monitoring during tests in the field and treadmill conditions. We used Student's t test and Tukey's test to analysis of the data. From the exercise tests on a treadmill and in the field was possible to calculate the V160, V180 and V200 and V2 and V4, with no significant difference between groups. The time of fatigue (TF) and maximal speeds increased for both groups. The recovery [LA] did not differ after training between GI and GII. The HR of recovery reduced after training, 1 min after the THRmáx (from 210±0 and 122±15 for GI and 199±1 to 125±14 for GII). The GI60 showed higher scapular, lumbar and gluteal muscle sensitivity. GI60 and GII60 developed some sensitivity in both the superficial digital flexor tendon and deep digital flexor tendon. It was concluded that the GI is more harmful to the muscular structures due to high training time per session and that training of GII requires more careful by tendinous structures. Although both protocols have made improvements in athletic performance represented by increasing the TF and better recovery of HR after HRTmáx / Mestre

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Context. Performance testing, among other types of non-functional testing, is necessary to assess software quality. Most often, manual approach is employed to test a system for its performance. This approach has several setbacks. The existing body of knowledge lacks empirical evidence on automation of non-functional testing and is largely focused on functional testing. Objectives. The objective of the present study is to evaluate a test framework that automates performance testing. A large-scale distributed project is selected as the context to achieve this objective. The rationale for choosing such a project is that the proposed test framework was designed with an intention to adapt and tailor according to any project’s characteristics. Methods. An experiment was conducted with 15 participants at Ericsson R&amp;D department, India to evaluate an automated test framework. Repeated measures design with counter balancing method was used to understand the accuracy and time taken while using the test framework. To assess the ease-of-use of the proposed framework, a questionnaire was distributed among the experiment participants. Statistical techniques were used to accept or reject the hypothesis. The data analysis was performed using Microsoft Excel. Results. It is observed that the automated test framework is superior to the traditional manual approach. There is a significant reduction in the average time taken to run a test case. Further, the number of errors resulting in a typical testing process is minimized. Also, the time spent by a tester during the actual test is phenomenally reduced while using the automated approach. Finally, as perceived by software testers, the automated approach is easier to use when compared to the manual test approach. Conclusions. It can be concluded that automation of non-functional testing will result in overall reduction in project costs and improves quality of software tested. This will address important performance aspects such as system availability, durability and uptime. It was observed that it is not sufficient if the software meets the functional requirements, but is also necessary to conform to the non-functional requirements.