Att utforma interaktiva TV-tjänster skiljer sig på flera sätt från att designa för webb eller för vanliga PC-tillämpningar. Faktorer som lägre bildupplösning, längre avstånd mellan användare och skärm, och inte minst användandet av fjärrkontroll istället för tangentbord och mus gör att villkoren ser annorlunda ut än för PC-tillämpningar. I detta arbete beskrivs hur en videobutik för en set-top-box för digital-TV utformas via iterativ hifi-prototypning och utvärdering. Lärdomarna är tillämpbara på andra interaktiva TV-tillämpningar. / Designing interactive TV applications is in many ways different than designing for the web for for PC applications. Lower screen resolution, longer distance between user and screen, and not least the use of a remote control as input device instead of keyboard and mouse make for different conditions than when designing PC applications. In this thesis the design of a video store for a digital TV set-top-box is being outlined. The design is made through interative hifi-prototyping and evaluation. The learnings from this work are applicable on other interactive TV-applications.

Shape memory alloys (SMAs) provide exciting opportunities for miniature actuation systems. As SMA actuators are scaled down in size, cooling increases and bandwidth, improves. However, the inclusion of a bias element with which to cycle the SMA actuator becomes difficult at very small scales. One technique used to avoid the necessity of having to include a separate bias element is the use of local annealing to fabricate a monolithic device out of nickel titanium (NiTi). The actuator geometry is machined out of a single piece of non-annealed NiTi. After locally annealing a portion of the complete device, that section exhibits the shape memory effect while the remainder acts as structural support and provides the bias force required for cycling. This work proposes one such locally-annealed monolithic SMA actuator for future incorporation in a device that navigates the digestive tract. After detailing the derivation of lumped electro-mechanical models for the actuator, a description of the prototyping procedure, including fabrication and local annealing of the actuator, is provided. This thesis presents the experimental prototype actuator behaviour and compares it with simulations generated using the developed models.

In this study, various stability control systems are developed to remove the lateral instability of a conventional articulated steer vehicle (ASV) during the oscillatory yaw motion or “snaking mode”. First, to identify the nature of the instability, some analyses are performed using several simplified models. These investigations are mainly focused on analyzing the effects of forward speed and of two main subsystems of the vehicle, the steering system and tires, on the stability. The basic insights into the stability behavior of the vehicle obtained from the stability analyses of the simplified models are verified by conducting some simulations with a virtual prototype of the vehicle in ADAMS. To determine the most critical operating condition with regard to the lateral stability and to identify the effects of vehicle parameters on the stability, various studies are performed by introducing some modifications to the simplified models. Based on these studies, the disturbed straight-line on-highway motion with constant forward speed is recognized as the most critical driving condition. Also, the examinations show that when the vehicle is traveling with differentials locked, the vehicle is less prone to the instability. The examinations show that when the vehicle is carrying a rear-mounted load having interaction with ground, the instability may happen if the vehicle moves on a relatively good off-road surface. Again, the results gained from the analyses related to the effects of the vehicle parameters and operating conditions on the stability are verified using simulations in ADAMS by making some changes in the virtual prototype for any case. To stabilize the vehicle during its most critical driving condition, some studies are directed to indicate the shortcomings of passive methods. Alternative solutions, including design of different types of stability control systems, are proposed to generate a stabilizing yaw moment. The proposed solutions include an active steering system with a classical controller, an active torque vectoring device with a robust full state feedback controller, and a differential braking system with a robust variable structure controller. The robust controllers are designed by using simplified models, which are also used to evaluate the ability to deal with the uncertainties of the vehicle parameters and its variable operating conditions. These controllers are also incorporated into the virtual prototype, and their capabilities to stabilize the vehicle in different operating conditions and while traveling on different surfaces during the snaking mode are shown.

Cette thèse propose une nouvelle architecture d'interconnexion pour les réseaux de bordure spontanés. Un réseau de bordure spontané est composé de différents réseaux utilisant des technologies variées mais ne formant, pour l'utilisateur, qu'un unique réseau local et autonome. La démocratisation des technologies sans fil, et en particulier de 802.11, a favorisé l'émergence de ce type de réseaux. Tranchant avec la philosophie d'IP dans laquelle tout paquet est indépendant, nous affirmons l'importance de la notion de connexion et le besoin de garantir le bon fonctionnement des connexions établies. Nous proposons à cette fin un niveau 2.5 entre les couches MAC et IP, qui se traduit par l'utilisation de chemins MPLS pour le transport des données. Couplée avec un routage réactif, cette architecture orientée connexion au niveau 2.5 offre de nombreux avantages. Une implémentation de notre proposition a été réalisée sous la forme d'un prototype, Lilith.

This Master thesis presents a study of computer equipment support services providing company’s business processes, specifics of the ongoing communication between end-users and supporting engineers-consultants and presents review of some information systems designed to automate certain technical support activities. Core aim of this study is to alleviate the daily work of above mentioned consultants when supporting end-users to locate and resolve issues in owned computer equipment. This paper outlines requirements set for software which could be capable to support business processes of a company operating in a computer equipment maintenance industry, describes specially designed technical support system’s architecture as well as its programming and testing results. The presented prototype of an information system might be treated as new step in computer equipment support services enhancement. This prototype might serve as a core for knowledge management system development; it is suitable for use in businesses which are other than the IT equipment support business.

This research is in the area of lexicography and investigates the relationship between Shona terminology development and the culture of the language community for which the terminology is intended. It is a contextual analysis of compound nouns found in Shona terminological dictionaries. The study specifically explores how lexicographers together with health, music, language and literature specialists make use of their knowledge about Shona cultural contexts in the creation of compound nouns. Thus, this research foregrounds Shona socio-cultural contexts and meaning generation in terminology development. This study employs a quadruple conceptual framework. The four components of the framework that are utilised are the Traditional Descriptive Approach (TDA), Cognitive Approach (CG), Systemic Functional Approach (SFL), and Semiotic Remediation (SRM). TDA is used in the linguistic categorisation of Shona compound nouns. In addition, it provides the metalanguage with which to describe the constituent parts of Shona compound nouns. As TDA is mainly confined to the linguistic dimension, this research employs CG, SFL, and SRM to explore the cultural and socio-cognitive dimensions of terminology development.

This report discusses different steps of the product development of a new tool belt, for the company Husqvarna Group, to be used by professional forestry workers. From identifying the customers’ needs through field studies and inter-views with different users, to a substantial solution to the problem. The introduction states the purpose of the report, the research questions that this report is discussing, and also the delimitations that have been made. The report is focused on finding a new and better solution than the current one to attaching holsters on the tool belt, but also how detachable braces can be attached to the belt. Husqvarna and their current tool belt, is covered along with the main com-petitors’ tool belts. Then follows a chapter with theoretical background there the QFD method and Pugh’s decision matrix are described which are later used in the report. There is also a description of how the work in the forest is being done and how the tool belt is used. In the method chapter a time plan is established for the project’s different phases. After that the QFD method is used along with a house of quality to identify the customers’ needs and to rank the customers’ requirements and create engineering specifications to make the requirements measureable. The house of quality in-cludes an analysis of the competitors compared to the current tool belt from Husqvarna. A number of different concepts are included to solve the two prob-lems, fastener for holsters and braces are produced and are evaluated against the set requirements with the help of Pugh’s decision matrix. A “proof of concept” prototype is then produced from the final concept. A summary of the opportunities for improvements on the current tool belt is dis-played in the result chapter. There is a presentation of the final concept and the corresponding prototype. The concept for attaching the holsters includes a plastic band with holes that is attached in its lower edge so it can be folded down. Behind the plastic band, and through the holes, flies from the holsters are threaded. The plastic band and the holster flies is then covered and secured by a fabric band that is sewn onto the belt in the upper end and attached to the belt with snap fasteners in the lower end. Finally there is a chapter with conclusions, where the methods and the results are discussed and there are suggestions on how the work should be further continued. / Denna rapport behandlar olika steg inom produktframtagning av ett nytt verktygs-bälte för professionella skogsarbetare åt företaget Husqvarna Group. Från att identifiera kundens behov genom fältstudier samt intervjuer med olika användare, till en konkret lösning på problemet. Introduktionskapitlet klargör syftet med rapporten, de frågeställningar rapporten diskuterar och vilka avgränsningar som gjorts. Rapporten fokuserar på att hitta en ny och bättre lösning än den nuvarande för att fästa hölster på verktygsbältet och även hur avtagbara hängslen ska fästas i bältet. Företaget Husqvarna och deras nu-varande verktygsbälte och huvudkonkurrenternas bälten beskrivs. Sedan följer ett kapitel med teoretisk bakgrund där QFD-metoden och Pughs beslutsmetod besk-rivs som senare används i rapporten. En beskrivning av hur arbetet i skogen går till och hur verktygsbältet används finns också med. I kapitlet metod upprättas en tidsplan för projektets olika faser. Därefter används QFD-metoden och ett kvalitetshus för att identifiera kundens behov och för att få en rangordning av kundkraven samt skapa ingenjörsmässiga mätvärden på kraven. Kvalitetshuset innehåller även en konkurrensanalys där det nuvarande bältet jäm-förs med konkurrenternas. Ett antal olika koncept för att lösa de två problemen, fäste för hölster och hängslen, tas fram och utvärderas mot uppställda krav med hjälp av Pughs beslutsmatris. En “proof of concept” prototyp tas sedan fram av det valda konceptet. En sammanställning av förbättringsmöjligheterna på det nuvarande verktygsbältet läggs fram i kapitlet resultat. Där presenteras det slutliga konceptet och prototypen av det. Konceptet för att fästa hölstren är ett hålat plastband som fästs på bältet i underkanten av plastbandet så att det kan vikas ner. Bakom plastbandet och ge-nom hålet träs flärpar från hölstret, det hela täcks och säkras med ett textilband som är fastsytt i överkant och med tryckknappar i underkant. Avslutningsvis finns ett kapitel med slutsatser, där metoderna och resultaten dis-kuteras och där ges förslag på hur arbetet bör tas vidare.

The focus of the research is on the development of the concept of floating flexible thin film arrays for renewable electricity generation, in marine and lacustrine application areas. This research was motivated by reliability issues from wave energy converters which are prone to large loads due to the environment which they are exposed in; a flexible system would not need to withstand these loads but simply yield to them. The solid state power take off is an advantage of photovoltaic (PV) technology which removes failure risks associated with mechanical machinery, and also potential environmental hazards such as hydraulic oil spillage. The novelty of this technology requires some development before it could even be considered feasible for large scale installation. Techno-economics are a big issue in electricity developments and need to be scoped in order to ensure that they would be cost-competitive in the market and with other technologies. Other more technical issues relate to the change in expected electrical yield due to the modulation of the PV array according to the waves and the electrical performance of the PVs when in wet conditions. Results from numerical modelling of the modulating arrays show that there is not expected variation in electrical yield at central latitudes (slightly positive), although at higher latitudes there could be considerable depreciation. With regards to the electrical performance a notable improvement was measured due to the cooling effect, slight decrease in performance was also estimated due to water absorption (of ~ 1.4%) within the panels. Overall results from both economic and technical analysis show the feasibility of the concept and that it is a possibility for future commercialisation.

The motivation for the study had its origin in the fact that sexual abuse in South Africa seems to be a formidable problem which has a detrimental effect on the adolescent’s development and functioning. Social workers have to deal with sexual abuse often and do not always have the necessary programmes and skills acquired to follow through therapeutic intervention with these victims. Therefore this study focused on the development, implementation and evaluation of a narrative social work intervention programme where sand play techniques were integrated in the narrative process. The research problem formulated was that many adolescents suffer from the effects of sexual abuse and therefore the aim of the study was to develop and evaluate a narrative social work intervention programme for adolescent survivors of sexual abuse. The study served to broaden the body of social work knowledge by means of meaningful quantitative and qualitative enquiry. Quantitative data were obtained through the use of questionnaires and qualitative data through the use of combined sand play and narratives as approaches. Four (4) participants were included in a series of 10–15 sand play sessions. Only the data of one (1) participant was used for data–analysis. Two (2) sessions were used for general assessment and building of therapeutic relationship and an additional session was used for an interview with the parent(s). The researcher undertook mixed method research where the quantitative and qualitative approaches were combined into the research methodology of the single study. Intervention research was used as basic methodology. Purposive sampling was used in the selection of the research subject for this study. Collected data was analyzed according to Tesch’s approach to qualitative data analysis (Creswell, 1994). The researcher applied the developed social work intervention programme with four (4) adolescent participants who had allegedly been sexually abused. The sand play sessions were audio recorded and evaluated by means of data analysis. The findings of this study emphasized the psycho–social impact of sexual abuse on survivors of sexual abuse. This thesis reflects the contribution and impact that the social work intervention programme had on the adolescent survivor of sexual abuse. This programme was found to be a valuable tool that can be used in intervention with adolescents and could add to the knowledge of social workers and other professionals working with the survivors of sexual abuse. The research can be recognized as a positive demonstration of the value of a narrative social work intervention programme. Recommendations regarding future implementation of the narrative social intervention programme have been made. / Thesis (Ph.D. (Social Work))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2012.

The motivation for the study had its origin in the fact that sexual abuse in South Africa seems to be a formidable problem which has a detrimental effect on the adolescent’s development and functioning. Social workers have to deal with sexual abuse often and do not always have the necessary programmes and skills acquired to follow through therapeutic intervention with these victims. Therefore this study focused on the development, implementation and evaluation of a narrative social work intervention programme where sand play techniques were integrated in the narrative process. The research problem formulated was that many adolescents suffer from the effects of sexual abuse and therefore the aim of the study was to develop and evaluate a narrative social work intervention programme for adolescent survivors of sexual abuse. The study served to broaden the body of social work knowledge by means of meaningful quantitative and qualitative enquiry. Quantitative data were obtained through the use of questionnaires and qualitative data through the use of combined sand play and narratives as approaches. Four (4) participants were included in a series of 10–15 sand play sessions. Only the data of one (1) participant was used for data–analysis. Two (2) sessions were used for general assessment and building of therapeutic relationship and an additional session was used for an interview with the parent(s). The researcher undertook mixed method research where the quantitative and qualitative approaches were combined into the research methodology of the single study. Intervention research was used as basic methodology. Purposive sampling was used in the selection of the research subject for this study. Collected data was analyzed according to Tesch’s approach to qualitative data analysis (Creswell, 1994). The researcher applied the developed social work intervention programme with four (4) adolescent participants who had allegedly been sexually abused. The sand play sessions were audio recorded and evaluated by means of data analysis. The findings of this study emphasized the psycho–social impact of sexual abuse on survivors of sexual abuse. This thesis reflects the contribution and impact that the social work intervention programme had on the adolescent survivor of sexual abuse. This programme was found to be a valuable tool that can be used in intervention with adolescents and could add to the knowledge of social workers and other professionals working with the survivors of sexual abuse. The research can be recognized as a positive demonstration of the value of a narrative social work intervention programme. Recommendations regarding future implementation of the narrative social intervention programme have been made. / Thesis (Ph.D. (Social Work))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2012.