Water scarcity is a growing problem on Earth. One of the goals in Agenda 2030, whichall of the UN members adapted is to make clean water accessible by everyone and ensuresustainable water withdrawals. In order to take a step towards the solution, a companynamed Quandify has developed smart water meters to measure households’ water consumptionwhich can be installed by anyone.In this bachelor’s thesis, the author collaborates with Quandify to develop a proofof concept (POC) to investigate if it was possible to create a mobile phone applicationthat could help residents reduce their water consumption. The author uses state of artsuggestions in persuasive technology literature and usability heuristics for user interactiondesign and implements it into the application to increase the chance of user behaviourchange towards water consumption.The result is a mobile phone application where the users get inspiration and tips onhow to reduce their water consumption and lets the users see their water consumptionin real-time. The report also includes a small POC user study to rate the mobile phoneapplication with respect to usability heuristics.

In this thesis, two FPGA testbeds to demonstrate low-latency deterministic Guaranteed- Rate (GR) connections in packet switched networks such as the Internet of Things are developed. Each FPGA testbed consists of multiple simple Input Queued (IQ) switches or routers, interconnected in a given topology to form a forwarding-plane. Each switch has an associated switch controller with several programmable Lookup- Tables (LUTs). A Software Defined Networking (SDN) control plane can configure the switch controllers to establish the GR connections in the forwarding-plane of IP routers or layer- 2 packet switches. According to a recent paper in the IEEE Transactions on Networking; (1) The use of very low jitter GR connections can reduce queuing delays to negligible values, so that the end-to-end delays can be reduced to the buffer latency. (2) The routers, switches and links can operate at 100% loads, while simultaneously guaranteeing very low end- to-end latencies. The goal of the thesis is to evaluate these properties in real hardware clocked at MegaHertz clock rates. In the first testbed, a network of 8 simple IQ switches organized in a linear array is synthesized on an Altera Cyclone IV FPGA. 128 GR traffic flows were routed through the testbed to effectively saturate the switches and links. In the second testbed, a USA backbone topology with 26 simple IQ switches and 88 links is synthesized on the FPGA. Over 300 GR traffic flows were routed through the USA network to achieve utilizations exceeding 90%. In both testbeds, packets move through the forwarding plane at a clock rate of 65 MHz, transferring millions of packets per second, and statistics are recorded. Both testbeds con rm that traffic flows achieve deterministic GR service with minimum buffering, where end-to-end delays are effectively reduced to the fiber latency. These hardware testbeds demonstrate the technical feasibility of achieving deterministic GR services in a packet-switched network such as Internet of Things using simple FPGA switch controllers working with an SDN control plane. The technology also applies to networks of simple optical packet switches with minimal buffering. / Thesis / Master of Applied Science (MASc)

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Doctor of Philosophy / Department of Agronomy / Ganga M. Hettiarachchi / The milling and mining operations of metal ores are one of the major sources of heavy metal contamination at earth’s surface. Due to historic mining activities conducted in the Tri-State mining district, large area of land covered with mine waste, and soils enriched with lead (Pb), zinc (Zn) and cadmium (Cd) remain void of vegetation influencing ecosystem and human health. It has been hypothesized that if these minewaste materials are disposed of in the flooded subsidence pits; metals can be transformed into their sulfide forms under reduced conditions limiting their mobility, and toxicity. These mine waste materials are high in pH, low in organic carbon (OC) and sulfur (S). The objective of this study was to examine the effect of OC and S addition on the biogeochemical transformations of Pb, Zn and Cd in submerged mine waste containing microcosms. Advanced molecular spectroscopic and microbiological techniques were used to obtain a detail, mechanistic, and molecular scale understanding of the effect of natural and stimulated redox conditions on biogeochemical transformation and dynamics of Pb, Zn and Cd essential for designing effective remediation and mitigation strategies. The results obtained from these column studies indicated that Pb, Zn and Cd were effectively immobilized upon medium (119-day) and long-term (252-day) submergence regardless of treatment. The OC plus S treatment enhanced sulfide formation as supported by scanning electron microscopy- energy dispersive X-ray technique, and synchrotron based bulk-, and micro-X-ray fluorescence and absorption spectroscopy analyses. Microbial community structure changed with OC and S addition with the enhancement sulfur reducing bacteria genes (dsrA/B), and decreased metal resistance genes over time. The long-term submergence of existing mine tailings with OC plus S addition reduced trace metals mobility most likely through dissimilatory sulfate reduction under stimulated reduced conditions. Colloidal assisted metal transportation (<1% of both Pb and Cd) occurred during initial submergence. Retention filters are suggested to avoid colloidal metal transport in order to meet the maximum concentration limit for Pb and Cd in surface and groundwater. This research enhances our understanding of the redox processes associated with the sequestration of non-redox sensitive metals through dissimilatory reduction of sulfates in mine waste materials and/or waste water and provides regulators with useful scientific evidence for optimizing remediation goals.

Thesis (M.Sc.Agric.)--StellenboschUniversity, 2000. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The protection that agriculture in South Africa enjoyed under the Marketing Act was terminated in 1996 when the controlled marketing of agricultural products was abolished. The grain industry and individual winter-grain producers in the Western Cape is now compelled to be competitive internationally. The ability of local producers to compete effectively can be improved by increased yields, a reduction in production costs, higher import levies, import control and the weakening in the exchange rate of the rand. This investigation focuses on strategies aimed at reducing production costs as a means of improving competitiveness. The field of this study is the winter-grain producing sub-regions of the Southern Cape which are severly affected by the deteriorating situation. In the course of this investigation typical farming units were identified that can be regarded as representative of farming activities in the specific sub-regions of the Southern Cape. Existing literature as well as the opinions of authorities (group of experts) on the subject were used as sources of information in the study of cost-saving methods of production. The emphasis was therefore on the identification and evaluation of appropriate alternative production practices. The practice of minimum tillage with accomanying reduced input costs proved to have merit. The current situation was evaluated with the assistance of a group of experts and possible alternative practices were discussed. A financial cost-benefit analysis was used to compare the current production practices with practices proposed in this study in order to ascertain its feasibility. Directives are offered to producers in order to reduce the production costs and thereby become more cost-effective. Based on the results of the case studies in the different sub-regions the conclusion was reached that the suggested alternative practices can result in a reduction in production costs and thereby make a marked contribution towards the ability of winter-grain farmers in the Southern Cape to improve their competitive position. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Met die deregulering van die Suid-Afrikaanse landbou in 1996, is aile beskerming vanaf beheerrade aan produsente geskrap. Die graanbedryf in die Wes-Kaap is nou onder groot druk om meer mededingend te wees teenoor internasionale produsente en elke individuele produsent moet dus poog om so mededingend as moontlik te wees. Die mededingende posisie van plaaslike produsente kan verbeter word deur, onder andere, 'n verhoging in die eenheidsopbrengs, 'n verswakkende wisselkoerswaarde van die Rand, invoertariewe en -kwotas en deur die verlaging van insetkoste. Hierdie ondersoek fokus op strategiee gemik op die verlaging van insetkostes ten einde mededingendheid te verbeter. Die kleingraanproduserende sub-streke van die Suid-Kaap, wat ook deur hierdie verswakkende mededingendheid-situasie geraak word, dien as ondersoekgebied vir hierdie studie. In die ondersoek is daar gefokus op die identifisering van tipiese boerdery-eenhede wat as verteenwoordigend beskou kan word van die boerderybedrywighede in die ge'identifiseerde sub-streke van die Suid-Kaap. Bestaande literatuur en menings van bedryfskenners is gebruik as inligtingsbronne vir die ondersoek na koste-besparende produksiemetodes. Die klem val dus op die identifikasie en evaluasie van toepaslike alternatiewe produksiepraktyke. Die praktyk van verminderde bewerking met die gepaardgaande verlaagde bewerkings- en ander insetkoste het veral op die voorgrond getree. Die gedetailleerde ontleding van die produksiepraktyke en gepaardgaande winsgewendheid van die huidige situasiesketse van die verskillende gevallestudies dien as vertrekpunt vir die ontledings. Deur gebruik te maak van 'n groep bedryfskenners (ekspertgroep) word die huidige situasie beoordeel en moontlike alternatiewe praktyke wat gevolg kan word, word bespreek en beoordeel. Die huidige produksiepraktyke word vergelyk met die voorgestelde verbeterde produksiepraktyke met behulp van 'n tinansiele voordeel-koste ontleding ten einde die haalbaarheid daarvan te evalueer. Daar word in hierdie ondersoek dus riglyne aan produsente verskaf waarvolgens te werk gegaan kan word ten einde hul mededingende posisie deur middel van koste-besparende produksiemetodes te verbeter. Vanuit die evaluering van die gekose gevallestudies in die verskillende sub-streke is dit duidelik dat die alternatiewe praktyke, soos voorgestel deur die bedryfskenners, kan lei tot 'n verlaging van insetkoste en dus tot 'n verhoging in die mededingendheid van die Suid-Kaapse kleingraanprodusent.

High performance concrete (HPC) provides a long lasting, durable concrete that is typically used in bridge decks due to its low permeability, high abrasion resistance, freeze-thaw resistance and strength. However, this type of concrete is highly susceptible to the deleterious effects of both autogenous and drying shrinkage. Both types of shrinkage occur when water leaves small pores , (< 50 nm) in the paste matrix to aid in hydration or is lost to the surrounding environment. Autogenous deformation (self-desiccation) occurs as the internal relative humidity decreases due to hydration of the cementitious material. Drying (and subsequent shrinkage) occurs when water is lost to the environment and continues until the internal relative humidity is equivalent to the ambient relative humidity. Typically, the magnitude of autogenous shrinkage is less than that of drying shrinkage. These two types of shrinkage do not act independently, and the total shrinkage is the aggregation of the two shrinkage mechanisms. It is imperative to minimize the amount of shrinkage in restrained members, such as bridge decks, to reduce the cracking potential. Various methods have been researched to minimize both types of shrinkage. Two methods to that have been reported to reduce shrinkage were selected for further research; internal curing using pre-soaked lightweight fine aggregate (LWFA) and shrinkage reducing admixtures (SRAs). The purpose of this study was to determine the long-term drying shrinkage performance of these two methods while reducing the external curing duration of 14 days for new bridge deck construction as specified by the Oregon Department of Transportation. In addition to monitoring drying shrinkage, durability testing was performed on concrete specimens to ensure these shrinkage mitigation methods performed at levels similar to concrete with the current mixture design. Freeze-thaw testing, permeability testing and restrained drying shrinkage testing were conducted. It was concluded that the combination of SRAs and pre-soaked LWFA was the most effective method to reduce longterm drying shrinkage for all curing durations (1, 7, and 14 day). Additionally, for durability testing, it was found that the use of SRAs performed the best in freeze-thaw testing, chloride permeability and restrained shrinkage. / Graduation date: 2012

A medical procedure is a threatening and stressful experience for many children. The consequent increased feelings of anxiety in hospitalized children can negatively affect their healing process, their psychological health, and their behavioural, cognitive, emotional and academic development. To limit these negative results, knowledge about interventions that could contribute to a decrease in anxiety in hospitalized children is needed. The aim of this review was to examine interventions aiming at reducing anxiety in hospitalized children that undergo a medical procedure. A systematic literature was conducted in three databases that has resulted in 10 articles that met the inclusion criteria. The 10 selected articles included a total of 11 interventions for this review. The results showed that the intervention technique Distraction was effective in reducing anxiety for most hospitalized children. The intervention technique Information provision showed both significance and non-significance and the intervention techniques Medication and Modelling showed a non-significant change in anxiety. Besides, an active distraction form and a longer duration of the intervention might contribute to the effectiveness in reducing the hospitalized child’s anxiety level. Future research needs to focus on the anxiety level of both children and their parents, in addition to the upcoming intervention use of multimedia applications. Furthermore, the characteristics of the hospitalized child and the collaboration with the child and parents should be taken into account before applying interventions aiming at reducing anxiety in hospitalized children.

Title: Movement intervention like a tool of subject's life style influence in age from 20 to 53 years Student: Bc. Vít Živný Supervisor: prof. Ing. Václav Bunc, CSc. Purpose: To provide the informations about lifestyle of subject in age 20 - 53 years . To show risks factors of health problems derived from their current status - body weight, BMI, waist circumference, and more. Using anthropometric methods used to assess current physical condition. With physical activities intervention affect and decrease these risk factors. Methods: Aplication of physical intervention in the range of 11 to 17 weeks for the subject. Regular anthropometric measurements and filling data into tables. Comparing with common standards. Determination of the actual level of health risks. Progressive evaluation of improving the condition and reducing risks. Results: Applied movement interventions significantly reduce health risks associated with current physical condition detected by anthropometric methods. The application also affect the overall view of the lifestyle chosen people. Regular physical activity of right intensity significantly reduces the risk of health problems and other diseases. Key words: lifestyle, physical activity, hypokinesis, nutrition, obesity, BMI, WHR, reducing program, health risks