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Nowadays, the Human Machine System (HMS) is considered to be a proven technology, and now plays an important role in various human activities. However, this system requires that only a human has an in-depth understanding of the machine operation, and is thus a one-way relationship. Therefore, researchers have recently developed Human Adaptive Mechatronics (HAM) to overcome this problem and balance the roles of the human and machine in any HMS. HAM is different compared to ordinary HMS in terms of its ability to adapt to changes in its surroundings and the changing skill level of humans. Nonetheless, the main problem with HAM is in quantifying the human skill level in machine manipulation as part of human recognition. Therefore, this thesis deals with a proposed formula to quantify and classify the skill of the human operator in driving a car as an example application between humans and machines. The formula is evaluated using the logical conditions and the definition of skill in HAM in terms of time and error. The skill indices are classified into five levels: Very Highly Skilled, Highly Skilled, Medium Skilled, Low Skilled and Very Low Skilled. Driving was selected because it is considered to be a complex mechanical task that involves skill, a human and a machine. However, as the safety of the human subjects when performing the required tasks in various situations must be considered, a driving simulator was used. The simulator was designed using Microsoft Visual Studio, controlled using a USB steering wheel and pedals, as was able to record the human ii path and include the desired effects on the road. Thus, two experiments involving the driving simulator were performed; 20 human subjects with a varying numbers of years experience in driving and gaming were used in the experiments. In the first experiment, the subjects were asked to drive in Expected and Guided Conditions (EGC). Five guided tracks were used to show the variety of driving skill: straight, circular, elliptical, square and triangular. The results of this experiment indicate that the tracking error is inversely proportional to the elapsed time. In second experiment, the subjects experienced Sudden Transitory Conditions (STC). Two types of unexpected situations in driving were used: tyre puncture and slippery surface. This experiment demonstrated that the tracking error is not directly proportional to the elapsed time. Both experiments also included the correlation between experience and skill. For the first time, a new skill index formula is proposed based on the logical conditions and the definition of skill in HAM.

Made available in DSpace on 2016-07-27T14:20:52Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Maira Ribeiro Magri.pdf: 752733 bytes, checksum: af7ce31e8751e2549e6bc05bca14762c (MD5) Previous issue date: 2015-12-16 / This study aimed to compare the effects of FAP and THS interventions on behaviors related to social skills class (or social anxiety disorder) of an adult participant with social phobic, to assess the level of anxiety during the intervention and between sessions, and to compare the results of the SPIN and IHS before and after the intervention and compare. For that, it was used an AB1CB2 multiple baseline design between behaviors where A was the baseline phase, B1 and B2 were phases in which two classes of behavior (C1 and C2) were submitted to FAP interventions and other two (C3 and C4) were submitted to THS interventions, and C was intervention phase classes of behavior (C1 and C2) were submitted to THS interventions and other two (C3 and C4) were submitted to FAP interventions. The results showed an increase in the frequency of occurrence of classes throughout the sessions and the highest frequencies were in the sessions of FAP. The participant related a higher level of anxiety in THS sessions compared to FAP. The application of the instruments, showed no difference between aplications before and after interventions. The data indicated that FAP may be effective in the interventions for social skill behaviors. However, further studies should be performed either to evaluate the generalization and for provide more evidence of the effectiveness and provide the area of research and application the possibility of providing more effective treatments to behavior problems. / O presente estudo teve como objetivo comparar os efeitos das intervenções FAP e THS nas classes de comportamentos relacionados a habilidades sociais (ou ansiedade social) de um participante adulto fóbico social, comparar os resultados das aplicações do SPIN e do IHS antes e depois da intervenção; avaliar o nível de ansiedade ao longo da intervenção e entre as sessões. Para isso, foi utilizado um delineamento AB1CB2 de linha de base múltipla entre comportamentos sendo A a fase de linha de base, B1 e B2 as fases em que duas classes de comportamento (C1 e C2) passaram por intervenções FAP e outras duas (C3 e C4) por intervenção THS e C a fase em que as classes C1 e C2 passaram por THS e C3 e C4 foram submetidas a intervenção FAP. Os resultados apontaram um aumento na frequência de ocorrência das classes de comportamento sob intervenção ao longo das sessões, com maiores frequências nas sessões de FAP. O participante relatou maior nível de ansiedade nas sessões de THS comparado às de FAP. Em relação às aplicações dos instrumentos, não foi possível observar diferença entre as aplicações realizadas antes da linha de base e ao final das intervenções. Os dados indicaram que a FAP também pode ser eficaz no tratamento de comportamentos relacionados a habilidades sociais. Contudo, novos estudos devem ser realizados tanto para avaliar a generalização como para fornecer mais evidências da eficácia e prover à área de pesquisa e de aplicação a possibilidade de fornecer tratamentos mais eficazes aos comportamentos problemas.

Cette étude a pour sujet les hypergraphes. / This study has for subject the hypergraphs.

This dissertation tries to gain insight on the possible impact of information and communication technologies (ICT) in economic and social relationships. Can we really talk about a revolution?. It is probably too early to conclude so. In any case, the social impact of ICT seems evident: the daily life of most individuals, firms and public administrations in developed countries is nowadays linked to new technologies. Regarding their economic impact, this dissertation has investigated the role played by ICT in explaining some of the stylized facts that have characterized European economies over the last 25 years. Using Spanish data, chapter 1 shows that capital accumulation, and especially ICT introduction over the last 20 years, has led firms to internally reorganize themselves. Furthermore, the implemented organizational changes have been skill-biased and have, thus, stimulated the demand for high-skilled workers. Based on these results, in chapter 2 an inter-temporal general equilibrium model endogenizing the capital-skill complementarity relationship has been developed. The model distinguishes between two types of jobs, complex and simple, and two types of workers, high- and low-skilled. Complex jobs can only be occupied by high-skilled while simple jobs can be filled by both, high- and low-skilled workers. High-skilled workers in simple jobs continue to search for a job in the complex segment (on-the-job search). Matching processes are represented by matching functions à la Pissarides. Workers search intensities are endogenous. Calibrated on the Belgian economy, the model is able to reproduce the observed increase in unemployment rates and relative wage rigidity. Chapter 3 extends this theoretical setup to an endogenous growth framework, where embodied and disembodied technological progress are differentiated and endogenized through a learning-by-doing process based on capital accumulation. The new model also provides a realistic representation of the labor market and it considers growth issues. Chapter 4 analyzes the effects of technological and organizational changes within firms on the turnover of different professional categories. Empirical results, based on a unique French data set, suggest that ICT introduction increases labor flows of manual workers and employees, whereas most of the new workplace organizational practices raise the turnover of managers. / Cette dissertation cherche à déterminer le possible impact des nouvelles technologies de l'information et la communication (TIC) sur les relations économiques et sociales. Est-ce que c'est correct de parler d'une révolution ? Il est sûrement trop tôt pour en conclure. Pourtant l'impact social des TIC semble évident : la vie quotidienne des ménages, entreprises et administrations publiques dans les pays développés est aujourd'hui liée aux nouvelles technologies. Concernant son impact économique, cette dissertation a cherché à signaler leur rôle dans les faits stylisés qui ont caractérisé l'évolution des économies européennes sur les 30 dernières années. En se servant des données espagnols, le chapitre 1 montre que, sur les 20 dernières années, l'accumulation de capital, particulièrement de TIC, a mené aux entreprises a se réorganiser internement. D'ailleurs, ces changements organisationnels ont été biaisés en faveur des travailleurs qualifiés dont la demande s'est vue stimulée. En se basant sur ces résultats, le chapitre 2 développe un modèle inter-temporaire d'équilibre général endogéneisant la relation de complémentarité entre capital et travail qualifié. Le modèle distingue entre deux types de postes de travail, complexes et simple, et deux types de travailleurs, qualifiés et non qualifiés. Les postes de travail complexe peuvent être occupés seulement par les travailleurs qualifiés alors que les postes simples peuvent être occupés par les deux types de travailleurs. Les travailleurs qualifiés en postes simples continuent à chercher du travail dans le marché complexe pendant leur temps libre. Le procès de matching est représenté par des fonctions de matching à la Pissarides. Les intensités de recherche de l'emploi sont endogènes. Les modèle, calibré sur l'économie belge, reproduit de façon satisfaisante l'augmentation du chômage et la stabilité des salaires relatifs observés en Belgique pendant les dernières décades. Le chapitre 3 étend ce cadre théorique à un modèle de croissance endogène où le progrès technologique incorporé et désincorporé sont différenciés et endogèneisés à travers d'un procès de learning-by-doing fondé sur l'accumulation du capital. Le nouveau modèle fourni une représentation réaliste du marché de travail et il considère en même temps le sujet de la croissance. Le chapitre 4 analyse les effets des changements technologiques et organisationnels au sein des firmes sur les flux de travail de différentes catégories professionnelles. Les résultats empiriques, obtenus à partir d'une base de données française, suggèrent que l'introduction des TIC augmente les flux de travail des travailleurs manuels et les employés, alors que la plupart des nouvelles pratiques organisationnelles stimulent les flux de travail des cadres.

The topic of this diploma thesis is Using dictation to develop listening and writing skills in English language classes at the lower secondary level. The aim of the theoretical part is to describe dictation and its contribution to the development of listening and writing skills in English language classes. This part of the thesis also deals with how dictation, listening and writing skills are reflected in the Framework Educational Programme and School Educational Programme. The practical part is based on a project whose goal is to teach a few English lessons based on dictation. A detailed description of each particular lesson is presented in this part. Questionnaires are used to find out the popularity of dictation among pupils and teachers and the frequency of their use in English language classes.

The resolution of CMOS image sensor is becoming higher and higher, while for identifying its performance, designers need to do a series of simulations, and this work consumes large CPU time in classical design environment. This thesis titled "Fast Scalable and Variability Aware CMOS Image Sensor Simulation Methodology" is dedicated to explore a new simulation methodology for improving the simulation capability. This simulation methodology is used to study the image sensor performance versus low level design parameter, such as transistor size and process variability. The simulation methodology achieves error less than 0.4% on 3T-APS architecture. The methodology is tested in various pixel architectures, and it is used in simulating image sensor with 15 million pixels, the simulation capability is improved 64 times and time consumption is reduced from days to minutes. The potential application includes simulating array-based circuit, such as memory circuit matrix simulation. / L’amélioration de la résolution de ces capteurs implique la nécessité pour les concepteurs de réaliser des séries de simulation de plus en plus longue dans le but de caractériser leurs performances, et ces simulations qui génèrent des résultats difficiles à analyser requièrent de très grandes ressources de calcul ainsi qu’une grande quantité de mémoire. Cette thèse intitulée "Méthode de simulation rapide de capteur d'image CMOS prenant en compte les paramètres d'extensibilité et de variabilité" explore une nouvelle méthodologie de simulation pour améliorer les capacités de traitement actuelles. La méthode qui a été développée est utilisée pour étudier et comparer les performances d’un capteur d’images avec les paramètres de bas niveau de conception de tels circuits ; par exemple la taille des transistors ainsi que la variabilité. La méthodologie obtient l'erreur de sortie moins de 0,4% sur le capteur d’image de style APS-3T. La méthode a été testée avec diverses architectures de pixel, et elle a permis de simuler un capteur d'image de 15 millions de pixels. La vitesse de simulation est améliorée 64 fois, passant de plusieurs jours à plusieurs minutes. La simulation des circuits présentant une structure en matrice comme les mémoires est une autre application potentielle de ce type de méthodologie.

No description available.

Background: Due to the deficit of knowledge on fine motor skill far transfer from one domain of expertise to another, piano performance and surgical training serve as a relevant, interdisciplinary context in which to study the transfer of motor skills given both have relatively well-established levels of performance and require complex fine motor skills. Musicians tend to demonstrate greater ease in all aspects of procedural knowledge which are known to contribute to the early stages of motor learning. Previous research in the Piano Pedagogy Research Laboratory (PPRL) found that extensive piano training was correlated with faster learning of surgical knot-tying skills. However, the short-term two-day timeline was a limitation of the study. Objective: Our project has built on previous work in the PPRL to address the short-term nature of previous studies by measuring a long-term performance curve as well as retention of surgical training and also expanded on the previous project by focussing this time on laparoscopic tasks. This study compared performance curves of two participant groups (pianists and controls) over five consecutive days and retention one week later, as measured by speed and accuracy of task completion. Laparoscopic training consisted of six tasks repeated at every session. Since laparoscopy involves a variety of abilities concurrently, we also administered a battery of ten psychometric tests to isolate and measure specific aspects of non-motor and fine motor skills. Results: There was no statistical difference between participant groups on the majority of laparoscopic training and psychomotor assessments based on two-way mixed ANOVA and Mann-Whitney U test analysis, respectively. There were also little to no significant correlations between abilities and laparoscopic performance. The only significant confounding variable was that the control group was significantly more interested in surgery than the musician group (p = .037). Conclusion: Overall, these results demonstrate that piano performance training did not far transfer to laparoscopic surgery. This is relevant to the debate on far transfer of motor skills given this study’s robust design which addressed previous shortcomings by including a longer timeline and more specifications of musicians’ characteristics. Our findings indicate that fine motor skills are domain specific to music and surgery, respectively.

Providing a sufficient level of personalized feedback on students' current level of strategic knowledge within the context of the natural programming environment through IDE-based learning analytics would transform learning outcomes for introductory programming students. However, providing sufficient insight into the programming process was previously inaccessible due to the need for more complex and scalable data collection methods and metrics with a wider variety for understanding programming metacognition and the full programming process. This research developed a custom-built web-based IDE and event compression system to investigate two of the five components of a five-dimensional model of cognition for programming skill estimation (1) Design Cohesion and (2) Development Path over Time. The IDE captured students' programming process data for 25 participants, where each participated in two programming sessions that required both a design and code phase. For Design Cohesion, the alignment between flowchart design and source code implementation was investigated and manually classified. The classification process produced three Design Cohesion metrics: Design Cohesion Level, Granularity Level, and Granularity Score. The relationship between programming skill and Design Cohesion was explored using the newly developed metrics and a case-study approach. For the Development Path over Time, the compressed programming events were used to create a Timeline of Events for each participant, which was manually examined for distinct clusters of programming patterns and behavior such as execution behavior and debugging patterns. Custom visualizations were developed to display the timelines. Then, the timelines were used to compare programming behaviors for participants with different programming skill levels. The results of the investigation into Design Cohesion and Development Path Over Time contribute to the fundamental understanding of differences between beginner, intermediate, and advanced programmers and the context in which specific programming difficulties arise. This work produced insight into students' programming processes that can be used to advance the model of cognition for programming skill estimation and provide personalized feedback to support the development of programming skills and expertise. Additionally, this research produced tools and metrics that can be used in future studies examining programming metacognition.