Ορισμένοι ερευνητές σήμερα αναζητούν τρόπους αξιοποίησης των υπολογιστών και του διαδικτύου για την υποστήριξη σύγχρονων συνεργατικών δραστηριοτήτων, δηλαδή συνεργασία μέσω υπολογιστή δύο ή περισσοτέρων χρηστών στον ίδιο χρόνο. Η σύγχρονη συνεργατική δραστηριότητα υποστηρίζεται συνήθως από εργαλεία που αποτελούνται από έναν κοινόχρηστο χώρο εργασίας, στον οποίο δύο ή περισσότεροι χρήστες εργάζονται, καθώς βρίσκονται σε απομακρυσμένα σημεία και ένα χώρο, στον οποίο οι χρήστες μπορούν να συνομιλούν. Η αξιολόγηση της αποδοτικότητας τέτοιων εργαλείων μπορεί να είναι δαπανηρή και χρονοβόρα διαδικασία, αφού απαιτούνται πολλοί πόροι (χρήστες, πραγματικές συνθήκες εργασίας κλπ) για την διεξαγωγή των κατάλληλων μελετών. Αντί αυτών έχουν αναπτυχθεί μέθοδοι που επιτρέπουν την αξιολόγηση των συνεργατικών εργαλείων χρησιμοποιώντας μοντέλα ανθρώπινου επεξεργαστή. Μοντέλα του ανθρώπινου επεξεργαστή HIP (Human Information Processing model) χρησιμοποιούνται για να προσεγγίσουν την ανθρώπινη συμπεριφορά ατόμων που δουλεύουν σε κοινό χώρο εργασίας. Στα πλαίσια της παρούσας διπλωματικής γίνεται χρήση μοντέλων ανθρώπινου επεξεργαστή για την αξιολόγηση σύγχρονης συνεργασίας που υλοποιείται στον κοινό χώρο εργασίας μίας εφαρμογής υποστήριξης συνεργασίας (Synergo). Για τις ποσοτικές προβλέψεις την πρώτη φορά θα χρησιμοποιηθεί το μοντέλο πληκτρολογήσεων KLM (Keystroke Level Model KLM), το οποίο αναπαριστά τον χρήστη σαν να έχει νοητικούς, κινητικούς και γνωσιακούς επεξεργαστές και την δεύτερη, το Cog Tool, το οποίο χρησιμοποιεί μια γνωσιακή αρχιτεκτονική που ονομάζεται ACT-R για να προσομοιώσει την κινητική, αισθητηριακή και γνωστική συμπεριφορά των ανθρώπων που αλληλεπιδρούν με το πρωτότυπο για να ολοκληρώσουν τις εργασίες τους (tasks), τις οποίες έχει ορίσει ο σχεδιαστής της διεπιφάνειας χρήστη UI (User Interface). Μολονότι το KLM και το Cog Tool παράγουν ποσοτικές προβλέψεις για έναν χρήστη, στην διπλωματική που θα ακολουθήσει θα μελετηθεί ο τρόπος, με τον οποίο αυτά τα εργαλεία μπορούν να προσομοιώσουν την συνεργασία δύο χρηστών. Αφού συγκριθούν τα μοντέλα χρησιμοποιώντας αρχικά το KLM και μετέπειτα το Cog Tool, παρουσιάζονται τα συμπεράσματα που προκύπτουν, ενώ στη συνέχεια, προτείνονται ορισμένες μελλοντικές προεκτάσεις. / Nowadays some researchers search out ways to exploit computers and internet to support synchronous collaborative activities, which is cooperation between two or more users through a computer at the same time. The synchronous collaborative activity is being supported usually with tools which are consisted of a shared workspace, in which two or more users working, while they are in different places and a space, in which the users can chat. The evaluation of the shared workspace can be quite expensive and time consuming because of the requirement of resource consumption (users, real working situations etc) in order to make the appropriate studies. Instead of this, methods have been developed which allows the evaluation of the collaborative tools using Human Information Processing Models. Human Information Processing Models are used to approximate the human behavior of users working in shared workspace. Within this thesis one alternative method is represented, using as shared workspace reference the user interface of Synergo. For quantitative predictions, first, Keystroke Level Model (KLM) is being used, which represents the user as having motor and cognitive processors and subsequently the Cog Tool, which uses a cognitive architecture called ACT-R to simulate the kinetic, sensory and cognitive behavior of people who interact with the prototype to complete their tasks as they are specified by the designer of the user interface (UI). Although KLM and Cog Tool are producing quantitatively predictions for one user, within this thesis will be studied how these two tools can work for two-user cooperation. After the comparison of models using first KLM and then Cog Tool, the results, which are being deducted, are presented. In addition, some future extensions are suggested.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic and debilitating disease contributing to the rise in healthcare associated costs in the United States (ADA, 2013a; USDHHS, 2013). T2DM management is complex and requires an ongoing multi-system approach (Goderis et al., 2010). In this quality improvement project, the DNP student led a team in a family care practice setting through a systematic quality improvement process, the PDSA cycle, for the improvement of performance rates of quality indicators including A1C testing, LDL testing, and performance of comprehensive foot examinations. The QI team developed a multi-component intervention to include utilization of an electronic type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) decision support tool. The expected outcome was to increase current performance rates of A1C testing, LDL testing, and comprehensive foot examinations at a family care practice by at least 10% within four weeks of implementing the intervention. A1C testing improved from a pre-intervention median of 70.97% to a post-intervention median of 91.38%, an increase of 20.41%. LDL testing improved from a pre-intervention median of 74.19% to a post-intervention median of 91.38%, an increase of 17.19%. Comprehensive foot examinations improved from a pre-intervention median of 58.06% to a post-intervention median of 84.48%, an increase of 26.42%. While results demonstrate a trend of improvement, the duration of the intervention was insufficient for statistical significance. The QI project served as a first systematic change process for the family care practice and a model for future change processes at the clinic. This project highlights the DNP's role in utilizing evidence-based research and applying a systematic change model for quality improvement in the primacy care practice setting.

Thesis (MScEng)--University of Stellenbosch, 2001. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Recent advances in semiconductor technology extended the economic power range for DC transmission to just a few MW. Network planners need tools to compare AC and DC alternatives in order to find the best technical and economic solution for a specific network. TESAT, a software analysis tool, is developed to determine the optimum conductor and line technology for a network. Voltage regulation problems are identified and can be solved with network devices which have the potential to solve network problems more effectively and economically than ever before. PSAT, another software analysis tool developed in previous research, is used to model networks and support technologies. Hence, with the aid of TESAT and PSAT, line and support technologies are combined in an attempt to find the most effective solution in terms of cost and technical performance. This is demonstrated with the aid of a case study. Furthermore, interfaces between PSAT and the real world are developed. This includes an extension to the input interface of PSAT that calculates the equivalent impedances of a transmission line automatically, as well as an interface to share data between ReticMaster and PSAT. A dispersed generation and support technology database is also developed as an extension to the output interface ofPSAT. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Onlangse vooruitgang in halfgeleiertegnologie het tot gevolg dat GS transmissie ekonomies is vir slegs 'n paar MW. Netwerkbeplanners benodig gevolglik pakette om WS en GS alternatiewe te vergelyk vir 'n spesifieke netwerk. In hierdie tesis is 'n analitiese sagteware-pakket (TESAT) dus ontwikkelom die optimale geleier en lyntegnologie VIr 'n netwerk te bepaal. Spanningsregulasie-probleme word geïdentifiseer en opgelos met netwerktoestelle wat die potensiaal het om netwerkprobleme meer doeltreffend en ekonomies as ooit tevore op te los. PSAT, 'n ander analitiese sagteware-pakket wat in vorige navorsing ontwikkel is, word dan ook gebruik om netwerke en steuningstegnologieë te modelleer. Dus word PSA T en TESA T gebruik om lyn- en steuningstegnologieë te kombineer. Die doel hiervan is om die mees doeltreffende oplossing in terme van kostes en tegniese werksverrigting te vind. Dit word met behulp van 'n gevallestudie gedemonstreer. Verder word koppelvlakke tussen PSA T en die eksterne wêreld ontwikkel. Dit sluit in: (a) 'n uitbreiding van die intreekoppelvlak van PSAT wat die ekwivalente impedansie vir 'n transmissielyn outomaties bereken; (b) die koppelvlak om data te deel tussen PSAT en ReticMaster. 'n Verspreide generasie- en steuningstegnologie databasis is uiteindelik ook ontwikkel as 'n uitbreiding van die uittreekoppelvlak van PSAT.

Thesis (MScEng (Industrial Engineering))--University of Stellenbosch, 2007. / The supply of manufactured products depends on tool, die and mould (TDM) manufacturing. The TDM industry provides the machines, tools and equipment necessary to produce most manufactured components. The TDM industry is a high value-adding constituent in the supply of manufactured products by being at the heart of component manufacturing and by forming the backbone of the manufacturing sector. Unfortunately, the South African TDM industry experienced a steady economic decline during the last decade. This decline resulted in a negative effect on the domestic manufacturing industry. The South African government realised the evident need to restructure and develop the TDM industry. This research forms part of government incentives to increase global competitiveness of the South African TDM industry. The South African TDM industry lacks the capacity to supply in the local demand. This study determines shortfalls and the need for improvement by comparing the South African industry against its global counterparts. A benchmarking methodology is developed to identify improvement plans for individual tool rooms and for the industry as a whole. Recommendations for the domestic industry are provided through conclusions drawn from the study. The benchmarking methodology can be applied to an industry or to an individual concern. A pilot implementation of the methodology was performed in three specific tool rooms. This thesis analysis the South African TDM industry in its entirety and provides recommendations to improve competitiveness.

Made available in DSpace on 2016-12-12T20:32:01Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 DISSERTACAO - ALEXANDRINA.pdf: 623898 bytes, checksum: 5d198d1473d6a49f4dcb85bde29939e2 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2005-12-14 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / It demonstrates to the current form of the relationship between Wiest Sistemas Automotivos and its customers. Search to know the satisfaction degree how much to the given services and leaving of these opinions tool model elaborates on-line objectifying to improve the relationship with the customers. The present work suggests the tool adoption on-line to facilitate the communication with customers in a plant of automotivos components. The competitiveness of the companies presents fort linking with the quality of the relationship with the customer. To compete in real time she is necessary to endow the company with ways that allow to know and to become related of form each more efficient time with the customers. It discourses on the information technology which is seen as the communication facilitator making possible the capacity to plan and establish links through feedback systems providing the interactiveness and conectiveness between the institution and the client. It analyses the marketing relationship as the successful key to achievement, and mainly the clients faithfulness. / A competitividade das empresas apresenta forte ligação com a qualidade do relacionamento com o cliente. Para competir em tempo real é preciso dotar a empresa de meios que permitam conhecer e relacionar-se de forma cada vez mais eficiente com os clientes. O presente trabalho sugere a adoção de ferramenta on-line para facilitar a comunicação com clientes em uma fábrica de componentes automotivos. Demonstra a forma atual do relacionamento entre Wiest Sistemas Automotivos e seus clientes. Busca saber o grau de satisfação quanto ao serviços prestados e à partir destas opiniões elabora modelo de ferramenta on-line objetivando melhorar o relacionamento com os clientes. Discorre sobre a tecnologia da informação ser vista como a facilitadora de comunicação possibilitando a capacidade de melhor planejar e estabelecer vínculos por sistemas de feedback propiciando a interatividade e conectividade entre ela e o cliente.

Over the course of a day we meet countless materials and objects but rarely consider these surfaces of negotiation within the everyday environment. If we consider gestures as a language, then the actions we perform and the surfaces we encounter result in conversations with our surroundings. Where body meets details inside architecture, the commonplace ritual occurs. I will discuss the importance of touch in response to my finished work in Can you Handle this? but also during the making process.

Syftet med denna undersökning är att ta del av hur fritidspedagoger arbetar med elever som har en neuropsykiatriska funktionsnedsättningar i fritidshem. Neuropsykiatrisk funktionsnedsättning innefattar olika diagnoser exempelvis ADHD och autismspektrumtillstånd. Det finns olika metoder att hjälpa dessa elever på, som exempelvis bemötandet, inredningen samt miljön på fritidshemmen. Tanken är att det ska vara en skola för alla där alla elever blir inkluderade, oavsett om eleven har en nedsättning eller inte. Som det ser ut idag blir många elever exkluderade på grund av bland annat att eleverna inte klarar av att vara i storgrupp. Undersökningen baseras på en kvalitativ metod med semistrukturerade frågeställningar. Respondenterna använder sig av olika hjälpmedel för att eleverna ska få en lugn effekt samt få en högre koncentrationsförmåga. Vissa skolor får handledning genom stöd från rektor eller en person från en organisation hur personalen ska bemöta dessa elever. Något som genomsyrar resultatet i denna undersökning är tydlighet. Respondenterna anser att de måste vara tydliga för att eleverna ska kunna ta in vad pedagogerna säger samt förstå det.

abstract: This thesis investigates the role of activity visualization tools in increasing group awareness at the workspace. Today, electronic calendaring tools are widely used in the workplace. The primary function is to enable each person maintain a work schedule. They also are used to schedule meetings and share work details when appropriate. However, a key limitation of current tools is that they do not enable people in the workplace to understand the activity of the group as a whole. A tool that increases group awareness would promote reflection; it would enable thoughtful engagement with one's co-workers. I have developed two tools: the first tool enables the worker to examine detailed task information of one's own tasks, within the context of his/her peers' anonymized task data. The second tool is a public display to promote group reflection. I have used an iterative design methodology to refine the tools. I developed ActivityStream desktop tool that enables users to examine the detailed information of their own activities and the aggregate information of other peers' activities. ActivityStream uses a client-server architecture. The server collected activity data from each user by parsing RSS feeds associated with their preferred online calendaring and task management tool, on a daily basis. The client software displays personalized aggregate data and user specific tasks, including task types. The client display visualizes the activity data at multiple time scales. The activity data for each user is represented though discrete blocks; interacting with the block will reveal task details. The activity of the rest of the group is anonymized and aggregated. ActivityStream visualizes the aggregated data via Bezier curves. I developed ActivityStream public display that shows a group people's activity levels change over time to promote group reflection. In particular, the public display shows the anonymized task activity data, over the course of one year. The public display visualizes data for each user using a Bezier curve. The display shows data from all users simultaneously. This representation enables users to reflect on the relationships across the group members, over the course of one year. The survey results revealed that users are more aware of their peers' activities in the workspace. / Dissertation/Thesis / M.S. Electrical Engineering 2010

abstract: In semiconductor physics, many properties or phenomena of materials can be brought to light through certain changes in the materials. Having a tool to define new material properties so as to highlight certain phenomena greatly increases the ability to understand that phenomena. The generalized Monte Carlo tool allows the user to do that by keeping every parameter used to define a material, within the non-parabolic band approximation, a variable in the control of the user. A material is defined by defining its valleys, energies, valley effective masses and their directions. The types of scattering to be included can also be chosen. The non-parabolic band structure model is used. With the deployment of the generalized Monte Carlo tool onto www.nanoHUB.org the tool will be available to users around the world. This makes it a very useful educational tool that can be incorporated into curriculums. The tool is integrated with Rappture, to allow user-friendly access of the tool. The user can freely define a material in an easy systematic way without having to worry about the coding involved. The output results are automatically graphed and since the code incorporates an analytic band structure model, it is relatively fast. The versatility of the tool has been investigated and has produced results closely matching the experimental values for some common materials. The tool has been uploaded onto www.nanoHUB.org by integrating it with the Rappture interface. By using Rappture as the user interface, one can easily make changes to the current parameter sets to obtain even more accurate results. / Dissertation/Thesis / M.S. Electrical Engineering 2011

abstract: Interior design continues to re-define itself as a discipline that presents designers with new problems that require innovative solutions. This is particularly true in the case in office design. The transformation of the office environment from the standard bullpen configuration to today's dynamic, flexible, and open floor plans has required new design methodologies that incorporate tools and technologies that are readily available to interior designers. Today, increased use of teams in the workplace challenges interior designers to create environments that accommodate both group and individual tasks (Brill, Weidermann & BOSTI associates, 2001). Collaboration has received considerable attention as organizations focus on productivity and reducing costs to compete in a global economy (Hassanain, 2006). Designers and architects should learn to create environments that respond to dynamic, moveable, and flexible work methods. This web-based research study explores the use of pattern language as a new tool for designing collaborative work environments. In 1977, Christopher Alexander and his associates developed `Pattern language' (Alexander, Ishikawa & Silverstein, 1977) as a design formulation methodology. It consists of a series of interrelated physical elements combined to create a framework for design solutions. This pattern language tool for collaborative work environments was created based on research by Lori Anthony (2001). This study further builds upon current trends and research in collaborative work environments. The researcher conducted a pilot test by sending the web-based tool and an online questionnaire to all graduate students and faculty members in the fields of interior design and healthcare and healing environment (HHE). After testing its validity in The Design School at Arizona State University, the same tool and questionnaire was sent to the employees of one of the leading architecture and interior design firms in Phoenix, AZ. The results showed that among those design professionals surveyed, the majority believe pattern language could be a valuable design tool. The insights obtained from this study will provide designers, architects, and facility managers with a new design tool to aid in creating effective collaborative spaces in a work environment. / Dissertation/Thesis / M.S.D. Design 2011