Aerodynamics studies in a booster such as analysis of the flow through the whole component or study of local turbulent phenomenon constitute a crucial part of its development in order to get better overall performances, like efficiency of the compressor and compression ratio. In order to put in perspective the computational predictions, it is critical to obtain sets of data from tests to caliber numerical analyses and to assure the booster respects design specifications. Aerodynamics testing is then an important part of the development of a compressor. However, it is complicated to obtain such values for many reasons: time constraints, problems regarding support, important costs etc. Thus, it is important to get as much information as possible from these tests data in a limited period in order to spend more time in results interpretation and less in treating raw data. Thus, an optimized tool of treatment to first deduce results from test data; and then to compare different engines or different sets of tests data, to get a wider state of the art and to avoid time-consuming analyses was needed. In order to do so, the first part of the development consists in investigating the existing methods to extract and analyze data from tests already used, and then deducing a general methodology to obtain from raw measures the performances of the studied booster compared to other available data. Once the methods have been set up and validated, the tool in itself was implemented in a practical way. Then, it was important to validate it on real tests values and to observe if it was adjustable for all kind of aerodynamics tests. / Aerodynamikstudier i en booster som analys av flödet genom hela komponenten eller studie av lokal turbulens fenomen utgör en avgörande del av dess utveckling för att få bättre generella prestanda, som kompressorns verkningsgrad och kompressionsförhållandet. För att sätta beräkningsresultat i perspektiv är det kritisk att få datauppsättningar från tester för att kalibrera de numeriska analyser och för att säkerställa att booster uppfyller konstruktionsspecifikationer. Aerodynamisk provning är då en viktig del av utvecklingen av en kompressor. Det är dock komplicerat att få sådana värden av många skäl: tidsbegränsningar, problem angående support, viktiga kostnader osv. Därför är det viktigt att få så mycket information som möjligt från provdata under en begränsad period för att tillbringa mer tid i resultat tolkning och mindre tid på att behandla rådata. Således ett optimerat behandlingsverktyg för att först dra resultat från provdata; och sedan att jämföra olika motorer eller olika uppsättningar av provdata, för att få en bredare databank och att undvika tidskrävande analyser behövdes. För att göra det består den första delen av utvecklingen i att undersöka de befintliga metoderna för att extrahera och analysera data från tester som redan använts, och sedan dra ut en allmän metod för att från råa mått erhålla prestandan hos den studerade boosteren jämfört med andra tillgängliga data. När metoderna har installerats och validerats implementerades verktyget i sig på ett praktiskt sätt. Då var det viktigt att validera det på verkliga testvärden och att se om det var justerbart för alla typer av aerodynamiska test.

A major focus in nursing education is on the judgement of clinical performance, and it is a complex process due to the diverse nature of nursing practice. Difficulties in the development of valid and reliable assessment measures in nursing competency continue to pose a challenge in nursing education. A holistic approach in the assessment of competency comprises knowledge, skills and professional attitudes, wherein the notion of competency incorporates professional judgement and management skills in the clinical situation. Therefore, the thesis aims to develop a holistic clinical assessment tool with a reasonable level of validity and reliability to meet the needs of clinical education. The conceptual framework underlying this research is formed by establishing a theoretical connection between the practice of learning, and of pedagogy and assessment. This research consists of five studies. In Study I, a systematic review was conducted to explore the current assessment practices and tools for nursing undergraduates. In Studies II, III and IV, a qualitative approach with focus group discussions was adopted to explore the views of final-year undergraduate nursing students, preceptors, clinical nurse leaders and academics on the clinical assessment. Based on the multiple perspectives, it therefore addresses concerns in clinical assessment. In Study V, a holistic clinical assessment tool was developed, for which a psychometric testing was conducted. The systematic review indicated that limited studies adequately evaluate the psychometric properties of the assessment instrument. The qualitative studies have raised an awareness of professional and educational issues in relation to clinical assessment. Workload, time, availability of resources, adequate preparation of preceptors, and availability of valid and reliable clinical assessment tools were deemed to influence the quality of students’ clinical learning and assessment. In addition, the presence of support systems and formal educational programs for preceptors influenced their preparation and self-confidence. Nursing leaderships in hospitals and educational institutions have a joint responsibility in shaping the holistic clinical learning environment and making holistic clinical assessment for students. The involvement of all stakeholders in the development of a valid and reliable assessment tool for clinical competency is also essential to the process. The Holistic Clinical Assessment Tool (HCAT) was developed by the author based on the systematic review, qualitative findings and the core competencies of registered nurse from the professional nursing boards. The HCAT consists of 4 domains and 36 assessment items. Furthermore, testing of the psychometric properties indicated that the HCAT has satisfactory content validity, construct validity, internal consistency and test-retest reliability. In conclusion, the HCAT is meritorious in that it carries the potential to be used as a valid measure to evaluate clinical competency in nursing students, and provide specific and ongoing feedback to enhance the students’ holistic clinical learning experience. The HCAT not only functions as a tool for self-reflection for the students, but also guides the preceptors in clinical teaching and assessment. In addition, the HCAT can be used for peer-assessment and feedback. It is imperative that the clinical and academic institutions establish various levels of ongoing support for both students and preceptors in the process of clinical assessment.

Increase in the awareness environmental conservation is leading the automotive industry into the adaptation of alternatively fueled vehicles. Electric, Fuel-Cell as well as Hybrid-Electric vehicles focus on this research area with aim to efficiently utilize vehicle powertrain as the first step. Energy and Power Management System control strategies play vital role in improving efficiency of any hybrid propulsion system. However, these control strategies are sensitive to the dynamics of the powertrain components used in the given system. A kinematic mathematical model for Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) has been developed in this study and is further optimized by determining optimal power management strategy for minimal fuel consumption as well as NOx emissions while executing a set drive cycle. A multi-objective optimization using weighted sum formulation is needed in order to observe the trade-off between the optimized objectives. Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithm has been used in this research, to determine the trade-off curve between fuel and NOx. In performing these optimizations, the control signal consisting of engine speed and reference battery SOC trajectory for a 2-hour cycle is used as the controllable decision parameter input directly from the optimizer. Each element of the control signal was split into 50 distinct points representing the full 2 hours, giving slightly less than 2.5 minutes per point, noting that the values used in the model are interpolated between the points for each time step. With the control signal consisting of 2 distinct signals, speed and SOC trajectory, as 50 element time variant signals, a multidimensional problem was formulated for the optimizer. Novel approaches to balance the optimizer exploration and convergence, as well as seeding techniques are suggested to solve the optimal control problem. The optimization of each involved individual runs at 5 different weight levels with the resulting cost populations being compiled together to visually represent with the help of Pareto front development. The obtained results of simulations and optimization are presented involving performances of individual components of the PHEV powertrain as well as the optimized PMS strategy to follow for given drive cycle. Observations of the trade-off is discussed in the case of Multi-Objective Optimizations.

The overall theme of this thesis is the study of sensory pain assessment and describes how digital pain mapping using standardized iconography can be used to help portray and understand the sensory pain experience. The research presented in this thesis is focused on the design, development, and use of a web-based sensory pain assessment tool for individuals with chronic pain called the Pain-QuILT. “QuILT” is an acronym describing the different parameters that are captured by the tool: pain quality, intensity, and location in a digital format that can be tracked over time. The central hypothesis guiding this work is that users of pain assessment tools will tend to favour a digital icon-based sensory pain mapping tool (‘PainQuILT’) over currently available sensory pain assessment tools. “Pain assessment tool” has been operationally defined as a standardized method for capturing information about an individual’s sensory pain experience. In this context, “users” include both individuals experiencing chronic pain and healthcare providers who seek to assess and understand pain. Research to date has focused on phased evaluation of the Pain-QuILT in the context of clinical sensory pain assessment for two distinct user groups: adolescents (aged 12 to 18 years) and adults (aged 19 years and older) with chronic pain. Each stage of research has generated and been informed by user feedback, leading to iterative improvements in tool functionality. Thus, as a whole, this body of work represents an evolving effort to improve the clinical assessment of sensory pain using the approach of icon-based pain mapping in a digital and visual format. Through the collective research presented in this thesis, we have affirmed that digital pain mapping using iconography is a viable solution to the clinical challenge of sensory pain assessment in adolescents and adults with chronic pain. / Dissertation / Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Introdução: Calor humano (calidez em espanhol) é um atributo de grande importância na saúde, mas pouco estudado. Não existe um conceito universalmente aceito sobre calor humano, quais os fatores que o compõem ou como medi-lo. Os objetivos do estudo foram identificar os comportamentos e fatores de calor humano, construir definição desse construto e uma escala para medí-lo. Método: Estudo metodológica para construir e validar uma escala. Foi desenvolvido em três fases, de acordo com o proposto por Pasquali. Na fase de procedimentos teóricos foram identificados na literatura e por meio de entrevistas a 23 pacientes e 25 enfermeiras, comportamentos representativos de calor humano em enfermagem. Na fase empírica, esses comportamentos foram testados junto a pacientes internados. A fase analítica foi a identificação de fatores e das propriedades psicométricas. Resultados: A escala foi testada em 476 pacientes de instituições públicas e privadas. A análise psicométrica foi realizada utilizando o método de factores comuns, eixos principais e a rotação oblíqua. A Análise Fatorial Exploratória identificou 5 fatores e 35 itens e o Alfa de Cronbach testo a confiabilidade. Os fatores foram: F1-Conexão- relação não-verbal para o outro ( =0,943), F2-Empatia ( =0,909), F3- Conexão- relação verbal para o outro ( =0,914), F4- Inclusão ( =0,858) e F5- Confiança ( =0,852). O Alfa Cronbach total foi 0,93. O Índice de Tucker Lewis foi de 0,901. É possível obter-se escore por fator e total da ECAE e quando mais alto o escore, maior o calor humano. Após as fases teórica, empirica e analítica do estudo o conceito de calor humano foi estabelecido como O calorhumano é a capacidade de estabelecer e manter um relacionamento próximo e acolhedor que demonstre por meio de comportamentos verbais e não verbais, conexão e relacionamento com os outros, empatia, inclusão e confiança, de modo que, para o outro, significa uma experiência agradável. Conclusão: Construíu-se a Escala de Calor Humano em Enfermagem (ECAE), propos-se o conceito de calor humano em enfermagem e chave de escore para medir esse fenômeno. Trata-se de contribuição original que pode ser útil na clínica, ensino e pesquisa para a avaliação das competências interpessoais em enfermagem. / Introduction: Warmth is an important attribute in health care; however, it is a scarcely studied phenomenon. There is no universally accepted concept of warmth, component description and/or measurement. The purposes of this research were to identify behaviors and factors associated with warmth, build a definition of this construct and a scale to measure it. Method: Methodological study about the building and validation of a measurement scale, developed in three phases, as proposed by Pasquali. In the theoretical phase, behaviors associated with warmth in nursing were identified by reviewing the literature and interviewing 23 patients and 25 nurses. In the empirical phase, these behaviors were tested with inpatients. In the analytical phase, factors and psychometric properties were identified. Results: The scale was applied to 476 patients of public and private institutions. The psychometric analysis was performed using the common factor method, main axes and oblique rotation. The Exploratory Factor Analysis identified 5 factors and 35 items, and Cronbachs Alpha measured reliability. The factors were: F1 - Non-verbal connection-relationship with the other (=0.943), F2 - Empathy (=0.909), F3 - Verbal connection-relationship with the other (=0.914), F4 - Inclusion (=0.858) and F5 - Confidence (=0.852). The total Cronbachs Alpha was 0.93. The Tucker-Lewis index was 0.901. It is possible to obtain a score by factor and by total, and the higher the score, the higher the human warmth. After the theoretical, empirical and analytical phases of the study, the construct was established as warmth is the ability to establish and maintain a close, welcoming relationship that demonstrates, through verbal and non-verbal behaviors, connection and relationship with the other person, empathy, inclusion and confidence, so that it finally means a pleasant experience for the other person. Conclusion: The Nursing Warmth Scale (ECAE) was developed, and a concept of warmth in nursing and a measurement scale were proposed. It is an original contribution that may be useful in clinical practices, teaching and research for the evaluation of interpersonal skills in nursing.

Introdução: Calor humano (calidez em espanhol) é um atributo de grande importância na saúde, mas pouco estudado. Não existe um conceito universalmente aceito sobre calor humano, quais os fatores que o compõem ou como medi-lo. Os objetivos do estudo foram identificar os comportamentos e fatores de calor humano, construir definição desse construto e uma escala para medí-lo. Método: Estudo metodológica para construir e validar uma escala. Foi desenvolvido em três fases, de acordo com o proposto por Pasquali. Na fase de procedimentos teóricos foram identificados na literatura e por meio de entrevistas a 23 pacientes e 25 enfermeiras, comportamentos representativos de calor humano em enfermagem. Na fase empírica, esses comportamentos foram testados junto a pacientes internados. A fase analítica foi a identificação de fatores e das propriedades psicométricas. Resultados: A escala foi testada em 476 pacientes de instituições públicas e privadas. A análise psicométrica foi realizada utilizando o método de factores comuns, eixos principais e a rotação oblíqua. A Análise Fatorial Exploratória identificou 5 fatores e 35 itens e o Alfa de Cronbach testo a confiabilidade. Os fatores foram: F1-Conexão- relação não-verbal para o outro ( =0,943), F2-Empatia ( =0,909), F3- Conexão- relação verbal para o outro ( =0,914), F4- Inclusão ( =0,858) e F5- Confiança ( =0,852). O Alfa Cronbach total foi 0,93. O Índice de Tucker Lewis foi de 0,901. É possível obter-se escore por fator e total da ECAE e quando mais alto o escore, maior o calor humano. Após as fases teórica, empirica e analítica do estudo o conceito de calor humano foi estabelecido como O calorhumano é a capacidade de estabelecer e manter um relacionamento próximo e acolhedor que demonstre por meio de comportamentos verbais e não verbais, conexão e relacionamento com os outros, empatia, inclusão e confiança, de modo que, para o outro, significa uma experiência agradável. Conclusão: Construíu-se a Escala de Calor Humano em Enfermagem (ECAE), propos-se o conceito de calor humano em enfermagem e chave de escore para medir esse fenômeno. Trata-se de contribuição original que pode ser útil na clínica, ensino e pesquisa para a avaliação das competências interpessoais em enfermagem. / Introduction: Warmth is an important attribute in health care; however, it is a scarcely studied phenomenon. There is no universally accepted concept of warmth, component description and/or measurement. The purposes of this research were to identify behaviors and factors associated with warmth, build a definition of this construct and a scale to measure it. Method: Methodological study about the building and validation of a measurement scale, developed in three phases, as proposed by Pasquali. In the theoretical phase, behaviors associated with warmth in nursing were identified by reviewing the literature and interviewing 23 patients and 25 nurses. In the empirical phase, these behaviors were tested with inpatients. In the analytical phase, factors and psychometric properties were identified. Results: The scale was applied to 476 patients of public and private institutions. The psychometric analysis was performed using the common factor method, main axes and oblique rotation. The Exploratory Factor Analysis identified 5 factors and 35 items, and Cronbachs Alpha measured reliability. The factors were: F1 - Non-verbal connection-relationship with the other (=0.943), F2 - Empathy (=0.909), F3 - Verbal connection-relationship with the other (=0.914), F4 - Inclusion (=0.858) and F5 - Confidence (=0.852). The total Cronbachs Alpha was 0.93. The Tucker-Lewis index was 0.901. It is possible to obtain a score by factor and by total, and the higher the score, the higher the human warmth. After the theoretical, empirical and analytical phases of the study, the construct was established as warmth is the ability to establish and maintain a close, welcoming relationship that demonstrates, through verbal and non-verbal behaviors, connection and relationship with the other person, empathy, inclusion and confidence, so that it finally means a pleasant experience for the other person. Conclusion: The Nursing Warmth Scale (ECAE) was developed, and a concept of warmth in nursing and a measurement scale were proposed. It is an original contribution that may be useful in clinical practices, teaching and research for the evaluation of interpersonal skills in nursing.

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<p dir="ltr">The present era of industrial growth, along with the rise in big data, has led to an increase in the demand for data-savvy professionals employing visualization techniques and software to fully leverage the value of this data. Since data visualization is an expansive and intricate field, it leads to challenges for novice learners as they seek to understand it. The Data Visualization Capacity (DVC) Tool is an online learning platform designed to enhance data visualization literacy amongst learners. The DVC Tool encompasses fundamental principles and techniques essential for proficient data visualization, by including external resources, quizzes, and tutorials in a distance-based modular format.</p><p dir="ltr">This study investigates the usability of the DVC Tool using a mixed-methods approach combining quantitative analysis of Google Analytics data, System Usability Scale (SUS) questionnaires, and qualitative insights from usability testing sessions and interviews. The research aims to assess the effectiveness of the DVC Tool across diverse user profiles and identify strategies for optimizing user experience. User studies were conducted with participants from various backgrounds and experience in data visualization to gain insight into the strengths and weaknesses of the DVC Tool, as well as gain recommendations for effective learning strategies and user experience design. The findings reveal a high overall usability rating for the DVC Tool, with users from various educational backgrounds and levels of expertise expressing satisfaction with its functionality and organization. The SUS usability scores indicate a mean usability score of 81.8, highlighting the tool's effectiveness in providing a user-friendly learning experience for all users across diverse profiles. Interviews also give insight into the importance of clear organization, visual aids, and custom learning plans to enhance the learning experience of the student.</p><p dir="ltr">In general, this research contributes to the advancement of data visualization education by providing insights into effective instructional strategies and components of digital learning platforms. The findings offer practical implications for educators and developers looking to enhance data visualization literacy among learners, while also addressing theoretical gaps in usability research within the field.</p>

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