| Author |
Ng, Yin-chun Chris |
| Title |
A survey of management development needs of professionals in the construction industry in Hong Kong |
| Department | Dept. of Management |
| Year | 1993 |
| Subject |
Construction industry -- Management Construction industry -- Management -- Study and teaching Executives -- Training of Hong Kong Polytechnic -- Dissertations |
| Degree | M.B.A. |
| Pages | 109 leaves ; 30 cm |
| Language | English |
| OneSearch | https://www.lib.polyu.edu.hk/bib/b1150957 |
| URI: | http://theses.lib.polyu.edu.hk/handle/200/3120 |
| Abstract | This is an individual project for the partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Business Administration awarded by the Hong Kong Polytechnic. This project is a survey on the management education needs of professional managers in the local construction industry. The target groups of professionals are senior managers who are professionally qualified in their own expert fields related to construction industry and who are holding senior positions in their organisations. The survey was done by data and information collection through questionnaire. Because of limited resources, this survey is by no means a large scale research and the result of which should only be regarded as an indicative reflection of the attitude of a small group of senior professionals within the industry. All information and analysis are presented in this report. This report contains two sections - I & II. Section I consists of 4 chapters mainly covering some general discussion of the theoretical framework, a description of the local industry and the professional managers role, the research hypothesis, methodology and limitation. Section II consists of 3 chapters covering the findings and analysis which form the main part of this project. Conclusion and Recommendation is also contained in the last part of this section which serves as a summary of findings. |
| Author |
Ku, Yung-kan |
| Title |
A survey of office building owners' perceptions of office refurbishment & office tenants' perceptions of facility operational requirements |
| Department |
Multi-disciplinary Studies Dept. of Building Services Engineering |
| Year | 2002 |
| Subject |
Hong Kong Polytechnic University -- Dissertations Facility management Office buildings -- Maintenance and repair |
| Degree | M.Sc. |
| Pages | xi, 141, [44] leaves : col. ill. ; 30 cm |
| Language | English |
| OneSearch | https://www.lib.polyu.edu.hk/bib/b1656028 |
| URI: | http://theses.lib.polyu.edu.hk/handle/200/856 |
| Abstract | It is estimated that most existing commercial office buildings in Hong Kong, of which most were constructed in 1980s and 1990s, require refurbishment. If appropriate refurbishment is carried out, they have the potential to provide the office accommodation required for the 21st century by sustaining / enhancing rental income and / or retaining tenants. The successful refurbishment of an existing office building will deliver maximized rental income or building asset value to the building owner as well as fulfil tenants' / end users' facility operation requirements. The purpose of this research was to identify owners' perceptions of office refurbishment and tenants' perceptions of facility operational requirements so as to investigate potential mismatches in the expectations of outcomes the investments on office refurbishment. A postal questionnaire survey was used to collect data and information from a sample of owners of office buildings and tenants of office buildings over a period of two weeks. This data was verified and enhanced by a follow up interview of selected respondents. The results of the survey indicate that Grade A building owners' perceptions of refurbishment works matched the majority of office tenants' perceptions of facility operational requirements. However, Grade B & C building owners' perceptions were found not to match the level of the perceptions of office tenants. Following the Asian financial crisis, rental rates dropped approximately 34 per cent. The rental ratio difference for Grade B and Grade C buildings is only 2 per cent and 7.4 per cent respectively when compared with Grade A buildings. This further enhances the attractiveness of Grade A buildings, offering relative value for money in the Hong Kong commercial office sector, in terms of attracting, as well as, retaining tenants. |
| Author |
Tam, Po-kwong |
| Title |
Survey of the indoor air quality at schools |
| Department |
Multi-disciplinary Studies Dept. of Building Services Engineering |
| Year | 1999 |
| Subject |
Schools -- China -- Hong Kong -- Environmental aspects Air quality -- China -- Hong Kong Indoor air pollution -- China -- Hong Kong -- Measurement Hong Kong Polytechnic University -- Dissertations |
| Degree | M.Sc. |
| Pages | xv, 57, [438] leaves : ill. (some col.), col. maps ; 31 cm |
| Language | English |
| OneSearch | https://www.lib.polyu.edu.hk/bib/b1485246 |
| URI: | http://theses.lib.polyu.edu.hk/handle/200/3715 |
| Abstract | Two different types of ventilation system are commonly adopted in the schools: i) window A/C units plus mechanical exhaust (and supply) fans and ii) natural ventilation supplemented by ventilation fans. There was not much research work conducted in school premises around the territory. Besides, after implementation of the Noise Control Ordinance, many new and existing schools have installed air-conditioning system. According to information from the Education Department, the Department has already arranged to install air-conditioning equipment in approximately 5,400 classrooms to alleviate the noise problem. It is beneficiary and worthwhile to investigate the indoor air quality at schools so as to sort out any possible health risk to the building occupants, especially the children. On the other hand, government or subvented schools constructed by either the Architectural Services Department (ASD) or the Housing Department (HD) are more or less similar, both in the building appearance and the services installed. The mechanical ventilation system design will be discussed in Chapter 8. Besides, the IAQ records taken from these schools can be set up as a database for future reference. The main objectives of this research project are 1) to investigate the effect of the type of ventilation on the air quality inside classrooms, particularly the carbon dioxide concentration, temperature and relative humidity. 2) to apply the statistical software - Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) and verify for any possible correlation between indoor air parameters and students' reported symptoms inside classrooms. 3) to study the Year 2000 version standard primary and secondary schools ventilation system design. Twenty schools strategically selected around the territory; including both primary and secondary schools were approached to conduct the indoor air quality survey. Subsequently, eleven schools granted permission. Considering the need of continuous measurement and to minimize disturbance to the class activities, automatic data loggers were used to provide real time monitoring and in-depth study of carbon dioxide concentration, temperature and relative humidity in the classrooms. The indoor air quality data collected at the schools are analysed. Results indicated that the capacities of window A/C units at the air-conditioned classrooms were insufficient to extract the moisture generated from breathing. Besides, the ventilation rates of exhaust (and air intake) fans at most air-conditioned schools were below ASHRAE's recommendations. According to the measured carbon dioxide concentrations at the natural ventilated schools, the ventilation rates were generally in order. However, the temperature and humidity at the classrooms were either close to the boundary or out of the comfort zone as defined in ASHRAE Standard 55-1981, especially during the summer season. Apart from the physical measured data, information from questionnaires returned by the students have been tested with the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) programme. The students' subjective evaluation of the indoor air quality and environmental parameters are found to be generally in-line with the indoor climatologic measurements. Finally, an overview of existing schools' ventilation design and recommendations on the possible improvements are given in Chapter 8. Moreover, an introduction to the Year 2000 version standard primary and secondary schools has been included as part of the research work. |
| Author |
Yeung, Ching-ying, Ellen |
| Title |
Survey on end-user satisfaction with end-user computing |
| Department | Dept. of Management |
| Year | 1993 |
| Subject |
End-user computing Consumer satisfaction Hong Kong Polytechnic -- Dissertations |
| Degree | M.B.A. |
| Pages | xii, 128 leaves : ill. ; 30 cm |
| Language | English |
| OneSearch | https://www.lib.polyu.edu.hk/bib/b1150944 |
| URI: | http://theses.lib.polyu.edu.hk/handle/200/879 |
| Abstract | This report is an exploratory study of end-user satisfaction on end-user computing (EUC) strategies. This study, based on data collected from 190 end-users in 16 organizations in Hong Kong and interviews with 8 IC managers. It has examined the end-user computing strategies, organization structures relating to end-user computing, EUC support functions and individuals characteristics that affecting the success of EUC and the end-user satisfaction. The research findings have revealed that a hybrid of monopolistic and acceleration strategies is often found in the selected large organizations in Hong Kong. Control and support are accomplished by setting guidelines in selection of hardware and software; training on "usage of application" packages and help-desk. MIS department has lost its veto power over the choice of computing equipment and software. A key result from the findings is that end-user satisfaction level is positively and significantly related to the satisfaction level on the IC services and supports (Cross Table 1.3). The results also show that a higher level of support is perceived by female and those respondents over 35 years old (Cross Table 2.1 & 4.1); whereas education level and classification of users are negatively and significantly related to the feeling of support provided in the company (Cross Table 3.1 & 5.1). Other findings have indicated no significant relationship between end-user satisfaction and feeling on the level of support (Cross Table 1.1), feeling on the level of control (Cross Table 1.2), processing of request (Cross Table 1.5), range of products (Cross Table 1.6), sex (Cross Table 2.3), education level (Cross Table 3.3), and classification of users (Cross Table 5.3). Some common key challenges to IC managers in Hong Kong are: managing wide diversity of user demand, understanding user requirement, keeping with rapid change in computer technology; and gaining and retaining management support. The success factors of IC's include: developing policies and guidelines for end-user computing, getting user involvement and commitment, enforcing company standards as far as possible and realizing the importance of end-user computing by the top management. |
| Author |
Kan, Jing-tong Jeanneton |
| Title |
A survey on how CRE/FM in the financial services sector is responding to sustainable development |
| Department | Dept. of Building Services Engineering |
| Year | 2009 |
| Subject |
Hong Kong Polytechnic University -- Dissertations Sustainable development -- China -- Hong Kong Facility management -- Environmental aspects -- China -- Hong Kong Banks and banking -- China -- Hong Kong |
| Degree | M.Sc. |
| Pages | 95 p. : ill. ; 31 cm. |
| OneSearch | https://www.lib.polyu.edu.hk/bib/b2356485 |
| URI: | http://theses.lib.polyu.edu.hk/handle/200/5833 |
| Abstract | Much anxiety has been created in recent decades regarding the deterioration of our environment attributed to the climate crisis. The environmental impacts of ongoing economic globalization have aroused the awareness of the crucial role played by enterprises in attributing to the environmental implications due to a lot of economic activities occurring within corporations. The government cannot work on standalone efforts to save the environment without the assistance supplemented by private and public corporations. Sustainability can be examined in the global, country and organizational context. The purpose of this dissertation is to focus on the organizational level and to explore the extent to which corporations in the financial services sector are responding to sustainability development. Several factors have been considered to assess corporate awareness of environmental sustainability, namely corporate commitment, strategic planning, sustainable policy and guidelines, communication, role of responsibility, performance reporting and procurement. These seven components are regarded in this study as the critical dimensions to evaluate the accomplishment of sustainability development in the financial service organizations. This study also attempts to consider the extent of CRE/FM involvement in assisting to implement sustainability in the corporate environment. The study concludes that measures aimed at sustainability development have been implemented in the financial service corporations. The environmental aspects mostly emphasized by corporations are energy management, waste management, and health and safety. However, the coverage of sustainable criteria is inadequate due to financial, building or other constraints, and a wider coverage is required. Corporations are continuing to strive to achieve the compatibility of economic globalisation and sustainable development. |
| Author |
Li, Siu-hung |
| Title |
A survey on self-assessment of hospital services using the Baldrige quality criteria |
| Department |
Multi-disciplinary Studies Dept. of Management |
| Year | 2000 |
| Subject |
Public hospitals -- China -- Hong Kong -- Administration Health services administration -- China -- Hong Kong Medical care -- China -- Hong Kong -- Quality control Total quality management -- China -- Hong Kong Hong Kong Polytechnic University -- Dissertations |
| Degree | M.Sc. |
| Pages | iii, 58, [2] leaves : col. ill. ; 30 cm |
| Language | English |
| OneSearch | https://www.lib.polyu.edu.hk/bib/b1569006 |
| URI: | http://theses.lib.polyu.edu.hk/handle/200/5031 |
| Abstract | To cope with the global changes in social-economic environment, health care organizations have to face tremendous challenges, such as aging population, new diseases patterns. On one hand health care costs are getting higher, but on the other hand, public are demanding more quality health services than ever. To meet such demand with limited resources, health care organizations have to improve both efficiency and effectiveness of health services. The establishment of Hospital Authority has created organization culture of quality. The application of TQM approach has been introduced and widely implemented in hospitals. It is believed that TQM will lead to higher quality services, better staff morale, lower the cost of service delivery, and increase customer satisfaction. Many health care organizations hence have adopted different models as framework for quality improvements. The study intents to examine the quality performance of a hospital by using Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award criteria. The Baldrige Award has been credibility as a benchmarking assessment and improvement device. With reference to the Baldrige criteria, a simple questionnaire was designed to make a "snapshot" self-assessment of organizational excellence. It was a self-administered questionnaire which the reliability had been tested. Under each Baldrige subcategory, a five-point Likert scale was giving for rating. Questionnaires were sent out to a purposive sample of 68 managerial grade staff at a 800-beds acute hospital. They include doctors, nurses, allied health staff and administrators. 35 completed questionnaires were returned. Data analysis showed significant differences in sex and management experience against the level of agreement in quality performances of the hospital. The findings indicated that the overall hospital performance based on Baldrige criteria was above average. Comparatively, customer focus and satisfaction got the highest score whist human resource development and management was the lowest among the seven categories. These can be served as a baseline for the hospital management to make further improvement and strive for excellence services. The limitation of the study is delineated. |
| Author |
Lai, Yuen-shing Edward |
| Title |
A survey on the professional and organizational commitments of physiotherapists in Hong Kong |
| Department | Dept. of Management |
| Year | 2001 |
| Subject |
Hong Kong Polytechnic University -- Dissertations Physical therapists -- China -- Hong Kong Organizational commitment -- China -- Hong Kong |
| Degree | M.B.A. |
| Pages | vii, 61 leaves : ill. ; 30 cm |
| Language | English |
| OneSearch | https://www.lib.polyu.edu.hk/bib/b1611612 |
| URI: | http://theses.lib.polyu.edu.hk/handle/200/495 |
| Abstract | Surveys on the professional and organizational commitments had been performed in other countries to have better understanding of commitment in the workplace. However, no similar study had been conducted in the local context. This study investigated the levels and relationship of the professional and organizational commitments in physiotherapists in the local health care community. Ninety-six self-administered questionnaires were sent out to physiotherapists in six physiotherapy centers in Hong Kong. The return rate was 66.7 %. Results indicated that physiotherapists in the population had significantly higher professional commitment than organizational commitment in all the three commitment components, namely affective, continuance and normative commitments. In addition, there was no significant correlation between organizational and professional commitment in affective, normative and continuance components. These findings indicated that the respondents were able to maintain a high degree of professional commitment without perceiving undue conflict from the demands of the organization. In addition, employer are encouraged to formulate strategies to promote both professional and organizational commitments of its employees in order to further promote their job satisfaction and work performance. |
| Author |
Lai, Edward Tak-sing |
| Title |
A survey on the rehabilitative management for the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries in Hong Kong |
| Department | Multi-disciplinary Studies |
| Year | 1997 |
| Subject |
Anterior cruciate ligament -- Wounds and injuries -- Physical therapy Anterior cruciate ligament -- Wounds and injuries -- Patients -- Rehabilitation Hong Kong Polytechnic University -- Dissertations |
| Degree | M.Sc. |
| Pages | viii, 98 leaves : ill. ; 30 cm |
| Language | English |
| OneSearch | https://www.lib.polyu.edu.hk/bib/b1410563 |
| URI: | http://theses.lib.polyu.edu.hk/handle/200/2846 |
| Abstract | Surveys on anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rehabilitation have been performed in other countries to improve their management of ACL injuries. However, no similar study has been conducted in the local community. This study investigated the current clinical rehabilitative management of ACL injured patients in Hong Kong. Sixty-two self-administered questionnaires were sent to experienced physiotherapists in treating ACL patients in various physiotherapy centres in Hong Kong. The return rate was 87.1%. Results indicated that the progress of local rehabilitation for surgical ACL patients is comparable to the Accelerated Programmes in the literature. There is no obvious consensus on the rehabilitation protocol among non-surgical programmes. Rehabilitative equipment such as continuous passive motion, isokinetic machine and knee braces are not widely used by local clinicians. Return to preinjury sports is not a common outcome for non-surgically treated ACL patients and the criteria for returning the surgical ACL patients to preinjury sports are only used by a few centres. Open-kinetic chain exercise of quadriceps muscle at 90o to 0o knee flexion is initiated by most centres at 4 weeks post-operatively which is the most aggressive among all the existing programmes in the literature. Most clinicians regarded patient's motivation and compliance could influence clinical outcomes and further research is needed to improve ACL rehabilitation. |
| Author |
Zhang, Kaixuan Vicky |
| Title |
Sustainable buildings, energy efficiency and climate change : an investigation of financial & non-financial benefits from energy efficiency of sustainable buildings contribution factors to mitigate climate change : a survey in Shenzhen |
| Department | Dept. of Building and Real Estate |
| Year | 2011 |
| Subject |
Sustainable buildings. Building -- Cost effectiveness. Buildings -- Environmental aspects. Climatic changes -- Prevention. Construction industry -- Finance. Sustainable construction. Hong Kong Polytechnic University -- Dissertations |
| Degree | M.Sc. |
| Pages | ix, 119 p. : col. ill., col. maps ; 30 cm. |
| Language | English |
| OneSearch | https://www.lib.polyu.edu.hk/bib/b2462963 |
| URI: | http://theses.lib.polyu.edu.hk/handle/200/6329 |
| Abstract |
Climate change is becoming the more and more preeminent social, economic and environmental issue in contemporary society. And it may bring lots of negative impacts like global warming, sea rising, extreme weather and so on. There are two cause of climate change: nature and human activities. While we may not be able to do with nature, we could effectively manage human activities to mitigate climate change. Amongst thousands of various human activities, activities in building section are contributing 40 percent of energy consumption and one third of green house gas (GHG) emissions all over the world. So it is a huge potential opportunity to take measures to reduce the energy use and carbon emission in building sectors. And the best measure is energy efficiency of sustainable buildings. However, there's a false view that sustainable building costs significantly more than normal buildings. On the contrary, sustainability is the only way of conducting any businesses, now and in the future. There remains a payoff to building owners from more efficient management including facilities, operations and within firms through energy efficiency. Technology solutions and management capabilities have continued to advance, and so is it in this context of a changing world that a research into the financial benefit from greener buildings for owners and tenants, especially for developing country, typically like China. A survey and analysis of operating costs, energy impacts, productivity and tenant attitudes from a major real estate portfolio was conducted in this particular survey in Shenzhen. The results provided are based on a survey of 12 sustainable buildings and over 400 tenants who have moved into these buildings which are under managed as green properties. Results suggest that that many tenants concerned a lot about sustainable operations practices and policies. And some showed their views of higher productivity and less sick time. It was also noted that the average wages of employees in firms occupying sustainable buildings are higher than average. Analysis was conducted also on scientific reasons why healthier buildings with better air quality would result in less sick time from previous studies. And natural light is also correlated with positive feelings about work and productivity. The results observed higher occupancy rates and higher rents for future space in sustainable buildings, even though most tenants did not admit to being willing to pay more. Sustainable buildings typically use less electricity or energy and water, but other expense items may run more. Because sustainable buildings are more intensively managed that they can make savings on energy and water, therefore making the overall operating expenses are similar with non-sustainable buildings. When the building owners and the tenants are gaining or enjoying the financial benefits brought by energy efficiency of sustainable building, they may not be aware that these projects are as well as making tremendous contribution of mitigation of climate change all over the world. We humans should pay more attention on this part to take more actions to make the building around us greener and our life more green based on sustainable development. |
| Author |
Wang, Haoran |
| Title |
Sustainable construction process : using construction virtual prototyping technology for visualization and simulation of CO₂emissions |
| Department | Dept. of Building and Real Estate |
| Year | 2014 |
| Subject |
Construction industry -- Environmental aspects. Greenhouse gases -- Measurement. Hong Kong Polytechnic University -- Dissertations |
| Degree | M.Phil. |
| Pages | xi, 99 leaves : ill. ; 30 cm. |
| Language | English |
| OneSearch | https://www.lib.polyu.edu.hk/bib/b2681830 |
| URI: | http://theses.lib.polyu.edu.hk/handle/200/7400 |
| Abstract | The construction industry has been criticized as one of the major greenhouse gas (GHG) emitters and a relatively unregulated sector in the management of carbon emissions and other environmental impacts. As the pressure on climate change related risks is mounting, a major cut in carbon emissions and other diesel emissions, like carbon monoxide (CO), particulate matter (PM), and sulfur dioxide (SO₂), from construction operations is becoming a top priority if construction firms are to meet increasingly stringent emission controls. However, efforts for reducing these emissions still remain minimal, for the reasons that (1) a lack of awareness and concerns to estimate and manage emissions from on-site equipment usage, and (2) a lack of innovative techniques and monitoring methods to properly and quickly communicate the emissions with construction progress. Therefore, in order to minimize construction emissions, this study describes a 4D framework to estimate and simulate construction equipment emissions. This study adopts the construction virtual prototyping (CVP) technologies and mixed reality (MR) to establish an emission prediction and simulation tool. The estimated emissions of the construction operations for each activity is calculated, tabulated and plotted to visually demonstrate the emission rates side by side with the integrated 4D models of the construction project. The virtual prototype (VP)-based model allows project teams to visualize the predicted emissions at different times in the construction processes, identify the emission peaks, and allow the project team to take proactive measures against potential emissions. The application of mixed reality (MR) in the management of construction emission also provides an interactive experience of the on-site emission control. Finally, a real-life public housing construction project in Hong Kong is adopted to demonstrate the application of the emission prediction visualization tool. Through the simulation process, it is hoped that this tool can encourage the construction industry practitioners to become environmentally conscious and pro-active in carbon mitigation measurements. |
| Author |
Luk, Shiu-fai |
| Title |
Sustainable water supply in Hong Kong |
| Department |
Multi-disciplinary Studies Dept. of Civil and Structural Engineering |
| Year | 2002 |
| Subject |
Hong Kong Polytechnic University -- Dissertations Water-supply -- China -- Hong Kong |
| Degree | M.Sc. |
| Pages | xi, 231 p. : ill. (chiefly col.), col. maps ; 30 cm |
| Language | English |
| OneSearch | https://www.lib.polyu.edu.hk/bib/b1637826 |
| URI: | http://theses.lib.polyu.edu.hk/handle/200/1290 |
| Abstract | Hong Kong is a city in Asia. There are almost 7 million of people living on the land of 1097 km2. Due to a lack of fresh water resources, the water supply in Hong Kong has always been a headache problem to the local government. By 2029, it is expected that the population may reach to 9 million. The existing infrastructure and resources are not possible to meet the demand and to support the city's growth. Solutions are needed with a sustainable approach such that there will be no adverse impacts on the future development. In the present work, the water supply in Hong Kong has been reviewed. At the early time, the problem was tackled with increasing the storage and treatment capacity but rapid population growth let the government finally recognize that it was unrealistic to meet the demand with local water resources solely. Then, the problem was finally solved by importing water from Dongjiang River (East River) in Mainland China. Singapore is an island country in South East Asia and has similar water supply situation as Hong Kong, i.e. insufficient fresh water resources but is required to support a huge population. Fresh water over there has to be imported from Johor in Malaysia. The strategy of water management in Singapore is different from Hong Kong that emphases are placed on the leakage control, water conservation, efficiency of water utilities board and tapping new water sources, which are noteworthy if they are suitable to be implemented in Hong Kong. The objective of this work is to identify and analyse the problems and then recommend the possible solutions in ensuring the sustainable water supply in Hong Kong in 2029. The insufficient water resources, a high leakage rate, the conflicts with urbanization, inferior raw water quality and the high operation cost of the water authority are identified in the dissertation as culprits for the sustainable water supply. To remove these impediments, a holistic approach is needed to sustain the reliable water supply. In general, price raising can be an effective control on water demand. Based on the data from Singapore, calculation carried out in the studies shows that in Hong Kong there is less room for further reduction of water consumption and, therefore the strategy of water pricing may not he an effective tool in Hong Kong. Potable water, urban runoff, and rainfall samples were collected and analysed. The results indicated that urban runoff is a possible new local water source for potable use. Other than severe leakage control, abstraction from unproteded catchment (i.e. flood pumping and urban runoff) should be extensively carried out. Water reuse for potable and non-potable purposes as well as the desalination should also be promoted, as they are reliable water sources that the yields are not affected by weather. To improve the water quality, close monitoring of the water quality, upgrading of treatment technology, expanding the sewerage coverage in the New Territories, cross border co-operation and improving the sewage treatment facilities in the mainland are the solutions to prevent the local and Dongjiang raw water quality deterioration. To deal with the deficit in recent years, instead of privatisation, corporatization of the Water Supplies Department and merging with Drainage Services Department are recommended. |
| Author |
Chan, Shing-chi |
| Title |
Swallowing function of head and neck cancer patients after concomitant radiotherapy : a comparative study between IMRT and conformal technique |
| Department | Dept. of Health Technology and Informatics |
| Year | 2009 |
| Subject |
Hong Kong Polytechnic University -- Dissertations. Radiotherapy. Deglutition. Head -- Cancer -- Radiotherapy. Neck -- Cancer -- Radiotherapy. |
| Degree | M.Sc. |
| Pages | vii, 75 leaves : col. ill. ; 30 cm. |
| Language | English |
| OneSearch | https://www.lib.polyu.edu.hk/bib/b2315427 |
| URI: | http://theses.lib.polyu.edu.hk/handle/200/4117 |
| Abstract | In Prince of Wales Hospital, Hong Kong, advanced head and neck cancer is commonly treated by concomitant radiotherapy with concurrent chemotherapy in order to achieve better local control as well as disease free survival. Two techniques, conventional-conformal concomitant boost (3DCRTB) and IMRT-IMRT concomitant boost (IMRTB) had been used. A retrospective study was conducted to exam whether the IMRTB has any advantages in preserving swallowing function over 3DCRTB. The objectives were to study the relationship among radiation dose received by the dysphagia / aspiration related structures (DARS), dose-volume effect of DARS and swallowing function. It also compares the treatment out come (swallowing function) by using these two techniques. Form April 2006 to December 2007, the medical records and radiotherapy planning films and computer plans of sixty patients with advanced head and neck cancer treated by either 3DCRTB or IMRTB were reviewed. Two DARS were delineated on their planning computer tomography. The superior, middle and inferior pharyngeal constrictors was delineated as a single DARS, Pharyngeal Constrictors (PC) and the glottic larynx and supraglottic larynx were delineated as GSL. The radiation dose to DARS and volume of DARS was calculated according to their treatment history. The swallowing function score at four different observation time points, pre-treatment, one month, three months and six months after treatment completed were retrieved. Dose-volume data from dose volume histogram and swallowing function score were compared. Results show that, in both techniques, the swallowing function is the poorest at one month after treatment completed. The swallowing function deteriorated as the radiation dose to DARS increased. The percentage volume of DARS receiving specified dose level is significantly lower in IMRTB especially when the dose level is over 50 Gy (20% less at 50 Gy, 40 % less at 70 Gy, p < 0.05). IMRTB delivered significantly less dose to DARS (14 Gy, 7.1 Gy and 19.3 Gy for whole DARS, PC and GSL respectively, p < 0.05) when compared with 3DCRTB. Though IMRTB can reduce the volume of BARS receiving radiation dose and reduce the mean dose, it cannot show any advantage in improving swallowing function. Further reduction of radiation dose to BARS and improve the swallowing function after IMRTB is possible by changing the daily practice. Swallowing exercises are highly recommended for patients who undergo concomitant radiotherapy. |
| Author |
Cheng, Wai-sing |
| Title |
A switched-capacitor based large-voltage-gain converter |
| Department | Dept. of Electronic and Information Engineering |
| Year | 2012 |
| Subject |
Switched capacitor circuits -- Design. Electric current converters. Hong Kong Polytechnic University -- Dissertations |
| Degree | M.Sc. |
| Pages | 111 p. : ill. (some col.) ; 30 cm. |
| Language | English |
| OneSearch | https://www.lib.polyu.edu.hk/bib/b2471058 |
| URI: | http://theses.lib.polyu.edu.hk/handle/200/6338 |
| Abstract | A topology of two-stage large-voltage-gain switched-capacitor based power converter is proposed and presented. The topology structure is divided into two stages with one stage using a switched-capacitor power converter and another stage using a hybrid switched-capacitor-buck converter. The converter is capable of converting a relatively high voltage into a relatively low voltage without the use of a transformer. |
| Author |
Chan, Wai-yin Robyn |
| Title |
Switching behavior of basic necessaries in Hong Kong supermarket, taking cooking oil as the focus of study |
| Department | Dept. of Management |
| Year | 2000 |
| Subject |
Consumer behavior -- China -- Hong Kong Hong Kong Polytechnic University -- Dissertations |
| Degree | M.B.A. |
| Pages | v, 80 leaves : ill. ; 30 cm |
| Language | English |
| OneSearch | https://www.lib.polyu.edu.hk/bib/b1520733 |
| URI: | http://theses.lib.polyu.edu.hk/handle/200/166 |
| Abstract | This paper explores the causes of the consumer switching behavior of cooking oil market in Hong Kong. Several key factors are tested and they can be categorized into (1) True Variety-Seeking Behavior (i.e. intrinsically motivated) and (2) Derived Varied Behavior (i.e. extrinsically motivated). Having conducted 140 street interviews at two major chain supermarkets in 6 major public and private estates in Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and New Territories, the author confirms that the switching behavior of cooking oil market is motivated by both intrinsic and extrinsic stimulants. Of the 7 hypothesis postulated for this study, 5 are established and 2 are rejected. Those established stimulants are: (1) Need for variety; (2) Perceived differences between brands; (3) Purchase frequency; (4) Strength of preference; and (5) Price promotion. The rejected causes are (1) Influence of another and (2) Out of stock. The findings indicate that as both intrinsic and extrinsic motivations are important to cooking oil switching behavior. Therefore, industry practitioners have to adjust their marketing strategies according to what market positions they hold. |
| Author |
Man, Tze-kau |
| Title |
A switching regulator for PWM inverters |
| Department |
Multi-disciplinary Studies Dept. of Electronic and Information Engineering |
| Year | 1999 |
| Subject |
Electric inverters Electric current regulators Switching circuits Hong Kong Polytechnic University -- Dissertations |
| Degree | M.Sc. |
| Pages | vi, 67 leaves : ill. ; 30 cm |
| Language | English |
| OneSearch | https://www.lib.polyu.edu.hk/bib/b1517597 |
| URI: | http://theses.lib.polyu.edu.hk/handle/200/2957 |
| Abstract | Control of PWM inverters is a regulation problem. In this dissertation, a fixed frequency discrete-time sliding mode controller is proposed to tackle the problem. The proposed controller can effectively improves the tracking performance of the PWM inverter at large variation conditions. Since the control signal of a PWM inverter, the duty cycle, is unchanged within one switching period, the inverter is suitable to be represented by discrete-time state equations. A discrete-time model for PWM inverters is thus proposed. Then, a discrete-time sliding mode controller based on an improved reaching condition proposed by Gao et. al is derived and implemented using analog circuitry. The design procedures of the sliding mode controller is discussed in details in this dissertation. The technique developed can also be applied to the design of sliding mode controller for systems other than power inverters. The controller is then applied to control a PWM inverter with large load changes. Simulation results have shown that the proposed control method can give better output transient response than that using the conventional voltage feedback control scheme. |
| Author |
Lai, Man-yee |
| Title |
Symbol synchronization of Code Division Multiple Access mobile communication system |
| Department |
Multi-disciplinary Studies Dept. of Electronic and Information Engineering |
| Year | 2000 |
| Subject |
Code division multiple access Mobile communication systems Hong Kong Polytechnic University -- Dissertations |
| Degree | M.Sc. |
| Pages | viii, 62 leaves : ill. ; 30 cm |
| Language | English |
| OneSearch | https://www.lib.polyu.edu.hk/bib/b1527604 |
| URI: | http://theses.lib.polyu.edu.hk/handle/200/4095 |
| Abstract | Correct synchronization is essential for CDMA mobile communication system. In this report, a typical DS-CDMA receiver model is simulated: Six user signals, encoding with different PN codes, are transmitted through Rayleigh fading channels with three paths per channel and summed. Different environment parameters including clock drift and additive white guassian noise are used. The signal is then correlated with a locally generated PN code by means of a matched filter. To obtain the symbol synchronization information, several algorithms have been developed. The algorithms are analyzed and compared to study the pros and cons to different environment parameters. |
| Author |
Lau, Wai-yin |
| Title |
Symmetrical learning behavior in Cantonese-speaking children with Down syndrome, and with other mental retardation : a comparative study |
| Department | Dept. of Nursing and Health Sciences |
| Year | 1999 |
| Subject |
Children -- Language acquisition Chinese language -- Acquisition Visual perception in children Children with mental disabilities -- Language Down syndrome Hong Kong Polytechnic University -- Dissertations |
| Degree | M.Phil. |
| Pages | xii, 155 leaves ; 31 cm |
| Language | English |
| OneSearch | https://www.lib.polyu.edu.hk/bib/b1484711 |
| URI: | http://theses.lib.polyu.edu.hk/handle/200/2617 |
| Abstract | Visual perception is an important ability in learning Chinese characters. There is no rule telling the relationship between sound, shape and meaning of each Chinese characters, learning Chinese characters may be a difficult task to some children, especially for children with limited intellectual abilities. Past research suggested that symmetry provokes perceptual advantage, and facilitates performance in cognitive tasks. And it is observed that many Chinese characters are symmetrically structured. Purpose of the present study is to examine whether symmetry facilitates visual perception and thus help children in learning Chinese characters. Performance in children with different intellectual functioning may give an understanding of the cognitive development of children. There are three groups of children participated in the present study. They are children with average intelligence, with mental retardation, and with Down syndrome. Cognitive tasks, matching and memory tests, are used to examine performance with different types of stimuli in the three groups of children. Stimuli include symmetries, asymmetries, words, and non-word. Results suggest that symmetry did facilitate performance in children with average intelligence and children with mental retardation. Although children with Down syndrome is more affected by previous experience with stimuli instead of symmetry, their performance is not significantly different form children with average intelligence. Results validate Western research about symmetry with stimuli from real life, whereas the previous research was conducted with stimuli designed for experimental purpose. Performance of children with Down syndrome also supported to extend the "developmental position" to children with mental retardation associated with clear etiology. The "development position" in cognitive development of children with mental retardation stated that cognitive development of children with mental retardation develop along the same path as normally developed children. Results showed that performance with children with Down syndrome is not significantly different from children with average intelligence further support extension of the "development position" to children with mental retardation associated with clear etiology. |
| Author |
Chan, On Ki |
| Title |
Synergistic enhancement of strength and wear resistance of titanium alloys by TiN surface network reinforcement |
| Department | Dept. of Industrial and Systems Engineering |
| Year | 2015 |
| Subject |
Nickel-titanium alloys Surfaces (Technology) Hong Kong Polytechnic University -- Dissertations |
| Degree | M.Phil. |
| Pages | xi, 152 leaves : illustrations (some color) ; 30 cm |
| Language | English |
| OneSearch | https://www.lib.polyu.edu.hk/bib/b2806902 |
| URI: | http://theses.lib.polyu.edu.hk/handle/200/7958 |
| Abstract | Because of the unique properties as smart material and the biocompatibility, near-equiatomic nickel titanium (NiTi) was widely applied in making biomedical devices. Further improvements in the tribological and mechanical properties of NiTi could bring benefit in improving biocompatibility and durability of these devices. Various surface modification techniques such as PVD, CVD, plasma spraying, etc., have been developed and applied on NiTi over years but all of these techniques have different limitations such as poor interfacial bonding at the surface and long production time. This project investigates the feasibility of applying laser gas nitriding technique to improve the tensile stiffness, wear resistance and corrosion resistance of nickel titanium (NiTi). In the present work, a continuous wave fibre laser was applied to perform laser gas nitriding process under a pure nitrogen environment on the substrate of commercial NiTi plates. A Taguchi analysis was implemented in this project to optimize the process parameters for laser gas nitriding. Optimum parameters for nitriding in terms of output power, scanning speed, beam diameter and nitrogen flow rate were obtained. The optimum set of process parameter for laser gas nitriding was subsequently applied to fabricate titanium nitride (TiN) tracks on surface of NiTi with hardness more than 700HV. With the optimized parameters, different thickness of TiN single track could be produced at the surface of the NiTi alloy using laser gas nitriding. Two schemes of combining single TiN tracks were investigated: a) parallel longitudinal tracks for studying the effect of laser gas nitriding on the tensile stiffness of NiTi; b) network grid for studying the effect of laser gas nitriding on wear and corrosion resistance of NiTi. The results from scheme (a) indicate that the amount of TiN surface coverage may not be a linear relationship with the increase of the tensile stiffness of the NiTi. Sample with 40% TiN surface coverage has the highest tensile stiffness. Using scheme (b), with a 47% and 76% grid surface coverage, the average wearing volume are 0.00495 μm² and 0.00859 μm² respectively less than that of the untreated NiTi. The corrosion resistance of the NiTi is enhanced as well. The icorr for untreated, 47% and 76% grid surface coverage was 0.5μA/cm² and 0.34μA/cm² respectively. It could be concluded that reinforcement tracks or grid of TiN by laser gas nitriding could be effective in improving the tensile stiffness, wear and corrosion properties of NiTi. These innovative surfacing schemes enable NiTi to be treated in an efficient and more economical way. |
| Author |
Ng, Siu-man |
| Title |
Syntheses and characterization of ruthenium n2-dihydrogen and n2-silane complexes |
| Department | Dept. of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology |
| Year | 1998 |
| Subject |
Ruthenium Silane Ligand binding (Biochemistry) Hong Kong Polytechnic University -- Dissertations |
| Degree | M.Phil. |
| Pages | xix, 161 leaves : ill. ; 30 cm |
| Language | English |
| OneSearch | https://www.lib.polyu.edu.hk/bib/b1446424 |
| URI: | http://theses.lib.polyu.edu.hk/handle/200/4712 |
| Abstract | Protonation of [RCnRuH(L)(L')]+ (RCn = 1,4,7-triazacyclononane and 1,4,7-trimethyl-1,4,7-triazacyclononane, (L)(L') = (PPh3)2, dppe, and (CO)(PPh3)) and TpRuH(dppe) (Tp = hydrotris(pyrazolyl)borato) produced the corresponding dicationic dihydrogen complexes [RCnRu(H2)(L)(L')]2+ and new monocationic dihydrogen complex [TpRu(H2)(dppe)]+, respectively. pKa measurments indicate that the dicationic 庢2-H2 complexes are more acidic than their monocationic Tp and Cp counterparts. [MeCnRu(H2)(CO)(PPh3)]2+ was found to be more acidic than [HCnRu(H2)(CO)(PPh3)]2+, probably due to stronger H-H interaction in the latter complex. It is also noted that triazacyclononane and hydrotris(pyrazolyl)borato dihydrogen complexes with pseudo aqueous pKa values well above that of H3O+ can be deprotonated by H2O to form the corresponding monohydride complexes in organic/aqueous mixed solvents. It is believed that deprotonation of the dihydrogen ligands in these complexes is assisted by strong solvation of H+ by H2O. No silane complex was observed in the reaction of [TpRu(H2)(PPh3)2]+ with silane, although the 庢2-H2 ligand had undoubtedly been displaced. The silane complex had probably been formed, but it was readily attacked by nucleophilic species such as the counterion BF4- or water in the solvent. It was found that ruthenium solvent hydride complex [TpRuH(CH3CN)(PPh3)] reacted with silanes HSiR3 ( R3 = HPh2, HEt2, Ph3, Et3, H2Ph and (OEt)3) to yield the silane complexes [TpRuH(HSiR3)(PPh3)] which, instead of equilbrating between the 庢2-silane and 庢2-H2 tautomeric forms, interchanged the H atoms rapidly, and rendering them equivalent. The silane complex [TpRuH(HSiR3)(PPh3)] is analogous to the dihydrogen hydride complex TpRuH(H2)(PPh3) which we have recently reported. |
| Author |
Hung, Mei-yuen |
| Title |
Synthesis and characterization of osmium dihydrogen and ruthenium indenyl complexes |
| Department | Dept. of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology |
| Year | 1999 |
| Subject |
Complex compounds Osmium compounds Ruthenium Hong Kong Polytechnic University -- Dissertations |
| Degree | M.Phil. |
| Pages | x, 180 leaves : ill. ; 30 cm |
| Language | English |
| OneSearch | https://www.lib.polyu.edu.hk/bib/b1489851 |
| URI: | http://theses.lib.polyu.edu.hk/handle/200/4757 |
| Abstract | The pentacoordinated complex Os(PPh3)3Cl2 reacts with KTp in isopropanol at room temperature to give TpOsCl(PPh3)3 (2), which reacts with dppe and dppp in dioxane to give TpOsCl(dppe) 3 and TpOsCl(dppp) 4, respectively. The X-ray structure of compound 2 has been determined and it shows that the Tp ligand is coordinated in tridentate form. The compound crystallized in the monoclince space group with a = 10.328(0), b = 24.957(5), c= 17.321(0)A, b=92.81o and z= 4. The structure has been refined to R = 0.036, R' = 0.046. Protonation of TpOsH(Ls) (L2 = (PPh3)2 6, dppe 7, dppp 8) with HBF4 produce the corresponding dihydrogen complexes [TpOs(n2-H2)(L2)]BF4(L2 = (PPh3)2 9,dppe 10, dppp11). The pseudo-aqueous pKa values of 9 - 11 have been determined in dichloromethane, and they indicate that [TpOs(n2-H2)(L2)]BF4 are more acidic than the Cp analogues trans-[CpOsH2(L2)]BF4. Protonation of the n5-indenyl ruthenium complexes (n5-C9H7)RuH(L2); [L2 = dppm (16), dppe (17), dppp (18 PPh3)(19)] in CD2Cl2 at -60oC with trifluoromethanesulfonic acid leads to the formation of the dihydrogen (n2-H2) complexes or trans-dihydride monocations or mixture of both depending on the size of the chelating rings of the phosphine ligands. 1H NMR study of the protonation of 16 - 19 with HBF4 revealed the initial formation of the dihydrogen complexes [(n5-C9H7)Ru(n2-H2)(L2)]BF4 (L2 = dppm 20, dppe 21, dppp 23) or dihydride complexes [n5-C9H7]RuH2(L2)]BF4; (L2 = dppe 22, dppp 24, (PPh3)2 25)which slowly transformed irreversibly into [(n6-C9H8)RuH(L2)]+ (26-29). Proton abstraction from (26-29) with triethylamine in dichloromethane regenerated (16-19). The reactivity of (n5-C9H7)RuH(dppm) 16 has been examined for its ability to activate C-H bonds. The complex activates aromatic C-H bonds of common solvent like benzene, toluene, chlorobenzene, nitrobenzene and pyridine under thermal condition, as probed by catalytic H/D exchange between H2 and the deuterated solvents; the C-H activation is further evidenced by the H/D exchange among H2, D2O, and the non-deuterated solvents. Mechanisms involving o-metathesis steps are proposed to account for the H/D exchange. It is found that the electron-withdrawing substituents on the aromatic rings enhance the H/D exchange reactions between D2O and the aromatic solvents in the D2O/H2/solvent systems. This is in accord with increased acidity of the aryl hydrogens with electron-withdrawing substituents. The fD values (fD = fraction of D in the organic solvents that undergo C-H activation) of mono-substituted benzenes increase in the order NH2<CH3<H~Cl<NO2 for the 16 catalyzed H/D exchange reactions, this trend is in consonance with the electron withdrawing ability of the substituents on the aromatic rings. Selectivity in C-H activation is observed in benzene derivatives. Lack of H/D exchange in the ortho positions of toluene, chlorobenzene, nitrobenzene is attributable to steric hindrance of the substituents; and the high ortho selectivity in pyridine is due to the neighboring group participation effect. In addition, 16 is found to be an effective catalyst for the hydration of benzonitrile under thermal condition. A mechanism involving external and internal attack of the carbon atom of the benzonitrile is proposed. |