Rozprawy doktorskie na temat „RETENTION OF PRODUCT”

Aim: The aim of this study is to examine and compare the importance of services and products in grocery store and to study the effects of services and products on customer retention. Method: This study is quantitative and data is collected by conducting a survey. Primary data is collected through questionnaires by visiting the stores in two cities of Sweden, namely Bollnäs and Gävle. In order to study the importance of service and products, importance scale is used in the questionnaire. Comparative analysis is used to analyze the data. Results & Conclusions: The results show that customers are more concerned about the quality of products rather than quality of services. Further, it is found that among all service elements, personal interaction is considered more important whereas, among products elements, quality of products has most influence on customer decisions. After the comparison of services and products, we found out that product quality influences customer retention to a greater extent. Suggestions for future research: Research always continues and could be followed up with more perception dimensions either from customers’ perspectives or from managerial perspectives. Future research can be conducted to study managerial perception of service and product quality. Furthermore, future research can be conducted to find out other factors that determine customer retention. Customers from multiple stores and larger cities can also be the theme for future researches. Contribution of the study: This study helps retail business to build strong customer base by focusing first on quality of products and then services. Further this helps firms to know how customer’s decision making is affected. Firms with limited resources can first focus on product improvement then on services.

The recombinant product is secreted to the periplasm in many processes where E. coli is used as host. One drawback with secretion is the undesired leakage of the periplasmic products to the medium.

The aim of this work was to find strategies to influence the periplasmic retention of recombinant products. We have focused on the role of the specific growth rate, a parameter that is usually controlled in industrial bioprocesses. The hypothesis was that the stability of the outer membrane in E. coli is gained from a certain combination of specific phospholipids and fatty acids on one side and the amount and specificity of the outer membrane proteins on the other side, and that the specific growth rate influences this structure and therefore can be used to control the periplasmic retention.

We found that is possible to control the periplasmic retention by the growth rate. The leakage of the product increased as the growth rate increased. It was however also found that a higher growth rate resulted in increased productivity. This resulted in equal amounts of product inside the cells regardless of growth rate.

We also showed that the growth rate influenced the outer membrane composition with respect to OmpF and LamB while OmpA was largely unaffected. The total amount of outer membrane proteins decreased as the growth rate increased. There were further reductions in outer membrane protein accumulation when the recombinant product was secreted to the periplasm. The lowered amount of outer membrane proteins may have contributed to the reduced ability for the cell to retain the product in the periplasm.

The traditional way to control the growth rate is through a feed of substrate in a fed-batch process. In this work we used strains with a set of mutations in the phosphotransferase system (PTS) with a reduced uptake rate of glucose to investigate if these strains could be used for growth rate control in batch cultivations without the use of fed-batch control equipment. The hypothesis was that the lowering of the growth rate on cell level would result in the establishment of fed-batch similar conditions.

This study showed that it is possible to control the growth rate in batch cultivations by using mutant strains with a decreased level of substrate uptake rate. The mutants also produced equivalent amounts of acetic acid as the wild type did in fed-batch cultivation with the same growth rate. The oxygen consumption rates were also comparable. A higher cell density was reached with one of the mutants than with the wild type in batch cultivations. It is possible to control the growth rate by the use of the mutants in small-scale batch cultivations without fed-batch control equipment.

Information exchange is becoming more and more important as modern manufacturers increasingly rely on integrated product development. Research shows that designers may not be aware of existing information or be willing to disrupt their work to search for the relevant information. One part of the answer to issues related to understanding, availability and actual consideration is context. The research trend in knowledge sharing seems to be moving towards integration of additional platform-independent applications and lightweight product representations to accommodate contextual communication, even though findings suggest user reservation to additional applications. The part Computer Aided Design and Engineering systems play in the product lifecycle however continues to expand, as is the concept of Simulation-Driven Design as a means of ensuring downstream product lifecycle consideration. The underlying purpose of the research presented in this thesis is essentially to, enable and ensure awareness, access and understanding of product and process related information, for relevant actors, during relevant activities and within relevant environments.The proposed approach serves to enable, and to an extent ensure, contextual decision support within the early stages of product development, thus increasing the foundation for continued understanding and overall development. The approach has been implemented, and the resulting demonstrator includes but a few examples of how heavyweight technologies can, and to an extent should be used to ensure a better foundation for design decisions. The presented approach is a general way of not only enabling Simulation-Driven Design capabilities, but ensuring that they in fact have the desired impact. Investigations and demonstrator evaluations show that access to supporting tools and relevant information has to be made readily and contextually available. These have to be intuitive, integrated into the environment where they are needed, and ultimately be perceived as a natural part of daily development in order for them to be accepted and used. It is important to realise that the tools themselves are no cure-alls, nor are they replacements for purposeful communication and conscious consideration to all aspects of the product lifecycle. Still, transparency and an educational approach to tool development could be a catalyst, an entry point towards ensuring insight and understanding, so that each actor in turn can act with consideration to the product lifecycle as a whole, instead of just the task at hand.
Godkänd; 2012; 20120507 (miclun); LICENTIATSEMINARIUM Ämnesområde: Datorstödd maskinkonstruktion/Computer Aided Design Examinator: Docent Mats Näsström, Institutionen för teknikvetenskap och matematik, Luleå tekniska universitet Diskutant: Teknisk doktor Martin Helgoson, AB Sandvik Coromant Tid: Torsdag den 14 juni 2012 kl 10.00 Plats: E231, Luleå tekniska universitet

In today's society, technology has been given a more prominent role. The amount of digital products is increasing exponentially and people have a large range of products to choose from. Consequently, the competitiveness between companies is great. This has called upon the emergence of a business model named Product-Led Growth (PLG). PLG is about how to develop a product so that it, with its features and properties, itself acquires, activates and retains customers. The goalis to create a viral product without extensive marketing. This Master's Thesis examines PLG and underlying theories. It presents a prototype of a framework for what a product development process with aPLG strategy could look like for a SaaS company. The work is carried outwith a qualitative research study with semi-structured interviews and a thematic analysis. The work demonstrates how PLG can be implemented in astructured product development process. The work also suggests that PLGis not only a method for product development, but also a method forbeing successful in the market. The method highlights the importance of creating a virality, which is integrated from the beginning of the development process. A main component in PLG is to allow customers to participate in product development, so that a value gap does not arise between users' expectations and what the product delivers.

Master of Science
Department of Grain Science and Industry
Subramanyam Bhadriraju
The development, relative retention, and oviposition of the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae), on six different types of starches, wheat flour, and wheat flour plus yeast were investigated in the laboratory. The particle size of starch and flours were different; the mean size of 90% of particles for starches ranged from 15 μm for high amylose corn starch to 58 μm for potato, whereas that of the flour was ≤ 133 μm. Larval length, head capsule width, and weight gain of T. castaneum larvae were measured every 3 d on starches, flour, and flour plus 5% (by wt) yeast diet for 30 d at 28oC, 65% r.h., and 14:10 (L:D) photoperiod. Larvae reared on flour and flour plus yeast developed normally and showed better survival compared to those reared on starches. Larvae on the starches failed to develop beyond second, and rarely, third instars. Adults of T. castaneum did not show any preference to flour over starches in dual-choice tests in circular arenas. On average, T. castaneum laid less than 3 eggs/female over a 15-d period on starches compared to 97 and 109 eggs/female on flour and flour plus yeast diet, respectively. These studies suggest that starches are poor substrates for larval survival and development. Starches were as attractive as flour to adults; however, starches do not appear to be a suitable medium for egg-laying. Both aggregation pheromone and volatiles did not trigger oviposition behavior. Experiments by moving adults between wheat starch and wheat flour and vice versa showed that feeding on wheat flour was necessary for egg-laying, indicating the absence of essential nutrients in wheat starch. On wheat flour, feeding for 0.5 d was necessary to lay eggs. Females that were starved failed to lay eggs, reinforcing that the nutrional status of females and not males was essential for egg-laying. A minimum of 4% of wheat gluten (wheat protein) elicited egg-laying on starches, although 4-5 times fewer eggs were laid in starch gluten compared with wheat flour alone. Supplementing wheat starch with 1% cholesterol, in addition, to gluten, did not result in an increase in egg-laying by T. castaneum females. These findings suggest that starches may have potential in managing development and reproduction of T. castaneum—a pest that is common and severe in food-processing facilities. Furthermore, starches can be used as a suitable substrate for studying the nutritional ecology of T. castaneum.

The effect of solids retention time (SRT) or sludge age on activated sludge properties and effluent quality was investigated using laboratory scale reactors. It was found that an increase in SRT resulted in an increase in effluent solution polysaccharide, with the < 3,000 daltons (3K) size fraction contributing up to 68 percent of solution polysaccharides. The feed consisted of low molecular weight, readily degradable protein, suggesting that the observed increases in protein and polysaccharide were due to increased release of exocellular microbial product (EMP). The increase in solution protein and polysaccharide resulted in an increase in effluent chemical oxygen demand (COD). The increase in effluent COD was not accompanied by a similar increase in effluent biological oxygen demand (BOD), indicating that the EMPs released were resistant to biodegradation. At the highest SRT, the resistance to shear decreased and the capillary suction time (CST) increased. Following an initial increase, the sludge volume index (SVI) decreased at higher SRT.
Master of Science

This dissertation explores the manner in which a marketing strategy known as cross-promotion affects consumer processing and evaluation of promotional information. Specifically, variation in key dimensions of cross-promotion is examined to determine the effects on attitude formation and memory retention. Cross-promotion is defined as any promotion that combines two or more different products and brands in a cooperative manner. Based on the presence of both multiple products and multiple brands, a unique aspect of cross-promotion is the two-dimensional nature of fit on both the brand and the product levels. It is this two-dimensional fit that is examined as the key variable that affects both memory and attitude. Literature in the fields of cognitive and social psychology provides a foundation for the development of a theoretical framework of cross-promotion. Specifically, the concepts of categorization and congruency provide a relevant application of the how distinct items present in a given context affect cognitive and evaluative processes. Based on this literature, it is proposed that brand fit and product fit each affect different dimensions of elaboration in distinct manners. The involvement of elaboration processes in cross-promotional evaluation leads to the logical development of hypothesized relationships between cross-promotional fit and memory and attitude. A 2 x 2 factorial experiment is designed as a means of testing the hypotheses. Using original print advertisements as stimuli, participants are presented with cross-promotional material in a laboratory setting and tested for levels of the dependent measures. The data from this study are examined through a series of ANOVAs. Results provide partial support for the hypotheses. The most interesting finding is the confirmation that a low level of brand fit, crossed with a high level of product fit, can actually lead to the highest level of memory retention and the development of more positive attitudes than when both dimensions of fit are high.

Sediment control devices (SCDs) are critical to reducing the contamination of waterways from adjacent construction sites. Perimeter sediment controls retard the flow of surface runoff water originating on site and subsequently reduce solid, nutrient, and metal concentrations suspended in the flowing water. Silt fence is a commonly used SCD comprised of geotextile filter fabric, steel or wood support posts, and wire mesh reinforcement. The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) uses an extensive amount of silt fence every year, and because of high degradation of geotextile in the field, the silt fence installations are rarely recycled. This research measures the performance of five SCDs (two types of silt fence, mulch berm, compost sock, and straw bales) at suspended solid, turbidity, nutrient, and metal reduction. A life cycle analysis (LCA) is performed to identify environmental impacts associated with material production, assembly, installation, use on site, and disposal. An impact analysis is performed according to for each SCD. Results of the impact analysis are compared to determine the SCD with lowest overall environmental impact. Results of the SCD performance study show that silt fence installations performed the best at reducing suspended solids and turbidity, mulch was best at reducing nutrients, and compost was the best at reducing metal concentrations. The life cycle impact analysis indicates that a mulch berm is the SCD with the lowest overall environmental impact. The impact analysis included global warming potential, acidification, eutrophication, and aquatic toxicity.

[EN] Sustainability is nowadays an investment for the future of any economic activity. The current situation of crisis has had an adverse impact in most industries, including the agri-food sector. However, this industry has been relatively the least affected when compared with other industrial sectors. This is mainly attributed to the fact that food products continue to be basic for consumers despite the economic downturn. Therefore, the agri-food sector is a key element in the European economy and can play a crucial role in the achievement of the objectives set in the EU's strategy for 2020: ensuring a sustainable framework of growth of a more competitive economy. The European agri-food industry has focused on energy efficiency and on reducing greenhouse gases emissions, along with better management of their resources as a way to improve its industrial competitiveness. In this sense, the search for solutions to transform the by-products generated in high value-added ingredients, is a priority. In this context, the juice industry, as fundamental sub-sector within the food sector, and large waste generator, must exploit the opportunity to transform their by-products into useful and profitable products for society. This transformation presents some difficulties which impede the profitability of the process. These difficulties are associated with the by-product, such as its compositional variability and its seasonality, and current techniques of transformation as the high energy cost in dehydration processes. This thesis represents an innovative and sustainable solution for overcoming the disadvantages associated with the high costs of stabilization, turning this by-products into high value-added ingredients, from both, nutritional and technological, points of view. The aim is to develop a microwave coupled with hot air drying technique allowing maximizing profits by using the following strategy: reducing time and operational costs, producing a new ingredient rich in dietary fiber, with interesting technological properties for the development of healthy foods, studying the proposed comprehensive process and analyzing the new generated by-products. The methodological approach of the thesis been focused, on the one hand, on studying phenomena that govern the internal transport of water and energy through the orange peel during its dehydration applying thermodynamics. On the other hand, the energy consumption of the drying process, the technological and sensory properties of the fiber obtained and its potential use as a fat substitute have been compared with the conventional hot air drying method. Finally, the integrated process, including both the combined drying technique and the pretreatments needed for colour and bitter compounds extraction, is proposed as a new route of valorization, in which the new by-products obtained, polyphenols and carotenoid rich extracts, are analysed. This study has analyzed the microwave coupled with hot air process, developing tools that allow the adequate upscaling of the drying operation by adapting it to the best standards of quality of the final product. A monitoring system that ensures these standards has been designed. The quality and the energy consumption of the dietary fiber production process has been improved. The properties associated with its inclusion in food matrices have been optimized. An innovative and sustainable process for the stabilization of industrial by-products and for their further conversion into dietary fiber and other bioactive compounds, applying microwave coupled with hot air drying, has been developed.
[ES] La sostenibilidad es una de las apuestas de futuro en cualquier actividad económica. La situación de crisis ha tenido un impacto adverso en la mayoría de las industrias, incluyendo las de ámbito agroalimentario. Sin embargo, ésta ha sido relativamente la menos afectada cuando se compara con otros sectores industriales. Esto se atribuye al hecho de que los productos alimenticios continúan siendo básicos para los consumidores a pesar de la desaceleración económica. Por lo tanto, esta industria es un pilar fundamental en la economía europea y puede jugar un papel crucial en la consecución de los objetivos marcados en la Estrategia de la UE para 2020: asegurar un marco sostenible de crecimiento de una economía más competitiva. La industria agroalimentaria europea ha apostado por la eficiencia energética y la reducción de emisiones de gases invernadero, junto con una mejor gestión de sus recursos como vía para la mejora de su competitividad industrial. La búsqueda de soluciones para transformar los subproductos generados en ingredientes de alto valor añadido, es una de las prioridades. En este contexto, la industria productora de zumos, como subsector fundamental dentro del sector alimentario, y gran generador de residuos, tiene la oportunidad de transformar sus subproductos en productos útiles y rentables para la sociedad. Esta transformación presenta algunas dificultades que impiden la rentabilidad del proceso. Estas dificultades están asociadas al subproducto, como su variabilidad composicional o su estacionalidad, y a las técnicas actuales de transformación como el elevado coste energético en procesos de deshidratación. Esta tesis se plantea como una solución innovadora y sostenible para, más allá de superar los inconvenientes asociados a los altos costes de estabilización, transformar este subproducto en un ingrediente de alto valor añadido, tanto nutricional como tecnológico. Para ello se propone desarrollar una técnica de secado combinado por aire caliente y microondas que permita maximizar beneficios mediante la siguiente estrategia: reducir el tiempo y el coste energético de la operación, produciendo un nuevo ingrediente rico en fibra dietética con propiedades tecnológicas de interés para el desarrollo de alimentos más saludables, estudiando el proceso integral propuesto y analizando los nuevos subproductos generados. El enfoque metodológico de la tesis ha estado dirigido, por una parte, a estudiar los fenómenos que gobiernan el transporte interno de agua y energía a través de la piel de naranja durante su deshidratación, aplicando termodinámica. Por otra parte, el consumo energético del proceso de secado, las propiedades tecnológicas y sensoriales de la fibra obtenida y su potencial uso como ingrediente sustituto de grasa, se han comparado con el método de secado convencional por aire caliente. Finalmente, el proceso integrado, incluyendo tanto el secado combinado como las etapas previas de extracción de color y compuestos amargos, se propone como una nueva ruta de valorización, en la que se analizan posibles subproductos de interés tales como extractos ricos en polifenoles y carotenoides. En este estudio se ha analizado el proceso combinado de secado con aire caliente y microondas, desarrollando herramientas que permiten dimensionar adecuadamente la operación de secado adaptándola a los estándares óptimos de calidad del producto final. Se ha diseñado un sistema de monitorización que asegure dichos estándares. Se ha mejorado el proceso de obtención de fibra alimentaria respecto a su calidad y a su gasto energético. Se han optimizado las propiedades asociadas a su inclusión en matrices alimentarias. Se ha desarrollado un proceso innovador y sostenible para la estabilización de subproductos vegetales de origen industrial y para su posterior conversión en fibra dietética y otros compuestos bioactivos, aplicando la tecnología de secado por aire caliente y
[CAT] La sostenibilitat és una de les apostes de futur en qualsevol activitat econòmica. L'actual situació de crisi ha tingut un impacte advers en la majoria de les indústries, incloent les d'àmbit agroalimentari. No obstant això, la indústria agroalimentària ha sigut relativament la menys afectada quan es compara amb altres sectors industrials. Açò s'atribuïx principalment al fet de que els productes alimentaris continuen sent bàsics per als consumidors a pesar de la desacceleració econòmica. Per tant, esta indústria és un pilar fonamental en l'economia europea i pot jugar un paper crucial en la consecució dels objectius marcats en l'Estratègia de la UE per a 2020: assegurar un marc sostenible de creixement d'una economia més competitiva. La indústria agroalimentària europea ha apostat per l'eficiència energètica i la reducció d'emissions de gasos d'efecte hivernacle, junt amb una millor gestió dels seus recursos com a via per a la millora del seu vaig competirtu En este sentit, la busca de solucions per a transformar els subproductes generats en ingredients d'alt valor afegit, és una de les prioritats. En este context, la indústria productora de sucs, com subsector fonamental dins del sector alimentari, i gran generador de residus, té el deure i l'oportunitat de transformar els seus subproductes en productes útils i rendibles per a la societat. Esta transformació presenta algunes dificultats que impedixen la rendibilitat del procés. Estes dificultats estan associades al subproducte, com la seua variabilitat composicional o la seua estacionalitat, i a les tècniques actuals de transformació com l'elevat cost energètic en processos de deshidratació. Esta tesi es planteja com una solució innovadora i sostenible per a, més enllà de superar els inconvenients associats als alts costos d'estabilització, transformar este subproducte en un ingredient d'alt valor afegit, tant nutricional com tecnològic. Per a això es proposa desenvolupar una tècnica de'assecat combinat per aire calent i microones que permeta maximitzar beneficis per mitjà de l'estratègia següent: reduir el temps i el cost energètic de l'operació, produint un nou ingredient ric en fibra dietètica amb propietats tecnològiques d'interés per al desenvolupament d'aliments més saludables, estudiant el procés integral proposat i analitzant els nous subproductes generats. L'enfocament metodològic de la tesi ha estat dirigit, d'una banda, a estudiar els fenòmens que governen el transport intern d'aigua i energia a través de la pell de taronja durant la seua deshidratació, aplicant termodinàmica. D'altra banda, el consum energètic del procés de d'assecat, les propietats tecnològiques i sensorials de la fibra obtinguda i el seu potencial ús com a ingredient substitut de greix, s'han comparat amb el mètode d'assecat convencional per aire calent. Finalment, el procés integrat, incloent tant l'assecat combinat com les etapes prèvies d'extracció de color i compostos amargs, es proposa com una nova ruta de valoració, en la que s'analitzen possibles subproductes d'interés com ara extractes rics en polifenoles i carotenoides. En este estudi s'ha analitzat el procés combinat d'assecat amb aire calent i microones, desenvolupant ferramentes que permeten dimensionar adequadament l'operació d'assecat adaptant-la als estàndards òptims de qualitat del producte final. S'ha dissenyat un sistema de monitorització que assegure els dits estàndards. S'ha millorat el procés d'obtenció de fibra alimentaria respecte a la seua qualitat i al seu consum energètic. S'han optimitzat les propietats associades a la seua inclusió en matrius alimentàries. S'ha desenvolupat un procés innovador i sostenible per a l'estabilització de subproductes vegetals d'origen industrial i per a la seua posterior conversió en fibra dietètica i altres compostos bioactius, aplicant la tecnologia d'assecat por aire calent i microones.
Talens Vila, C. (2015). DESARROLLO DE TÉCNICAS COMBINADAS DE SECADO CON AIRE CALIENTE Y MICROONDAS EN LA PRODUCCIÓN DE FIBRA ALIMENTARIA A PARTIR DE SUBPRODUCTOS CÍTRICOS [Tesis doctoral no publicada]. Universitat Politècnica de València. https://doi.org/10.4995/Thesis/10251/54114
TESIS

Given issues in education concerning teacher shortages, the omnipresence of alternative certification programs and the growth of online programs in higher education, this study investigated teacher retention for 77 secondary education teachers who completed an online teacher preparation program in Texas. Teacher retention was examined from 2003-2013 and investigated the influence of factors such personal characteristics, working conditions and school setting characteristics on teacher retention. Data was collected electronically utilizing a survey instrument designed by two teacher education experts and I. A total of 21 variables and two open-ended questions were investigated using the survey instrument. Exploratory factor and hierarchical multiple regression analyses were conducted to identify a multi-factor model for teacher retention utilizing the participants' survey responses. These analyses yielded evidence of the program's effectiveness in preparing teachers for long careers. Specifically, the areas of program support, field experience, and classroom management were statistically significant factors that contributed positively to teacher retention. Additionally, variables outside the program, were examined. These factors included personal characteristics, working conditions, and school setting factors. The predictor model accounted for 56% of the variance; F (17, 54) = 3.015; p = < 0.001. In particular, working conditions contributed to 41% of the variance associated with the teacher retention model. A qualitative analysis of open-ended survey questions was used to further examine decisions to remain in teaching. Support of administration, colleagues, staff, and parents was shown to influence teacher retention.

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to increase the understanding of how multisided platforms (MSP) could retain different user groups on their platform. To fulfill the purpose, the following research questions (RQ) were derived: RQ 1: How could MSPs design their activities to retain users on the producer side(s)? and RQ 2: How could MSPs design their activities to retain users on the consumer side(s)? Method – This study was conducted as an abductive single case study based on a multisided platform developed within the health sector. In addition, complimentary interviews were conducted to validate and expand the result from the case study. In total, 15 interviews were conducted and analyzed through thematic analysis. Findings – The findings are presented in a framework showing what activities to conduct in certain stages of platform development and is divided between two distinct platform sides, producers and consumers. The different stages are relative to critical mass i.e. how many users the MSP has and shows which activities that is necessary in these stages. Theoretical implication and Practical implication – The study suggests activities necessary for retaining users on MSPs seen to certain stages of development. Additional contributions are (1) in the beginning, MSPs should initially focus on the platform side who provides the most viable product, (2) mass in users is a prerequisite for finding the right matches, and (3) “super-platforms” with many value offerings will be key for retaining users and long-term success. The practical implications are (1) which activities that are necessary on a certain side of the MSP, (2) guiding managers with which activities that are suitable in a certain stage of platform development, and (3) provide managers with the ability to plan future activities. Limitations and Future Research – This study is conducted in South-east Asia which implies that a similar study should be conducted in a western context. Furthermore, it is limited to a single-case study of an MSP, although there were exploratory and confirmative interviews with other companies. Future research should therefore include a multiple-case study to compare how different MSPs work with retention. Lastly, further studies into what critical mass is and how to estimate that, should be considered.

Five different combinations of Hydraulic Retention Times (HRT) and temperatures were used in a two stage (feed and test reactor) Autothermal Thermophilic Aerobic Digestion System to assess the impact of these parameters on the production of odorous gases. The gases monitored were hydrogen sulphide, dimethyl sulphide, methyl mercaptan, ammonia, and amines. Other liquid parameters were also monitored in order to better understand the impacts of temperature and HRT. These parameters are total solids content, volatile solids content, volatile solids destruction, specific oxygen uptake rate, alkalinity, ammonia concentration, and pH. In order to assess the character of the sludge and understand the digestion process the carbohydrate, fat, and protein content were also measured in the inputs and in the test reactor. It was found that all of the odorous compounds measured were affected by stage of digestion and temperature more than by HRT. Of the five compounds monitored, none were affected by changes in the HRT of the test reactor. However, the concentrations measured in the feed and test reactors were often a degree of magnitude apart. The reduced sulphur compounds (hydrogen sulphide, methyl mercaptan, and dimethyl sulphide) were found in higher concentrations in the feed reactor than in the test reactor; whereas ammonia and amines were found in much higher concentrations in the test reactor than in the feed reactor. Also, ammonia concentrations were significantly higher in both reactors when the temperature was higher; and amine concentration was higher in the test reactor when the temperature was higher. One set of tests for volatile fatty acid concentration was also undertaken. While breakdown of the carbohydrates and fats occurred throughout the process, proteins were broken down into their amino acids, releasing reduced sulphur compounds in the feed reactor and then deaminated, releasing ammonia and amines in the test reactor.

Les techniques de la chromatographie en phase liquide ont permis de mettre au point une separation optimisee des impuretes de la cyclododecanone oxime. La methode la plus performante est la chromatographie de partage a polarite de phases inversee sur un gel de silice greffee octadecyle avec une phase mobile ayant la composition suivante : methanol-acetonitrile-tetrahydrofurane-eau 33:24:3,5:39,5 (v/v). Une trentaine d'impuretes sont ainsi mises en evidence grace a l'emploi d'une colonne de petit calibre de 1 metre de long et de 1 millimetre de diametre interieur. Cette colonne contient 30000 plateaux theoriques. La duree de la separation est de 3,5 heures. L'identification d'un certain nombre de ces impuretes a ete effectuee par la conjonction de differentes methodes : couplage en ligne avec la spectrometrie de masse et chromatographie semi-preparative permettant d'isoler des quantites notables de certaines impuretes identifiees par la spectrometrie de masse differee de meme on a pu appliquer a ces impuretes la spectrometrie infrarouge par transformee de fourier

The aim of this work was to find a correlation between the electrical, optical and microstructural properties of thin SiO2 layers containing group IV nanostructures produced by ion beam synthesis. The investigations were focused on two main topics: The electrical properties of Ge- and Si-rich oxide layers were studied in order to check their suitability for non-volatile memory applications. Secondly, photo- and electroluminescence (PL and EL) results of Ge-, Si/C- and Sn-rich SiO2 layers were compared to electrical properties to get a better understanding of the luminescence mechanism.

The aim of this work was to find a correlation between the electrical, optical and microstructural properties of thin SiO2 layers containing group IV nanostructures produced by ion beam synthesis. The investigations were focused on two main topics: The electrical properties of Ge- and Si-rich oxide layers were studied in order to check their suitability for non-volatile memory applications. Secondly, photo- and electroluminescence (PL and EL) results of Ge-, Si/C- and Sn-rich SiO2 layers were compared to electrical properties to get a better understanding of the luminescence mechanism.

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The competition in the telecommunications industry has grown in Brazil since the privatization, forcing companies that are active in the market to a growing commitment to quality products and services in order to survive. In this context, this work aims to understand the main factors that influence the degree of satisfaction exists in respect of a mobile operator with its corporate customers. The research covered theoretical concepts and analytical models of quality management system and models of indices related to the measurement of customer satisfaction. For the field research was carried out in a practical application of the main approaches based on this thesis by a case study in corporate segment, through a questionnaire applied to 10 consultants and 40 corporate customers of that company. Comparing the results of research with the consultants and corporate clients there is the concern of respondents to the indicators that comprise the constructs of customer satisfaction, commitment calculated, the price index and the handling of complaints, denoting the dissatisfaction of the general assessment for corporate customers with the carrier, against its current expectations. It is concluded that the mobile operator of the telecommunications industry have a big challenge, after ten years of privatization and consequently the period of rapid expansion of customer base and with the depleted, retain corporate customers as highly strategic, thus avoiding that migrate to other companies. We emphasize the need for further research and analysis of different approaches through research and using the same models to specifically evaluate and measure customer satisfaction of mobile enterprise, to adjust the model to the national market. Finally, we suggest the creation of an effective customer loyalty program with a strategy of relationship and specific to the corporate sector of mobile telephony
A competi??o no setor de telecomunica??es tem crescido no Brasil desde a privatiza??o, obrigando as empresas que est?o atuando no mercado a um comprometimento cada vez maior com a qualidade dos produtos e servi?os prestados para poderem sobreviver. Neste contexto, este trabalho tem como objetivo principal entender os fatores que influenciam no grau de satisfa??o existente na rela??o de uma operadora de telefonia celular com seus clientes corporativos. A pesquisa te?rica abrangeu conceitos e an?lise de modelos de sistema de gest?o de qualidade e modelos de ?ndices relacionados ? mensura??o da satisfa??o do cliente. Para a pesquisa de campo procedeu-se a uma aplica??o pr?tica das principais abordagens fundamentadas nesta disserta??o via estudo de caso no segmento corporativo, atrav?s de question?rio aplicado a 10 consultores corporativos e 40 clientes desta mesma empresa. Comparando o resultado da pesquisa junto aos consultores e clientes corporativos verificou-se a preocupa??o dos entrevistados com os indicadores que comp?em os construtos satisfa??o do cliente, compromisso calculado, ?ndice de pre?os e tratamento das reclama??es, denotando pela avalia??o geral a insatisfa??o dos clientes corporativos para com a operadora, contrariando suas expectativas atuais. Conclui-se que as operadoras de telefonia celular do setor de telecomunica??es t?m um grande desafio, passado dez anos da privatiza??o e conseq?entemente do per?odo de expans?o vertiginosa da base de clientes e com o mercado exaurido, reter os clientes corporativos considerados altamente estrat?gicos, evitando assim que migrem para outras empresas. Enfatizamos a necessidade de novas pesquisas e enfoques de an?lise diferenciada atrav?s de pesquisas utilizando o mesmo e outros modelos para avaliar e medir especificamente a satisfa??o do cliente corporativo de telefonia celular, visando ajustar o modelo ao mercado nacional. Por fim, sugerimos a cria??o de um programa de fidelidade efetivo com uma estrat?gia definida de relacionamento e espec?fica para o setor corporativo de telefonia celular

The present thesis, which includes four main researches, aimed to study functional meat and meat products obtained from unconventional meat species, namely the rabbit and the ostrich. The first research tested the single and combined dietary supplementation with 5% Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) and 3% Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) to growing rabbits for 3 and 6 weeks, and it is articulated in four different subchapters. The first subchapter considered the effect on total tract apparent digestibility of nutrients and on the performances of growing rabbits and showed that that single and combined supplementation with Spirulina reduced the nutritive value of the diets. Despite this, no substantial effect on growth performance and health status, was observed. Future studies should take into consideration feed processing technology, pelleting, storage and packaging conditions, as they may reduce or nullify the nutrient and functional compounds’ availability. Moreover, Spirulina and/or Thyme effect on health status should be tested under poorer sanitary conditions. The second subchapter studied the effects on growing rabbit carcass composition, meat and bone rheological traits, and the vitamin B12 content of Longissimus dorsi (LD) meat. Spirulina was confirmed as a rich source of vitamin B12 that was successfully transferred into LD meat, thus demonstrating its value as an effective natural supplement in producing food fortified with this vital element. With this exception, the supplement as well as and the duration of treatment had no effect on the considered traits. The third subchapter evaluated the effect on rabbit meat during retail display. Thyme improved colour parameters and reduced exudative losses during a simulated retail display, also considering a shorter supplementation period. This would positively impact consumers at the time of purchase as well as farmers demand to limit production costs. Differently, Spirulina had no effect on oxidative stability of rabbit meat, maybe for the poor absorption from the gut as a result of interference on uptake of antioxidants by Spirulina, or maybe because dietary level of Spirulina was not adequate for rabbits requirements. The fourth subchapter studied the effects on raw and cooked rabbit meat quality, nutrient true retention and protection against oxidative stress conditions. The dietary inclusion of Spirulina improved the FA profile of the Longissimus dorsi and hind leg meat by significantly increasing γ-linolenic acid content. Thyme improved the oxidative stability of raw and freeze-dried HL meat but not that of cooked meat. As for the shelf-life trial, Spirulina was not observed to improve the oxidative stability of rabbit meat subjected to severe oxidative stress. The second research of the present thesis, aimed to evaluate the effect of the dietary single or combined supplementation with different natural additives (Oregano, Rosemary, vitamin E and Saccaromyces cerevisiae) on the performance of growing rabbits, the nutritional composition and oxidative stability of their meat and on their hind leg bone traits. The results of this research demonstrated that an adequate supplementation with natural antioxidants can also have a positive effect on productive performance and meat quality. The fifth chapter evaluated, for the first time, the unfermented and fermented rooibos (Aspalathus linearis) in preventing lipid oxidation in ostrich meat patties and ostrich salami. This plant showed interesting and promising antioxidant potential when applied to meat products, even if further study are necessary to deeply investigate long-term effects. The sixth chapter studied the effect of two different fat inclusion levels, NaCl contents and two LAB starter cultures on the weight loss, proximate composition and cholesterol content of ostrich salami ripened for 10 and 20 weeks. A lower fat content consistently shortened ripening time, thus being a positive aspect in terms of productivity, and it determined a higher nutrients concentration compared to high fat salami. Reducing the NaCl inclusion, retarded the weight loss of the product of about 1 week, without affecting its proximate composition. Finally, the metabolic activity of tested LAB starter cultures seemed to be influenced by the fat inclusion level, ultimately affecting the healthiness of the products at 10 weeks of ripening
La presente tesi si compone di quattro ricerche principali e si propone di studiare carne e prodotti carnei funzionali ottenuti da specie non convenzionali, lo struzzo e il coniglio. La prima ricerca ha testato l’inclusione singola o combinata, per 3 o 6 settimane, con il 5% di Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) ed il 3% di Timo (Thymus vulgaris) nella dieta di conigli in accrescimento. Questo primo capitolo si articola in quattro sottocapitoli. Il primo ha considerato l’effetto sulla digeribilità apparente delle diete e sulle prestazioni produttive di conigli in accrescimento e ha evidenziato che l’inclusione separata o combinata di Spirulina ha ridotto il valore nutritivo delle diete. Nonostante ciò, non è stato osservato alcun effetto sulle prestazioni produttive e sullo stato di salute degli animali. Studi futuri dovranno considerare la tecnologia di produzione del mangime, la pellettatura e le condizioni di confezionamento e stoccaggio, in quanto potrebbero ridurre o nullificare la disponibilità di componenti nutritivi e funzionali. Inoltre, l’inclusione di Spirulina e/o Timo dovrebbe essere testata in condizioni sanitarie più critiche. Il secondo sottocapitolo ha valutato l’effetto dell’inclusione di Spirulina e Timo sulla composizione della carcassa, le caratteristiche reologiche di carne ed ossa ed il contenuto di vitamina B12 del Longissimus dorsi (LD). Spirulina ha confermato di essere una fonte di vitamina B12, la quale è stata trasferita con successo nella carne del LD. Spirulina ha quindi dimostrando il suo valore quale additivo naturale per produrre alimenti fortificati con questo elemento. Per quanto riguarda gli altri aspetti considerati nella presente ricerca, gli additivi naturali testati non hanno avuto alcun effetto. Il terzo sottocapitolo ha studiato la “shelf-life” della carne fresca di coniglio durante una simulazione di esposizione finalizzata alla vendita. Il timo ha migliorato il colore e ridotto le perdite essudative della carne, anche quando è stato somministrato per il periodo più breve. Questo risultato da un lato è in grado di influenzare positivamente il consumatore al momento dell’acquisto, e dall’altro va incontro alle esigenze dell’allevatore di limitare i costi di produzione. Al contrario, Spirulina non ha avuto alcun effetto sulla stabilità ossidativa della carne, forse per uno scarso assorbimento intestinale dovuto all’interferenza degli antiossidanti presenti nella Spirulina stessa, oppure perché il livello di inclusione nella dieta non era adeguato alle esigenze dei conigli. Il quarto sottocapitolo ha testato l’effetto sulla qualità della carne cruda e cotta, sulla ritenzione reale dei nutrienti e sulla protezione nei confronti di condizioni di stress ossidativo. L’inclusione di Spirulina ha migliorato il profilo acidico del Longissimus dorsi e dell’arto posteriore di coniglio, attraverso l’aumento del contenuto dell’acido grasso γ-linolenico. Il Timo ha migliorato la stabilità ossidativa della carne dell’arto posteriore cruda e liofilizzata, ma non quella della carne cotta. Come era stato osservato nel precedente esperimento sulla “shelf-life” della carne di coniglio, Spirulina non ha migliorato la stabilità ossidativa della carne sottoposta a stress ossidativo intenso. Il secondo capitolo della presente tesi, ha considerato l’effetto dell’inclusione singola o combinata con diversi additivi naturali (Origano, Rosmarino, vitamina E e Saccaromyces cerevisiae) sulle prestazioni produttive di conigli in accrescimento, la composizione nutrizionale e la stabilità ossidativa della carne nonchè sulle caratteristiche ossee degli arti. I risultati di questa ricerca hanno dimostrato che un’adeguata inclusione di antiossidanti naturali nella dieta di conigli in accrescimento ha avuto un effetto positivo anche sulle prestazioni produttive e sulla qualità della carne. Il quinto capitolo, invece, ha studiato per la prima volta l’applicazione di rooibos (Aspalathus linearis), fermentato e non, sulla carne e prodotti derivati. In particolare, è stata valutata la sua capacità di prevenire l’ossidazione lipidica in polpette e salami di struzzo. I risultati hanno rivelato un interessante e promettente potenziale antiossidante di questa pianta nei confronti dei prodotti carnei testati. Tuttavia, sono necessari ulteriori studi per esaminarne l’efficacia a lungo termine. Il sesto ed ultimo capitolo, ha valutato due diversi livelli di grasso e NaCl, e due diversi starter microbici, sulle perdite di peso, composizione centesimale e contenuto di colesterolo di salami di struzzo stagionati per 10 e 20 settimane. Un minore contenuto di grasso ha ridotto considerevolmente il tempo di stagionatura, essendo quindi un aspetto positivo in termini di produttività, e ha determinato una maggiore concentrazione di nutrienti rispetto al salame preparato con il più alto livello di grasso. La riduzione del contenuto di NaCl ha ritardato le perdite di peso dei salami di 1 settimana, senza tuttavia modificare la composizione centesimale del prodotto. Infine, l’attività metabolica degli starter microbici testati è sembrata essere condizionata dal contenuto di grasso del salame e ciò, a 10 settimane di stagionatura, ha influenzato la salubrità del prodotto

This paper presents a case study in a car dealership, located in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. We aimed to examine the strategic management of services and identify factors such as competitive advantage to customer loyalty in a car dealership. To achieve this goal it was necessary at first, perform a search of the literature on service quality and, subsequently, analyze the survey of satisfaction with sales and delivery of new vehicles and a satisfaction survey with technical assistance services, both performed by the manufacturer. Subsequently, we identified which of the perception of the utility in relation to the five dimensions of quality, both for satisfaction with sales, and for satisfaction with the service. Following, was built from the macro auto dealership, where they identified six business processes, being the most important business process of selling new cars. To obtain a deeper knowledge about the process of selling new cars, was made its mapping and prepared the flow chart of the same. Produced after the cycle of service, where we observed the moments of truth in the process of selling new cars. The mapping of subprocess in preparation for delivery of new vehicles is also part of this work, because it is a continuation of the sale, being considered the grand finale. To collect the data was used documents and unstructured interviews, applied to the sales team, which identified the problems that cause more stress and rush to the team before the time of delivery of the vehicle. From that we attempted to identify the possible causes, through the use of cause and effect diagram 4M, and possible solutions. This analysis allowed us to elaborate the plan of action 5W1H, and use the method Pokayoke, as a preventive way for the occurrence of faults. Customer loyalty is directly related to their satisfaction, since only very satisfied customers have earned their loyalty. One way to achieve this high level of satisfaction is through the quality of services rendered flawlessly, as well as the quality of care.
O presente trabalho apresenta um estudo de caso, em uma concessionária de automóveis, localizada no interior do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. Objetivou-se analisar a gestão estratégica de serviços e identificar fatores como diferencial competitivo para a fidelização de clientes, em uma concessionária de automóveis. Para atingir esse objetivo foi necessário, num primeiro momento, realizar uma pesquisa bibliográfica sobre qualidade em serviços, e, num segundo momento, analisar a pesquisa de satisfação com vendas e entrega de veículos novos e a pesquisa de satisfação com os serviços de assistência técnica, ambas realizadas pela montadora. Posteriormente, identificou-se qual a percepção dos clientes da concessionária em relação às cinco dimensões da qualidade, tanto para a satisfação com vendas, como para a satisfação com o serviço. Na sequência, foi construído o macroprocesso da concessionária de automóveis, onde estão identificados os seis processos de negócios, sendo o de maior relevância o processo de negócio de venda de veículos novos. Para obter um conhecimento mais aprofundado sobre o processo de venda de veículos novos, foi feito o seu mapeamento e elaborado o fluxograma do mesmo. Após elaborou-se o ciclo de serviço, onde foram observados os momentos da verdade do processo de venda de veículos novos. O mapeamento do subprocesso de preparação de entrega de veículos novos também faz parte deste trabalho, pois o mesmo é uma continuidade da venda, sendo considerado o grand finale. Para coletar os dados foram utilizados documentos e entrevistas não estruturadas, aplicadas à equipe de vendas, onde se identificou os problemas que causam mais estresse e correria para a equipe antes da hora da entrega do veículo. A partir daí buscou-se identificar as possíveis causas, através do uso do Diagrama de causa e efeito de 4M, e, as possíveis soluções. Esta análise permitiu elaborar o Plano de ação 5W1H, e utilizar o método Poka-yoke, como forma preventiva para a ocorrência das falhas. A fidelidade dos clientes está diretamente ligada à sua satisfação, uma vez que, somente clientes muito satisfeitos têm sua fidelidade conquistada. Uma das maneiras para se alcançar este elevado nível de satisfação é através da qualidade dos serviços prestados sem falhas, bem como, da qualidade no atendimento.

Une approche intégrée physicochimie et relations structure-activité a été mise en œuvre afin d'étudier le phénomène rétention-libération des composés d'arôme dans un gel laitier allégé additionné de pectine. Notre objectif était d'identifier les propriétés moléculaires qui régissent ce phénomène en supposant que la modification de la structure entraîne forcement un changement dans la rétention-libération des composés d'arôme. Dans ce but, nous avons déterminé les coefficients de partage de 28 composés d'arôme dans l'eau, dans des gels de pectine et dans des gels laitiers avec ou sans de pectine, à l'équilibre en utilisant la méthode PRV (Phase Ratio Variation). Nous avons ensuite effectué une étude des relations structure-rétention en évaluant les corrélations entre les coefficients de partage et quatre descripteurs traduisant quatre propriétés moléculaires : l'hydrophobie globale, la surface moléculaire, la polarisabilité et la densité de charge négative. Notre démarche d'étude des relations structure-activité (Structure-Activity Relationships, SAR) consistait à étudier des composés d'arôme appartenant à une gamme de structures variée, dans un même ensemble, puis en sous-groupes en fonction d'une particularité structurale donnée afin de révéler les particularités de la structure qui influent sur le phénomène rétention-libération. La comparaison des rétentions entre les milieux n'a pas montré l'existence d'un effet pectine. Les études des relations structure-activité ont montré l'impact de certaines particularités structurales telles que la ramification et la double liaison sur la rétention. Elles ont également montré que l'hydrophobie globale des molécules n'était pas la propriété moléculaire la plus à même d'expliquer les phénomènes impliqués dans les interactions de molécules odorantes avec les constituants du milieu (eau ou gel laitier). La surface et la polarisabilité rendent mieux compte des rétentions des composés d'arôme. Les corrélations impliquant la surface, la polarisabilité et l'hydrophobie globale, confirment que les interactions de type van der Waals (essentiellement Keesom et London) sont favorables à la rétention dans les gels laitiers et défavorables à la rétention dans l'eau. De même, les corrélations impliquant la densité de charge montrent que les interactions polaires sont favorables à la rétention dans l'eau. Notre choix de départ, qui consistait à faire varier la structure des composés d'arôme afin d'apprécier son effet sur le phénomène rétention-libération des composés d'arôme, s'est avéré concluant, et le groupe de 28 composés permet effectivement de mener une étude quantitative des relations structure-propriété. Cette démarche QSAR pourra se transposer à des systèmes alimentaires simples ou complexes.

La valorisation des déchets industriels est de nos jour un défit international ayant des intérêts économiques et environnementaux. Dans ce cadre, l'entreprise Solvay travail sur la gestion de ses déchets et plus particulièrement ceux produits de la fabrication du carbonate de sodium " soude ". Ils sont actuellement stockés dans des bassins de décantation. Cependant, des contraintes règlementaires sont récemment apparues limitant ainsi la construction de nouveaux bassins. La valorisation de ces déchets est par conséquent impérative pour l'entreprise. Plusieurs voies de valorisation sont envisageables, notamment le recours à des nouveaux procédés qui permettraient d'en produire de nouveaux matériaux.En effet, un nouveau matériau issu des déchets industriels appelé " Gel d'Apatite " fait l'objet de ce travail de thèse. L'objectif est de caractériser le Gel d'Apatite et de proposer et d'étudier une voie permettant sa valorisation. Ce matériau est constitué principalement d'hydroxyapatite et de l'eau. Il se distingue par un comportement thixotropique et par sa capacité de rétention des métaux lourds. Cette dernière propriété a permis d'envisager sa valorisation dans la dépollution et la protection des nappes phréatiques. La voie étudiée dans ce travail de recherche est la valorisation du Gel d'Apatite dans les Barrières Perméables Réactives " BPR(s)"; technique passive de traitement des eaux souterraines in-situ.La finalité de ces travaux de recherche serait de dresser un cahier de charge du Gel d'Apatite et de définir un mélange conforme au mode de valorisation étudié

The purpose of this study is to find out how jingles used in advertisement plays a role in the retention of the product. A questionnaire was developed to acknowledge people about retention and recall of jingles. This survey is carried out in Delhi and about 32 responses were received from the subsequent questionnaire. The results have shown that people living in Delhi were all influenced by jingles. Moreover, among the two factors, music of jingles has a significant and positive effect on product retention and recall as compared to lyrics whose effect seems to be insignificant. This suggested that an inappropriate match of music in the advertisement with the brand or product being advertised might lead to misinterpretation of the advertising message and it can be distractive at times. Hence this result revealed the impact of music in advertising and how much it can affect the consumers. As the researchers did the research, it is proven that music in advertising is really important and it does affect consumers’ buying behavior.

碩士
國立高雄應用科技大學
國際企業系
98
Abstract In recent years, the competition is intensive in the market. The most important things for firm not only develops the new relationship the new customers but also maintain the relationship with the current customers, because the costs of looking for new customers are higher than maintaining the current customers. Therefore, in order to maintain the relationship with the current customers effectively, we should further understand the issues from the viewpoints of the customers. Two factors may influence their purchase intention the customer’s relation proneness and the switching cost. Beside, the product and the service are basically different, and that might have moderating effect on the customer’s purchase intention when they face different kind of products. In order to discuss these issues, this study used experimental design to collect data, and KUAS students were the research samples. We collected the questionnaires of 320 copies, 95 copies were invalid, totally 225(70.31%) copies are valid. The main results of this research are as follows: (1) The higher the customer’s relation proneness, the more customer retention intention. (2) The higher the switching cost, the more customer retention intention. (3) The relation proneness and switching cost do have interaction effects on customer retention intention. (4) The product category do moderate the effect of the switching cost on retention, but not the effect of customer proneness. The result of this research could be useful for both the theoretical development and the marketing practice. And several strategies for firms to retain customers by using the customers’ relation proneness and the switching cost are suggested. Key Words：Relation Proneness, Switching Cost, Product Category, Customer Retention

The closure of the nuclear fuel cycle is a topic of interest in the sustainability context of nuclear energy. The implication of such closure includes considerations of nuclear waste management. This originates from the fact that a closed fuel cycle requires recycling of useful materials from spent nuclear fuel and discarding of non-usable streams of the spent fuel, which are predominantly the fission products. The fission products represent the near-term concerns associated with final geological repositories for the waste stream. Long-lived fission products also contribute to the long-term concerns associated with such repository. In addition, an ultimately closed nuclear fuel cycle in which all actinides from spent nuclear fuels are incinerated will result in fission products being the only source of radiotoxicity. Hence, it is desired to develop a transmutation strategy that will achieve reduction in the inventory and radiological parameters of significant fission products within a reasonably short time. In this dissertation, a transmutation strategy involving the use of the VHTR is developed. A set of specialized metrics is developed and applied to evaluate performance characteristics. The transmutation strategy considers six major fission products: 90Sr, 93Zr, 99Tc, 129I, 135Cs and 137Cs. In this approach, the unique core features of VHTRs operating in equilibrium fuel cycle mode of 405 effective full power days are used for transmutation of the selected fission products. A 30 year irradiation period with 10 post-irradiation cooling is assumed. The strategy assumes no separation of each nuclide from its corresponding material stream in the VHTR fuel cycle. The optimum locations in the VHTR core cavity leading to maximized transmutation of each selected nuclides are determined. The fission product transmutation scenarios are simulated with MCNP and ORIGEN-S. The results indicate that the developed fission product transmutation strategy offers an excellent potential approach for the reduction of inventories and radiological parameters, particularly for long-lived fission products (93Zr, 99Tc, 129I and 135Cs). It has been determined that the in-core transmutation of relatively short-lived fission products (90Sr and 137Cs) has minimal advantage over a decay-only scenario for these nuclides. It is concluded that the developed strategy is a viable option for the reduction of radiotoxicity contributions of the selected fission products prior to their final disposal in a geological repository. Even in the cases where the transmutation advantage is minimal, it is deemed that the improvement gained, coupled with the virtual storage provided for the fission products during the irradiation period, makes the developed fission product transmutation strategy advantageous in the spent fuel management scenarios. Combined with the in-core incineration options for TRU, the developed transmutation strategy leads to potential achievability of engineering time scales in the comprehensive nuclear waste management.

A whole-cell DHA-rich algal product (A-DHA, provided by Evonik Industries) that is rich in DHA (125 mg DHA/g dry matter) is a possible replacement for fish oil in salmonid diets. The nutrient digestibilities of the algal product were measured in rainbow trout in freshwater and in Atlantic salmon in saltwater (32-33 ppm). In experiment 1, rainbow trout (initial weight ~ 300g) were randomly assigned to 12 x 120 L tanks (n = 10 per tank). A reference diet containing 1% Celite as an indigestible marker and three test diets with increasing percentage of A-DHA substitution (6.67%, 13.33% and 20%) were fed. Feces were collected using a settling column and feed and feces analyzed for digestible dry matter (DM), gross energy (GE), ash, crude protein (CP), essential amino acids and total lipid. The digestibility of six long-chain fatty acids including 18:1n-9 (OA), 18:2n-6 (LA), 18:3n-3 (ALA), 20:4n-6 (ARA), 20:5n-3 (EPA) and 22:6n-3 (DHA) was measured. In experiment 2, Atlantic salmon (~170g) were randomly distributed to 12 fiberglass tanks (600L) with 106 fish per tank. The fish were assigned to four diets with the same levels of A-DHA inclusion as for rainbow trout and yttrium oxide (Y2O3) was used as an inert marker. Feces were collected by stripping and the digestibilities of DM, CP and lipid as well as OA, LA, ALA, ARA, EPA and DHA were determined. In experiment 1, the apparent digestibility of dietary DM, GE and lipid in rainbow trout declined significantly with increasing inclusion of A-DHA (P < 0.01). The inclusion of A-DHA had no effect on the digestibility of CP and ash as well as the availability of essential amino acids (P > 0.05). Furthermore, increased inclusion of A-DHA resulted in significantly lower digestibility of ARA, EPA and DHA (P < 0.05). A similar pattern was seen in the digestibility of OA, LA and ALA, although the effect of A-DHA inclusion was not statistically significant. Regression analysis revealed that nutrient contribution from A-DHA had significantly negative linear and quadratic effects on the apparent digestibility of DM, GE, and lipid. The inclusion levels of A-DHA had both significantly negative linear and quadratic effects on digestibility of LA and ALA, whereas only significantly negative linear effect was found on OA. Significantly negative linear and quadratic regressions were observed for the digestibility of ARA, EPA and DHA. The linear regression for CP was significantly negative and the regressions for the individual amino acids were not significant (P > 0.05). In experiment 2, dietary inclusion of A-DHA had a significantly negative effect on lipid digestibility in Atlantic salmon, at all inclusion rates whereas the significant negative effect on digestibilities of DM and CP was only observed in fish fed 20% A-DHA. The digestibilities of OA, LA, ALA and EPA were greater than 91%. In contrast, the apparent digestibilities of ARA and DHA decreased significantly with increasing substitution of A-DHA (P < 0.01). Significantly negative linear and quadratic regressions were found between nutrient contribution from A-DHA to the diets and apparent digestibility of DM, CP and lipid, so were LA, EPA and DHA. However, there were only significant quadratic regressions for OA, ALA and ARA, but not significant linear effects. Subsequently, a twelve-week feeding trial in rainbow trout was conducted to investigate the impact of replacing fish oil with A-DHA in canola-oil-based diets on the growth performance and fatty acid composition and retention. Four experimental diets containing only canola oil (CO; 13.5%), fish oil (FO; 13.5%), canola oil and fish oil (C+F; 7.4% and 6.1%, respectively) or canola oil and A-DHA (C+A; 15.5% and 6%, respectively) were formulated to contain 386.2 g/kg digestible crude protein and 17.58 MJ/kg digestible energy. In addition, the C+A diet was formulated to have the same DHA concentration as in the C+F diet. Each diet was fed to three tanks of rainbow trout (average initial weight of 70g; n = 17/tank) and the fish were fed to apparent satiation 2 times daily. At the end of the growth trial, all fish approximately tripled their weight. No significant differences were noted between the dietary treatments in growth performance as measured by final weight, average weight gain, feed intake, specific growth rate (SGR) and feed conversion ratio (FCR). Although FO and C+A fed fish tended to accumulate more lipids, final whole body lipid content did not differ significantly between dietary treatments (P = 0.11). The concentrations of EPA, DHA as well as total n-3 fatty acid were significantly higher in fish fed the FO diet than fish fed the other 3 diets. The C+A fed fish had lower EPA and higher DHA concentrations compared with the CO and C+F fed fish; however, the differences were not significant. Apparent retention of total lipid in the trout was not significantly influenced by treatments (P > 0.05). Similarly, dietary treatments had no significant effect on the apparent retention of total saturated fatty acids, total mono-unsaturated fatty acids, n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids. The retention of 18:4n-3 (SDA) was significantly higher (> 100%) in fish fed CO and C+A compared with fish fed FO and C+F (< 51%), indicating greater bioconversion of ALA to SDA in the CO and C+A fed fish than in FO and C+F fed fish. The retention of EPA in the CO and C+A fed fish was over 100%, suggesting a net synthesis of EPA in these treatment groups. In contrast, the EPA retention in the FO and C+F fed fish was 55 and 21%, respectively, which showed a tendency to be significantly lower than that in the other two groups (P = 0.09). The CO fed fish had significantly higher DHA retention than fish fed the other 3 diets. The DHA retention in the FO fed fish (112%) was numerically but not significantly higher than in the C+F (66%) and C+A fed fish (73%). Thus, feeding the C+A to rainbow trout resulted in DHA retention equal to feeding the C+F.

This thesis describes 1) development of a gastric retention device (GRD) to increase gastric retention time of certain drugs, 2) product formulations of an immediate release itraconazole and controlled-release ketoprofen. GRD was fabricated from crosslinked carbohydrate polymers. Rate and extent of hydration of the film in water and in simulated gastric fluid, compressibility of film, shape of the film, and in vivo gastric transit time in the stomach of dog were used as tools to evaluate gastric retention properties. Hydration studies were carried out at 37��C. Evaluation of the device containing radio-opaque agents, in dogs for gastric retention was carried out with the help of X-rays. The device was found to stay in the stomach of dogs for at least 10 hours. GRD containing amoxicillin trihydrate caplets were evaluated in a human. The area under the excretion rate curve was found to increase by 30% when compared to without the device. A successful development of a formulation of water insoluble itraconazole, without the use of organic solvents, was achieved with modifications from eutectic mixture techniques. Solubilization of the drug was achieved in polyethylene glycol of higher molecular weight. A series of formulations made by varying the amounts ingredients therein, were evaluated for dissolution profile in comparison with the reference, Sporanox��. Effect of molecular weights of PEG and types of PEG were evaluated for desired drug dissolution. Preliminary study from 6 subjects under the conditions of fasting and fed indicated that bioavailability from the new formulation was increased slightly when compared to the reference. This may be correlated to difference in the rate of in vitro dissolution, where the new formulation has initial faster dissolution. A controlled-release formulation of ketoprofen was also developed using a diffusion-controlled polymer, which was coated onto the drug beads. Release of drugs from such beads is controlled by the thickness of the coat. Thickness of the coat was evaluated by SEM and was correlated to the desired in vitro drug release in comparison to the reference Oruvail��. A three-way cross over study involving the new formulation and two marketed products in 12 subjects under fasting conditions indicated that there was a significant difference between the new product and marketed products, so as to be considered non-bioequivalent. Use of In Vitro-In Vivo Correlations and Convolution- Deconvolution relations predicted desired in vitro drug dissolution in a subsequent modification of the formulation.
Graduation date: 1999

碩士
東海大學
化學工程與材料工程學系
106
Due to the energy crisis, more and more research focuses on the study about alternative energy, while hydrogen energy is the most promising direction. Not only hydrogen is sufficient in the earth, the product after energy transform “water” is also friendly to the environment. The topic of our research, immobilization of hydrogen with biomass, study the effects of batch operation, continuous operation, carbon source and nitrogen source on hydrogen generation in order to enhance the economic value of hydrogen fermentation. 　　The SEM result shows that bricks is a suitable carrier due to the promotion on hydrogen generation rate and high interfaces which mycelium can adsorb on. Also, this study indicates that the optimized condition of brick size ranges 2.00-3.36mm, optimal filling brick ratio is 20% (w/v). The hydrogen concentration is about 3.05 mol H2 / mol Sucrose. Comparison between continuous and different hydraulic retention time, result shows that the phenomenon of burnout caused by bacteria in the late stage affects the hydrogen production in repeated feeds；while HRT 72 hr has better performances on hydrogen production.

碩士
國立屏東科技大學
水土保持系所
106
Slopeland farming mainly relies on large amounts of fertilizers and plowing on conventional farming, causing soil acidification and severe degradation. In tropical and subtropical regions, organic matter decomposes rapidly and excessively. Under heavy rainfall, overdose nutrients are easily lost, leading to the occurrence of environmental hazards such as mud and sand disasters and water pollution downstream. Biochar has been considered as a soil properties that can effectively improve soil properties. Thus, the application of biochar on sloping farmland during erosion occurs to erosion, runoff and the effect of leaching and its effect on soil nutrient retention capacity need to be further explored. In this study, woodchip biochar (WB),pyrolized under different temperatures (0°C, 300°C and 600°C), were applied to an infertile sandy cultivated soil at application rates of 1 % and 2 % (w/w). Incubation experiment was conducted for 100 days consecutively. At the end of the incubation, a simulated rainfall (50 mm hr-1) was performed to evaluate the hydrological properties and nutrient retention capacity of biochar-treated soils. The results of this study showed that the application of woodchip biochar could significantly reduce soil porosity by 2.9–7.5 %, and increase soil aggregate size and hydraulic conductivity by 1.7–3.8 % and 58.9-124%. As for chemical properties, the application of biochar increased soil organic matter, total nitrogen and soil pH by 17–75 %, 27–66 % and 12–33 %. Post-incubation, simulated rainfall was conducted for 2 hours. The results from of treatments sawdust (W), lowly temperatures pyrolized woodchip biochar (LWB), and high temperatures pyrolized woodchip biochar (HWB) showed a significant increase in the initial soil moisture content, water holdng content and rainfall infiltration, significantly reduced runoff and soil losses. After 30 minutes of rainfall, the soil moisture content and infiltration have gradually tended to be in equilibrium. Additionally, the addition of sawdust treatment significantly reduces the losses of TN, NH4+–N and Bray–1 P in runoffs. Furthermore, the addition of biochar can significantly reduce the losses of SOC, TN, NH4+–N and Bray-1 P, and Exc. K by erosion, runoff and through infiltration. In conclusion, the addition of biochar could effectively improve the retention capacity of nutrients in tropical sandy soil.

The present In-Company project aims to study how subscription-based business models can improve their retention and customers lifetime value. This project was made in collaboration with ‘The Bam and Boo’ Toothbrush, a Portuguese brand bamboo toothbrushes subscription service that is in the market since June 2017 and currently accounts with more than 22.000 active subscribers. To achieve these project results we have used quantitative data from the company database reports, and qualitative data collected on a focus group session with a group of participants that resembles the brand’s target. From this data we were able to trigger some critical stages of retention and consumption patterns, and valuable insights regarding consumers behaviors and purchase profiles. Some of the critical questions that needed to be answered were related to – understand the moment of customers churns, which are the motives that led customers to make this action, and how is the company able to improve its customers lifetime and value. We present solutions on areas such as Communication, Customer Relationship Management, Product, and Organizational Strategy, in order to improve the company retention rates and overall results. For that the company should consider delivering a more personalized service and content to its customers, run a stronger email marketing strategy, rethink its portfolio, and share the company values and mission with its community.
O presente projeto-empresa visa estudar de que forma conseguimos melhorar a retenção e o valor dos clientes em modelos de subscrição. Este projeto foi realizado em colaboração com a empresa 'The Bam and Boo', um serviço de subscrição de escovas de dentes de bambu. A marca portuguesa está no mercado desde Junho, 2017 e atualmente conta com mais de 22.000 subscritores ativos. De forma a alcançar os resultados propostos neste projeto recorremos a dados quantitativos, obtidos através da base de dados de clientes da empresa, e dados qualitativos, recolhidos de uma sessão com um grupo focal no qual os participantes representavam o target da marca. Assim, foi-nos possível detetar pontos críticos em relação aos padrões e comportamento dos consumidores, e os seus perfis de compra. As questões principais que pretendemos responder neste projeto são – compreender o momento em que os clientes desistem das suas subscrições, por que motivos o fazem e de que forma a marca pode aumentar o valor e a retenção dos seus clientes. Apresentamos soluções em áreas como – comunicação, gestão e relacionamento com os clientes, produto e estratégia da organização; com o fim de melhorar as taxas de retenção e os resultados da empresa como um todo. Para isso, a empresa deve reconsiderar algumas das suas políticas e oferecer um serviço mais personalizado e diversificado aos seus clientes, montar uma estratégia de email marketing mais forte, reconsiderar o seu portfólio de produtos, e a forma de partilha dos seus valores e missão com a sua comunidade.