Teses / dissertações sobre o tema "Bench study"

During the construction of the new urban area in the north-eastern part of Stockholm, Stockholm Royal Seaport, groundwater with extremely elevated levels of the carcinogenic aromatic hydrocarbon benzene was discovered in the area Hjorthagen. Such a contamination can be remediated in-situ by the use of chemical oxidation and biodegradation. Due to the fact that many factors such as contaminant composition, groundwater characteristics and temperature vary between sites, smaller bench scale studies are usually conducted before the full scale remediation on site. Little published research exists on the ability of these remediation techniques in areas with lower groundwater temperature such as Stockholm, why the need of a bench-scale study in this case is even larger. The objective of this master thesis is to, out of three investigated remediation agents, find the most suitable one for remediation of the benzene-contaminated groundwater in Hjorthagen. This was made in the form of a bench-scale study and the techniques studied were chemical oxidation, for which the two agents hydrogen peroxide (uncatalyzed and catalyzed in the form of Fenton’s reagent) and persulfate (activated with iron (II)) were used, and biological degradation by the use of a calcium peroxide-based compound. The study showed that the benzene-contaminated groundwater was best remediated with Fenton’s reagent, which was able to degrade the benzene with great success.

The Inland Revenue Department (Inland Revenue) launched the Industry Benchmarking Programme (Benchmarking Programme) in 2011; which closely followed the Small Business Benchmarking Programme (SBBP) which was released by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) in 2009. These programmes took data from tax returns and other sources, and turn this into a series of financial benchmarks for specific industries. The data from these programmes was then published on the respective websites of Inland Revenue and the ATO. It was envisaged by both tax administrations that this data would be used by taxpayers to benchmark their financial performance against others in their industry. The Benchmarking Programme was designed to assist Inland Revenue with its compliance strategy and to better its their audits. This exploratory research was mainly focused on the use (or lack of) of Inland Revenue’s Benchmarking Programme by taxpayers and tax practitioners. Other aspects of the Benchmarking Programme were investigated. Interviews with six tax practitioners were conducted, supplemented by documentary analysis of the Benchmarking Programme and other sources of data. It was found that the tax practitioners do not use the data for several reasons, including issues with the integrity of the data and its usefulness. It suggested that taxpayers do not use the data from the Benchmarking Programme, and indeed may not have any knowledge of it. The overall impact of the Benchmarking Programme was deemed to be minimal. Several recommendations were to be presented for consideration by Inland Revenue as a result of the findings in the project.

Until recently, the management of milking parlour effluent has received very little attention. The wastewater produced by milking operations comprises mainly milk solids and manure and can impose environmental threats to nearby water bodies if not properly treated before disposal. In this study, three bench-scale Sequencing Batch Biological Reactors were used to treat the UBC dairy barn milking centre wastewater. The experiment was designed to investigate the treatment efficiency of the reactors under different operating temperatures and different numbers of cycles employed per unit daily flow (for the same hydraulic retention time). Parameters studied included BOD₅, COD, Total Suspended Solids, NH₃-N, N0₂-NO₃-N and dissolved oxygen uptake. It was concluded that very high and consistent treatment efficiency can be achieved by using a Sequencing Batch Biological Reactor to treat milking centre wastes. Over 90% BOD₅ removal was observed in the room temperature and 30°C reactors. Even in low operating temperatures of 3.7 and 10.5°C, over 70% BOD₅ removal was attained. Removal of the other pollutional parameters studied was similarly excellent. Uncontrolled denitrification also occured to various degrees in all three reactors. It was also concluded that within the range studied in this experiment (4 to 8 cycles per day), changing the number of cycles employed per unit daily flow did not have any significant effect on the treatment efficiency of the reactors.
Applied Science, Faculty of
Chemical and Biological Engineering, Department of
Graduate

Physical bench top experiments are performed to validate and complement ongoing computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analyses of ventricular assist device (VAD) circulation. VADs are used in patients whose hearts do not function to their maximum potential due advanced stages of heart disease and, consequently, are unable to adequately supply blood to the systemic circulation. VADs are commonly utilized as a bridge-to-transplantation, meaning that they are implanted in patients while waiting for a heart transplant. In such cases of long term utilization of VADs, it has been reported in the literatures that thrombo-embolic cerebral events occur in 14-47% of patients over the period of 6 to 12 months. This is a result of thrombus forming despite the use of anticoagulants and advances in VAD design. Accepting current rates of thrombo-embolisms, the main objective of the project is to identify and propose an optimal surgical cannula implantation orientation aimed at reducing the rate of thrombi reaching the carotid and vertebral arteries and thus reduce the morbidity and mortality rate associated with the long term use of VADs to patients suffering from advanced heart failure. The main focus of the experiment is on the physical aspect using a synthetic anatomically correct model constructed by rapid prototyping of the human aortic arch and surrounding vessels. Three VAD cannula implantation configurations are studied with and without bypass to the left carotid artery or to the Innominate artery with ligation of the branch vessel at its root. A mixture of water and glycerin serves to match blood viscosity measured with a rotating cone-plate viscometer. The Reynolds number in the ascending aorta is matched in the flow model. A closed loop mock circulatory system is then realized. In order to match the Reynolds number in the ascending aorta and LVAD cannula with that of the CFD model, a volumetric flow rate of 2.7 liters per minute is supplied through the synthetic VAD cannula and 0.9 liter per minute is supplied to the ascending aorta. Flow rates are measured using rotary flow meters and a pressure sensor is used to ensure a mean operating pressure of 100 mmHg is maintained. Synthetic acrylic blood clots are injected at the inlet of the VAD cannula and they are captured and counted at the vertebral and carotid arteries. The sizes of the thrombi simulated are 2, 3.5 and 5 mm which are typical of the range of diameters encountered in practice. Nearly 300 particles are released over 5 separate runs for each diameter, and overall embolization rates as well as individual embolization rates are evaluated along with associated confidence levels. The experimental results show consistency between CFD and experiment. Means comparison of thromboembolization rates predicted by CFD and bench-top results using a Z-score statistic with a 95% confidence level results in 22 of 24 cases being statistically equal. This study provides confidence in the predictive capabilities of the bench-top model as a methodology that can be utilized in upcoming studies utilizing patient-specific aortic bed model.
ID: 031001578; System requirements: World Wide Web browser and PDF reader.; Mode of access: World Wide Web.; Title from PDF title page (viewed August 26, 2013).; Thesis (M.S.M.E.)--University of Central Florida, 2012.; Includes bibliographical references (p. 81-83).
M.S.M.E.
Masters
Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
Engineering and Computer Science
Mechanical Engineering; Thermofluids

Negli ultimi anni l'industria automobilistica richiede, sempre di più, la possibilità di testare prototipi di veicoli in condizioni operative reali. Spinta dal mercato automobilistico, l'elettrificazione dei veicoli ha assunto un ruolo significativo. Questa tesi presenta tecniche e metodologie innovative applicate al veicolo elettrico e al banco di test. La combinazione del modello dinamico del veicolo con l'intero sistema del banco di prova consente di raggiungere elevate prestazioni e migliorarne la precisione. La caratterizzazione sperimentale del motore elettrico e del motore endotermico viene presentata insieme ai fenomeni fisici reali che influenzano il sistema complessivo. I risultati sono stati testati in due diversi casi d'uso: il modello completo di un veicolo elettrico ibrido e il modello non lineare di un sistema banco di test. Il primo caso d'uso è un modello lineare in cui sono modellati la statica e la dinamica includendo l'influenza di disturbi e rumore esterni. Con questo approccio è possibile valutare diverse tecniche di controllo e introdurre dati reali del sensore GPS per verificare la precisione del modello. Sono state analizzate, implementate e confrontate due strategie di controllo. Il secondo caso d'uso è un modello non lineare di un banco di test che integra il primo caso d'uso estendendone l'ambiente applicativo e utilizzando un approccio innovativo. Questo approccio applicato al sistema è l'Engine-in-the-loop. La scelta di utilizzare un sistema complesso richiede una forte strategia di controllo avanzata. Per questo motivo è stato implementato l’Adaptive Model Predictive Controller. Entrambi i casi d'uso vengono verificati e validati utilizzando i cicli di guida standard e valutati attraverso il valore di emissione in termini di anidride carbonica calcolata a partire dal consumo di carburante. Questi studi hanno confermato le possibilità del sistema di raggiungere buone prestazioni in casi di applicazione reale; in questo modo il motore può essere testato in real-time con su un modello del veicolo, o con l’innovativo sistema del banco di test, e inserito nel processo reale, scopo della ricerca.
In the recent years the automotive industry requests, even more, the possibility to perform laboratory tests on prototype vehicles by using real operating conditions. Driven from the automotive market, the electrification of the vehicles cars has taken a significant role. The scope of this thesis is to presents innovative techniques and methodologies applied both to electric vehicle and the testbench: the combination of the dynamic vehicle model with the entire testbench system allows to reach better performance and improve accuracy on real estimated electric vehicles performance. The experimental characterization of the electric motor and the engine is presented together with the real-life phenomena influencing the overall system. The results have been tested in two different use cases: the complete model of a Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle and non-linear model of a testbench system. The former use case is a linear model where the dynamic and steady-state are modelled, including the influence of external disturbance and noise. With this approach is possible evaluating different control techniques and introduce real GPS sensor data to verify the precision of the model. Two control strategies have been analysed, implemented and compared. The latter use case is a non-linear testbench model that integrates the first use case extending the application environment and using an innovative approach. This approach applied to the system is the Engine-in-the-loop. The choice to use a complex system requests a strong advanced control strategy. For this reason, the Adaptive Model Predictive Control is implemented. Both use cases are verified and validated using standard driving cycles and evaluated through the emission value in terms of carbon dioxide calculated from fuel consumption. These studies have confirmed the possibility of the system to achieve good performance in cases of real application; in this way the engine can be tested in real-time with a vehicle model, or with the innovative test bench system, and inserted into the real process, achieving the scope of the research.

This research project consisted of studying the feasibility of a combined UASB-activated sludge process configuration for treating a dilute synthetic substrate, simulating a dairy wastewater, at a laboratory temperature averaging 23.5 +/- 0.8°C. The bench-scale experimental work was carried-out in two parallel biotreatment systems fed in series. They consisted of relatively small-scale Upflow Anaerobic Sludge Blanket (UASB) reactors of 3.85 and 3.75 L, respectively, followed by 2 L-activated sludge polishing processes. The feed concentration applied to one of the systems consisted of the minimum influent strength recommended for successful anaerobic treatment (∼1 000 mg CODt/L) while the second system was of the domestic sewage-strength range (∼500 mg CODt/L), achieved by dilution. The mainly soluble complex feedstock used consisted of tap water and Iron Fortified Enfalac(TM) Infant Formula. It was supplemented chemically to ensure that proper (N and P) nutrient requirements were met as well as to increase its buffering capacity and to adjust pH. Three experimental runs were carried out by applying increasing UASB influent flow rates of 2, 4 and 8 L/d, in both systems. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)

Abstract Background. The pre-exhaustion (PE) method is a way to target a stronger muscle in a multi-joint exercise by isolating the stronger muscle immediately before the multi-joint exercise. It has been shown that this principle give greater magnitude of muscular activation in the synergistic secondary mover. There is also some indications that the PE method gives a greater neuromuscular activation of the primary mover when PE the synergist. If there are any differences between men and women in muscle activity has never been investigated before. Men have a greater absolute strength than women, especially in their upper body. There are still conflicting results if they also have greater relative strength. Aim. The purpose of the present study was to investigate if there were any neuromuscular differences between men and women when PE triceps brachii before bench press and if there was any differences in relative strength during 10RM bench press. Methods. 15 men and 15 women was randomly signed up in two different protocols. Protocol 1 started with bench press at 10 repetition maximum (10RM) and after five minutes of recovery, they performed the pre-exhaustion exercise (triceps extensions to failure) immediately before a second round of bench press with the same load on the barbell. Protocol 2 started with triceps extensions to failure immediately before bench press at their 10RM. They also had five minutes of recovery before they performed 10 repetitions of bench press. The magnitude of muscular activation were collected with surface electromyography and then processed through average root mean square (RMS). The values were normalized to muscular voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) and expressed as percent of MVIC. The muscles that was analysed was triceps brachii (TB), pectoralis major (PM) and deltoideus anterior (DA). Results. The results showed that women had a statistically significantly higher muscular activity in all three muscles; PM (p=0.001) TB (p=0.023) and DA (p=0.047) after pre-exhaustion of TB before bench press compared to only bench press. Men showed only a statistical significant higher activation in PM (p=0.003) and a trend of higher activation in DA (p=0.061). There was a statistically significant difference in muscle activity between women and men in TB (p=0.015) but not in DA (p=0.902) and PM (p=0.436). There was no statistically significant difference between relative strength (volume load/fat free mass) (p=0.775) nor number of repetitions in bench press after PE of TB (p=0.713) between the sexes. Conclusion. The main findings in this study is that it was a statistically significant difference in neuromuscular activity in TB between men and women when PE was applied to TB before the bench press compared to bench press only, but no difference in relative strength.

Autologous platelet concentrates are widely used in a variety of medical application with the aim of enhancing the regeneration of hard and soft tissue. The rationale of this clinical use lies in their enriched content of growth factors and other key molecules involved in promoting tissue healing. This thesis is composed of two different studies having as a common objective the evaluation of the biological properties of a platelet concentrate, Pure-Platelet Rich Plasma. The first part of the thesis was a pre-clinical in vitro study focused on evaluating the stimulating activity of P-PRP on human osteoblasts (hObs) and human dermal fibroblasts (hDFs). hObs and hDFs were grown in a serum-free medium supplemented by P-PRP obtained from three different donors. hObs and hDFs proliferation was assessed by cell counting and vitality through MTT assays up to 12 days of incubation. hObs osteo-differentiation was tested after 7- and 14- days of incubation by alkaline phosphatase assay. Results showed that cells maintained in the presence of P-PRP display an increased proliferation rate at 12 days of culture, compared to the standard condition. The increased vitality of hObs, induced by P-PRP, noticed after 12 days of culture, was comparable of that of control. In contrast, an increased vitality of hDFs, in comparison to the control, was observed at 12 days of culture. The addition of P-PRP did not further stimulate the enzyme activity either at day 7 and 14. The second part of the thesis was a randomized clinical trial that focused on clinical and radiographic evaluation of the adjunct of P-PRP in the management of edentulous posterior maxillae with a reduced height needing an implant rehabilitation. Clinical and radiographic outcomes of two different approaches were compared up to 3 years after loading: fixed prosthesis supported by 5 to 8.5 mm-long implants which were humidified with P-PRP versus fixed prosthesis supported by 10-mm or longer implants bioactivated with P-PRP and placed following maxillary sinus augmentation with deproteinized bovine bone mixed with P-PRP. Results showed that both procedures were safe and successful, with comparable outcomes. The use of P-PRP did not shift the balance toward one technique over the other one, but it may have contributed to make these procedures similar in term of clinical and radiographic outcomes. Since similar outcomes were reported for both approaches, the most cost-effective treatment appears the appropriate and should be advocated. Therefore, when there is an alternative for restoring the lost dentition, avoidance of a demanding surgical procedure like maxillary sinus augmentation should be considered and recommended. In conclusion, results coming from the in vitro study and the randomized clinical trial may support the clinical use of P-PRP. It may be beneficial in those situations requiring a successful bone and soft tissue regeneration at the site of surgery.

Paralympic athletes (PA) appear to be more prone to chronic overuse injuries from daily wheelchair or crutch use. Over half of these injuries are shoulder related which can deleteriously impact quality of life. Adaptive powerlifters (AP) are a subdivision of Paralympic athletes and are at a higher risk for catastrophic injuries as compared to their counterparts, due to the compound of fatigue and lifting of maximal weights. For this reason, it is vital to have well-designed training plans for these athletes in order to preserve quality of life and maximize performance in competition. Unfortunately, there is a lack of literature on training adaptive athletes for performance. The purpose of this dissertation is to collect and analyze monitoring data of a para-powerlifter preparing for competition over the course of a six-month macrocycle. Specifically, the intention is to 1) explore options in adaptive monitoring measures for the adaptive athlete community via para-powerlifting 2) analyze trends in the training process with such monitoring methods in fatigue and performance and 3) examine efficient and safe training methods and practices for para-powerlifting. The major findings of this dissertation are 1.) Hand grip dynamometry may be a valid monitoring tool used to gain clarity on neuromuscular fatigue within para-powerlifters. 2.) Barbell velocities may reveal trends in fatigue and recovery over the course of a training cycle for para-powerlifters. 3.) Para-powerlifters and para-athletes training for upper-body power development should likely perform bench press using a strap to secure them to the bench for enhanced stability. The significant and consistently increased force outputs the added stability enables the athlete to utilize may bring more pronounced training adaptations towards their goals. This dissertation is exploratory in nature and much more research needs to be done to give the adaptive athlete population adequate information and tools for their long-term success and safety.

Abstract Background: The ability to produce a high power output can be the deciding factor in determining which athlete wins or loses in a sporting event. Power output can be measured in an exercise like the squat or bench press. The use of a force plate, or a force plate paired with a linear position transducer is considered the gold standard when measuring power output in an exercise like the squat or bench press. Linear position transducers or linear encoders have also been considered valid methods. Power output can also be measured by accelerometers. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to test the concurrent validity of the accelerometer Beast Sensor by measuring average power in explosive squatting and bench pressing at 40 % and 80 % of one repetition maximum (1RM). The linear encoder MuscleLab was used as criterion. Methods: 17 test subjects, five women and 12 men (average age 28 years) were recruited. Fifteen of the subjects completed two test sessions. The first session determined their 1RM. The second session took place 7-14 days later and measured average power output during two sets of three repetitions at 40 % and 80 % of the subjects 1RM in explosive squats and bench presses. The average power output of the repetitions was measured simultaneously by Beast Sensor and MuscleLab. For the Beast Sensor to be considered valid, a correlation coefficient of 0.9 or higher needed to be reached. Results: Beast Sensor demonstrated high or very high correlations with MuscleLab for average power output of explosive squats at 40 % of 1RM (rs = 0.91), and for explosive bench presses at 40 % (rs = 0.86) and 80 % of 1RM (rs = 0.74). However, for explosive squats at 80 % of 1RM, the correlation was low (rs = 0.42). All correlations were statistically significant with p-values of < 0.01. Beast Sensor was considered valid for squats at 40 % of 1RM, but neither at 80 % of 1RM in squats, nor at 40 % or 80 % of 1RM in bench presses. Conclusion: Beast Sensor showed high or very high correlations with the criterion MuscleLab in three of the four assessed data variables. Only the correlation for average power output of the explosive squats at 40 % of the subject’s 1RM reached the required correlation coefficient of 0.9 or higher for the Beast Sensor to be considered valid. Except for at 40 % of 1RM in squats, Beast Sensor missed a substantial amount of repetitions. Further studies examining the reliability of the Beast Sensor are therefore needed.
Abstrakt Bakgrund: Förmågan att producera hög effektutveckling (power) kan avgöra vilken idrottare som vinner eller förlorar en tävling. Effektutveckling kan mätas i övningar som knäböj och bänkpress. Detta kan göras med hjälp av en kraftplatta, eller en kraftplatta parad med en linear position transducer. Dessa metoder anses vara ”gold standard”, men linear position transducers eller linear encoders har också ansetts vara valida metoder. Effektutveckling kan även mätas med hjälp av en accelerometer. Syfte: Syftet med denna studie var att mäta samtidig validitet hos accelerometern Beast Sensor genom att mäta genomsnittlig effektutveckling i explosiva knäböj och bänkpressar vid 40 % och 80 % av en repetition max (1RM). MuscleLab, en linear encoder, användes som referensvärde.  Metod: 17 försökspersoner, fem kvinnor och tolv män (medelålder 28 år) rekryterades. Femton av försökspersonerna fullföljde deltagande. Vid det första testtillfället mättes 1RM. Det andra tillfället ägde rum 7-14 dagar senare och mätte genomsnittlig effektutveckling i explosiva knäböj och bänkpressar vid 40 % och 80 % av försökspersonernas uppmätta 1RM. Två set av tre repetitioner mättes vid 40 % och 80 % av 1RM i både knäböj och bänkpress. Repetitionerna mättes samtidigt av MuscleLab och Beast Sensor. För att Beast Sensor skulle anses vara valid behövde en korrelationskoefficient på 0.9 eller högre uppnås. Resultat: Beast Sensor uppvisade höga eller väldigt höga korrelationer med MuscleLab för genomsnittlig effektutveckling i explosiva knäböj vid 40 % av 1RM (rs = 0.91) och explosiva bänkpressar vid 40 % (rs = 0.86) och 80 % av 1RM (rs = 0.74). Dock uppmättes en låg korrelation för de explosiva knäböjen vid 80 % av 1RM (rs = 0.42). Alla korrelationer var statistiskt signifikanta med p-värden på < 0.01. Beast Sensor ansågs vara valid för att mäta effektutveckling vid 40 % av 1RM i knäböj, men varken vid 80 % av 1RM i knäböj, eller vid 40 % eller 80 % av 1RM i bänkpressar. Slutsats: Beast Sensor visade höga eller väldigt höga korrelationer med referensvärdet från MuscleLab för tre av de fyra uppmätta variablerna. Endast korrelationen för genomsnittlig effektutveckling i explosiva knäböj vid 40 % av 1RM uppnådde den korrelationskoefficient på 0.9 eller högre som krävdes för att Beast Sensor skulle anses vara valid. Förutom vid 40 % av 1RM i knäböj, missade Beast Sensor en väsentlig andel repetitioner. Därför finns det ett behov av fler studier som undersöker reliabiliteten hos Beast Sensor.

Abstract Background Many different variables are important to consider when creating resistancetraining programs. However the lifting speed that exercises are performed with has not beenstudied as extensively as many of the other factors. Some research has indicated that trainingwith specific lifting speeds results in improved strength or hypertrophy adaptations comparedto other lifting tempos, but more research is needed to reach better knowledge on what liftingspeeds are optimal for specific goals.Aim The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of various lifting speeds on differentfactors known to influence resistance training. The measured variables were muscle activity,maximum amount of repetitions performed and time under tension during bench press.Method Thirteen males performed bench press at their individual 6 RM. The exercise wasperformed to fatigue with three different lifting tempos (4 second repetitions, 6 secondrepetitions and repetitions intentionally performed as fast as possible). Number of repetitions performed and total time under tension for each test was recorded in seconds. Surfaceelectromyography (EMG) was used to register muscle activity of pectoralis major anddeltoideus anterior. Reference values were gathered using MVIC (Maximum voluntaryisometric contraction) tests.Results EMG amplitudes were higher in pectoralis major when a fast lifting speed (60.1 ± 7.3% of MVIC) was used compared to the medium (54.8 ± 10.2) and slow (54.3 ± 7.1)conditions. More repetition were performed with faster lifting speeds. The time under tensionwas longer for the slow and medium lifting tempos than for the fast lifting tempo.Conclusion The result from this study can be considered when designing resistance trainingprograms. Based on the increased performance and muscle activity associated with the fastlifting tempo, faster lifting speeds may be beneficial when the training goal is to increasestrength levels. It is difficult to draw any conclusions regarding the optimal lifting tempo forspecific training designed to increase hypertrophy, but the time under tension appears to belonger for slower lifting speeds.

Aim The aim of this study was to ascertain the effect of resisted sprint training in swimming on maximal swimming velocity and performance characteristics. The aim was also to examine how maximal swimming velocity is related to maximal swim power and maximal dry-land power. Method Eighteen competitive national level swimmers (9 male and 9 female; age: 18.3 ± 2.3 years, body mass: 72 ± 8.3 kg, height: 177.2 ± 4.6 cm, mean ± SD) were recruited to this study. Subjects were assigned to either resisted sprint training (RST) or unresisted sprint training (UST). Sprint training was performed two times per week during 6 weeks as 8x15m with a 2min send-off interval. RST performed sprint training using individualized load corresponding 10% of maximum drag load (L10), UST performed sprint training with no added resistance. A test-battery including dry-land strength assessment; maximal strength (MxS) and explosive strength (ExS), a timed 25m front-crawl swim and in-water force-velocity profiling was performed prior and following the training intervention. Maximal swim power (Pmax), maximum drag load (F0), theoretical maximum velocity (v0) and slope of force-velocity curve (SFv) was computed though force-velocity profiling. Results No significant within group differences occurred in neither RST nor UST following the 6-week intervention period in: swimming velocity, MxS, ExS, Pmax, F0, v0, and SFv. Strong correlations were found between swimming velocity and MxS (r = 0.75), ExS (r =0.82) and Pmax (r = 0.92). Conclusion Resisted sprint training in swimming using L10 did in the present study not elicit any improvements in maximal swimming velocity or examined performance characteristics. Resisted sprint training does not appear to be a superior method of improving swimming performance compared to unresisted sprint training. MxS, ExS and Pmax can be used as robust predictors of swim performance, however only Pmax was found to be casually related to swimming velocity.

This thesis aims to evaluate the implementation of the Balanced Scorecard (BSC) based on a case organization; the King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre (KFSH-RC). The study is an exploratory investigation. Understanding BSC perspectives is important for academic comprehension and is crucial for successful implementation. BSC at KFSH-RC includes five main perspectives: Quality of Care; Medical Care; Employees; Financial; and Education and Research (learning and growth). The thesis tackles two main anecdotal, practice-based arguments: BSC helps achieve business strategy, and the implementation of BSC has often fallen short of the assertions made about its potential for impact. A case study with a triangulation approach is justified and pursued. This study contributes to the literature in different ways. The application of the BSC has received limited attention in healthcare organisations in general, and in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) in particular, and may be one of the first to explore such issues, across management and professional groups, to research BSC in the healthcare organisation in the KSA. It distinguishes between the understanding of financial and non-financial perspectives; and the researcher has developed a conceptual framework, which reflects the main elements of BSC implementation. Quantitative data analysis from the case study indicates that staff members at the KFSH possess only a shallow understanding of various BSC perspectives. The study revealed a consistent lack of understanding of BSC by the department employees, due to their lack of interest. The results show that performance measures following the implementation of BSC created no significant improvement. It also confirms that even some senior managers face difficulties understanding BSC perspectives. The qualitative-based findings indicate that the level of understanding of BSC for clinical services is not significantly different from that for non-clinical services; staff members of the KFSH resist the implementation of BSC in the early stages; and there is ¿autocratic¿ leadership style at the KFSH inhibited the flow of information. The power distance and autocratic leadership style, in combination with an inadequate launch of BSC, fail to follow the implementation steps recommended by both Kaplan and Norton (2001a) and Kotter (1996). These organisational dynamics, it will be argued, are understated in the original BSC methodology, a view consistent with the findings of Woodley (2006) and may be especially so in environments with strong professional norms such as hospitals. The implications for the study and practice of non-profit organisations wishing to adopt methodology developed initially in a commercial context, is considered.
Minister of Higher Education, Dr. Khalid Al-Angari (Saudi Arabia)

This thesis aims to evaluate the implementation of the Balanced Scorecard (BSC) based on a case organization; the King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre (KFSH-RC). The study is an exploratory investigation. Understanding BSC perspectives is important for academic comprehension and is crucial for successful implementation. BSC at KFSH-RC includes five main perspectives: Quality of Care; Medical Care; Employees; Financial; and Education and Research (learning and growth). The thesis tackles two main anecdotal, practice-based arguments: BSC helps achieve business strategy, and the implementation of BSC has often fallen short of the assertions made about its potential for impact. A case study with a triangulation approach is justified and pursued. This study contributes to the literature in different ways. The application of the BSC has received limited attention in healthcare organisations in general, and in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) in particular, and may be one of the first to explore such issues, across management and professional groups, to research BSC in the healthcare organisation in the KSA. It distinguishes between the understanding of financial and non-financial perspectives; and the researcher has developed a conceptual framework, which reflects the main elements of BSC implementation. Quantitative data analysis from the case study indicates that staff members at the KFSH possess only a shallow understanding of various BSC perspectives. The study revealed a consistent lack of understanding of BSC by the department employees, due to their lack of interest. The results show that performance measures following the implementation of BSC created no significant improvement. It also confirms that even some senior managers face difficulties understanding BSC perspectives. The qualitative-based findings indicate that the level of understanding of BSC for clinical services is not significantly different from that for non-clinical services; staff members of the KFSH resist the implementation of BSC in the early stages; and there is 'autocratic' leadership style at the KFSH inhibited the flow of information. The power distance and autocratic leadership style, in combination with an inadequate launch of BSC, fail to follow the implementation steps recommended by both Kaplan and Norton (2001a) and Kotter (1996). These organisational dynamics, it will be argued, are understated in the original BSC methodology, a view consistent with the findings of Woodley (2006) and may be especially so in environments with strong professional norms such as hospitals. The implications for the study and practice of non-profit organisations wishing to adopt methodology developed initially in a commercial context, is considered.

[ES] Esta tesis doctoral presenta un estudio de compresores scroll con inyección de vapor (SCVI) para bombas de calor que operan en climas fríos o para aplicaciones de calentamiento de agua a alta temperatura. Para ello, se comparó experimentalmente un SCVI con un compresor de dos etapas de pistones (TSRC) trabajando con R-407C en condiciones extremas. La comparación se realizó en términos de eficiencias del compresor, capacidad, COP y rendimientos estacionales tanto para el modo calefacción como para el modo refrigeración. Los resultados proporcionan una idea general sobre el rango de aplicación de los compresores estudiados y sobre las diferencias en los rendimientos de los compresores. Sin embargo, se identificaron varias limitaciones en la caracterización de los compresores y en el análisis del ciclo. Esto motivó a profundizar en el estudio del ciclo de compresión de dos etapas y sus componentes. El siguiente paso fue realizar un análisis teórico de los ciclos de compresión de dos etapas para aplicaciones de calefacción, en donde se identificó a la presión intermedia y a la relación de inyección como los parámetros del sistema más influyentes sobre el COP. La presión intermedia se optimizó para dos configuraciones de inyección (tanque de separación y economizador) utilizando varios refrigerantes. Basándose en los resultados de la optimización, se propuso una correlación que permite obtener la presión intermedia óptima del ciclo, considerando la influencia del subenfriamiento a la salida del condensador. Además, se analizó la influencia del diseño de los componentes del sistema sobre el COP del ciclo. Posteriormente, el estudio se profundizó a nivel de componentes. El factor más crítico en el sistema es el rendimiento del compresor. Por lo tanto, el siguiente paso fue evaluar la influencia de varios sistemas de compresión con inyección de vapor sobre el COP. Se tomaron en cuenta tres tecnologías de compresores, un SCVI, un TSRC y un compresor scroll de dos etapas (TSSC). Estas tecnologías de compresores fueron caracterizadas y modeladas para estudiar su rendimiento. Para ello, se propuso una nueva metodología para caracterizar compresores scroll con inyección de vapor. Esta metodología permite evaluar el rendimiento del compresor independientemente del mecanismo de inyección que se utiliza en el ciclo. Se identificó una correlación lineal entre la relación de inyección de refrigerante y la relación de compresión intermedia. Esta correlación se utiliza para determinar el flujo másico de inyección en función de la presión intermedia. Posteriormente, se propuso un modelo semi-empírico de compresores scroll y una metodología para extender dicho modelo para compresores scroll con inyección de vapor. Los modelos fueron ajustados y validados usando datos experimentales de cuatro compresores scroll trabajando con R-290 y un SCVI trabajando con R-407C. Finalmente, se comparó un SCVI con dos compresores de dos etapas, un TSSC y un TSRC, trabajando en condiciones extremas. Se optimizó la relación de volúmenes de los compresores de dos etapas. Los resultados muestran que, en las condiciones nominales de funcionamiento (Te=-15 °C, Tc=50 °C), la relación de volúmenes óptima del TSSC es 0.58, y del TSRC es 0.57. El TSSC consigue un COP 6% mayor que el SCVI y un COP 11.7% mayor que el TSRC. Bajo un amplio rango de condiciones de operación, el SCVI presenta una mejor eficiencia y COP para relaciones de presión inferiores a 5. Para relaciones de presión más altas, el TSSC presenta mejor rendimiento y consigue una temperatura de descarga más baja. Se concluye que el SCVI es una solución fácil de implementar, desde el punto de vista del mecanizado, y que permite extender el mapa de trabajo de los compresores de una etapa. Sin embargo, los resultados muestran que la compresión en dos etapas consigue mejorar en mayor medida el COP del ciclo y la capacidad, con una mayor redu
[CA] Aquesta tesi doctoral presenta un estudi de compressors scroll amb injecció de vapor (SCVI) per a bombes de calor que operen en climes freds o per a aplicacions d'escalfament d'aigua a alta temperatura. Per a això, es va comparar experimentalment un SCVI amb un compressor de dues etapes de pistons (TSRC) treballant amb R-407C en condicions extremes. La comparació es va realitzar en termes d'eficiències del compressor, capacitat, COP i rendiments estacionals tant per al mode calefacció com per al mode refrigeració. Els resultats proporcionen una idea general sobre el rang d'aplicació dels compressors estudiats i sobre les diferències en els rendiments dels compressors. No obstant això, es van identificar diverses limitacions en la caracterització dels compressors i en l'anàlisi del cicle. Això va motivar a aprofundir en l'estudi del cicle de compressió de dues etapes i els seus components. El següent pas va ser realitzar una anàlisi teòrica dels cicles de compressió de dues etapes per a aplicacions de calefacció, on es va identificar la pressió intermèdia i la relació d'injecció com els paràmetres del sistema més influents sobre el COP. La pressió intermèdia es va optimitzar per a dues configuracions d'injecció (tanc de separació i economitzador) utilitzant diversos refrigerants. Basant-se en els resultats de l'optimització, es va proposar una correlació que permet obtindre la pressió intermèdia òptima del cicle, considerant la influència del subrefredament a l'eixida del condensador. A més, es va analitzar la influència del disseny dels components del sistema sobre el COP del cicle. Posteriorment, l'estudi es va aprofundir a nivell de components. El factor més crític en el sistema és el rendiment del compressor. Per tant, el següent pas va ser avaluar la influència de diversos sistemes de compressió amb injecció de vapor sobre el COP. Es van prendre en compte tres tecnologies de compressors, un SCVI, un TSRC i un compressor scroll de dues etapes (TSSC). Aquestes tecnologies de compressors van ser caracteritzades i modelades per a estudiar el seu rendiment. Per a això, es va proposar una nova metodologia per a caracteritzar compressors scroll amb injecció de vapor. Aquesta metodologia permet avaluar el rendiment del compressor independentment del mecanisme d'injecció que s'utilitza en el cicle. Es va identificar una correlació lineal entre la relació d'injecció de refrigerant i la relació de compressió intermèdia. Aquesta correlació s'utilitza per a determinar el flux màssic d'injecció en funció de la pressió intermèdia. Posteriorment, es va proposar un model semi-empíric de compressors scroll i una metodologia per a estendre aquest model per a compressors scroll amb injecció de vapor. Els models van ser ajustats i validats utilitzant dades experimentals de quatre compressors scroll treballant amb R-290 i un SCVI treballant amb R-407C. Finalment, es va comparar un SCVI amb dos compressors de dues etapes, un TSSC i un TSRC, treballant en condicions extremes. Es va optimitzar la relació de volums dels compressors de dues etapes. Els resultats mostren que, en les condicions nominals de funcionament (Te=-15 °C, Tc=50 °C), la relació de volums òptima del TSSC és 0.58, i del TSRC és 0.57. El TSSC aconsegueix un COP 6% major que el SCVI i un COP 11.7% major que el TSRC. Sota un ampli rang de condicions d'operació, el SCVI presenta una millor eficiència i COP per a relacions de pressió inferiors a 5. Per a relacions de pressió més altes, el TSSC presenta millor rendiment i aconsegueix una temperatura de descàrrega més baixa. Es conclou que el SCVI és una solució fàcil d'implementar, des del punt de vista del mecanitzat, i que permet estendre el mapa de treball dels compressors d'una etapa. No obstant això, els resultats mostren que la compressió en dues etapes aconsegueix millorar en major mesura el COP del cicle i la capacitat, amb una major reducció de la
[EN] This Ph.D. thesis presents a study of scroll compressors with vapor-injection (SCVI) for heat pumps operating in cold climates or in high-temperature water heating applications. To do so, firstly, an SCVI was experimentally compared with a two-stage reciprocating compressor (TSRC) working with R-407C under extreme conditions. The comparison was made in terms of compressor efficiencies, capacity, COP, and seasonal COP, both for heating and cooling modes. The results give a general idea about the application range of the studied compressors and the differences in the compressors' performance. Nevertheless, several restrictions in the compressors' characterization and the cycle analysis were identified. This motivated us to deepen in the study of the two-stage compression cycle and its components. The next step was performing a theoretical analysis of two-stage compression cycles for heating applications, where the intermediate pressure and the injection ratio were identified as the most influential system parameters on the COP. The intermediate pressure was optimized for two vapor-injection configurations (flash tank and economizer) using several refrigerants. Based on the optimization results, a correlation was proposed that allows obtaining the optimal intermediate pressure of the cycle, considering the influence of the subcooling at the condenser outlet. In addition, a theoretical analysis of the influence of the design of the system components on the COP of the cycle was performed. Once the thermodynamic analysis of the two-stage cycle was carried out, the study was deepened at the component level. The most critical factor in the system is the compressor performance. Hence, the next step was evaluating the influence of several compression systems with vapor-injection on the COP. Three compressor technologies were taken into account, an SCVI, a TSRC and a two-stage scroll compressor (TSSC). These compressor technologies were characterized and modeled in order to study their performance. To do so, a new methodology to characterize SCVI was proposed. This methodology allows evaluating the compressor performance independently of the injection mechanism used in the cycle. A linear correlation was identified between the refrigerant injection ratio and the intermediate compression ratio. This correlation is used to determine the injection mass flow as a function of the intermediate pressure. Then, a semi-empirical model of scroll compressors and a methodology to extend the model for scroll compressors with vapor-injection was proposed. The models were adjusted and validated using experimental data from four scroll compressors working with R-290 and an SCVI compressor working with R-407C. Finally, an SCVI was compared with two two-stage compressors, a TSSC, and a TSRC, working in extreme conditions. The displacement ratio of the two-stage compressors was optimized. Results show that, at the nominal operating conditions (Te=-15 °C, Tc=50 °C), the optimal displacement ratio of the TSSC is 0.58, and of the TSRC is 0.57. The TSSC achieves 6% larger COP than the SCVI and 11.7% larger COP than the TSRC. Under a wide range of operating conditions, the SCVI presents a better efficiency and COP for pressure ratios below 5. For higher-pressure ratios, the TSSC presents better performance and achieves lower discharge temperature. It is concluded that the SCVI is an easy solution to implement from the point of view of machining, which allows extending the working map of the single-stage compressors. However, the results show that the two-stage compression technology gets further improve the COP of the cycle and the capacity, with a greater reduction of the discharge temperature operating under extreme conditions.
I thank the financial support provided by the Secretaría de Educación Superior, Ciencia, Tecnología e Innovación (SENESCYT) of Ecuador, through the international scholarship program for postgraduate studies “Convocatoria Abierta 2013 Segunda Fase, Grant No 2015-AR37665”.
Tello Oquendo, FM. (2019). Study of scroll compressors with vapor-injection for heat pumps operating in cold climates or in high-temperature water heating applications [Tesis doctoral no publicada]. Universitat Politècnica de València. https://doi.org/10.4995/Thesis/10251/120473
TESIS

xiii, 207 p. : ill. (some col.), maps. A print copy of this thesis is available through the UO Libraries. Search the library catalog for the location and call number.
Preserving Pacific Northwest historic beach houses in coastal communities can often be a daunting task due to the complexities that arise when combining preservation, planning, development, and climatic hardships. Using Tillamook County's coastline as the study area, this thesis explores the historical development of Tillamook County's structures and the current barriers that exist when trying to preserve them. Historical discussions include the development of transportation routes, recreational amenities, and the evolution of coastal construction materials, along with historic local and regional planning decisions that helped shaped towns along Tillamook County's coastline. Following this historical discussion, current preservation challenges will be discussed as well as the recommendations for preserving and maintaining vernacular coastal beach houses of the Pacific Northwest.
Committee in Charge: Leland Roth, Chair; Donald Peting

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento CientÃfico e TecnolÃgico
This present work reports the chemical and biological analysis of the stem and leaves from Bauhinia pulchella. In this study, the ethanol extract from stems was obtained by maceration, subjected to chromatographic fractionation, leading to isolation of three flavonoids: (+)-3â,4â-dihydroxyphenyl-chroman-7-ol (BP-2), (-)-fisetinidol (BP-3) and (+)-epicatechin (BP-4); a mixture of triterpenes taraxerone and β-amyrenone (BP-1); a mixture of steroids sitosterol and stigmasterol (BP-5); and a bibenzyl named 2-hydroxy-3â,5â-dimethoxybibenzyl (BP-6). It is notewhorthy to mention that BP-1 and BP-4 substances are unprecedented in the genus, while BP-2 is unpublished. Chemical structures of secondary metabolites obtained were elucidated by 1H and 13C NMR; IR and MS associated with comparison of data described in the literature. Chemical composition of the essential oil from leaves of B. pulchella, obtained by hydrodistillation, was determined and quantified by gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC/MS) and gas chromatography-flame ionization detector (GC/FID), which identified 95,68% of all constituents. α-pinene (23.89%); caryophyllene oxide (22.43%) and β-pinene (12.19%) were the major components. The essential oil was tested against Aedes aegypti larvae and showed LC50 value of 105.93 Â 1.48 μg/mL. The cytotoxic activity of essential oil was evaluated on human tumor cell lines (HL-60; MCF-7; NCI-H292 and HEP-2) was evaluated, showing IC50 values with confidence intervals of 9.941 (8.238 to 12.00), 53.05 (41.39 to 67.99), 48.98 (44.22 to 54.25) and 50.42 (42.47 to 59.87) μg/mL, respectively and the cell line HL-60 the most sensitive among the cells tested. This is the first report of the chemical study of Bauhinia pulchella, as well the investigation of larvicidal activity and cytotoxicity of the essential oil from its leaves.
O presente trabalho relata o estudo quÃmico e biolÃgico do caule e das folhas de Bauhinia pulchella. Nesse estudo, o extrato etanÃlico do caule, obtido por maceraÃÃo, foi submetido a fracionamento cromatogrÃfico levando ao isolamento de trÃs flavonoides (+)-3â-4âdiidroxifenil-cromano-7-ol (BP-2), (-)-fisetinidol (BP-3) e (+)-epicatequina (BP-4); da mistura de triterpenos taraxerona e β-amirenona (BP-1); da mistura de esteroides sitosterol e estigmasterol (BP-5) e de um bibenzil denominado 2-hidrÃxi-3â-5â-dimetoxibibenzila (BP-6). Cabe ressaltar que as substÃncias BP-1 e BP-4 sÃo inÃditas no gÃnero, enquanto BP-2 à inÃdita na literatura. As estruturas dos metabÃlitos secundÃrios isolados foram elucidadas por RMN 1H e 13C; IV e EM, juntamente com a comparaÃÃo com os dados descritos na literatura. A composiÃÃo quÃmica do Ãleo essencial das folhas de B. pulchella, obtido por hidrodestilaÃÃo, foi determinada e quantificada por cromatografia gasosa acoplada à espectrometria de massas (CG-EM) e detector de ionizaÃÃo por chama (CG-DIC), sendo, portanto, identificados 95,68% dos seus constituintes: α-pineno (23,89%), Ãxido de cariofileno (22,43%) e β-pineno (12,19%) foram os constituintes majoritÃrios. O Ãleo essencial teve sua atividade larvicida sobre Aedes aegypti avaliada, sendo obtido um valor de CL50 igual a 105,93  1,48 μg/mL. O poder citotÃxico do Ãleo essencial foi avaliado sobre as linhagens tumorais humanas HL-60, MCF-7, NCI-H292 e HEP-2, sendo obtidos valores de CI50 e intervalos de confianÃa iguais a 9,941 (8,238 a 12,00); 53,05 (41,39 a 67,99); 48,98 (44,22 a 54,25) e 50,42 (42,47 a 59,87) μg/mL, respectivamente, sendo a linhagem celular HL-60 a mais sensÃvel dentre as cÃlulas testadas. Este à o primeiro relato do estudo quÃmico de Bauhinia pulchella, bem como da investigaÃÃo da atividade larvicida e citotÃxica do Ãleo essencial de suas folhas.

Les centres respiratoires du tronc cérébral régulent la ventilation. Les signaux qu’ils émettent sont transmis aux muscles inspiratoires. La commande respiratoire peut être monitorée au lit du patient au moyen de l’activité électrique diaphragmatique (Eadi) ou de la pression d’occlusion à 100 ms (P0.1). Le monitorage de ces paramètres devrait permettre d’optimiser l’assistance ventilatoire délivrée.Il n’existe que peu de données relatives aux valeurs normales d’Eadi et de P0.1 et à leurs variations en situations non physiologiques. La question de la fiabilité des mesures réalisables au lit du patient reste également débattue. Ce projet de thèse visait à augmenter les connaissances relatives à l’Eadi et à la P0.1.Les travaux réalisés ont permis de : 1. mieux caractériser l’amplitude de l’Eadi en situations physiologique et non physiologiques, 2. démontrer que la valeur maximale d’Eadi reflète bien l’intensité de la commande, 3. démontrer que le monitorage de l’Eadi est complémentaire à celui du profil ventilatoire et de l’effort inspiratoire, 4. démontrer que Eadi et P0.1 sont bien corrélés,5. démontrer que l’Eadi peut être utilisé pour optimiser les réglages en aide inspiratoire et que ceci améliore la synchronisation patient-ventilateur, 6. démontrer que les variations de P0.1 sont bien reflétées par les mesures de P0.1 réalisées par les ventilateurs et 7. démontrer que les ventilateurs sous-estiment les P0.1 de référence. Des études complémentaires sur de plus grands collectifs et portant sur le devenir des patients doivent être réalisées avant que le monitorage de l’Eadi et de la P0.1 puissent être recommandés comme techniques de routine chez les patients ventilés
The brainstem respiratory centers are in charge of breathing regulation. Their output is transmitted to the inspiratory muscles. Respiratory drive monitoring can be performed using the electrical activity of the diaphragm (Eadi) or the measurement of the occlusion pressure at 100 ms (P0.1). Monitoring these parameters should allow improving the delivered ventilator assist. Few data regarding the normal values of Eadi and P0.1 and their variations in non-physiological situations are available. The question of the reliability of the bedside measurements also remains opened.This thesis project aimed at increasing our knowledge on Eadi and P0.1 measurements. The studies performed allowed 1. better characterizing Eadi and P0.1 normal values in physiological and non-physiological situations. 2. demonstrating that Eadi maximal value well reflects inspiratory drive intensity, 3. demonstrating that Eadi monitoring provides additional information compared to respiratory profile and inspiratory effort monitoring, 4. demonstrating that Eadi and P0.1 are well correlated, 5. demonstrating that Eadi can be used to improve the ventilator settings during pressure support and that this strategy allows improving patient-ventilator synchrony. 6. showing that the P0.1 variations are well reflected by the P0.1 measured by the ventilators, 7. demonstrating that overall the P0.1 measured by the ventilators underestimate the reference P0.1. Additional studies in more patients and studies designed to assess the impact on patient’s outcome of using Eadi and P0.1 monitoring should be perform before recommaending these monitorings as a standard procedure in ventilated patients

Morphodynamics, the latest approach to surf circulation dynamics and beach morphology, is used as a framework for analysis of a mixed sand and gravel beach fronting Kaikoura, east coast of the South Island, New Zealand. Within this analysis, a model for morphodynamics developed in Australia is utilized and assessed. The morphodynamics model is a model of morphological sequences thought to result from variations in energy dissipation over the surf zone. The model combines both circulation theory and morphology together and the beach is analysed in all three dimensions. The major aims of this thesis were to determine whether the behavior of North Bay Beach can be described by a morphodynamic model, and whether variability alongshore at North Bay Beach is explained by morphodynamics. Aims were achieved by specific measurement and observation of the process environment, beach profiles, and beach cusps of North Bay Beach, Kaikoura. Methods include littoral environment observations (LEOs), beach profile surveys, documentation of cusp , occurrence or extinction and wavelengths, sediment sampling of cusp horns and bays, and the compilation of wind and weather data. Morphodynamic beach state was indicated by way of a surf scaling factor. Results indicate a relationship between beach cusps and wave approach, explicable by the edge wave theory utilized by morphodynamics. Beach profile results show North Bay Beach as morphodynamically reflective - reflecting rather than dissipating wave energy at the shore. Surf scaling factor analysis indicates that North Bay Beach experiences intermediate morphodynamic beach states as well, although this is not reflected in the morphology of the beach as a whole as the model predicts. Due to these inconsistencies, the specific morphodynamics model presented proved inconclusive. However, it is clear that North Bay Beach is more reflective than it is dissipative. On this point, the conceptual basis of morphodynamics proved appropriate. It provided a link between the known morphology, sediment, and morphological responses of North Bay Beach, and the lesser known, difficult to measure, process environment. However, the morphodynamic model needs "fine tuning", i.e. possibly more defined beach states in the sequence to adapt highly reflective, mixed sand and gravel beaches such as North Bay Beach.

Visiting the beach environment is a major tourism motivational driver. It is therefore not surprising that beach tourism is the largest segment of international tourism arrivals worldwide. Beach tourist numbers are particularly booming in South-East Asia, where many beach destinations such as Phuket, Bali, Sabah, Boracay have emerged. China is also seeking to position itself as a beach tourism destination in international tourism markets. Hainan Island is one of China‘s leading domestic beach destinations, and has the ambition to become the international beach tourism hub of China. However, Hainan Island‘s visitation growth is under-performing in comparison to other famous beach destinations in South-East Asia due to the continuous decline of international arrivals. The challenge for Hainan Island is to boost awareness and develop an appropriate destination brand image for promotion worldwide. Effective destination branding can enhance consumer salience through the creation of a distinctive and appealing image. There has been considerable research on this topic and numerous attributes for different beach destination images have been identified. However, less attention has been devoted to the study of travellers‘ image schemas that underpin destination image formation. This thesis examines the destination image of Hainan Island among Australian families to understand how image schema can be changed. Schemas are knowledge structures stored in humans‘ long-term memory which are used to direct attention, and encode and retrieve information for better information processing before decision making. An understanding of schemas can provide insight into the individual mental states underpinning human behaviour. In tourism, schemas allow tourists to process destination information and make travel decisions. Image schemas are the broadest sort of schemas and are used to build mental images of the destination and provide a framework for organising relationships between attributes. The Elaboration Likelihood Model (ELM) of persuasion considers schema as part of the process of attitude formation and change. In particular, schema congruity theory is used in marketing to understand how to change image schema. Image schema incongruity occurs when there is a mismatching of images between an ideal and actual or target destinations, thus influencing consumers‘ attitude toward this actual or target destination. There is little empirical evidence both in marketing and tourism literature about ways to reduce image schema incongruity. However, researchers have suggested that storytelling may be a means to change image schema incongruity. Storytelling (both in written and verbal) has been used to make destination image salient for travellers, change their attitude and increase their visit intentions. This is because stories may communicate the core values of a destination that evoke the consumer‘s desire to visit. Previous research has shown that narrative transportation plays a significant role in the effectiveness of narrative persuasion in storytelling. The format (factual information versus story) and perspective (first- versus third-person) of a story affect the level of narrative transportation. Nevertheless, there is little research that seeks to understand the interaction between format and perspective and their impact on narrative transportation, particularly in the context of destination image. This research aims to extend schema theory by investigating the influence of narrative transportation on the image schema congruity between Hainan Island and an ideal beach destination. The effect of image schema congruity on attitude towards the target destination was also investigated. This study applied a sequential mixed-method approach to examine these relationships. First, qualitative in-depth face-to-face interviews were conducted, assisted by use of the photo elicitation (PE) technique. Australian family adults with children living at home were selected for the sample given that family holidays are one of the main beach tourism market segments. Interviews (N = 14) unveiled the existing image schema of the ideal beach destination and 36 salient attributes and their relationships stored in their memory were mapped. Based on analysis of the interview data, Hawaii was set as the best ideal beach destination to calculate image schema congruity for the following quantitative research. Next, a pilot study (N = 200) and then the main survey (N = 552) was conducted. Respondents first evaluated attributes of, and attitude towards, Hawaii and Hainan Island in a structured questionnaire. Then, using a quasi-experimental design, respondents were randomly exposed to four variants of textual information about Hainan Island, manipulated according to the narrative format (factual information versus story) and perspective (first- versus third-person). Respondents were then asked to evaluate the narrative transportation of the treatment. The attributes and attitude to Hainan Island were then re-tested to look for post-intervention changes. Results show that respondents generally had a less positive attitude towards Hainan Island pre-treatment, but their attitude and the attributes they associate with the destination can be positively changed. The storytelling intervention reduced the image incongruity between Hainan Island and Hawaii (as proxy for an ideal beach destination), changing from negatively incongruent to congruent or positively incongruent. The first-person story about Hainan Island was found to have the greatest narrative transportation of the four treatments and reported the most significant changes in image schema incongruity and attitude. The findings of this thesis make significant contributions to the body of knowledge about destination image, specifically image schema, narrative transportation and persuasion. It introduces the concept of image schema into destination image research. It also extends previous cognitive-affective theory of image to multi-dimensional image schema theory by providing an overall image schema for the ideal beach destination. It combines the schema theory and narrative transportation theory in beach tourism to explore how to change image schema incongruity to attain positive attitude. The relationships among narrative transportation of storytelling, image schema congruity and attitude are demonstrated. This research confirms that storytelling can change schema incongruity and this impact on attitude change, in which narrative transportation plays a mediatory role. In addition, this study validates the interactional effects from narrative format and narrative perspective on narrative transportation. Practically, the overall image schema of the ideal beach destination identified in this study can help destination marketing organisations (DMOs) and tourism industry to acquire in-depth understanding of tourists‘ perceptions before positioning their beach destinations, and can be used as a benchmark to understand image schema congruity for destination comparisons to improve destination competitiveness. It suggests that an increase in salience is achieved through the matching of image schemas between the ideal and target destinations. In particular, the textual information edited by salient attributes stored in memory provides research-based suggestions for Hainan Island and other destinations on how to tailor effective treatment to change image schema incongruity to obtain positive attitude. The first-person story provides the greatest narrative transportation of the four treatments tested, suggesting this format and perspective is best suited to change image schema incongruity between the ideal and target beach destinations.
Thesis (PhD Doctorate)
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Dept Tourism, Sport & Hot Mgmt
Griffith Business School
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Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)
As plantas têm sido uma valiosa fonte de produtos naturais para a manutenção da saúde e da beleza humana. Diante do conhecimento da potencial atividade antioxidante dos flavonóides presentes nos frutos de Dimorphandra mollis Benth. (Leguminosae), popularmente conhecida como faveiro, pretendeu-se desenvolver um fitocosmético antienvelhecimento. Os frutos de D. mollis foram coletados na Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas da UNESP- Araraquara- SP e sua identificação foi realizada pelo Herbário do Instituto de Biociências da UNESP- Rio Claro- SP, onde está depositada a exsicata. Após coleta, os frutos foram secos e pulverizados em moinho de facas, sendo este material utilizado para realização dos ensaios de controle de qualidade físico-químicos. Os resultados indicaram que o material vegetal encontra-se dentro dos padrões de qualidade estabelecidos para materiais vegetais. Foi, também, otimizada a condição de extração dos flavonóides presentes nos frutos de D. mollis, preparando-se extratos por turboextração e utilizando-se etanol em diferentes graduações como líquido extrator. Estes extratos foram submetidos ao doseamento por espectrofotometria e avaliados quanto a sua composição química utilizando-se a técnica de Cromatografia em Camada Delgada Comparativa (CCDC). O extrato preparado com etanol absoluto apresentou o maior teor de flavonóides e foi analisado por Cromatografia Líquida de Alta Eficiência (CLAE), confirmando a presença de rutina e quercetina. A partir deste extrato, foram realizadas avaliações da propriedade antioxidante, que mostrou atividade ligeiramente menor que o padrão cisteína, e da citotoxicidade. A emulsão contendo 0,15% do extrato etanólico absoluto, analisada quanto à contaminação microbiológica e quanto à estabilidade, não apresentou sinais de toxicidade dérmica...
The plants have been a valuable source of natural products for the maintenance of human health and beauty. Throw the antioxidant potential of the flavonoids present in Dimorphandra mollis Benth. (Leguminosae), it was developed an antiaging phytocosmetic. The fruits of D. mollis, popularly known as ‘faveiro’, were collected in the Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas da UNESP- Araraquara- SP and its identification was done by Herbário do Instituto de Biociências da UNESP- Rio Claro- SP, where voucher specimen was deposited. After the collect, the fruits were dried and powdered in a knives mill and this material was used for the physico-chemical quality control techniques. The results indicate that the vegetal material was according to established standards of quality established for plant drugs in general. It was also optimized the conditions of extraction of flavonoids from the fruits of D. mollis, preparing the extracts by turbolysis, using ethanol in different degrees as extractor liquid. The flavonoid content was determinated by spectrophotometer method and this chemical composition was evaluated by Comparative Thin Layer Chromatography. The extract prepared with absolute ethanol presented a high level of total flavonoids and it was analyzed by High Performance Liquid Chromatography, confirming the presence of rutin and quercetin. From this extract, it was carried out the evaluation of antioxidant and citotoxicity activities. The extract was incorporated in a cosmetic formulation (oil/water cream) that was analyzed as the microbiological contamination, stability and dermal toxicity.

Resumo: As plantas têm sido uma valiosa fonte de produtos naturais para a manutenção da saúde e da beleza humana. Diante do conhecimento da potencial atividade antioxidante dos flavonóides presentes nos frutos de Dimorphandra mollis Benth. (Leguminosae), popularmente conhecida como faveiro, pretendeu-se desenvolver um fitocosmético antienvelhecimento. Os frutos de D. mollis foram coletados na Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas da UNESP- Araraquara- SP e sua identificação foi realizada pelo Herbário do Instituto de Biociências da UNESP- Rio Claro- SP, onde está depositada a exsicata. Após coleta, os frutos foram secos e pulverizados em moinho de facas, sendo este material utilizado para realização dos ensaios de controle de qualidade físico-químicos. Os resultados indicaram que o material vegetal encontra-se dentro dos padrões de qualidade estabelecidos para materiais vegetais. Foi, também, otimizada a condição de extração dos flavonóides presentes nos frutos de D. mollis, preparando-se extratos por turboextração e utilizando-se etanol em diferentes graduações como líquido extrator. Estes extratos foram submetidos ao doseamento por espectrofotometria e avaliados quanto a sua composição química utilizando-se a técnica de Cromatografia em Camada Delgada Comparativa (CCDC). O extrato preparado com etanol absoluto apresentou o maior teor de flavonóides e foi analisado por Cromatografia Líquida de Alta Eficiência (CLAE), confirmando a presença de rutina e quercetina. A partir deste extrato, foram realizadas avaliações da propriedade antioxidante, que mostrou atividade ligeiramente menor que o padrão cisteína, e da citotoxicidade. A emulsão contendo 0,15% do extrato etanólico absoluto, analisada quanto à contaminação microbiológica e quanto à estabilidade, não apresentou sinais de toxicidade dérmica... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo)
Abstract: The plants have been a valuable source of natural products for the maintenance of human health and beauty. Throw the antioxidant potential of the flavonoids present in Dimorphandra mollis Benth. (Leguminosae), it was developed an antiaging phytocosmetic. The fruits of D. mollis, popularly known as 'faveiro', were collected in the Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas da UNESP- Araraquara- SP and its identification was done by Herbário do Instituto de Biociências da UNESP- Rio Claro- SP, where voucher specimen was deposited. After the collect, the fruits were dried and powdered in a knives mill and this material was used for the physico-chemical quality control techniques. The results indicate that the vegetal material was according to established standards of quality established for plant drugs in general. It was also optimized the conditions of extraction of flavonoids from the fruits of D. mollis, preparing the extracts by turbolysis, using ethanol in different degrees as extractor liquid. The flavonoid content was determinated by spectrophotometer method and this chemical composition was evaluated by Comparative Thin Layer Chromatography. The extract prepared with absolute ethanol presented a high level of total flavonoids and it was analyzed by High Performance Liquid Chromatography, confirming the presence of rutin and quercetin. From this extract, it was carried out the evaluation of antioxidant and citotoxicity activities. The extract was incorporated in a cosmetic formulation (oil/water cream) that was analyzed as the microbiological contamination, stability and dermal toxicity.
Orientador: Raquel Regina Duarte Moreira
Coorientador: Hérida Regina Nunes Salgado
Banca: Mara Lane Carvalho Cardoso
Banca: Marcos Antonio Corrêa
Mestre

Zero Net Energy Buildings (ZNEB) are gaining popularity, and many governments want commercial ZNEB status in a decade from now. This project uses the energy consumption data of California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) to design a ZNEB system for the CSULB-Alumni Center. The campus energy data is taken and averaged by considering the number of buildings. Various Energy Efficiency Measures (EEMs) such as scheduled operation of equipment and advanced lighting were considered in designing the ZNEB Alumni Center. The ZNEB System building design is in two different configurations: 1) A system with solar Photo Voltaic (PV); 2) A system with solar PV and a Battery Energy Storage System. The Hybrid Optimization Model for Electric Renewables (HOMER) software simulates the ZNEB Alumni Center. Two configurations are compared in terms of payback and Net Present Value (NPV). The system with the highest NPV and early payback is considered the optimal system.

The heavily developed Long Key is located in Pinellas County in west-central Florida. The structured Blind Pass at the north end of the barrier island interrupts the southward longshore sediment transport, resulting in severe and chronic beach erosion along the northern portion of the island. Frequent beach nourishments were conducted to mitigate the erosion. In this study, the performance of the most recent beach nourishment in 2010 is quantified through time-series beach profile surveys. Over the 34-month period, the nourished northern portion of the island, Upham Beach, lost up to 330 m3/m of sand, with a landward shoreline retreat of up to 100 m. The middle portion of the island gained up to 25 m3/m of sand, benefiting from the sand lost from Upham Beach. The southern portion of Long Key lost a modest amount of sediment, largely due to Tropical Storm Debby, which approached from the south in June 2012. The severe erosion along Upham Beach is induced by a large negative longshore transport gradient. The beach here has no sand bar and retreated landward persistently over the 34-month study period. In contrast the profiles in the central section of the island generally have a sand bar which moved landward and seaward in response to seasonal and storm-induced wave-energy changes. The sand volume across the entire profile in the central portion of the island is mostly conserved. Two typical example beach profiles, LK3A and R157, were selected to examine the ability of the commonly used principal component analysis (PCA), also commonly known as empirical orthogonal function analysis (EOF), to identify beach profile ix changes induced by longshore and cross-shore sediment transport gradients. For the longshore-transport driven changes at the non-barred profile LK3A, the principal eigenvector accounted for over 91% of the total variance, with a dominant broad peak in the cross-shore distribution. At the barred R157, the profile changes were caused mainly by cross-shore transport gradients with modest contribution from longshore transport gradient; eigenvalue one only accounted for less than 51% of the total variance, and eigenvalues two and three still contributed considerably to the overall variance. In order to verify the uniqueness of the PCA results from LK3A and R157, five numerical experiments were conducted, simulating changes at a barred and non-barred beach driven by longshore, cross-shore, and combined sediment transport gradients. Results from LK3A and R157 compare well with simulated beach erosion (or accretion) due to variable longshore sediment transport gradients and due to both cross-shore and longshore sediment transport gradients, respectively. Different PCA results were obtained from different profile change patterns.

[ES] Con el aumento de la demanda de soluciones más amigables con el medio ambiente en la industria de la automoción, el motor de combustión interna alternativo (MCIA) enfrenta actualmente grandes desafíos para minimizar su consumo de recursos no renovables y especialmente, para reducir sus emisiones contaminantes. Debido a que el aporte de los MCIAs es fundamental para cubrir las necesidades de movilidad y de generación de energía alrededor de todo el mundo, y el hecho de que diferentes alternativas, como los motores eléctricos e hibrido, están y continuaran enfrentado múltiples obstáculos para su implementación masiva en el futuro cercano, la investigación continua en MCIA es fundamental para cumplir con los propósitos de reducción de emisiones. En este aspecto, una aproximación para el aumento de la eficiencia del motor y la reducción del consumo de combustible es mediante la implementación de alternativas dirigidas a reducir las pérdidas mecánicas por fricción. Estas alternativas tribológicas incluyen aquellas que requieren modificaciones en los componentes del motor, como materiales y acabados superficiales, y el uso de formulaciones de aceite lubricante de menor viscosidad o aditivos que mejoren las condiciones de lubricación del motor. Con la contante evolución y mejoras en el MCIA y las condiciones de trabajo cada vez más severas, también surgen nuevas alternativas tribológicas para enfrentar los nuevos desafíos del motor, y por tanto se requiere de investigaciones adicionales en este tema. Durante el desarrollo de esta Tesis, uno de los objetivos consistió en contribuir a la investigación del uso de aceites de baja viscosidad para el ahorro de combustible como un efecto conjunto con las condiciones de conducción del vehículo. Para llevar a cabo este objetivo, se desarrollaron ensayos experimentales bajo condiciones estacionarias en un banco de motor con formulaciones de aceite de diferente viscosidad HTHS, algunas de ellos con aditivo modificador de fricción para expandir el rango de reducción de fricción a condiciones de lubricación más severas. Los mapas de consumo de combustible resultantes de estos ensayos fueron utilizados en un modelo de simulación del vehículo para estimar su consumo de combustible como función del aceite y las condiciones de trabajo de tres ciclos de conducción. Con el objetivo de expandir los conocimientos en los fundamentos de lubricación de los MCIAs y tener la capacidad de evaluar otras alternativas para reducir las pérdidas por fricción, se consideró necesario enfocar la investigación en el conjunto pistón-camisa, que es el par tribológico con mayor aporte a las perdidas por fricción. Para conseguir este objetivo, durante esta Tesis se desarrolló una maqueta específica para el ensamble pistón-camisa, y un modelo teórico para simular la lubricación del segmento de compresión. Para la primera parte, la maqueta se desarrolló basada en el método de camisa flotante, en el cual la camisa fue aislada del resto del motor y la fuerza de fricción generada en la interfaz pistón-camisa pudo ser medida mediante sensores de fuerza. En esta instalación se desarrollaron diferentes ensayos los cuales permitieron llevar a cabo un análisis exhaustivo de los fundamentos de lubricación de este par tribológico como función de diferentes parámetros que tiene impacto en las condiciones de lubricación. Este estudio se complementó con el desarrollo de un modelo de lubricación para el segmento de compresión basado en el método de diferencias finitas. Finalmente, se llevó a cabo una comparativa de resultados experimentales y teóricos para el segmento de compresión, lo cual permitió validar los ensayos experimentales en la maqueta de camisa flotante, así como el modelo de simulación desde el punto de vista de datos de entrada, condiciones de contorno y supuestos.
[CA] Amb l'augment de la demanda de solucions més amigables amb el medi ambient en la indústria de l'automoció, el motor de combustió interna alternatiu (MCIA) s'enfronta actualment a grans desafiaments per minimitzar el seu consum de recursos no renovables i especialment, per reduir les seves emissions contaminants . Tenint en compte que l'aportació dels MCIA és fonamental per a cobrir les necessitats de mobilitat i generació d'energia arreu de tot el món, i el fet que diferents alternatives, com els motors elèctrics i híbrids, estan i continuaran enfrontat múltiples obstacles per a la seva implementació massiva al proper futur, la investigació contínua en MCIA és fonamental per complir amb els propòsits de reducció d'emissions. En aquest aspecte, una aproximació per a l'augment de l'eficiència del motor i la reducció de consum de combustible és mitjançant la implementació d'alternatives dirigides a reduir les pèrdues mecàniques per fricció. Aquestes alternatives tribològiques inclouen aquelles que requereixen modificacions de components del motor, com materials i acabats superficials, i l'ús de formulacions d'oli lubricant de menor viscositat o additius que milloren les condicions de lubricació del motor. Amb la constant evolució i millores en el MCIA i les condicions de treball cada vegada més severes, també sorgeixen noves alternatives tribològiques per enfrontar els nous desafiaments del motor, i per tant es requereix d'investigacions addicionals en aquest tema. Durant el desenvolupament d'aquesta Tesi, un dels objectius va consistir a contribuir a la investigació de l'ús d'olis de baixa viscositat per a l'estalvi de combustible com un efecte conjunt amb les condicions de conducció de vehicle. Per dur a terme aquest objectiu, es van desenvolupar assajos experimentals sota condicions estacionàries en un banc de motor amb formulacions d'oli de diferent viscositat HTHS, algunes d'elles amb additiu modificador de fricció per expandir el rang de reducció de fricció a condicions de lubricació més severes . Els mapes de consum de combustible resultants d'aquests assajos van ser utilitzats en un model de simulació del vehicle per estimar el seu consum de combustible com a funció de l'oli i les condicions de treball de tres cicles de conducció. Amb l'objectiu d'expandir els coneixements en els fonaments de lubricació dels MCIAs i tenir la capacitat d'avaluar altres alternatives per reduir les pèrdues per fricció, es va considerar necessari enfocar la recerca al conjunt pistó-camisa, que és el parell tribològic amb major aportació a les perdudes per fricció. Per aconseguir aquest objectiu, durant aquesta Tesi es va desenvolupar una maqueta específica per al acoblament pistó-camisa, i un model teòric per simular la lubricació del segment de compressió. Per a la primera part, la maqueta es va desenvolupar basada en el mètode de camisa flotant, en el qual la camisa va ser aïllada de la resta del motor i la força de fricció generada en la interfície pistó-camisa va poder ser mesurada mitjançant sensors de força. En aquesta instal·lació es van desenvolupar diferents assajos els quals van permetre dur a terme una anàlisi exhaustiva dels fonaments de lubricació d'aquest parell tribològic com a funció de diferents paràmetres que tenen impacte en les condicions de lubricació. Aquest estudi es va complementar amb el desenvolupament d'un model de lubricació per al segment de compressió basat en el mètode de diferències finites. Finalment, es va dur a terme una comparativa de resultats experimentals i teòrics per al segment de compressió, la qual cosa va permetre validar els assajos experimentals a la maqueta de camisa flotant, així com el model de simulació des del punt de vista de dades d'entrada, condicions de contorn i hipòtesis.
[EN] With the increasing demand for greener solutions in the automotive industry, the ICE is currently facing great challenges to minimize the consumption of nonrenewable resources and specially to reduce its harmful emissions. Given that the contribution of the ICE is fundamental to cover the actual mobility and power generation needs worldwide, and the fact that different power-train alternatives, such as electric and hybrid vehicles, are and will continue facing multiple obstacles for their large-scale implementation in the near future, the continuous research on the ICE is fundamental in order to meet the emissions reduction targets. In this regard, one approach to increase the engine efficiency and reduce the fuel consumption, is through the implementation of alternatives aimed to reduce the friction mechanical losses. These tribological alternatives include those that require modifications to the engine components, such as materials and surface finishes, and the use of lubricant oil formulation of lower viscosity or additives that improve the lubrication performance of the engine. With the ongoing evolution and improvement of the ICE and the increasingly severe working conditions, new tribological solutions also emerge to face the new challenges in the ICE, and therefore further research is required on this subject. During the development of this Thesis, one of the objectives was to contribute to the research on low viscosity engine oils for fuel economy as a joint effect with the driving conditions of the vehicle. To accomplish this, experimental tests were performed under stationary conditions in an engine bench test for oil formulations of different HTHS viscosity, some of them with friction modifier additive to expand the friction reduction effect to more severe lubrication conditions. The resultant fuel consumption maps were then employed in a vehicle model to estimate the fuel consumption of the vehicle as function of the oil formulation and the working conditions of the three driving cycles. With the aim of expanding the knowledge on the lubrication fundamentals of the engine and to have the capability to assess other alternatives to further reduce the friction mechanical losses, it was deemed necessary to focus the research on the piston-cylinder liner assembly, the tribo-pair of major friction share. In order to achieve this objective, a test rig was developed in this Thesis specific for the piston-liner assembly, and a theoretical model to estimate the lubrication of the piston compression ring. For the first part, the test rig was designed based on the floating liner method, where the cylinder liner was isolated from the rest of the engine and the friction force generated in the piston-liner conjunction could be measured by means of force sensors. Different tests were developed in this test rig which allowed a comprehensive analysis of the piston lubrication fundamentals as function of different parameters having an impact on the lubrication performance of this assembly. This study was complemented with the development of a piston compression ring lubrication model based on the finite differences method. A comparison of experimental and theoretical results was performed for the piston compression ring that helped to validate both the experimental tests in the floating liner and the simulation model from the point of view of input data, boundary conditions and assumptions.
Bastidas Moncayo, KS. (2021). Experimental and analytical study of the mechanical friction losses in the piston-cylinder liner tribological pair in internal combustion engines (ICE) [Tesis doctoral]. Universitat Politècnica de València. https://doi.org/10.4995/Thesis/10251/172188
TESIS

The colony of African Penguins at Boulders, Simon's Town on the southern Cape Peninsula, Western Cape formed in 1985, and is now a major ecotourism destination. The African Penguin is listed as Endangered due in part to competition with commercial fisheries. Improvements in the spatial management of these fisheries could assist with the conservation of the penguins, but would be costly. Various techniques were used to estimate the value of the colony, and to assess its impact on the economy of the southern Peninsula.

The choice behaviour of winter beach vacationers to the Caribbean is modelled with an experimental multiattribute research technique, the discrete choice experiment. Hypothetical destination scenarios are defined using ten variables, each having three levels. The variables refer to the accommodation, its price, its distance from the beach, the airport and various tourist services. These scenarios are located in one of five Caribbean islands.
Distance to beach and price are the most significant variables, and only hotel size is not. Estimates of the relative utility of each of the attributes make the approach relevant for destination planning. Segmentation by socio-demographic characteristics and past vacation behaviour makes the research relevant for destination marketing. Choice probabilities can be estimated for any of the scenarios.
The discrete choice experiment can contribute to narrowing the paradigmatic split between destination-oriented and market-oriented tourism research. It is also attractive to applied tourism research because simulation constitutes a convenient tool for managers and decision-makers.

碩士
國立臺北科技大學
創新設計研究所
103
In recent years, the aging population in Taiwan gets serious; more and more elderly have the vestiges on the physiological functions and characteristic of psychology. “Wearing shoes”, seemingly a simply act, causes elders a problem in physical coordination, such as the body movement of sitting down, bending, standing etc. Therefore, the main propose of this research is to improve the designing of chair for shoes and ottoman, further make the elderly feel safer, easier and more comfortable when wearing shoes. At the beginning of research, we’ve used structure interviews and participant observation, understanding the behaviors and habits of wearing shoes in the daily life of the elderly.The studies showed up some observed points. First, a lower chair took the elderly more time to complete the action to sit down, and got more difficult on standing up; secondly, when choosing a shorter chair, it will be easier to wear the shoes because of the extents of bending. However, if the chair is too low, it will affect the large angle on the bending knees, it also brings about the great physical load on the elderly who has the problems on joint degenerations. In order to make the elderly be able to wear shoes more easily, reducing the burden in the process as well, we found the following conclusions: 1.It is recommended to use the chair for shoes at the height 36.78cm ~ 37cm, it’s also could be a useful reference for the designers when they are designing the chairs for shoes wearing in the future. 2.When the height of seat is as high as popliteal, we recommend the optimum height for footstool is at popliteal high -20.87cm ~ -21.11cm, it’s also could be a useful reference for the designers when they are designing the chairs for shoes wearing in the future.

碩士
國立虎尾科技大學
休閒遊憩系碩士班
106
In a good resting place, the bench is the key. This study will review the literature to understand whether the basic attributes of the user and the type of bench affect the user's choice in the bench, which in turn affects the user's different affordances behaviors. The user's active affordance behavior and social affordance behavior in the bench, the research field was selected as the first floor of the National Formosa University of Science and Technology and Management School, and the research bench was linear bench, centripetal bench and convex The font bench is observed, and the user's behavior is observed by a video camera, and finally the film is analyzed by coding. A total of 323 observations were collected in the study. The results of the study showed that in terms of bench selection, the user did not have a preference for the three types of benches when choosing a bench. Instead, in a three-person group, the user was facing the center. Bench preference, gender has no obvious preference for three kinds of benches, male and female mixed groups have preference for embossed bench; user bench affordance, linear bench provides limited affordance behavior, user in a straight line The affordance on the bench is mostly rested alone. The centripetal bench facilitates the social interaction of the group. The embossed bench allows the user to perform the affordances behavior other than sitting. There is a certain affordances behavior for the user, but it is still not as good as the centripetal bench and the convex type bench.

碩士
國立清華大學
動力機械工程學系
91
Abstract The reliable material property of device layer on SOI wafer is suitable for fabricating micro devices, but the current proposed processes of SOI wafer are too simple to manufacture devices with various functionalities. On the contrary, the surface micromachining is good at achieving complicated design; but the residual stress of thin film destroys devices. Combining the individual advantages of SOI wafer and surface micromachining, an integration process is established by trench-refilled technology in the thesis. The microoptical bench with the proposed integration process is comprised of micro optical device, some hinges and latches on a comb-drive micro bench. By decoupling the functionalities of actuator and passive optical device, the performance of the two components will be significantly improved. The proposed microoptical bench provides active light modulation with actuator, which is capable of increasing the applications of microoptical bench. Besides, the fabricated high-aspect-ratio actuators with single crystal silicon have excellent performance in reliability and stability. Furthermore, the surface micromachining is able to fabricate various optical devices, hinges and latches for integrating with micro bench. Therefore, the proposed microoptical bench is potential in optical applications.

碩士
逢甲大學
都市計畫所
91
The seats in the outdoor facilities are visible street furniture anywhere. The seats situation of use in every space will be effected due to its arrangement. It can be detected that some seats are used more frequent than others. Besides, there is a distance between uses. What is this distance? Will it be influenced by peak and off peak hour? This way directs this study which proceeds to understand the relationship between seats and behavior. The range of study is the benches of university of F.C.U. that proceeds to observed and record them. The study emphasized the relationship between benches and users. The objective of this study are: First, to find out the human behavior affected by the design and or characteristic of the bench. Second, to find out the faction which the users while selecting the bench. Third, to find out the “comfortable distance” between two users, and if it will be effected due to peak and off peak hour? The study adopts two ways inclusive of the literature review and observation of environment behavior to proceed observation. This term that proceeds to observe and records which focus on using time, frequency, activities, user behavior, choose benche’s seat of users and environment nearby. Then, to reorganize and analyze the contents which is observed and survey. The data from above shows that the benches shapes in the campus wouldn’t affect the kind of activity of users. Furthermore, it could be detected from the benches of campus that users would consider to choose the both sides, top, and turning of benches. Finally, distance between users is not effected due to peak and off peak hour.

碩士
國立高雄第一科技大學
環境與安全衛生工程所
90
Biological fixed-film reactors（FFRs）is a very efficient and cost effective biological wastewater treatment technology . The FFR system we employ is an aerated packed-bed vessel containing an adherent（immobilized）microbial consortium. The cell mass is retained directly on and in the packing media by attaching to the packing’s fixed , solid surfaces to form a layer called the biofilm . The packing media in the FFR consists of a mixture of two plastic support systems . The use of mixed media facilitates high rates of oxygen , nutrient and pollutant transfer to and from the biomass . One packing support is a polyurethane foam（PUF）which allows a high concentration of immobilized biomass to develop . The other packing support consists of large-pore packing which is used to eliminate the problems of plugging and channeling, a major concern with other fixed-film systems , The FFR is designed as a quasi-plug flow system to minimized back-mixing and thus provide extremely low effluent pollutant concentrations . A fixed-film reactor system was constructed with a highly porous polyurethane foam to incubate microorganism concentration up to 8,000 mg/L . The support frame of the reactor system was build from cylindrical plastic pall rings to form a packed bed of “mixed-media.” The frame support provides a high surface area-to-volume ratio (210 ft2 / ft3) . The bench-top FFR studies clearly demonstrated the highly effective nature of this fixed-film reactor for degrading the pollutants . The study for refinery wastewater treatment by bench-top fixed-film biological system could demonstrated the highy effective for degrading the pollutions at hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 2 ~3 hours . Chemical oxygen demand(COD) removal rate more than 90 % and phenol removal rate above 90 % . Another take of a view of bacteria , find it have quantity bacteria unit per foam in the reactor system . Microganism directed by groundwater educate for Acinetobacter junii、Ultramicrobacterium sp and Agromyces mediolanus , it treatment refinery wastewater rate more than by wastewater . At a time by elevated toxicity experiment detect , microganism have 80 % resolution power in bioreactor system for phenol concentration up to 600 mg/L , so bioreactor system in high toxicity experiment have capitally for tolerate and treatment efficient .

碩士
國立交通大學
工學院碩士在職專班產業安全與防災組
99
As manufacturing technology advances, investment in the construction of wafer FAB is large. In the past, to build an 8” FAB requires NTD 30 billion yuan, and now to build a 12” FAB requires at least NTD 100 billion yuan. Among the investment in the semiconductor industry, the expenditure for the purchase of machine equipment is the highest, accounting for about 60% to 70%. As purchasing second-hand equipment can reduce costs for factory Construction and depreciating machines, competitive advantage can be enhanced. However, it is difficult for the buyers to control the durability and safety of second-hand equipment, particularly the material of the wet bench in the past is mostly polypropylene (PP) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC). They are all flammable, and when burnt, high heat and large amount of smoke will be produced. Moreover, there are heating devices and flammable chemicals inside the machine, so it’s very easy to catch fire in the past, and the loss is also very serious. Therefore the wet bench areas are regarded as the focus of fire protection by all factories. This study takes a model of wet bench equipment in the 8” FAB as the object for assessment, discussing risks in safety and fire of running many-year-old machines through the risks in the machines’ internal tank, electrical units, chemical supply, as well as the material hardware, safety protection and interlocking devices.

碩士
國立高雄應用科技大學
電子工程系碩士班
103
There are many domestic and international flight accidents in recent years. The most important part of aviation security includes excellent maintenance and high-efficiency equipment properly rate. This thesis focused on test bench maintenance. The logistics maintenance units (LMU) make these device failures to repair that contain the examination, adjustment and maintenance in the minimum time. According to the previous equipment failure rate and repair demands, the LMU adopts warning strategies to regularly make up accessories. In order to save more manpower and material costs, this thesis systematizes the maintenance allocations as the goals. Due to the traditional radar communication test bench had some drawbacks, including the high-complexity weapon components and small individual amount. Besides, the maintenance and calibration needs severely exceeded the unit loading. This thesis established an evaluation mode applying K.J. card sorting and Analytic hierarchy process (AHP). This evaluation mode could be the reference for the outsourcing vendor warranty of test bench. Moreover, this model improved the equipment maintenance of radar communication test bench and extended its useful life to reduce the military maintenance cost.

碩士
國立臺灣海洋大學
河海工程學系
101
An experiment in hydraulic model test, investigating the deformation of the wave field caused by irregular wave passing through submerged breakwater. The experiment is designed by comparing measurements obtained under three different incident wave angles(θ=0∘、15∘、30∘), four different significant wave periods (T1/3=1.00、1.25、1.50、1.75sec), and two submerged breakwaters of different width (b=1.0、2.0m). We thus discuss the variation in wave deformation, wave heights and time period changes in the areas surrounding the submerged breakwaters, and the refraction and diffraction effects caused by irregular wave passing through. The experiments reveal that different submerged breakwaters differ in its response to irregular wave encountering, and therefore resulting in a more obvious reflection effect of incident waves. The distribution of change in significant wave heights shifts in consistent with the direction of incident waves. The difference in width of submerged breakwaters affects the distribution of larger significant wave heights behind the submerged breakwaters. The distribution of time period variations also shifts along the direction of incident waves, and expands its distribution area of shorter time period over the time period of the incident waves.

博士
國防醫學院
醫學科學研究所
106
Inherited renal tubular disorders are characterized by muscle weakness, exertional intolerance, polyuria, convulsion, short stature, and rickets during childhood. The main biochemical abnormalities include dysnatremia, dyskalemia, dyscalcemia, metabolic acidosis and metabolic alkalosis. The modes of inheritance could be autosomal recessive, autosomal dominant, X-linked recessive or X-linked dominant. Because the major inheritance is autosomal recessive and the initial presentations are insidious, it is difficult to make an early diagnosis of inherited renal tubular disorders. However, it leads to growth retardation, renal failure and even death from delayed diagnosis or treatment. In recent years, we have diagnosed several inherited renal tubular disorders including Gitelman’s syndrome, Bartter’s syndrome, renal fanconi syndrome results from LOWE syndrome, Dent’s disease, and mitochondrial disorder, familial hypomagnesemia hypercalciuria nephrocalcinosis, nephrogenic diabetes insipidus, and autosomal recessive renal tubular dysgenesis by molecular analysis. The improvement of clinical conditions of most of our patients was achieved after timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment. In chapter 1, we presented a child with hereditary vitamin D-resistant rickets (HVDRR) caused by a novel mutation on RXR domain of vitamin D receptor gene. This child exhibited hypocalcemia, hypophosphatemia, secondary hyperparathyroidism, increased serum 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, rickets and alopecia. Although patients with mutations in different binding domains have been shown to exhibit distinct and variable severity of phenotypes, the study of the VDR mutant on RXR-binding domains remains limited. Therefore, we conducted a functional study was performed to explore the molecular mechanism in vitro to aid in understanding the pathogenesis of HVDRR. In chapter 2, mutations in SLC12A3 encoding the thiazide-sensitive sodium chloride cotransporter on the apical membrane of distal convoluted tubule lead to Gitelman’s syndrome. We attempted to investigate the genotype, phenotype and follow-up of Taiwanese with Gitelman syndrome. In chapter 3, Autosomal recessive renal tubular dysgenesis is caused by genetic defects on AGT, REN, ACE or AT1R and is characterized by absence or poor-differentiated proximal convoluted tubules. Recently, we firstly identified five patients of ARRTD caused by identical homozygous large deletion of AGT gene from four unrelated families within 3 year in Taiwan. We will explore the pathogenic role of roles of our defected AGT on the development of renal tubular dysgenesis.