Дисертації з теми "Experimental setting"

Complex systems can be divided into simpler substructures. Determining the properties of each subcomponent by experimental procedures is practical and can serve to verify or calibrate finite element models. In this work, an existing model of a wind turbine blade was improved by use of experimental data. Such a blade is a subpart of a complete wind turbine. For calibration purpose, several material tests were made in order to determine the stiffness and mass properties. Later on, vibration tests of the blades were conducted and compared with simulation results of the improved model. Geometry variability within sets of blades was also studied. The blade twist angles and the center of gravity positions were found to vary moderately, which accounts for differences in blades’ dynamic behavior. Correlations between experimental data and analytical model results were very high for the first eight modeshapes. That is, according to the Model Assurance Criterion the calibrated model achieves a high-quality representation of reality. However, torsional modes in the computer model occur at a higher frequency than the experimental ones. Substructuring of the turbine allows the blades to be modeled and validated independently of the other substructures and can later be incorporated into a complete model of the turbine.

Thesis (M.S.)--Georgia Southern University, 2007.
"A thesis submitted to the Graduate Faculty of Georgia Southern University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree Master of Science." Under the direction of Janie H. Wilson. ETD. Electronic version approved: May 2007. Includes bibliographical references (p. 47-52) and appendices.

What does it mean to act morally? This research is part of normative ethics, which studies the formation of moral judgments and whether such judgments are able to motivate people to act in accordance with them. The gap between the dimension of the common good and the private life of each citizen has led to questioning whether there are moral norms whose content may constitute, per se, a sufficient reason for action. More specifically, when a norm, collectively chosen and shared, succeeds in self-imposing without any intervention of external authority.The interest for this theme arises from the urgency of defining conditions under which a group of interdependent agents, can organize themselves to obtain long-term collective benefits, find in collective action, a motivation, a commitment and a responsibility that decrease the temptation of opportunistic behaviour in distribution contexts. The main goal of this inquiry is trying to propose a normative solution of a problem of distributive justice in the following terms of: how can a norm generate a motivational causal force that induces compliance with what it asserts, in contexts where selfish rather than prosocial behaviour would be expected? This problem, approached from different perspectives, economic, psychological, sociological, also requires a philosophical reflection. Within this framework, the issue of compliance might be reread as a motivational problem: thus, the aim of this thesis would be to try to clarify the relationship between an impartial ethical point of view and what kind of real motivations people have to act in accordance with some specific ethical principles – namely, what reasons people have for acting in alignment with principles of distributive justice. Thus, the dissertation provides evidence from laboratory experiments that supports John Rawls’s Kantian constructivism as a method that allows subjects to evaluate different distribution criteria in production situations, making them reach an agreement on the liberal egalitarian principle. The Rawlsian method would rationally justify the ex-ante collective choice on that principle and it gives real motivations to comply ex-post, as it provides the conditions for creating a rationally justified joint commitment.

Feedback and goal setting are both necessary for either to have an effect on performance (Erez, 1977). In the present study two attributes of feedback, frequency and source, were manipulated under goal-setting conditions to examine their effects on performance. It is generally assumed that performance can be enhanced by providing individuals with frequent feedback and by providing them with feedback that originates from a source close to themselves--that is, feedback from the task itself or self-administered feedback. A third variable of interest, subjects' perceived control over the task, was assessed via questionnaires. Subjects worked on a problem-solving task. Each subject was placed in one of eight feedback source/frequency conditions and assigned a goal for the task based on his/her performance in a practice trial. Questionnaires designed to assess subject's perceptions of the assigned goal, the feedback provided, and the task itself were administered at predetermined intervals. Neither the source from which the feedback originated nor the frequency with which it was presented had an effect on performance. However, a source by frequency interaction was obtained from questionnaire data measuring subject's perceptions of control over the task. Individuals perceiving themselves as receiving infrequent feedback felt greater control when the feedback was presented by the researcher. Individuals who perceived themselves as receiving more frequent feedback felt greater control when the feedback was self-administered. Theoretical explanations of the findings were offered along with recommendations for future research. Recommendations included the further examination of the role of feedback on individual perceptions of external control and its influence on task performance.

The problem investigated by this study was that of understanding types of behaviors exhibited by participants in negotiations processes and impact of behaviors on collective bargaining in Nigeria. The study's three purposes were to describe the nature and extent of interpersonal conflict that occurs in collective bargaining, to determine the consequences that stem from such conflict, and to suggest the behaviors and performances during the face-to-face negotiations that should exist to enhance labor-management relations in Nigerian public education. This study examined behavior in negotiations by using simulation, i.e., a quasiexperimental method. Four outcomes of negotiations--time required to reach agreement, terms of agreements, verbal behavior exhibited during negotiations, and satisfaction derived by negotiators in negotiations—were examined.

In the last few years educational computer games have gained attention as a tool for facilitating learning in different sectors of society including but not limited to military, health, and education. However, advances in computer game technology continue to outpace research on its effectiveness. Few empirical studies have investigated the effects of educational games in the context of formal K-12 settings. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a series of mathematics computer games on mathematics achievement and motivation of high school students. In addition, the role of prior mathematics knowledge, computer skill, and English language skill of the participants on their mathematics achievement and motivation when they played the games were investigated. A total of 193 students and 10 teachers from an urban high school in the southeast of the United States of the America participated in this study. The teachers were randomly assigned to treatment and control groups. Students' mathematics achievement was measured using school district benchmark exams and a game performance test generated by the developers of the mathematics games. A mathematics motivation questionnaire based on Keller's (1987a) ARCS model of motivational design measured students' mathematics motivation. Multivariate Analysis of Co-Variance (MANCOVA) was conducted to analyze the data. In addition, interviews were conducted to cross validate the results of the quantitative data. The MANCOVA results indicated significant improvement of the mathematics achievement of the experimental versus control group. No significant improvement was found in the motivation of the experimental versus control group. However, a significant improvement was found on the motivation scores of the students who played the games in their school lab and classrooms compared to the ones who played the games only in the school labs. In addition, the findings indicated that prior mathematics knowledge, computer skill and English language skill did not play significant roles in achievement and motivation of the experimental group. Teachers' interviews revealed that these individual differences had indeed played significant roles in game-playing at the beginning of using the games, but the impacts gradually diminished as the students gained the required game-playing skills. The overall results indicated that the mathematics games used in this study were effective teaching and learning tools to improve the mathematics skills of the students. Using the games in mathematics education was suggested by the teachers as an appropriate alternative way of teaching, as one of the teachers stated: "This is definitely the way that we have to go to teach mathematics in the future." Mathematics games should be integrated with classroom activities if teachers want to increase mathematics class motivation. Teachers' helps and supports are vital in using the games effectively in a population with different prior mathematics knowledge, computer skills, and English language skills.
Ph.D.
Department of Educational Research, Technology and Leadership
Education
Education PhD

Paraprofessionals spend the most time with the neediest students, but receive the least amount of training and support. All target students in the study had developmental disabilities, were between the ages of three and five, and had a history of challenging behavior. Paraprofessionals in the study were recruited because they had the least experience and training administering behavior support plans (BSPs) in their setting. A multi-level consultation model was used to train paraprofessionals (i.e., teaching assistants) to implement individualized BSPs. First, paraprofessionals were trained in a one-on-one setting how to implement the BSPs using behavioral skills training. Next, adherence to the BSP was monitored by independent observers and additional support was delivered contingent on meeting an adherence criterion. Through a cascading logic, data showed that paraprofessionals engaged in immediately and significantly higher levels of BSP adherence following application of the multilevel consultation model, and as a result, students engaged in immediately and significantly lower rates of challenging behavior (Tau-U = -.97 to -1), which maintained over time. Further, all adult participants rated the procedures as highly acceptable. Thus, with minimal training provided to each paraprofessional across the study (M = 151.2 minutes), and dramatic observed changes in challenging behavior, the multilevel consultation model proved highly efficient, effective, and acceptable.

Previous research has demonstrated that individuals with a dual diagnosis often engage in challenging behavior as a means to fulfil their needs and wants. Functional behavioral assessments (FBA) are a way of evaluating these behaviors and creating effective interventions to reduce them and increase socially appropriate alternative behaviors. The present study assessed the convergent validity for three types of FBAs, including the Questions About Behavioral Function (QABF) questionnaire, trial-based functional analysis, and traditional functional analysis, for three adults with a dual diagnosis within a day program setting. Results found correspondence between two forms of assessments, the trial-based functional analysis and traditional functional analysis, for one out of the three subjects. Due to a lack of engagement in the targeted behavior for the other two subjects, results were inconclusive. Results of the QABF did not match those of the functional analyses for any of the subjects, suggesting that the assessment should be used with caution. The trial-based functional analysis may be a viable tool for assessing function for the challenging behavior of adults with a dual diagnosis, although it should not be used as a replacement for the traditional functional analysis.

The North of England Study of Standards and Performance in General Practice was set up to investigate whether the setting of clinical standards was an effective way of improving clinical performance (North of England Study, 1991). Doctors from 60 training practices met in small groups to set standards of good clinical performance for five symptomatic conditions of childhood-acute cough; acute vomiting; itchy rash; bedwetting; and recurrent wheezy chest. Data on the process and outcome of care were collected both before and after standard setting process. Some of the baseline data was fed back to the doctors to enable them to evaluate their performance in the first phase of the study. The clinical standards and baseline data were disseminated to the small groups of doctors according to a Latin square design. By comparing responses obtained during the second phase of data collection (after standards had been set) with those obtained in the first, it was possible to estimate the effects of standard setting and other methods of performance review on what doctors did (the process of care) and on the resulting outcome of care for their patients. The general analytic approach adopted was to fit generalised linear models to try and explain the variation in the observed data. Within this general framework, methods were developed for coping with a wide range of statistical problems including: heteroscedasticity correlated binary responses loss of orthogonality arising because of the incompleteness of many of the data sets; and overdispersion. Abstract The setting of clinical standards was found to have influenced doctors' prescribing of drugs and was found to have had a beneficial influence on outcome of care for children suffering from recurrent wheezy chest. Implications for the design of future studies to evaluate this type of intervention in the health service are discussed.

Within the scope of moving towards a circular economy, “green” materials surely represent an excellent alternative, both in terms of sustainable manufacturing process and circular lifespan. For instance, “bio-composites” are promising bio-based materials constituted by bio-polymers or bio-derived polymers that are reinforced by natural fibres or biological wastes and/or residues. The present Internship and Thesis project took place at Mogu S.r.l., a small Italian company (VA) that creates responsible products for interior design. In details, it focused on the production process of bio-composites tiles for flooring from agro-industrial residues like hemp-shives. The current production protocol was firstly implemented through the investigations of macro-variables: particles’ size and distribution, alternative fibres, different %/dry weight of kraft lignin as binder, temperature and pressure, density and thickness. This allowed to cut by almost 38% the total manufacturing time and reduce the amount of bio-adhesive, thus improving the overall sustainability of the process. Then, alternative bio-adhesives have been tested both in a pure form and after pre-treatments. Precisely, some experimental procedures have been developed to denaturise soy and whey proteins, on the basis of methodologies reported in literature. Finally, the most promising bio-composites were further characterized by performing some mechanical tests. Particularly, the tiles with thermally activated whey proteins isolates as binder showed the best flexural properties, far above the threshold values set by norms. Conversely, further studies will be needed to improve panels’ dimensional stability since also the lowest value of swelling in thickness, recorded for panels with kraft lignin and thermally pre-treated, was not in compliance with norms. Nevertheless, the Project confirmed that it is feasible to reach interesting properties with natural components coming from leftovers of several industries.

Investigation expérimentale de l'hydratation de ce matériau anhydre (CaSO::(4)), pouvant se transformer en agregats de gypse (CaSO::(4), 2H::(2)O), pour donner un béton à résistance mécanique élevée ; mise au point d'un accélérateur de prise original, mettant en jeu simultanément les ions nitrates et sulfates

The objective of this thesis is to obtain knowledge regarding how effective user centred evaluation methods are and how user centred evaluations are conducted by IT professionals. This will be achieved by exploring user centred evaluation in experimental and practical settings. The knowledge gained in these studies should inspire suggestions for further research and suggestions for improvements on the user centred evaluation activity. Two experimental studies were conducted. One compares the results from using three user centred evaluation methods, and the other examines two factors while conducting heuristic evaluation. The results show that the think-aloud evaluation method was the most effective method in finding realistic usability problems of the three methods. The number of critical problems found during think-aloud evaluation increases, if heuristic evaluation is conducted prior to the think-aloud evaluations. Further, two studies of user centred evaluation in practical settings were performed. The IT professionals participating in those studies were using the software development process Scrum to plan their work. The results show that user centred evaluation is infrequently conducted in Scrum projects, compared to testing activities like acceptance testing. The main type of evaluation is qualitative. Few participants measure user performance or use surveys to gather quantitative results on the usability and the user experience. IT professionals get feedback from users in an informal way and gather informal feedback from peers. Many participants use a mixture of methods for gathering feedback on their work. The outcome of this thesis shows that IT professionals should be encouraged to include users whenever possible when evaluating software, for example by using the think-aloud method. Using heuristic evaluation prior to conducting think-aloud evaluations is also recommended. In addition, IT professionals are encouraged to evaluate their software in an informal way frequently, rather than waiting for the right time to conduct a thorough quantitative evaluation. To advance this field further, researchers who want to improve the evaluation activity for the IT professionals should study how user centred evaluation methods could be combined in an efficient way and how the use of qualitative evaluation methods could be made more effective.
QC 20120522

The academic subject of mechatronics has been definedpreviously in numerous publications. This study aims atanalyzing mechatronics by using categories developed within theeducational science of Didactics. The result of the analysis,that relies on data from mechatronics education at KTH andother universities, shows that the identity of mechatronics canbe described as thematic, and the legitimacy as functional,which gives implications for the questions of communication andselection: what should be taught, and how. This is combinedwith a study of the evolution of the subject of mechatronics,where it is possible to see the gradually changing identity,from a combination of a number of disciplinary subjects to onethematic subject.

The first part of the thesis concludes that mechatronics isautonomous, thematic and functional. Teaching and learningmechatronics according to the identity and legitimacy of thesubject benefits from collaborative, experimental andinternational settings. The functional legitimacy todayrequires the collaborative and the international setting,meaning that the mechatronics employer requires these skillswhen employing a mechatronic engineer. Further, an exemplifyingselection requires the experimental setting, in particular whencomparing a representative selection with the reproduction ofknowledge, and an exemplifying selection with the creation ofknowledge.

To conclude, there are a number of important aspects to takeinto account when teaching and learning mechatronics. Three ofthese aspects, collaborative, experimental and internationalare suggested as important, and also a direct consequence ofthe identity of mechatronics. This thesis shows that thesethree aspects are indeed possible to integrate intomechatronics education, which will benefit greatly fromthis.

QC 20100609

This thesis investigates the application of computational statistics and Machine Learning in consumer preference prediction, with specific reference to the challenges imposed by real world operational retail environments. Some retailers base their competitiveness on Machine Learning. For instance, Dunnhumby analyzes more than 400 million online consumer records for retailers, such as Tesco, to optimise business decisions. The experiments in this thesis investigate three main challenges commonly presented in operational scenarios that hinder the application of Machine Learning in retail environments: 1. The measurement of correlation of feature factors for Machine Learning in a noisy setting; 2. The exploration and exploitation balance for predicting purchase preferences on new products; 3. The model adaptability to the changing dynamics over time. A design of a distributed Machine Learning framework for building practical applications of consumer preference prediction is also presented. Experiment 1: Correlation between Contextual Information and Purchase Behaviours under a Non-experimental Retail Environment The first experiment applies statistical methodologies, namely odds ratio and Mantel-Haenszel method, to analyze contextual information in a retail business. More specifically, it investigates the correlation between customers’ recent online browsing behaviours on Boots.com and their in-store purchase behaviours at Boots’ retail stores nationally in a non-experimental noisy setting. Methodologies such as stratified analysis with K-means clustering are proposed to detect and eliminate confounding factors that affect the evaluation of the correlation. The dataset for this experiment, provided by Boots UK, is the first year of a 2-year anonymised real in-store and online purchase records data. It contains profiles of 10,217,972 unique consumers who are Advantage Card holders and 2,939 unique selected products under 10 different brands. Experiment 2: Resources Allocation of Exploration and Exploitation for New Products under Retail Constraints The second experiment provides a two-stage batch solution based on matrix factorization and binary integer programming to optimise the customer response rate to new products of a simulated group buying system. This experiment investigates how the balance between the exploration of new products and the exploitation of existing known model affects overall business gains through purchase prediction and recommendation. In this experiment, the products are new with no prior profile and the number of new products a retailer can recommend to each customer is limited. The effectiveness of one of the traditional experimental design techniques in improving the learning efficiency during the exploration process is evaluated. Experiment 3: Continuous Model Selection for a Changing Retail Environment The third experiment investigates, using root-mean-square error and mean average precision measures, the adaptability of data model for consumer purchase prediction in a non-static retail environment. In particular, it analyzes the prediction accuracy of data models with static parameters over time. A continuous model selection approach by using an automatic hyperparameter tuning technique, namely random search, is proposed and is evaluated. The results challenge the traditional assumption that a one-off initial model selection is sufficient. The dataset for this experiment is a 2-year anonymised real in-store and online purchase records data provided by Boots UK. System Design: A Distributed Machine Learning Framework with Automated Modeling This system design outlines the concept and system architecture. It also demonstrates scenarios of a distributed Machine Learning framework for (i) evaluating, comparing and deploying scalable learning algorithms, (ii) tuning hyperparameters of algorithms manually or automatically and (iii) evaluating model training status. The design has become the foundation of a popular open-source software project - PredictionIO. The project is followed by over 5000 data scientists and practitioners on Github. Contributions to Science The major contribution of this thesis is to offer robust research-based methodologies to handle prediction challenges in real world operational environment for retail businesses. Computational statistics and Machine Learning methodologies are proposed to 1) identify contextual factors that are relevant to consumer preference in noisy non-experimental setting; 2) determine the importance of exploration and exploitation for new products under real-world constraints; 3) adjust data model continuously to adapt to changes in retail environments. This thesis contributes to the existing literature in a number of ways. First, this research proposes a novel statistical method to isolates the influence of confounding factors in correlation analysis for consumer preference prediction. It is a topic that received little attention in empirical literature. Second, this research proves the existence of the correlation between consumer online browsing and in-store purchase behaviours in a real retail dataset. This is a significant finding for the retail industry to improve prediction accuracy in the future. Third, this research examines the influence of the balance between exploration and exploitation of new product profiles on maximising business gains. Forth, this research proves that random selection surprisingly outperforms D-optimal experimental design in some retail cases. Fifth, this research challenges the existing assumption that model selection is needed only once at the initial stage. It proves that prediction accuracy can be improved significantly by continuous model selection. Sixth, this thesis presents the implementation of a continuous model selection approach by using automatic hyperparameter tuning techniques. Finally, this thesis presents a design of a distributed system that can be used for building predictive retail applications.

Etude des temps de relaxation de l'eau normale, de l'eau lourde et des protons en contact avec une surface d'argile, analysant les phenomenes en fonction de la concentration, de la temperature et de la nature de l'argile. Mesure du volume de la couche d'eau absorbee a la surface du solide, deduction de son epaisseur et determination de l'aire de la surface hydratee. Fonde sur le concept de tactoide, ce travail nombre l'existence de forces d'interaction a courte portee entre une molecule d'eau et une surface argileuse. Dans la deuxieme partie, etude du composant principal d'un ciment (silicate tricalcique), mesurant aire d'absorption en fonction du temps de prise; la methode rmo est une technique de surface simple et non destructrice, pouvant mesurer l'effet des adjuvants

Дипломна робота налічує 72 сторінок, 34 ілюстрацій, 19 таблиць та 20 джерел за переліком посилань. Метою дипломної роботи є створення методу перевірки порожніх органів на герметичність хірургічного та зварного шва. У дипломній роботі був зібраний прототип установки який дозволяє перевірити на герметичність зварений шов і хірургічний, а також з'ясувати який шов більш стійкий до зовнішніх подразників. Для досягнення мети ДР були поставлені наступні завдання: 1. Провести огляд наукової літератури з обраної тематики. 2. Проаналізувати види хірургічних і зварних швів та вимоги до них. 3. На основі літературних даних порівняти існуючі контрольні методики та вибрати оптимальну для послідуючої технічної реалізації. 4. Виготовити прототип, який дає можливість оперативно перевірити хірургічний шов на герметичність. 5. Протестувати пристрій з використанням запропонованої методики на хірургічних швах різних типів.
Thesis contains 72 pages, 34 illustrations, 19 tables and 20 sources according to the list of references. The purpose of the thesis is to create a method for checking empty bodies for the tightness of the surgical and weld seam. In the thesis the prototype of the installation was made which allows to check on the tightness of the welded suture and surgical, as well as to find out which seam is more resistant to external stimuli. To achieve the goal of DR were sett he following objectives: 1. To conduct a review of scientific literature on selected topics. 2. To analyze the types of surgical and weld seams and requirements fort hem. 3. Based on the literature data, compare the existing control techniques and choose the optimal for the subsequent technical implementation. 4. To make a prototype, which makes it possible to quickly check the surgical suture for tightness. 5. Test the device using the proposed method on surgical sutures of different types.

The experimental choral psalm settings of Charles Ives (1874-1954) show rhythmic, melodic, and harmonic innovations that pre-date many of his composing contemporaries such as Schonberg and Stravinsky. Of these works, only Psalm 67 is performed regularly. Regardless of their historical significance, the remaining experimental settings; Psalms 14, 24, 25, 54, 100, 135, and 150 are rarely performed due in part to their level of difficulty.This study presents a series of learning sequences for these psalm settings that can be implemented into typical rehearsal periods for advanced or auditioned choral ensembles. The sequences includes choral exercises and drills that introduce pertinent scalar and tonal structures, harmonic considerations, and varying rhythmic patterns. Various techniques are applied including musical chunking and octave displacement.A preliminary study was performed for the learning sequences designed for portions of Psalm 25. Participants and observers found the learning sequences to be effective in fostering an efficient use of rehearsal time. Revisions to the sequences were made according to suggestions from choral music faculty observers and completed participant questionnaires. Upon completion of the revisions for the method for Psalm 25, similar learning sequences were developed for the remaining psalm settings. Gregg Smith, conductor of the Gregg Smith Singers and editor of the psalm settings, was also interviewed regarding his editing, rehearsing, and performing experiences with these works.
School of Music

This dissertation explores on-the-job leisure choice in individual labor supply environments and in work teams. The individual static labor supply theory implies that income-compensated wage increases will increase hours of work--positive substitution effects on work hours. While positive substitution effects are the testable implication of the theory, numerous empirical studies estimate negative substitution effects and therefore question the empirically validity of that model. I present a framework for the individual labor supply decision that theoretically explains negative substitution effects as the result of substituting on- and off-the-job leisure. An experimental environment in which subjects perform a task for piece-rate wages provides the data to test this theory. When on- and off-the-job leisure are choice variables, the results show that average substitution effects on hours worked are positive (implying that the classical theory is robust with respect to the assumption of no on-the-job leisure) but that some individuals display negative substitution effects. This provides evidence consistent with the substitution of on- and off-the-job leisure. When only on-the-job leisure is a choice variable, the data support another theoretical extension which predicts positive substitution effects on work effort. The results have implications for employers who might try to induce more work effort (less on-the-job leisure) through income-compensated wage increases. Work team decisions are also examined in the context of the voluntary contributions mechanism for public goods provision. Expected utility theory predicts that free-riding will dominate more efficient social incentives, and that uncertainty with respect to the provision of the public good will cause even more free-riding. An experimental environment confirms the existence of free-riding in this "uncertainty" environment, but results are mixed as to whether the free-riding is worse than in situations without the uncertainty. When the probability of public goods provision increases in group contributions, higher marginal incentives promote higher contributions. These results have implications for work team managers. If uncertainty lowers contributions, compensation based on effort instead of outcomes may raise effort. However, since higher contribution levels raise marginal incentives, any way in which a team manager could raise effort would be beneficial since it would promote high future effort.

This thesis work has been conducted in the Handheld Laboratory at Husqvarna AB with the purpose of finding the parameters responsible for the performance of the catalytic converters used in the test rig. The catalytic converters are used in the test rig during the long term testing of the chain saws to reduce the hydrocarbon content from the exhaust before it enters into the environment.   To perform this research two approaches were carried out. One with Design of Experiment (DOE) and another using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) analysis. In Design of Experiments parameters that are suspected to be influencing the performance of the catalytic converter were refined. Using these parameters a test plan is made with the help of statistical analysis application Minitab and the tests were carried out in the test rig. Using SEM the effects of aging and its effect on microstructure and chemical composition on the catalyst surface was analyzed. The results from the DoE shows that the exhaust flow, collector diameter and distance to the muffler are responsible for the collection of exhaust. Distance to the muffler and collector length are the factors affecting the conversion of the exhaust. In addition to that exhaust flow is also responsible for the duration of heating coil running time.        The results from the SEM analysis shows that the operating temperature is high due to which there is thermal degradation of catalyst and there is also deactivation due to fouling. Another finding is that the flow on to the catalyst is not uniformly distributed

This thesis presents a detailed study of the performance of a nozzled, double entry turbine. This configuration is primarily found in the turbocharger application and encompasses two different entries, each feeding 180° of a single turbine wheel. The primary motives for this research are to enhance the knowledge and understanding of the behaviour of such a device under steady and pulsating flows including the effect of three different nozzle vane geometries. The work incorporates both experimental and computational analyses. Experimental results show that with unequal admission between the two volute entries the performance of the turbine is greatly affected compared to when both entries are flowing equally. A methodology was developed which successfully linked the unequal admission performance of the turbine to the full admission maps which are more readily available. Pulsating flow was found to affect the average performance of the turbine compared to the steady state characteristics. Examination of the instantaneous mass flow showed a large degree of mass storage in the turbine domain for all conditions of pulsating flow. A new parameter was developed based upon the conservation of mass in order to quantify unsteadiness taking into account both pulse amplitude and frequency. Steady and unsteady computational simulations were undertaken for one of the different nozzle configurations. Entropy generation rate was used to establish the distribution of loss within the turbine. In partial admission the loss distribution within the rotor wheel was found to be different to any case during full admission operation. Under pulsed flow conditions the computational analysis showed that the loss distribution changes throughout a pulse cycle showing that the flow regime will also undergo a large change. The loss distribution within the rotor wheel at one point within the pulse cycle was found to be very similar the equivalent steady state condition.

Aims: Sleep and pain share a complex relationship; pain can disrupt sleep and conversely, poor sleep can exaggerate pain intensity. At present, the exact temporal assoications sunderlying this relationship are not fully understood. Correlational data and preliminary experimental studies suggest that poor sleep augments pain in both acute and chronic situations. This thesis examines the reciprocal interaction between these two processes and the subsequent impact that sleep has on pain, at both the behavioural and brain level. Furthermore, the influence of co-morbid factors such as attention and affective state is considered. Developing an understanding of how sleep affects pain and pain-related attention may have implications for the treatment of chronic pain and its concomitants. Methods: A number of different settings were used to explore the relationship shared by sleep and pain. Epidemiological data was used to explore the association between sleep problems and the later development of musculoskeletal pain. The association between comorbid sleep and pain problems and pain-related complaints were also assessed in adolescent and adult clinical samples. An acute experimental model was used to explore the influence of non-stage-specific sleep disruption on pain and pain-related attention. The aim of this experiment was to explore the effects of sleep disruption on pain sensitivities, central pain modulation and distraction analgesia. Functional magnetic resonance imaging was used to investigate the effect of sleep disturbance on the cerebral signature of pain. Results: Data from a large birth cohort indicated that sleep problems were associated with the later development of musculoskeletal pain. Co-morbid sleep and pain problems were associated with a higher incidence of pain-related and psychological complaints in both adolescent and adult samples. The experimental disturbance of sleep resulted in mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia. Sleep disruption was also found to compromise both conditioned pain modulation and the analgesic benefits of distraction analgesia. Imaging data suggested that sleep disturbance was associated with regional changes in activation in areas previously implicated in pain processing. Neural decoupling was also observed across regions of the cortex and brainstem, the implications of which could be critical for understanding pain processing following sleep disturbance. Conclusions: Results from this thesis suggest that sleep disturbance is an important risk factor in both the development and maintenance of clu'onic pain. The effects of sleep disturbance on both central pain modulation and distraction analgesia are possible pathways by which sleep disturbance facilitates vulnerability for the development of clu'onic pain. Sleep disturbance is reported by two thirds of chronic pain patients and should therefore be identified as a key modifiable target in the treatment of chronic pain. Further explorations of the relationship shared by sleep and pain, in addition to their related concomitants (e.g., mood disturbance) can help establish novel targets which can be manipUlated for diagnostic and therapeutic gain.

Abstract Many software-intensive products and systems on the market today reveal a poor level of usability despite the availability of knowledge about how to develop good usability, namely user-centred design. Improving the status of user-centred design has proved to be a challenge in product development. An effective step to start out on the road to such improvements is to carry out a current state analysis. Our research problem was to learn how to perform an effective current state analysis, i.e. an assessment, of user-centred design processes to provide a basis for improvement action. As the main part of our research, we carried out five experimental assessments in industrial settings during the years 2000 and 2001. The main result of the research is a novel assessment approach. The objective of the approach is to provide a basis for improvement of the performance of user-centred design in individual product development projects. The particular features of the approach are a new user-centred design process model, a three-dimensional process performance model and implementation of the assessment in the form of a workshop with extensive participation by the project members. The user-centred design process model is method-independent, and consists of six processes that are defined through outcomes. The performance of processes is assessed from the viewpoints of quantity, quality, and integration. Our theoretical examinations show that different assessment categories can be identified depending on the different foci and purposes of an assessment. Moreover, it may even be appropriate to have different assessment approaches for different categories. In the category of our focus and purpose, i.e. 'assessment of user-centred design processes for performance improvement', the focus of an assessment should be in the substance rather than in the management of UCD processes. An assessment approach should be regarded as an artefact and it should be subject to ongoing refinement. An assessment should be an intervention that provides both an effective training session and a meaningful experience to the participants. Clarity in both the concepts and the results seems to take precedence over having standard reference models. In addition, we created a preliminary theory of usability capability. It identifies three dimensions of usability capability: user-centred design infrastructure, performance of user-centred design in product development projects and usability in business strategy. We also propose some new assessment artefacts for other assessment categories and contrast our research experience with established research frameworks.

The translation of Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) technologies from the research field to the clinical setting and, specifically, the results obtained in terms of diagnostic yield remain far from expected. This situation is due to our present inability to solve the “variant interpretation problem”, which consists in establishing whether a sequence variant is either pathogenic or neural. In this thesis we have focused on how this problem is addressed by pathogenicity predictors, studying the components that determine the applicability of these tools in the clinical setting. First, we have developed a novel approach to assess pathogenicity predictors in terms of both their performance and their suitability for clinical applications. We present a cost framework for assessing and comparing in silico tools, inspired on the use of cost models applied in different fields, from clinical tests to credit assessment in finance. A virtue of this cost framework is that it takes into account the consequences of downstream medical decisions in a simple fashion. Second, we have studied one of the most important factors limiting the performance of pathogenicity predictors: genetic background. In this part, we have studied the relationship between molecular impact and disease severity in hemophilias A and B, for a specific type of sequence variants: compensated pathogenic deviations (CPDs). We have established, studying a dataset of variants in coagulation factors FVIII and FIX, that the disruptive impact of a mutation is not enough to explain the associated phenotype. In parallel, we have characterized the genetic background of these proteins,describing at the molecular level its potential to generate phenotypic variability. Finally, we have characterized the contribution of in silico pathogenicity predictors to the variants identified in gene sequencing panels, using as a model a panel designed for Primary Immunodeficiency Disease (PID), developed in the Immunology and Autoinflammatory diseases’ groups, at the Vall d’Hebron University Hospital. The results obtained illustrate the limits of in silico tools and also a new way to take genetic background into consideration.
La traslación de las tecnologías de secuenciación de última generación (NGS) del ámbito de la investigación al entorno clínico, y más en concreto, los resultados obtenidos en su rendimiento diagnóstico, continúan lejos de lo esperado. Esta situación se debe a nuestra incapacidad para resolver el “problema de interpretación de las variantes”, que consiste en establecer si la variante de una secuencia es patogénica o neutra. En esta tesis nos hemos centrado en cómo se resuelve este problema mediante los predictores de patogenicidad, estudiando los componentes que determinan la aplicabilidad de estas herramientas en el entorno clínico. En primer lugar, hemos desarrollado una nueva aproximación para evaluar los predictores de patogenicidad en términos de su rendimiento y su idoneidad para aplicaciones clínicas. Presentamos un marco de coste para evaluar y comparar los métodos in silico, inspirados en el uso de modelos de coste en diferentes campos, desde los ensayos clínicos hasta la evaluación del crédito en las finanzas. Una virtud de este marco de coste es que contempla las consecuencias de las decisiones médicas finales de una forma sencilla. En segundo lugar, hemos estudiado uno de los factores más importantes que limitan el rendimiento de los predictores de patogenicidad: el entorno genético. En esta parte, hemos estudiado la relación entre el impacto molecular y la severidad de las hemofilias A y B en unas variantes de secuencia específicas: las variantes patogénicas compensadas (CPD). Estudiando un conjunto de datos de variantes en los factores de coagulación FVIII y FIX, hemos establecido que el impacto disruptivo de una mutación no es suficiente para explicar el fenotipo asociado. En paralelo, hemos caracterizado el entorno genético de estas proteínas, describiendo a nivel molecular su potencial para generar variabilidad fenotípica. Finalmente, hemos caracterizado la contribución de los predictores de patogenicidad in silico en las variantes identificadas en los paneles génicos de secuenciación, usando como modelo un panel diseñado para la Inmunodeficiencia Primaria (IDP), desarrollado en los grupos de Inmunología y Enfermedades Autoinflamatorias, en el Hospital Universitario Vall d’Hebron. Los resultados obtenidos ilustran las limitaciones de las herramientas in silico y también una nueva forma de tener en cuenta el entorno genético.

Visual impairments and different retinopathies have been silently increasing in the modern society and they become a medical hurdle in need to be addressed. Müller glial cells (MGCs), in lower vertebrates, show regenerative potential for the retina, however in the mammals this capacity is lost. However, it has been demonstrated in mice that fusion between MGCs and adult stem cells result in the formation of hybrids which detain some potential to regenerate the lost retinal neurons. In the present work we hypothesize that also into the human retina cell fusion between adult stem cells and retinae resident MGCs can enhance a process resulting into retina rescue and regeneration. In this thesis we first demonstrated that cell fusion can occur between human MGCs (hMGCs) and adult stem cells in the human retinal organotypic cultures. We then isolated the hMGCs and we fused them with either hematopoietic stem cells or with human mesenchymal stem cells adipose-derived (hMSC AD) in culture. We found that the activation of the Wnt/b-catenin pathway can induce reprogramming of the hybrids, which, in turn, can then undergo differentiation and acquire some electrophysiological response. Finally, we set up a microinjection system to transplant the hybrids into human retinal organoids to finally study the hybrid differentiation in vivo. With the strategy here exposed, we believe that it might represent the first step towards a potential regenerative therapy for human retinae via cell fusion and reprogramming. These observations might be the basis to develop an innovative approach to address in the long run the unmet medical need of the visual impairments.

This study challenges the primacy of consent in the history of human experimentation and argues that privileging the cultural frameworks adds nuance to our understanding of the construction of the volunteer in the period 1945 to 1970. Historians and bio-ethicists have argued that medical ethics codes have marked out the parameters of using people as subjects in medical scientific research and that the consent of the subjects was fundamental to their status as volunteers. However, the temporality of the creation of medical ethics codes means that they need to be understood within their historical context. That medical ethics codes arose from a specific historical context rather than a concerted and conscious determination to safeguard the well-being of subjects needs to be acknowledged. The British context of human experimentation is under-researched and there has been even less focus on the cultural frameworks within which experiments took place. This study demonstrates, through a close analysis of the Medical Research Council's Common Cold Research Unit (CCRU) and the government's military research facility, the Chemical Defence Experimental Establishment, Porton Down (Porton), that the `volunteer' in human experiments was a subjective entity whose identity was specific to the institution which recruited and made use of the subject. By examining representations of volunteers in the British press, the rhetoric of the government's collectivist agenda becomes evident and this fed into the institutional construction of the volunteer at the CCRU. In contrast, discussions between Porton scientists, staff members, and government officials demonstrate that the use of military personnel in secret chemical warfare experiments was far more complex. Conflicting interests of the military, the government and the scientific imperative affected how the military volunteer was perceived.

Neste trabalho, foi realizado um estudo experimental detalhado sobre a fase de formação da configuração a campo reverso, no dispositivo denominado T.C.-I da UNICAMP, com a utilização de dignósticos ópticos passivos em plasmas de hélio e hidrogênio. Para cada tipo de gás, os valores do campo de polarização, pré-ionização com temporização do crowbar e pressão de trabalho foram variados para estudar os mecanismos de formação da configuração reversa de campo, através dos diagnósticos da emissão do plasma, complementados com sondas elétricas e magnéticas, externas e internas. Para a obtenção das condições ótimas de operação da máquina, a chave crowbar, construída no próprio Laboratório de Plasma da UNICAMP, demonstrou ser bastante confiável para essa finalidade, pois o tempo entre o final da pré-ionização e o início da descarga principal era um fator importante para uma boa dinâmica de implosão, sem a interferência das oscilações da pré-ionização sobre a fase principal. Nas operações com o plasma de hélio, a melhor pressão de operação do gás foi de 18 mTorr, obtida através das intensidades da linha de HeII (4686 Â), fotodiodos, copo de Faraday e diagnósticos de fluxo excluído. Os valores típicos da densidade e temperatura obtidos foram de 3.2 x 1015cm-3 e 77 eV respectivamente . O raio da separatriz foi de 2.5 cm, durante 1.5us, decaindo rapidamente após a formação da CCR. As medidas espectrais de HeII e OII(4699Â) no plasma de hélio levaram às temperaturas iônicas de 73 a 180 eV, para uma varredura de pressão de 3.8 a 18 mTorr . Em alguns casos, parece provável ter ocorrido efeitos Stark devido a aquecimentos turbulentos atribuídos a campos elétricos microscópicos de 58 kV/cm. Nas operações com hidrogênio , basicamente todos os processos usados para o plasma de hélio foram mantidos. As linhas espectrais analisadas foram Ha, OII, NII, NIII, CIII, CIV e SiIV, tendo sido obtido, a partir das linhas de impurezas, temperaturas iônicas no centro do plasma , mais altas que as do plasma de hélio . Além disso, as temperaturas fornecidas pelas linhas de potencial de ionização mais altos, como o CIII, CIV, SiIV foram maiores que as obtidas com NII ou NIII. Nesta fase, a temperatura e densidades obtidas para a pressão de 3.3 mTorr foram respectivamente 220 eV e 2.9 X1015cm-3. Semelhantemente ao caso do hélio, algumas descargas apresentaram fenômenos prováveis de efeito Stark, tendo sido estimado um campo elétrico microscópico de 21.8 kV/cm . Verificou-se que a influência de sondas magnéticas no interior do plasma é bastante crítica, produzindo uma queda de temperatura de 235 eV para 139 eV na presença da sonda, quando medido com a linha do NIII e de 532 eV para 253 eV quando obtidas com linhas de CIII e SilV. O raio de separatriz estimado para a pressão de operação de 3.3 mTorr foi de 2.2 em com tempo de vida de 3.0 us. Foi ainda observado um novo modo de operação, com a obtenção de modos rotacionais n=4, observados usualmente em pressões de operação mais altas, de 6 a 35 mTorr.
A detailed experimental study of the formation phase in field reversed configuration device T.C.-I at UNICAMP has been carried out for the first time, using passive optical diagnostics on helium and hidrogen gas plasmas. For each type of gas, the values of bias polarization field, pre-ionization with crowbar timing and gas fill pressure have been varied to study field reversed configuration formation mechanism by using plasma emission diagnostics supported by magnetic and electric external and internal multi array probes. For the machine operation condition results, the use of crowbar switch, built at UNICAMP Plasma Laboratory, has shown very reliable operation, where the interval timing between the end of pre-ionization and main discharge phase played important role on good implosion dynamics with no influence of the pre-ionization bank RLC oscillation into the main phase. In the helium plasma operation, the best fill pressure of 18mTorr was obtained using HeII ( 4686Â) spectrum line, photodiode Faraday cup, IMACON, excluded flux diagnostics. The typical density and temperature estimated were 3.2x1015cm-3 e 75 eV respectively. The separatrix radius of 2.5 cm was obtained for 1.5us, decaying soon after the FRC formation. The spectral measurements of HeII, 0II (4699Â) in helium plasma have shown ion temperatures from 73 eV to 180 eV when the pressure is varied from 3.8 to 35 mTorr. In some cases, probable Stark effects due to turbulent heating during implosion also were observed, attributed to 58 kV/cm microscopic electric field. In the hydrogen plasma operation, basically all the process used in helium plasma also were carried out. The spectral line analyzed were Ha\' OII,NII, NIII, eIII, eIV, SiIV, having been obtained temperatures higher than helium plasma in the center of the plasma, using the impurities line. Furthermore, the ion temperatures from higher ionization potential lines (eIII, eIV, SiIV) were higher than temperatures obtained by NII or NIII lines. The average temperature calculated from NII and NIII spectral line was 220 eV and the density for hydrogen plasma was 15 -3 of 2.9 x 10 cm. The influence of internal magnetic probes was very critical, dropping the ion temperature from 235 eV to 139 eV in the presence of probe, when the temperature is calculated through NIII line or from 532 to 253 eV for eIII and SiIV line calculation. Like the helium plasma, in this case also one has been observed a probable Stark effect, attributed to 21.8 kV/cm microscopic electric field. The separatrix radius estimated for fill pressure of 3.3 mTorr was 2.2 cm with the life time of 3.0us interrupted by decaying of external field. We also observed a new plasma mode operation of n=4, usually present at high fill pressure, from 6 mTorr to 35m Torr.

The transition to multicellularity is a major step in the evolution of complex life. The first steps in this transition are poorly understood because multicellularity evolved long ago, and transitional forms have been lost to extinction. Previous studies developed a novel microbial model system in which simple multicellularity could be evolved de novo (Ratcliff et al., 2012). By evolving our snowflake yeast to undergo sexual reproduction we hypothesized that sex created variation in key multicellular traits, which spurs multicellular adaptation. In our 'snowflake yeast' model system, two traits are of central importance: cluster size, and programmed cell death (apoptosis). Apoptosis previously evolved to regulate cluster size, by acting as break points within clusters, allowing them to modify the size and number of multicellular propagules they produce. In prior experiments, this only develops after yeast have evolved to form large clusters. Prior experiments in the lab demonstrated that the longer snowflake yeast have been evolving, the greater the fitness benefit provided by sex. Here we examine whether this is due to sex creating greater amounts of diversity in the traits of post-sex offspring in more highly evolved multicellular yeast, allowing post-recombination offspring to 'fine tune' their multicellular traits. By using flow cytometry, we collected data on our multicellular traits. By gathering the biomass mean of the cluster size in each population and staining the cells with propidium iodide to determine the apoptotic tendencies of our cells we were able to compare our outcomes to the pre-sex ancestor, and we determined there was no increase in variation. Although apoptosis did not have an increase in variation due to sex, it created a variation in cluster size; the variation was seen in the population W8. This still supports our hypothesis that sex creates variation in multicellular traits, which allows for rapid adaptation.

In regions where endemic measles virus circulation has been interrupted, laboratory confirmation of measles is like puzzle solving. The complexity of these puzzles depends on the available pieces of clinical, epidemiological and laboratory information. The main goal of this dissertation is to evaluate diagnostic laboratory tools to aid in suspected case confirmation in these settings. First, protocols to elute measles IgM and IgG antibodies from blood spots dried onto filter paper were compared to propose one that will permit the recovery of the maximum volume of eluted sample in the minimum time, effort and cost. An easy-to-implement protocol is proposed for the rapid extraction of serum for measles/rubella serology in outbreak situations for use in the World Health Organization Global Measles and Rubella Laboratory Network. Second, due to inherent limitations of measles specific IgM enzyme immunoassays and molecular methods used for measles confirmation, not all suspected cases can be resolved. For example, IgM and RNA may not be detected in vaccinated cases with waning immunity (secondary vaccine failures) and presenting with modified measles. The observation is made that serological parameters of elevated titers of high avidity neutralizing antibodies correlate with measles secondary vaccines failures and may be useful biomarkers for confirming secondary vaccine failures that cannot be confirmed otherwise. Third, a highly accurate measles IgG avidity enzyme immunoassay for vaccine failure classification is described. Detection of low avidity antibodies using this highly sensitive and specific avidity assay can complement existing measles diagnostic tools in confirming suspected cases when routine IgM testing may be inconclusive. Therefore, these diagnostic approaches can provide additional laboratory information to resolve suspected cases irrespective of vaccination status. Together, data presented in this dissertation may assist in enhancing measles control and surveillance in elimination settings.
En les regions on s'ha interromput la circulació del virus del xarampió endèmic, la confirmació del xarampió a nivell de laboratori és com resoldre trencaclosques. La complexitat d'aquests trencaclosques depèn de les peces disponibles d'informació clínica, epidemiològica i de laboratori. L'objectiu principal d'aquesta tesi doctoral és avaluar eines de diagnòstic de laboratori per a ajudar en la confirmació de casos sospitosos en regions on el xarampió està eliminat. En primer lloc, es van comparar protocols per a eluir les IgM i IgG anti-xarampionoses de mostres de taques de sang seca sobre paper de filtre i proposar un protocol que permetés la recuperació del volum màxim de mostra eluïda en el mínim temps, esforç i cost. Es proposa un protocol de fàcil implementació dins de la xarxa de laboratoris de rubèola i xarampió de l'Organització Mundial de la Salut per a ser usat en situacions de brot. En segon lloc, les IgM anti-xarampionoses i l’ARN del virus del xarampió poden no ser detectats en casos vacunats amb disminució de la immunitat (fallada vacunal secundària) i amb simptomatologia de xarampió modificada. L'observació de que paràmetres serològics de títols elevats d'anticossos anti-xarampionosos neutralizants i d'alta avidesa correlacionen amb fallades vacunals secundàries permet proposar aquests paràmetres com a biomarcadors útils per a confirmar aquestes fallades vacunals quan d'altra manera no podrien confirmar-se. En tercer lloc, es descriu un assaig immumoenzimàtic per a determinar l'avidesa de les IgG contra el virus del xarampió per a la classificació de fallades vacunals. Aquest assaig és altament sensible, específic i precís. La detecció d'anticossos de baixa avidesa mitjançant aquest assaig pot a més complementar les eines actuals de diagnòstic de xarampió en la confirmació de casos sospitosos quan les proves rutinàries de IgM no són concloents. Per tant, aquestes estratègies diagnòstiques poden proporcionar informació de laboratori addicionals per a resoldre casos sospitosos de xarampió independentment del seu estat de vacunació. Les dades presentades en aquesta tesi doctoral poden ajudar a millorar el control del xarampió i vigilància epidemiològica allà on el xarampió ja està eliminat.

Exposure to particulate matter in work environments has been linked to ischemic heart, cardiovascular and respiratory-related disease risk increase due to inhalation. Increased adverse health effects have been linked to nanoparticles (< 100 nm) due to their ability to reach the deepest sections of the respiratory tract and their longer retention time. Exposure monitoring is widely used method to assess worker exposure to airborne particles. However, other prediction tools have been explored such as the use of the dustiness index, mass-balance models, and health risk assessment tools. Discussions regarding the use and application of the latter tools are ongoing due to their relatively novelty for worker exposure assessment, the need to test their performance under real- world scenarios, and the need to understand the uncertainties related to critical parameters and limitations. The main objectives of this PhD Thesis are to 1) assess worker exposure to particles (4 nm - 35 μm) in ceramic industry real-world workplace scenarios; 2) evaluate currently used exposure assessment metrics and decision-making approaches; 3) understand the relationship between material dustiness and worker exposure; 4) evaluate the performance of mass-balance models, and 5) compare health risk assessment tools. Worker exposure was assessed during mechanical handling of powders in 6 different scenarios and for 15 materials as well as thermal spraying of ceramic coatings. Exposure monitoring was conducted using online and offline instruments which allowed for the characterization of particle mass and number concentrations, particle size and size distribution, particle morphology and chemical composition. In addition, some of these scenarios were also selected to assess relationship between the dustiness index and exposure concentrations as well as the ability of different particle metrics to represent worker exposure. Finally, decision making approaches, and the performance of mass- balance models and risk assessment tools were tested. Results evidenced clear impacts of industrial activities on workplace exposure to coarse, fine and nanoparticles. Significant increases of inhalable and respirable particle mass concentrations (inhalable mass concentration 80-4000 μg m-3) were observed during mechanical handling of raw materials (d50 2.7-40 µm), when compared to background concentrations. The highest mean inhalable mass concentration (3700 μg m-3) was monitored during packing of ceramic materials, when mitigation strategies were inefficiently implemented. Conversely, particle number concentrations were not influenced by mechanical handling of powders, but by driving of diesel-powdered forklifts, leading to concentrations up to 70000 cm-3. Thermal spraying, on the other hand, increased particle number concentration up to 105 cm-3 in the worker area. After the application of the ICRP respiratory tract deposition model, airborne particles in the workplaces studied were seen to deposit mainly in the alveolar region (51-64%) during packing of powder materials and (54-70%) during thermal spraying by means of surface area. Source enclosure and modification of the energy settings were pointed out as useful strategies to minimize worker exposure. The validity, performance and comparability of tools for exposure assessment were evaluated. Several decision-making approaches were tested to determine statistically significant impacts on exposure. Among them, the ARIMA models were seen to be the least conservative while the nanoGEM approach confirmed its usefulness for particle number but slightly underestimated exposure for particle mass concentrations when compared to traditional statistical tests. High degree of correlation was found between dustiness and measured exposure concentrations during mechanical handling of powders in a pilot plant (R2 up to 0.97) and at industrial scale (R2 up to 0.80). This correlation was stronger when material characteristics dominated over process characteristics, and an adequate methodology is applied, using the dustiness method which best mimics the activity under study. Finally, one- and two-box models were used to model particles under high and low concentrations in terms of mass and particle number concentrations. Ratios between modelled and measured concentrations were 0.82-1.22 when modelling inhalable particle mass in the mechanical handling scenario, whereas ratios of 0.2-0.7 were obtained when modelling thermal spraying particles. Thus, model performance was poorer for the high nanoparticle concentration scenario. The addition of background and outdoor concentrations as input improved model performance. Risk assessment and control banding tools (ART, Stoffenmanager and NanoSafer) were tested for the scenarios under study, and it was concluded that the mechanical processes were estimated with higher accuracy and lower variability by Stoffenmanager (64% of the cases). Conversely, ART and NanoSafer showed higher flexibility for introducing more case-specific input data. A clear need for harmonization between risk assessment tools was evidenced.
L’exposició per inhalació de material particulat en ambients de treball ha estat relacionat amb l’augment del risc de patir malalties cardiovasculars y respiratòries. En el cas específic de les nanopartícules (< 100 nm), els efectes adversos han estat relacionats amb la seva capacitat per arribar a les regions més profundes del aparell respiratori i al seu major temps de retenció. Per tal de determinar els nivells d’exposició a material particulat, un mètode experimental àmpliament utilitzat és l’ús d’equips de mesura en continu de les concentracions. No obstant això, altres eines estan sent actualment explorades com per exemple l’ús del poder d’emissió de pols dels materials, models basats en balanços de masses per a la predicció de l’exposició, així com eines per a l’avaluació del risc per a la salut degut a l’exposició d’agent químics. No obstant això, degut a la seva relativa novetat, existeix la necessitat d’avaluar la validesa de totes aquestes eines en escenaris reals, així com de comprendre les incerteses relacionades amb els paràmetres i les seves limitacions. Per tant, el seu us i aplicació es troben actualment en debat. Els principals objectius d’aquesta tesi doctoral són: 1) avaluar els nivells d’exposició laboral a material particulat d’entre 4 nm i 35 μm en escenaris de treball reals, 2) avaluar les diferents mètriques existents per a l’avaluació dels nivells d’exposició i els mètodes de presa de decisions utilitzats en la actualitat; 3) comprendre la relació existent entre el poder d’emissió de pols dels materials i els nivells d’exposició dels treballadors durant la seva manipulació; 4) avaluar la validesa del models basats en balanços de massa; i 5) comparar diferents eines d’avaluació dels riscos de l’exposició a agents químics. En aquesta tesi s’han avaluat els nivells d’exposició laborals a material particulat, tant durant manipulació mecànica, concentradament de 15 materials pulverulents en 6 escenaris diferents, com durant projecció tèrmica de recobriments ceràmics, amb l’estudi de 2 escenaris amb tres materials per a l’obtenció de recobriments ceràmics sobre peces metàl·liques. El control experimental dels nivells d’exposició es va realitzar mitjançant l’ús d’equips de mesura de partícules en temps real i de la recol·lecció de mostres gravimètriques del material particulat emes, que va ser posteriorment analitzat per microscòpia electrònica. Tot això va permetre la caracterització de la concentració del material particulat en massa, numero de partícules, mida i distribució de mida de les partícules, la morfologia de les partícules i la seva composició química. Addicionalment, en els processos mecànics es va avaluar la relació entre el poder d’emissió de pols dels materials i els nivells d’exposició, així com la capacitat de diferents mètriques, generalment utilitzades per a l’ anàlisis de l’exposició a partícules (massa i numero), de representar l’exposició dels treballadors. Finalment, es van estudiar diferents mètodes per a la presa de decisions, es va avaluar la aplicabilitat en condicions industrials dels models basats en balanços de massa, així com de tres eines per a l’avaluació dels riscs per exposició a agents químics. Els resultats van evidenciar un clar impacte de les activitats industrial estudiades sobre els nivells d’exposició dels treballadors en els escenaris estudiats a partícules grolleres, fines i nanopartícules. Durant la manipulació mecànica de matèries primeres (d50 2.7-40 µm) es van observar augments significatius de les fraccions màssiques de pols inhalable i respirable (concentració de massa inhalable 80-4000 μg m-3) en comparació amb les concentracions de fons. La concentració mitjana més elevada per a la fracció màssica inahlable (3700 μg m-3) va ser mesurada durant l’ensacat de materials ceràmics amb una implementació ineficient de mesures de mitigació. Per el contrari, les concentracions en numero de partícules no es van veure influenciades per la manipulació mecànica dels materials pulverulents, però si que es van registrar concentracions de numero de partícules de fins 7x104 cm-3 degut a l’ús de carretons elevadors dièsel. Per una altra banda, en els escenaris de projecció tèrmica es va observar un augment de la concentració en numero de partícules de fins a valors del ordre de 105 cm-3 en l’àrea de treball. Mitjançant l’aplicació del model de deposició de partícules ICRP, es va observar que les partícules en suspensió en els llocs de treball estudiats es depositaven principalment en la regió alveolar tant durant l’ensacat (51-64%), com durant la projecció tèrmica (54-70%). L’aïllament de la font d’emissió així com la modificació de l’energia aplicada durant el procés es van detectar com a estratègies útils per a minimitzar l’exposició dels treballadors. També es va avaluar la validesa, el rendiment i la comparabilitat de varies eines estadístiques per a avaluar la significança estadística de les dades d’exposició. D’entre els mètodes avaluats, els models ARIMA van ser considerats com als menys conservadors, mentre que la metodologia nanoGEM va confirmar la seva utilitat per a l’anàlisis de les concentracions en numero de partícules, però va subestimar lleugerament la significança estadística de les concentracions en massa en comparació amb les proves estadístiques tradicionals. Es van trobar alts graus de correlació entre el poder d’emissió de pols del materials i les concentracions d’exposició mesurades durant la manipulació mecànica dels materials en planta pilot (R2 fins a 0.97) i en escala industrial (R2 fins a 0.80). Aquesta correlació s’ha vist reforçada quan les característiques dels materials dominen sobre les característiques del procés, i quan una metodologia adequada per a la determinació del poder d’emissió de pols va ser utilitzada, aquella que millor simula el procés d’estudi. Finalment, es van utilitzar els models basats en balanços de massa de una i dos caixes per a modelar dos escenaris diferents, un de baixa exposició a partícules grolleres (manipulació mecànica, ensacat de materials) y un altre d’altes concentracions de numero de partícules (projecció tèrmica). Les proporcions entre les concentracions modelades/mesurades van ser de 0.82-1.22 per a la modelització de la fracció màssica de pols inahalble en el cas de la manipulació mecànica, mentre que les proporcions van ser de 0.2-0.7 per a la modelització de la concentració en numero de partícules durant la projecció tèrmica. Per tant, la bondat dels models basats en balanços de massa va ser menor en l’escenari d’altes concentracions de numero de partícules. Al considerar les concentracions de fons i de l’aire ambient en els models, la bondat i la precisió dels models va augmentar. De les tres eines per a l’avaluació de riscos per exposició a agents químics (ART, Stoffenmanager i NanoSafer) que van ser provades, les concentracions mesurades durant els processos de manipulació mecànica van ser estimats amb una major precisió i menor variabilitat per Stoffenmanager (64% dels cases). Per el contrari, ART i NanoSafer van mostrar tenir una major flexibilitat per a introduir dades d’entrada especifiques per a cada cas.

Abstract It is estimated that approximately 16-20% of youth will develop a diagnosable behavior disorder. Behavioral parent training is a valuable approach to address disruptive behaviors by teaching parents how to effectively manage their child’s challenging behavior with non-physical disciplinary techniques. While these programs are generally effective, attrition rates have been found to be as high as 60% in some cases. This review provides information about the characteristics commonly associated with these programs, the attrition rates of each program, and the general effectiveness of the programs. Meta-analytic procedures were implemented to identify contributing factors leading to withdrawal from intervention. Keywords: parent training, behavioral parent training, parent management training, parent child interaction therapy

In this thesis I present a geophysical study that aims to define the structure and petrological nature of the main geological domains in the Central Tyrrhenian basin, and to investigate the mechanisms involved in their formation. The geophysical data used in this thesis was acquired during the MEDOC (2010) survey within the framework of the MEDOC project, which was designed to improve our understanding of the origin and evolution of rifted margins. The present work is based on the analysis, processing, modeling, and interpretation of coincident Wide-Angle Seismic (WAS), Multichannel Seismic (MCS), and gravity data corresponding to the two longest transects acquired during the MEDOC survey in the Central Tyrrhenian basin, the southern Line GH/MEDOC-6 (~450 km) and the northern Line EF/MEDOC-4 (~400 km). Both lines run across the Central Tyrrhenian basin from Sardinia to the Campania margin. The processing of MCS data provides the tectonic structure and geometry of the sedimentary basins, whereas the modeling of WAS data from travel-time tomography provides 2D seismic velocity models from which the velocity distribution of the crust and uppermost mantle, and the geometry of the crust-mantle boundary are inferred. The WAS models are then converted to density models using existing empirical relationships for different lithologies in order to test which of the different hypothesis concerning the petrological nature of the basement (e.g. continental/oceanic crust or exhumed mantle) explain better the observed gravity data. The results obtained together with the integration of geological data from rock sampling of the seabed reveals the existence of three geological domains in the Central Tyrrhenian, that is: continental crust, magmatic crust, and exhumed mantle. The comparison between the results of Line EF/MEDOC-4 (northern line) with those of the Line GH/MEDOC-6 (southern line) reveals that the velocity and tectonic structure of the three geological domains differ in some regions from north to south. These differences are most likely attributed to the southward increase of extension that characterizes the Tyrrhenian basin. The basement configuration presented in this thesis led to a completely new definition of geological domains in the Central Tyrrhenian. According to the presented distribution of the basement, rifting in the Central Tyrrhenian basin would have started with continental crust extension, continued with back-arc spreading leading to generation of magmatic back-arc crust, and followed by mantle exhumation intruded by later magmatic episodes. The interpretation of these results differ from current conceptual models of the formation of rifting systems involving mantle exhumation and indicate that the response of the continental lithosphere to extension processes may be more complex than previously assumed. Finally, to explain the mechanism involved in the formation of these domains, I examine the modes of back-arc basin formation proposed to explain the formation of the western Pacific basins [Martinez et al., 2007; Dunn and Martinez, 2011], as well as the causes that may have led to mantle exhumation [Pérez-Gussinyé, et al., 2006]. In summary, the proposed conceptual model is based on a slab rollback and depleted mantle setting, in which production of extension-related melting is limited, thus, crustal accretion is attributed to hydrous flux melting. The model presents 5 stages of opening that includes: (I) a normal subduction scenario followed by (II) development of the back-arc rift, (III) initiation of back-arc spreading, (IV) mantle exhumation, and finally (V) emplacement of large volcanic edifices in the central parts of the basin.
La tesis que presento se centra en el estudio de la estructura cortical y de los procesos de formación de la cuenca del Tirreno, con el principal propósito de ampliar el conocimiento sobre los mecanismos involucrados en la evolución de márgenes divergentes. Para ello, en esta tesis se realiza el procesado, análisis, modelización, e interpretación geológica de dos perfiles geofísicos adquiridos durante la campaña de sísmica marina MEDOC (2010) en el mar Tirreno. Ambos perfiles geofísicos incluyen datos de sísmica de gran ángulo (SGA), de reflexión multicanal (SRM) y de gravimetría, a partir de los cuales he obtenido los resultados siguientes: 1.Dos modelos de velocidad de propagación de ondas P (Vp) y de la geometría del Moho. 2.Análisis estadístico de incertidumbre de los parámetros de cada modelo de velocidad. 3.Modelado gravimétrico a partir de la conversión a densidad de los modelos de Vp. Con este método se pretende constreñir la petrología de los diferentes dominios geológicos a partir del empleo de diferentes relaciones empíricas de velocidad-densidad para diferentes tipos de roca. 4.Dos perfiles de SRM stackados y migrados en tiempo, de los cuales procesé uno de ellos (MEDOC 4). La interpretación conjunta de estos resultados junto con un análisis exhaustivo de las velocidades de los modelos, e información geológica de las rocas del lecho marino, han permitido caracterizar la naturaleza cortical (continental/oceánico) de los principales dominios geológicos en la cuenca del Tirreno central, los cuales incluyen: corteza continental, corteza de retroarco de carácter magmático y manto exhumado. Estos resultados junto con observaciones de la geomorfología de la batimetría, han dado paso a la discusión de la distribución en planta de dichos dominios geológicos en toda el área de estudio. Finalmente, propongo un modelo de apertura de cuenca en el cual se especula sobre la formación de los diferentes dominios geológicos identificados anteriormente. Dicho modelo se basa en los modos de apertura de cuencas de retroarco propuestos para las cuencas del Pacífico occidental, y en estudios de modelización numérica realizados para explicar la exhumación del manto en los márgenes pasivos del Atlantico Norte.

Due to the recent approval of the Best Available Techniques Reference Document for Wastewater Treatment in the Chemical Sector (Decision (UE) 2016/902), the European industry is urged to improve the wastewater treatments, in order to attain more stringent regulations. Particularly, petrochemical activated sludge systems focused on organic matter removal must face two frequent issues, which difficult sludge settling: i) Development of filamentous bulking due to low food-to-microorganism (F/M) ratio in the biological reactor ii) Unintended biological nitrification, which leads to denitrification in the clarifier. These tendencies were confirmed in a pilot petrochemical continuous stirred tank reactor (500 L), where sludge volumetric index (SVI) values of 350 mL g-1 were obtained. Nitrification was studied with an experimental petrochemical bench-scale bioreactor (1L), which provided concentrations up to 350 mg NOx--N L-1. To overcome the filamentous bulking, a one-compartment selector was implemented in the pilot activated sludge system. The selector could be operated as anoxic or aerobic. Both configurations succeeded to solve the excessive proliferation of filaments with average SVI values below 75 mL g-1, provided dissolved oxygen concentrations higher than 2 mg L-1 were guaranteed in the main reactor. However, the aerobic selector showed the more robust and consistent performance, aiming to its full-scale implementation. Its optimum design parameters were determined at hydraulic retention time of 30 minutes and F/M of 35 g sCOD g-1 VSS d-1. Its performance improved with the biodegradability of the wastewaters supplied in the range of 10 to 50 g BOD g-1VSS d-1. Otherwise, the selector was unable to enhance sludge settling when being provided with high concentrations of particulate matter (up from 65 g tCOD g-1 VSS d-1). Nevertheless, the inclusion of the aerobic selector doubled the nitrification rates in the activated sludge system. Since conventional methodologies to limit nitrification may not be convenient for existing installations due to process or site constraints, a new strategy has been bench-scale developed. Two petrochemical bioreactors have been supplied with cost-effective concentrations of 0.4 and 0.9 mg g-1VSS d-1 of folic acid in comparison to a control. Afterwards, the vitamin supply has been stopped in order to assess about habituation effects. Despite both doses have succeeded to control nitrification, the addition of folic acid has also affected the operational parameters of the biological system. The supply of the lower vitamin concentration provided a reduction on nitrification rates of 93.6% and improved the sludge volumetric index compared to control (17.4 in front of 67.3 mL g-1). However, its full-scale feasibility is conditioned to the availability of spare aeration capacity, since oxygen demand increased 85.7%, probably due to an older sludge age (71.4% reduction in observed sludge yield). Reductions up to 97.1% in nitrification rates were obtained during and 60 days after the dosage of the higher vitamin concentration. Despite other advantages, such as increasing the organic matter removal efficiency (60.0%) and reducing oxygen demand (14.7%) relative to control, the high dosed reactor exhibited a worse sludge settling (93.1 mL g-1) and more sludge production (57.1% increase in observed sludge yield). These results suggest new dosing alternatives, such as supplying a discontinuous folic acid concentration of 0.9 mg g-1VSS d-1. To conclude, this manuscript provides industrial engineers with guidelines to upgrade their existing wastewater treatments. Although the experimentation has been conducted with petrochemical effluents, the methodology and conclusions could be extrapolated to other industrial sectors with similar characterization of wastewater. With regard to future steps, this research sets the basis for the development of the action mechanism for nitrogen heterocyclic compounds, as nitrification inhibitors, which is of interest for the wastewater and the agricultural field.
Con la aprobación de la nueva versión del BREF de aguas residuales, la industria química europea está obligada a mejorar sus procesos de tratamiento de agua para adaptarse a especificaciones de vertido más restrictivas. Particularmente, los sistemas de fangos activos petroquímicos focalizados en la degradación de materia orgánica deben afrontar dos limitaciones frecuentes que dificultan la decantación del lodo: fuerte tendencia al bulking filamentoso por baja razón alimento-biomasa (F/M) y nitrificación biológica no deseada. Ensayos piloto con efluentes petroquímicos han demostrado que la inclusión de un selector aerobio en el sistema de fangos activos permite superar el bulking filamentoso, obteniendo siempre valores de índice volumétrico de fangos inferiores a 75 mL g-1. Los parámetros de diseño óptimos para el selector son un tiempo de residencia de 30 minutos y una razón F/M de 35 g DQO g-1 VSS d-1. Se debe alimentar al selector los efluentes más biodegradables y con el mínimo contenido en materia orgánica particulada. Sin embargo, con la implementación del selector, la nitrificación se ha duplicado. Puesto que las técnicas convencionales de control de nitrificación no resultan adecuadas por limitaciones de proceso y de implementación, se ha desarrollado como alternativa, la dosificación de ácido fólico al reactor biológico. En ensayos de laboratorio con un reactor petroquímico, dosis continuas de 0,4 y 0,9 g g-1 VSS d-1 de vitamina han permitido limitar la nitrificación a concentraciones inferiores a 10 mg NOx—N L-1 sin aportar toxicidad al efluente. La alta concentración, incluso ha mantenido este efecto hasta 60 días después de cortar la dosificación de vitamina. Sin embargo, el ácido fólico ha modificado los parámetros operativos del sistema biológico. La concentración baja ha aumentado el consumo de oxígeno (85,7%). La concentración alta ha aumentado la eficiencia en degradación de materia orgánica (60,0%), la producción de biomasa (57,1%) y ha empeorado la decantación del lodo (93±29 mL g-1). Estos resultados aconsejan ensayar otras estrategias posológicas, tales como dosis discontinuas de 0,9 g g-1 VSS d-1. Esta investigación proporciona las bases para un desarrollo futuro del mecanismo de acción de las moléculas heterocíclicas nitrogenadas, como inhibidores de la nitrificación.