Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Potential flow theory'

Une modélisation efficace et une connaissance précise du comportement mécanique du cœur du réacteur sont nécessaires pour estimer les effets de l'excitation sismique sur une centrale nucléaire. La présence d'un écoulement d'eau (dans les REP) engendre des phénomènes d'interaction fluide structure. La modélisation des interactions fluide structure sur les assemblages combustible revêt donc une importance fondamentale pour la sécurité des réacteurs nucléaires. L’objectif principal du projet de thèse présenté dans ce document est d’étudier les interactions fluide structure afin de mieux comprendre les phénomènes impliqués. La modélisation et l'approche expérimentale sont considérées. Un nouveau modèle linéaire simplifié pour les interactions fluide structure est développé en utilisant la théorie de l'écoulement potentiel pour la modélisation des forces fluide, tandis que le modèle de poutre d'Euler-Bernoulli est utilisé pour la partie structurelle. Le modèle est d'abord développé pour un seul cylindre et il est validé avec des ouvrages de référence dans la littérature. Les effets de la taille de confinement et du nombre d'onde sont examinés. Le modèle d'écoulement potentiel développé pour un seul cylindre est ainsi étendu à une géométrie multicylindre. La démarche expérimentale est donc nécessaire pour valider le modèle développé. Une nouvelle installation expérimentale, ICARE, a été conçue pour étudier les phénomènes d’interaction fluide structure sur des assemblages combustible à demi-échelle. Dans ce document, les résultats fournis par les mesures de déplacement et de LDV sont largement analysés. Le comportement dynamique de l'assemblage combustible et les effets de couplage sont étudiés. Les calculs sont comparés aux résultats expérimentaux afin de valider le modèle et d’en analyser ses limites. Le modèle est en accord avec les résultats expérimentaux concernant l'effet de masse ajouté. De plus, le modèle prédit qualitativement les effets des couplages dans différentes directions. Par contre, le modèle d'écoulement potentiel ne permet pas de prédire des effets d'amortissement ajouté, principalement dus aux forces visqueuses. Enfin, dans ce document, une autre application du modèle développé est décrite. Le modèle est utilisé afin de simuler des expériences réalisées sur une maquette d'assemblage combustible dans l'installation expérimentale installée à l'Université George Washington (GWU). Le modèle est capable de prédire et de fournir une interprétation valide de la perturbation du débit d'eau due au mouvement de l'ensemble excité. La thèse se termine par des perspectives d'amélioration du modèle, en intégrant des termes visqueux dans les équations. L'analyse des données de vélocimétrie par image de particules (PIV) recueillies au cours des campagnes expérimentales ICARE doit être poursuivie
Efficient modelling and accurate knowledge of the mechanical behaviour of the reactorcore are needed to estimate the effects of seismic excitation on a nuclear power plant. Thepresence of cooling water flow (in PWRs) gives rise to fluid structure interaction phenomena.Modelling of fluid structure interactions on fuel assemblies is thus of fundamentalimportance in order to assure the safety of nuclear reactors. The main objective of thePhD project which is presented in this document is to investigate fluid structure interactionsin order to have a better understanding of the involved phenomena. Both modellingand experimental approach are considered. A new simplified linear model for fluid structureinteractions is developed by using the potential flow theory for fluid force modellingwhile the Euler-Bernoulli beam model is used for the structural part. The model, is firstdeveloped for a single cylinder and it is validated with reference works in literature. Theeffects of the confinement size and of the wavenumber are investigated. The potential flowmodel developed for a single cylinder, is thus extended to a multi cylinders geometry. Theexperimental approach is thus needed in order to validate the developed model. A newexperimental facility, ICARE, is designed in order to investigate fluid structure interactionphenomena on half scale fuel assemblies. In this document, the results provided bydisplacement and LDV measurements are widely analysed. The dynamical behaviour ofthe fuel assembly and coupling effects are investigated. Calculations are compared to theexperimental results in order to validate the model and to analyse its limits. The model isin agreement with experimental results regarding the added mass effect. In addition, themodel qualitatively predicts couplings effects on different directions. As a drawback, thepotential flow model cannot predict added damping effects, which are mainly due to viscousforces. Finally in this document another application of the developed model is described.The model is used in order to simulate experiments performed on a surrogate fuel assemblyin the experimental facility installed at George Washington University (GWU). The modelis able to predict and to provide a valid interpretation for the water flow perturbation dueto the motion of the excited assembly. The thesis concludes with perspectives for furtherimprovements of the model, by integrating viscous terms in the equations. Work needs tobe carried out on the analysis of Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) data collected duringICARE experimental campaigns

Driving aim of this study was to develop a solver which is accurate enough to be used in analysis and fast enough to be used in optimization purposes. As a first step, a three-dimensional potential flow solver is developed using Fast Multipole Boundary Element (FMBEM) for calculating the pressure distributions in non-lifting flows. It is a steady state solver which uses planar triangular unstructured mesh. After the geometry is introduced, the program creates a prescribed wake surface attached to the trailing edge(s), obtains a solution using panel elements on which the doublet and source strengths vary linearly. The reason for using FMBEM instead of classical BEM is the availability of solutions of systems having DOFs up to several millions within a few hours using a standard computer which is impossible to accomplish with classical BEM. Solutions obtained for different test cases are compared with the analytical solution (if applicable), the experimental data or the results obtained by JavaFoil.

The development of a three dimensional B-Spline based method, which is suitable for the steady-state potential flow analysis of free surface piercing bodies in hydrodynamics, is presented. The method requires the B-Spline or Non Uniform Rational B-Spline (NURBS) representation of the body as an input. In order to solve for the unknown potential, the source surface, both for the body as well as the free surface, is represented by NURBS surfaces. The method does not require the body surface to be discritized into flat panels. Therefore, instead of a mere panel approximation, the exact body geometry is utilized for the computation. The technique does not use a free surface Green's function, which already satisfies the linear free surface boundary conditions, but uses a separate source patch for the free surface. By eliminating the use of a free surface Green's function, the method can be extended to considering non-linear free surface conditions, thus providing the possibility for wave resistance calculations. The method is first applied to the double body flow problem around a sphere and a Wigley hull. Some comparisons are made with exact solutions to validate the accuracy of the method. Results of linear free surface conditions are then presented.

We provide geometric inequalities on $R^n$ and on general manifolds with nonnegative Ricci curvature by employing suitable monotone quantities along the flow of capacitary and $p$-capacitary potentials, as well as through related boundary value problems. Among the main achievements, we cite [(i)] a Willmore-type inequality on manifolds with nonnegative Ricci curvature leading in turn to the sharp Isoperimetric Inequality on $3$-manifolds with nonnegative Ricci curvature ; [(ii)] enhanced Kasue/Croke-Kleiner splitting theorems ; [(iii)] a generalised Minkowski-type inequality in $R^n$ holding with no assumptions on the boundary of the domain considered except for smoothness ; [(iv)] a complete discussion of maximal volume solutions to the least area problem with obstacle on Riemannian manifolds and its relation with the variational $p$-capacity.

Em geral, uma embarcação de planeio é projetada para atingir elevados níveis de velocidade. Esse atributo de desempenho está diretamente relacionado ao porte da embarcação e à potência instalada em sua planta propulsiva. Tradicionalmente, durante o projeto de uma embarcação, as análises de desempenho são realizadas através de resultados de embarcações já existentes, retirados de séries sistemáticas ou de embarcações já desenvolvidas pelo estaleiro e/ou projetista. Além disso, a determinação dos atributos de desempenho pode ser feita através de métodos empíricos e/ou estatísticos, onde a embarcação é representada através de seus parâmetros geométricos principais; ou a partir de testes em modelos em escala reduzida ou protótipos. No caso específico de embarcações de planeio, o custo dos testes em escala reduzida é muito elevado em relação ao custo de projeto. Isso faz com que a maioria dos projetistas não opte por ensaios experimentais das novas embarcações em desenvolvimento. Ao longo dos últimos anos, o método de Savitsky foi largamente utilizado para se realizar estimativas de potência instalada de uma embarcação de planeio. Esse método utiliza um conjunto de equações semi-empíricas para determinar os esforços atuantes na embarcação, a partir dos quais é possível determinar a posição de equilíbrio de operação e a força propulsora necessária para navegar em uma dada velocidade. O método de Savitsky é muito utilizado nas fases iniciais de projeto, onde a geometria do casco ainda não foi totalmente definida, pois utiliza apenas as características geométricas principais da embarcação para realização das estimativas de esforços. À medida que se avança nas etapas de projeto, aumenta o detalhamento necessário das estimativas de desempenho. Para a realização, por exemplo, do projeto estrutural é necessária uma estimativa do campo de pressão atuante no fundo do casco, o qual não pode ser determinado pelo método de Savitsky. O método computacional implementado nesta dissertação, tem o objetivo de determinar as características do escoamento e o campo de pressão atuante no casco de uma embarcação de planeio navegando em águas calmas. O escoamento é determinado através de um problema de valor de contorno, no qual a superfície molhada no casco é considerada um corpo esbelto. Devido ao uso da teoria de corpo esbelto o problema pode ser tratado, separadamente, em cada seção, onde as condições de contorno são forçadamente respeitadas através de uma distribuição de vórtices.
Generally, a planing craft is designed to achieve high speed levels. This performance attribute is directly related to the boat size and to the propeller plant power. Traditionally, during a boat design, performance analyses are carried out using results taken from systematic series or from others boat previously build by the shipyard and/or designer. Furthermore, performance attributes can be calculated by semi-empirical and/or statistic methods or by tests of reduced scale models. In the specific case of planing boats, the costs of reduced scale tests are too high compared to the design cost itself. Because of this, most designers do not perform experimental tests during the development of new boats. During the last years, the Savitsky method was extensively used to estimate planing craft effective power. The method uses a set of semi-empirical equations to calculate the forces acting on the boat, from which the equilibrium position and the required propeller thrust are determined. During the preliminary phases of planing craft design, the hull geometry hasn\'t been fully defined. Therefore, the Savitsky method is widely used during this phase, because it uses only the main geometrical characteristics to estimate the forces acting on the hull. Advancing toward the final phases of the design process, more detailed information is required. To execute the structural design, for example, the pressure field acting on the hull must be known, which can\'t be estimate using the Savitsky method. The main objective of the present study is to implement a computer method that can be used to estimate the fluid flow and pressure field acting on the hull of a boat moving with forward speed constant in calm water. The fluid flow around the hull is treated as a boundary value problem, in which the wetted hull surface is considered a slender body. The slender body theory enables to solve the problem separately, in each transverse section, where boundary conditions are respected by a sheet of vortices.

Ocean wave energy is a promising renewable source to contribute to supplying the world’s energy demand. The Division of Electricity at Uppsala University is developing a technology to capture energy from ocean waves with a wave energy converter (WEC) consisting of a linear permanent magnet generator and a point absorber. The linear generator is placed on sea bed and is driven directly by the floating absorber. Since March 2006, multiple wave energy converters have been deployed on the Swedish west coast outside the town of Lysekil. The technology is verified by long-term operation during at sea and satisfactory reliability of the electricity generation. This thesis focuses on developing advanced control strategies for fully coupled wave energy converters subject to constraints. A nonlinear control strategy is studied in detail for a single WEC subject to constraints under regular and irregular waves. Besides, two coordinated control strategies are developed to investigate the performance of a wave energy farm subject to constraints. The performance of the WECs using these control strategies are investigated in case studies, and optimal PTO damping coefficients are found to maximize the output power. The results show that these control strategies can significantly improve the performance of the WECs, in terms of mean power, compared to a conventional control. Besides these control strategies, a wave-to-wire simulation platform is built to study the power generation control of the WEC subject to constraints.  The wave-to-wire simulation platform allows both nonlinear and linear control force. The results show that there is a good agreement between the desired value and the actual value after advanced control.

The weather dynamics are significantly determined by the motion of the atmosphere and the ocean. This motion is often turbulent, characterized by fluctuations of the flow velocity over wide spatial and temporal scales. This fact, besides limited observability and inaccurate models, impedes the predictability of quantities such as the velocity of winds, which are relevant for the everyday life. One is always interested in improving such predictions - by employing better models or obtaining more information about the system. The Crooks fluctuation theorem is a relation from nonequilibrium thermodynamics, which has its typical applications in nanoscale systems. It quantifies the distribution of imposed work in a process, where the system is pushed out of thermal equilibrium. This distribution is broadened due to the fluctuations of the microscopic degrees of freedom in the system. The fluctuations of the velocity field in turbulent flow suggest the derivation of an analogy of Crooks' theorem for this macroscopic system. The knowledge about the validity of such a relation is additional information, which one in reverse could use to improve predictions about the system. In this thesis both issues are addressed: the derivation of the theorem, and the improvement of predictions. We illustrate the application of Crooks' theorem to hydrodynamic flow within a model of a two-dimensional inviscid and incompressible fluid field, when pushed out of dynamical equilibrium. The flow on a rectangular domain is approximated by the two-dimensional vorticity equation with spectral truncation. In this setting, the equilibrium statistics of the flow can be described through a canonical ensemble with two conserved quantities, kinetic energy and enstrophy. To perturb the system out of equilibrium, we change the shape of the domain according to a protocol, which changes the kinetic energy but leaves the enstrophy constant. This is interpreted as doing work to the system. Evolving along a forward and its corresponding backward process, we find that the distributions of the work performed in these processes satisfy the Crooks relation with parameters derived from the canonical ensembles. We address the issue of prediction in this thesis in a concrete setting: There are examples where the distributions of a variable in the forward and the backward process collapse into one, hence Crooks' theorem relates the distribution of one variable with itself. For a finite data set drawn from such a distribution, we are interested in an estimate of this variable to exceed a certain threshold. We demonstrate that, using the knowledge about Crooks' relation, forecast schemes can be proposed which improve compared to a pure frequency estimate on the data set. The findings are illustrated in three examples, studies of parameters such as exceedance threshold and data set size are presented.

The weather dynamics are significantly determined by the motion of the atmosphere and the ocean. This motion is often turbulent, characterized by fluctuations of the flow velocity over wide spatial and temporal scales. This fact, besides limited observability and inaccurate models, impedes the predictability of quantities such as the velocity of winds, which are relevant for the everyday life. One is always interested in improving such predictions - by employing better models or obtaining more information about the system. The Crooks fluctuation theorem is a relation from nonequilibrium thermodynamics, which has its typical applications in nanoscale systems. It quantifies the distribution of imposed work in a process, where the system is pushed out of thermal equilibrium. This distribution is broadened due to the fluctuations of the microscopic degrees of freedom in the system. The fluctuations of the velocity field in turbulent flow suggest the derivation of an analogy of Crooks' theorem for this macroscopic system. The knowledge about the validity of such a relation is additional information, which one in reverse could use to improve predictions about the system. In this thesis both issues are addressed: the derivation of the theorem, and the improvement of predictions. We illustrate the application of Crooks' theorem to hydrodynamic flow within a model of a two-dimensional inviscid and incompressible fluid field, when pushed out of dynamical equilibrium. The flow on a rectangular domain is approximated by the two-dimensional vorticity equation with spectral truncation. In this setting, the equilibrium statistics of the flow can be described through a canonical ensemble with two conserved quantities, kinetic energy and enstrophy. To perturb the system out of equilibrium, we change the shape of the domain according to a protocol, which changes the kinetic energy but leaves the enstrophy constant. This is interpreted as doing work to the system. Evolving along a forward and its corresponding backward process, we find that the distributions of the work performed in these processes satisfy the Crooks relation with parameters derived from the canonical ensembles. We address the issue of prediction in this thesis in a concrete setting: There are examples where the distributions of a variable in the forward and the backward process collapse into one, hence Crooks' theorem relates the distribution of one variable with itself. For a finite data set drawn from such a distribution, we are interested in an estimate of this variable to exceed a certain threshold. We demonstrate that, using the knowledge about Crooks' relation, forecast schemes can be proposed which improve compared to a pure frequency estimate on the data set. The findings are illustrated in three examples, studies of parameters such as exceedance threshold and data set size are presented.

Although many information system (IS) implementations are considered to have the resources necessary to be successful, they often fail. This is especially challenging for small IS providers who lack a proven process for gaining willingness to use and onboard a new customer. Hence, there is a need to develop a framework to identify potential pitfalls in such implementation matters, from designing the system until successfully onboarded customers. This paper aims to target this issue and proposes a framework for identifying common pitfalls during the implementation process of an IT system. Moreover, this paper applies the framework to an IS provider in the start-up phase by focusing on the system user. With the support of the framework and based on the company's context, this paper presents identified pitfalls and suggestions for actions that the IS provider can take to avoid them. IS models are selected and applied considering the company's needs and previous literature. The IS models considered are Value Network Analysis (VNA), Extended Technology Acceptance Model (TAM2), and Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB). As a result, seven pitfalls are identified considering organizational culture and leading change, user resistance, complexity, mandatory reliance, value demonstration, experience and control, and weak links.

En aquest treball s'ha estudiat la dinàmica dels làsers de classe A i de classe B en termes del potencial de Lyapunov. En el cas que s'injecti un senyal al làser o es modulin alguns dels paràmetres, apareix un comportament moltmés complex i s'estudia el conjunt de bifurcacions.

1) Als làsers de classe A, la dinàmica determinista s'ha interpretat com el moviment damunt el potencial de Lyapunov. En la dinàmica estocàstica s'obté un flux sostingut per renou per a la fase del camp elèctric.

2) Per als làsers de classe A amb senyal injectat, s'ha descrit el conjunt de bifurcacions complet i s'ha determinat el conjunt d'amplituds i freqüències en el quals el làser respon
ajustant la seva freqüència a la del camp extern.

3) S'ha obtingut un potencial de Lyapunov pels làsers de classe B, només vàlid en el cas determinista, que inclou els termes de saturació de guany i d'emissió espontània.

4) S'ha realitzat un estudi del conjunt de bifurcacions parcial al voltant del règim tipus II de la singularitat Hopf--sella--node en un làser de classe B amb senyal injectat.

5) S'han identificat les respostes òptimes pels làsers de semiconductor sotmesos a modulació periòdica externa. S'han obtingut les corbes que donen la resposta màxima per cada tipus de resonància en el pla definit per l'amplitud relativa de modulació i la freqüència de modulació.
In this work we have studied the dynamics of both class A and class B lasers in terms of Lyapunov potentials. In the case of an injected signal or when some laser parameters are modulated, and more complex behaviour is expected, the bifurcation set is studied. The main results are the following:
1) For class A lasers, the deterministic dynamics has been interpreted as a movement on the potential landscape. In the stochastic dynamics we have found a noise sustained flow for the phase of the electric field.
2) For class A lasers with an injected signal, we have been able to describe the whole bifurcation set of this system and to determine the set of amplitudes frequencies for which the laser responds adjusting its frequency to that of the external field.
3) In the case of class B lasers, we have obtained a Lyapunov potential only valid in the deterministic case, including spontaneous emission and gain saturation terms. The fixed point corresponding to the laser in the on state has been interpreted as a minimum in this potential. Relaxation to this minimum is reached through damped oscillations.
4) We have performed a study of the partial bifurcation set around the type II regime of the Hopf-saddle-node singularity in a class B laser with injected signal.
5) We have identified the optimal responses of a semiconductor laser subjected to an external periodic modulation. The lines that give a maximum response for each type of resonance are obtained in the plane defined by the relative amplitude modulation and frequency modulation.

O Vírus da Imunodeficiência Humana (HIV) é o agente etiológico da Síndrome da Imunodeficiência Adquirida (AIDS). A AIDS é uma doença de distribuição mundial, e estima-se que existam atualmente pelo menos 36,9 milhões de pessoas infectadas com o vírus. Durante o seu ciclo replicativo, o HIV promove diversas alterações na fisiologia da célula hospedeira a fim de promover sua sobrevivência e potencializar a replicação. A rápida progressão da infecção pelo HIV-1 em humanos e em modelos animais está intimamente ligada à função da proteína acessória Nef. Dentre as diversas ações de Nef está a regulação negativa de proteínas importantes na resposta imunológica, como o receptor CD4. Sabe-se que esta ação resulta da indução da degradação de CD4 em lisossomos, mas os mecanismos moleculares envolvidos ainda são totalmente elucidados. Nef forma um complexo tripartite com a cauda citosólica de CD4 e a proteína adaptadora 2 (AP-2), em vesículas revestidas por clatrina nascentes, induzindo a internalização e degradação lisossomal de CD4. Pesquisas anteriores demonstraram que o direcionamento de CD4 aos lisossomos por Nef envolve a entrada do receptor na via dos corpos multivesiculares (MVBs), por um mecanismo atípico, pois, embora não necessite da ubiquitinação de carga, depende da ação de proteínas que compõem os ESCRTs (Endosomal Sorting Complexes Required for Transport) e da ação de Alix, uma proteína acessória da maquinaria ESCRT. Já foi reportado que Nef interage com subunidades dos complexos AP-1, AP-2, AP-3 e Nef não parece interagir com subunidades de AP-4 e AP-5. Entretanto, o papel da interação de Nef com AP-1 e AP-3 na regulação negativa de CD4 ainda não está totalmente elucidado. Ademais, AP-1, AP-2 e AP-3 são potencialmente heterogêneos devido à existência de isoformas múltiplas das subunidades codificadas por diferentes genes. Todavia, existem poucos estudos para demonstrar se as diferentes combinações de isoformas dos APs são formadas e se possuem propriedades funcionais distintas. O presente trabalho procurou identificar e caracterizar fatores celulares envolvidos na regulação do tráfego intracelular de proteínas no processo de regulação negativa de CD4 induzido por Nef. Mais especificamente, este estudo buscou caracterizar a participação do complexo AP-1 na modulação negativa de CD4 por Nef de HIV-1, através do estudo funcional das duas isoformas de ?-adaptina, subunidades de AP-1. Utilizando a técnica de Pull-down demonstramos que Nef é capaz de interagir com ?2. Além disso, nossos dados de Imunoblot indicaram que a proteína ?2-adaptina, e não ?1-adaptina, é necessária no processo de degradação lisossomal de CD4 por Nef e que esta participação é conservada para degradação de CD4 por Nef de diferentes cepas virais. Ademais, por citometria de fluxo, o silenciamento de ?2, e não de ?1, compromete a diminuição dos níveis de CD4 por Nef da membrana plasmática. A análise por imunofluorêsncia indireta também revelou que a diminuição dos níveis de ?2 impede a redistribuição de CD4 por Nef para regiões perinucleares, acarretando no acúmulo de CD4, retirados por Nef da membrana plasmática, em endossomos primários. A depleção de ?1A, outra subunidade de AP-1, acarretou na diminuição dos níveis celulares de ?2 e ?1, bem como, no comprometimento da eficiente degradação de CD4 por Nef. Além disso, foi possível observar que, ao perturbar a maquinaria ESCRT via super-expressão de HRS (uma subunidade do complexo ESCRT-0), ocorreu um acumulo de ?2 em endossomos dilatados contendo HRS-GFP, nos quais também detectou-se CD4 que foi internalizado por Nef. Em conjunto, os resultados indicam que ?2-adaptina é uma importante molécula para o direcionamento de CD4 por Nef para a via ESCRT/MVB, mostrando ser uma proteína relevante no sistema endo-lisossomal. Ademais, os resultados indicaram que as isoformas ?-adaptinas não só possuem funções distintas, mas também parecem compor complexos AP-1 com diferentes funções celulares, já que apenas a variante AP-1 contendo ?2, mas não ?1, participa da regulação negativa de CD4 por Nef. Estes estudos contribuem para o melhor entendimento dos mecanismos moleculares envolvidos na atividade de Nef, que poderão também ajudar na melhor compreensão da patogênese do HIV e da síndrome relacionada. Em adição, este trabalho contribui para o entendimento de processos fundamentais da regulação do tráfego de proteínas transmembrana no sistema endo-lisossomal.
The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is the etiologic agent of Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). AIDS is a disease which has a global distribution, and it is estimated that there are currently at least 36.9 million people infected with the virus. During the replication cycle, HIV promotes several changes in the physiology of the host cell to promote their survival and enhance replication. The fast progression of HIV-1 in humans and animal models is closely linked to the function of an accessory protein Nef. Among several actions of Nef, one is the most important is the down-regulation of proteins from the immune response, such as the CD4 receptor. It is known that this action causes CD4 degradation in lysosome, but the molecular mechanisms are still incompletely understood. Nef forms a tripartite complex with the cytosolic tail of the CD4 and adapter protein 2 (AP-2) in clathrin-coated vesicles, inducing CD4 internalization and lysosome degradation. Previous research has demonstrated that CD4 target to lysosomes by Nef involves targeting of this receptor to multivesicular bodies (MVBs) pathway by an atypical mechanism because, although not need charging ubiquitination, depends on the proteins from ESCRTs (Endosomal Sorting Complexes Required for Transport) machinery and the action of Alix, an accessory protein ESCRT machinery. It has been reported that Nef interacts with subunits of AP- 1, AP-2, AP-3 complexes and Nef does not appear to interact with AP-4 and AP-5 subunits. However, the role of Nef interaction with AP-1 or AP-3 in CD4 down-regulation is poorly understood. Furthermore, AP-1, AP-2 and AP-3 are potentially heterogeneous due to the existence of multiple subunits isoforms encoded by different genes. However, there are few studies to demonstrate if the different combinations of APs isoforms are form and if they have distinct functional properties. This study aim to identify and characterize cellular factors involved on CD4 down-modulation induced by Nef from HIV-1. More specifically, this study aimed to characterize the involvement of AP-1 complex in the down-regulation of CD4 by Nef HIV-1 through the functional study of the two isoforms of ?-adaptins, AP-1 subunits. By pull-down technique, we showed that Nef is able to interact with ?2. In addition, our data from immunoblots indicated that ?2- adaptin, not ?1-adaptin, is required in Nef-mediated targeting of CD4 to lysosomes and the ?2 participation in this process is conserved by Nef from different viral strains. Furthermore, by flow cytometry assay, ?2 depletion, but not ?1 depletion, compromises the reduction of surface CD4 levels induced by Nef. Immunofluorescence microscopy analysis also revealed that ?2 depletion impairs the redistribution of CD4 by Nef to juxtanuclear region, resulting in CD4 accumulation in primary endosomes. Knockdown of ?1A, another subunit of AP-1, resulted in decreased cellular levels of ?1 and ?2 and, compromising the efficient CD4 degradation by Nef. Moreover, upon artificially stabilizing ESCRT-I in early endosomes, via overexpression of HRS, internalized CD4 accumulates in enlarged HRS-GFP positive endosomes, where co-localize with ?2. Together, the results indicate that ?2-adaptin is a molecule that is essential for CD4 targeting by Nef to ESCRT/MVB pathway, being an important protein in the endo-lysosomal system. Furthermore, the results indicate that ?-adaptins isoforms not only have different functions, but also seem to compose AP-1 complex with distinct cell functions, and only the AP-1 variant comprising ?2, but not ?1, acts in the CD4 down-regulation induced by Nef. These studies contribute to a better understanding on the molecular mechanisms involved in Nef activities, which may also help to improve the understanding of the HIV pathogenesis and the related syndrome. In addition, this work contributes with the understanding of primordial process regulation on intracellular trafficking of transmembrane proteins.

碩士
中華技術學院
土木防災工程研究所
95
ABSTRACT The raids of typhoon and torrential rain often cause slope-surface skids and stratum movements in the mountain areas of central Taiwan. The causes of debris flow disasters are frequent and complex. “Indefinite” and “ambiguous” characteristics also exist among majority of debris flow disasters. Fuzzy mathematic is a descriptive method of researching and processing concept for indefinite characteristic phenomenon. What it promulgates is to differentiate the intermediate of subjective objects. This paper uses fuzzy regression analysis [Tanaka et al. 1982] from past precipitation records to forecast debris flow by identifying the critical rainfall line in the catchment’s basin of Chen-Iuo-Lan Stream in Nantou County, Taiwan. With accurate warnings on a day of continuous rainfall, precautionary measures can be taken to prevent disastrous consequences. Six physiographic factors in the catchment’s basis of Chen-Iuo-Lan Stream are used to evaluate the dangerous ranking level of debris flow. The six physiographic factors are the average slope degree, the form factor, the accumulative water area, the avalanche area ratio, the recovery percentage of vegetation, and the geologic lithoid characteristic. These six physiographic factors can also be weighted at other locations for the establishment of dangerous ranking level in the event continuous rainfall. This paper selects the debris flow incident of Seo-Shih-Hou Brook, Dong-Po-Re-Hour Bridge, and Chiu-Feng Elementary School in Shin-Yi Town of Nantou County for the validation of fuzzy theory analysis. Through synthesis assessments of hydrologic factor and physiographic factor, debris flow warning reference in the catchment’s basin of Chen-Iuo-Lan Stream is provided. Keywords: debris flow, fuzzy regression, dangerous ranking

The main concern of this Dissertation is focused on the derivation of novel integral formulation for simple problems. This alternative integral representations display a rapid decay as the complex parameter involved tends to infinity and are therefore suitable for numerical computations and for the study of the asymptotic properties of those solutions. There is also another important advantage attached to the novel formulae presented. These integral representations are useful for solving changing-type boundary value problems (such as Dirichlet data on part of the boundary and Neumann data on the complementary of the boundary). The following problems are analyzed: (a) The Laplacian operator in the interior of a Square, (b) the Laplacian operator in the interior and exterior of a Sphere and, (c) the Stokes' operator concerning the irrotational flow of an incompressible, viscous fluid. Moreover, the behaviour of the Gegenbauer functions of the first and second kind of general complex degree and order on the cut (-1, +1) are examined.
Με οδηγό μια νέα μεθοδολογία επίλυσης Μερικών Διαφορικών Εξισώσεων (ΜΔΕ), προβλήματα που σχετίζονται με την θεωρία Δυναμικού όπως επίσης και με την ροή Stokes, θα αναλυθούν. Απώτερος σκοπός αποτελεί η ανάπτυξη ολοκληρωτικών αναπαραστάσεων, η οποίες χαρακτηρίζονται από ταχεία σύγκλιση, με σκοπό να χρησιμοποιηθούν στην ασυμπτωτική μελέτη, στην αριθμητική ανάλυση όπως επίσης και στην επίλυση προβλημάτων μεικτών συνοριακών συνθηκών (π.χ. δεδομένα Dirichlet στο ένα κομμάτι του συνόρου και δεδομένα Neumann στο υπόλοιπο). Συγκεκριμένα, τα ακόλουθα προβλήματα αναλύονται: (α) Εξίσωση Laplace στο εσωτερικό ενός τετραγώνου, (β) εξίσωση Laplace στο εσωτερικό και εξωτερικό μιας σφαίρας και, (γ) εξίσωση αστρόβιλης ροής Stokes στο εσωτερικό ενός σφαιρικού κελύφους το οποίο στην συνέχεια καταλήγει, με οριακές διαδικασίες, στο εσωτερικό και εξωτερικό μιας σφαίρας. Τέλος, παρουσιάζονται αναπτύγματα και ασυμπτωτικές εκφράσεις των συναρτήσεων Gegenbauer.

The purpose of this study is to investigate the execution and validity of various predictive methods used in the design of the aerodynamic pod housing NASA’s Marshall Airborne Polarimetric Imaging Radiometer (MAPIR) on the University of Tennessee Space Institute’s Piper Navajo research aircraft. Potential flow theory and wing theory are both used to analytically predict the lift the MAPIR Pod would generate during flight; skin friction theory, empirical data, and induced drag theory are utilized to analytically predict the pod’s drag. Furthermore, a simplified computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model was also created to approximate the aerodynamic forces acting on the pod. A limited flight test regime was executed to collect data on the actual aerodynamic effects of the MAPIR Pod. Comparison of the various aerodynamic predictions with the experimental results shows that the assumptions made for the analytic and CFD analyses are too simplistic; as a result, the predictions are not valid. These methods are not proven to be inherently flawed, however, and suggestions for future uses and improvements are thus offered.

碩士
逢甲大學
環境資訊科技碩士學位學程
97
Taiwan is located in the Pacific Ocean earthquake belt, subtropics monsoon climatic region. Due to the special environment condition and the development of environmentally sensitive areas however, when the typhoons bring the heavy rain, debris flow occurred frequently at the mountain areas and caused serious disasters. Therefore, many scholars dedicate to the occurrence mechanism and characteristic, the movement and deposit process, rainfall analyzes, potential and pre warming and in situ monitoring observes of debris flow and so on research subjects. Each research subject has strong linkage with another in the debris flow prevention. Debris flow potential assessment is a many influencing factors, the fuzzy situation of uncertainty and quantitative assessment problem. In this study, the validity questionnaire on debris flow potential analysis model with four perspectives and nine criteria was first confirmed by several experts. By cooperating AHP method and Fuzzy Theory as a method of Multi Criteria Decision Making, MCDM infer the relations and weights among each parameter. The assessment results indicate that in the assessment perspectives the highest weight is the heavy rain of typhoon, the second one is stone materials and the last one is historical disasters. Nevertheless, this research uses the case of Chen-Yu-Lan Steam and KALMAEGI typhoon as the practical application case. By using Natural Break method, this study divides the potential grade into high, medium and low potential levels. Finally, employing the potential debris flow steam-Nantou 076 proves this model. And find that this model has a good forecast effect before typhoons coming.

碩士
逢甲大學
環境資訊科技研究所
95
The island of Taiwan located on the suture of the Philippine Sea Plate and Eurasian Plate has a very fragile geology. During a typhoon or a torrential rain, the instable geology leads to debris flow processes. According to the notification issued by the Soil and Water Conservation Bureau in the aftermath of the earthquake on September 21, 1999, there are 1420 potential debris flow streams in Taiwan. Hence, recently, significant research efforts have been directed towards the subject of hazard prevention. In the past, significant efforts were dedicated to explore and collect data related to debris flow occurrence such as those pertaining to rainfall, geology, and landforms. Using all these information, it is possible to make informed decision as to which streams would have high debris flow potential. Although, such information serve as useful factors in deciding which streams would potentially experience debris flow, not every factor plays a crucial role in the decision-making process. This will be the salient feature addressed in this paper. The study uses ‘Rough Sets Theory’ to examine the factors influencing the occurrence of debris flow. Numerous earlier applications of rough set theory in various scientific domains suggest that it can resolve inexact, uncertain, or vague data. Unlike data analysis techniques, we can extract effective information for debris-flow using this theory of Reduce and Core and use it to set up the rules defining the potential debris flow streams.

The need for the identification and appropriate development of talent in organisations has led to a renewed interest in the accuracy of tools used in this context. The objectives of the study were to: (1) determine whether there is a significant difference in the growth in theoretical capability as predicted by Career Path Appreciation (CPA) 1 and CPA 2 among the sample population, (2) determine whether there is a significant difference in Mode as predicted by CPA 1 and CPA 2 among the sample population, and (3) formulate recommendations for Talent Management and Industrial and Organisational Psychology practices and future research. The CPA is a tool used for the selection and development of talent nationally and internationally. Limited recent test-retest research has been done regarding the utilisation of the CPA in this context. Scholars in the field of industrial psychology could therefore benefit from follow-up research regarding the validity and reliability of the CPA. The research design is an ex post facto correlational design using longitudinal data of a sample of convenience (N=527). Overall, the results indicated a significant correlation between CLC for CPA 1 and CPA 2 as well as between Mode for CPA 1 and CPA 2. The CPA as a measure of theoretical capability is consistently accurate between measures and can be used with confidence for the identification and development of talent within organisations.
Industrial & Organisational Psychology
M. Admin. (Industrial and Organisational Psychology)

碩士
國立臺灣大學
土木工程學研究所
90
In this study, we try to use neural network and fuzzy logic theory to analysis the risk grade and occurrence probability of potential debris flow. There are three main parts in this study. First, we preliminary analysis the risk of debris flows by neural network. Six influence factors are considered to analysis the risk, include effective watershed area, the ratio of fault length to watershed area, the ratio of collapse area to watershed area, the main rock qualities, the form factor and the mean slope. We can distinguish debris flows into high risk (1) and low risk part (0). Second, we try to use fuzzy logic theory and neural network to analysis the detailed risk value of potential debris flow. After our analysis, we obtain the result more superior than before. In the future, we can use the weight and bias of trained neural network to evaluate the risk value of potential debris flows. Third, the risk of potential debris flow, hour rainfall and effective accumulative rainfall are considered to analysis the occurrence probability by fuzzy logic theory. After our case studies, we establish a simple warning mode of debris flows. We suggest warning the people to evacuate when the occurrence ratio is greater than 0.65. Because of the occurrence probability will be raised to high level when the occurrence ratio greater than 0.65.