Dissertations / Theses: 'Technological approaches'

1

PERRICONE, VERA. "NEW TECHNOLOGICAL AND NUTRITIONAL APPROACHES IN LIVESTOCK FARMING." Doctoral thesis, Università degli Studi di Milano, 2020. http://hdl.handle.net/2434/709026.

Full text

Abstract:

The livestock sector is facing a huge challenge trying to meet the increasing demand of animal products. To this end several efforts have been done to enhance animals’ performances, and nutrition provides a valuable asset. Animals’ performances can indeed be boosted through nutritional approaches, including both the application of technologies in a context of ‘precision nutrition’ and the administration of novel feed additives or feedstuffs with beneficial effects on animals’ health. The main aim of this thesis was to investigate 1) the proficiency of feeding systems for dairy cows (1st trial) and the suitability of sensor technology to ensure the fulfillment of cows’ nutrients requirement (2nd trial), and 2) the effectiveness of feed additives to improve animals’ health and consequently their performances (3rd and 4th trial). The first study investigated some aspects connected to the mixer wagon, and their influence on the preparation of the total mixed ration (TMR) for dairy cows. We evaluated how loading levels, cutting time, mixing time and their interaction can affect the homogeneity of the TMR along the feeding alley. The uneven distribution of the TMR along the feeding alley does not allow each animal to receive the same well-balanced diet, with the risk of not satisfying the nutritional requirements, finally impairing productive performances. Even though we identified the most efficient combination of loading levels, cutting, and mixing time, variations in the distribution of DM and NDF were observed, pointing out the necessity to investigate which other factors are influencing TMR preparation and distribution. In the second study we developed a system based on a microwave resonance sensor to optimize TMR preparation. Silages represent a large proportion of feeds included in the TMR, but their nutrient supply (on as fed basis) can vary among time due to moisture content fluctuations. For this reason, if their inclusion rate in the mixer wagon is not adjusted according to the actual dry matter (DM) content, ensuring the proper provision of nutrients, the delivered TMR might be different from the diet formulated by the nutritionist, with the risk of unfulfilling animals’ requirement. The sensor performed a real-time measurement of silages DM content during their loading in the mixer wagon and suggested a correction of their inclusion rate. Our hypothesis was that, adjusting the silages as fed inclusion rate according to the real DM content, the final TMR delivered to the animals would have been closer to the target diet. The employment of the sensor reduced the error in silages DM content loads, however the final TMR was not closer to the formulated diet compared to the TMR conventionally prepared. The lack of result was attributed to errors in the loading of dry feedstuffs (concentrates), which can equally affect TMR composition. Our results thus highlight the necessity of systems to improve the accuracy of TMR preparation. The third study was dedicated to the evaluation of the effectiveness of pomegranate rinds and green tea leaves extract on broiler chicken health and performances. We assessed the potential of the product to improve blood antiradical activity, as a way to increase animals’ defence against oxidative stress. We further investigated the effect on cecal microbiota, observing a positive modulation of beneficial bacterial population, such as Lactobacillaceae. Despite the positive results observed for health-related parameters, growth performances were not enhanced. Lastly, in the fourth study we investigated the effect of nucleotides supplementation to weaning piglets. Nucleotides play a fundamental role in the development of gastrointestinal mucosa and immune system, but due to the high demand in critical moments (i.e. weaning) and the reduced de novo synthesis, their supplementation might be beneficial for the animals. However, we did not observe positive effect of nucleotides supplementation on animals’ immune response, probably due to the optimal conditions where the animals were raised, which minimized the stress usually associated with weaning. Overall, these results contributed to the investigation of technological and nutritional approaches to improve the efficiency of animal feeding. However, further investigations are required to deepen our knowledge about the limitations that have been observed.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

2

Gauthier, Daniel. "Design, development and application of new technological approaches in subcellular proteomics." Thesis, McGill University, 2008. http://digitool.Library.McGill.CA:80/R/?func=dbin-jump-full&object_id=18721.

Full text

Abstract:

The field of subcellular proteomics aims to describe and analyze all the proteins present in a precise subcellular compartment at a given time. In contrast to whole-cell or whole-organism proteomics, the analysis of individual organelles has provided simpler proteomes from which relevant biological information could be more easily derived. To date, the protein complement of several subcellular structures, including the mitochondria, lysosome, peroxysome, phagosome and nucleus has been described. The powerful and rapidly evolving instrumentation as well as the development of biochemical and bioinformatics tools now allow scientists to derive whole organelle models based on the proteomic data generated. This field however still faces numerous challenges. Among those is the analysis of membrane-associated proteins, whose large and hydrophobic character complicate their extraction, subsequent separation and analysis by mass spectrometry. Another emerging limitation in subcellular proteomic resides in the difficulty in collecting enough material of a very pure preparation of the organelle of interest, which still depend on lengthy and labor-intensive density-based centrifugation as the method of choice for subcellular fractionation. The work presented in this thesis describes the development of new methods for subcellular proteomics that address the above-mentioned limitations, and their application to relevant biological models. In chapter 2, we present the design of a non-discriminatory investigative approach to study membrane proteins. Relying on detergent-free and gel-free procedures, this strategy allowed identification of hundreds of cell surface-exposed proteins from freshly ejaculated bovine spermatozoa, as presented in chapter 3. Diverging from traditional cell fractionation protocols, we have refined in chapter 4 a fluorescence-assisted organelle sorting method and have employed it to acquire the proteome of corticotropes-derived secretory granules. Our proc Le domaine de la protéomique subcellulaire vise à décrire et analyser toutes les protéines présentes dans un compartiment subcellulaire précis à un temps donné. Contrastant avec la protéomique des cellules ou d'organismes complets, l'analyse d'organelles individuelles a généré des protéomes plus simples desquels l'information biologique pertinente peut être plus facilement extraite. À ce jour, le complément de protéines de plusieurs structures subcellulaires, incluant la mitochondrie, le lysosome, le peroxysome, le phagosome et le noyau a été décrit. L'évolution rapide et la puissance de l'instrumentation disponible couplées au développement d'outils biochimiques et bioinformatiques permettent maintenant aux scientifiques de générer des modèles d'organelles complets basés sur les données générées par la protéomique. Ce domaine, cependant, fait toujours face à plusieurs défis. Parmi ceux-ci, on doit mentionner l'analyse des protéines associées à la membrane dont la taille et l'hydrophobicité compliquent l'extraction, la séparation subséquente et l'analyse par spectrométrie de masse. Une autre limitation émergeante en protéomique subcellulaire est l'obtention d'une préparation très pure d'organelles d'intérêt et ce, en quantité suffisante, qui dépend toujours de longues et laborieuses centrifugations basées sur la densité comme méthode de choix pour la fractionnement subcellulaire. Le travail présenté dans cette thèse décrit le développement de nouvelles méthodes en protéomique subcellulaire qui s'adressent aux défis mentionnés précédemment, et leur application à des modèles biologiques pertinents. Dans le chapitre 2, nous présentons l'élaboration et la mise au point d'une approche investigatrice non discriminatoire pour étudier les protéines de membrane. Basée essentiellement sur des procédures sans détergent et sans gel de séparation, cette stratégie a permis l'identification de centaines$

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

3

Vedachalam, Sridhar. "Attitudinal, Economic and Technological Approaches to Wastewater Management in Rural Ohio." The Ohio State University, 2011. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1306819286.

Full text

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

4

Caird, Sally Patricia. "Team approaches to developing innovative products and processes." Thesis, Open University, 1996. http://oro.open.ac.uk/54174/.

Full text

Abstract:

The research aimed to identify the most appropriate team approaches for co-ordinating innovative products or process developments and for enhancing their success. Case studies were conducted in 25 UK companies, focusing on environmental technology projects. Research findings emphasised the diversity of organisational team approaches which were more complex when several departments, teams or companies were involved. Team approaches were broadly classified - 'single-disciplinary', 'multi-disciplinary' or 'multi-functional' - according to members' expertise and innovation function which could be more or less integrated. The results showed that: 1. Multi-tasking to meet all innovation functions reflected small firm limitations and small firms would benefit from more formal structures. Differences between medium- and large-sized firms were minimal since teams held more specialist expertise, However, the influence of firm size on innovation success was obscured and potentially negated by inter-company alliances. 2. Few differences in the management of minor and major company innovations applied since competitive pressures led to organisational innovation in each case, including integrated team approaches, inter-company alliances and company formations. 3. Multi-functional teams were important for achieving success in open markets because of their control over appropriate expertise, even though they did not guarantee commercial success or other benefits. Surprisingly, multi-functional teams were typically rated as unsatisfactory and ineffective by members which may have implications for staff morale and retention. 4. Inter-company teams represented opportunities for team learning and organisational development because company-based assumptions about organisational behaviour, expectations about inter-company operations and fears about inter-disciplinary teamworking were challenged. 5. Integrated teams were not sufficient for achieving team effectiveness and success outcomes, although most companies regarded their team as necessary for success. Complex team and innovation development processes emphasised the importance of the co-ordinator's role in managing unclear team and organisational boundaries associated with innovative developments. 6. Although the research supports the importance of teams for innovation success, team effectiveness had a more complex influence on success in open markets than on client-funded projects because of the nature of the teams and the influence of market and technological uncertainties.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

5

Singh, N. S. "Community-based and innovative technological approaches to improve child nutrition in India." Thesis, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (University of London), 2014. http://researchonline.lshtm.ac.uk/2030984/.

Full text

Abstract:

Background: India is home to the largest number of underweight and stunted children in the world, but its national Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) programme has had negligible impact on the nutritional status of young infants. Aim: To use two innovative approaches – the Optifood tool and mobile phones – to strengthen counselling components of the ICDS programme to improve complementary feeding (CF) practices of 9-11 month old infants, in a rural district in Haryana state, Northern India. Methods: Optifood, a novel tool using linear programming analyses to formulate and evaluate food-based recommendations (FBRs), was used to strengthen existing ICDS FBRs. These FBRs were tested with mothers of young infants in a week-long trial, and promoted in a 6-week pilot test of a mobile phone-delivered (mHealth) intervention with 12 health workers and 60 mothers of 9-11 month old infants, using a before and after comparison. Evaluation of outcomes was based on Optifood analyses, 24-hour dietary recalls, food frequency questionnaires, open-ended structured questionnaires, an intervention development workshop, focus group discussions, and in-depth interviews. Results: Local food-based approaches are unable to meet recommended nutrient intakes (RNIs) for seven key nutrients. However, FBRs alone could ensure dietary adequacy (i.e. ≥65% Recommended Nutrient Intake) for at least six nutrients for most infants. In the trial to test FBRs, the proportion of mothers feeding their infants legumes, vegetables and fruit at endline was significantly greater (p<0.05) than at baseline; no significant increases in the proportion of mothers feeding their infants grains, dairy, fats or egg were reported. Mothers reported 19 barriers to following the promoted FBRs, which were used to develop motivating statements for their promotion in a mHealth intervention. The mHealth pilot test findings suggest that the intervention was convenient, feasible and acceptable. Based on self-report, health workers adhered to the planned contact of 20 mobile phone calls during the study period. Compared to baseline, there were significant increases (p<0.05) in the following at endline: (i) infants’ median servings per week of grains, legumes, fruit, and added fats; (ii) proportion of mothers reporting feeding eggs, undiluted milk and green leafy vegetables; (iii) proportion of infants meeting promoted FBRs for all foods except dairy; and (iv) maternal knowledge regarding food consistency. Conclusions: This is the first study to use linear programming analyses to strengthen existing governmental FBRs, and to use mobile phones for CF counselling. Findings suggest that additional, complementary intervention(s) are required to improve the micronutrient status of infants. While evidence from a randomised controlled trial is needed, study findings provide valuable insights into the utility of evidence-based FBRs and mobile phones to enhance the impact of ICDS and CF programming and research strategies in the study setting, and potentially globally.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

6

Sato, Ai. "Technological approaches for controlling foaming properties of food proteins toward on-site consumption." Doctoral thesis, Kyoto University, 2021. http://hdl.handle.net/2433/263709.

Full text

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

7

Riciputi, Ylenia <1983&gt. "Functional components and lipid quality assessment in vegetable foods: analytical and technological approaches." Doctoral thesis, Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna, 2011. http://amsdottorato.unibo.it/3555/1/Riciputi_Ylenia_Tesi.pdf.

Full text

Abstract:

Lipids are important components that contribute very significantly to nutritional and technological quality of foods because they are the least stable macro-components in foods, due to high susceptibility to oxidation. When rancidity take place, it makes food unhealthy and unacceptable for consumers. Thus, the presence of antioxidants, naturally present of added to foods, is required to enhance shelf life of foods. Moreover, antioxidant like phenolic compounds play an important role in human health enhancing the functionality of foods. The aim of this PhD project was the study of lipid quality and lipid oxidation in different vegetable foods focusing on analytical and technological aspects in order to figure out the effects of lipid composition and bioactive compounds (phenolic compounds, omega-3 fatty acids and dietary fiber) addition on their shelf life. In addition, bioavailability and antioxidant effects of phenolic compounds in human and animals, respectively, were evaluated after consumption of vegetable foods. The first section of the work was focused on the evaluation of lipid quality impact on technological behaviour of vegetable foods. Because of that, cocoa butter with different melting point were evaluated by chromatographic techniques (GC, TLC) and the sample with the higher melting point showed the presence of fatty acids, triglycerides, 2-monoglycerides and FT-IR profile different from genuine cocoa butter, meaning an adding of foreign fat (lauric-fat) not allowed by the law. Looking at lipid quality of other vegetable foods, an accelerated shelf life test (OXITEST®), was used to evaluate of lipid stability to oxidation in tarallini snacks made up using different lipid matrices (sunflower oil, extravirgin olive oil and a blend of extravirgin olive oil and lard). The results showed a good ability of OXITEST® to discriminate between lipid unsaturation and different cooking times, without any samples fat extraction. In the second section, the role of bioactive compounds on cereal based food shelf life was studied in different bakeries by GC, spectrophotometric methods and capillary electrophoresis. It was examined the relationships between phenolic compounds, added with flour, and lipid oxidation of tarallini and frollini. Both products showed an increase in lipid oxidation during storage and antioxidant effects on lipid oxidation were not as expected. Furthermore, the influence of enrichment in polyunsaturated fatty acids on lipid oxidation of pasta was evaluated. The results proved that LC n-3 PUFA were not significantly implicated in the onset of oxidation in spaghetti stored under daylight and accelerated oxidation in a laboratory heater. The importance of phenolic compounds as antioxidant in humans and rats was also studied, by HPLC/MS in the latter section. For this purpose, apigenin and apigenin glycosides excretion was investigated in six women’s urine in a 24 hours study. After a single dose of steamed artichokes, both aglicone and glucuronide metabolites were recovered in 24 h urine. Moreover, the effect of whole grain durum wheat bread and whole grain Kamut® khorasan bread in rats were evaluated. Both cereals were good sources of antioxidants but Kamut® bread fed animals had a better response to stress than wheat durum fed, especially when a sourdough bread was supplied.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

8

Riciputi, Ylenia <1983&gt. "Functional components and lipid quality assessment in vegetable foods: analytical and technological approaches." Doctoral thesis, Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna, 2011. http://amsdottorato.unibo.it/3555/.

Full text

Abstract:

Lipids are important components that contribute very significantly to nutritional and technological quality of foods because they are the least stable macro-components in foods, due to high susceptibility to oxidation. When rancidity take place, it makes food unhealthy and unacceptable for consumers. Thus, the presence of antioxidants, naturally present of added to foods, is required to enhance shelf life of foods. Moreover, antioxidant like phenolic compounds play an important role in human health enhancing the functionality of foods. The aim of this PhD project was the study of lipid quality and lipid oxidation in different vegetable foods focusing on analytical and technological aspects in order to figure out the effects of lipid composition and bioactive compounds (phenolic compounds, omega-3 fatty acids and dietary fiber) addition on their shelf life. In addition, bioavailability and antioxidant effects of phenolic compounds in human and animals, respectively, were evaluated after consumption of vegetable foods. The first section of the work was focused on the evaluation of lipid quality impact on technological behaviour of vegetable foods. Because of that, cocoa butter with different melting point were evaluated by chromatographic techniques (GC, TLC) and the sample with the higher melting point showed the presence of fatty acids, triglycerides, 2-monoglycerides and FT-IR profile different from genuine cocoa butter, meaning an adding of foreign fat (lauric-fat) not allowed by the law. Looking at lipid quality of other vegetable foods, an accelerated shelf life test (OXITEST®), was used to evaluate of lipid stability to oxidation in tarallini snacks made up using different lipid matrices (sunflower oil, extravirgin olive oil and a blend of extravirgin olive oil and lard). The results showed a good ability of OXITEST® to discriminate between lipid unsaturation and different cooking times, without any samples fat extraction. In the second section, the role of bioactive compounds on cereal based food shelf life was studied in different bakeries by GC, spectrophotometric methods and capillary electrophoresis. It was examined the relationships between phenolic compounds, added with flour, and lipid oxidation of tarallini and frollini. Both products showed an increase in lipid oxidation during storage and antioxidant effects on lipid oxidation were not as expected. Furthermore, the influence of enrichment in polyunsaturated fatty acids on lipid oxidation of pasta was evaluated. The results proved that LC n-3 PUFA were not significantly implicated in the onset of oxidation in spaghetti stored under daylight and accelerated oxidation in a laboratory heater. The importance of phenolic compounds as antioxidant in humans and rats was also studied, by HPLC/MS in the latter section. For this purpose, apigenin and apigenin glycosides excretion was investigated in six women’s urine in a 24 hours study. After a single dose of steamed artichokes, both aglicone and glucuronide metabolites were recovered in 24 h urine. Moreover, the effect of whole grain durum wheat bread and whole grain Kamut® khorasan bread in rats were evaluated. Both cereals were good sources of antioxidants but Kamut® bread fed animals had a better response to stress than wheat durum fed, especially when a sourdough bread was supplied.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

9

Zanoletti, M. "EFFECT OF (BIO-)TECHNOLOGICAL APPROACHES ON BRAN TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF CEREAL PRODUCTS." Doctoral thesis, Università degli Studi di Milano, 2017. http://hdl.handle.net/2434/486833.

Full text

Abstract:

The design of foods enriched in dietary fiber has recently received great attention among academia and food industry, since in many European countries the daily intake of dietary fiber is much lower than the recommended levels (25 g; EFSA, 2010). Being a staple food category, cereal products may represent a valid resource to satisfy the optimal amount of soluble and insoluble fiber and other bioactive components. Despite the nutritional benefits, the incorporation of fiber into flour negatively affects the textural and sensory properties of bread and pasta products. This PhD project dealt with the application of physical and/or biotechnological strategies to modify the structural properties of peculiar macromolecules (such as non-starch-polysaccharides or proteins) to enhance the quality of fiber-enriched foods. Samples from the outermost layers of cereals and pseudocereals particularly rich in bioactive compounds (e.g. purple wheat and buckwheat) were included in pasta or bread after treatment and evaluated in terms of technological behavior. The first part of the thesis regarded the application of a two-step debranning process to purple wheat that allowed the selective recovery of bioactive compounds, such as fiber and phenolic compounds. Debranned fractions from the first and the second step were used separately to produce fiber-enriched pasta. Bran from conventional milling was also used as a control. Both fractions had higher or comparable content in total and soluble fiber than bran. Moreover, both of them exhibited a higher ferric reducing-antioxidant power (FRAP) than bran, whereas the highest amount of anthocyanins was found in the first fraction. When compared with pasta enriched in bran, the samples enriched either in the first or second fraction had similar FRAP values and higher amount of anthocyanins, while retaining a fair cooking quality. In the second part of the thesis micronization was applied to buckwheat bran to evaluate the effect of granulometry on dough/bread quality. The role of coarse and fine buckwheat bran enrichment on wheat dough was studied at increasing levels (5, 10, 20%). Dough and bread properties were negatively affected by the interplay of bran addition level and particle size. The thermo-mechanical behavior of dough was found to be mainly related to starch phase transitions during heating with no regards of particle size. Front-face fluorescence studies reveled differences in gluten structural arrangement and solvation with a distinct effect of particle size. Despite the better or similar dough rheological properties (e.g. elasticity, resistance to extension, extensibility), bread enriched in fine bran had lower baking quality in comparison with samples enriched in coarse bran, in terms of loaf specific volume and crumb softness. Concerning the texture, the variations in the perceived crumb hardness were mainly related to changes in crumb density. The application of an adapted Ashby-Gibson model to correct hardness values for the variation in density revealed that the mechanical properties of the solid crumb matrix were controlled by the differences in moisture and in bran volume fraction. Buckwheat bran was used also to evaluate the effects of superheated steam (SS) on bran properties. SS is an innovative technology that has allowed drying of many food matrices while limiting collateral effect on the product. After screening the process conditions, the selected treated bran samples (120 °C, 140 °C, or 160 °C; 40 min; 0.7 aw) were incorporated into high-enriched dough (20%) and their influence on the rheological properties and on the baking quality were considered. The treatment deeply affected the chemical/physical properties of buckwheat bran. In particular, changes in water affinity were progressively observed with increasing temperature, also due to the formation of protein aggregates. These modifications influenced the thermo-mechanical properties of high-bran enriched doughs that reflected baking behavior. When appropriate setting was chosen (temperature: 160 °C) SS treatment increased buckwheat bran performances in terms of specific volume and crumb softness in comparison with untreated bran. The last part of the thesis regarded the use of specific enzymatic treatment (i.e. pectinases and cellulases) to decrease the size of non-starch-polysaccharide chains, aiming at mitigating the worsening effects of fiber on enriched products. Either coarse buckwheat bran or SS bran (treated at 140 °C; 40 min; 0.7 aw) were used. From a technological standpoint, the preliminary bran treatment with cellulases could be a feasible solution to produce bread enriched in buckwheat bran. Besides this, no synergistic effect was observed between SS treatment and enzymatic treatment. Future studies will include the assessment of the effects of bran-treatments on the macromolecular structure of fiber, to define not only its rheological performance but also its nutritional functionality.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

10

Mozzetti, Valeria. "Novel technological approaches to enhance stress tolerance of Bifidobacterium longum NCC2705 cells using continuous cultures /." [S.l.] : [s.n.], 2009. http://e-collection.ethbib.ethz.ch/show?type=diss&nr=18419.

Full text

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

11

Chong, Sophia S. M. (Sophia Sing Mae) 1975. "Strategic policy approaches to technological development for sustainability : the role of consensus building and experimentation." Thesis, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 2000. http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/65255.

Full text

Abstract:

Thesis (M.C.P.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Urban Studies and Planning, 2000. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 41-42). This thesis explores how technological transitions can be better implemented in society, to help achieve sustainability goals. The focus is specifically on technologies that may imply a paradigm shift, which is a change in existing practices or norms. To overcome potential barriers to market and societal penetration, government has traditionally initiated regulations and economic incentives to help diffuse the technology. However, a major impediment to technological shifts is the lack of effective interaction among the relevant institutions and other stakeholders. Through case study examples, it is argued that effective interaction for technological transitions can best be achieved through the use of consensus building strategies which can help promote legitimacy, development of institutional relationships, and learning. In recognition of this, an additional strategy is proposed for government - creating a forum for effective interaction to test or experiment with new sustainable technologies. by Sophia S.M. Chong. M.C.P.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

12

Dartevelle, Seʹbastien. "Numerical and granulometric approaches to geophysical granular flows /." Available online. Click here, 2003. http://sunshine.lib.mtu.edu/ETD/DISS/dartevelles/Seb%5FDartevelle%5FPhD%5Ffinal.pdf.

Full text

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

13

Pasupathy, Kalyan Sunder. "Modeling Undesirable Outputs in Data Envelopment Analysis: Various Approaches." Thesis, Virginia Tech, 2002. http://hdl.handle.net/10919/31333.

Full text

Abstract:

The general practice in performance and production efficiency measurement has been to ignore additional products of most transformation processes that can be classified as â undesirable outputsâ â which are a subset of the output set. Without the inclusion of these factors, the efficiency evaluation becomes a purely technical measure of the system alone, and does not account for the interaction of the system with the surrounding environment and the impact of policy decisions on the system. In addition, there are also technological dependencies arising due to the relationships between the desirable and the undesirable outputs. One of the analytical tools normally used in efficiency evaluation is Data Envelopment Analysis, DEA. In the course of addressing these problems, a decision-maker encounters multiple and contradictory objectives with respect to the output set. This motivates the exploration of new arenas of measurement of efficiency to facilitate policy decisions and address technological relationships. This research presents five modifications of the traditional DEA technique to give a more realistic and comprehensive score of production efficiency considering both, desirable and undesirable outputs. The models address the following problems: (i) technological dependency between desirable and undesirable outputs; (ii) decision-makerâ s preferences over inputs, desirable outputs and undesirable output performance and finally (iii) conflicting production objectives through a formulation that uses Goal Programming in conjunction with DEA, a concept known as GoDEA. Master of Science

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

14

Rohner, Fabian David. "Strategies to reduce anaemia and iron deficiency in sub-Saharan African children : technological and physiological approaches." Zürich : ETH, 2008. http://e-collection.ethbib.ethz.ch/show?type=diss&nr=17794.

Full text

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

15

CASTILLO, MARCANO SERGIO JOSE. "Technological approaches to improve the engine efficiency and to reduce pollutant emissions of automotive diesel engines." Doctoral thesis, Politecnico di Torino, 2014. http://hdl.handle.net/11583/2588574.

Full text

Abstract:

The research work was mainly focused on the technological approach to improve engine efficiency and reduce pollutant emissions applicable to diesel engines which are very often incompatible were assessed through a set of full- scale tests on a real diesel engine in order to satisfy the new emissions limits. (1) The first strategy evaluated in this work to improve the engine efficiency was the reduction of the mechanical losses: through the incorporation of nanomaterials in the lubricant formulation. The effect of the lubricant oil additivated with MoS2 nanopowders was assessed through a set of full - scale tests on a real diesel engine – several engine points and cooling water temperatures were investigated for both a reference oil and a MoS2-additivated one. (2) Other strategy to reduce pollutant emissions included in this PhD thesis was the effects of using a 30% by volume blend of a renewable fuel, called Farnesane, and fossil diesel in a small Euro 5 displacement passenger car diesel engine. (3) And finally, the CeO2/BaO/Pt system was selected in order to perform an NO2-assisted soot oxidation, as a aftertreatment strategy to reduce pollutant emissions. The aim of such catalytic system is to couple the catalytic functionality for soot abatement during DPF regeneration, namely CeO2, and an embedded lean NOx trap (LNT) functionality given by BaO, for NOx storage, whose oxidation over Pt to form adsorbed nitrates is facilitated by the presence of CeO2 itself.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

16

Nardi, Tiziana. "Molecular Approaches for the Individuation and Characterization of Technological and Quality Traits in Microorganisms of enological interest." Doctoral thesis, Università degli studi di Padova, 2007. http://hdl.handle.net/11577/3427549.

Full text

Abstract:

The genus Saccharomyces includes microorganisms important for many technological applications, particularly in the industry of fermented foods. In the enological field, yeast strains currently used in wine fermentations (belonging to Saccharomyces sensu stricto group) were selected from natural spontaneous fermentations and are specifically adapted to the winery’s environment. Some of their essential properties that are at the basis of strain selection are the capability of these yeasts to transform carbohydrates into alcohol by fermentation, with high transformation efficiency and remarkable tolerance to high alcohol levels. Yeasts belonging to the S. sensu stricto group are also adapted to grow in grape musts with high sugar content, low pH, limited nitrogen, lipids and vitamins concentrations and presence of added sulphites. During the selection programs of wine yeasts, the first stages of the experimental work regard the collection of several hundred isolates that are screened with the aim to find those that possess important enological properties. In most of the cases, this equivalent to establish that these strains belong to the Saccharomyces sensu stricto complex. For that reason, the availability of a molecular test that could rapidly, ditely and easily identifies these enological yeast would be extremely useful. In the first part of this work the analysis of yeast ITS region on rDNA was proposed as screening method. Using a tailor-made profile database, more then 350 natural isolates collected from marks of Prosecco and Moscato grape were subjected to molecular identification. As the protocol needs several time consuming experimental steps (amplification and digestion) a new method was proposed. For this purpose an original pair of primers, designed within the variable D1/D2 region of the 26S subunit of ribosomal yeast RNA, was constructed. These generate an amplification fragment specific for the Saccharomyces sensu stricto species, while no signal was obtained from Saccharomyces sensu lato strains or from another 18 selected species commonly found in enological environments. A second pair of primers was also constructed, within the 18S rRNA gene, composed of perfectly conserved sequences common for all 42 yeast species examined, which generate a common band for all strains. This was used as a positive experimental control in multiplex PCR analysis. The new method, and also ITS analysis, allow a “genotypic characterization” of enological strains that is required to start a “technological characterization” for the definition of the enological traits. The innovative DNA-microarray technology that has become a standard tool for the analysis of genome-wide expression profiles, can be used to investigate, from a molecular point of view, the differences in the expression of technological and quality characters of enological yeast in laboratory and also winery conditions. For this purpose in the second part of the work, using microarray technology, an investigation of yeast metabolic shifts at transcriptional level in both laboratory and industrial conditions was faced up. Two commercial yeast strains widely used in wineries, Lallemand 71B and Lallemand EC1118, have been compared during fermentation of both 1 l and 100 l natural white must. These strains have different behaviours and attitudes: 71B is known to be a strong producer of fermentative aromas, EC1118 is an efficient fermenter, quite neutral from an aromatic point of view. Comparing the two strains, the metabolic pathway of sulphured amino acids production displayed an higher expression level in 71B, together with the sulphite efflux responsible gene SSU1. Moreover, genes involved in the production of fermentative aromas, such as esters and higher alcohols, showed a slightly higher expression in 71B: all these evidences have been confirmed by Real-time PCR, another high throughput tool for expression analysis. The up-regulated genes during the scale-up experiment, on the other hand, seem to be linked to anaerobiosis stress response, probably due to small differences in fermentation conditions which have been sensed by yeast. As final remark, this study tries to give a contribution for understanding the genetic basis of the differences that are found in fermentation performances of wine yeasts in winery conditions. Furthermore it may help in assessing the eproducibility of yeast behaviours during alcoholic fermentation, when a laboratory scale is used. Il genere Saccharomyces include microrganismi importanti per molti processi tecnologici, in particolare nell’industria alimentare e delle fermentazioni. In campo enologico, i ceppi di lievito generalmente utilizzati per la fermentazione del vino (appartenenti al gruppo dei Saccharomyces sensu stricto) sono stati selezionati nel tempo a partire da fermentazioni spontanee e sono ceppi specificamente adattati alle condizioni di cantina. Alcune caratteristiche essenziali, che sono alla base dei criteri per la loro stessa selezione, sono la capacità di trasformare efficientemente i carboidrati in alcol attraverso la fermentazione ed una notevole resistenza all’etanolo. I lieviti appartenenti al gruppo dei S. sensu stricto sono in grado di crescere in mosto d’uva, dove il livello di zuccheri è molto alto, il pH basso, azoto, lipidi e vitamine sono presenti in scarse quantità e spesso vengono aggiunti solfiti prima sella fermentazione. Nei programmi che prevedono la selezione di lieviti da utilizzare in ambiente enologico, nelle prime fasi sperimentali, vengono raccolti centinaia di isolati naturali che sono poi sottoposti a caratterizzazione con lo scopo di evidenziare quelli che posseggono importati caratteristiche tecnologiche. Nella maggior parte dei casi, ciò significa selezionare solo ceppi appartenenti alla categoria tassonomica Saccharomyces sensu stricto. Per questo motivo è estremamente utile disporre di un test genetico che permetta di distinguere rapidamente e in modo inequivocabile lieviti di potenziale interesse tecnologico. Nella prima parte di questo lavoro è stata verificata la possibilità di utilizzare l’analisi della regione ITS, contenuta nel DNA ribosomale, come metodo per determinare l’identità di isolati naturali. Dopo aver costruito un raccolta dei profili elettroforetici dei principali lieviti enologici, sono stati sottoposti ad identificazione, mediante confronto, 350 isolati naturali provenienti da vinacce di Moscato e Prosecco destinate alla produzione della Grappa. Questo metodo, ampiamente utilizzato in letteratura, richiede l’impiego di tempo per l’esecuzione che male si adatta alle già citate esigenze di un programma di selezione. Per questo motivo è stata proposta una nuova metodica la cui messa a punto ha previsto la produzione di una coppia di primers per amplificazione PCR, disegnata all’interno della regione variabile D1/D2 della subunità 26S dell’RNA ribosomiale del lievito, con la quale si ottiene un frammento di DNA specifico per le sette specie appartenenti al gruppo Saccharomyces sensu stricto, mentre non si osserva nessuna amplificazione nei ceppi Saccharomyces sensu lato né in altre 18 specie tra le più diffuse in ambiente enologico, saggiate come controlli. E’ stata inoltre disegnata una seconda coppia di primers, nella regione di DNA codificante l’rRNA 18S, composta di sequenze perfettamente conservate nelle 42 specie di lieviti enologici esaminate: questa coppia genera un amplificato di circa 900 pb comune per tutti i ceppi ed è stata usata come controllo positivo di reazione per la messa a punto di un protocollo di multiplex PCR. Il nuovo metodo proposto, insieme all’analisi ITS, permette di ottenere una “caratterizzazione su basi genetiche” dei ceppi enologici che sicuramente è richiesta per affrontare, in una fase successive, la “caratterizzazione tecnologica” che ha lo scopo di valutare le proprietà enologiche possedute dai singoli ceppi. La tecnologia DNA-microarray che è ormai diventata uno strumento di riferimento per una analisi simultanea dell’intera espressione genica di un individuo, può essere utilizzata per valutare le differenze presenti tra ceppi enologici nell’espressione di caratteri tecnologici e di qualità. Per questo scopo, la seconda parte del lavoro sperimentale, ha riguardato l’investigazione, proprio mediante la tecnologia DNA-microarray, dei cambiamenti a livello trascrizionale che si verificano in due ceppi commerciali di lievito durante la vinificazione condotta in condizioni di laboratorio e su scala pilota in cantina. Sono stati scelti due lieviti comunemente utilizzati in enologia (71B e EC1118, Lallemand), analizzati e confrontati durante fermentazioni in volumi di 1 litro e 100 litri utilizzando mosto naturale bianco. Questi ceppi hanno attitudini e caratteristiche enologiche differenti: 71B è noto per essere un forte produttore di aromi fermentativi mentre EC1118 è dotato di notevole vigore fermentativo ma è più neutro dal punto di vista aromatico. Dal confronto dei due ceppi è emersa una sostanziale differenza nella regolazione della via metabolica di produzione degli aminoacidi solforati (maggiormente attiva nel ceppo 71B), come anche del gene responsabile per l’efflusso dei solfiti (SSU1). Inoltre è stato osservato che i geni coinvolti nella produzione di aromi secondari (esteri ed alcoli superiori) mostrano una sensibile differenza di espressione, seppur meno marcata che nei casi precedenti. Tutti i risultati ottenuti sono stati confermati tramite analisi in Real-time PCR, tecnica molecolari di ultima generazione ampiamente utilizzata per lo studio dell’espressione genica. Confrontando i due volumi impiegati per le vinificazione, i geni sovra-espressi sono risultati essere legati alla risposta allo stress, in particolare alle differenti condizioni di anaerobiosi che si sono verificate a causa delle dimensioni diverse delle masse da vinificare. Questa situazione ha prodotto minime difformità nelle condizioni di fermentazione che sono state percepite dal lievito. I risultati ottenuti permettono di affermare che questo lavoro ha contribuito ad aumentare la comprensione delle basi genetiche che determinano le differenti caratteristiche di fermentazione associate ai lieviti enologici e a definire il livello di riproducibilità delle loro performance in condizioni di laboratorio e di cantina.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

17

Espinosa, Cristia Juan Felipe. "Organizing technological innovation of medical devices companies : an empirical study of two Midland venture companies." Thesis, University of Leicester, 2014. http://hdl.handle.net/2381/28706.

Full text

Abstract:

This thesis presents a qualitative study of the role of devices in the technological innovation phenomena of two venture medical equipment companies located in the Midlands, UK. The inquiry takes an empirical and non-foundational approach based on post-ANT and process philosophy. In particular, the thesis employs the theoretical lenses of both ANT and post-ANT concepts, Deleuze’s and Guattari’s machinic thought and Michel Serres’ parasitic philosophy. The data for this thesis comes from a fieldwork study lasting around one year. The methodology is mainly based on interviews and observations of engineers, technicians and managers working in venture companies. The central argument of this thesis shows that the venture organizing process of technological innovation is the product of discursive and non-discursive elements that act in several forms, keeping the venture company working but crucially reorganizing it. The present thesis offers a conceptualization of the device as a parasite-selector that reorganizes the venture company’s work activities and brings novelty to their operation. Equally, the mediational power of diagrams - which presents constitutional indifference - participates in the definition and production of the engineers’, managers’ and technicians’ professional identities. The thesis shows how the ideas regarding innovation in use at Med Dialysis and Med Diabetes bring forth the necessity of a life that embraces the uncertainty and ambiguity of the market. As a consequence, engineers and technicians build their professional identities by embracing the uncertainty of the venture company. This thesis names this process ‘engineering the engineer’. This is a process that leads to the emergence of a professional identity that this thesis tentatively calls the ‘venture engineer’.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

18

Porzio, Donald Timmis. "The effects of differing technological approaches to calculus on students' use and understanding of multiple representaions when solving problems." The Ohio State University, 1994. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1273145227.

Full text

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

19

Porzio, Donald Timmis. "The effects of differing technological approaches to calculus on students' use and understanding of multiple representations when solving problems /." The Ohio State University, 1994. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1487858106115186.

Full text

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

20

Jelínek, Martin. "Technologická integrace ICT služeb." Master's thesis, Vysoká škola ekonomická v Praze, 2014. http://www.nusl.cz/ntk/nusl-193574.

Full text

Abstract:

This thesis deals with the integration of ICT services at the technological level. It mainly focuses on the integration of services which are provided by third parties and a user cannot change them. In this work are described the characteristics of web services and the typical methods for designing their application interface. Furthermore, are described various approaches to integration of applications at the technological level and some integration tools. As part of this thesis, was also created an application designed for integration of web services. This application can be categorized as message-oriented middleware. The aim was to create a simple application, which still meets basic requirements for this kind of applications. This thesis also contains a description of the created application and a description of problems that occurred during implementation. During the application development were used some integration design patterns, which are also described in this thesis.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

21

Rodriguez, Dorado Rosalia. "Development of technological approaches based on supercritical fluids for the production of polymeric micro-nano particulate systems for wound healing." Doctoral thesis, Universita degli studi di Salerno, 2019. http://elea.unisa.it:8080/xmlui/handle/10556/4271.

Full text

Abstract:

2017 - 2018 The PhD project titled “Development of technological approaches based on supercritical fluids for the production of polymeric micro-nano particulate systems for wound healing” aimed to develop novel formulations for topical administration to wounds using innovative, inexpensive and environmentally-friendly technologies based on the use of supercritical-CO2 (sc-CO2): supercritical assisted atomization (SAA) and supercritical assisted extraction (SAE) in tandem with prilling. The specific goal of the project was the designing and development of “in-situ” gelling formulations in form of powders or aerogels using polysaccharide-based polymers as carriers for the encapsulated drugs, due to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, low cost and healing improving properties. Optimization of the process parameters were implemented to obtain either submicrometric particulate particles or aerogel beads with desired properties. Size distribution, textural properties, fluid uptake capability and controlled drug release profiles of the optimized formulations have been studied to evaluate the quality of the different wound healing devices. During the first year, supercritical assisted atomization (SAA) was investigated. SAA was applied for the production of “in-situ” gelling dry powders loaded with doxycycline used as antimicrobial drug due to its inhibiting activity against matrix metalloprotease-2 (MMP-2) and metalloprotease-9 (MMP-9) that could enhance the healing process. High mannnuronic content alginate, low methoxyl grade amidated pectin and low molecular weight chitosan, in different combinations, were used as excipients. Process optimization lead to high process yields (up to 89.0%) and the obtained powders showed good technological characteristics since were able to completely gel in three minutes when in contact with simulated wound fluid. Moreover, powders were able to prolong the release of the doxycycline until up to 21 hours after a fast release during the first two hours (“burst effect”). The second year was focused on the development and characterization of aerogel formulations, in form of beads or capsules, obtained by prilling technique in tandem with the supercritical antisolvent extraction (SAE). High mannuronic content alginate was used as carrier for these formulations. Alginate gel beads were produced by prilling using either aqueous or ethanolic calcium chloride solutions as gelling bath thus producing hydrogels or alcogels in a very narrow size distribution (about 2.4 mm ± 6.0%). Subsequently they were submitted to different supercritical-CO2 drying processes for the production of aerogel in form of spherical beads. The resulted aerogels showed very high porosities (98.4-99.8%) and surface areas (271.0-537.3%) for the different sc-CO2 drying processes. Moreover, influence of alginate molecular weight on aerogel properties was studied, resulting to influence the grade of shrinking and the porosity of the aerogels. In addition, the hydrogels and alcogels were also submitted to freeze-drying and oven drying with the purpose to make a comparison in terms of textural properties. Differently, the production of aerogels capsules with controllable shell tickness was designed with the purpose to increase the exudates absorption when beads gel in contact with wounds. For this purpose, core-shell gel microparticles were produced by prilling in co-axial configuration through the development of a new inverse gelation methodology optimized by Artificial Intelligent (AI) tools (Artificial Neural Networks, ANNs, and Neurofuzzy-Logic in combination with genetic algorithms). The obtained core-shell microparticles were formed by a hydrophilic alginate phase as the outer layer and a hydrophobic phase (water-in-oil emulsion) as the inner one of the particles; such core was subsequently removed by supercritical-CO2 drying producing alginate aerogels with an inner void cavity. The third year was focused on the development and characterization of drug-loaded aerogel capsules through supercritical antisolvent extraction (SAE) in tandem with prilling. Drug loaded microparticles were produced by the novel inverse gelation previously cited through prilling in co-axial configuration using ketoprofen lysinate, as model drug, and alginate as polymeric excipient. Aerogel capsules with a thin alginate shell layer and a hollow inner cavity, in which the ketoprofen was present, were produced after the supercritical drying of core-shell microparticles. Aerogel capsules showed good textural properties in terms of porosity (up to 93.1%) and surface area being promising formulations for high fluid uptake (about 500% the weight of the aerogel) from the wounds within seconds. The supercritical drying processes and the characterization of the textural properties of aerogels were carried out during a 7 months period in the University of Santiago de Compostela (Spain). Hence, such novel technologies, using polymers above mentioned, are promising technologies for the development of a new non-expensive generation of dressing formulations with small particle size (“in-situ” gelling powders) or large particles in order to be easily handled (aerogels) both with high surface areas that make them able to absorb high amount of exudate from wounds maintaining at the same time the moisture environment at the wound bed acting as non-traumatic dressings. [edited by Author] XXXI ciclo

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

22

Richman, Jessica. "Quantitative approaches to the network problem in program design and evaluation : case study, entrepreneurship." Thesis, University of Oxford, 2015. https://ora.ox.ac.uk/objects/uuid:6b454558-e7db-4e40-ac90-2fce912c916f.

Full text

Abstract:

Many billions of dollars each year are spent in pursuit of economic and social development goals. The field of program evaluation aims to measure the efficacy of these programs and allocate funds to achieve optimal results. However, current research on program design and evaluation tends to focus on determining causality through complex statistical methods, neglecting intermediate measures of data, such as network metrics. Similarly, research in computational social science has focused on generating hypotheses and validating theory rather than economic development applications. This thesis develops a novel technique for using computational social science to design and evaluate social and economic programs. A framework for program design and evaluation using network metrics is presented, along with two case studies that illustrate the use of this technique. In the first, we consider Start-Up Chile, an economic development program whose goal is to foster networks between Chileans and international entrepreneurs, using network metrics to evaluate its ability to facilitate connection between Chilean and non- Chilean entrepreneurs. Second, an agent-based model for designing entrepreneurial incubators is developed, with novel conclusions for more efficient design of economic development programs.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

23

Li, Qing. "Game Theoretic and Analytical Approaches to International Cooperation and Investment Problems." Thesis, Virginia Tech, 2001. http://hdl.handle.net/10919/32406.

Full text

Abstract:

International cooperation and foreign investment issues are two important components of an international economy. The various aspects of research related to such international cooperation and foreign investment decisions are fraught with various complex factors. In this thesis, we consider two specific issues in the arena of international technological cooperation and foreign investments, by using established Operations Research techniques of game theory and multiple criteria decision making. We first analyze regional technological cooperation mechanisms using classical game theory. A concept of regional technological cooperation is developed based on a cooperative game theoretic model, in which a plan of payoff distributions induces an agreement that is acceptable to each participant. Under certain conditions, the underlying game is shown to be convex, and hence to have a nonempty core with the Shapley value allocations belonging to the core. A compensation scheme is devised based on the Shapley value allocations, whereby participants who enjoy a greater payoff with respect to the technological cooperation compensate the participants who receive a relatively lesser payoff via cooperation. In this manner, regional technological cooperation can bring overall benefits to all the involved players in the game. Some insightful examples are provided to illustrate the methodological concept. Next, we discuss a model for analyzing foreign direct investment opportunities and for evaluating related projects based on the International Investment Attracting Force Theory and the technology of fuzzy evaluation. This model is applied to assess the industrial investment projects that were proposed in the â â 95 Chinaâ s Tumen River Area International Investment and Business Forumâ funded by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization. Accordingly, the projects are classified into groups based on their potential to attract foreign investors. Furthermore, we simulate the actual forming process whereby projects are sequenced and selected for funding by foreign investors based on a sequential update of their effect on the local economy. The results provide a scientific basis for formulating related decisions and policy recommendations regarding the various proposed projects. Master of Science

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

24

montecchi, tiziano. "Functional-based Approaches for Supporting Product Development." Doctoral thesis, Università degli studi di Padova, 2013. http://hdl.handle.net/11577/3423092.

Full text

Abstract:

The process of product development consists of a series of stages to transform an idea into a new product ready for the market. Starting from the earliest stages of identification of market opportunities, till the final stages of product manufacturing, information plays a crucial role. Every stage of product development is supported by many dedicated methods and tools. On the contrary, knowledge management strategies for supporting product development have not reached the same level of development. Often users rely on the text mining tools without a proper strategy, using indeed their own intuition and knowledge of field experts. The objective of this thesis is to propose a systematic searching approach based on the functional decomposition of the product. In the first place, the development of this method consisted of the study and selection of the main methodologies of design, problem solving and design rationale (such as FBS, TRIZ, EMS model, and others), and later a reworking of them has been done in order to transform them into research targets. Each stage of product development process requires strategies, therefore different research targets. At present, strategies to support problem reformulation, problem solving, construction of the state of the art and technological transfer have been tested. Since the effectiveness of a documentary search depends on the capability of text mining tools to obtain high recall, after testing several tools on the market, it was decided to develop and patent a special search engine that works with concepts exploiting libraries based design methods as knowledge bases. The thesis is organized as follows: In Chapter 2, we deal with defining the information to be searched. This information is described in the form of functions and they are identified through research targets, i.e. those key concepts that have to be found in documents with appropriate research strategies. These research targets are created using the main design methodologies properly selected. Once these targets are known, different research strategies have been defined according to the goal we want to achieve (decision making and problem solving). Chapter 3. With the aim of supporting the activities of decision making, it has been developed a strategy to provide the proper knowledge to the designer in order to understand whether and how a specific product (or technology) can be innovated. For this purpose, the design methodologies have been used for inventing/creating the research targets to find all the possible alternative products. Subsequently, a patent search uses these targets to understand which of these systems are already present at the state of the art, because they are already patented in our field and which systems are not yet patented, representing an opportunity for development (white space opportunities). In addition, using a further functional search other technological areas are investigated to understand if those systems, not yet present in our field, have already been developed in other technological fields to reach our same goal. This information, properly organized, can be used as support for technological transfer. Chapter 4. As a support to the problem-solving activities, we have been developed a strategy for problem formulation according to the model of TRIZ contradiction, in other terms as a conflict between two functional requirements. In particular, we propose a formulation of the problem based on a process of retrieving and structuring the proper knowledge in order to facilitate the resolution of the problem itself. Chapter 5. In order to test the effectiveness of these research strategies it was necessary to develop a new search engine that searches for concepts, rather than by keywords. In fact, the concept-based search can highly increase recall of the information retrieval process if compared with the more traditional research based on a combination of keywords selected by experts. It has been developed and patented a semantic search engine, called KOM, which integrates the basic text mining techniques such as tagging and parsing analysis. In particular, the search engine uses the patent literature as a source of information from which we can gain the knowledge. The proposed research strategies have been applied to several industrial cases in the field of mechanical engineering, household appliances, biomedical and pharmaceutical industries. In the work of this thesis two explicative examples are presented about: decision making strategies applied to the technology of sterilization of contact lenses, and problem solving strategy applied to the case of the nutcracker. The application using the industrial case studies have allowed to verify the effectiveness of the conceived strategies and tools, showing significant results, especially related to the improvement of recall of information retrieval. It is under definition an exhaustive evaluation (of these strategies) that involves the technical staff of the companies that have provided the industrial case studies. For what concerns the future developments, due to the development of KOM search engine in the last year of my PhD, it will be possible to conduct a validation of the proposed strategies with a more representative sample. In addition, KOM will reduce the time to develop and test new research strategies for supporting other activities of product development. Il processo di sviluppo di un prodotto rappresenta l’insieme delle attività svolte ai fini di tradurre un’idea in un prodotto che possa essere commercializzato. Dalle primissime fasi di individuazione delle opportunità di mercato, fino a quelle finali di realizzazione del prodotto, l’informazione gioca un ruolo cruciale. Ogni fase dello sviluppo prodotto conta innumerevoli metodi e strumenti dedicati. Le strategie di gestione della conoscenza a supporto dello sviluppo prodotto invece non sono altrettanto sviluppate. Spesso l’utente si affida agli strumenti di text mining senza una vera e propria strategia, ma basandosi sul proprio intuito e conoscenza del settore. L’obiettivo di questa tesi è proporre un metodo sistematico di ricerca basato sulla scomposizione funzionale del prodotto. La messa a punto di questo metodo è consistita in primis nello studio e selezione dei principali metodi di design, problem solving e design razionale (quali FBS, TRIZ, EMS model, ed altri), e successivamente in una loro rielaborazione al fine di trasformarli in target di ricerca. Ogni fase del processo di sviluppo prodotto necessita strategie e quindi differenti target di ricerca. Al momento, sono state testate strategie a supporto della formulazione del problema, del problem solving, della costruzione dello stato dell'arte del prodotto e del trasferimento tecnologico. Poiché l’efficacia di una ricerca documentale dipende dalla capacità che gli strumenti di text mining hanno di ottenere elevate recall, dopo aver testato numerosi strumenti in commercio è stato deciso di sviluppare e brevettare un apposito motore di ricerca che lavora per concetti sfruttando come basi di conoscenza delle librerie basate sui metodi di design. La tesi è così articolata: Nel Capitolo 2 ci si occupa di definire le informazioni da ricercare. Queste informazioni sono descritte sotto forma di funzioni e vengono individuate attraverso target di ricerca, ovvero quei concetti chiave da ricercare all’interno dei documenti con opportune strategie di ricerca. Questi target di ricerca sono creati utilizzando le principali metodologie di progettazione opportunamente selezionate. Una volta noti questi target sono state definite strategie di ricerca diverse secondo l’obiettivo da raggiungere (decision making e problem solving). Capitolo 3. Con l’obiettivo di supportare l’attività di decision making, è stata messa a punto una strategia per fornire al progettista la conoscenza necessaria a capire se e come uno specifico prodotto (o tecnologia) possa essere innovato. A questo scopo, le metodologie di progettazione sono state utilizzate per inventare/creare i target di ricerca con cui trovare tutti i possibili prodotti alternativi. Successivamente, una ricerca brevettuale utilizza questi target per capire quali di questi sistemi siano presenti allo stato dell’arte perché già brevettati nel nostro settore e quali non siano ancora brevettati, rappresentando un’opportunità di sviluppo (white space opportunities). Inoltre, sempre utilizzando una strategia di ricerca funzionale vengono indagati altri settori per capire se quei sistemi che ancora non esistono nel nostro settore siano stati già sviluppati in altre aree tecnologiche per raggiungere il nostro stesso obiettivo. Queste informazioni, opportunamente organizzate, possono essere utilizzate a supporto dell’attività di trasferimento tecnologico. Capitolo 4. Per supportare l’attività di problem solving è stata messa a punto una strategia per la formulazione del problema secondo il modello di contraddizione TRIZ, ovvero come conflitto tra due requisiti funzionali. In particolare, si propone una formulazione del problema basato su un processo di reperimento e strutturazione della conoscenza che agevola la risoluzione del problema stesso. Capitolo 5. Per poter testare l'efficacia di queste strategie di ricerca è stato necessario sviluppare un nuovo motore di ricerca che effettua ricerche per concetti, invece che per parole chiave (keyword). Infatti, la ricerca basata su concetti permette di incrementare notevolmente il recupero (recall) delle informazioni rispetto a ricerche più tradizionali basate sulla combinazione di parole chiave selezionate da esperti. E' stato così sviluppato e brevettato un motore di ricerca semantico, denominato KOM, che integra le basilari tecniche di text mining come l’analisi grammaticale e sintattica. In particolare, il motore di ricerca sfrutta la letteratura brevettuale come fonte d’informazione da cui reperire la conoscenza. Le strategie di ricerca proposte sono state applicate a diversi casi industriali nel campo della meccanica, degli elettrodomestici, della biomedica e della farmaceutica. A titolo esplicativo nel lavoro di questa tesi si riportano, le strategie per il decision making applicate alla tecnologia di sterilizzazione delle lenti a contatto, e la strategia per il problem solving applicata al caso dello schiaccianoci. La sperimentazione mediante i casi di studio ha permesso di verificare l’efficacia delle strategie e degli strumenti sviluppati ed ha portato a risultati significativi, soprattutto per quanto riguarda l’aumento della recall del processo di information retrieval. E’ in fase attuativa una validazione esaustiva che coinvolge anche il personale tecnico delle aziende che hanno fornito i casi studio. Per quanto riguarda gli sviluppi futuri, grazie allo sviluppo dello strumento KOM nell’ultimo anno di dottorato, sarà possibile condurre una validazione delle strategie proposte con un campione più rappresentativo. Inoltre, sarà possibile creare e testare in tempi molto più ristretti nuove strategie di ricerca a supporto di altre attività dello sviluppo prodotto.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

25

Heiligenstein, Xavier [Verfasser], and Claude [Akademischer Betreuer] Antony. "Electron microscopy and new technological approaches to investigate structural elements of the mitotic apparatus in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Xenopus laevis / Xavier Heiligenstein ; Betreuer: Claude Antony." Heidelberg : Universitätsbibliothek Heidelberg, 2011. http://d-nb.info/1179783115/34.

Full text

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

26

Knoll, Stefan Werner [Verfasser], and Graham [Akademischer Betreuer] Horton. "Collaboration process design for ideation in distributed environments : approaches to support collaborative ideation in global virtual groups using technological support / Stefan Werner Knoll. Betreuer: Graham Horton." Magdeburg : Universitätsbibliothek, 2012. http://d-nb.info/1054135320/34.

Full text

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

27

TARRAH, ARMIN. "Characterization and Assessment of Health-related Probiotic Properties of Newly Isolated Lactic Acid Bacteria and Study of their Technological Potential by In-silico, In-vitro, and In-vivo Approaches." Doctoral thesis, Università degli studi di Padova, 2019. http://hdl.handle.net/11577/3422328.

Full text

Abstract:

Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB) are the most frequently probiotics used. Within this functional group, Streptococcus thermophilus is a thermophilic species widely used as a starter culture for a huge number of dairy products. Besides being rapid acidifiers, many S. thermophilus strains can produce and release folate during growth. S. macedonicus is another homofermentative lactic acid bacterium (LAB) which was first isolated from a typical Greek cheese obtained by natural fermentation in Macedonia. Some Streptococcus macedonicus strains have revealed some interesting properties, such as proteolytic activity, production of bacteriocins against food pathogens, production of exopolysaccharides and tolerance to stress associated with food processing. Lactobacilli also as a member of LAB identified as GRAS and used as a commercial starter in fermented dairy products or as probiotics related to human health. They can play significant roles in different ways such as inhibition of pathogens, anti-cancer activity and different vitamins production in human. Given this point, this thesis has aimed to identify and select some new potential probiotic-technological strains of LAB which recently were isolated from different sources through genomic and physiological studies to be used in human health and food industry. All the strains were evaluated for different technological aspects such as acidification activity and fermentation on different sugars. The genomes of strains were sequenced and applied for in-silico analysis to get enough information about their safety and application in technology and human health. On the other side, the interesting strains from technological part were selected to be evaluated for different in-vitro probiotic properties such as antibiotic susceptibility, hemolytic activity, resistance to simulated gastrointestinal conditions, bile salts hydrolysis activity, different vitamins production, adhesion to HT-29 human epithelial cell and anti-cancer activity against colorectal cancer cells (HT-29). Based on results from in-vitro probiotic characterization, strains Lactobacillus paracasei DTA81 and S. thermophilus TH982 were chosen for in-vivo experiments using the laboratory mice. The results of this study revealed that strain L. paracasei DTA81 was found to possess in-vitro and in-vivo probiotic properties besides lowering the blood cholesterol and Light Density Lipid (LDL) as well as Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS). Lactobacillus paracasei DTA81 had already indicated interesting technological traits such as growing on all different sugars including some prebiotics as well.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

28

Arthurs, David. "An evolutionary approach to modelling technological change." Thesis, National Library of Canada = Bibliothèque nationale du Canada, 1997. http://www.collectionscanada.ca/obj/s4/f2/dsk3/ftp04/nq22441.pdf.

Full text

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

29

Langer, Markus [Verfasser]. "Investigating Technologically Advanced Job Interview Approaches / Markus Langer." Saarbrücken : Saarländische Universitäts- und Landesbibliothek, 2018. http://d-nb.info/1214240690/34.

Full text

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

30

ALVAREZ, MIGUEL DOMINGO GONZALEZ. "PLANNING PROCESSES IN TECHNOLOGICAL POLES: AN ADAPTIVE APPROACH." PONTIFÍCIA UNIVERSIDADE CATÓLICA DO RIO DE JANEIRO, 1997. http://www.maxwell.vrac.puc-rio.br/Busca_etds.php?strSecao=resultado&nrSeq=2771@1.

Full text

Abstract:

COORDENAÇÃO DE APERFEIÇOAMENTO DO PESSOAL DE ENSINO SUPERIOR FUNDAÇÃO ESTADUAL DO NORTE FLUMINENSE A presente tese tem por objetivo geral estudar os processos de planejamento dos pólos tecnológicos, envolvendo a articulação da temática específica desses pólos e a perspectiva do planejamento, a busca de elementos que propiciem a melhor compreensão da dinâmica dos processos de planejamento dos pólos e o registro dos resultados da experimentação de introdução de um modo de planejamento apropriado para os pólos, aplicado em um caso específico. Dadas as características da problemática desses pólos, esse objetivo é delimitado, privilegiando- se o enfoque do Planejamento Adaptativo. Nessa perspectiva, ao longo do trabalho articula-se as temáticas dos pólos e do planejamento. Inicialmente, apresenta-se uma contextualização das mudanças estruturais das últimas décadas da economia mundial, as quais são associadas às mudanças organizacionais e ao substancial aumento de cooperação entre agentes, observado a partir da década de oitenta. Assim, os pólos são vistos como uma dessas formas de cooperação. Em seguida, discute-se a experiência internacional mais representativa dos Science Parks, estabelecendo suas origens, seus vários conceitos, sua evolução, seu desempenho e as características comuns e distintivas entre países. Em uma discussão mais ampla, aborda-se a experiência brasileira dos pólos tecnológicos e de modernização, estabelecendo elementos de comparação com a experiência internacional discutida anteriormente. A análise é aprofundada discutindo-se, a partir da perspectiva do planejamento, a problemática envolvida no desenvolvimento dos pólos brasileiros, apontando seus altos níveis de complexidade, conflito e incerteza. O Planejamento Adaptativo é discutido em um capítulo especial, abrangendo a apresentação das suas raízes e das suas tendências, quais sejam o Redesenho Normativo de Sistemas e o Planejamento Não Sinóptico, e as metodologias específicas compreendidas por essas tendências. Discutem-se as implicações para o planejamento dos pólos,que decorrem dessa análise, confirmando-se que as abordagens do Planejamento Adaptativo não Sinóptico são as mais apropriadas para lidar com a problemática dos pólos. Aprofundando essa análise, caracteriza-se o sistema geral que as entidades gestoras dos pólos visam desenvolver, introduz-se o conceito de espaços de intervenção do planejamento e desenvolve-se um arcabouço para a avaliação no espaço interno dessas entidades. O trabalho inclui uma pesquisa exploratória e um estudo de caso, ambos realizados focalizando iniciativas no Estado do Rio de Janeiro. Na pesquisa exploratória, estudam-se as iniciativas conduzidas pela Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro e a Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro, estabelecendo-se elementos metodológicos para a análise dos processos de planejamento envolvidos nas incubadoras e parques tecnológicos. O estudo de caso é um trabalho mais profundo, visando a introdução da filosofia do Planejamento Adaptativo no desenvolvimento do Parque de Alta Tecnologia do Norte Fluminense. As conclusões da tese apontam que suas principais contribuições decorrem da articulação das temáticas dos pólos e do planejamento, estabelecendo bases para a melhor compreensão da dinâmica dos processos de planejamento dos pólos e fornecendo elementos metodológicos e conceituais para a análise e implementação do Planejamento Adaptativo. The general objective of this thesis is to study the planning processes in technological poles, involving: 1) the articulation of specific aspects of these poles and the planning perspective; 2) the search of elements for a better understanding of these processes dynamics and 3) the registration of the results, in a specific case,of the introduction of an appropriate planning mode for poles. Given the poles characteristics, the Adaptive Planning approach is adopted. First, the context of the structural changes in the world economy is presented, associated to organizational changes and to the increasing cooperation among agents observed since the eighties.In this sense, the poles are viewed as one form of cooperation.Next, the most representative international experiences of Science Parks are discussed, including their origins, concepts, evolution and performance as well as the common and distinctive characteristics of selected countries. In a broad discussion, the Brazilian experience in modernization and technological poles is analyzed, establishing comparative elements with international experience. Adaptive Planning is presented in a special chapter, including its roots and its tendencies, namely, Normative System Redesign and Non Synoptic Adaptive Planning, with the specific methodologies they encompass. The analysis is deepened with a discussion, from the planning viewpoint, of the problems involved in the development of the Brazilian poles, emphasizing their high degrees of conflict, complexity and uncertainty. The discussion of the analysis`results confirm that the Non Synoptic Adaptive Planning tendency matches with the problems of poles. The general system that the coordinating organization of the pole aims to develop is characterized, the concept of intervention spaces of planning is introduced and a framework for evaluation at the internal space of these organizations is developed. The thesis includes an exploratory research and a case study, both focusing initiatives in Rio de Janeiro State. The exploratory research includes cases of technological poles in the Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro and the Pontificia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro,establishing methodological elements for the analysis of the planning processes involved in incubators and technology parks. The case study aimed at introducting the Adaptive Planning philosophy in the development of the Parque de Alta Tecnologia do Norte Fluminense. Finally, the conclusions of the thesis suggest that the major contributions come from the articulation of the poles and planning thematics, establishing a basis for a better understanding of the dynamics in these planning processes and providing methodological and conceptual elements for the analysis and implementation of Adaptive Planning.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

31

Tzokas, Nikos X. "Adoption of technological innovations : towards an integrated approach." Thesis, University of Bath, 1992. https://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.760626.

Full text

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

32

Омельяненко, Віталій Анатолійович, Виталий Анатольевич Омельяненко, and Vitalii Anatoliiovych Omelianenko. "Basics of general approach for technological systems analysis." Thesis, Sumy State University, 2016. http://essuir.sumdu.edu.ua/handle/123456789/46970.

Full text

Abstract:

The article deals with the problem of analysis of technological system as a special kind of socio & economic & technological systems. General approach for technology concept is considered. Structure of technological system that allows its analyzing and developing proposed.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

33

Flack, Kyle M. "Two approaches to green chemistry in industrially driven processes: aluminum tert-butoxide as a rate enhancing Meerwein-Ponndorf-Verley reduction catalyst applied to the technological transfer from batch to continuous flow and structural modifications of functionalized trialkylsilylamines as energy efficient carbon dioxide capture solvents." Diss., Georgia Institute of Technology, 2012. http://hdl.handle.net/1853/44802.

Full text

Abstract:

Green chemistry principles have been applied to the enhancement of two industrial chemistry problems. An industrially used reaction to form alcohols from aldehydes and ketones, the Meerwein-Ponndorf-Verley reduction, was improved by introducing a new catalyst Al(OtBu)₃. Due to the lower state of aggregation of this catalyst versus the conventional Al(OiPr)₃ catalyst, reduction rates were found to be faster in both pure iPrOH and mixed solvent systems for three model compounds: benzaldehyde, acetophenone, and a complex, chiral ketone, (S)-CMK. This allowed for the successful implementation of two important milestones; lowering the amount of catalyst needed necessary to complete the reactions (an economic benefit and lower waste) and the conversion from traditional batch reactions to continuous flow (a processing benefit) whereby reactions can be scaled-out rather than scaled-up. Another industrially important field of research that was focused on was CO₂ capture. High energy demands from current CO₂ capture methods such as aqueous amine solvents, specifically from coal-fired power plant flue gas, led to the development of non-aqueous reversible ionic liquids based on silylated amines. Structural modifications of the substitution around the silicon atom, the length of the alkyl chain bonding the silicon and amine, branching along the alkyl backbone, and investigating secondary and primary amines within this class of silylated amines were completed. These amines were reacted with CO₂ and the CO₂ capacity, the ionic liquid viscosity, reversal temperature and reaction enthalpy were all considered as a function of structure. In all cases the capacity was found to be not only greater than that of monethanolamine, an industrial standard, but higher than theoretical predictions through the formation of carbamic acid. Viscosity, reversal temperature, and reaction enthalpy were all found to be tunable through structure. These modifications gave significant insight into the necessary direction for optimization of these solvents as energy-efficient replacements of current CO₂ capture technology.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

34

Ng, Yim-mo Alan. "Technological approach enhance parental involvement for higher students' achievement /." Click to view the E-thesis via HKUTO, 2006. http://sunzi.lib.hku.hk/hkuto/record/B40039778.

Full text

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

35

Ng, Yim-mo Alan, and 吳嚴武. "Technological approach: enhance parental involvement for higher students' achievement." Thesis, The University of Hong Kong (Pokfulam, Hong Kong), 2006. http://hub.hku.hk/bib/B40039778.

Full text

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

36

Paquet, Sébastien. "A socio-technological approach to sharing knowledge across disciplines." [Montréal] : Université de Montréal, 2002. http://wwwlib.umi.com/cr/umontreal/fullcit?pNQ82715.

Full text

Abstract:

Thèse (Ph. D.)--Université de Montréal, 2003. "NQ-82715." "Thèse présentée à la faculté des études supérieures en vue de l'obtention du grade de philosophiae doctor (Ph. D.) en informatique." Version électronique également disponible sur Internet.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

37

Mello, Luiz Reis de. "Technological change in capital requirement matrices : a balanced growth approach." Thesis, University of Kent, 1993. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.334042.

Full text

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

38

Marques, de Carvalho Susana Claudia Ribeiro. "Evolutionary origins of technological behaviour : a primate archaeology approach to chimpanzees." Thesis, University of Cambridge, 2013. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.607810.

Full text

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

39

Kim, Tae-Erk. "Structure, strategy, and pattern of technological change : a post-classical approach." Thesis, University of Leeds, 2007. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.439584.

Full text

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

40

Kemnitz, Alexander, and Michael Knoblach. "Endogenous Sigma-Augmenting Technological Change: An R&D-Based Approach." Technische Universität Dresden, 2020. https://tud.qucosa.de/id/qucosa%3A71709.

Full text

Abstract:

There is now increasing evidence that for the U.S. economy, the elasticity of substitution between capital and labor, “sigma”, is rising over time. To account for this, we propose a microfounded model, where the evolution of “sigma”, and, hence, the shape of the aggregate production function occur endogenously. We develop a Schumpeterian growth model in which firms can undertake R&D activities that stochastically lead to the discovery of production technologies characterized by a higher elasticity of substitution between capital and labor. Improved possibilities for factor substitution mitigate the diminishment of the marginal product of capital and spur capital accumulation. Due to successful innovations, the steady state of the economy entails higher levels of the capital stock and the output good. Moreover, our numerical simulations show that the timing of innovations is important: two economies with the same steady-state elasticity of substitution between capital and labor can differ in terms of their steady-state levels of the capital stock and the output good.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

41

Roper, Jerry L. "A Heuristic Approach to Creating Technological Fair Use Guidelines in Higher Education." NSUWorks, 2017. http://nsuworks.nova.edu/gscis_etd/1016.

Full text

Abstract:

Higher education has experienced challenges defining and implementing copyright compliance. Confusion among faculty and staff appears to be common regarding copyright and fair use. The original copyright doctrine was drafted over 200 years ago, which predates practically all technological advances that have and will continue to occur. Change is slow and onerous with most legislation; there is not much possibility the small amendments made to the law will be able to keep pace with the continual technological evolution. Further, judges are citing precedents in court rulings of copyright disputes that were made using the best interpretation of the law, even though those earlier adjudicators had nothing concrete upon which to base decisions. The cycle of loose interpretations further exacerbates the copyright and fair use problem involving technology. Moreover, this concern has been magnified due to the digital nature of lesson delivery most learning institutions are adopting today. The rapid, widespread move toward online learning methods creates an entire set of copyright and fair use circumstances that extend beyond the traditional, face-to-face pedagogical issues. Invariably, schools will be left to attempt to decide what will be considered legal and safe, often by trial and error, until clearer, universally accepted guidelines can be created. A group consensus for best practice was achieved over three rounds of surveying with the help of a Delphi panel highly experienced in copyright laws. Opinions converged early during the process, where proper fair use assessment was one of the major themes appearing during the first round. Respondents also agreed future educators will undoubtedly continue to struggle with fully understanding the intricacies of fair use. An overall consensus reached for many questions was sufficient for answering the proposed research questions and drafting a list of recommendations for technological fair use. The outcome should add to the existing knowledge base, given the limited number of studies that have been conducted regarding the complexities of copyright topics in distance and online education. Recommendations for further investigations encourages researchers to continue where this effort ends to remain current and compliant with the ubiquitous changes in technologies.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

42

Moore, Edward Cyrus. "Variability and Continuity between Paleoindian Assemblages in the Northeast: A Technological Approach." Fogler Library, University of Maine, 2002. http://www.library.umaine.edu/theses/pdf/MooreEC2002.pdf.

Full text

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

43

Longhurst, Philip J. "A 'process' approach to the technological, organisational and strategic role of training." Thesis, Cranfield University, 1994. http://hdl.handle.net/1826/3756.

Full text

Abstract:

The origins of this work are in understanding the difficulties that organisations face in developing and using technology based training (TBT). However it is the organisational context within which these technological changes take place that is of particular interest. The objective of this thesis is to use concepts and models of cumulative knowledge in organisations to investigate the limitations of conventional training centred approaches. The research design is centred around the question: Is the failure of conventional training, in meeting organisational needs, due to it being used as a project, task centred `function' rather than being process centred? This question is explored by: identifying, in a diverse set of organisations, the nature of `failures' and limitations of the conventional training function from which it is possible to structure an approach that draws upon models of training and knowledge; using models of knowledge accumulation, process models, to examine the limitations of task and functional models of training. The research activity includes the use of an innovative training package based on trouble-shooter training, and carefully focused interactive activities with line managers in three very different types of organisation. For each of these groups knowledge issues and training are of evident concern. The research shows that contributions to knowledge gain within an organisation can be uncovered and supported if specific patterns and structures are identified. It is clear that there is little difficulty in identifying the value of specific knowledge types in functional or technical domains if the timing of the skill required can also be determined. Further, it is clear that problems arise when senior managers focus on developmental knowledge and specify skill requirements in advance of the preparedness of line managers. In such cases learning benefits are likely to be restricted by a lack of structural change in the organisation required to exploit such training. In addition the thesis makes a contribution to the development of a composite training and cumulative knowledge model by: clarifying the various dimensions of training and knowledge relevant to knowledge exploitation, and; the identification of the role of exploitation as the potential point of interaction between individual and organisational learning models.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

44

Amaya, Mario A. "A functional approach for studying technological progress : extension to wireless telecommunications technology." Thesis, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 2008. http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/44702.

Full text

Abstract:

Thesis (S.M.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, System Design and Management Program, 2008. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 26-29). This thesis attempts to study the technological progress of wireless technology and the wireless industry throughout history, using high-level, non-device specific performance metrics. Such metrics are developed by following the broad functional category approach. The analysis performed is both qualitative and quantitative. Firstly, the quantitative study provides a general perspective of how the technology has evolved through history, looking for signs of constant evolution and/or signs of technological saturation or acceleration. Following this, the qualitative section aims to provide the basis of a strategic framework that could be of importance to organizations in the industry, in particular to those interested in making the right decisions regarding technology selection, new spectrum licensing, and new services pricing, by using a cost-benefit approach. It was found that, in concordance with the two previous analyses performed on the information and energy technology domains, a continuous progress in the metrics identified is observed in the three Functional Performance Metrics (FPM) determined for this study. Still, some weak signs of eventual saturation were observed in one of the metrics identified in the study for the first time in this kind of study. A rate of yearly progress of 15% was obtained from the spectral efficiency Functional Performance Metric (FPM), while significantly higher rates, close to 50%, were obtained for both the throughput and coverage density FPMs. The time series comprises over 100 years of data, from the late 1800's / early 1900's until the present. by Mario A. Amaya. S.M.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

45

Carollo, Valerio. "A variational approach to brittle fracture and cohesive delamination:modelling and technological applications." Thesis, IMT Alti Studi Lucca, 2018. http://e-theses.imtlucca.it/278/1/Carollo_phdthesis.pdf.

Full text

Abstract:

A new computational model is used for the study of fracture phenomena in homogeneous and composite materials. The computational model is based on the coupling between the phase field model and the cohesive zone model within the framework of the finite element method. This model is adopted from literature and consistently extended. The enhancements enclose the combination of the model with plasticity and its extension to the 3D finite elasticity framework. This extension is formulated in a consistent way by means of the variational approach. The model is validated through numerical examples mostly based on experimental results. The experiments are designed and performed by means of experimental facilities suitable for micro testing. The numerical simulations comprehend problems at different scales of homogeneous and composite materials in the bi-dimensional and three-dimensional space. The model results particularly appropriate for many technological applications. Among the different applications, the following cases are analysed: the competition between crack propagation and plasticity; the adhesive wear phenomenon considering the fracture of the micro asperities of two surfaces in contact; the mechanical behaviour of a nanolaminate and a microlaminate; the interaction between crack propagation and delamination. In the latter application is where the model shows its strength. The competition between crack propagation and delamination in composite materials is simulated without the necessity of remeshing or crack tracking algorithms. The model is particularly suitable for the exploitation in many engineering industrial fields.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

46

Hazelden, Katina Nathalie. "An enactive approach to technologically mediated learning through play." Thesis, University of Plymouth, 2013. http://hdl.handle.net/10026.1/1609.

Full text

Abstract:

This thesis investigated the application of enactive principles to the design of classroom technolo- gies for young children’s learning through play. This study identified the attributes of an enactive pedagogy, in order to develop a design framework to accommodate enactive learning processes. From an enactive perspective, the learner is defined as an autonomous agent, capable of adapta- tion via the recursive consumption of self generated meaning within the constraints of a social and material world. Adaptation is the parallel development of mind and body that occurs through inter- action, which renders knowledge contingent on the environment from which it emerged. Parallel development means that action and perception in learning are as critical as thinking. An enactive approach to design therefore aspires to make the physical and social interaction with technology meaningful to the learning objective, rather than an aside to cognitive tasks. The design framework considered in detail the necessary affordances in terms of interaction, activity and context. In a further interpretation of enactive principles, this thesis recognised play and pretence as vehicles for designing and evaluating enactive learning and the embodied use of technology. In answering the research question, the interpreted framework was applied as a novel approach to designing and analysing children’s engagement with technology for learning, and worked towards a paradigm where interaction is part of the learning experience. The aspiration for the framework was to inform the design of interaction modalities to allow users’ to exercise the inherent mechanisms they have for making sense of the world. However, before making the claim to support enactive learning processes, there was a question as to whether technologically mediated realities were suitable environments to apply this framework. Given the emphasis on the physical world and action, it was the intention of the research and design activities to explore whether digital artefacts and spaces were an impoverished reality for enactive learning; or if digital objects and spaces could afford sufficient ’reality’ to be referents in social play behaviours. The project embedded in this research was tasked with creating deployable technologies that could be used in the classroom. Consequently, this framework was applied in practice, whereby the design practice and deployed technologies served as pragmatic tools to investigate the potential for interactive technologies in children’s physical, social and cognitive learning. To understand the context, underpin the design framework, and evaluate the impact of any techno- logical interventions in school life, the design practice was informed by ethnographic methodologies. The design process responded to cascading findings from phased research activities. The initial fieldwork located meaning making activities within the classroom, with a view to to re-appropriating situated and familiar practices. In the next stage of the design practice, this formative analysis determined the objectives of the participatory sessions, which in turn contributed to the creation of technologies suitable for an inquiry of enactive learning. The final technologies used standard school equipment with bespoke software, enabling children to engage with real time compositing and tracking applications installed in the classrooms’ role play spaces. The evaluation of the play space technologies in the wild revealed under certain conditions, there was evidence of embodied presence in the children’s social, physical and affective behaviour - illustrating how mediated realities can extend physical spaces. These findings suggest that the attention to meaningful interaction, a presence in the environment as a result of an active role, and a social presence - as outlined in the design framework - can lead to the emergence of observable enactive learning processes. As the design framework was applied, these principles could be examined and revised. Two notable examples of revisions to the design framework, in light of the applied practice, related to: (1) a key affordance for meaningful action to emerge required opportunities for direct and immediate engagement; and (2) a situated awareness of the self and other inhabitants in the mediated space required support across the spectrum of social interaction. The application of the design framework enabled this investigation to move beyond a theoretical discourse.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

47

Nomaler, Zübeyir Önder. "Technological change, international trade and growth : an evolutionary multi-agents-based modeling approach /." Maastricht : UPM, Universitaire Pers Maastricht, 2006. http://www.gbv.de/dms/zbw/509345212.pdf.

Full text

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

48

Pérez, Esteve Edgar. "ENCAPSULATION OF FOLIC ACID IN MESOPOROUS SILICA SUPPORTS: A NUTRITIONAL AND TECHNOLOGICAL APPROACH." Doctoral thesis, Universitat Politècnica de València, 2015. http://hdl.handle.net/10251/58613.

Full text

Abstract:

[EN] The present PhD thesis, entitled "Encapsulation of folic acid in silica porous supports: a nutritional and technological approach", focuses on the development of new smart systems for the controlled delivery of folic acid for nutritional applications. The first part of the thesis shows folic acid encapsulation in polyamines-functionalized silica porous matrices from a nutritional approach. The first part evaluates not only the influence of the loading method and the type of silica support employed (MCM-41, SBA-15, UVM-7 and Hollow Silica) on the efficacy of folic acid encapsulation, but also the influence of the morphology and porous system on the folic acid delivery profile from different supports. Folic acid release studies from different supports with various pH values have demonstrated that the designed systems are capable of smartly modulating the delivery of the folic acid dependent on the pH of the medium (inhibition of the release at an acidic pH -stomach-, controlled release at a neutral pH -intestine-). This capacity makes these developed delivery systems an excellent alternative to direct fortification to successfully modulate the bioaccessibility of folic acid along the gastrointestinal tract. The stability of the supports during an in vitro digestive process was evaluated, and demonstrated that not only small particles can be attacked during the digestion process, but also the functionalization with organic molecules, which act as molecular gates, prevents this attack. Finally, the cell viability studies carried out with four different cell lines revealed that neither the supports nor their degradation products caused any specific toxicity during the in vitro digestive process. The second part evaluates the influence of adding different silica supports to two food matrices: gelatin gels and yoghurts. This technological approach enabled us to know that the capacity of these smart systems to deliver folic acid in a controlled manner during an in vitro digestive process is mantained even after their incorporation in stirred yoghurt. The effect of the matrices on the gel's physical properties depends on the particle size, functionalization and concentration. Finally, this thesis tested that the optimization of folic acid loading, achieved in the first part of the thesis, allowed the fortification of yoghurt with 100% of the recommended daily allowance of folic acid with a very low amount of the system. This fortification affected neither the physico-chemical properties of the yoghurt, nor bacterial viability. In summary, it was concluded that the present thesis globally deals with folic acid encapsulation in silica porous matrices to be used in nutritional and food applications, which include the optimization of loading, release studies at diferent pH, in vitro digestions, stability studies of the employed matrixes, biocompatibility studies, and studies into the influence of their addition to food matrixes. The obtained results positively exhibit that the developed smart folic acid delivery systems open up a new way of fortifying food without endangering the properties of the food to which they are added. [ES] La presente tesis doctoral que lleva por título "Encapsulación de ácido fólico en soportes porosos de óxido de silicio: una aproximación nutricional y tecnológica" está centrada en el desarrollo de nuevos sistemas inteligentes de liberación controlada de ácido fólico para aplicaciones nutricionales. La primera parte de la tesis muestra la encapsulación de ácido fólico en matrices porosas de óxido de silicio funcionalizadas con poliaminas desde una aproximación nutricional. En ella se ha evaluado la influencia del método de cargado y del tipo de soporte de óxido de silicio utilizado (MCM-41, SBA-15, UVM-7 y Hollow Silica) en la eficacia de encapsulación de ácido fólico. En esta primera parte, también se ha evaluado la influencia de la morfología y el sistema de poros de los diferentes soportes en el perfil de liberación del ácido fólico desde los mismos. Los estudios de liberación de ácido fólico desde los diferentes soportes a diferentes valores de pH han demostrado que los sistemas diseñados son capaces de modular inteligentemente la liberación de ácido fólico en función del pH del medio (inhibición de la liberación a pH ácido -estómago-, liberación controlada a pH neutro -intestino-). Esta capacidad convierte a los sistemas liberación desarrollados en una alternativa excelente a la fortificación directa para modular exitosamente la bioaccesibilidad del ácido fólico a lo largo del tracto gastrointestinal. Por otra parte, se ha evaluado la estabilidad de los soportes durante un proceso de digestión in vitro, demostrando que si bien algunos soportes pueden ser atacados durante la digestión, la funcionalización con moléculas que actúan como puertas moleculares previene este ataque. Por último, los estudios de viabilidad celular llevados a cabo en cuatro tipos de líneas celulares demuestran que ni los soportes, ni los productos de degradación de los mismos durante el proceso de digestión in vitro promueven ningún tipo de toxicidad inespecífica. En la segunda parte se ha evaluado la influencia de la adición de diferentes soportes de óxido de silicio a dos matrices alimentarias, geles de gelatina y yogures. Esta aproximación tecnológica ha permitido conocer que la capacidad de estos sistemas inteligentes para liberar controladamente el ácido fólico a lo largo de un proceso de digestión in vitro se mantiene incluso tras su incorporación en yogures batidos. Por otra parte, se ha comprobado que el efecto de las matrices sobre las propiedades físicas de los geles, es dependiente tanto del tamaño de las partículas, como de su funcionalización y concentración. Por último, se ha comprobado que debido a la optimización del cargado de ácido fólico alcanzada en la primera parte de la tesis, se puede lograr una fortificación de un yogur con el 100% de la cantidad diaria recomendada de ácido fólico con una cantidad tan pequeña de sistema que ni las propiedades físico-químicas de un yogur, ni la viabilidad bacteriana se ven comprometidas. En resumen, se puede concluir que la presente tesis ha abordado de una manera global la encapsulación de ácido fólico en matrices porosas de óxido de silicio para ser utilizados en aplicaciones nutricionales y alimentarias incluyendo estudios de optimización de cargado, estudios de liberación en función del pH, digestiones in vitro, estudios de estabilidad de las matrices utilizadas, estudios de biocompatibilidad, así como estudios de la influencia de la adición de estos sistemas inteligentes en matrices alimentarias. Los resultados obtenidos han puesto de manifiesto que los sistemas inteligentes de liberación de ácido fólico desarrollados abren la puerta a una nueva manera de fortificar los alimentos sin comprometer sus características. [CAT] La present tesi doctoral, que porta per títol "Encapsulació d'àcid fòlic en suports porosos d'òxid de silici: una aproximació nutricional i tecnològica" està centrada en el desenvolupament de nous sistemes intel·ligents de lliberació controlada d'àcid fòlic per a aplicacions nutricionals. La primera part de la tesi mostra l'encapsulació d'àcid fòlic en matrius poroses d'òxid de silici funcionalitzades amb poliamines des d'una aproximació nutricional. En esta part, s'ha avaluat la influència del mètode de carrega i del tipus de suport d'òxid de silici que s'ha emprat (MCM-41, SBA-15, UVM-7 i Hollow Silica) en l'eficàcia de l'encapsulació d'àcid fòlic. En esta primera part, també s'ha avaluat la influència de la morfologia i el sistema de porus dels diferents suports en el perfil d'alliberament de l'àcid fòlic des dels mateixos. Els estudis d'alliberament d'àcid fòlic des dels diferents suports a diferents valors de pH han demostrat que els sistemes dissenyats són capaços de modular intel¿ligentment l'alliberament d'àcid fòlic en funció del pH del medi (inhibició de l'alliberament a pH àcid -estómac-, alliberament controlat a pH neutre -intestí-). Esta capacitat fa dels sistemes desenvolupats una excel·lent alternativa a la fortificació directa per a modular amb èxit la bioaccessibilitat de l'àcid fòlic a través del tracte gastrointestinal. D'altra banda, s'ha avaluat l'estabilitat dels suports en un procés de digestió in vitro, demostrant que mentre que les partícules menudes poden ser atacades durant la digestió, la funcionalització amb molècules orgàniques que actuen com a portes moleculars prevé aquest atac. Per últim, els estudis de viabilitat cel·llular duts a terme en quatre tipus de línies cel·lulars demostren que ni els soports, ni els productes de degradació dels mateixos durant el procés de digestió in vitro promouen cap tipus de toxicitat inespecífica. En la segona part, s'ha avaluat la influència de l'addició de diferents sopors d'òxid de silici a dos matrius alimentàries, gels de gelatina i iogurts. Esta aproximació tecnològica ha permés conéixer que la capacitat d'aquests sistemes intel·ligents per alliberar controladament àcid fòlic durant un procés de digestió in vitro es manté fins i tot després de ser incorporats en iogurts batuts. D'altra banda, s'ha comprovat que l'efecte de les matrius sobre les propietats físiques dels gels, és dependent tant de la grandària de les partícules, com de la seua funcionalització i concentració. Per últim, s'ha comprovat que a causa de l'optimització del carregat d'acid fòlic alcançada en la primera part de la tesi, es pot aconseguir una fortificació d'un iogurt amb el 100% de la quantitat diària recomanada d'àcid fòlic amb una quantitat tan baixa del sistema que ni les propietats físico-químiques d'un iogurt, ni la viabilitat bacteriana se'n veuen compromeses. En resum, es pot concluir que en la present tesi s'ha abordat d'una manera global l'encapsulació d'àcid fòlic en matrius poroses d'òxid de silici per a ser utilitzades en aplicacions nutricionals i alimentàries, que inclouen estudis d'optimització de carregat, estudis d'alliberament en funció del pH, digestions in vitro, estudis d'estabilitat de les matrius utilitzades, estudis de biocompatibilitat, així com estudis de la influència de l'addició d'aquests sistemes en matrius alimentàries. Els resultats obtesos han posat de manifest de forma positiva que els sistemes intel·ligents d'àcid fòlic que s'han desenvolupat obrin una porta a una nova manera de fortificar els aliments sense comprometre les seues caracterísitiques. Pérez Esteve, E. (2015). ENCAPSULATION OF FOLIC ACID IN MESOPOROUS SILICA SUPPORTS: A NUTRITIONAL AND TECHNOLOGICAL APPROACH [Tesis doctoral no publicada]. Universitat Politècnica de València. https://doi.org/10.4995/Thesis/10251/58613 TESIS Premiado

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

49

Granqvist, Nina. "Nanotechnology and nanolabeling : essays on the emergence of new technological fields /." Helsinki : Helsinki School of Economics, 2007. http://www.gbv.de/dms/zbw/549238816.pdf.

Full text

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

50

XU, Donglan. "Productivity Growth, Technological Progress and Efficiency Change in Chinese Manufacturing Industry: A DEA Approach." 名古屋大学大学院経済学研究科, 2005. http://hdl.handle.net/2237/10503.

Full text

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Technological approaches'

Create a spot-on reference in APA, MLA, Chicago, Harvard, and other styles