Дисертації з теми "Treaty design"

This research contributes to gaps in the international relations and international law literature on compliance by engaging practitioners with multilateral environmental agreement (MEA) expertise to answer two questions: 1) what factors are associated with MEA noncompliance; and 2) is there a relationship between the design of MEA provisions and compliance with those provisions. Practitioners overwhelmingly associate MEA noncompliance with insufficient domestic interagency consultation early in the lifecycle of a multilateral environmental agreement, particularly during its negotiation. The interagency consultative process is the mechanism by which a state identifies the nature of its relevant domestic environmental challenges and the availability of its institutional, financial, and technical resources to address them. Absent a robust process, state delegated representatives engage in negotiating obligations on behalf of their states without a full understanding of the domestic context. Consequently, they may inadvertently negotiate obligations that are impractical or otherwise inconsistent with domestic realities. Under these circumstances, a state may subsequently set itself on a trajectory of noncompliance when ratifying the agreement. Three noncompliance cases under the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal are consistent with this finding. The design of treaty provisions might serve to mitigate some factors associated with MEA noncompliance. Practitioners observe a relationship between the design of treaty provisions and compliance with those provisions. When presented with two different legal design options, practitioners overwhelmingly expressed a preference for obligations of outcome over obligations of action. Preserving state flexibility to determine how to implement obligations may mitigate noncompliance associated with insufficient domestic consultation early in the lifecycle of an MEA, but more research is necessary to draw the conclusion that one legal design produces better compliance results over another.
Doctor of Philosophy
States actively negotiate multilateral environmental agreements (MEA) to address transboundary environmental challenges. When states fail to comply with their obligations under these agreements, the international community's collective environmental goals are compromised. This research contributes to the literature on compliance by exploring two questions: 1) what factors are associated with MEA noncompliance; and 2) is there a relationship between the design of MEA provisions and compliance with those provisions. MEA noncompliance is overwhelmingly associated with states' poor preparation to engage in the negotiation and implementation of multilateral environmental agreements. Poor preparation is the result of insufficient domestic interagency consultation, which is the process by which a state identifies the nature of its relevant domestic environmental challenges and its ability to address them. The design of MEA provisions might serve to mitigate some factors associated with noncompliance, particularly if that design gives states the flexibility to later determine how or which domestic measures to take in order to meet the relevant outcome contained in their MEA obligations. However, more research is needed to draw the conclusion that one legal design is better than another.

This thesis aims to evaluate the scope of environmental protection in the host states against the states’ obligations to protect and promote foreign investments, and to identify how the existing international investment treaty practice and dispute settlement practice are insufficient in light of considering the environmental interests of the host states in the standards of treatment, including the fair and equitable treatment, national treatment, most-favoured-treatment, and non-expropriation standard. This thesis argues that the existing regime of international investment law does not provide an appropriate framework for the protection of the host states’ environmental interests, especially in the countries with economic and social transition (like China) where the domestic need for environmental protection is emerging and growing significantly. In contributing to the means through which the host states are able to regulate foreign investments without otherwise violating treaty obligation, this research proposes: (1) interpreting investment treaty provisions by introducing more environmental consideration, and (2) rethinking and reshaping the current pro-investor mechanism of international investment law through embracing the provision of broad environmental exception.

This thesis aims at answering two questions under the topic of Harmonisation of Industrial Property Rights Protection Procedures in the European Union. The questions researched are: &ldquo
What are the current systems of Industrial Property Rights protection in the world, in the European Union and Turkey?&rdquo
and &ldquo
Is there a way for Turkey to be included within the EU Industrial Property protection system in the future while still being under the relation of Customs Union?&rdquo
. To answer these questions current systems of Industrial Property Rights protection in the world, in European Union and Turkey is briefly analyzed and following this analysis, a proposal for a closer cooperation in Industrial Property protection system of Turkey with the European Union is given backed up with a comparison of statistical data of EU, Turkey and candidate countries.

Background: Asthma affects 5.4 million people in the UK. Asthma subgroups are also susceptible to inhalation of fungal spores (Aspergillus fumigatus) and development of pulmonary fungal aspergilloma; presenting a life threatening but poorly understood condition. NHS costs for corticosteroids, bronchodilators and antifungal agents that are only partially effective continue to rise. Allergy immunotherapy development is of great interest as it is specific to the allergen and can harness key adaptive immune T-cells to down-regulate inflammatory responses. Immunotherapy has been used with varying degrees of success for treatment of grass, pollen, venom, cat and dog allergens however to date has not been directed to fungal allergens. The study aims were: 1) to further understand the A. fumigatus allergens and the protein epitopes responsible for generating immune responses. 2) To genotype participating ABPA/SAFS patients to observe any HLA associations. Methods: 37 subjects with fungal sensitivity were recruited to the study which received permission from the local ethics committee (UHSM LREC). Computer bioinformatic predictions using Propred software identified several potential fungal T cell peptide epitopes; of which 8 peptides were soluble and tested in vitro for specific T-cell proliferation responses by flow cytometric analysis. Skin prick tests determined subject responses to fungal allergens including A. fumigatus, and DNA analysis determined subject HLA type. Results: 5 of 8 soluble peptides were Aspergillus fumigatus derived and 3 from Alternaria alternata. All 8 peptides induced higher CD4 proliferative responses in ABPA/SAFS patients, compared to healthy controls from highest significance to lowest as follows: peptide 1.1 > 9.1 > 8.1 > 2.1 > 9.1.1 > 4.1 > 4.1.1 and 10.1.1. 73% subjects elicited skin responses to A. fumigatus. DNA HLA typing identified alleles associated with ABPA/SAFS but not all allele sub types. Discussion: The ABPA/SAFS group consistently raised T-cell responses to fungal peptides compared to controls. This demonstrates peripheral CD4s retain memory for fungal specificity and clearly respond when challenged with fungal epitopes in vitro. This concept underpins the rationale to further characterize the responding CD4 cells and pursuing bioinformatics approaches for immunotherapy investigations for fungal allergy.

Thesis (S.B.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Mechanical Engineering, June 2007.
"May 2007."
Includes bibliographical references (p. 28-29).
This thesis project involves developing a pair of swimming fins to strengthen the Vastus Medialis, or inner quadriceps muscle, to help patients with Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome. Configurations of mock up fins, made from Lexan, were designed based off of a known dry land exercise that consisted of leg lifts with the feet turned out 45 degrees that work the Vastus Medialis. From the feedback of a swimmer, new design iterations were made to compensate for how a person's body moves in the water as opposed to on land. An optimal design was chosen based off of testing.
by Helen Tsai.
S.B.

Thesis: S.B., Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Department of Mechanical Engineering, 2017.
Cataloged from PDF version of thesis.
Includes bibliographical references (page 14).
An experimental study was performed to characterize the waste byproduct of a high energy density aluminum fuel in order to identify an effective recycling method. A sample of fuel waste was generated and viewed under a scanning electron microscope. The sample was then subjected to an energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis which focused on points of interest identified by the scanning electron microscope. The results of the imaging and analysis showed that gallium and indium, which are used in the fuel manufacturing process, are randomly scattered around the reacted aluminum waste. These metals were found in their elemental form, meaning they do not react alongside the aluminum fuel. As such these metals can be recovered by suspending them in water and using mass differences to isolate them from the remainder of the waste.
by Wesley Cox.
S.B.

Thesis investigates the flexural properties of modified laminated wood. Thesis examined two wood species - beech and aspen. The aim was to describe effect of wood species, material thickness, densification, adhesives and loaded cyclic stress on selection of mechanical properties. Wood species and thickness of material were determined as factors with very significant impact. They affected modulus of elasticity, limit of proportionality and bending strength. All these characteristics achieved higher values while testing beech lamellas. Degree of densification does not appear as a very significant factor. Comparing modulus of elasticity in this thesis and data given in the literature it is possible to say that densified lamellas used in this research reached higher values. This thesis also investigates tensile-shear strength and bendability.

The objective of my research is to examine the influence of densified wood in combination with native wood on its mechanical properties such as moduls of elasticity, bending strength, limit of proportionality, bendability coefficient and tensile-shear strength of glued line. The examined woods are Europen beech (Fagus Sylvatica L.) and Aspen (Populus tramula L.). The tests were carried out on speciemens with different thickness. The densification by 10% and 20% was performed. For the glued joint polyurethane adhesive and polyvinylacetate glue were used. The thesis includes simulation of the properties, their computer program tetsing, and the comparsion with the values obtained from real measurement. The purpose of this part of thesis is to achieve a simulation that will replace laboratory tests or disprove this method of scientific research and deepen our knowledge of proceses occuring during the pursued way of stress.

This work addresses the problem of tyre tread pattern design for optimum wet grip performance. A mathematical model of tyre behaviour on wet roads has been developed. This utilizes the finite element method in the representation of tread pattern geometry. The performance of a particular tread pattern is found in terms of the fluid pressures and film thicknesses existing within the contact patch, under wet conditions. Many modern tread patterns are based on 'blocks', and a computer model has been developed specifically to assist the tyre designer in the design of these blocks for improved wet grip. Numerical results are presented both for complete contact patches and for individual tread blocks. To allow the use of the computer models by the tyre designer, with no specialist knowledge of the finite element method, special purpose mesh generation and plotting programs have been developed. Experiments have been undertaken whereby the fluid pressures and film thicknesses existing in the tyre contact patch have been measured under high speed conditions in the wet. These measure- ments were made on an indoor testing machine, and the techniques developed can be used in the routine evaluation of tyre wet grip performance. Some results of experiments performed on plain and simple patterned tyres are presented. The main purpose of this work was the development of the mathematical models which can be used for future research into, and design of, tyres for improved wet grip. However, some conclusions are made as to possible features which could be utilized in future tyre designs.

The effect of heterogeneity correlation scale (&
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) of hydraulic conductivity (K), equilibrium distribution coefficient (Kd) and mass transfer rate (&
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) on the design and cost of the P&
T remediation system for different heterogeneity levels (defined by the variance (&
#963
2lnK)) and parameter distributions under the rate-limited sorption conditions was evaluated in this study. In addition, the impacts of initial amount of contaminant mass and plume configuration on the remediation design and cost were explored. The effects of different K heterogeneity and remediation design conditions on the length of remediation period, the influence of &
#61548
anisotropy of K, correlation between K and Kd, and Kd and &
#61537
, and the fraction of equilibrium sorption sites (f) on the pump-and-treat (P&
T) design and cost were the other studied subjects. In this study, simulation-optimization approach, in which a groundwater flow and contaminant transport simulation model was linked with a genetic algorithm (GA) library, was used. Results showed that not only the amount of PCE mass initially present in the aquifer was important in terms of P&
T design, cost and remediation time, but also the location and size of the high and low K regions defined by &
#955
lnK as well as the magnitudes of K represented by geometric mean and &
#963
2lnK were influential. It was also found that P&
T designs utilizing higher numbers of wells with lower pumping rates may be more robust predicting the time-to-compliance compared to a single well with higher pumping rate for aquifers heterogeneous in K. Homogenous Kd assumption might cause serious error in both the design and the cost of remediation. The magnitude of this error may change depending on the spatial distribution of K and Kd, &
#955
lnKd, &
#963
2lnKd and &
#963
2lnK. The effect of heterogeneity in &
#61537
on the design and cost of remediation may or may not be significant depending on K, Kd and &
#61537
distributions, &
#61548
ln&
#61537
and &
#963
2ln&
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. Increased amount of kinetically sorbed mass defined by decreased f value resulted in more costly remediation.

Thesis: S.M., Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Department of Mechanical Engineering, 2015.
Cataloged from PDF version of thesis.
Includes bibliographical references (pages 85-87).
Aluminum is the most abundant metal in the Earth's crust and a highly sought after fuel source due to its extreme energy density. It has the ability to produce large quantities of hydrogen and heat when reacted with water making it an attractive fuel for underwater vehicles and ocean sensor platforms. The biggest challenge in using aluminum as a fuel has been overcoming the rapidly-forming oxide layer that gives aluminum its excellent corrosion resistance. Recently, a safe, controllable, and inexpensive treatment process was developed which bypasses this layer and allows aluminum to efficiently react with water. The fuel made using this process generates an average hydrogen yield of 94 percent. This fuel has been successfully tested in a power system, in which a fuel cell generated 30 watts for 90 minutes using only hydrogen. Firstly, an introduction and background is given on the benefits and challenges of using hydrogen as a fuel. The basic chemistry and background behind using aluminum as a fuel provides the motivation behind this thesis. Secondly, the materials science of using aluminum fuels is examined as well as prior aluminum fuels which have been attempted. The treatment process is then analyzed using the physics previously discussed as well as the overall efficiency and practicality of the treated aluminum fuel. Thirdly, a working power system design is then presented which runs entirely off hydrogen gas generated by specially treated aluminum fuel. This system was run for 90 minutes at 30 watts, showing that aluminum can be used as a safe and environmentally friendly fuel source.
by Jonathan Slocum.
S.M.

ldiopathic scoliosis is a tri-dimensional deformity of the spine surgically corrected by means of instrumentation such as the Harrington rod. This correction can be of two types: vertebral fusion and fusionless correction. During vertebral fusion, the spinal deformity is corrected, a metal implant fixed to several vertebrae and morsellised bone used to promote fusion. However, if performed in children and adolescents, it can hinder their trunk height affecting the growth of the ribcage and internal organs. Fusionless correction addresses this by performing a staged correction of the spine allowing for vertical growth, but it increases the risk of deep infection and trauma due to repeated surgeries. A non-invasive system based on a growing endoprosthesis, which permits staged correction and minimizes infection risk, was designed and its systems tested. This device provides a distraction force to overcome the natural soft tissue response which amounts to a maximum of 6OON. The drive unit providing this extension is comprised of a commercially available micro-motor, gear-head and encoder combination, attached to a specially designed gearbox which transforms the rotation into vertical extension via a threaded stainless steel rod attached to the uppermost vertebra of the deformity. The implant is sealed within a stainless steel chamber and controlled with an inductive link. The inductive link has been designed and tested for operation at increasing distance between its coils. This system provides the necessary power for the implant and transmits data from the drive unit which is used to perform automatic control with a closed-loop system. The control system maintains the power of the motor so that the extension is stable and comfortable to the patient. This thesis presents the design and testing of the inductive link, measurement of spinal forces, testing of the miniature motor and gearbox and mechanical implant fatigue testing.

Business Intelligence plays the crucial role in the question of serching for the truth in organizations. Trend of data growing defines the importance of analytical tools for organizations. Innovation is perceived as the only driver which leads to higher living standards in a society in the longterm run (according to the World Economic Forum). This thesis joins two areas: innovation and analytical field of business informatics (Business Intelligence, Big Data). The main goal of this thesis is to identify innovation trends of Business Intelligence and Big Data and to classify them using the Design-driven Innovation model. The thesis also provides a broad perspective of the innovation process in organizations and reveals the mutuality of innovation process, productivity and competitiveness.

We present the design and fabrication of a prototype wall-climbing vehicle employing a unique combined locomotion and adhesion system in which the adhesive vacuum is transmitted through moving, perforated treads. Implementing the adhesion/drive system involved a broad range of design challenges, including: developing reliable sealing of sliding and static interfaces, understanding the frictional interactions between the drive treads and various vehicle components and surfaces on which they ride, as well as designing for lightness, manufacturability, and adjustability. The clean sheet design presented in this thesis was taken from concept to functioning prototype in less than 6 months, requiring a considered mix of off-the-shelf components, custom fabrication, and outsourced production. Proof of concept testing is reviewed, including static pressure and force results as well as dynamic vertical surface maneuverability trials.

This thesis deals with three selected current trends related to consumer behavior -- onslaught of retro products and retro marketing generally, changes in behavior related to electronic marketplace, and stricter demands for flawlessly designed products and services. Each trend is described and attention is given to driving forces of these trends, the ways they can affect consumers' lives and how they can be observed. The knowledge of the trends is then applied to determine how different groups of Czech consumers can be affected by those trends, thus giving businesses hints on how to incorporate the trends in the approach to their customers and monetize on them.

Glass is an inherrently strong and elastic building material that allows the enclosure of spaces to provide both comfort and æ
sthetic appeal. It is evidently due recognition of these properties that has resulted in the current propensity to use it in ever larger sizes
and then with minimum&ndash
if not total absence&ndash
of visible supporting structure. It is, however, its lack of plastic behavior under stress&ndash
leading to catastrophic failure without warning&ndash
that has been the main drawback preventing its use as a structural material on its own. Ergo, the development of composite configurations with plastic interlayers, commonly known as structural glass. Contemporary working methods for glass have also been able to provide better structural characteristics&ndash
particularly after heat treatments, which reduce its vulnerability to cracking and brittle failure. In com-bination, these methods offer designers the possibility of using glass panels capable of acting as load-carrying structural elements. The aim of this study was to investigate the performance of glass-adhesive-glass composite, or laminated, elements and the use of glass as a structural material in light of their inherent strength properties. Here, an attempt was made to define the be-havior of interlayers in structural glass and to then prepare a selection guide. To this end, it was necessary to first gather information about the materials and design methods used to create glass structures. As the literature notes that such stresses are particularly important to structural glass design due to the inability of the material to flow plastically and to thus relieve high stresses, pertinent simulation techniques (e.g., finite element analysis) were then used to investigate shear transfer between glass panes and interlayers. These simulations allowed determination of stiffness with different types of interlayer for panes of different dimensions and orien-tation in respect to loading conditions. It was the results of these analyses that were finally compiled into the selection guide already noted. It is expected that these results will make a worthwhile contribution to developing glass structure design and its application in practice.

Parts machined from relatively large thickness cross sections can experience significant deformations from high residual stresses that develop in the part during the heat treatment used to form the aluminum alloy. Uphill quenching is a process that can create a part with low residual stress and stable dimensions when the process is controlled properly. The uphill quenching process involves a solution heat treat, quench, cool to liquid nitrogen, steam blast, and then age to final temper.

In this thesis two parts were modeled using ANSYS. The first part underwent the uphill quench process in the rough machined state. The second part was modeled in the stock material shape and only underwent a solution heat treat, quench, and age to final temper. After the residual stress in the second part was predicted the excess material was removed by killing the associated elements and the deformation of the final machined part was predicted. For both parts analyzed measurements were made and compared against predictions with fairly good results.

Microneedle (MN) enhanced drug delivery is a safe, effective and efficient enhancement method for delivery of drug molecules across the skin. The “poke (press) and patch” approach employs solid stainless steel MN to permeablize the skin prior to application of a regular drug patch over the treated area. It has been previously shown that MN can be used to deliver naltrexone (NTX) at a rate that provides plasma concentrations in the lower end of the therapeutic range in humans. The drug delivery potential of this technique is, however, limited by the re-sealing of the micropores in a 48-72h timeframe. The goal of the current research was to optimize the formulation for a 7 day MN enhanced delivery system for NTX either by adding a second active pharmacological moiety or by optimizing formulation characteristics alone. Three different formulation strategies were explored: formulation pH optimization with NTX; a codrug approach with NTX and a nonspecific cyclooxygenase inhibitor, diclofenac (DIC); and a topical/transdermal approach with NTX and an enzyme inhibitor of the cholesterol synthesis pathway, fluvastatin (FLU). The results indicated that formulation pH cannot be used to extend micropore lifetime, although formulation optimization leads to enhanced transport and thus drug delivery across MN treated skin. The codrug approach was successful in extending the micropore lifetime and further screening of codrug structures and formulation optimization helped in selection of a codrug candidate suitable for evaluation in animal pharmacokinetic studies. Local treatment with FLU helped to keep the micropores open and enabled delivery of NTX for an extended period. The pores re-sealed on removal of treatment within a 30-45 minute timeframe, indicating that infection/irritation should not be a major issue, as in the case of other topical chemical enhancers. Thus, overall it can be concluded that different formulation strategies can be utilized to extend micropore lifetime and enhance delivery of drug molecules across the skin.

Detection systems are widely used in industry. Designers, operators and users of these systems need to choose an appropriate design, based on the intended usage and the operating environment. The purpose of this research is to analyze the effect of various system design variables (controllable) and system parameters (uncontrollable) on the performance of detection systems. To optimize system performance one must manage the tradeoff between two errors that can occur. A False Alarm occurs if the detection system falsely indicates a target is present and a False Clear occurs if the detection system falsely fails to indicate a target is present. Given a particular detection system and a pre-specified false clear (or false alarm) rate, there is a minimal false alarm (or false clear) rate that can be achieved. Earlier research has developed methods that address this false alarm, false clear tradeoff problem (FAFCT) by formulating a Neyman-Pearson hypothesis problem, which can be solved as a Knapsack problem. The objective of this research is to develop guidelines that can be of help in designing detection systems. For example, what system design variables must be implemented to achieve a certain false clear standard for a parallel 2-sensor detection system for Salmonella detection? To meet this objective, an experimental design is constructed and an analysis of variance is performed. Computational results are obtained using the FAFCT-methodology and the results are presented and analyzed using ROC (Receiver Operating Characteristic) curves and an analysis of variance. The research shows that sample size (i.e., size of test data set used to estimate the distribution of sensor responses) has very little effect on the FAFCT compared to other factors. The analysis clearly shows that correlation has the most influence on the FAFCT. Negatively correlated sensor responses outperform uncorrelated and positively correlated sensor responses with large margins, especially for strict FC-standards (FC-standard is defined as the maximum allowed False Clear rate). Suggestions for future research are also included. FC-standard is the second most influential design variable followed by grid size.
Master of Science

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Iowa, 2000.
Supervisor: Clark M. Stanford. Title-page, preliminaries, Certificate of approval, Table of contents and Project summary issued in paper (xii, 13 leaves ; 28 cm.). Includes bibliographical references. Also issued on CD-ROM (144 files, 33.7 megabytes).

The Byron Bay Sewage Treatment work consists of a conventional treatment system discharging into an 8 ha wetland. The wetland was constructed around the dune and swale remnants of a coastal beach ridge formation. The wetland design incorporated stands of broad leaf paperback, Melaleuca quinquenervia , in two distinct Sections, separated by, and each preceded by, open water Sections fringed by predominantly emergent macrophytes. Spatial and temporal patterns in sediment phosphorus concentrations were examined using sediment cores. Core consisted of three main sediment types - surface organic accumulation, pre-existing organic layers and sand. Results suggest that the design and management of wetland systems should be aimed at maximising the deposition of sediment (and associated phosphorus) and minimising subsequent phosphorus release from the sediment. This might be achieved through the removal of accumulated organic sediments to retain the phosphorus adsorption capacity of the system, consideration of wind direction during periods of high (floating) plant growth (as detritus may accumulate along the up-wind edges of the wetland), incorporation of deep zones to minimise sediment phosphorus release and the inclusion of stands of M. quinquenervia. Results highlight pitfalls in the prevailing approach to wetland design, which ignore the complex functions which occur in natural wetland systems. A more holistic approach incorporating a high diversity of ecozones in wetland design is proposed, in effect mimicking natural systems.
Master of Science (Hons)

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men in the United Kingdom. Recent studies suggest that obesity is associated with prostate cancer aggressiveness and higher recurrence rates after treatment. Prognosis may therefore be improved by maintaining healthy weight but research on weight management is relatively scarce. Therefore a weight management programme was designed for prostate cancer patients and a pilot feasibility trial conducted with the aim to evaluate the compliance and effectiveness. Three preliminary studies; a systematic review, a questionnaire survey and qualitative research among patients and their partners, were carried out to inform the optimal design and delivery of the intervention. To identify effective components of the intervention, 778 titles and abstracts were screened in a systematic review. Twenty randomised controlled trials were included in the final review which consisted of six diet interventions, eight exercise interventions and six combined diet and exercise interventions. 256 men completed a mailed questionnaire survey and 48 participants (34 men and 14 partners) participated in six focus group discussions. This mixed-methods research informed the choice of the components, setting and mode of delivery of the intervention. A pilot feasibility study using a two arm randomised controlled trial design compared change in weight and quality of life (QoL) between a 12 week package of a group session, consultant's encouragement letter, monthly individual telephone-based dietitian-led consultations, web-based self-help resources, and pedometer in the intervention group and no intervention in a wait-list control group. 286 men with localized and locally advanced prostate cancer from UCAN (Urology CANcer Charity) Care Centre database were invited to participate of whom 95 responded. Sixty-two eligible men were randomly assigned to intervention (n=31) or wait-list control group (n=31) using minimisation on age, BMI and time since diagnosis. One man in the intervention group and three in the control group withdrew before baseline data collection. Another four men in the intervention group cannot be accommodated into the group schedule. The mean age of the remaining 54 participants at enrolment was 65.5 years (SD 5.6), mean weight 88.9 kg (SD 11.7), BMI 29.6 kgm-2 (SD 2.9) and QoL score 76.6 points (SD 19.0), with no significant difference between the two groups. At 12 weeks, the weight change in the intervention group was greater than in the wait-list control group with a significant group difference of −2.13 kg (95% CI −3.50 to −0.76 kg); p=0.003. The general QoL score change in the intervention group was also greater than in the wait-list control group with a significant group difference of +11.9 points (95% CI 4.6 to 19.2); p=0.002, after adjustment for baseline age, BMI and time since diagnosis. Over weeks 13-24, the intervention group continued to lose weight with a median (IQR) weight change of −1.25 (−3.45, 0.38) kg, which contributed to the overall weight change of −3.40 kg (95% CI −5.27 to −1.53 kg); p=0.001, from week 0-24. The wait-list control was offered a lower-cost mini-intervention of a consultant's encouragement letter, pedometer and the access to the same self-help resources of the weight management programme, but no group meeting or dietetic consultation, from week 13-24. Over this period, the mini-intervention group had a significant weight loss with a weight change of −2.37 kg (95% CI −3.24 to −1.50 kg); p=<0.001. There was no significant change in general QoL or any individual functional or symptom scales in either the intervention or wait-list control group from 12 to 24 weeks. This study can contribute to the future work in this new area which could help to improve clinical outcome in men treated for prostate cancer and inform clinical practice.

Objective The main objective of this thesis was to explore the effects of diet on gastrointestinal symptoms in prostate cancer patients treated with local curative radiotherapy, by evaluating dietary intake prior to treatment (Study I), the psychometric properties of a new questionnaire on patient-reported gastrointestinal side effects (Study II), and the effect of a dietary intervention on acute and long-term gastrointestinal symptoms up to 2 years after radiotherapy completion (Study III-IV). Methods A total of 130 men with localized prostate cancer referred to dose-escalated radiotherapy (ED2 87-102 Gy, α/β=3 Gy) were recruited to a dietary intervention trial. Patients were randomized to receive either standard care plus the dietary intervention of a fibre- and lactose-restricted diet (intervention group, IG; n=64) or standard care alone (standard care group, SCG; n=66). Data on gastrointestinal symptoms and dietary intake were collected pre-treatment and at seven time points during a follow-up period of 26 months. Results Prior to treatment, grain products and milk products were major sources of energy. Unbalanced fatty acid intake and low intake of selenium were observed (Study I). Validation of the Gastrointestinal Side Effects Questionnaire (GISEQ) revealed satisfactory internal consistency, moderate concurrent validity and adequate responsiveness (Study II). There were no significant effects of the intervention on acute or long-term gastrointestinal symptoms, but a tendency towards lower prevalence and severity of bloating and diarrhoea in the IG compared to the SCG during radiotherapy. Gastrointestinal symptoms were predominantly mild, and the frequency of clinically relevant symptoms was merely a few percent. Dietary adherence in the IG was initially good, but tended to decline beyond 12 months post-radiotherapy (Study III-IV). Conclusions A fibre- and lactose-restricted diet was not superior to the habitual diet in reducing gastrointestinal symptoms in patients undergoing high-dose, small-volume radiotherapy for localized prostate cancer. The GISEQ enables assessment of patient-perceived change in symptoms, but further work is needed to strengthen its psychometric qualities. It is suggested that continued research in this area target patient categories referred to irradiation of larger pelvic volumes with a higher risk of gastrointestinal symptoms, and that dietary interventions incorporate established strategies to enhance adherence and effectiveness.

The objective of this project was to design, construct and test a wall climbing vehicle which uses a novel vacuum tread system for both adhesion and locomotion. The design and manufacturing of this proof of concept vehicle is detailed with particular emphasis on the design decisions that proved most impactful to the performance of both the vehicle and the tread system. Adhesion performance was characterized by a series of tests that validate the concept, but also identify improvements and design recommendations for future embodiments of the adhesion/locomotion system.

In September 2005, Health Canada took on the development of a Source Water Quality Indicator for Canada. The main objective was to develop a methodology by which source water quality could be linked to public health, the environment, society, and economy; and measured, tracked, and reported in the form of an indicator for decision making. A Treated Water Quality Indicator was also introduced to bridge the gap between source water quality and human health. With Federal/Provincial/Territorial and academic support, research into the approach and development of a conceptual design, parameter selection rationale, and two tools for the indicator calculations, along with recommendations for future work were completed. The tools developed included a modified Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment water quality index calculator, and a Treatability Ranking tool (that determined the complexity of treatment required to achieve safe drinking water). The results of this project are described herein.

Introduction: Breast cancer is the most frequent cancer among women worldwide. Breast cancer treatments and treatment-related factors (type, dose, duration, and side-effects) have been found to be associated with weight gain in women. Overweight and obesity, in breast cancer survivors, is associated with increased risk of breast cancer-specific and all-cause mortality. Prognosis may be improved by maintaining a healthy weight but research in weight management in women treated for breast cancer is relatively limited. Aim: To design a weight loss trial for women treated for breast cancer and to evaluate its feasibility, and effect on body weight and quality of life (QoL). Methods: The development and evaluation of the trial was guided by the Medical Research Council framework for developing and evaluating complex interventions and involved mixed methods research. The development involved a systematic review of 13 randomised controlled trials (RCTs) targeting weight loss in women treated for breast cancer, and a mixed methods study [focus group meetings (n= 15), survey (n= 139), and interviews (n=20)] with the target population to understand their experiences and future preferences of a weight loss programme. The findings of these preliminary studies informed the design of a feasibility RCT of weight loss intervention. Results: 45 women (age 41-89 y; BMI 25.1–66.2 kg/m2) previously treated for breast cancer were randomly allocated to three groups: Weight Watchers vouchers for 12 weeks plus 5 dietitian-led support groups (WW plus: n=14); Weight Watchers vouchers only (WW: n=16) or waiting-list control (Weight Watchers vouchers after 3 months) (controls: n=15). Weight and QoL were measured at 0 and 12 weeks and data was available for 38 (84%) participants at 12 weeks. The trial was found to be feasible and acceptable for weight loss in this population. The controls, WW plus and WW group showed median (IQR) weight change of 0.07 (-0.4, 0.7) kg (p= 0.666), -2.90 (-6.5, -2.2) kg (p= 0.002) and -5.90 (-6.6, -5.1) kg (p= 0.001) respectively (between groups, p = 0.001). The regression model suggested that compared to participants in WW plus, participants in WW group lost significantly more weight (2.6 kg; 95% CI -0.38, -4.86) and control group participants lost significantly less weight (3.8 kg; 95% CI, 1.47, 6.16) over the 12 weeks. There were a number of significant improvements in different QoL scores in the intervention groups at 12 weeks. However, a significant difference in median (IQR) scores of the breast cancer specific QoL scale was observed between the three groups (p= 0.017) and it was higher in WW group [5.0 (1.5, 7.5)] compared to WW plus group [3.7 (2.0, 4.5)] and control [0.5 (-2.0, 2.2)]. Conclusions: The outcomes of this theoretically informed trial suggest that providing WW vouchers for overweight and obese women treated for breast cancer is feasible and shows promise for weight loss and improved QoL.

The Deep Mixing Method (DMM) is a widely used, in-situ ground improvement technique that modifies and improves the engineering properties of soil by blending the soil with a cementitious binder. Laboratory specimens were prepared to represent soil improved by the wet method of deep mixing, in which the binder is delivered in the form of a cement-water slurry. To study the influence of curing temperature on the strength of the treated soil, specimens were cured in temperature-controlled water baths for the desired curing time. After curing, unconfined compressive strength (UCS) tests were conducted on the specimens. To investigate the optimum mix design for the wet method of deep mixing, UCS tests were performed to measure the strength of cured specimens, and laboratory miniature vane shear tests were conducted on uncured specimens to measure the undrained shear strength (su), which is used to represent the consistency of the mixture right after mixing. The consistency is important for field mixing because a softer mixture is easier to mix thoroughly. Based on the UCS test results, an equation that can provide a good fit to the strength data of the cured binder-treated soil is proposed. When the curing temperature was changed during curing, the UCS of the specimen cured at a low temperature and then cured at a high temperature was greater than the UCS of the specimen cured at a high temperature first. This seems to be due to different effects of elevated curing temperatures at early and late curing times on the cement reaction rates, such that elevating the curing temperature later produces a more constant reaction rate, which contributes to the reaction efficiency. An optimum mix design that minimizes the amount of binder while satisfying both a target strength of the cured mixture and a target consistency of the uncured mixture can be established by using the fitted equations for UCS and su. The amount of binder required for the optimum mix design increases as the plasticity of the base soil increases and the water content of the base soil (wbase soil) decreases.
Master of Science
The Deep Mixing Method (DMM) is a ground improvement technique widely used to improve the strength and stiffness of loose sands, soft clays, and organic soils. The DMM is useful for both inland and coastal construction. There are two types of deep mixing. The dry method of deep mixing involves adding the binder in the form of dry powder, and the wet method of deep mixing involves mixing binder-water slurry with the soil. The strength of the cured mixture is significantly influenced by the amount of added cement and water, the curing time, and the curing temperature. This research evaluates the influence of curing temperature on the strength of cured cement-treated soil mixture. Mixture proportions and curing conditions also influence the consistency of the mixture right after mixing, which is important because it affects the amount of mixing energy necessary to thoroughly mix the binder slurry with the soil. This research developed and evaluated fitting equations that correlate the cured mixture strength and the uncured mixture consistency with mixture proportions and curing conditions. These fitting equations can then be used to select an economical and practical mix design method that minimizes the amount of binder needed to achieve both the desired cured strength and uncured consistency. The amount of binder required for the optimum mix design increases as the plasticity of the base soil increases and the water content of the base soil (wbase soil) decreases.

Rapid urbanization and population growth have represented a great challenge to water resources management, since wastewater generated in urban areas forms a non-conventional source, wastewater reuse is being recognized as a sustainable water management approach. This study focuses on with the potential and practibility of implementing wastewater reuse techniques in Izmir region, especially with the aim to use treated wastewater and nutrient for agriculture. To this end, qualititative and quantitative agricultural water demand were considered. This thesis introduces a wastewater reuse planning model and optimization method with an emphasis on the wastewater treatment technology used as well as the agricultural demand in the area of the study. The model was developed with considerations over water quality, wastewater treatment and discharge. The objective of the model is to upgrade existing wastewater treatment plants or to design new treatment plants in regard to reuse wastewater in agriculture. The model is also capable of comparing treatment technologies from the point of design and cost. Three case studies were represented so as to demonstrate the modeling process and optimization studies for agricultural irrigation.

The aim of this thesis is the analysis of selected frameworks for the development of modern web applications on the Java platform focusing on the front-end. The work is complemented by well-chosen source code examples that help the reader to create one's own view of the frameworks and it can also server as a tutorial. Introductory section focuses on the trends of modern web applications, especially on the front-end. It affects themes such as support for mobile devices, AJAX or responsive design of user interface. There are also introduced the latest technology on the front-end including HTML5, CSS3, jQuery library and dynamic language LESS whose main objective is the simplification, shortening and making cascading style sheets more dynamic. The output of this section: General LESS template is freely available and it can be applied to emerging projects. For the analysis there has been created static registration form on which there are applied frameworks Apache Wicket and Spring MVC with template engine Freemarker. In terms of analysis were chosen following points: the basic structure of the project, the application of static templates, external JavaScript / jQuery library, internalization, application of the form, submitting the form and validation of the input fields. The points were discussed in detail, especially in terms of implementation of both analysed frameworks. The outputs of the analysis are freely available structures of the projects and both of the resulting applications.

[ES] En la presente Tesis Doctoral se investigó la aplicación del proceso de ultrafiltración (UF) y el fenómeno de ensuciamiento de las membranas en la eliminación de sustancias disueltas y coloidales (DCS) de efluentes tratados de la industria papelera (PMTE) para su reutilización en los diferentes procesos de fabricación de papel y cartón reciclado. El objetivo general de esta investigación se dividió en tres partes principales: i) describe cómo encontrar las condiciones óptimas de operación de cuatro parámetros de proceso: presión transmembrana (TMP), velocidad de flujo cruzado (CFV), temperatura y corte de peso molecular (MWCO) para maximizar el flujo promedio de permeado (Jp) y rechazo de la demanda química de oxígeno (COD) y minimizar el descenso del flujo de permeado acumulado (SFD) utilizando el método de Taguchi (Design Robusto) y utility concept aplicado a un proceso de UF a flujo cruzado, para remover DCS de efluentes tratados de la industria papelera, ii) el descenso del flujo de permeado y los mecanismos de ensuciamiento de las membranas de UF ensuciadas con PMTE se examinaron mediante modelos matemáticos semi-empíricos. Los resultados para los diferentes ensayos de UF se expresaron en términos de variación del Jp en función del tiempo para verificar la precisión del ajuste (mayor valor de R2 y menor valor de desviación estándar) de los distintos modelos de Hermia adaptados a flujo tangencial y del modelo de formación de torta en filtración a presión constante ajustados a los datos experimentales, y iii) describe métodos de identificación, caracterización y posibles orígenes de las sustancias contaminantes (foulants) en las membranas de UF. Técnicas como el análisis físico-química, FESEM, SEM-EDS, ATR-FTIR y 3DEEM se llevaron a cabo para comprender qué fracción de los contaminantes son responsables por la formación de incrustaciones en las membranas. Los resultados obtenidos durante la etapa de optimización de parámetros del procesos demostraron que TMP y MWCO tienen la mayor contribución en el Jp y SFD. En el caso de la tasa de rechazo de COD, los resultados mostraron que MWCO tiene la mayor contribución seguida de CFV. Por consiguiente, las condiciones óptimas se encontraron para el segundo nivel de TMP (2.0 bar), el tercer nivel del CFV (1.041 m/s), el segundo nivel de la temperatura (15°C) y el tercer nivel de MWCO (100 kDa). Bajo estas condiciones óptimas de operación Jp, rechazo de COD y SFD alcanzaron respuestas de 81.15 L/m2.h, 43.90% y 6.01 (alrededor de 28.96 % para (FD), respectivamente, valores dentro del rango previsto del intervalo de confianza del 95%. Además, los modelos de Hermia adaptados a UF en flujo tangencial fueron capaces de predecir con gran precisión el descenso del Jp y los mecanismos de ensuciamiento en función del tiempo para todas las membranas seleccionadas (10, 30 y 100 kDa) y bajo diferentes condiciones ensayadas de UF. Por lo tanto, los modelos que presentan un mayor grado de ajuste son el bloqueo completo de poros (coeficiente de determinación R2 >0.97) y bloqueo intermedio (R2 >0.96), seguido por el modelo de formación de torta (R2 >0.94), lo que indica que estés son los principales mecanismos de ensuciamiento de las membranas. Análisis de 3DEEM revelaron que la mayoría de la materia orgánica fluorescentes en las membranas sucias eran proteínas coloidales (componentes similares a proteínas I + II) y proteínas macromoleculares (componentes similares a SMP). Además, polisacáridos (especie celulósica) y sustancias como ácidos grasos y resinosos fueron identificadas en las membranas contaminadas mediante análisis ATR-FTIR. Por fin, análisis SEM-EDS para las membranas ensuciadas con PMTE se detectó concentración de contaminantes inorgánicos (iones metálicos multivalentes) especialmente el Ca2+ que podría acelerar la formación torta en la superficie de la membrana.
[CA] En la present Tesi Doctoral es va investigar l'aplicació del procés d'ultrafiltració (UF) i el fenomen d'embrutiment de les membranes en l'eliminació de substàncies dissoltes i col·loïdals (DCS) d'efluents tractats de la indústria paperera (PMTE) per al seu reutilització en els diferents processos de fabricació de paper i cartó reciclatge. L'objectiu general d'aquesta investigació es va dividir en tres parts principals: i) descriu com trobar les condicions òptimes d'operació de quatre paràmetres de procés: pressió transmembrana (TMP), velocitat de flux creuat (CFV), temperatura i tall de pes molecular (MWCO) per a maximitzar el flux mitjà de permeat (Jp) i rebuig de la demanda química d'oxigen (COD) i minimitzar el descens del flux de permeado acumulat (SFD) utilitzant el mètode de Taguchi (Design Robust) i utility concept aplicat a un procés de UF a flux creuat en escala pilot, per a remoure DCS d'efluents tractats de la indústria paperera (PMTE), ii) el descens del flux de permeat i els mecanismes de embrutiment (fouling) de les membranes de UF embrutades amb PMTE es van examinar mitjançant models matemàtics semi-empírics. Els resultats per als diferents assajos de UF es van expressar en termes de variació del flux de permeat (Jp) en funció del temps per a verificar la precisió de l'ajust (major valor de R2 i menor valor de desviació estàndard) dels diferents models de Hermia adaptats a flux tangencial i del model de formació de coca en filtració a pressió constant ajustats a les dades experimentals, i iii) descriu mètodes d'identificació, caracterització i possibles orígens de les substàncies contaminants (foulants) en les membranes de UF. Tècniques com l'anàlisi física-química, FESEM, SEM-EDS, ATR-FTIR i 3DEEM es van dur a terme per a comprendre quina fracció dels contaminants són responsables per la formació d'incrustacions sobre la superfície i adsorció dins dels porus de les membranes. Els resultats obtinguts durant l'etapa d'optimització de paràmetres del processos van demostrar que TMP i MWCO tenen la major contribució en el Jp i SFD. En el cas de la taxa de rebuig de COD, els resultats van mostrar que MWCO té la major contribució seguida de CFV. Per consegüent, les condicions òptimes es van trobar per al segon nivell de TMP (2.0 bar), el tercer nivell del CFV (1.041 m/s), el segon nivell de la temperatura (15°C) i el tercer nivell de MWCO (100 kDa). Sota aquestes condicions òptimes d'operació Jp, rebuig de COD i SFD van aconseguir respostes de 81.15 L/m².h, 43.90% i 6.01 (al voltant de 28.96% per a (FD)), respectivament, valors dins del rang previst de l'interval de confiança del 95%. A més, els models de Hermia adaptats a UF en flux tangencial van ser capaços de predir amb gran precisió el descens del Jp i els mecanismes de embrutiment en funció del temps per a totes les membranes seleccionades (10, 30 i 100 kDa) i baix diferents condicions assajades de UF. Per tant, els models que presenten un major grau d'ajust són el bloqueig complet de porus (coeficient de determinació R2 >0.97) i bloqueig intermedi (R2 >0.96), seguit pel model de formació de coca (R2 >0.94), la qual cosa indica que estigues són els principals mecanismes de embrutiment de les membranes. Anàlisi de 3DEEM van revelar que la majoria de la matèria orgànica fluorescents en les membranes brutes eren proteïnes col·loidals (components similars a proteïnes I + II) i proteïnes macromoleculars (components similars a SMP). A més, polisacàrids (espècie cel·lulòsica) i substàncies com a àcids grassos i resinosos van ser identificades en les membranes contaminades mitjançant anàlisis ATR-FTIR, tals substàncies exerceixen un paper important en el embrutiment de les membranes. Per fi, anàlisi SEM-EDS per a les membranes embrutades amb PMTE es va detectar concentració de contaminants inorgànics (ions metàl·lics multivalents) especialment el Ca2+ que podria accelerar la formació coca en la àrea de la membrana.
[EN] In this PhD Thesis, the application of ultrafiltration process (UF) and membrane fouling phenomenon used to remove dissolved and colloidal substances (DCS) from paper mill treated effluent (PMTE) for reuse in different recycled paper and cardboard manufacturing processes was investigated. The overall goal of this research has been divided into three main parts: i) describes how to find optimal operating conditions of four controlling parameters, such as transmembrane pressure (TMP), cross-flow velocity (CFV), temperature and molecular weight cut-off (MWCO) for maximizing the average permeate flux (Jp) and chemical oxygen demand (COD) rejection, and minimizing the cumulative flux decline (SFD) using Taguchi method and utility concept for a cross-flow UF in pilot scale, used to remove DCS from a paper mill treated effluent (PMTE), ii) flux decline and fouling mechanisms of UF membranes fouled with PMTE were examined by theoretical modelling. The results from UF tests were expressed in terms of permeate flux (Jp) as a function of time to check modified Hermia's models adapted to crossflow filtration and cake formation in constant-pressure filtration, and iii) describes the Identification, characterization and possible origins of UF membrane foulants. Techniques such as chemical analysis, FESEM, SEM-EDS, ATR-FTIR and 3DEEM analysis were applied to understand which fraction of the foulants caused the fouling. This research found that the TMP and MWCO have the greatest contribution to the average permeate flux and SFD. In the case of the COD rejection rate, the results showed that MWCO has the highest contribution followed by CFV. The optimum conditions were found to be the second level of TMP (2.0 bar), the third level of the CFV (1.041 m/s), the second level of the temperature (15°C), and the third level of MWCO (100 kDa). Under these optimum conditions Jp, COD rejection and SFD resistance of 81.15 L/m2/h, 43.90% and 6.01 (around 28.96 % of (FD), respectively, were obtained and they were within of the predicted range at the 95% confidence interval. Furthermore, the results showed that the predictions of the modified Hermia's models adapted to cross-flow UF had good agreements with experimental data, under different conditions tested for PMTE. Therefore, it can be concluded that for all cases the best fit (higher accuracy) to the experimental data corresponds to the complete (coefficient of determination R2 >0.97) and intermediate (R2 >0.96) blocking, followed by the cake layer formation (R2 >0.94). Moreover, measurements of particle size distribution and zeta potential near the isoelectric point, showed a substantial reduction in colloidal compounds. The 3DEEM analysis revealed that the majority of the organic foulants with fluorescence characteristics on the fouled membranes were colloidal proteins (protein-like substances I+II) and macromolecular proteins (SMP-like substances). Further, polysaccharide (cellulosic specie), fatty and resin acid substances were identified on the fouled membrane by the ATR-FTIR analysis and they play an important role in membrane fouling. In addition, the membrane SEM-EDS analysis showed accumulate and adsorbed onto the membrane surfaces of inorganic foulants, such as multivalent metal ions and especially Ca2+ (acts as a binding agent) that could accelerate cake layer formation on the membrane.
Santos Sousa, MR. (2020). Optimization of Operation Parameters in Ultrafiltration by Experiment Design, Mathematical Modelling and Fouling Characterization of the Membranes Used to Remove Dissolved and Colloidal Substances from a Treated Paper Mill Effluent [Tesis doctoral]. Universitat Politècnica de València. https://doi.org/10.4995/Thesis/10251/155975
TESIS

A study was undertaken to explore relationships between wetland characteristics which make them efficient water purifiers versus their ability to serve as wildlife habitat. The effects of designing constructed wetlands for improved habitat on water treatment efficiencies were quantified. Results indicate that some sacrifice in treatment efficiency is required and that the degree of efficiency reduction is dependant upon pollutant loading rates. However, sacrifice in efficiency is much smaller than increase in habitat quality, and can be offset by increasing wetland area. A practical, theoretical application was then attempted.

Diploma thesis focuses on modern trends in marketing communication of specific educational institution. Main goal of the thesis is to analyse and to design of a mobile application for Faculty of Management University of Economics in Prague as a new tool of marketing communication intended for candidates interested in studying and potential students. Theoretical part of the thesis includes general topics about strategic university management of Universities, marketing communication and relations management. Author also presents the mobile application as a product, its applicability, ways of its distribution and necessary steps for its analysis and design.

In recent years, due to growing environmental awareness, considerable attention has been given to the development and production of natural fibre reinforced polymer (both thermoset and thermoplastic) composites. The main objective of this study was to reinforce epoxy and polylactic acid (PLA) with hemp fibre to produce improved composites by optimising the fibre treatment methods, composite processing methods, and fibre/matrix interfacial bonding. An investigation was conducted to obtain a suitable fibre alkali treatment method to: (i) remove non-cellulosic fibre components such as lignin (sensitive to ultra violet (UV) radiation) and hemicelluloses (sensitive to moisture) to improve long term composites stability (ii) roughen fibre surface to obtain mechanical interlocking with matrices (iii)expose cellulose hydroxyl groups to obtain hydrogen and covalent bonding with matrices (iv) separate the fibres from their fibre bundles to make the fibre surface available for bonding with matrices (v) retain tensile strength by keeping fibre damage to a minimum level and (vi) increase crystalline cellulose by better packing of cellulose chains to enhance the thermal stability of the fibres. An empirical model was developed for fibre tensile strength (TS) obtained with different treatment conditions (different sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and sodium sulphite (Na2SO3) concentrations, treatment temperatures, and digestion times) by a partial factorial design. Upon analysis of the alkali fibre treatments by single fibre tensile testing (SFTT), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), zeta potential measurements, differential thermal analysis/thermogravimetric analysis (DTA/TGA), wide angle X-ray diffraction (WAXRD), lignin analysis and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, a treatment consisting of 5 wt% NaOH and 2 wt% Na2SO3 concentrations, with a treatment temperature of 120oC and a digestion time of 60 minutes, was found to give the best combination of the required properties. This alkali treatment produced fibres with an average TS and Young's modulus (YM) of 463 MPa and 33 GPa respectively. The fibres obtained with the optimised alkali treatment were further treated with acetic anhydride and phenyltrimethoxy silane. However, acetylated and silane treated fibres were not found to give overall performance improvement. Cure kinetics of the neat epoxy (NE) and 40 wt% untreated fibre/epoxy (UTFE) composites were studied and it was found that the addition of fibres into epoxy resin increased the reaction rate and decreased the curing time. An increase in the nucleophilic activity of the amine groups in the presence of fibres is believed to have increased the reaction rate of the fibre/epoxy resin system and hence reduced the activation energies compared to NE. The highest interfacial shear strength (IFSS) value for alkali treated fibre/epoxy (ATFE) samples was 5.2 MPa which was larger than the highest value of 2.7 MPa for UTFE samples supporting that there was a stronger interface between alkali treated fibre and epoxy resin. The best fibre/epoxy bonding was found for an epoxy to curing agent ratio of 1:1 (E1C1) followed by epoxy to curing agent ratios of 1:1.2 (E1C1.2), 1: 0.8 (E1C0.8), and finally for 1:0.6 (E1C0.6). Long and short fibre reinforced epoxy composites were produced with various processing conditions using vacuum bag and compression moulding. A 65 wt% untreated long fibre/epoxy (UTLFE) composite produced by compression moulding at 70oC with a TS of 165 MPa, YM of 17 GPa, flexural strength of 180 MPa, flexural modulus of 10.1 GPa, impact energy (IE) of 14.5 kJ/m2, and fracture toughness (KIc) of 5 MPa.m1/2 was found to be the best in contrast to the trend of increased IFSS for ATFE samples. This is considered to be due to stress concentration as a result of increased fibre/fibre contact with the increased fibre content in the ATFE composites compared to the UTFE composites. Hygrothermal ageing of 65 wt% untreated and alkali treated long and short fibre/epoxy composites (produced by curing at 70oC) showed that long fibre/epoxy composites were more resistant than short fibre/epoxy composites and ATFE composites were more resistant than UTFE composites towards hygrothermal ageing environments as revealed from diffusion coefficients and tensile, flexural, impact, fracture toughness, SEM, TGA, and WAXRD test results. Accelerated ageing of 65 wt% UTLFE and alkali treated long fibre/epoxy (ATLFE) composites (produced by curing at 70oC) showed that ATLFE composites were more resistant than UTLFE composites towards hygrothermal ageing environments as revealed from tensile, flexural, impact, KIc, SEM, TGA, WAXRD, FTIR test results. IFSS obtained with untreated fibre/PLA (UFPLA) and alkali treated fibre/PLA (ATPLA) samples showed that ATPLA samples had greater IFSS than that of UFPLA samples. The increase in the formation of hydrogen bonding and mechanical interlocking of the alkali treated fibres with PLA could be responsible for the increased IFSS for ATPLA system compared to UFPLA system. Long and short fibre reinforced PLA composites were also produced with various processing conditions using compression moulding. A 32 wt% alkali treated long fibre PLA composite produced by film stacking with a TS of 83 MPa, YM of 11 GPa, flexural strength of 143 MPa, flexural modulus of 6.5 GPa, IE of 9 kJ/m2, and KIc of 3 MPa.m1/2 was found to be the best. This could be due to the better bonding of the alkali treated fibres with PLA. The mechanical properties of this composite have been found to be the best compared to the available literature. Hygrothermal and accelerated ageing of 32 wt% untreated and alkali treated long fibre/PLA composites ATPLA composites were more resistant than UFPLA composites towards hygrothermal and accelerated ageing environments as revealed from diffusion coefficients and tensile, flexural, impact, KIc, SEM, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), WAXRD, and FTIR results. Increased potential hydrogen bond formation and mechanical interlocking of the alkali treated fibres with PLA could be responsible for the increased resistance of the ATPLA composites. Based on the present study, it can be said that the performance of natural fibre composites largely depend on fibre properties (e.g. length and orientation), matrix properties (e.g. cure kinetics and crystallinity), fibre treatment and processing methods, and composite processing methods.

Hypertension is a global disease that many effected people in developing countries is not aware of. Hypertension is linked with cardiovascular disease. Prehypertension is not a disease but if not correctly treated, it could develop into hypertension. The aim of the study was to investigate if there are any differences in circadian blood pressure between two study groups, one group with normal blood pressure and one group with prehypertension. This study was a explorative study and its design is based on measurements of blood pressure values and a questionnaire was used to help get the data collection. 51 students volunteered to have their blood pressure taken from them and out of these 51, 24 where selected into two groups of 12 each for the Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring. hese 24 students would be a part of our study and an ambulatory (Schiller-102 plus) blood pressure monitor was used to collect the data. The prevalence of prehypertension findings in the clinical testing phase was 37% of the population. There was a variation between the groups during the day (systolic) but there was not a significant difference during the night.

abstract: Institutions (rules, norms, and shared strategies) are social feedback systems that structure actors’ decision-making context. It is important to investigate institutional design to understand how rules interact and generate feedbacks that affect robustness, i.e., the ability to respond to change. This is particularly important when assessing sustainable use/conservation trade-offs that affect species’ long-term survival. My research utilized the institutional grammar (IG) and robust institutional design to investigate these linkages in the context of four international conservation treaties. First, the IG was used to code the regulatory formal treaty rules. The coded statements were then assessed to determine the rule linkages and dynamic interactions with a focus on monitoring and related reporting and enforcement mechanisms. Treaties with a regulatory structure included a greater number and more tightly linked rules related to these mechanisms than less regulatory instruments. A higher number of actors involved in these activities at multiple levels also seemed critical to a well-functioning monitoring system. Then, drawing on existing research, I built a set of constitutive rule typologies to supplement the IG and code the treaties’ constitutive rules. I determined the level of fit between the constitutive and regulatory rules by examining the monitoring mechanisms, as well as treaty opt-out processes. Treaties that relied on constitutive rules to guide actor decision-making generally exhibited gaps and poorer rule fit. Regimes which used constitutive rules to provide actors with information related to the aims, values, and context under which regulatory rules were being advanced tended to exhibit better fit, rule consistency, and completeness. The information generated in the prior studies, as well as expert interviews, and the analytical frameworks of Ostrom’s design principles, fit, and polycentricity, then aided the analysis of treaty robustness. While all four treaties were polycentric, regulatory regimes exhibited strong information processing feedbacks as evidenced by the presence of all design principles (in form and as perceived by experts) making them theoretically more robust to change than non-regulatory ones. Interestingly, treaties with contested decision-making seemed more robust to change indicating contestation facilitates robust decision-making or its effects are ameliorated by rule design.
Dissertation/Thesis
Doctoral Dissertation Environmental Social Science 2020

The topic of this thesis is a theoretical analysis of the institutional design of the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) after the adoption of the Lisbon treaty. The main aim of the thesis is to reveal the reasons explaining a development towards centralization of the policy-making process of the CFSP that the Lisbon treaty introduced. Centralization is equated with a delegation of sovereignty from member states to a supranational level - High Representative for the CFSP/European External Action Service. The thesis for this purpose tests three possible explanations built upon three main theories of international relations: the centralisation as a result of the 1.decreasing EU's relative military power (neorealism) 2.deteriorating collaborative problems (neoliberalism) and 3.increasing degree of Europeanization of the nation-state identities and interests of the member states (constructivism) within covered time period from 2001 to 2007. The thesis applies a qualitative method, it is a case study. The conclusion of the thesis is that there are two reasons for the development towards more centralized policy-making process of the CFSP after the Lisbon treaty. Firstly, it is the decreasing EU's relative military power (neorealism) and secondly increasing level of Europeanization of nation-state...

碩士
國立臺北教育大學
社會與區域發展學系碩士班
103
The study aims to develop a social studies teaching project through implementing card games. This project was designed to investigate the understanding of the concepts concerning historical causation of fifth graders in elementary school. Based on the textbook content in unit four (Kang Hsuan version): the historical theme “the opening of the treaty ports for international commerce in 1860’s”, the researcher adapted the text into question worksheets and card games in order to cultivate students’ ability to understand the concepts of historical causation. The main methods for collecting data were question worksheets, student interviews, filming lessons, classroom observation and feedback from colleagues. This research was carried out via data analysis and post-teaching surveys. The main research findings are summarized as follows from the aspect of teaching: 1. Teaching through card games can promote students to learn procedural knowledge with efficiency. 2. Teaching through card games can assist students to cultivate the thinking ability of historical causation. 3. Teachers should acquire knowledge of historical thinking and be able to analyze the content of the textbook. 4. When preceding the card game teaching, teachers should add relevant content and combine with group discussion. 5. When preceding the card game teaching, teachers should have the ability to face and cope with problems. From the aspect of students’ understanding: 1. Students can understand the historical events which were “multiple causation”; however, it was hard to understand the concept of “reciprocal causation”. 2. Students were easily confused with background causes and the triggers; and they had myth between liner causal chain as well as historical inevitability. Based on the findings mentioned above, some suggestions in terms of implementing card games to design a social studies teaching project and learn the concepts concerning historical causation for fifth graders were provided for pedagogical practice and future research.

Please read the abstract (Dissertation Summary) in the section, 00front, of this document
Dissertation (M Eng (Transportation Engineering))--University of Pretoria, 2008.
Civil Engineering
unrestricted