Schemakonstruktion för järnvägspersonal är en stor utmaning. En orsak är att arbetsuppgifterna vid järnvägen kräver olika kunskaps- och kompetenskrav, samt att det finns många arbetsregler som utgör restriktioner för schemakonstruktionen. I detta examensarbete har en fallstudie utförts för datorstödd schemakonstruktion för personalbemanning. Examensarbetet har utförts vid avdelningen för bemanningsplanering som ansvarar för planering av personal vid två av Green Cargos olika bangårdar. Huvudsyftet med det här examensarbetet är att utreda skillnaderna i scheman som skapats manuellt respektive automatiskt med hjälp av programvaran BP. Schemajämförelserna ska också redovisa nyttan av det automatiska planeringssättet där det finns applicerat. Under arbetet genomfördes litteraturstudier samt en fallstudie. I fallstudien genomfördes testkörningar med olika schemakonstruktionsmetoder på två bangårdar. Det numeriska resultatet visar att den datorassisterade bemanningsmetoden innebär en förbättrad bemanningsplanering ur företagets synvinkel då produktionsbehovet kan täckas utan ökade kostnader. Detta innebär också en ökad flexibilitet i produktionsplaneringen då tjänstgöringsturer enkelt kan ändras. Det gör det också mycket enklare att tilldela personal olika arbetsuppgifter som de har kompetens för. Den optimeringsbaserade bemanningsplanen innebär inte en ökad arbetsbelastning för medarbetaren. Trots att fler bangårdstjänster kan bemannas genom att använda den datorassisterade metoden visar det sig att den totala utlagda arbetstiden inte alls ökar eller att den bara ökar marginellt för vissa medarbetare. När planering sker med programvaran styrs denna av parametrar som är lätta att ändra. Dessa inställningar av parametrar är avgörande för utseendet på schemat. Indata kan vara fridagsplanering, kompetenstillgång och produktionsbehov. De i sin tur avgör i betydande grad på hur balansen mellan livs- och ekonomiska kvalitetsmåtten ser ut för medarbetarna.

Attention worldwide has been placed towards reducing the global carbon footprint. To this end the scientific community has been involved in improving many of the available methods of carbon capture and storage (CCS). CCS involves scrubbing flue gases of greenhouse gases and safely storing them deep underground. MOFs, a family of functionally tunable three dimensional nanoporous frameworks, have been shown to adsorb gases with great selectivity and capacity. Investigating these frameworks using computational simulations, although faster than in-lab synthetic methods, involves a tedious and meticulous input preparation process which is subject to human error. This thesis presents Dave's Occupancy Automation Package (DOAP),a software which provides a means to automatically determine the gas uptake of many three dimensional frameworks. By providing atomic coordinates for a unit simulation cell, the software acts to performs the necessary calculations to construct and execute a Grand Canonical Monte Carlo simulation, determining the gas uptake in a metal organic framework. Additionally an analysis of different convergence assessment tests for describing the end point of the GCMC simulation is presented.

Electric vehicles offer a method of transportation where the energy generation process is moved from the on-board engine to the electrical generation system. The Canadian electrical generation mix has a significant portion of low carbon and renewable sources. This low environmental impact source of energy is then transferred to electric vehicles when they are charged from the grid. This thesis analyses the energy flow for such electric vehicles, particularly buses. Battery systems and charger technology, core to the vehicle operations, are examined; looking at energy flow from plug to wheels. Field data collected from on-board recordings and simultaneous Global Positioning System (GPS) signals were used to develop a new predictive model for an electric bus. The mathematical model for the electric bus was then compared with a similar sized diesel engine vehicle model using the Powertrain System Analysis Toolkit (PSAT). The operational energy cost of the electric bus is contrasted with a similarly sized Compression Ignition (CI) engine bus and was found to be very favourable. Also cost effective battery system upgrades to the present system were analysed for improved return on investment. / UOIT

This thesis examines the current trends in skilled immigration to the U.S.: who is coming, why, and what are they doing here? The current competitive environment for attracting these skilled workers among competitor nations like Australia and Canada is assessed, and possibilities for reform that enable the U.S. to attract the right talent, minimize costs to domestic workers, and maintain dominance in international research and development are explored.

An ‘energy hub’ is composed of an interaction of energy loads and energy sources that will include different technologies for power generation, energy storage, and energy conversion. These technologies could include transformers, wind turbines, electrolyzers, solar panels, and fuel cells. Hydrogen is an ideal energy vector for use in energy hubs where energy can be produced from multiple energy resources like nuclear and renewable energy sources. It is easily stored and distributed, and it can be used for multiple end-uses such as electrical load levelling or in transportation applications. Nuclear power provides a greenhouse gas free, reliable and stable supply of electricity to an energy hub in an efficient and economic manner and as a result is the preferred base load source of power. In this work a model of a clean energy hub comprising of a nuclear plant, wind turbines, solar panels, and biomass reactors was developed using Matlab/Simulink. The model was used to develop a conceptual design of an energy hub with Nanticoke, Ontario, serving as the case study region. The hub was designed to replace existing coal-based power generating facilities and meet electricity demands, as well as current and future hydrogen demands for local industry and transportation as projected in 2030. Conceptual equipment sizing and costing for solar panels, nuclear plants, wind turbines, biomass reactors, fuel cells, and electrolyzers are considered. The cost for hydrogen storage was considered while phasing in revenue generated, and environmental pollution avoided by using clean electricity and hydrogen powered vehicles. It was observed that nuclear reactors, followed by biomass reactors, followed by off-shore wind turbines, followed by on-shore wind turbines, and finally followed by solar panels represent the sequence of technology adoption in order to maximize environmental and economic benefits, as this represents the cost and energy effectiveness hierarchy for electricity generation as observed while analyzing hub costs for meeting electricity demand. It can also be concluded that the hub for electricity generation is most economical if the nuclear reactor capacity installed is very close to the average yearly electricity demand required by the grid, and the nuclear reactor is operated at full capacity throughout the year while augmented with other renewable technologies. During periods of excess power hydrogen is produced and stored onsite, and hydrogen fuel cells are subsequently used to meet peak electricity demand. Underground hydrogen storage is the most economical option for all energy hubs analyzed. In some scenarios a small amount of coal generation capacity was maintained to assist with peak power demand through a very limited time of the year. The analysis concluded that at this time fuel cells are a more costly option for generating electricity even after considering emissions revenue with the cogeneration of hydrogen for industry and transportation, as well as for electricity. It is more economical to convert excess power into hydrogen using electrolyzers and sell it to industrial sectors and transportation sectors in the early years of an energy hub. A number of scenarios were analyzed that comprise of different combinations of technology in various hub designs. In an ‘electricity cost effective’ scenario the hub was found to meet the electrical demand at a cost of 10.23 cents per KWh, while reducing CO2 emissions by 11.6 million tonnes per year. In a ‘hydrogen economy’ scenario 67 million kilograms of hydrogen were sold to the hydrogen economy per year at $4.82 per kg, while the electrical demand of the hub was met a cost of 11.09 cents per KWh, while reducing CO2 emissions by 13.5 million tonnes per year. In an ‘emission reduction’ scenario 14.9 million tonnes of CO2 emissions where reduced, 197 million kg of hydrogen was sold to the hydrogen economy per year at $4.82 per kg, while the electrical demand of the hub was met a cost of 15.64 cents per KWh. Most of the hub design configuration and operational scenarios considered in the analysis become economically viable if electricity prices are approximately $65 per MWh, if gasoline prices average approximately $1.50 per litre over the next 20 years, and if the price of carbon credits or CO2 per tonne goes up to around $ 35 – 40 per tonne. Therefore, these parameters must be closely monitored to determine energy hub profitability.

Urban green spaces, such as parks, provide urban residents with a multitude of environmental benefits and city residents should all have access to these benefits. This study examined the socioeconomic status of urban residents who live within one-mile distance to a public park in the city of Atlanta. Park accessibility was investigated with respect to distances to parks and park acreage using Euclidean distance and street-network distance. Socioeconomic status was examined using five variables: population density, median household income, percentage of population living below poverty, percentage of minority population and percentage of female population. A site suitability analysis was conducted to determine where additional park space could be most beneficial for the populations lacking access to the benefits of park space. Using Geographic Information Systems to analyze socioeconomic data from U.S. Census Bureau vis-à-vis Atlanta parks, this study discovered there is no statistically significant socioeconomic disparity among residents who currently have or do not have park access in Atlanta. The findings of this study showed some weak relationships of park distance and park size with population density and minority populations. The site suitability study suggested two sites that could be potentially used for future park development. Note: This is a large file due to the number of images in the document. Users can right click on the download button and select "Save file" or "Save Link" from the available options. This will circumvent the browser from timing out by downloading the file directly to your computer rather than attempting to open it in the browser.

Title Effects of Demographic Characteristics on Consumer’s Choice of Buying Green Products: An Empirical Study of Swedish Electricity Market. Purpose Purpose of the research to study the consumer behaviour of the Swedish audiences based on  different demographic characteristics i.e. age, gender, income status, educational level and area of residence. The information will be useful to know that how different target groups based on different demographic attributes, perceive and respond the green electricity programmes, which will helpful to study the consumer behaviour and marketing of green electricity in Sweden. Methodology This research is mainly based on quantitative research, method which deals with use of statistical tools and numbers. A part of this research is also based on qualitative research which emphases on in depth analysis of information and finding a conclusion from the information gathered. The data have collected through using both primary and secondary sources. This research is mainly based on quantitative pattern; hence the data have collected using primary sources; the questioners. The questionnaires were distribute among the people of different age groups, income status, number of persons living in a household, residential status and income status. The aim of this survey was to target the audiences from whole Sweden, but due to limited time the data has collected only from the inhabitants of Eskilstuna, Västerås, Kvicksund, Södetalje, Köping, Arboga and Stockholm.   Analysis and findings For finding and analysis we have adopted a conceptual model to study the impacts of demographic characteristics on consumers’ choice of green electricity. This model leads to analysis according to findings from questionnaire and literature. Conclusion After careful compilation and analysing the results of our findings and with reference to the research topic of this thesis we have come to a conclusion that demographic characteristics (gender, age, income, education and area of residence) of Swedish consumers can influence their decision making to purchase green electricity.

The concept of human nature profoundly shapes our understanding of how political and social life ought to be organised. This thesis examines the concept of human nature developed by the Green political perspective and its impact on the Green understanding of economy, society and technology. By comparing the Green and Liberal concepts of human nature (and by extension their respective conceptualisation of society, economy and technology), it is argued that the roots of present day environmental crisis could be traced to the Liberal concept of human nature and the Liberal conceptualisation of the relationship between humanity and nature.

An ‘energy hub’ is composed of an interaction of energy loads and energy sources that will include different technologies for power generation, energy storage, and energy conversion. These technologies could include transformers, wind turbines, electrolyzers, solar panels, and fuel cells. Hydrogen is an ideal energy vector for use in energy hubs where energy can be produced from multiple energy resources like nuclear and renewable energy sources. It is easily stored and distributed, and it can be used for multiple end-uses such as electrical load levelling or in transportation applications. Nuclear power provides a greenhouse gas free, reliable and stable supply of electricity to an energy hub in an efficient and economic manner and as a result is the preferred base load source of power. In this work a model of a clean energy hub comprising of a nuclear plant, wind turbines, solar panels, and biomass reactors was developed using Matlab/Simulink. The model was used to develop a conceptual design of an energy hub with Nanticoke, Ontario, serving as the case study region. The hub was designed to replace existing coal-based power generating facilities and meet electricity demands, as well as current and future hydrogen demands for local industry and transportation as projected in 2030. Conceptual equipment sizing and costing for solar panels, nuclear plants, wind turbines, biomass reactors, fuel cells, and electrolyzers are considered. The cost for hydrogen storage was considered while phasing in revenue generated, and environmental pollution avoided by using clean electricity and hydrogen powered vehicles. It was observed that nuclear reactors, followed by biomass reactors, followed by off-shore wind turbines, followed by on-shore wind turbines, and finally followed by solar panels represent the sequence of technology adoption in order to maximize environmental and economic benefits, as this represents the cost and energy effectiveness hierarchy for electricity generation as observed while analyzing hub costs for meeting electricity demand. It can also be concluded that the hub for electricity generation is most economical if the nuclear reactor capacity installed is very close to the average yearly electricity demand required by the grid, and the nuclear reactor is operated at full capacity throughout the year while augmented with other renewable technologies. During periods of excess power hydrogen is produced and stored onsite, and hydrogen fuel cells are subsequently used to meet peak electricity demand. Underground hydrogen storage is the most economical option for all energy hubs analyzed. In some scenarios a small amount of coal generation capacity was maintained to assist with peak power demand through a very limited time of the year. The analysis concluded that at this time fuel cells are a more costly option for generating electricity even after considering emissions revenue with the cogeneration of hydrogen for industry and transportation, as well as for electricity. It is more economical to convert excess power into hydrogen using electrolyzers and sell it to industrial sectors and transportation sectors in the early years of an energy hub. A number of scenarios were analyzed that comprise of different combinations of technology in various hub designs. In an ‘electricity cost effective’ scenario the hub was found to meet the electrical demand at a cost of 10.23 cents per KWh, while reducing CO2 emissions by 11.6 million tonnes per year. In a ‘hydrogen economy’ scenario 67 million kilograms of hydrogen were sold to the hydrogen economy per year at $4.82 per kg, while the electrical demand of the hub was met a cost of 11.09 cents per KWh, while reducing CO2 emissions by 13.5 million tonnes per year. In an ‘emission reduction’ scenario 14.9 million tonnes of CO2 emissions where reduced, 197 million kg of hydrogen was sold to the hydrogen economy per year at $4.82 per kg, while the electrical demand of the hub was met a cost of 15.64 cents per KWh. Most of the hub design configuration and operational scenarios considered in the analysis become economically viable if electricity prices are approximately $65 per MWh, if gasoline prices average approximately $1.50 per litre over the next 20 years, and if the price of carbon credits or CO2 per tonne goes up to around $ 35 – 40 per tonne. Therefore, these parameters must be closely monitored to determine energy hub profitability.

The geography of food has been a popular subject for researchers and scholars who have explored the representative foods of a given region in reference to the area’s cultural identity. Food plays an important role in the development of individual cultures and civilization. Food consumption and dining habits usually reflect individuals’ location, cultural and individual identity, accessibility to food and heritage. United States is a country often called a “melting pot society.” Immigrants in the United States comprise over eight percent of the population, and various ethnic groups have reshaped American society with their unique cultures and foodways. Driven in part by globalization, food has been commercialized in an effort to increase profit and broaden the diversity of foods available for consumption. By studying ethnic restaurants and the food they offer, one can gain a basic understanding of other information related to ethnic groups. The purpose of this study is to analyze changes in ethnic restaurant numbers, types, and locations from 1940 to 2005, as well as changing demographic patterns in Bowling Green, Kentucky. I hypothesize that a relationship exists between the numbers, locations and diversity of ethnic restaurants and ethnic populations in Bowling Green. Globalization and the influx of ethnic groups will reshape the diversity of ethnic cuisines between 1940 to 2005. In addition, changes in Bowling Green income, education level and ethnic structure are associated with increasing diversity of ethnic restaurants. Relationships between the locations of ethnic neighborhoods and ethnic restaurants are also examined. The methods of investigation in this thesis include assembling a database of historic restaurant information and using GIS technology to map locations of ethnic restaurants and analyze spatial patterns and ethnic diversity of restaurant types. In order to investigate the association between ethnic structure, income and education level of Bowling Green’s population and the diversity of ethnic restaurant over time, data was collected from the decennial Census of Population and Housing. To research current consumer preferences, a survey was conducted to discover the most influential factors impacting residents’ choice of cuisines and the variation in restaurant preferences among age groups. Interviews with owners of ethnic restaurant shed light on locational choices.