Artikel zur bevorstehenden Einführung von Windows XP in das Dienstespektrum des URZ. Konkret werden ausgewählte PC-Pools genannt sowie technologische Ziele mit Auswirkungen auf den Nutzer. Weiterhin werden Aspekte zum angekündigten Admindienst Windows XP und die Einstellung des Admindienstes Windows NT diskutiert.

Vacuum arc remelting is a secondary melting process used to produce a variety of segregation sensitive and reactive metal alloys. The present day VAR practice for superalloys involves, typically, melting electrodes of 17'' into ingots of 20'' in diameter. Even larger diameter forging stock is desirable. However, beyond 20'' ingots of superalloys are increasingly prone to segregation defects if solidification is not adequately controlled. In the past years a new generation of model-based controllers was developed to prevent segregation in VAR by controlling melt rate, or the total amount of power flowing into the liquid pool. These controllers were seen as significant improvements in the industry of remelting processes, but these controllers were still focusing on the melting sub-process and ignoring ingot solidification. Accurate control of the liquid pool profile is expected to result in segregation-free ingots, but unfortunately a controller capable of stabilizing the solidification front in VAR is currently not available. The goal of the proposed research is to develop a cyber-enabled controller for VAR pool depth control that will enhance the capabilities of current technologies. More specifically, the objectives of this research are threefold. Firstly, a control-friendly model is proposed based on a high-fidelity ingot solidification model and is coupled to a thermal model of electrode melting. Secondly, sequential Monte Carlo estimators are proposed to replace the traditional Kalman filter, used in the previous VAR controllers. And finally, a model predictive controller (MPC) is designed based on the proposed reduced-order model. The time-critical characteristics of these methods are studied, and the feasibility of their real-time implementation is reported. / text

A suite of models were integrated to predict the potential of a large liquid hydrocarbon storage tank fire escalating and involving neighbouring tanks, as a result of thermal loading. A steady state pool fire radiant heat model was combined with a further model, in order to predict the distribution of thermal loading over the surface of an adjacent tank, and another model was incorporated to predict the thermal response of the contents of the adjacent tank. In order to predict if, or when, an adjacent tank will ignite, the radiant heat from the fire received by the adjacent tank must be quantified. There are a range of mathematical models available in the literature to calculate the radiant heat flux to a specified target and each of these models is based on assumptions about the fire. The performance of three of these models, which vary in complication, was analysed (the single point source model, the solid flame model and the fire dynamics simulator computational fluid dynamics model) and, in order to determine the performance of each model, the predictions made by each of the models were compared with actual experimental measurements of radiant heat flux. Experiments were undertaken involving different liquid fuels and under a range of weather conditions and, upon comparing the predictions of the models with the experimental measurements, the solid flame model was found to be the one most appropriate for safety assessment work. Thus, the solid flame model was incorporated into the thermal loading model, in order to predict the distribution of radiant heat flux falling onto an adjacent tank wall and roof. A model was developed to predict the thermal response of the contents of an adjacent tank, in order to predict variations in the liquid and vapour temperature, any increase in the vapour space pressure and the evolution of the vapours within the given time and the distribution of thermal loading over the surface of the tank as predicted by previous models; of particular importance was the identification of the possibility of forming a flammable vapour/air mixture outside the adjacent tank. To assess the performance of the response model, experiments were undertaken at both laboratory and field scale. The laboratory experiments were conducted in the Chemical Engineering Laboratory at Loughborough University and required the design and construction of an experimental facility representing a small-scale storage tank exposed to an adjacent fire. The field scale experiments were undertaken at Centro Jovellanos, Asturias, Spain. An experimental vessel was designed and fabricated specifically to conduct the laboratory tests and to measure the response of a tank containing hydrocarbon liquids to an external heat load. The vessel was instrumented with a network of thermocouples and pressure transmitter and gauge, in order to monitor the internal pressure and distribution in temperature throughout the liquid and its variation with time. The model predicting the thermal response of an adjacent tank was shown to produce predictions that correlated with the experimental results, particularly in terms of the vapour space pressure and liquid surface temperature. The vapour space pressure is important in predicting the time when the vacuum/pressure valve opens, while the liquid surface temperature is important as it governs the rate of evaporation. Combining the three models (the Pool Fire model, the Thermal Loading model and the Response model) forms the basis of the storage tanks spacing international codes and presents a number of innovative features, in terms of assessing the response to an adjacent tank fire: such features include predicting the distribution of thermal load on tanks adjacent to the tank on fire and thermal load on the ground. These models can predict the time required for the opening of the pressure vacuum relief valve on adjacent tanks and the release of the flammable vapour/air mixture into the atmosphere. A wide range of design and fire protection alternatives, such as the water cooling system and the minimum separation distance between storage tanks, can be assessed using these models. The subsequent results will help to identify any recommended improvements in the design of facilities and management systems (inspection and maintenance), in addition to the fire fighting response to such fires.

Enteric pathogens in pool water can be unintentionally ingested during swimming, increasing the risk of Acute Gastrointestinal Illness. Swimmer activities and behaviors influence pool water ingestion rates, and can be quantified for use in risk assessment. Enteric infection risk estimates help identify data gaps, areas to focus resources, and research needs. Primary objectives of this study were to develop electronic, self-administered "exposure" and "pool operations" questionnaires; to gather swimmer behavior and activity data for use in risk assessment; and to estimate Cryptosporidium parvum infection risk in swimmers. Results were used to identify data gaps and future research needs relative to treated recreational water. To achieve these objectives, 126 swimmers were recruited at four pool sites in Tucson, Arizona, video-taped, and asked to complete a post-swim questionnaire. Forty-six of the 126 swimmers submitted a 24 hr post-swim urine sample for quantifying pool water ingestion. Head submersion frequency and duration and splashes to the face were observed and quantified in video analysis, and activities and behaviors were reported on the exposure questionnaire. Variable data were analyzed for associations with pool water ingestion estimated by urinalysis. Results indicate questionnaires can be self-administered electronically; the exposure questionnaire can be used to estimate ingestion magnitude in place of urinalysis; leisure swimming activities (diving, playing, splashing, wading, sitting) and frequency of face splashes are ingestion exposure factors; and that Cryptosporidium infection risk is greatest among leisure swimmers. Other activities observed and suspected of having associations with ingestion were short submersion durations (<1 sec), and spitting and spouting water. More research and resources focused on improving treated recreational water environments and reducing risks among swimmers are needed. Developing an indicator organism test representative of Cryptosporidium, a monitoring program for treated recreational water, education aimed at leisure swimmer, and routine engineering and administrative controls are recommended. Swimming is a unique activity that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities. Controlling hazards in pool environments reduces Recreational Waterborne Illness risks associated with pool water ingestion and improves the health and safety of swimmers.

The three studies in this dissertation examine the relationship between the decision of market participants to compete or collaborate on their innovation strategies and outcomes as well as the broader industry structure and technological progress. The first study analyzes the impact of modern patent pools on the innovative performance of firms outside the pool. Theories generally predict that modern patent pools have a positive impact on innovation by reducing the cost of access to the pool’s technology, but recent empirical research suggests that patent pools may actually decrease the innovation rate of firms outside the pool. Using a difference-in-difference-with-matching methodology, I find a substantial decline in outsiders’ patenting rate after the pool formation. However I find that the observed reduction is mainly due to a shift in firms’ investment from additional patentable technological exploration toward implementing the pool technology in their products. The results shed light on how the interaction between cooperation, in the form of patent pooling, and competition shapes firms’ innovative strategies by enabling opportunities for application development based on the pooled technologies. In the second study, I examine the impact of restrictive stem cell policies introduced by George W. Bush in 2001 on the U.S. scientists’ productivity and collaboration patterns. Employing a difference-in-differences methodology, I find that the 2001 Bush policy led to a decline in the research productivity of U.S. scientists. However, the effect was short-lived as U.S. scientists accessed non-federal funds within the United States and sought funds outside the United States through their international ties. The results suggest that scientists may use international collaborations as a strategic means to deal with uncertainties in their national policy environment. In the third study, I examine the effects of the fragmentation of patent rights on subsequent investment in new inventions. Using a theoretical model and an empirical analysis of the semiconductor industry, I seek to shed light on the contingency factors that shape the role of technological fragmentation in explaining the investment decisions and appropriation strategies of firms. The results provide a dynamic explanation of the interplay between firms’ R&D investment, their patenting strategies, and technological fragmentation.

Įvadas. Pasirinktoji darbo tema - aktuali nūdienos visuomenės praktinio gyvenimo kontekste. Teoriniu požiūriu - tai galimybė išsamiai išnagrinėti kelis dalykus - nustatyti ir įvertinti uždaro tipo baseinų aplinkos higieninius veiksnius visuomenės sveikatos specialisto ir vartotojo aspektu bei įvertinti požiūrį į teikiamų baseinų paslaugų kokybę. Darbo tikslas. Nustatyti ir įvertinti uždaro tipo baseinų aplinkos higieninius veiksnius visuomenės sveikatos specialisto ir vartotojo aspektu. Uždaviniai. • Ištirti ir įvertinti uždaro tipo baseinų aplinkos higieninius veiksnius; • Įvertinti baseinų vandens paruošimo kokybę ir kontrolę; • Įvertinti paslaugų vartotojų požiūrį į baseinų teikiamų paslaugų kokybę. Tyrimo metodika. Atlikta mokslinės literatūros apžvalga bei anoniminė anketinė apklausa. Anketų duomenys buvo apdoroti naudojant statistinį duomenų analizės paketą SPSS 13.0. ir MS EXEL programa. Duomenų analizė darbe pateikiama lentelėmis ir paveikslais. Rezultatai. Tyrimo duomenimis nustatyta, kad dauguma respondentų baseinuose lankosi žiem�� ir pavasarį. Daugiau nei pusė apklaustųjų respondentų teigė, kad nėra patenkinti persirengimo kambarių patalpų švara. Pastebėta, baseinų lankytojai prieš pradėdami lankyti baseiną, neapsilanko pas gydytoją dėl grybelio profilaktikos. Net 10,8 proc. apklaustųjų teigė, kad po apsilankymo baseine teko užsikrėsti grybelinėmis infekcijomis. Išvados. Remiantis atlikto tyrimo rezultatais galima teigti, kad baseinų lankytojai nepakankamai... [toliau žr. visą tekstą] / The selected theme of the work is relevant in the present practical life of society. From the theoretical point of view, it provides a possibility to investigate thoroughly a few subjects – to evaluate and to determine hygienic factors of closed-type water pools from the position of a public health specialist and from the position of a user, and to evaluate view to quality of services provided by closed-type water pools. Aim of the study. To determine and to evaluate hygienic factors of closed-type water pool environment from the point of view of a public health specialist and user. Objectives. • To investigate and to evaluate hygienic factors of closed-type water pools; • To evaluate quality of water-pool water preparation and control; • To evaluate views to quality of services provided by water pools. Methods. A review of scientific literature and a questionnaire survey is performed. Data of the questionnaire survey were processed usable the statistical data analysis software SPSS 13.0 and MS EXEL application. Data analysis is presented in the work in the form of tables and diagrams. Results. The investigation has shown that most respondents visit water pools in winter and spring. More than half of respondents stated that they were not satisfied with cleanness of changing rooms. It was noticed that visitors don’t visit doctors due to fungi prophylactics before going to water-pools/ even 10,8 percent of respondents stated that they had fungal infections after visiting... [to full text]

This study used the isotope pool dilution method to estimate gross rates of mineralization, nitrification, NH4+ and NO3- consumption, and denitrification emissions over two growing seasons within a conventional barley-red clover-potato crop rotation on Prince Edward Island. Gross rates within the 2010 season were, in most cases, not significant across crop species or sampling date. In comparison, gross nitrification, NH4+ consumption, and NO3- consumption rates in 2011 were greatest within the potato crop following planting and hilling. However, rates were highly variable within both seasons. Error analysis indicated that variation in soil mineral nitrogen concentrations between duplicate cores was the greatest source of error. The use of the isotope pool dilution method to estimate gross nitrogen transformation rates using intact cores was not viable within this production system due to high and variable soil mineral nitrogen concentrations, particularly following fertilizer application.

The three studies in this dissertation examine the relationship between the decision of market participants to compete or collaborate on their innovation strategies and outcomes as well as the broader industry structure and technological progress. The first study analyzes the impact of modern patent pools on the innovative performance of firms outside the pool. Theories generally predict that modern patent pools have a positive impact on innovation by reducing the cost of access to the pool’s technology, but recent empirical research suggests that patent pools may actually decrease the innovation rate of firms outside the pool. Using a difference-in-difference-with-matching methodology, I find a substantial decline in outsiders’ patenting rate after the pool formation. However I find that the observed reduction is mainly due to a shift in firms’ investment from additional patentable technological exploration toward implementing the pool technology in their products. The results shed light on how the interaction between cooperation, in the form of patent pooling, and competition shapes firms’ innovative strategies by enabling opportunities for application development based on the pooled technologies. In the second study, I examine the impact of restrictive stem cell policies introduced by George W. Bush in 2001 on the U.S. scientists’ productivity and collaboration patterns. Employing a difference-in-differences methodology, I find that the 2001 Bush policy led to a decline in the research productivity of U.S. scientists. However, the effect was short-lived as U.S. scientists accessed non-federal funds within the United States and sought funds outside the United States through their international ties. The results suggest that scientists may use international collaborations as a strategic means to deal with uncertainties in their national policy environment. In the third study, I examine the effects of the fragmentation of patent rights on subsequent investment in new inventions. Using a theoretical model and an empirical analysis of the semiconductor industry, I seek to shed light on the contingency factors that shape the role of technological fragmentation in explaining the investment decisions and appropriation strategies of firms. The results provide a dynamic explanation of the interplay between firms’ R&D investment, their patenting strategies, and technological fragmentation.

No description available.

Headwater streams provide diverse habitat for aquatic organisms, drinking water for downstream communities and abundant recreational activities. The addition of in-stream wood to headwater channels can influence the hydrology, morphology and ecology of the system. The recruitment of wood to the channel and the export mechanisms determine the wood load and structure types formed in-stream, thus altering the channel’s morphological response. This research examined the effects of in stream wood on channel morphology in two headwater streams along the eastern slopes of the Canadian Rocky Mountains; Lyons East (LE) and Corolla Creek (CC). Lyons East has natural and anthropogenic disturbance (burned and salvage-logged) in the watershed, while Corolla Creek has anthropogenic (grazing and recreation) disturbances in the watershed. An assessment of the longitudinal spatial distribution and a reach-scale geomorphic classification were conducted to investigate the impacts of in-stream wood on channel morphology, pool formation and sediment storage. The spatial distribution of in-stream wood was 1.49 sites/100m for both watersheds, results that are comparable to previously conducted studies in similar geographic watersheds. The types of structures found in both watersheds were predominately jam formations (LE - 43%, CC - 47%), which is consistent with the wood loading and spatial distribution conceptual model previously developed by Whol and Jaeger (2009) for in-stream wood accumulations in mountain streams. At the reach-scale level of analysis, in-stream wood was found to impact channel morphology and pool forming processes. The addition of wood to the stream caused half of the studied reaches to have forced pool-riffle morphology. For all six selected study reaches, there was a decrease in expected pool spacing and an increase in the diversity of pool types. The relationship between wood-affected pools and sediment storage was examined and the results show that more sediment was stored in the burned/salvage logged reaches. Cohesive sediment was stored only in pools influenced by wood structures for half of the studied reaches. V* was generally higher in wood-affected pools for five of the six study reaches. The weighted average (V*w), which provides information regarding the storage of cohesive at the reach scale, was greater in Lyons East than in Corolla Creek. The presence of both exposed bedrock in the channel as well as the amount of vegetation are possible reasons for the smaller amounts of sediment observed in Corolla Creek. The observations from this reach scale investigation led to the development of a conceptual model, which can be used to predict the location of cohesive sediment storage in headwater streams of the Oldman River Basin. This model highlights the relationship between simultaneous recruitment of in-stream wood and sediment from local sources as a mechanism for protecting and storing cohesive sediment deposits. This research examined channel responses to in-stream wood within the context of land-use planning and Alberta’s Water for Life Strategy. There was evidence of lateral channel migration in the floodplain of both watersheds. At some sites, the channel shifted up to 30 metres while in other sections of the watershed, the channel was confined within a narrow valley. Accordingly, it is recommended that the current salvage logging guidelines be changed to include a flexible riparian buffer that would more appropriately reflect the diversity in riparian widths throughout the watersheds. In addition the best management practice is to allow natural in-stream wood processes to evolve and not to remove in-stream wood from the channel. The in-stream wood provides diverse aquatic habitat and the cycle of wood being recruited and being in the stream is part of the natural ecosystem in forested environments.