Submitted by Neusa Fagundes (neusa.fagundes@unioeste.br) on 2017-09-06T13:24:19Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Adelcio_Giongo2016.pdf: 1383735 bytes, checksum: ddf849e35c040eb04a0c84af1eeb643f (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2017-09-06T13:24:19Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Adelcio_Giongo2016.pdf: 1383735 bytes, checksum: ddf849e35c040eb04a0c84af1eeb643f (MD5) Previous issue date: 2017-07-22 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior - CAPES / The swine industry has shown strong development and, thus, has produced large volumes of effluents that must be correctly managed. Therefore, when such effluent cannot be released into soil, a treatment must be carried out to avoid environmental impacts of swine wastewater. Nitrogen is one of the elements that takes part in swine waste and it must be under constant evaluation, but, in some cases, it must be removed. Nitrification/denitrification (NDF) process is a frequent applied technology. However, when the effluent presents low C/N ratio, such as effluents after anaerobic processes, there is some decrease on denitrification efficiency and the total nitrogen removal can be affected. In this case, Nitritation/denitritation (NDT) process can be used to improve the system performance as well as save energy cost with aeration and external source of carbon due to the lower C/N requirement. Thus, this study aimed at evaluating swine wastewater based on NDF and NDT processes at different C/N ratios in order to obtain a system with efficient nitrogen removal and low oxygen and carbon consumption. Four phases were carried out during this experiment: Phase I) DO from 2.0-3.0 mgO2L-1 to 1.5 C/N; Phase II) DO from 0.6-0.7 mgO2L-1 to 1.5 C/N; Phase III) DO from 0.6 to 0.7 mgO2L-1, different C/N ratios (1.5, 0.9, 0.75 and 0.6); Phase IV) DO from 2.0 to 3.0 mgO2L-1, different C/N ratios (1.5, 0.9, 0.75, and 0.6). The best operational condition was obtained at nitritation/denitritation process, whose C/N ratio was 0.9, and the optimum N removal was 86.3%. Under this condition, the system saved almost 36.8% of total organic carbon consumption and nearly 74% of dissolved oxygen consumed when compared to the conventional process for N-removal. This strategy can be very useful for nitrogen removal with low carbon rates, as the digestate from anaerobic processes. / A atividade suinocultura tem apresentado forte crescimento, e assim vem produzindo grandes volumes de efluentes que devem ser corretamente administrados. Portanto, quando não é possível a aplicação deste tipo de efluente no solo, o tratamento deve ser aplicado para que se evitem impactos ambientais. O nitrogênio é um dos elementos presentes nos dejetos de suínos que deve estar sob constante avaliação, e em alguns casos deve ser removido. O processo de nitrificação/desnitrificação (NDF) é uma tecnologia frequentemente aplicada, porém, quando o efluente apresenta baixa relação C/N, como efluentes pós-processos anaeróbios, a eficiência da desnitrificação é reduzida e a remoção de nitrogênio total pode ser afetada. Neste caso, o processo de nitritação/desnitritação (NDT) pode ser utilizado para melhorar o desempenho do sistema e economizar energia com aeração e com fonte externa de carbono, devido ao requisito de baixa relação C/N. Assim, o objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a água residuária de suinocultura utilizando nitrificação/desnitrificação e nitritação/desnitritação em diferentes relações C/N, a fim de se obter um sistema com eficiente remoção de nitrogênio e baixo consumo de oxigênio e carbono. Quatro fases foram realizadas durante o experimento: Fase I) OD entre 2,0-3,0 mgO2 L-1 (nitrificação) e C/N 1,5; Fase II) OD entre 0,6-0,7 mgO2 L-1 (nitritação), e C/N 1,5; Fase III) OD entre 0,6-0,7 mgO2 L-1, diferentes relações C/N (1,5, 0,9, 0,75 e 0,6); Fase IV) OD entre 2,0-3,0 mgO2 L-1, diferentes relações de C/N (1,5, 0,9, 0,75 e 0,6). A melhor condição operacional foi encontrada no processo nitritação/desnitritação, com relação C/N de 0,9, cuja remoção de N considerada ótima foi de 86,3%. Nesta condição, a economia do sistema foi de 36,8% do consumo total de carbono orgânico e de cerca de 74% do consumo de oxigênio dissolvido, quando comparado com o processo convencional de remoção de N. Esta estratégia pode ser muito útil para a remoção do nitrogênio de efluentes de baixo teor de carbono, como os provenientes de processos anaeróbios.

Conventional rotating machine vibration monitoring techniques are based on the assumption that changes in the measured structural response are caused by deterioration in the condition of the rotating machine. However, due to variations of the rotational speed, the measured signal may be non-stationary and difficult to interpret. For this reason, the order tracking technique is introduced. One of main advantages of order tracking over traditional vibration monitoring lies in its ability to clearly identify non-stationary vibration data and to a large extent exclude the influences of varying rotational speed. In recent years, different order tracking techniques have been developed. Each of these has their own pros and cons in analyzing rotating machinery vibration signals. In this research, three existing order tracking techniques are extensively investigated and combined to further explore their abilities in the context of condition monitoring. Firstly, computed order tracking is examined. This allows non-stationary effects due to the variation of rotational speed to be largely excluded. However, this technique was developed to deal with the entire raw signal and therefore looses the ability to focus on each individual order of interest. Secondly, Vold-Kalman filter order tracking is considered. It is widely reported that this technique overcomes many of the limitations of other order tracking methods and extracts order signals into the time domain. However because of the adaptive nature of the Vold-Kalman filter, the non-stationary effects due to the rotational speed will remain in the extracted order waveform, which is not ideal for conventional signal processing methods such as Fourier analysis. Yet, the strict mathematical filter (the Vold-Kalman filter is based upon two rigorous mathematical equations, namely the data equation and the structural equation, to realize the filter) gives this technique an excellent ability to focus on the orders of interest. Thirdly, the empirical mode decomposition method is studied. In the literature, this technique is claimed to be an effective diagnostic tool for various kinds of applications including diagnosis of rotating machinery faults. Its unique empirical way of extracting non-stationary and non-linear signals allows it to capture machine fault information which is intractable by other order tracking methods. But since there is no precise mathematical definition for an intrinsic mode function in empirical mode decomposition and – as far as could be ascertained – no published assessment of the relationship between an order and an intrinsic mode function, this technique has not been properly considered by analysts in terms of order tracking. As a result, its abilities have not really been explored in the context of order related vibrations in rotating machinery. In this research, the relationship between an order and an intrinsic mode function is discussed and it is treated as a special kind of order tracking method. In stead of focusing individually on each order tracking technique, the current work synthesizes different order tracking techniques. Through combination, exchange and reconciliation of ideas between these order tracking techniques, three improved order tracking techniques are developed for the purpose of enhancing order tracking analysis in condition monitoring. The techniques are Vold-Kalman filter and computed order tracking (VKC-OT), intrinsic mode function and Vold-Kalman filter order tracking (IVK-OT) and intrinsic cycle re-sampling (ICR). Indeed, these improved approaches contribute to current order tracking practice, by providing new order tracking methods with new capabilities for condition monitoring of systems which are intractable by traditional order tracking methods, or which enhances results obtained by these traditional methods. The work commences with a discussion of the inter-relationship between the order tracking methods which are considered in the thesis, and exposition of the scope of the work and an explanation of the way these independent order tracking techniques are integrated in the thesis. To demonstrate the abilities of the improved order tracking techniques, two simulation models are established. One is a simple single-degree-of-freedom (SDOF) rotor model with which VKC-OT and IVK-OT techniques are demonstrated. The other is a simplified gear mesh model through which the effectiveness of the ICR technique is proved. Finally two experimental set-ups in the Sasol Laboratory for Structural Mechanics at the University of Pretoria are used for demonstrating the improved approaches for real rotating machine signals. One test rig was established to monitor an automotive alternator driven by a variable speed motor. A stator winding inter-turn short was artificially introduced. Advantages of the VKC-OT technique are presented and features clear and clean order components under non-stationary conditions. The diagnostic ability of the IVK-OT technique of further decomposing an intrinsic mode function is also demonstrated via signals from this test rig, so that order signals and vibrations that modulate orders in IMFs can be separated and used for condition monitoring purposes. The second experimental test rig is a transmission gearbox. Artificially damaged gear teeth were introduced. The ICR technique provides a practical alternative tool for fault diagnosis. It proves to be effective in diagnosing damaged gear teeth. / Thesis (PhD)--University of Pretoria, 2011. / Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering / unrestricted

L'objectif de ce travail a consisté à identifier des polluants émergents dans des eaux usées issues de stations d'épuration ainsi que dans le milieu naturel et à proposer une méthode de remédiation et un suivi de ces polluants. Dans un premier temps, nous avons identifié les polluants organiques contenus dans les échantillons d'eaux usées et issues du milieu naturel par chromatographie en phase liquide ou gazeuse couplée à une spectrométrie de masse, chromatographie en phase gazeuse par espace de tête statique et par spectrométrie par torche à plasma couplée à une spectrométrie de masse. Différents polluants ont été trouvés tels que les phtalates, des substances médicamenteuses, le cholestérol et des éléments de traces métalliques. Dans le but de piéger ces polluants, différents polymères de cyclodextrine (CD) solubles et insolubles dans l'eau ont été synthétisés et leurs capacités d'adsorption ont été évaluées. Après adsorption sur les polymères de CD, nous avons observé une diminution de la teneur en carbone organique total (COT) de l'effluent. Ces polymères se sont révélés être des adsorbants efficaces. Dans un second temps, des verres du système pseudo-ternaire Agl-HgS-As₂S₃ ont été synthétisés en ajoutant le composé le composé Agl dans le système pseudo-binaire HgS-As₂S₃. Ces verres de chalcogénures sont des membranes ionosélectives permettant de détecter les ions Hg²⁺ dans les effluents. Tout d'abord, nous avons défini le domaine vitreux des verres à l'aide de la diffraction des rayons X, ensuite les propriétés macroscopiques des verres ont été déterminées. Ainsi, les propriétés de transport ont été étudiées à l'aide de la spectroscopie d'impédance complexe montrant que l'ajout d'Agl dans le verre pseudo-binaire HgS-As₂S₃ provoque une augmentation de la conductivité ionique. Afin de comprendre ce phénomène, diverses études structurales ont été déployées par spectroscopie Raman, diffraction de neutrons et de rayon X haute énergie. Ces techniques ont montré que l'évolution de la conductivité ionique est dépendante de la structure du verre qui forme des chemins préférentiels de conduction. Enfin, différents capteurs avec différentes compositions sont testés afin de définir la sensibilité, la limite de détection et les coefficients de sélectivité en présence d'ions interférents. / The aim of this work was to identify the emerging pollutants in the effluents of wastewater treatment plants as well as in the natural environment, and to propose a method of remediation and monitoring of these pollutants. In the first part of the thesis, we have identified the organic pollutants contained in the wastewater samples using (i) gas and/or liquid chromatography coupled with a mass spectrometry, (ii) static-headspace gas chromatography, and (iii) inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy. Different pollutants were found such as phthalates, drugs, cholesterol, and heavy metal traces. In order to trap these pollutants, various water soluble/insoluble cyclodextrin β-CD polymers have been synthesized and their adsorption capacities were evaluated. After the analysis of the effluent samples, we observed a decrease of the Total Organic Carbon (TOC). This decrease was attributed to the adsorption of pollutant by CD polymers which have proven to be effective adsorbents. The second part of the thesis included two main sub-parts : (i) a synthesis and characterization part and (ii) an application part. In the first sub-part, chalcogenide glasses in the pseudo-ternary Agl-HgS-As₂S₃ system have been synthesized by adding silver iodide "Agl" to the quasi-binary HgS-As₂S₃ system. The vitreous domain and the macroscopic properties of glass samples were determined. Electrical conductivity of glasses was studied using both the complex impedance spectroscopy and resistivity measurements ; it was found that adding Agl to the quasi-binary HgS-As₂S₃ alloy causes an increase in the ionic conductivity. Structural studies, using various techniques as Raman spectroscopy, neutron scattering and high-energy X-ray diffraction, have been performed in order to decipher the relation between both structural and transport properties in these glasses. In the second sub-part, the obtained glasses in the ternary system were used as membranes in chemical sensors dedicated to mercury detection in aqueous solution. As a result, various sensors with different compositions were tested to determine their corresponding sensitivity, detection limit and selectivity coefficients in the presence of interfering ions.

The goal of this thesis “Futures trading of commodities as a retail trader” is creation of investment suggestion, based on analysis of possibilities, markets and factors influencing the price. In the first part are defined basic terms and information for better orientation on the futures commodity market. In the next part are analysis of the major commodity markets, groups of commodities and detailed analysis of interest commodities – gold and silver. The last third part of the thesis engage in creation of strategy for trading of commodity futures on gold and silver, which is the basic element for the final investment suggestion.

The diploma thesis deals with an overview of the creation of a recreational area in the village Mokrá-Horákov, from history to the present, including the price history. The first part of the diploma thesis is defined by the definition of a building for recreation and the described histori-cal development of the village Mokrá-Horákov. The following sections describe the selected cottages and their valuation according to previous valuation regulations, current valuation regu-lations in the Czech Republic and current valuation regulations in Austria. In the experimental part, an analysis of valued cottages and realized sales and rentals is performed. Last but not le-ast, it is mentioned the possible acquisition of a cottage in a given locality for purchase and lease and a proposal to change the zoning plan in the recreational area. At the end of the diploma the-sis is a discussion of the results and evaluation of the results.

XIST RNA established the precedent for a noncoding RNA that stably associates with and regulates chromatin, however it remains poorly understood how such RNAs structurally associate with the interphase chromosome territory. I demonstrate that transgenic XIST RNA localizes in cis to an autosome as it does to the inactive X chromosome, hence the RNA recognizes a structure common to all chromosomes. I reassess the prevalent thinking in the field that a single protein, Scaffold Attachment Factor-A (SAF-A/hnRNP U), provides a single molecule bridge required to directly tether the RNA to DNA. In an extensive series of experiments in multiple cell types, I examine the effects of SAF-A depletion or different SAF-A mutations on XIST RNA localization, and I force XIST RNA retention at mitosis to examine the effect on SAF-A. I find that SAF-A is not required to localize XIST RNA but is one of multiple proteins involved, some of which frequently become lost or compromised in cancer. I additionally examine SAF-A’s potential role localizing repeat-rich CoT-1 RNA, a class of abundant RNAs that we show tightly and stably localize to euchromatic interphase chromosome territories, but release upon disruption of the nuclear scaffold. Overall, findings suggest that instead of “tethering” chromosomal RNAs to the scaffold, SAF-A is one component of a multi-component matrix/scaffold supporting interphase nuclear architecture. Results indicate that Cot-1 and XIST RNAs form integral components of this scaffold and are required to maintain the chromosomal association of SAF-A, substantially advancing understanding of how chromatin-associated RNAs contribute to nuclear structure.