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Natural gas has been considered a clean energy which is more environmental friendly and with higher combustion efficiency. In Taiwan, most LNG was imported from abroad, with large amount of cold energy for application, despite the fact that it has been utilized for only 8% of total. In LNG cold energy utilization process, the change of exergy can be simulated with the second law of Thermodynamics as a means to analyze its energy efficiency. Especially, when the transportation distance is long, the optimal insulation thickness can then be calculated to justify its economic feasibility. In this study, thermoeconomics was applied to analyze the feasibility of LNG cold energy recovery, which warrants it as a powerful design tool in engineering applications.

The objectives of this study were accomplished with two experiments in growing Bonsmara bulls (N = 68) (experiment 1), and Simmental crossbred calves (N = 132) (experiment 2). Specific objectives for experiment 1 were to characterize residual feed intake (RFI) in growing bulls, and examine relationships between RFI and performance, fertility, temperament and body composition traits. In experiment 2, the objectives were to examine stocker-phase supplementation effects on feedlot feed conversion ratio (FCR) and RFI and to characterize relationships between these feed efficiency traits, and performance and carcass traits in finishing calves. In both experiments, individual feed intakes and BW were measured. Ultrasound technology was used to measure body composition in experiment 1, while actual carcass measurements taken at harvest were used for experiment 2. Experiment 1 demonstrated that temperament affected ADG and DMI, but not FCR or RFI. Residual feed intake was not phenotypically correlated to scrotal circumference or bull fertility traits. Experiments 1 and 2 demonstrated that RFI was independent of ADG and BW, but that there was a tendency (P < 0.10) for RFI to be phenotypically correlated with 12th rib fat thickness (r = 0.20 and 0.22). However, RFI was not correlated with longissimus muscle area in either experiment. Both experiments demonstrated that low RFI (< 0.5 SD below mean RFI) calves consumed significantly (20 and 22%) less feed and had improved (21%) FCR compared to calves with high RFI (> 0.5 SD above mean RFI). Results from experiment 2 suggest that RFI measured while calves are consuming high-grain diets may be less influenced by previous level of stocker supplementation compared to FCR or residual gain efficiency traits. In summary, RFI was found to be phenotypically independent of growth rate and BW, had no effect on bull fertility or temperament traits, and was less impacted by previous plane of nutrition compared to FCR.

The analysis of security defense processes is of utmost importance in the management of various cyber-security attacks, which are increasing in scope and rapidity. Organizations need to optimize their resources based on a sound understanding of the level of their security defense processes' efficiency and the impact of their investment. Modeling and characterization of the dynamics of cyber security management are essential to risk prediction, damage assessment, and resource allocations. This dissertation addresses the interactions between human factors and information systems. On the basis of the spiral life cycle model of software development processes, we develop a realistic, holistic security attack-defense model - Man-Machine Model (M3), which combines human factors and information systems' (i.e., machine) states under an integrated analytical framework. M3 incorporates man and machine components. The man component is comprised of several variables such as Skill & Knowledge (SKKN) and Teamwork Quality (TWQ). The machine component is composed of variables such as traffic volume and the amount of downtime. M3 enables the analysis of intrusion detection and incident response process efficiency, i.e., security defense team performance. With data analysis, we formulate and test four major research hypotheses based on the data collected during security experiments. Through hypothesis testing, we evaluate regression models to estimate the security defense team performance (i.e. efficiency) at different levels of human intelligence (e.g., skill and knowledge) and teamwork (e.g., teamwork quality). We assess the fitness and significance of the regression models, and verify their assumptions. Based on these results, organizations can hire those who have an appropriate level of skill and knowledge when it concerns investments to increase the level of skill and knowledge of security personnel. They also can attempt to increase the level of skill and knowledge of security personnel.

Feed efficiency in fed F2 Nellore-Angus steers produced through embryo transfer was evaluated using two methods: residual feed intake (RFI) and NRC-based model predicted residual consumption (MPRC). Sire and family(sire) both contributed to differences in model predicted residual consumption (P = 0.036 and P < 0.001, respectively), but not in RFI (P = 0.117 and 0.455, respectively). This indicates that variation exists among the sires and families studied, and the opportunity exists to improve MPRC through selection; it also indicates these 2 evaluation methods could result in different conclusions about feed efficiency. Five aspects of temperament were also evaluated (aggressiveness, nervousness, flightiness, gregariousness, and overall temperament) on a 9-point scale shortly after weaning. Sire had a significant effect on all 5 aspects of temperament evaluated, but family was only responsible for variation in aggressiveness, nervousness, and overall temperament. Contemporary group had no effect on aggressiveness, but did contribute significantly to variation in all other temperament traits. All temperament traits were highly correlated with one another (r = 0.81 to 0.98). Recipient dam temperament was lowly correlated with gregariousness and overall temperament (r = 0.16 and 0.15, respectively), and the correlations with recipient dam temperament approached significance for aggressiveness, nervousness and flightiness. This suggests that the temperament of the recipient female may have a small effect on the temperament of the calf. This population was structured to identify QTL for economically important traits and appears to be useful to identify genetic markers for feed efficiency and animal temperament.

Feed efficiency in fed F2 Nellore-Angus steers produced through embryo transfer was evaluated using two methods: residual feed intake (RFI) and NRC-based model predicted residual consumption (MPRC). Sire and family(sire) both contributed to differences in model predicted residual consumption (P = 0.036 and P < 0.001, respectively), but not in RFI (P = 0.117 and 0.455, respectively). This indicates that variation exists among the sires and families studied, and the opportunity exists to improve MPRC through selection; it also indicates these 2 evaluation methods could result in different conclusions about feed efficiency. Five aspects of temperament were also evaluated (aggressiveness, nervousness, flightiness, gregariousness, and overall temperament) on a 9-point scale shortly after weaning. Sire had a significant effect on all 5 aspects of temperament evaluated, but family was only responsible for variation in aggressiveness, nervousness, and overall temperament. Contemporary group had no effect on aggressiveness, but did contribute significantly to variation in all other temperament traits. All temperament traits were highly correlated with one another (r = 0.81 to 0.98). Recipient dam temperament was lowly correlated with gregariousness and overall temperament (r = 0.16 and 0.15, respectively), and the correlations with recipient dam temperament approached significance for aggressiveness, nervousness and flightiness. This suggests that the temperament of the recipient female may have a small effect on the temperament of the calf. This population was structured to identify QTL for economically important traits and appears to be useful to identify genetic markers for feed efficiency and animal temperament.

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Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Michigan, 1915. / Kansas State Documents Classification Number: E50.13 : v. 9, no. 17. Includes bibliographical references (p. 241-243).

Pneumatic conveyors have been used for the transportation of solids for many decades. Their design is substantially empirical, and because they run with almost no instrumentation or control, large safety factors are employed to ensure long-term safe and reliable conveying under all envisaged conveying conditions. The resulting excessive conveying velocity leads to increased energy consumption, pipeline wear and solids breakdown. The aim of the work reported in this thesis was to develop an instrumentation and control system which provides minimum cost conveying for a variable solids feedrate and composition, in a lean phase vertical pneumatic conveyor. Incipient blockage of the pipeline is detected through measuring solids velocity by cross correlation of signals from electrodynamic transducers. This solids velocity measurement system is modelled, and laser techniques independently confirm the experimentally measured solids velocity and profile in the pipe. A model of the pneumatic conveyor is described which is used in the design of a feedback control scheme. By controlling the pilot plant to convey at minimum safe solids velocity, independently of any solids feedrate change, energy savings of up to 45% are shown to be possible.

Sustainable Built Environments Senior Capstone / The subject matter of this report regards the overall efficiency of two University of Arizona Dormitories from a cost, energy, materials, and construction techniques point of view. Essential to this study was also the social habits of residents within the dormitories, and how they effected the energy use. The two dormitories are considered “pre – LEED” as they were built prior to the recent certification system. Both Manzanita – Mohave, and Coronado Residence Halls were examined in a case study, and interview with the Director of Residence Life, Alex Blandeburgo. In the case study portion, the dormitories’ refrigeration, electricity, steam, and water consumption rates were investigated and compared. These 4 energy types were then looked at from a cost perspective. Lastly, the use of sustainable materials was compared, as well as the construction techniques, and design of each dormitory, and how this could affect social habits, as well as energy use in the dorms. There were some very interesting findings that can be taken from this report. To begin, Manzanita – Mohave was deemed the more sustainable dorm, as its overall energy consumption rates per square foot were much lower than Coronado’s (refrigeration, steam, electricity, and water). In addition to this, Manzi – Mo had less of a cost burden on energy, and its construction methods facilitated less energy use. Additionally, the social habits of Coronado’s residents seem to favor much higher energy uses, which were attributed to their response to the construction methods of the Coronado. These essential results and theories were supported by the experiences of Alex Blandeburgo, and quintessentially mean that a residence hall’s energy efficiency is effected more by the residents that live in it and their habits, rather than its construction techniques, or LEED certification.