Sorption Behaviour of Selected Dairy Powder Mixtures: A Study of The Effects of Composition and Mixing Methods Abstract As water mediates physico-chemical reactions (i.e. Maillard reactions, phase changes of sugars and minerals, protein conformational changes), water-powder interactions during storage are critical for dairy powder stability. Therefore, the mechanisms of moisture adsorption from the environment and water distribution among components in the dry state need to be investigated, especially in mixed systems. In order to achieve this goal, the research reported in this thesis had two key objectives. The first was to examine the effect of the sorption properties and phase changes of individual components in relation to the sorption properties of the mixed system. This was achieved by adding three level concentrations of lactose and mineral rich dairy powder (10, 20 and 30%) to Milk Protein Concentrate containing 85% of protein (MPC-85). The second objective was to examine the effect of mixing methods on the sorption behaviour of mixed systems, by applying two different mixing methods, solution mixing and mechanical mixing (particulate mixing). In the solution mixing method, the components were mixed in the same water and then spray dried. In the mechanical mixing method, two individual powder components were physically mixed. For both mixed systems, the kinetics of moisture adsorption were determined at 4 different equilibrium relative humidity levels (22.5, 43.2, 65.4 and 84.3%) and the final equilibrium moisture contents were determined at 8 different equilibrium relative humidity levels (11.3, 22.5, 32.8, 43.2, 52.9, 65.4, 75.3 and 84.3%) at 25°C. The effect of lactose addition to the MPC powder tended to retard the moisture sorption of the mixtures. The increase of concentration level of the lactose that was introduced to the MPC system, through either solution or mechanical mixing, resulted in less moisture adsorption when compared to MPC itself (p-value<0.05). This effect tended to be greater with the increase in relative humidity. A similar effect was observed for MPC/mineral rich milk calcium powder (MC) mixtures. The application of different mixing methods modified the equilibrium moisture content of MPC/Lactose mixtures, even though both mixing methods resulted in similar monolayer moisture value. The monolayer moisture values calculated for both mixing methods were significantly lower than their theoretical values (p-value< 0.05). This suggested that a lactose-protein interaction might exist in both powders prepared by solution and mechanical mixing. Even though the interaction itself is hypothetical, the effect of interaction could be reflected by significant different adsorption rate (p-value < 0.05) of powders produced by different mixing method. A similar type of interaction might exist for the solution mixed MPC/MC system, even though different results were obtained for MPC/MC mixtures prepared by mechanical mixing. The addition of lactose to MPC tended to slow the rate of moisture adsorption. This deceleration might have been contributed to by a reduction of the protein hydration sites by the association of lactose molecules to these sites. In contrast to the MPC/lactose system, the addition of mineral rich MC powder to MPC did not significantly change the rate of adsorption (p-value<0.05). Different mixing methods were found to change the rate of moisture adsorption for the MPC/Lactose systems (p-value<0.05). Even though the mechanically mixed powder adsorbed faster than that of solution mixed powder and X-Ray measurement indicated lactose crystal formation, a drop of moisture during the sorption study was not observed. This suggests that water released during crystallisation might be adsorbed by protein. Meanwhile, the application of two different mixing methods did not modify adsorption rate of MPC/MC system, except for samples stored at RH 84.3%. At this environment, mechanically mixed MPC/MC powders were adsorbed more slowly than the solution mixed powder (p-value<0.05). It might reflect powder compaction or a collapse of the porous structure, leading to limited moisture transfer at the interface. Lactose proportions and different mixing methods influenced the glass-rubber transition temperature (Tg-r) of the MPC/Lactose mixtures. An increase in the proportion of lactose tended to depress Tg-r of the mixtures (p-value<0.05). The Tg-r of the mechanically mixed powder was lower than that of solution mixed powder, presumably on account of the Tg-r for mechanically mixed powder being dominated by phase separated sugar components. Meanwhile, the Tg-r of MPC/MC mixtures was not influenced by either MC proportion or mixing method, particularly for samples stored at below RH 65.4%. The XRD-pattern suggested that the crystal formed during storage of MPC/Lactose mixtures was α-lactose monohydrate. As confirmed by XRD, a drop in moisture for the mixture corresponded to the presence of a peak in the XRD pattern, except for mechanically mixed powder. In this type of powder, even though a peak was detected, a moisture drop was not observed. Within the sensitivity limits of XRD, a crystalline form was not observed for MPC/MC mixtures.

With the first commitment of the Kyoto Protocol commencing in 2008, many signatory governments have identified bio fuels as a favoured response to the problem of fulfilling their countries' pledges to reduce total greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels. Despite the tendency for pressure over climate change to expedite the commercialisation process, detailed evaluation of the claimed benefits, likely efficacy or environmental impact of bio fuels in New Zealand in the form of the Bio fuels Sales Obligation policy (BSO): a mandate place on the Oil Companies to supply a percentage of bio fuel. Systems thinking propound the notion of complex interrelatedness: a pivotal concept in our current understanding of the cumulative effects of greenhouse gas emissions and their relationship to climate change. It also recognizes that the multiple ways in which different stakeholders perceive a contentious question are an integral feature of any problematical situation. By applying systems concepts to qualitative research, Soft Systems Methodology (SSM) is therefore particularly suitable for the analysis of multiple stakeholder discourse in this situation. The present study employs SSM to examine stakeholder opinion through the construction of conceptual models in the form of rich pictures and root definitions. The researcher invited diverse stakeholders to ‘see what they were thinking’ and reflect upon the beliefs and assumptions that informed their views with respect to New Zealand bio fuels development. With reference to official documentation arising from the policy development process and through a series of interviews and a focus group, the research examines perceptions of the consultation process on bio fuels development and its contribution to informed decision-making. The study data indicates that the scope of enquiry tended to be restricted by early presuppositions regarding the consultation process and its desired outcomes, which consequently shifted the focus of consultation the enquiry from an assessment of the desirability of bio fuels to an appraisal of the feasibility of government policy. However inadvertently, communication was distorted. The research examines the basic assumptions that shaped the discourse and enabled already established opinions to prevail. Furthermore, the thesis explores how using SSM to surface tacit assumptions and challenge proposed models of intervention can help improve the reflexivity of discourse and decision-making. By ensuring open communication remains at the centre of discourse, SSM could provide a means of establishing productive conditions for learning and co-creative dialogue. Consequently the study has important implications for how the ‘health’ of public discourse in New Zealand might be sustained when addressing other similarly complex issues.

Augsburg, Univ., Diss., 2008

Gekürzte und überarbeitete Fassung von: Diss.--Neuere Fremdsprachliche Philologien--Berlin--Freie Unversität, 1988.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Illinois State University, 1998. / Title from title page screen, viewed July 18, 2006. Dissertation Committee: Victoria Frenkel Harris (chair), Charles B. Harris, Douglas D. Hesse. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 243-260) and abstract. Also available in print.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Illinois State University, 2000. / Title from title page screen, viewed July 31, 2006. Dissertation Committee: Lucia C. Getsi (chair), William W. Morgan, Cynthia A. Huff. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 182-189) and abstract. Also available in print.

In the Master Thesis research is carried out into the influence of national culture on the implementation of knowledge management (KM) systems, as well as providing the actions which should be carried out for successful implementation. Research was conducted in the Ukraine and the Czech Republic. The Master thesis starts with an explanation of the problem area, a review of the main definitions necessary for understanding the studied field: foundation of national culture and knowledge management are reviewed. Relevance of the topic is explained by the fact that usually more attention is paid to knowledge sharing than its creation, and if we ignore the fact of national culture, the used theories may lead to a collapse of the system of knowledge management, as they should be modified from country to country. Theoretical framework contains a literature review with information about the concept of knowledge and how to create it within an organization, properties of the knowledge base from which stems knowledge management system and its development. Aspects of national culture and organizational models are also described. Typology of culture proposed by Geert Hofstede, is presented, which is taken as a basis for conducting the research. Individualism and Collectivism dimension from his typology are descried in detail. Because of widespread criticism of Hofstede’s work, the main arguments “against” it were provided. Typologies of such researchers as Triandis, Kim, Kagitcibasi and Berry were reviewed to explain why they are not applicable to this study. Soft System Methodology, rich picture, is used to describe the process of implementing Knowledge Management Systems, as well as the processes required for solving problems and eliminating the identified barriers. Through Kotter's 8-Step Change Model reflected actions for implementing of Knowledge Management System and they are showing in rich picture what in addition with concomitant actions creates complete model for KM system implementation. As a philosophical worldview of the research, Social Constructivism was selected. For data collection, it was decided to create a survey which gave qualitative and quantitative data. Steps of survey creation and how it was delivered to respondents are explained, as well as data analysis and sampling methods. Paper provides practical application of gained knowledge. It explains identified barriers to the implementation of KM system, comparison of Ukrainian and Czech Republic companies in the context of KM, as well as KM on a national level. Described in detail is the creation of rich pictures which reflects the model of implementing KM System. While conducting the research it was proved that national culture affects the style of doing business and the process of implementing a knowledge management system in particular. In order to go deeper into the details of the differences that can exist between countries, the discussion talks about features of the national cultures in Europe, where research has been conducted, and Asia, as Chinese culture is one of the most influential countries. In conclusion, different levels of individualism are found in the studied countries. According to the results of the study and received data, it is safe to say that the question of the influence of national culture on the process of implementing a KM System exists and plays an important role. Opportunities for further research are given.

The cost of manufacturing high quality composite components can be significantly reduced by using Out of Autoclave (OOA) processes if they can achieve final parts with a finish quality as high as that obtained using an autoclave process. Much research has been carried out recognising that regardless of the reinforcement fibre orientation, manufacturing of preimpregnated (prepregs) carbon components is much affected during its forming stage by fibre deformation and failure modes. This work sought to reduce wrinkling in the moulding of prepregs by introducing slip layers within the lay-up. Three types of slip layers were used: a dry fabric, a resin rich layer and a resin film. In order for the slip layers to be fully incorporated into the final laminate the resin content within the slip layer must be adjusted prior to crosslinking. In the case of dry fabric layer, additional resin must be introduced and in the case of a resin rich layer and resin film layer, excess resin has to be removed. The laminates used in the project were based on 2/2 twill and unidirectional carbon prepregs. These were manufactured by either Resin Infusion (RI) or Vacuum Bagging (VB). Resin adjustments were made at the same time. The 2/2 twill and unidirectional carbon prepregs were first characterised by Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and Dynamic Mechanical Thermal Analysis (DMTA) before RI and VB. Dry 2/2 twill and unidirectional carbon fabrics and/or Resin Film (for VB) or fabrics and Epoxy Resin (for RI) were introduced in several plybooks and then cured. Final parts were either made of 2/2 twill carbon or unidirectional carbon. The parts were used to investigate the relationship between individual plies during the consolidation of a plybook. The first characterisations were done on flat laminates. Also two moulds were manufactured and used to produce new parts for further characterisations. The first, an aluminium mould was machined using a Computer Numerical Control (CNC). The second mould was a fan blade, made using chopped strand mats. The final parts had 3, 4 or 6 plies. These parts were characterised using Optical Microscopy (OM), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Torsion testing. The results provide a first step towards understanding how the friction at a ply/ply level can be influenced by the "starving" or the "enriching" of resin in a plybook during its consolidation. The work showed that in OOA manufacturing, the friction at a ply/ply level can be controlled by introducing Resin Film, Dry or Resin Rich Fabrics in a prepreg plybook. It was demonstrated that introducing lubrication to control ply friction during forming can result in quality part as high as that obtained from a traditional composite forming process. As the final parts were made using a fixed die mould and a vacuum bag, most of the plies in the layups could deform individually and accommodate interply shear. Torsion testing on a number of a random selection of samples showed negligible effects on shear stresses, strengths and modulus within the parts were negligible. It is argued that the flexibility of the vacuum bag could have had an impact on the layups during forming. The plies could conform to the mould easier. This work has potential for other applications. For example in match die moulding, introducing wet lubrication could improve interply shear during forming and help in improving accuracy and geometrical conformity of final parts. Furthermore, developing techniques to control friction during forming in OOA can be attractive to industries which could not afford to invest in this OOA prepreg technology. OOA processing times have become very attractive to industries such as the sporting good, automotive, wind energy and transportation. These industries could explore the opportunity presented by the work in this EngD thesis.

Methods of increasing the number, diversity and evenness of plant species establishing in species-rich meadows created or enhanced with green hay from a semi-natural source meadow were studied. Three experiments were conducted on grasslands in Birmingham and Herefordshire: (i) Comparisons of species and community transfer resulting from green hay being strewn in consecutive years onto a glyphosated receiver meadow. (ii) The effect on species-richness of introducing green hay into a species-rich created meadow. (iii) The effect of different levels of disturbance in combination with grazing on the introduction of species into an existing created species-rich meadow. Strewing hay twice resulted in vegetation containing more species and species with higher frequencies compared with haying once. Hay strewing increased the number of species in an existing species-rich sward and also increased the frequency and abundance of existing species. Source species frequency, flowering/seed set date and established life strategy had an important influence on species transfer. In general, species that did not transfer were those found at low frequencies in MG5 Cynosurus cristatus – Centaurea nigra community meadows and with stress-tolerance as part of their life strategy. There was a statistically significant three-way interaction between haying, grazing and disturbance. As several terrestrial orchid species are associated with this habitat type, techniques and media for axenic seed germination and propagation of a selected local MG5 meadow orchid species (Dactylorhiza fuchsii) were assessed. Comparisons were made of two media types in combination with mycorrhizae and a source of complex carbohydrates. Of these, oats medium with fungi produced significantly higher germination rates than other tested media. Oats medium also proved the most suitable medium for protocorms when replated, producing the greatest increase in protocorm length compared with Western medium after 15 weeks of growth.

Northern peatlands are a globally important soil carbon (C) store, and aquatic systems draining peatland catchments receive a high loading of dissolved and particulate forms of C from the surrounding terrestrial environment. Once incorporated into the aquatic environment, internal processes occur to modify the C pool. Of these, photo-processing preferentially targets terrestrially derived C and therefore might have a significant effect on the C budget of peatland draining aquatic systems. The overarching aim of this study was to investigate photochemical processing of C in Scottish peatland draining aquatic systems in order to determine the importance of this pathway in aquatic biogeochemical cycles. For initial laboratory experiments, water samples from a peatland headwater stream (Auchencorth Moss, SE Scotland) were collected. Laboratory based irradiation experiments were conducted at a range of temperatures, and different filtration treatments, including unfiltered samples, were employed to understand the fraction of C most susceptible to photo-processing. UV irradiation and temperature had a significant effect on DOC and gas headspace concentrations, with Q10 values of ~1.42 and ~1.65 derived for CO2 and CO photoproduction in unfiltered samples, respectively. However, filtration treatment did not induce significant changes in gaseous C production between light and dark samples, indicating that the experimental conditions favoured breakdown of DOC rather than POC to CO2 and CO. In all light treatments a small but significant increase in CH4 concentration was detected. These data were compared to results from experiments conducted in ambient light and temperature conditions. DOC normalised CO2 photoproduction was an order of magnitude lower than in laboratory conditions, although relative abundances of C species within overall budgets were similar and these experiments demonstrated that ambient exposure is sufficient to generate photo-processing of aquatic peatland C. Overall these data show that peatland C, particularly the < 0.2 μm fraction, is highly photoreactive and that this process is temperature sensitive. Further laboratory irradiation experiments were conducted on filtered water samples collected over a 13-month period from two contrasting aquatic systems. The first was the headwater stream draining Auchencorth Moss peatland with high DOC concentrations. The second was a low DOC reservoir (Loch Katrine, C Scotland) situated in a catchment with a high percentage peat cover. Samples were collected monthly from May 2014 to May 2015 and from the stream system during two rainfall events. Significant variation was seen in the photochemical reactivity of DOC between the two systems, with total irradiation induced change typically two orders of magnitude greater and DOC normalised CO2 production a factor of two higher in the headwater stream samples. This is attributed to longer water residence times in the reservoir rendering a higher proportion of the DOC recalcitrant to photo-processing. Overall the magnitude of photo-induced C losses was significantly positively correlated with DOC concentration in the headwater stream, which varied seasonally with highest concentrations detected in late autumn and winter. Rainfall events were identified as important in replenishing the stream system with photoreactive material, with lignin phenol data indicating mobilisation of fresh DOC from woody vegetation in the upper catchment during a winter rainfall event. Whilst these data clearly demonstrate that peatland catchments generate significant volumes of photoreactive DOC, the degree to which it is processed in the aquatic environment is unclear. Field investigations were undertaken to address this uncertainty. In-situ experiments with unfiltered water samples in light and dark conditions were conducted in two contrasting open water peatland pool systems. At the high DOC site (Red Moss of Balerno, SE Scotland), DOC concentrations in surface light exposed samples decreased by 18% compared to dark controls over 9 days and light treatments were enriched in CO2 and CH4. Photochemical processing was evident in δ13C-DOC and δ13C-DIC signatures of light exposed samples, which were enriched and depleted, respectively, relative to dark controls (+0.23 ‰ and -0.38 ‰) after 9 days of surface exposure. At the low DOC site (Cross Lochs, Forsinard, N Scotland) net production of DOC occurred in both light and dark samples over the experiment duration, in part due to POC breakdown. δ13C-DIC signatures indicated photolysis had occurred in light exposed samples (-1.98 ‰), whilst δ13C-DOC data suggest an absence of photo-processing, as the signatures in both treatments were similar. Accounting for light attenuation through the water column, 46 ± 4.9 and 8.7 ± 0.5 g C-CO2 eq m−2 yr−1 was processed by photochemical and microbial activity in peatland pools within the catchments at the high and low DOC sites, respectively. At both sites, light driven processing was responsible for a considerable percentage (34 and 51%) of gaseous C production when compared to equivalent estimates of microbial C processing and thus should be considered a key driver of peatland pool biogeochemical cycles. It is clear from this study that temperature, seasonal cycles, rainfall events and water residence time provide strong controls on the photoreactivity of aquatic C in Scottish peatland systems. The photo-processing pathway has the potential to alter the C balance of peatland catchments with a high percentage coverage of aquatic systems. Under climate change scenarios where light, temperature and rainfall conditions are expected to change, this process may become increasingly important in aquatic C cycling, particularly if the upward trend in DOC concentrations in northern aquatic systems continues.