The present study addresses the perceived gap in literature on contribution of managerial demographics to the innovation performance of manufacturing firms of 12 European countries so as to highlight the distinctive role of managers in a broader context. The managerial demographics is conceptualised as the managerial knowledge(education and experience), gender role (number of female managers), leadership role (top manager's years of experience) and, management ratio. The effect of managerial demographics is examined on two dimensions of innovation performance: first, the propensity of firms to perform innovation and, second, the innovation intensity of firms. We report that the role of female managers in innovation is more significant, than that otherwise emphasised in innovation literature, as evident in case of countries under study. And, the number of female managers have a positive impact on the innovation performance of manufacturing firms. Moreover, the results show that managerial experience also have a non-linear effect on the innovation performance of manufacturing firms. Finally, the implications of the findings are discussed in-detail.

The present thesis employed event-related potentials, the minute responses of the brain, to examine the differences in processing of increases and decreases in auditory intensity. The manner in which intensity was manipulated (i.e., whether it represented physical or psychological change) varied across the studies of the thesis. Study 1 investigated the processing of physical intensity change during wakefulness and natural sleep. An oddball paradigm (80 dB standard, 90 dB increment, 60 dB decrement) was presented to subjects during the waking state and during sleep. The increment elicited a larger deviant-related negativity and P3a than the decrement in the waking state. During sleep, only the increment deviant continued to elicit ERPs related to the detection of change. The waking and sleeping findings support the notion that increases in intensity are more salient to an observer. Studies 2 and 3 of this thesis determined the degree to which this differential salience could be attributed to the fact that intensity increments result in increased activation of the change and transient detection systems while intensity decrements result in greater activation of only the change detection system. In order to address this question, an alternating intensity pattern was employed (HLHLHLHL) with deviants created by the repetition of a tone in the sequence (HLHLHHHL) that violated the expectancy for a higher (psychological decrements) or lower intensity tone (psychological increments). Because deviant stimuli were physically identical to preceding standards, this manipulation should not have led to increased output of the transient detection system (N1 enhancement), permitting isolation of the output of the change detection system (Mismatch Negativity, MMN). The findings of these studies indicated that psychological increments resulted in shorter latency and larger amplitude MMNs than psychological decrements and that these differences could not be explained by the physical differences between deviant stimuli or temporal integration. This thesis provides convincing evidence that stimuli representing increments in intensity result in faster and more robust change detection. Further, the increased salience of increment stimuli cannot be solely explained by the contribution of transient detector activation, as it persists even when deviance-related processing is isolated to the change detection system.

Dose management in CT is an increasingly important issue as the number of CT scans per capita continues to rise. One proposed approach for enhanced dose management is to allow the spatial pattern of x-ray fluence delivered to the patient to change dynamically as the x-ray tube rotates about the patient. The changes in incident fluence could be guided using a patient model and optimization method in order to deliver user-defined image quality criteria while minimizing dose. This approach is referred to as fluence field modulated CT (FFMCT). In this work, a framework and optimization method was developed for evaluating the dose and image quality benefits of FFMCT, both in simulated and experimental data. Modulated fluence profiles were optimized for different objects and image quality criteria using a simulated annealing algorithm. Analysis involved comparing predicted image quality maps and dose outcomes to those using conventional methods. Results indicated that image quality distributions using FFMCT agreed better with prescribed image qualities than conventional techniques allow. Dose reductions ranged depending on the task and object of interest. Simulation studies using a simulated anthropomorphic phantom of the chest suggest an average dose reduction of at least 20% compared to conventional techniques is possible, where local dose reductions may be greater than 60%. Across different imaging tasks and objects, integral dose reductions ranged from 20-50% when compared to a conventional bowtie filter. The results of this study suggest that given a suitable collimator approach, FFMCT could reap significant benefits in terms of reducing dose and optimizing image quality. Though the tradeoff between image quality and imaging dose may not be eliminated, it may be better managed using an FFMCT approach.

Effects of temperature and light intensity on photofermentative hydrogen production by Rhodobacter capsulatus DSM1710 by use of acetic and lactic acids as substrates were studied. Experiments were conducted at 20, 30 and 38oC incubator temperatures under light intensities in the 1500 &ndash / 7000 lux range. pH of the medium and quantity of hydrogen forming together with quantity of biomass, and concentrations of acetic, lactic, formic, butyric and propionic acids in the medium were determined periodically. Growth took place and hydrogen was produced under all experimental conditions. Growth was found to increase with increase in temperature but to decrease with increase in light intensity. Total hydrogen produced increased with light intensity up to 6000 lux at 20oC, 5000 lux at 30oC and 3000 lux at 38oC and decreased beyond these values. Medium temperature of about 30oC was found to be optimum for cumulative hydrogen. pH was found to increase slightly and almost all of lactic acid and most of acetic acid was consumed while formic, butyric and propionic acids were first formed and then consumed in the experiments. Growth data fitted well to the logistic model and hydrogen production data fitted well to the Modified Gompertz Model. Lactic acid was found to be almost completely consumed by first order kinetics in early times. Consumption of acetic acid was found to follow zero order kinetics in the early times when lactic acid existed in the system but the order shifted to one later when most of lactic acid was consumed.

The panel is symmetrical about both x- and y- axes. The central strip (strip1) of width 2h1 contains a central transverse crack of width 2a on x-axis. The two strips (strip2) contain transverse cracks of width c-b also on x-axis. The panel is subjected to axial loads with uniform intensities p1 and p2 in strip1 and strip2 , respectively at . Materials of all strips are assumed to be linearly elastic and isotropic. Due to double symmetry, only one quarter of the problem and will be considered. The solutions are obtained by using Fourier transforms both in x and y-directions. Summing several solutions is due to the necessity for sufficient number of unknowns in general expressions in order to be able to satisfy all boundary conditions of the problem. The conditions at the edges of the strips and at the interfaces are satisfied and the general expressions for a three layer panel become expressions for the panel with free edges. Use of remaining boundary conditions leads the formulation to a system of two singular integral equations. These equations are converted to a system of linear algebraic equations which is solved numerically

In this study, a long annulus bonded to a rigid cylinder containing an axisymmetric circumferential crack of width (d-c) at the midplane is considered. The material of the annulus is assumed to be linearly elastic and isotropic. The external surface of the annulus is free of stress. Surfaces of the crack are subject to distributed compressive loads. The Fourier and Hankel transform techniques are used to solve the governing equations which are reduced to a singular integral equation for crack surface displacement derivative. This integral equation is converted to a system of linear algebraic equations which are solved numerically by using Gauss-Lobatto and Gauss-Jacobi quadrature formulas. Then, the stress intensity factors at the edges of the crack are calculated. Results are presented in graphical form.

The aim of this thesis is to suggest the ways of promoting energy efficiency in Turkey in the light of best practices at the level of European Union and most energy efficient Member States, Denmark and Gremany. This thesis provides a critical evaluation of Turkish energy efficiency policies in transmission, distribution and consumption stages of energy by pointing out their weaknesses. The evaluations highlight the fact that Turkey has substantial energy saving potential in electricity distribution grids and end-use sectors. The EU, Danish and German experiences demonstrate that the greatest energy efficiency improvement could be achieved in industry sector. By taking these experiences and the problems of Turkey into consideration, this thesis recommends possible measures. It is concluded that, when the energy efficiency potential is evaluated, primarily attention could be paid to industry sector.

The presence of hydrodynamically generated air bubbles has been observed to enhance fine particle flotation in a high intensity agitation (HIA) flotation cell. In this study, the cavitation in an HIA cell, used in our laboratory, is studied by hydrodynamic computational fluid dynamics. Different types of impellers are studied to obtain flow characteristics such as velocity and pressure distributions and turbulent dissipation rate in a two-baffled HIA cell. A cavitation model in conjunction with a multiphase mixture model is used to predict the vapor generation in the HIA cell. Cavitating flow is simulated as a function of revolution speed (RPM) and dissolved gas concentration to understand the dependency of hydrodynamic cavitation on these operating parameters. For comparison, cavitation in a pressure driven flow through a constriction is also modeled. A population balance model is used to obtain bubble size distributions of the generated cavities in a flow through constriction. / Chemical Engineering

The objective of these experiments is to explore the effect of LIPUS on the ultraexpansion and osteogenic differentiation of harvested passage-4 HUCPV-SCs. HUCPV-SCs were divided into two groups: a treatment group that received LIPUS for 10 minutes for 1, 7, and 14 days and a control group that received a sham treatment utilizing both basic and osteogenic media. The results in basic media and osteogenic media demonstrated nonsignificant differences in cell count, ALP, DNA content, and CD90. Statistically significant expression of OSP and PCNA was observed on day 14 in LIPUS treated group. Nucleostemin expression in the LIPUS-treated group was insignificant on days 1 and 7. However, a selective increase in osteogenic markers was obtained on day 7 for ALP and OCN and on day 14 for OPN. Future experiments are required to explore the effects of different application times and/or techniques of LIPUS on the behaviour of HUCPV-SCs. / Medical Science

In den vorliegenden Studien wurde der Fragestellung nachgegangen, wie sich unterschiedliche Fütterungsprotokolle während der Aufzuchtperiode auf den peripartalen Energie- und Fettstoffwechsel und die Insulinsensitivität von Färsen auswirken. Besonderes Augenmerk lag dabei auf der Frage, ob der „Revised Quantitative Insulin Sensitivity Check Index“ (RQUICKI) bei Färsen sinnvoll angewendet werden kann, um eine Aussage hinsichtlich der Insulinsensitivität zu treffen. Auch mögliche Auswirkungen auf das Konzeptionsalter, den Kalbeverlauf, die Milchleistung und die postpartale Morbidität wurden untersucht. Aus 46 Kälbern der Rasse Deutsche Holstein wurden drei Fütterungsgruppen gebildet. Gruppe 1 (n = 18) wurde gemäß den Richtlinien der GfE energetisch optimal gefüttert (Kontrollgruppe), Gruppe 2 (n = 14) wurde intensiv und Gruppe 3 (n = 14) restriktiv gefüttert. Im Abstand von zwei Wochen wurden die Tiere jeweils gewogen. Aus den vorliegenden Daten wurde die durchschnittliche tägliche Körpermassezunahme berechnet. Außerdem wurde zehn, sechs, drei und eine Woche vor der Kalbung sowie zwei Wochen nach der Kalbung die Rückenfettdicke (RFD) sonografisch bestimmt. Weiterhin wurden das Alter bei erfolgreicher Konzeption, Kalbeverlauf sowie Daten der Kälber, Milchleistungsprüfungsdaten und Rastzeit erfasst. Vor und nach der Kalbung wurde aus der Vena caudalis mediana Blut entnommen. Aus dem Serum wurden die Konzentrationen der folgenden Parameter bestimmt: Insulin, Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), Glukose, freie Fettsäuren (FFS), Bilirubin, Cholesterol, Harnstoff, Betahydroxybutyrat (BHB) sowie Gesamteiweiß. Erkrankungen im postpartalen Zeitraum, wie Endometritis, Mastitis, Stoffwechselstörungen, Erkrankungen des Bewegungsapparates sowie Zyklusstörungen wurden ebenfalls in die Studien miteinbezogen. Zur Bestimmung der Insulinsensitivität wurde das Rechenmodell „Revised Quantitative Insulin Sensitivity Check Index“ (RQUICKI) verwendet. Unter Einbeziehung der Serumkonzentrationen von Glukose, Insulin und FFS lautete die Formel RQUICKI = 1/[log (Glukose) + log (Insulin) + log (FFS)]. Ein niedriger Index-Wert bedeutet eine verminderte Insulinsensitivität. Die intensiv aufgezogenen Tiere der Gruppe 2 zeigten mit 13,3 ± 1,0 Monaten ein signifikant (p = 0,003) früheres Konzeptionsalter im Gegensatz zu den Tieren der beiden anderen Gruppen (Gruppe 1: 16,0 ± 1,5 Monate; Gruppe 3: 17,7 ± 1,4 Monate). Eine Woche ante partum wiesen die Tiere der Gruppe 2 eine signifikant (p = 0,022) höhere RFD auf als die Tiere der beiden anderen Gruppen. Der RQUICKI korrelierte eine Woche ante partum signifikant negativ mit der RFD (r = -0,573; p = 0,003). RQUICKI war bei den Tieren der Gruppe 2 eine Woche ante partum signifikant (p < 0,05) niedriger als bei den Tieren der anderen Gruppen. In allen drei Gruppen konnten am dritten Tag post partum die niedrigsten Index-Werte nachgewiesen werden. Aus den errechneten Index-Werten lässt sich für Färsen für die Zeitpunkte eine Woche ante partum sowie vier Wochen post partum ein Referenzbereich von RQUICKI = 0,40 ± 0,04 ableiten. Um den dritten Laktationstag liegt bei Färsen der Referenzbereich von RQUICKI = 0,34 ± 0,02. Die intensiv aufgezogenen Färsen zeigten insgesamt mit 85,7 % die höchste Anzahl an Komplikationen bei der Kalbung, der Unterschied war statistisch allerdings nicht zu sichern. Die unterschiedliche Fütterung wirkte sich weder auf das Geschlecht der Kälber noch auf deren Geburtsgewicht aus. Signifikante Unterschiede (p < 0,05) ergaben sich bei den Serumkonzentrationen von Insulin, IGF-1, FFS und Cholesterol ante partum sowie den Bilirubin- und FFS-Konzentrationen 28 Tage post partum. Es konnten keine statistisch signifikanten Unterschiede bei den Konzentrationen von Glukose, Harnstoff, BHB und Totalprotein ermittelt werden (p > 0,05). Beim Vergleich der 305-Tage-Milchleistung wiesen die Tiere der Gruppe 2 die niedrigste Milchleistung auf. Eine signifikant (p = 0,039) höhere Inzidenz von postpartalen Zyklusstörungen war bei den Tieren der Gruppe 2 erkennbar. Eine Woche ante partum korrelierte RQUICKI signifikant negativ (r = -0,509, p = 0,008) mit dem Auftreten von Zyklusstörungen post partum. Die Untersuchungen haben gezeigt, dass durch die Fütterungsintensität während der Aufzuchtperiode die Zuchtreife, der peripartale Energie- und Fettstoffwechsel einschließlich der Insulinsensitivität, die Milchleistung sowie die postpartale Fertilität beeinflusst werden. Aus der intensiven Aufzucht resultieren eine frühere Zuchtreife, höhere Rückenfettdicken, eine gesteigerte peripartale Lipolyse einschließlich reduzierter Insulinsensitivität, eine verminderte Milchleistung und eine schlechtere Fertilität. / The aim of these studies was to investigate how different diets during the rearing period influence peripartal energy and fat metabolism as well as insulin sensitivity of heifers. Special attention was paid to the question if the „Revised Quantitative Insulin Sensitivity Check Index“ (RQUICKI) could be used to estimate insulin sensitivity in heifers. Possible influences on age at first breeding, calving, milk yield and postpartal morbidity were analysed as well. Furthermore, the aim of this investigation was to prove, if different diets at rearing influence the peripartal insulin sensitivity of heifers. 46 German Holstein calves were randomly divided in three groups. Group 1 (n = 18) was fed with an optimal diet (control group) based on recommendations of the German Society of Nutrition Physiology, group 2 (n = 14) was fed with a highly-concentrated diet and group 3 (n = 14) got a low-concentrated diet. In intervals of two weeks the heifers were weighed. With the obtained data the averaged daily weight gain was computed. In addition, ten, six, three and one week ante partum as well as two weeks post partum the backfat thickness (BFT) was measured ultrasonographically. Age at first breeding, calving, data of the calves, milk yield and interval to first service post partum were recorded, too. Before and after calving blood samples were taken from the Vena caudalis mediana. The concentrations of the following parameters were measured in blood serum: Insulin, insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), glucose, free fatty acids (FFA), bilirubin, cholesterol, urea, betahydroxybutyrat (BHB) as well as total protein. Furthermore, postpartal diseases like endometritis, mastitis, metabolic disorders, limb diseases and fertility disorders were included. To determine insulin sensitivity a mathematic model called “Revised Quantitative Insulin Sensitivity Check Index” (RQUICKI) was used. Serum concentrations of glucose, insulin and FFA were included in the formula RQUICKI = 1/[log (glucose) + log (insulin) + log (FFA)]. A low index value represents a decreased insulin sensitivity. Intensive reared heifers of group 2 reached age at first breeding (13.3 ± 1.0 months) significant (p = 0.003) earlier than heifers of the other both groups (group 1: 16.6 ± 1.5 months; group 3: 17.7 ± 1.4 months). One week ante partum heifers of group 2 showed significant (p = 0.022) higher BFT than heifers of the other groups. At the same timepoint, RQUICKI correlated significant negative with the BFT (r = -0.573; p = 0.003). In heifers of group 2, RQUICKI was significant lower (p < 0.05) one week ante partum than in heifers of the other groups. In all groups, the index values were lowest three days post partum. Based on the received index values reference ranges for RQUICKI in heifers can be proposed. One week ante partum as well as four weeks post partum the reference range for RQUICKI can be defined as RQUICKI = 0.40 ± 0.04. Three days after calving the reference range can be defined as RQUICKI = 0.34 ± 0.02. The intensive reared heifers show with an overall of 85.7 % the most difficulties at calving, but this was statistically not different. The different diets didn’t influence neither the sex of the calves nor their birth weight. Ante partum, serum concentrations of Insulin, IGF-1, FFA and cholesterol differed significantly (p < 0.05) as well as serum concentrations of bilirubin and FFA differed on day 28 post partum. No significant differences could be determined in serum concentrations of glucose, urea, BHB and total protein (p > 0.05). Heifers of group 2 showed the lowest 305-day milk yield. The incidence of postpartal ovarian diseases was significantly (p = 0.039) higher in heifers of group 2. A significant negative correlation (r = -0.509, p = 0.008) existed between RQUICKI ante partum and the incidence of postpartal ovarian diseases. In conclusion, different diets during the rearing period influence age at first breeding, peripartal energy and fat metabolism including insulin sensitivity, milk yield as well as postpartal fertility. An intensive rearing results in an earlier age at first breeding, increased BFT, enhanced peripartal lipolysis as well as reduced insulin sensitivity, decreased milk yield and poorer fertility.