Thèse ou mémoire avec insertion d'articles. / Les procédés de filtration sont grandement utilisés en industrie laitière pour pré-concentrer le lait fromager et séparer les constituants du lait. L'ultrafiltration est le procédé le plus couramment utilisé pour la concentration du lait. Plusieurs avantages y sont associés telque l'augmentation du rendement fromager ainsi que la productivité des usines. Cependant, son désavantage majeur est la production d'un volume important de perméat qui doit être valorisé. Il y a un intérêt grandissant pour l'utilisation de concentrés d'osmose inverse (OI) en fromagerie pour les aspects environnementaux et économiques. Des gains de rendements sont envisagés avec la filtration par OI étant donné que tous les constituants sont concentrés et peuvent être potentiellement retenus dans le fromage. Aussi, le perméat produit est essentiellement de l'eau et peut être réutilisé en usine comme eau de procédé. Cependant, quelques études ont montré que la concentration du lait par OI modifiait defaçon importante ses propriétés technologiques. Le but de cette thèse était d'évaluer l'impact du caséinate de sodium (NaCas) sur les propriétés physicochimiques et fromagères des concentrés d'OI. Une première étude a permis de mettre en évidence l'impact d'ajouter une portion de caséinate de sodium (NaCas) sur les propriétés physicochimiques et de coagulation des concentrés d'OI. Des concentrés d'OI ont été préparés selon trois facteurs de concentration (CF) (1X, 1,5X et 2X) et cinq proportions de NaCas (0, 6, 12 ,18 et 24%). La substitution de la caséine du lait par du NaCas a modifié de façon notable l'équilibre soluble-colloïdal des concentrés d'OI. L'ajout de NaCas aux concentrés d'OI a augmenté le pH et la proportion de caséine soluble. Aussi, les propriétés de coagulation ont été fortement impactées par l'ajout de NaCas. Certains échantillons n'ont même pas coagulé après l'ajout de présure. Cette première partie a permis d'avoir une caractérisation des concentrés d'OI et de sélectionner les meilleures conditions pour la seconde partie du projet. Dans la seconde étude, l'impact de l'ajout d'une portion de NaCas sur les propriétés fromagères des concentrés d'OI a été déterminé en utilisant la méthode par acidification directe (pH 6), sans ajout de ferment. Les conditions choisies étaient 1,5 et 2X pour le CFet 0, 6, 12 et 18% pour la proportion de NaCas. L'ajout de NaCas a diminué les rendements fromagers mais a amélioré les propriétés fromagères des concentrés d'OI en diminuant l'humidité et la minéralisation des fromages. Malgré la baisse de rendement (liée à une plusfaible humidité), une quantité notable de lactose est restée dans le fromage. Également, l'ajout de NaCas a augmenté le taux de rétention des protéines dans le fromage et amélioréles propriétés rhéologiques des fromages. Finalement, la troisième étude a permis de comparer différents leviers technologiques (acide citrique, NaCas et la combinaison de l'acide citrique et du NaCas) afin de déminéraliser la micelle de caséines des concentrés d'OI 2X. Les propriétés physicochimiques et fromagères des concentrés d'OI ont été évaluées. Les trois leviers technologiques ont modifié l'équilibre soluble-colloïdal des concentrés d'OI et l'effet était plus important pour la combinaison que lorsque l'acide citrique et le NaCas étaient utilisés individuellement. Pour les propriétés fromagères, l'acide citrique a eu moins d'effet que le NaCas et la combinaison. Le NaCas et la combinaison ont augmenté le taux de rétention protéique dans le fromage et diminué les rendements fromagers bruts et ajustés à l'humidité. Ce projet a permis d'apporter de nouvelles connaissances sur l'utilisation de NaCas dans les concentrés d'OI afin d'améliorer leurs propriétés fromagères. Cette thèse fournit des pistes à envisager pour optimiser l'utilisation des concentrés d'OI en fromagerie. / Filtration processes are widely used in the dairy industry to pre-concentrate cheese milk and separate milk constituents. Ultrafiltration is the most commonly used process for milk concentration. Several advantages are associated with it, such as the increase in cheese yield and factory productivity. However, its major disadvantage is the production of a large volume of permeate which must be valued. There is a growing interest in using reverse osmosis (RO) concentrates in cheesemaking for environmental and economic aspects. Yield gains are expected with RO filtration as all constituents are concentrated and can potentially be retained in the cheese. Also, the permeate produced is essentially water and can be reused in the plant as process water. However, some studies have shown that the concentration of milk by RO significantly modifies its cheesemaking properties. The aim of this thesis was to evaluate the impact of sodium caseinate (NaCas) on the physicochemical and cheese-making properties of RO concentrates. A first study highlighted the impact of adding a portion of sodium caseinate (NaCas) on the physicochemical and coagulation properties of RO concentrates. RO concentrates were prepared according to three concentration factors (CF) (1X, 1.5X and 2X) and five proportions of NaCas (0, 6, 12, 18 and 24%). The substitution of milk casein by NaCas markedly modified the soluble-colloidal balance of the RO concentrates. Adding NaCas to RO concentrates increased the pH and the proportion of soluble casein. Also, the coagulation properties were strongly impacted by the addition of NaCas. Some samples did not even coagulate after adding rennet. This first part made it possible to have a complete characterization of the RO concentrates and to select the best conditions for the second part of the project. In the second study, the impact of adding a portion of NaCas on the cheese properties of RO concentrates was determined using the direct acidification method (pH 6), without adding starter culture. The conditions chosen were 1.5 and 2X for the CF and 0, 6, 12 and 18% for the proportion of NaCas. Adding NaCas decreased cheese yields but improved the cheesemaking properties of RO concentrates by decreasing the moisture and mineralization of cheeses. Despite the drop in yield, a noticeable amount of lactose remained in the cheese. Also, the addition of NaCas increased the protein retention rate in cheese and improved the rheological properties of cheeses. Finally, the third study made it possible to compare different technological levers (citric acid, NaCas and the combination of citric acid and NaCas) in order to demineralize the casein micelle of 2X RO concentrates. The physicochemical and cheese properties of the RO concentrates were evaluated. All three technology levers altered the soluble-colloidal balance of the RO concentrates and the effect was greater for the combination than when used individually. For cheesemaking properties, citric acid had less effect than NaCas and the combination. NaCas and the combination increased the protein retention rate in cheese and decreased cheese yields. This project provided new knowledge on using NaCas in RO concentrates to improve their cheese properties. This thesis provides avenues to consider in order to optimize the use of RO concentrates in cheesemaking.

In this thesis we develop inverse scattering algorithms towards the ultimate goal of online diagnostic methods. The aim is to detect structural changes inside power transformers and other major power grid components, like generators, shunt reactors etc. Power grid components, such as large power transformers, are not readily available from the manufacturers as standard designs. They are generally optimized for specific functions at a specific position in the power grid. Their replacement is very costly and takes a long time. Online methods for the diagnostics of adverse changes of the mechanical structure and the integrity of the dielectric insulation in power transformers and other power grid components, are therefore essential for the continuous operation of a power grid. Efficient online diagnostic methods can provide a real-time monitoring of mechanical structures and dielectric insulation in the active parts of power grid components. Microwave scattering is a candidate that may detect these early adverse changes of the mechanical structure or the dielectric insulation. Upon early detection, proper actions to avoid failure or, if necessary, to prepare for the timely replacement of the damaged component can be taken. The existing diagnostic methods lack the ability to provide online reliable information about adverse changes inside the active parts. More details about the existing diagnostic methods, both online and offline, and their limitations can be found in the licentiate thesis preceding the present PhD thesis. We use microwave scattering together with the inverse scattering algorithms, developed in the present work, to reconstruct the shapes of adverse mechanical structure changes. We model the propagation environment as a waveguide, in which measurement data can be obtained only at two ends (ports). Since we want to detect the onset of some deformation, that only slightly alters the scattering situation (weak scattering), we have linearized the inverse problem with good results. We have calculated the scattering parameters of the waveguide in the first-order perturbation, where they have linear dependencies on the continuous deformation function. A linearized inverse problem with a weak scattering assumption typically results in an ill-conditioned linear equation system. This is handled using Tikhonov regularization, with the L-curve method for tuning regularization parameters. We show that localized one-dimensional and two-dimensional shape deformations, for rectangular and coaxial waveguide models, are efficiently reconstructed using the inverse scattering algorithms developed from the first principles, i.e. Maxwell’s theory of electromagnetism. An excellent agreement is obtained between the reconstructed and actual deformation shapes for a number of studied cases. These results show that it is possible to use the inverse algorithms, developed in the present thesis, as a theoretical basis for the design of a future diagnostic device. As a part of the future work, it remains to experimentally verify the results obtained so far, as well as to further study the theoretical limitations posed by linearization (first-order perturbation theory) and by the assumption of the continuity of the metallic waveguide boundaries and their deformations. / <p>QC 20160119</p>

International Telemetering Conference Proceedings / October 27-30, 1997 / Riviera Hotel and Convention Center, Las Vegas, Nevada / This paper proves theoretically that GDOP decreases as the number of satellites is increased.This paper proposes two recursive algorithms for calculating the GDOP and positioning solution.These algorithms not only can recursively calculate the GDOP and positioning solution, but also is very flexible in obtaining the best four-satellite positioning solution ,the best five-satellite positioning solution and the all visible satellite positioning solution according to given requirements. In the need of the two algorithms,this paper extends the definition of the GDOP to the case in which the number of visible satellites is less than 4.

A number of mathematical models are used nowadays to describe behaviour of the reallife water distribution system (WDS). It is a well known fact that, to have any meaningful use, any WDS mathematical model must be calibrated first. Here, calibration is defined as process in which a number of WDS model parameters are adjusted until the model mimics behaviour of the real WDS as closely as possible. In this thesis, WDS mathematical models that are used to model water quantity aspect only are analysed. Three hydraulic models considered here are: (1) steady-state flow model, (2) quasi-steady flow (extended period simulation) model and (3) unsteady flow model. The calibration problem analysed here is formulated as a constrained optimisation problem of weighted least square type with the objective defined in a way that enables effective incorporation of prior information on calibration parameters. WDS calibration problem is then analysed in detail, including special issues of identifiability, uniqueness and stability of the problem solution. A list of diagnostic and other statistics and analysis is presented to improve existing calibration approaches by providing partial insight into the calibration process. Calibration of WDS hydraulic models is further improved by the development of new hybrid optimisation method. Being closely related to calibration, the problem of sampling design for calibration of WDS hydraulic models is also addressed here. First, sampling design is formulated as a constrained two-objective optimisation problem. Then, two novel models are developed to solve it. The first model is based on standard, single-objective Genetic Algorithms (SOGA). The second model is based on multi-objective Genetic Algorithms (MOGA). Finally, all novel methodologies presented here are verified successfully on multiple case studies that involve both artificial and real-life WDS. At the end, relevant conclusions are drawn and suggestions for further research work are made.

International Telemetering Conference Proceedings / October 27-30, 1997 / Riviera Hotel and Convention Center, Las Vegas, Nevada / The growing need to transmit larger telemetry streams from the receiving site to the processor location over greater distances is requiring newer and more creative techniques. This paper reports efforts to use Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) technology and inverse multiplexing to provide an economical system to interface telemetry streams into the public network for reliable transmission. Cost savings are available immediately for programs that are willing to meet the synchronization criteria today. Lab testing has shown the feasibility of using cost efficient techniques for data transmission. This document describes the investigation that is currently underway that could provide a significant change to the way telemetry data is transmitted from receiver sites to data processing sites. Instead of using dedicated lines with dedicated bandwidth regardless of the program being supported, the approach that has been tested in a lab environment would allow the dynamic allocation of bandwidth using ATM over a variety of carrier services. The combination of ATM and inverse multiplexing allows telemetry data rates above 1.5 Megabits per second (Mbps) to be transmitted over multiple T1 (1.544 Mbps) lines. Previously, the only choice when data rates exceeded 1.5 Mbps was to use an entire DS-3 (45 Mbps). Now it is possible to transmit intermediate sized data rates (1.5 to 8 Mbps) by bonding multiple T1s to provide the desired data throughput.

There has been great interest in recent times in the use of elastography for the characterization of human tissue. Digital Image Elasto-Tomography is a novel breast cancer pre-screening technique under development at the University of Canterbury, which aims to identify and locate stiff areas within the breast that require further investigation using images of the surface motion alone. A calibrated array of five digital cameras is used to capture surface motion of the breast under harmonic actuation. The forward problem, that is the resulting motion for a given mechanical property distribution, is calculated using the Finite Element Method. The inverse problem is to find the mechanical properties which reproduce the measured surface motion through numerical simulation. A reconstruction algorithm is developed using a shape based description to reduce the number of parameters in the inverse problem. A parallel Genetic Algorithm is developed for parameter optimization. A geometric method termed Fitness Function Analysis is shown to improve the inclusion location optimization problem. The ensemble of solutions generated using the Genetic Algorithm is used to produce an optimal and a credible region for inclusion location. Successful single frequency phantom reconstructions are presented. An effective way of combining information from multi-frequency phantom data by examining the characteristics of the measured surface motion using data quality metrics is developed and used to produce improved reconstructions. Results from numerical simulation datasets and a two inclusion phantom used to test the optimization of multiple and ellipsoidal inclusions indicate that although two inclusions can be successfully reconstructed, the single inclusions assumption may suffice even in irregular, heterogeneous cases. This assumption was used to successfully locate the stiffest inclusion in a phantom containing multiple inclusions of differing stiffness based on three multi-frequency datasets. The methods developed in phantoms are applied to three in vivo cases for both single and multi-frequency data with limited success. This thesis builds on previous work undertaken at the University of Canterbury. The original contributions in this work are as follows. A new reconstruction algorithm combining a genetic algorithm with fitness function analysis is developed. The most realistic tissue mimicking phantoms to date are used. An ellipsoidal shape-based description is presented, and applied to the first multi-inclusion reconstructions in DIET. This work presents the first reconstruction using meshes created directly from data using a meshing algorithm developed by Jonas Biehler. A multi-frequency cost function is developed to produce the first multi-frequency and in vivo reconstructions using DIET data.

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Master’s thesis is devoted to the study of cardinal invariants in the F-compact spaces class. Here and throughout the paper, the concept ”compact” would mean a compact Hausdorff space. In my thesis I have tried to present and explain all necessary concepts and statements necessary for the reader to get acquainted with F-compact spaces class. In order to understand the idea of F-compact spaces, it is necessary to understand what the inverse spectrum is from itself, it is necessary to know about the cardinality of sets and to understand that two infinite sets can have different cardinalities, know about closed and open sets, and much else that you will find in this paper. In the thesis the analysis of the scientific literature sources is presented; the theorems about the relationship between the characteristics of cardinality invariants in the F-compact spaces class are investigated; the relationships between the properties of perfect normality and hereditary normality in the F - compact spaces class of countable spectral height are studied. In the process of the investigation some propositions were found, proved and filled in the missing fragments of evidence. Conclusion: At present, the method of fully closed mappings (which is used in constructing of F - compact spaces ) is the most productive method of constructing counterexamples in general topology. I believe, that this paper will be interesting to all who wants to go beyond the ordinary, habitual way of thinking, because only by studying topology we can speak clearly and precisely about things related to the idea of continuity and infinity!

Due to an increase of human activity, an increase health risk has emerged from the presence of pollutants in the environment. In the transition to renewable and sustainable life style, treatment of pollutants could support the shifting societies. A motivation behind material research for environmental applications is to maximize the efficiency of the materials to alleviate environmental pollution. In the case of titania, an increase of ultra-violet light absorption is needed to overcome its bandgap to produce reactive radicals, which is the basis for photocatalysis. It has been hypothesized that photonic crystal can enhance titania photocatalysis. They are structures made of at least two dielectrics with a high refractive index contrast, ordered in a periodic fashion. For a strong contrast, photonic band gaps emerge. The effect of the photonic band gap is to force complete reflection of the incoming light within its range and multiple internal reflections at its edges. By combining photonic and electronic band gap positions, it is possible to increase the absorption at the photonic band gap edges. In this thesis, fabrication method and structural analysis of titania and alumina/titania photonic structures were presented. A thorough optical analysis was performed at all steps of fabrication – beyond what previously has been reported. The photocatalytic activity was measured with two setups. Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy combined with arc lamps and bandpass filters was used to monitor the degradation of stearic acid in ambient air. A home-built setup was used to degrade methylene blue in solution with ultra-violet illumination. The results in this thesis show in general no correlation of the photocatalytic activity to the photonic band gap position, even though absorbance data displayed an increase absorption in this energy range. A more controlled environment might show the effect of the structure, as seen in some of the experiments.

Since 2004, the number of people living with HIV (PLWH) has steadily increased by about 5% and currently, the number in Texas is about 86,000. Though the National HIV/AIDS Strategic Plan seeks to ensure “unfettered access to quality healthcare”, barriers to access still exist especially among minority populations. This study examines the relationship between HIV infection rates and the geographic location of HIV service centers with a focus on 4 counties: namely, Dallas, Denton, Harris and Tarrant. The goal is to show whether there is a spatial mismatch between HIV rates and service providers. Are service facilities located in zip codes where they are most needed? Using the vulnerability framework and the Inverse Care Law (ICL), we address the research question using demographic variables (race/ethnicity, sex, poverty, education attainment) and HIV data. Our results show that extreme vulnerable zip codes have high HIV rates and closest proximity to HIV service providers.