In der nichtlinearen Datenreihenanalyse hat sich seit etwa 10 Jahren eine Monte-Carlo-Testmethode etabliert, die Theiler-surrogatmethode, mit Hilfe derer entschieden werden kann, ob eine Datenreihe nichtlinearen Ursprungs sei. Diese Methode wird kritisiert, modifiziert und verallgemeinert. Das, was Theiler untersuchen will braucht andere Surrogatmethoden, die hier konstruiert werden. Und das, was Theiler untersucht braucht gar keine Monte-Carlo-Methoden. Mit Hilfe des in der Arbeit eingeführten Begriffs des Phasensignals werden Testmöglichkeiten dargelegt und Beziehungen zwischen den nichtlinearen Eigenschaften der Zeitreihe und deren Phasenspektrum erforscht. Das Phasensignal wird aus dem Phasenspektrum der Zeitreihe hergeleitet und registriert außerordentliche Geschehnisse im Zeitbereich sowie Phasenkopplungen im Frequenzbereich. <br /> <br /> Die gewonnenen Erkenntnisse werden auf das Problem der Polbewegung angewendet. Die Hypothese einer nichtlinearen Beziehung zwischen der atmosphärischen Erregung und der Polbewegung wird untersucht. Eine nichtlineare Behandlung wird nicht für nötig gehalten. / In the nonlinear data analysis there is a popular Monte Carlo Test method due to Theiler (it was established about 10 years ago), the Theiler surrogate method, which tests whether a time series is of a linear origin. This method is being criticized, modified and generalized in this thesis. What Theiler wants to test, needs other surrogate methods, which are constructed here. And what Theiler really tests, does not need Monte Carlo methods. With the help of the concept of the phase signal, that is introduced here, other test options are possible. The phase signal helps also in investigating the relations between the nonlinear characteristics of the time series and their phase spectrum. The phase signal is derived from the phase spectrum of the time series and registers extraordinary events in the time domain as well as phase couplings in the frequency domain. <br /> <br /> These theoretical approches are applied to the problem of polar motion. The hypothesis of a nonlinear relationship between the atmospheric excitation and the pole movement is examined. A nonlinear treatment is not considered necessary.

Polar organic compounds (POCs) are chemicals with polar functional groups in their structure. The functional groups make the compounds hydrophilic and less prone to partition with biota. However, the knowledge of their fate is limited due to difficulties associated with their measurements. Although, the persistence of POCs in the environment is generally low, they are considered to be semi-persistent compounds due to their continuous introduction to the environment via wastewater. Studies have shown that complex mixtures of POCs of different classes may have synergistic toxic effects on biota at environmental concentration levels. Therefore, it is important to develop analytical methods in order to establish the occurrence and fate of POCs in aquatic environments. In Study I, a positive correlation between the sorption of a novel poly(ethylene-co-vinyl acetate-co-carbon monoxide) (PEVAC) material and the theoretical logarithmic dissociation partition coefficient (Log D) for seven POCs was observed. The PEVAC material showed an enhanced sorption of the POCs compared to the silicone material. Study II, demonstrated that the PEVAC sampler assess the freely dissolved concentration of POCs in aquatic environments. The results showed that the PEVAC polymer is an attractive alternative to silicone for mimicing the biological uptake of POCs in aquatic environments. Additionally, Study II showed that total extraction is appropriate for determination of the freely dissolved concentration of uncharged POCs with Log KOW &lt; 2.67 in natural water. In study III, a novel bag-solid phase extraction (bag-SPE) technique was compared to a conventional SPE-technique. Despite that the extraction efficiencies for POCs in wastewater were lower using the bag-SPE method, the two methods showed similar detection limits due to the lower ion-suppression experienced with the bag-SPE. In study IV the bag-SPE method was further developed with the aim of lowering the detection limits for POCs. Detection limits (LOD) below 13 ng/L showed that the bag-SPE method was suitable for determination of POCs in surface sea water. / This research was financially supported by European Union (European Commission, FP6 Contract No. 003956) “Novel Methods for Integrated Risk Assessment of Cumulative Stressors in the Environment” (NoMiracle) and by the Swedish research council Formas.

This study establishes an initial understanding of the state of cruise tourism in the Eastern Canadian Arctic. Two specific objectives were fulfilled; a) to develop an understanding of the goals and operational procedures of current cruise ship operators, and b) to provide insight into the policies that may be necessary for Parks Canada and the Canadian Wildlife Service to enhance management in parks and protected areas. <br /><br /> Cruise tourism in the Eastern Canadian Arctic is a relatively new industry. At present, there is a lack of inclusive government guidelines for the Canadian cruise tourism industry. The steady increase of cruise tourism traffic in the region since 1984 suggests the potential for environmental and social impacts to this fragile polar region. There is a need for the creation of guidelines to direct this tourism activity. <br /><br /> A literature review identified the current state of the cruise line industry in the Eastern Canadian Arctic, Antarctic and Alaskan waters. The policy requirements pertaining to cruise tourism in parks and protected areas were identified including the current management strategies for tourism employed in Northern Canadian parks and protected areas. <br /><br /> Content analysis of current cruise tourism literature themes, which were used to create and conduct interviews that explored these themes. From these findings, data was used to create a policy formation framework that will assist in the planning and management of cruise tourism in the Eastern Canadian Arctic. <br /><br /> The results indicated that cruise tourism in the Eastern Canadian Arctic is percevied as a safe and economically viable industry. The research found a high degree of coherence between the literature and the opinion of the stakeholders in regards to key issues that need to be addressed. Such issues include the need for greater academic research on this topic; the need for policies and guidelines to aid in the management of parks and protected areas in polar regions; a need for unity and cohesion in the Arctic Cruise Tourism Industry and finally, greater government awareness and assistance given to the cruise tourism industry in the Eastern Canadian Arctic. There was also a high degree of enthusiasm from the stakeholders for inter-group and interagency cooperation. This enthusiasm bodes well for the future of cruise tourism policy creation in the Eastern Canadian Arctic. <br /><br /> This thesis proposes a structure for the way forward.

PMMA is a widely used biomaterial especially in the fields of orthopedia, orthodontia and ophthalmology. When biocompatibility is considered, modification of the biomaterials&amp / #8217 / surface may be needed to optimize interactions of the biomaterial with the biological environment. After the surface modifications one of the most important changes that occur is the change in the surface free energy (SFE). SFE is an important but an obscure property of the material and evaluation methods with different assumptions exist in the literature. In this study, SFE of pristine and oxygen plasma modified PMMA films were calculated by means of numerous theoretical approaches (Zisman, Saito, Fowkes, Berthelot, Geometric and Harmonic Mean and Acid-Base) using numerous liquids and the results were compared to each other to elucidate the differences of methods. Dispersive, polar, acidic and basic components of the SFE were calculated by the use of different liquid couples and triplets with the application of Geometric and Harmonic mean methods and Acid-Base approach. The effect of SFE and the components of SFE on the cell attachment efficiencies were examined by using fibroblast cells. It was observed that with the treatment of oxygen plasma, cell attachment capability and hydrophilicity of PMMA surfaces were altered depending on the applied power and duration of the plasma.

Extensive theoretical studies on the ground and excited state properties of systems containing heavy atoms have shown that accurate prediction of transition energies and related properties requires the incorporation of both relativistic and higher order correlation and relaxation effects as these effects are strongly inter- wined. The relativistic and dynamical electron correlation effects can be incor- porated in many-electron systems through a variety of many-body methods like configuration interaction (CI), coupled cluster method (CCM) etc. which are very powerful and effective tool for high precision description of electron correlation in many-electron systems. In this thesis, we investigate the relativistic and correlation effects in heavy atomic and molecular systems using these two highly correlated many-body methods. It is well recognized that, heavy polar diatomic molecules such as BaF, YbF, TlF, PbO, etc. are the leading experimental candidates for the search of violation of Parity (P ) and Time-reversal (T ) symmetry. The experimental detection of such P,T-odd effects in atoms and molecules has important consequences for the theory of fundamental interactions or for physics beyond the standard model (SM). For instance, a series of experiments on TlF have already been reported which provide the tightest limit available on the tensor coupling constant C , proton electric dipole moment (EDM) dp , etc. Experiments on YbF and BaF molecules are also of fundamental significance to the study of symmetry violation in nature, as these experiments have the potential to detect effects due to the electron EDMde. It is therefore imperative that high precession calculations are necessary to interpret these ongoing (and perhaps forthcoming) experimental outcome. For example, the knowledge of the effective electric field E(characterized by Wd) at the unpaired electron is required to link the experimentally determined P,T-odd frequency shift with the electron EDM de. We begin with a brief review of P,T-odd effects in heavy atoms and polar diatomics and the possible mechanisms which can give rise to such effects, in particular, the one arises due to the intrinsic electron EDM de. The P,T-odd interaction constant Wd is computed for the ground (2∑ ) state of YbF and BaF molecules using all-electron DF orbitals at the restricted active space (RAS) CI level. The RASCI space used for both systems in this calculation is sufficiently large to incorporate important core-core, core-valence, and valence-valence electron correlation effects. In addition to Wd, we also report the dipole moment (µe ) for these systems to assess the reliability of the method. The basis set dependency of Wd is also analyzed. The single reference coupled cluster (SRCC) method, developed by the cluster expansion of a single determinant reference function, is one of the most sophisticated method for treating dynamical correlation effects in a size-extensive manner. The non-uniqueness of the exponential nature of the wave operator diversifies the methods in multi-reference context. The multi-reference coupled cluster (MRCC) strategies fall within two broad classes: (a) State-Universal (SU), a Hilbert-space approach and (b) Valence-Universal (VU), a Fock-space approach. In this thesis, we shall be mainly concerned with the VU-MRCC which unlike SU-MRCC uses a single wave operator that not only correlates the reference functions, but also all the lower valence (or the so called subdued) sectors, obtained by deleting the occupancies systematically. The linear response theory (LRT) or equation of motion (EOM) method is another possible alternative which is nowadays extensively used to compute the atomic and molecular properties. Although, the CCLRT or EOM-CC method is not fully extensive in nature, this method has some distinct advantages over the traditional VU-MRCC theory. Further, for one-valence problem like ionization processes, the CCLRT/EOM-CC is formally equivalent to VU-MRCC, and hence, size-extensive. In this thesis, the core-extensive CCLRT and core-valence extensive (all electron) VU-MRCC methods are applied to compute the ground and excited state properties of various atomic and molecular systems (HCl, CuH, Ag, Sr, Yb and Hg) using nonrelativistic and relativistic (for heavy atoms) spinors. The similarities and differences in the structure of these two formalisms are also addressed. We also investigate the ground and excited state properties of HCN which is a system of astrophysical importance. This system has raised interest among the astrophysicists due to its detection in the atmosphere of Titan and Carbon stars. HCN has also been identified via radio-techniques in both comets and interstellar atmosphere. In the ash-photolysis of oxazole, iso-oxazole, and thiozole a transient band system was observed in the region 2500-3050 Å. This band system was attributed to a meta-stable form of HCN, i.e, either HNC or triplet HCN. We carry out detailed theoretical investigations using CCLRT and complete active space self-consistent field (CASSCF) method to characterize this unidentified band and other experimentally observed transitions.

No description available.

No description available.

Le polar américain contemporain se pose en continuité et en rupture avec l'âge d'or des années 1930-1950 en reprenant les codes et représentations mythiques du hard-boiled et du modèle anglais pour les confronter au monde contemporain. A la ville des années 1930, terrain privilégié du détective progressant méthodiquement vers la clé de l'énigme, s'oppose l'univers urbain contemporain - New York et plus particulièrement Brooklyn - au coeur duquel l'énigme initiale reste sans véritable dénouement. Les méthodes traditionnelles n'ont plus cours, laissant place à l'incertitude et au doute ; il n'est plus question de héros triomphant contre le Mal au coeur de l'univers urbain, mais des efforts d'un détective perdu dans sa propre fragmentation. Ainsi, la focalisation ne porte plus sur l'aboutissement de l'enquête mais sur la quête interne du détective qui, avant même d'élucider le mystère, est d'abord en quête de lui-même. Le polar d'avant-garde sous toutes ses formes, et en particulier la bande dessinée et le roman, détrône le statut mythique du détective pour en proposer de multiples figures, prétextes à la redéfinition des codes bien connus du genre et à l'exploration métaphysique du monde contemporain.

This study analyzes the available radar evidence in order to describe the morphology of channel networks around the north polar seas of Titan. Critical flow depths necessary to entrain water-ice grains, and denudation rates for a north polar channel network are discussed. The results indicate that channel networks on Titan have similar morphologies to channel networks cut by water on Earth. We also find that water-ice sediment should be readily entrained in the headwaters and downstream sections of the analyzed Titanian basin, given sufficient flow depths of liquid hydrocarbons. Also, the importance of slope and the elevated topography of the highlands surrounding the polar lakes are considered, as well as potential formation theories for the elevated highlands and low-lying maria that dominate the north polar region.

The topic of this thesis is the degradation of fuel cell electrodes in proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). In particular, the degradation associated with localized fuel starvation, which is often encountered during start-ups and shut-downs (SUs/SDs) of PEMFCs. At SU/SD, O2 and H2 usually coexist in the anode compartment. This situation forces the opposite electrode, i.e. the cathode, to very high potentials, resulting in the corrosion of the carbon supporting the catalyst, referred to as carbon corrosion. The aim of this thesis has been to develop methods, materials and strategies to address the issues associated to carbon corrosion in PEMFC.The extent of catalyst degradation is commonly evaluated determining the electrochemically active surface area (ECSA) of fuel cell electrode. Therefore, it was considered important to study the effect of RH, temperature and type of accelerated degradation test (ADT) on the ECSA. Low RH decreases the ECSA of the electrode, attributed to re-structuring the ionomer and loss of contact with the catalyst.In the search for more durable supports, we evaluated different accelerated degradation tests (ADTs) for carbon corrosion. Potentiostatic holds at 1.2 V vs. RHE were found to be too mild. Potentiostatic holds at 1.4 V vs. RHE were found to induce a large degree of reversibility, also attributed to ionomer re-structuring. Triangle-wave potential cycling was found to irreversibly degrade the electrode within a reasonable amount of time, closely simulating SU/SD conditions.Corrosion of carbon-based supports not only degrades the catalyst by lowering the ECSA, but also has a profound effect on the electrode morphology. Decreased electrode porosity, increased agglomerate size and ionomer enrichment all contribute to the degradation of the mass-transport properties of the cathode. Graphitized carbon fibers were found to be 5 times more corrosion resistant than conventional carbons, primarily attributed to their lower surface area. Furthermore, fibers were found to better maintain the integrity of the electrode morphology, generally showing less degradation of the mass-transport losses. Different system strategies for shut-down were evaluated. Not doing anything to the fuel cell during shut-downs is detrimental for the fuel cell. O2 consumption with a load and H2 purge of the cathode were found to give around 100 times lower degradation rates compared to not doing anything and almost 10 times lower degradation rate than a simple air purge of the anode. Finally, in-situ measurements of contact resistance showed that the contact resistance between GDL and BPP is highly dynamic and changes with operating conditions. / Denna doktorsavhandling behandlar degraderingen av polymerelektrolytbränslecellselektroder. polymerelektrolytbränslecellselektroder. Den handlar särskilt om nedbrytningen av elektroden kopplad till en degraderingsmekanism som heter ”localized fuel starvation” oftast närvarande vid uppstart och nedstängning av bränslecellen. Vid start och stopp kan syrgas och vätgas förekomma samtidigt i anoden. Detta leder till väldigt höga elektrodpotentialer i katoden. Resultatet av detta är att kolbaserade katalysatorbärare korroderar och att bränslecellens livslängd förkortas. Målet med avhandlingen har varit att utveckla metoder, material och strategier för att både öka förståelsen av denna degraderingsmekanism och för att maximera katalysatorbärarens livslängd.Ett vanligt tillvägagångsätt för att bestämma graden av katalysatorns degradering är genom mätning av den elektrokemiskt aktiva ytan hos bränslecellselektroderna. I denna avhandling har dessutom effekten av temperatur och relativ fukthalt studerats. Låga fukthalter minskar den aktiva ytan hos elektroden, vilket sannolikt orsakas av en omstrukturering av jonomeren och av kontaktförlust mellan jonomer och katalysator.Olika accelererade degraderingstester för kolkorrosion har använts. Potentiostatiska tester vid 1.2 V mot RHE visade sig vara för milda. Potentiostatiska tester vid 1.4 V mot RHE visade sig däremot medföra en hög grad av reversibilitet, som också den tros vara orsakad av en omstrukturering av jonomeren. Cykling av elektrodpotentialen degraderade istället elektroden irreversibelt, inom rimlig tid och kunde väldigt nära simulera förhållandena vid uppstart och nedstängning.Korrosionen av katalysatorbäraren medför degradering av katalysatorn och har också en stor inverkan på elektrodens morfologi. En minskad elektrodporositet, en ökad agglomeratstorlek och en anrikning av jonomeren gör att elektrodens masstransportegenskaper försämras. Grafitiska kolfibrer visade sig vara mer resistenta mot kolkorrosion än konventionella kol, främst p.g.a. deras låga ytarea. Grafitiska kolfibrer visade också en förmåga att bättre bibehålla elektrodens morfologi efter accelererade tester, vilket resulterade i lägre masstransportförluster.Olika systemstrategier för nedstängning jämfördes. Att inte göra något under nedstängning är mycket skadligt för bränslecellen. Förbrukning av syre med en last och spolning av katoden med vätgas visade 100 gånger lägre degraderingshastighet av bränslecellsprestanda jämfört med att inte göra något alls och 10 gånger lägre degraderingshastighet jämfört med spolning av anoden med luft. In-situ kontaktresistansmätningar visade att kontaktresistansen mellan bipolära plattor och GDL är dynamisk och kan ändras beroende på driftförhållandena. / <p>QC 20131104</p>