Wind turbines installed in the open atmosphere experience much more complex and highly-varying flow than their counterparts in wind tunnels or numerical simulations. In particular, aerodynamic stall—which occurs often on stall-regulated wind turbines in such variable flow conditions—can affect both wind turbine blade lifespan and noise generation. A field test site was therefore installed at the outer limits of the city of Waterloo, Ontario to study a small-scale 30 kW stall-regulated wind turbine. Experimental equipment was installed to monitor parameters such as wind speed and direction, electrical power output, blade pitch angle, rotor rotational speed, and wind turbine yaw orientation. Extensive hardware and software was developed and installed to wirelessly collect data from all instrumentation. Tufts and a remote-operated camera were also installed on one of the two blades of the 10 m diameter horizontal-axis turbine. In a variation on the tuft flow visualisation technique, video files were analysed using a novel digital image processing code. The code was developed in MATLAB to calculate the fraction of the blade which was stalled by determining the position and angle of each tuft in every video frame. The algorithm was able to locate on average 85% of the visible tufts and correctly tagged those which were stalled with a bias of only −5% compared to the typical manual method. When the algorithm was applied to 7 h of tuft video at the outboard 40% of the blade, the total average fraction of stalled tufts varied from 5% at 5 m/s to 40% at 21 m/s. This trend was expected for the stall-regulated design since, as the wind speed is increased, the stall progresses from inboard to outboard regions and from trailing edge to leading edge. The 7 h time period represents at least a two order-of-magnitude increase compared with time periods analysed using previous manual methods. This work has demonstrated a digital implementation of tuft flow visualisation which lends statistical validity (through long-time-period averaging) to a common tool for researching wind turbine stall. The speed and ease with which the tuft method can be implemented, combined with the high cost per energy of small-scale wind turbines, suggest that this digital algorithm is a highly beneficial tool for future studies.

An isolated wing-tip vortex from a square-tipped NACA 0012 wing at an angle of attack of 5 degrees was studied in a water tunnel at a chord based Reynolds number of approximately 24000. Measurements were taken using stereo particle image velocimetry at three measurement planes downstream of the wing under each of three freestream turbulence conditions. The amplitude of wandering of the vortex axis increased with increasing distance downstream of the wing and with increasing freestream turbulence intensity. The magnitude of the peak azimuthal velocity decreased with increasing distance from the wing as well as with increases in the freestream turbulence intensity. The streamwise velocity in the vortex core was less than the freestream velocity in all cases. Time resolved histories of the instantaneous waveform shape and location of the vortex axis were determined from sequences of images of fluorescent dye released from the wing.

Allergic manifestations are increasingly common in infants and children. Accumulating evidence suggests that the ‘epidemic’ increase of childhood allergy may be associated with environmental factors such as stress. Although the impact of stress on the manifestation and exacerbation of allergy has been demonstrated, the underlying mechanisms of stress-induced exacerbation are still obscure. A growing number of studies have suggested an altered hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis function to stress in allergic children. It is speculated that a dysfunctional HPA axis in response to stress may facilitate and/or consolidate immunological aberrations and thus, may increase the risk for allergic sensitization and exacerbation especially under stressful conditions. In the present review the potential impact of a hyporesponsive as well as a hyperresponsive HPA axis on the onset and chronification of childhood allergy is summarized. Moreover, potential factors that may contribute to the development of an aberrant HPA axis responsiveness in allergy are discussed. / Dieser Beitrag ist mit Zustimmung des Rechteinhabers aufgrund einer (DFG-geförderten) Allianz- bzw. Nationallizenz frei zugänglich.

The genes that regulate pubertal timing in the general population are not well understood. Recently, genome-wide association studies have demonstrated that genetic variants near LIN28B associate with variation in pubertal timing in humans. To investigate where within the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian (HPO) axis Lin28b, and its homologue Lin28a, regulate pubertal timing, expression of these genes was assessed across the pubertal transition. The finding that Lin28a/b expression decreases only in the ovary suggests that the Lin28 pathway may exert its regulatory effects with respect to puberty in the ovary. Another aim of this thesis was to examine the effect of estrogen on Lin28b expression in immortalized GnRH neuronal cells, but the data remains equivocal and detailed future studies are needed to make definitive conclusions. The ovarian expression data lay the foundation for further studies using conditional knockout mice to verify the importance of the tissue and age specific developmental pattern that was identified.

Teneurin C-terminal associated peptides (TCAP) are a family of bioactive peptides found on the terminal exon of the four teneurin genes. TCAP-1 is found within brain regions that modulate the activity of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), which is the principal neuropeptide regulator of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. TCAP-1 has suppressive effects on CRF-induced anxiety behaviours in rats. However, previous studies determined that TCAP-1 does not act directly on the CRF receptors (CRFR). Thus, I postulate that TCAP-1 may act centrally to modify elements of the HPA axis. Using an immortalized mouse hippocampal cell line, I tested the hypothesis that TCAP acts either downstream of CRFR activation, or on the regulation of the glucocorticoid receptors (GCR), which modulate CRF actions. These studies indicate that TCAP-1 represents a novel peptide in the regulation of stress related systems, which acts independently of either CRF-, or glucocorticoid- mediated signal transduction and transcription.

The genes that regulate pubertal timing in the general population are not well understood. Recently, genome-wide association studies have demonstrated that genetic variants near LIN28B associate with variation in pubertal timing in humans. To investigate where within the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian (HPO) axis Lin28b, and its homologue Lin28a, regulate pubertal timing, expression of these genes was assessed across the pubertal transition. The finding that Lin28a/b expression decreases only in the ovary suggests that the Lin28 pathway may exert its regulatory effects with respect to puberty in the ovary. Another aim of this thesis was to examine the effect of estrogen on Lin28b expression in immortalized GnRH neuronal cells, but the data remains equivocal and detailed future studies are needed to make definitive conclusions. The ovarian expression data lay the foundation for further studies using conditional knockout mice to verify the importance of the tissue and age specific developmental pattern that was identified.

Teneurin C-terminal associated peptides (TCAP) are a family of bioactive peptides found on the terminal exon of the four teneurin genes. TCAP-1 is found within brain regions that modulate the activity of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), which is the principal neuropeptide regulator of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. TCAP-1 has suppressive effects on CRF-induced anxiety behaviours in rats. However, previous studies determined that TCAP-1 does not act directly on the CRF receptors (CRFR). Thus, I postulate that TCAP-1 may act centrally to modify elements of the HPA axis. Using an immortalized mouse hippocampal cell line, I tested the hypothesis that TCAP acts either downstream of CRFR activation, or on the regulation of the glucocorticoid receptors (GCR), which modulate CRF actions. These studies indicate that TCAP-1 represents a novel peptide in the regulation of stress related systems, which acts independently of either CRF-, or glucocorticoid- mediated signal transduction and transcription.

Planning of optimal toolpath, cutter orientation, and feed rate for 5-axis Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machining of curved surfaces using a flat-end mill is a challenging task, although the approach has a great potential for much improved machining efficiency and surface quality of the finished part. This research combines and introduces several key enabling techniques for curved surface machining using 5-axis milling and a flat end cutter to achieve maximum machining efficiency and best surface quality, and to overcome some of the key drawbacks of 5-axis milling machine and flat end cutter use. First, this work proposes an optimal toolpath generation method by machining the curved surface patch-by-patch, considering surface normal variations using a fuzzy clustering technique. This method allows faster CNC machining with reduced slow angular motion of tool rotational axes and reduces sharp cutter orientation changes. The optimal number of surface patches or surface point clusters is determined by minimizing the two rotation motions and simplifying the toolpaths. Secondly, an optimal tool orientation generation method based on the combination of the surface normal method for convex curved surfaces and Euler-Meusnier Sphere (EMS) method for concave curved surfaces without surface gouge in machining has been introduced to achieve the maximum machining efficiency and surface quality. The surface normal based cutter orientation planning method is used to obtain the closest curvature match and longest cutting edge; and the EMS method is applied to obtain the closest curvature match and to avoid local gouging by matching the largest cutter Euler-Meusnier sphere with the smallest Euler-Meusnier sphere of the machined surface at each cutter contact (CC) point. For surfaces with saddle shapes, selection of one of these two tool orientation determination methods is based on the direction of the CNC toolpath relative to the change of surface curvature. A Non-uniform rational basis spline (NURBS) surface with concave, convex, and saddle features is used to demonstrate these newly introduced methods. Thirdly, the tool based and the Tri-dexel workpiece based methods of chip volume and cutting force predictions for flat-end mills in 5-axis CNC machining have been explored for feed rate optimization to achieve the maximum material removal rate. A new approach called local parallel slice method which extends the Alpha Shape method - only for chip geometry and removal volume prediction has been introduced to predict instant cutting forces for dynamic feed rate optimization. The Tri-dexel workpiece model is created to get undeformed chip geometry, chip volume, and cutting forces by determining the intersections of the tool envelope and continuously updating the workpiece during machining. The comparison of these two approaches is made and several machining experiments are conducted to verify the simulation results. At last, the chip ploughing effects that become a more serious problem in micro-machining due to chip thickness not always being larger than the tool edge radius are also considered. It is a challenging task to avoid ploughing effects in micro-milling. A new model of 3D chip geometry is thus developed to calculate chip thickness and ploughing volume in micro 5-axis flat-end milling by considering the minimum chip thickness effects. The research forms the foundation of optimal toolpath, cutter orientation, cutting forces/volume calculations, and ploughing effects in 5-axis CNC machining of curved surfaces using a flat-end mill for further research and direct manufacturing applications. / Graduate / 0548 / luoshan@uvic.ca

Thesis (MScEng (Electrical and Electronic Engineering))--University of Stellenbosch, 2011. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This thesis describes the development of attitude sensors required for the Attitude Determination and Control System (ADCS) for a Cubesat. The aim is to find the most suitable sensors for use on a small picosatellite by implementing miniaturised sensors with available commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) technology. Specifically, the algorithms, hardware prototypes, software and filters required to create accurate sensors to determine the 3-axis orientation of a CubeSat are discussed. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Hierdie tesis beskryf die ontwikkeling van oriëntasiesensors wat benodig word vir die oriëntasiebepaling en -beheerstelsel (Engels: ADCS) van ’n CubeSat. Die doelwit is om sensors te vind wat die geskikste is om in ’n klein picosatelliet te gebruik, deur miniatuursensors met kommersiële maklik verkrygbare tegnologie (Engels: COTS technology) te implementeer. Daar word in die bespreking veral aandag geskenk aan die algoritmes, hardewareprototipes, programmatuur en filters wat benodig word om akkurate sensors te skep wat op hul beurt 3-as oriëntasie van die CubeSat kan bepaal.

The objective of the present study is to understand the dynamics of the elaboration of the territorial tourism that occurs between Brasília and Goiânia. It is crucial to discuss not only space and physical structures, but it is also important to verify how the different touristic activities can be distinguished. This thesis will show that there exists a sort of touristic activity that organizes space in the surrounding suburbs of Distrito Federal. The main cities in the urban region, respectively Brasília and Goiânia have strong influence over the nearest counties, and tourism is one of the diverse manifestations of this territorial dynamic. As the culture of travel settles in the urban metropolitan centers, there are certain demands that are created to attend the need of utilization of free time including pleasure and touristic activities. In this manner, the nearby counties start receiving public and private investments so that they can offer infrastructure and attractions for the expanding market segment. Tourism is able to create structures for its own consolidation according to the local specific aspects (political issues, attractive activities, entrepreneurs) showing thus a hierarchy between the touristic counties and those with developing activities. Data was gathered in the official tourism organs in the counties of research as well as in the State of Goiás, Distrito Federal and at the Ministry of Tourism. The first chapter of this thesis briefly describes the research theme, methodology, objectives and the difficulties encountered throughout this research. The second chapter defines tourism and its facets in a light manner so that the subject is not dense. In the third chapter there is a characterization of the area between Brasilia and Goiania. The following chapters will show the different levels of the development of tourism in the counties of Goiás, with a basis on the characterization of the social economic indicators, the tourism attractions and the current stage of development of the touristic activity. In the last two chapters, the different uses and possibilities of tourism between Brasilia and Goiania are discussed, as well as the understanding if there is in fact a touristic region of Brasilia, besides the conclusions that truly prove that tourism produces a territorial dynamic that occupies spaces in detriment to other spaces, causes developments and contradictions. / O presente trabalho tem por objetivo compreender a dinâmica da produção territorial do turismo no eixo Brasília-Goiânia. Pensamos que além do espaço, base física, faz-se necessário, também, discutir em que medida as possibilidades de desenvolver a atividade turística na região podem ser pontuadas. A tese a ser discutida é a de que existe uma atividade turística que ordena o espaço no Entorno do Distrito Federal. As cidades-cabeça da rede urbana regional, respectivamente Brasília e Goiânia, exercem forte influência sobre os municípios mais próximos, sendo o turismo uma das diversas manifestações dessa dinâmica territorial. Na medida em que a cultura do viajar se instala nos centros urbanos metropolitanos, criam-se demandas direcionadas a atender essa necessidade de utilização do tempo-livre com atividades de turismo e lazer.Portanto, os municípios próximos passam a receber investimentos públicos e privados para oferecer infra-estrutura e atrativos ao mercado em expansão. O turismo cria estruturas para sua consolidação de acordo com as especificidades locais (questões políticas, atrativos, empreendedores), denotando assim uma hierarquia com municípios turísticos e em desenvolvimento da atividade. Foram feitos levantamentos de dados junto aos órgãos oficiais de turismo nos municípios pesquisados bem como no Estado de Goiás, Distrito Federal e no Ministério do Turismo. Inicialmente, no primeiro capítulo faz-se uma breve discussão sobre o tema da pesquisa, metodologia, objetivos e as dificuldades encontradas. No segundo capítulo é feita uma breve digressão sobre o turismo e suas facetas, sem a pretensão de esgotar o assunto. No terceiro capítulo, há a caracterização do eixo Brasília-Goiânia. Os capítulos seguintes irão mostrar os diferentes níveis de desenvolvimento do turismo nos municípios goianos, a partir da caracterização de seus indicadores socioeconômicos, os atrativos turísticos e o atual estágio de desenvolvimento da atividade. Nos dois últimos capítulos, discutem-se os diferentes usos e possibilidades do turismo no eixo, bem como se há de fato a região turística de Brasília , além das conclusões que comprovam que de fato o turismo produz uma dinâmica territorial que ocupa espaços em detrimento de outros, produz desenvolvimento e contradições. / Doutor em Geografia