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The dissertation describes and assembles the building blocks for sound and accurate models for solid-state polymerization process systems of condensation polymers, particularly poly(ethylene terephthalate) and nylon-6. The work centers on an approach for modeling commercial-scale, as opposed to laboratory-scale, systems. The focus is not solely on coupled polymerization and diffusion, but extends to crystallization, physical properties, and phase equilibrium, which all enhance the robustness of the complete model. There are three applications demonstrating the utility of the model for a variety of real, industrial plant operations. One of the validated simulation models is for commercial production of three different grades of solid-state PET. There are also validated simulation models for the industrial leaching and solid-state polymerization of nylon-6 covering a range of operating conditions. The results of these studies justify our mixing-cell modeling approach as well as the inclusion of all relevant fundamental concepts. The first several chapters discuss in detail the engineering fundamentals that we must consider for modeling these polymerization process systems. These include physical properties, phase equilibrium, crystallization, diffusion, polymerization, and additional modeling considerations. The last two chapters cover the modeling applications. / Ph. D.

This dissertation describes the essential modeling components and techniques for building comprehensive polymer process models for metal-catalyzed polyolefin processes. The significance of this work is that it presents a comprehensive approach to polymer process modeling applied to large-scale commercial processes. Most researchers focus only on polymerization mechanisms and reaction kinetics, and neglect physical properties and phase equilibrium. Both physical properties and phase equilibrium play key roles in the accuracy and robustness of a model. This work presents the fundamental principles and practical guidelines used to develop and validate both steady-state and dynamic simulation models for two large-scale commercial processes involving the Ziegler-Natta polymerization to produce high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and polypropylene (PP). It also provides a model for the solution polymerization of ethylene using a metallocene catalyst. Existing modeling efforts do not include physical properties or phase equilibrium in their calculations. These omissions undermine the accuracy and predictive power of the models. The forward chapters of the dissertation discuss the fundamental concepts we consider in polymer process modeling. These include physical and thermodynamic properties, phase equilibrium, and polymerization kinetics. The later chapters provide the modeling applications described above. / Ph. D.

Pathogens colonize their hosts by releasing molecules that can enter host cells. A biotrophic oomycete plant pathogen, Phytophthora sojae harbors a superfamily of effector genes whose protein products enter the cells of the host, soybean. Many of the effectors contain an RXLR-dEER motif in their N-terminus. More than 400 members belonging to this family have been previously identified using a Hidden Markov Model. Amino acids flanking the RXLR motif have been utilized to identify effector proteins from the P. sojae secretome, despite the high level of sequence divergence among the members of this protein family. I present here machine learning methods to identify protein candidates that belong to a particular class, such as the effector superfamily. Converting the flanking amino acid sequences of RXLR motifs (or other candidate motifs) into numeric values that reflect their physical properties enabled the protein sequences to be analyzed through these methods. The methods evaluated include Support Vector Machines and a related spherical classification method that I have developed. I also approached the effector prediction problem by building functional linkage networks and have produced lists of predicted P. sojae effector proteins. I tested the best candidate through gene gun bombardment assays using the beta-glucuronidase reporter system, which revealed that there is a high likelihood that the candidate can enter the soybean cells. / Ph. D.

Yes / This study investigates the physical and mechanical properties of 12 biomass wood pellet samples utilised in a power generation, focusing on their implications for energy release and carbon emissions during combustion. Through comprehensive analysis involving bulk density measurements, compression tests, moisture analysis, calorimetry and controlled burning experiments, significant correlations among key properties are identified. Pellets with densities above 1100 kg/m3 demonstrate superior mechanical durability and strength, achieving maximum strengths of 0.6 to 0.8 kN with durability exceeding 99.4%. Optimal moisture content, typically between 6 and 7% is crucial for maximising density, bulk density, mechanical durability and fracture resistance, ensuring robust pellet structure and performance. The research underscores the impact of pellet dimensions, highlighting those longer lengths, > 12 mm enhance durability, while larger diameters > 8 mm exhibit reduced durability. Elemental analysis focusing on calcium, silicon and potassium plays a critical role in predicting and managing combustion system fouling, potentially reducing operational costs. Moreover, the study emphasises the significant influence of oxygen levels during combustion on CO2 emissions, achieving optimal results with moisture content in the 7–8% range for maximum higher heating value (HHV). The moisture content in the 14–15% range represents the lowest CO2 emission. The findings underscore the intricacy of the system and the interplay of parameters with one another. In accordance with the priority of each application, the selection of parameters warrants careful consideration. / This work was supported by the UK Carbon Capture and Storage Research Community (UKCCSRC) and the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) through the UKCCSRC Flexible Funding Call 2022.

Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) / Background: Elucidating the lithium disilicate system like the popular IPS e.max® CAD (LS2), made specifically for Computer-Aided Design and Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAD-CAM), as a function of temperature unravels new ways to enhance material properties and performance. Objective: To study the effect of various thermal processing on the crystallization kinetics, crystallite microstructure, and strength of LS2. Methods: The control group of the LS2 samples was heated using the standard manufacturer heating-schedule. Two experimental groups were tested: (1) an extended temperature range (750-840 °C vs. 820-840 °C) at the segment of 30 °C/min heating rate, and (2) a protracted holding time (14 min vs. 7 min) at the isothermal temperature of 840 °C. Five other groups of different heating schedules with lower-targeted temperatures were evaluated to investigate the microstructural changes. For each group, the crystalline phases and morphologies were measured by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) respectively. Differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) was used to determine the activation energy of LS2 under non-isothermal conditions. A MTS universal testing machine was used to measure 3-point flexural strength and fracture toughness, and elastic modulus and hardness were measured by the MTS Nanoindenter® XP. A one-way ANOVA/Tukey was performed per property (alpha = 0.05). Results: DSC, XRD, and SEM revealed three distinct microstructures during LS2 crystallization. Significant differences were found between the control group, the two aforementioned experimental groups, and the five lower-targeted-temperature groups per property (p<0.05). The activation energy for lithium disilicate growth was 667.45 (± 28.97) KJ/mole. Conclusions: Groups with the extended temperature range (750-840 °C) and protracted holding time (820-840 °C H14) produced significantly higher elastic-modulus and hardness properties than the control group but showed similar significant flexural-strength and fracture-toughness properties with the control group. In general, explosive growth of lithium disilicates occurred only when maximum formation of lithium metasilicates had ended.

Various silicone elastomers have been evaluated for use in the prosthetic reconstruction of facial defects. Their strength, texture, flexibility, hardness, ease of preparation, pigment receptivity and retention, and their resistance to cleaning were compared and the data consulted when an elastomer was chosen to restore defects, improve aesthetics and reestablish the confidence of a selection of patients. Detailed case reports are provided, together with information on the adhesives or mechanical methods available for retaining the facial prosetheses. Cyanoacrylate adhesives for use on skin surfaces and as tissue adhesives have been studied in detail. A novel n-butyl 413 cyanoacrylate has been developed with a viscosity, haemostatic property and stability to make it particularly suitable for use in skin grafting and tissue repair. It has already been used with good results on patients with severe burns. An improved formulation, containing a fluorescent dye, can be precisely applied through a specially constructed foot-controlled dispenser illuminated by a fibre-optic supplying UV-light. Cyanoacrylates are already being used as tissue adhesives in place of the conventional but potentially disfiguring suture. The availability of improved, imperceptible adhesives and a precision applicator, which can be used in a modern operating theatre, will extend their effectiveness and satisfy some of the needs of Plastic, and Oral and Maxillo-Facial Surgeons. Portable applicators have potential use in battlefield and in veterinary surgery and overcome the imprecision characteristic of earlier methods.

Siekiant įvertinti supaprastinto žemės dirbimo ir tiesioginės sėjos įtaką žieminių kviečių agrofitocenozei ir dirvos fizikinėms savybėms atlikti tyrimai 2009-2010 m. ilgalaikiame eksperimente, kuris įrengtas 1988 m. Lietuvos žemės ūkio universiteto Bandymų stotyje giliau karbonatingame giliau glėjiškame išplautžemyje – IDg4-k2 (Endocalc(ar)ic Endohipogleyic Luvicol – LWg-n-ww-cc) FAO, vidutinio sunkumo priemolyje ant smėlingo lengvo priemolio. Lauko eksperimento variantai: 1. Įprastinis arimas 23-25 cm gyliu (IA); 2. Seklusis arimas 12-15 cm gyliu (SA); 3. Gilusis purenimas (kultivavimas strėliniais noragėliais 23-25 cm gyliu) (GP); 4. Seklusis purenimas 12-15 cm gyliu (SP); 5. Tiesioginė sėja į neįdirbtą dirvą (glifosatu purškiama pagal reikalą) (ND). Nustatyta, kad žemės dirbimo supaprastinimas bei tiesioginė sėja ženkliai padidino trumpaamžių ir daugiamečių piktžolių daigų tankumą žieminių kviečių krūmijimosi tarpsnyje, lyginant su įprastiniu arimu. Taikant ilgalaikę tiesioginę sėją žieminių kviečių agrofitocenozėje krūmijimosi tarpsnyje daugiau išplito bekvapis šunramunis, mažoji strugena, dirvinis garstukas ir trikertė žvaginė, lyginant su kitais žemės dirbimo būdais. Bekvapių šunramunių gausumas žieminių kviečių pieninės brandos tarpsnyje buvo taip pat ženkliai didesnis tiesiogiai javus sėjant į ražienas, negu taikant įprastinį ir supaprastintą žemės dirbimą. Didesnis trumpaamžių piktžolių skaičius rastas kviečių pieninės brandos tarpsnyje giliai ir sekliai... [toliau žr. visą tekstą] / In order to evaluate the effect of reduced tillage and direct seeding on agrophytocenosis of winter wheat and physical properties of soil, tests were carried out. In a long-term experiment conducted in the period between 2009 and 2010, which was installed in 1988 in Experimental Station at Lithuanian University of Agriculture in calcarous and endohypogleyic luvisol – IDg4-k2 (Endocalc(ar)ic Endohipogleyic Luvicol – LWg-n-ww-cc) FAO, in medium loam on sandy light loam. Field experiment options: 1. Routine Plowing depth of 23-25 cm (RP) 2. Shallow Plowing depth of 12-15 cm (SP); 3. Deep Hoeing (cultivation with arrow-type ploughshare, depth of 23-25 cm) (DH); 4. Shallow Hoeing depth of 12-15 cm (SH); 5. Direct Seeding in uncultivated soil (sprayed with glyphosate if necessary) (US). The results show that when compared with conventional tillage, the reduced tillage and direct seeding have significantly increased the density of seedlings of short-lived perennial weeds at the stage of tillering of winter wheat. When compared with other methods of tillage, during long-term direct seeding, at the stage of agrophytocenosis and tillering of winter wheat, the scentless false mayweed, mouse-tail, wild mustard and shepherd's purse were more widespread. Abundance of scentless false mayweed at the stage of lactic ripeness of winter wheat was significantly greater when grains were directly sown in the stubble than using conventional and reduced tillage. A larger number of short-lived... [to full text]

It is natural to suppose that mental and physical properties are importantly distinct. Yet whatever this difference is, it has to be compatible with interaction between the mind and the body. Satisfaction of these desiderata leads to a paradox. If you make the mind strongly separate from the body, then there is the problem of bringing them together. If you unite them, then there is the problem of preserving their distinctiveness. It is the aim of this thesis to resolve the paradox. From the outset, it is assumed that the nature of interaction is most satisfactorily explained by an account of mental properties in monistic terms. For reasons for space, the arguments of Materialism are concentrated upon at the exposure of Idealism. Three strategies are examined, and found wanting. First, an instance of a non-reductive account provided by Davidson's 'Anomalous Monism'. Here, mental properties seem to be left with no role in influencing behaviour. Second, a review of reductionist accounts, ranging from Identity Theories to Representationalism. Criticism focuses upon the failure of reductionism to explain the connection between the function of a conscious state and its particular character. A Materialist treats mental states as if they were part of the physical universe. This implies that the nature of these states may be understood through scientific investigation, in the same manner as all other phenomena. The third strategy is to deny the above implication: that is, deny the assertion that, by existing, all aspects of an object are thereby knowable. The ideas of Colin McGinn are discussed as an example of this position. Since his arguments are equally suitable for non-Materialist purposes, they do not constitute an exclusively Materialist solution to the above paradox. This thesis offers an alternative way of pursuing the above strategy. It argues that the relation between mental states and our ways of understanding phenomena, is such that we should not expect our theories about the nature of 'mind' and the 'physical world' to employ the same terms. These properties appear distinct, not because they are different substances, but because they occupy different sides of the ‘process of understanding’ - ‘thing understood’ relationship. For convenience, this position is referred to as ‘Agnostic Materialism’. As interaction between the mind and the body is compatible with the mind having no influence upon our behaviour, it is incumbent upon the thesis to defend Materialism against the claim that mental properties are epiphenomenal. This is achieved by teasing out two ways in which such properties are considered inert: either because the workings of the mind are independent of the body; or because the mind’s processes are irrelevant to those of the body. The first claim is seen arise from the difficulty of seeing the mind as part of the physical world - a difficulty removed by the arguments in the previous paragraph. The second claim gains plausibility through a mistaken adherence to certain models of scientific explanation.

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