Biomass waste has been recognised as a promising, renewable source for future transport fuels. With 1.7 million hectares of pine plantation forests and 12 million cubic meters of annual residue produced by sawmills and the pulp and paper industries, New Zealand presents a prime location where utilisation of these resources can take the next step towards creating a more environmentally friendly future. In this research, the process of fast pyrolysis was investigated using a laboratoryscale, nitrogen-blown fluidised bed pyrolyser at CRL Energy. This equipment can process 1–1.5 kg/h of woody biomass in a temperature range of 450–550°C. The purpose of this rig was to determine the impact of various processing parameters on bio-oil yields. Next, the pyrolysis liquids (bio-oil and tar) were processed downstream into bio-bitumen. Pyrolysis experiments were carried out on Pinus Radiata and Eucalyptus Nitens residue sawdust from sawmills and bark feedstock. The properties of the collected products, including pyrolysis liquids (bio-oil and tar), gas and solid bio-chars, were measured under different operational conditions. Further analysis was also performed to determine pH, volatile content, chemical composition and calorific values of the products. The ultimate goal for this project was to develop a feasible, advanced fast-pyrolysis system for a bio-bitumen production plant using various biomass feedstocks. Additionally, a design for a bio-bitumen production plant was developed, and techno-economic analysis was conducted on a number of plant production yield cases and bio-bitumen manufacture ratios.

When the target of a reaching movement is displaced suddenly, people update their movement to take account of the jump, correcting their trajectory online to end the movement at the new target location. These corrections are initiated too rapidly to be conscious, and occur when they are uninstructed (Pisella et al., 2000) or the participant is unaware of the change in location (Goodale et al., 1986). These findings have been taken as evidence that fast corrections occur automatically, and the spatial updating of reach trajectories has become known as the ‘automatic pilot’ (Pisella et al., 2000). This thesis set out to investigate the cognitive, attentional and neurological aspects of the automatic pilot, in three series of related experiments, all employing a double-step reaching task. Experiments 1 - 4 investigated how strongly automatic reach corrections are, by manipulating the influence of conscious intention and cognitive load. These experiments confirmed that the automatic pilot is at most weakly automatic, as correction efficiency is enhanced by an explicit instruction to follow target jumps and, conversely, corrections can be overridden by an intention to resist them. However, voluntary inhibition of the automatic pilot can be disrupted by placing participants under heavy cognitive load, whilst voluntary enhancement is unaffected by this manipulation. Thus, voluntary suppression of the automatic pilot is effortful, but enhancement towards greater responsiveness is seemingly effortless. Experiments 5 - 8 explored the properties of the visual target displacement that drive the automatic pilot response in a double-step reaching task. These experiments demonstrate that correction efficiency is lawfully related to jump salience, but that the onset of the new target location drives correction responses more powerfully than the offset of the original target. However, the maximal correction rates obtained from a simultaneous onset and offset, were too great to be attributed simply to the additive influences of onsets and offsets. The onset and offset components of the target jump are thus synergistic. It is suggested that this reflects the contribution of an apparent motion signal induced by simultaneous onset and offsets, which strongly drives the automatic pilot system. Experiment 9 examined an asymmetry in correction efficiency, favouring rightward over leftward target jumps, evident throughout the earlier experiments. Correction efficiency was assessed for right- and left-handed participants responding to rightward and leftward target jumps. The pattern of results indicated that each hand is advantaged for responding to ipsilaterallydirected jumps, which may reflect biomechanical or hemispheric compatibility effects. However, there was also an overall differential advantage for rightward jumps, which was independent of handedness, or hand used. This suggests a left-hemispheric advantage for automatic correction behaviour, independent of handedness. Finally, Experiments 10 - 14 considered whether the automatic pilot deficit in optic ataxia is simply a manifestation of the more general misreaching deficit. Across several different target conditions, the pattern of online correction in optic ataxia refuted a simple misreaching explanation, suggesting that it is a specific functional consequence of dorsal stream damage.

No description available.

O processo de nitrificação e desnitrificação simultâneas (NDS) permite alcançar a remoção combinada de matérias carbonácea e nitrogenada em uma única unidade. O reator de leito estruturado, com biomassa imobilizada e recirculação interna, apresenta características positivas para que estes processos envolvidos ocorram, tais como propiciar a formação de biofilme e evitar a colmatação do leito. Esta configuração tem sido estudada com êxito em reatores em escala de bancada para tratamento de esgoto. Nesta pesquisa foi utilizado um reator de leito estruturado em escala piloto com a finalidade de avaliar sua implantação, eficiência e estabilidade tratando esgoto doméstico em condições reais para futura aplicação em pequenas comunidades, condomínios residenciais entre outros como sistema descentralizado. O reator foi construído em fibra de vidro, de formato cilíndrico, com diâmetro interno de aproximadamente 0,80 m e 2,0 m de altura. O volume total foi de aproximadamente 0,905 m3 e o volume útil de 0,642 m3. A operação foi realizada sob condições de aeração contínua e intermitente e os tempos de detenção hidráulica (TDH) testados foram de 48, 36 e 24 horas. A remoção de DQO manteve-se acima de 90% com TDH de 48 e 36 horas. A melhor eficiência de remoção de nitrogênio total foi de 72,4 ± 6,4%, sob TDH de 48 horas e a aeração intermitente, com 2 horas de aeração e 1 hora não aerada. A concentração de oxigênio dissolvido (OD) média de 2,8 ± 0,5 mg.L-1 na fase aerada e temperatura média de 24,7 ± 1,0 °C. Nesse mesmo período, a eficiência média de remoção de DQO foi de 94 ± 4 %. Apesar das dificuldades apresentadas no controle da aeração, as eficiências das remoções obtidas indicaram que o reator de leito estruturado e aeração intermitente (LEAI) se apresenta como uma alternativa promissora em escala plena, requerendo ajustes para construção e incremento da estabilidade da NDS. / The simultaneous nitrification and denitrification (SND) process allow achieving a combined nitrogen and carbon removal in a single unit. The structured-bed reactor, with immobilized biomass and internal recirculation, presents positive characteristics for occurrence of these involved processes, such as providing biofilm formation and prevent clogging. This configuration have been study successfully in a bench scale for sewage treatment. In this research was used a structured-bed reactor in a pilot scale in order to evaluate its implantation, efficiency and stability treating sewage in real conditions to future application in small communities, residential condominium among others, as decentralized treatment. The reactor was constructed with cylindrical glass fiber modules, with internal diameter of 0.8 m and 2.0 m height. The total volume was about 0.905 m3 and 0.642 m3 working volume. It was worked under continuous and intermittent aeration conditions and the tested hydraulic retention times (HRT) were 48, 36 e 24 hours. The maximum total nitrogen removal was 72.4 ± 6.4% ; the HRT was 48 hours with intermittent aeration, in which 2 hours in aeration and 1-hour nonaeration. An average dissolved oxygen (DO) concentration of 2.8 ± 0.5 mg.L-1 in the aerated time and an average temperature of 24.7 ± 1.0°C. In the same period, the average COD removal was 94 ± 4%. Despite of the difficulties presented in aeration control, the obtained removals indicated the structured-bed reactor subjected to recirculation and intermittent aeration (SBRRIA) can be a promising alternative in full scale, demanding adjustments to improve the reactor construction and the SND stability.

O processo de nitrificação e desnitrificação simultâneas (NDS) permite alcançar a remoção combinada de matérias carbonácea e nitrogenada em uma única unidade. O reator de leito estruturado, com biomassa imobilizada e recirculação interna, apresenta características positivas para que estes processos envolvidos ocorram, tais como propiciar a formação de biofilme e evitar a colmatação do leito. Esta configuração tem sido estudada com êxito em reatores em escala de bancada para tratamento de esgoto. Nesta pesquisa foi utilizado um reator de leito estruturado em escala piloto com a finalidade de avaliar sua implantação, eficiência e estabilidade tratando esgoto doméstico em condições reais para futura aplicação em pequenas comunidades, condomínios residenciais entre outros como sistema descentralizado. O reator foi construído em fibra de vidro, de formato cilíndrico, com diâmetro interno de aproximadamente 0,80 m e 2,0 m de altura. O volume total foi de aproximadamente 0,905 m3 e o volume útil de 0,642 m3. A operação foi realizada sob condições de aeração contínua e intermitente e os tempos de detenção hidráulica (TDH) testados foram de 48, 36 e 24 horas. A remoção de DQO manteve-se acima de 90% com TDH de 48 e 36 horas. A melhor eficiência de remoção de nitrogênio total foi de 72,4 ± 6,4%, sob TDH de 48 horas e a aeração intermitente, com 2 horas de aeração e 1 hora não aerada. A concentração de oxigênio dissolvido (OD) média de 2,8 ± 0,5 mg.L-1 na fase aerada e temperatura média de 24,7 ± 1,0 °C. Nesse mesmo período, a eficiência média de remoção de DQO foi de 94 ± 4 %. Apesar das dificuldades apresentadas no controle da aeração, as eficiências das remoções obtidas indicaram que o reator de leito estruturado e aeração intermitente (LEAI) se apresenta como uma alternativa promissora em escala plena, requerendo ajustes para construção e incremento da estabilidade da NDS. / The simultaneous nitrification and denitrification (SND) process allow achieving a combined nitrogen and carbon removal in a single unit. The structured-bed reactor, with immobilized biomass and internal recirculation, presents positive characteristics for occurrence of these involved processes, such as providing biofilm formation and prevent clogging. This configuration have been study successfully in a bench scale for sewage treatment. In this research was used a structured-bed reactor in a pilot scale in order to evaluate its implantation, efficiency and stability treating sewage in real conditions to future application in small communities, residential condominium among others, as decentralized treatment. The reactor was constructed with cylindrical glass fiber modules, with internal diameter of 0.8 m and 2.0 m height. The total volume was about 0.905 m3 and 0.642 m3 working volume. It was worked under continuous and intermittent aeration conditions and the tested hydraulic retention times (HRT) were 48, 36 e 24 hours. The maximum total nitrogen removal was 72.4 ± 6.4% ; the HRT was 48 hours with intermittent aeration, in which 2 hours in aeration and 1-hour nonaeration. An average dissolved oxygen (DO) concentration of 2.8 ± 0.5 mg.L-1 in the aerated time and an average temperature of 24.7 ± 1.0°C. In the same period, the average COD removal was 94 ± 4%. Despite of the difficulties presented in aeration control, the obtained removals indicated the structured-bed reactor subjected to recirculation and intermittent aeration (SBRRIA) can be a promising alternative in full scale, demanding adjustments to improve the reactor construction and the SND stability.

Os sistemas combinados anaeróbio/aeróbio para tratamento de esgotos sanitários têm sido considerados alternativas viáveis do ponto de vista técnico-econômico em relação aos sistemas tradicionais. Este trabalho apresenta os resultados obtidos com uma nova configuração de reator, composto por uma unidade central - um reator anaeróbio de manta de lodo (UASB) modificado de 286 L, associado a um reator radial aerado de leito fixo (RRLF) de 215 L, disposto de maneira a circundar a zona de separação sólido/líquido/gás do reator UASB. A principal modificação no reator UASB foi, portanto, a incorporação, junto à sua parede externa, do RRLF. A alimentação do RRLF com o efluente do UASB dá-se através de aberturas laterais na parede do UASB, o que permitiu eliminar as calhas de coleta e sistemas de alimentação do segundo reator. Esse sistema foi alimentado com esgoto sanitário obtido da rede coletora de esgotos do campus da USP de São Carlos. Esperava-se obter remoção considerável de matéria orgânica solúvel e particulada, bem como a remoção parcial de nitrogênio. Foram obtidas eficiências médias de remoção de matéria orgânica (expressa como demanda química de oxigênio - DQO) e de sólidos suspensos voláteis (SSV), de 80% e 89%, respectivamente. Em condições de operação estável, os valores de DQO e SSV no efluente atingiram 110 mg/L e 16 mg/L, respectivamente. Observou-se, também, que o sistema apresentou grande estabilidade operacional, tendo a taxa de carregamento orgânico volumétrica atingido valores da ordem de 4,0 Kg DQO.m-3d-1. Nessas condições, o sistema atingiu eficiências de remoção de DQO e SSV da ordem de 90%. O sistema misto ensaiado mostrou ser uma configuração promissora, pois promoveu a remoção eficiente de matéria orgânica e de sólidos suspensos. Considera-se, no entanto, a necessidade de se introduzirem modificações no projeto RRLF que permitam o estabelecimento dos processos de nitrificação e desnitrificação nesse reator, uma vez que foi obtida baixa eficiência de nitrificação e, conseqüentemente, a remoção de nitrogênio foi prejudicada. / Integrated anaerobic/aerobic systems have been considered feasible alternatives concerning technical and economic aspects for treating domestic wastewaters. This paper presents the results obtained from the operation of this new reactor configuration, made up of a central unit - an upflow anaerobic sludge blanket reactor (UASB), with a working volume of 286 L, associated to a radial-flow aerobic immobilized-biomass (RAIB), with a working volume of 215 L. The RAIB reactor circles the solid/liquid/gas separation zone. The main modification in the UASB reactor concerns this association with the RAIB. The UASB effluent was distributed through openings along its side walls to the RAIB, allowing the elimination of collecting channels and feeding devices from the latter reactor. The objective of this work was to promote organic matter (raw and soluble) and nitrogen removal from domestic sewage. Organic matter (as COD) and volatile suspended solids removal achieved efficiencies of 80% and 89%, respectively. Under stable operational conditions, the system effluent presented COD and volatile suspended solids values of 110 mg/L and 16 mg/L, respectively. Efficiencies of 90% for COD and volatile suspended solids removal were achieved with a organic loading rate of 4,0 Kg COD.m-3.d-1. This integrated system has shown to be a valid configuration, efficiently removing organic matter and suspended solids from the domestic wastewater. However, contrarily to expectations based on the previous studies with RAIB, nitrification was poor. Therefore, modifications to the RAIB design must be considered for the establishment of nitrogen removing processes.

As experienced fighter pilots leave the United States Air Force (USAF) and Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), there is a need to develop new competent pilots to meet national defense requirements. Fighter training programs are expensive for taxpayers, and the USAF and RAAF face significant resource problems developing and implementing these programs. Using policy feedback theory and punctuated equilibrium theory as the theoretical foundation, the purpose of this comparative, multi-case study of current USAF F-16 and RAAF F-18 fighter pilot training policies was to inform training policy development and efficacy of future USAF and RAAF fighter pilot training programs. Data were gathered from training policy documents and 12 interviews with F-16 and F-18 pilots. Data were deductively coded and analyzed using policy feedback and punctuated event themes. Findings indicate that policy feedbacks and punctuated events influence fighter pilot training policy. Best practices for training include optimum stress management, appropriate academic course timing, and phase-based training techniques. Optimal instructional approaches included a servant leadership philosophy and a need for improved kinesthetic flight preparation tools and procedures. The USAF and RAAF approach fighter pilot training differently. The positive social change implications stemming from this study include recommendations to the USAF and RAAF that may improve fighter pilot training policy at the lowest possible cost to the taxpayers.

This thesis presents investigations of diversity at three genes (class I, DQA and DQB) of the Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) in cetaceans. The MHC genes encode for proteins that are crucial for initiating an immune response by binding invading pathogens in vertebrates. It has been acknowledged that a high diversity at these genes results in the ability to recognise a wider range of pathogens, therefore functional diversity is important for the survival of a species. Furthermore this diversity has been created under the influence of selection, which can reveal interesting contrasts with neutral markers about the history of selection of populations and species. The diversity at two genes (DQA and DQB) in natural populations of two contrasting species of cetaceans has been investigated in more detail. The species selected included both sub-species of Hector’s dolphin, the Hector’s dolphin (Cephalorhynchus hectori hectori) and the Maui’s dolphin (Cephalorhynchus hectori maui), as well as the long-finned pilot whale (Globicephala melas). These species were chosen, because both Hector’s dolphin sub-species contrast with the pilot whale species in regards to their population size, abundance, population structure and life history. For example both sub-species of Hector’s dolphin have small population sizes and only inhabit coastal areas around New Zealand, whereas the pilot whale is an abundant, pelagic dolphin species. In Chapter 2 the expression of class II MHC genes (DQA and DQB) was demonstrated for the first time for a cetacean species, the Hector’s dolphin. Using available information from the bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus), I also designed primers to investigate class I MHC. Fragments of MHC genes were amplified from cDNA, which was derived from blood samples of two Hector’s dolphins. These dolphins were the subject of a temporary live capture, presenting a unique opportunity for blood collection. No evidence was found for duplication of both MHC class II loci, but cloning suggested a minimum of three copies of class I genes within the genomic DNA. However, the expression of all class I genes was uncertain, since only one allele could be isolated from cDNA. Functionality for all three genes (class I, DQA and DQB) was supported by the evidence for balancing selection having operated on these genes, indicated by a higher ratio of non-synonymous to synonymous substitutions. In Chapter 3, a combination of single-strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) and direct sequencing was used to describe DQA and DQB diversity in the Hector’s and Maui’s dolphin. Genetic samples for the Hector’s dolphin were available from previously collected stranding and biopsy samples (n = 233), representing three populations from the South Coast of New Zealand and the sub-species on the West Coast of the North Island of New Zealand. For the Hector’s dolphin of the South Island, a surprisingly large number of alleles at both loci (DQA = 4, DQB = 6) were found, considering their small population size and compared to other cetacean populations with larger population sizes. The Maui’s dolphin has been classified as critically endangered with less than 100 dolphins, but showed a relatively high nucleotide diversity for DQB ( = 4.5%). This diversity was based on only three alleles that have been retained in the sub-species, representing the most divergent of all six alleles. All populations showed strong geographic differentiation at both loci (DQA: FST=0.252; DQB: FST=0.333), with the greatest differentiation between the South Island population and the North Island Maui’s dolphin. Comparison to mitochondrial and microsatellite diversity suggested influence of stochastic genetic drift, although the pressure of balancing selection acting on DQB over an evolutionary time period was also evident by a higher ratio of non-synonymous to synonymous substitutions (dN/dS=5.9) and by a pattern of trans-specific allele sharing within the family of Delphinidae. In Chapter 4 similar methods were used to describe DQA and DQB in pilot whales using genetic samples from the long-finned pilot whale that were available from five mass-strandings from around New Zealand (n = 237). A larger number of alleles than for the Hector’s dolphin were found at both loci (DQA= 8; DQB= 8), although their large population size and pelagic abundance raises the expectation of an even greater number of alleles. The overall differentiation between mass-strandings was low, but significant for both loci (DQA: FST =0.012, DQB: FST =0.014). The differentiation of all strandings was greatest for the Golden Bay mass-stranding at DQA, but deviation from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium at DQB suggested either sub-structure within mass-strandings (Wahlund effect) or the presence of null alleles. As for the Hector’s dolphin and other mammalian species, the influence of balancing selection acting on DQB over a long evolutionary time period was evident by a higher ratio non-synonymous to synonymous substitutions (dN/dS=9.3) and by a pattern of trans-specific allele sharing within the family of Delphinidae. Overall, diversity is surprisingly similar between these two cetacean species despite different life history characteristic, but low compared to domesticated ungulate species, such as the cow. If low MHC diversity is a general feature of cetaceans, due to the marine environment as suggested previously or rather a side effect of short-term demographic forces remains speculative. A standardised nomenclature for the increasing number of MHC alleles from cetacean is proposed in this thesis to assist with future development of this research.

Ces quarante dernières années, l'observation du Fond Cosmique Micro-Onde a été l'un des champs d'étude les plus prolifiques de l'astrophysique. Couronnée par deux prix Nobel, cette découverte majeure a permis de confirmer de façon spectaculaire la théorie du Big-Bang. L'étude détaillée de ce fond micro-onde a également permis de mieux contraindre les différents modèles d'Univers issus de la cosmologie. Avec l'expérience Planck de l'ESA qui va succéder en 2008 à COBE et WMAP, la cosmologie entre dans une nouvelle ère, celle de la ``cosmologie observationnelle de précision''. Jamais une expérience spatiale aussi sensible n'aura effectué un relevé complet du ciel micro-onde avec une aussi grande résolution. La grande sensibilité de Planck implique la nécessité d'un contrôle accru des effets systématiques d'origine instrumentale. Cette thèse s'inscrit dans le cadre du contrôle de ces effets systématiques pour Planck, en particulier pour son instrument hautes fréquences: HFI (High Frequency Instrument). Contrôler les effets systématiques implique trois types d'activités: l'Identification, la Quantification et la Correction de ces effets. Cette thèse présente essentiellement les résultats obtenus sur les travaux d'identification et de quantification des effets systématiques d'origine thermique dans Planck-HFI. La quantification de la diaphonie électronique ainsi que la correction des effets thermiques y sont également abordés.

Organizational learning through experience has been found to be associated with enhanced firm performance. Organizational experiments are a method of experiential learning that enable organizations to learn from experience and gain context-specific knowledge of how and why to implement new knowledge. Pilot projects, a type of organizational experiment, involve making intentional, systematic efforts to gather and analyze feedback in order to accurately assess the action-outcome relationships of adopting new knowledge prior to embarking on full-scale implementation. Despite the popularity of pilot projects used to test products, programs, and services as well as reports on the outcomes of such experiments, there is a dearth of research focusing on how organizational learning occurs during organizational experiments, and on the processes and structural mechanisms of organizational experiments that contribute to organizational learning. A qualitative, multiple-case study of eight pilot projects was carried out within nursing units across five acute health care organizations during Fall 2008. Interviews were conducted with 32 individuals, including pilot project leaders, nursing program managers and direct care nurses. An inductive approach to data analysis was applied and themes identified. Results were compared to 14 propositions that were developed based on the knowledge transfer, innovation diffusion, and organizational learning literature, and which were bracketed before data analysis to allow findings to emerge from the data. The findings advance existing organizational learning, innovation diffusion, and knowledge transfer models by illuminating the complexity of organizational learning processes. Several processes and structural mechanisms of organizational experiments were found to facilitate single-loop organizational learning, leading to incremental changes to meet existing goals and objectives. Although double-loop organizational learning, which may result in fundamental changes in an organization’s assumptions, norms, policies, goals and objectives was not observed, the study revealed a number of processes and structural mechanisms that have the potential to encourage this type of learning. Studies of organizational experiments are rare. Future directions for research and theory development are suggested to build on the findings of this study. Practical implications are offered to organizations in any industry interested in realizing the potential that organizational experiments have for double-loop learning and enhanced organizational performance.