The base of this diploma thesis is a creation of the studio of graphic design Plus 420 728 528 648, its vissual style, introduction to the mean projects which we have recently solved and which, in my opinion, characterize well our design work which we have chosen.

Biomass to Liquids via Fischer-Tropsch synthesis (BTL-FT) is regarded as one of the most promising routes for providing alternative solution to growing demand for energy and environmental protection. In Chapter I, the development and key issues of BTL-FT process (especially Fischer-Tropsch synthesis) were reviewed and identified. In Chapter II, Mo/HZSM-5 catalyst was synthesized using Incipient Wetness Impregnation method and tested in nitrogen rich model bio-syngas. Different operation parameters (temperature, pressure, and GHSV) were tested to investigate their influence on the catalytic performance. Those parameters were found to affect the performance significantly. Liquid samples from conversion were mainly composed of C8 to C10 range hydrocarbons. The catalyst characterization revealed that molybdenum species were well distributed on the catalyst support, while dealumination, agglomeration and coke deposition were observed in spent catalyst. The top layer of the spent catalyst had the most coke deposition. A Three-Dimensionally Ordered Macro-porous (3DOM) Fe based Fischer-Tropsch catalyst was developed using a facile in-situ Nitrate Oxidation-PMMA templating technique in Chapter III. Several techniques (including SEM, BET, TPR, HRTEM, XRD, XPS, and DRIFTS) were combined to characterize the morphology, textural properties and microstructures of 3DOM Fe catalysts at different stages. The effects of bio-syngas composition on carbonaceous species formation, iron phase transformation and catalytic performance were investigated and correlated. A novel hybrid bio-refinery process co-converting biomass and natural gas into liquid fuels via FTS with a CO2 recycle loop was developed, modeled and simulated by using Aspen Plus in Chapter IV. The Aspen Plus model utilized experimental data from the 3DOM Fe catalyst. Economic analysis was performed on different scenarios based on the simulation results to determine profitability of the process. Results indicated that 102.65 t/h gasoline and 22.93 t/h diesel can be produced with the co-processing of 100.00 t/h biomass and 112.3 t/h natural gas using 307.78 t/h of recycled CO2 in the process simulation. The carbon conversion rate was estimated to be 81.23% for the hybrid process. Economic analysis revealed that the process can be profitable when using at least 10.00 t/h biomass and 11.23 t/h natural gas.

Delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is an active component of marijuana. During recent years, the popularity of marijuana in the United States has increased tremendously. Marijuana edibles are a form of marijuana that has become very popular in recent years. These are easily accessible not only to adolescents but also to young children. According to recent statistical data, the consumption of marijuana edibles by children below the age of 5 has increased 600% in the states that have legalized marijuana. This has led to an adverse impact on children’s health as evidenced by a sudden increase in the number of children seeking emergency assistance in hospitals. In the current research, we addressed the issue of possible persistent effects on children’s behavior due to an earlier exposure to THC. Juvenile rats were treated with 10 mg/kg of THC from postnatal day 10 through 16. Once they reached adolescence, these rats were tested using several behavioral paradigms. To evaluate the biological basis for the behavioral deficits observed, brain samples obtained from these rats were subjected to proteomic analysis to determine any altered pathways related to the behavior. Our behavioral data indicated that juvenile exposure to THC has no effect on anxiety-related behavior in adolescents. However, we observed a significant effect of treatment on multiple parameters related to social interactions. Of these, episodes and time of social play were significantly increased in the THC treated rats suggesting alterations in the reward circuit function occurring as a result of developmental THC exposure. In the proteomics, we observed a significant effect on relevant canonical pathways such as the changes in thrombin and opioid signaling. Thrombin signaling in neurons is associated with processes involved in the connection between neurons and opioid signaling is involved in the activation processes of the reward circuit suggesting that juvenile THC exposure alters these processes in adolescence which could have detrimental effects on behavior. Overall, our data suggest that consumption of edibles by juveniles leads to altered behavioral and biochemical outcomes in adolescence. This may be detrimental in terms of the appropriate acquisition of skills necessary for meeting the challenges in future life.

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As a form of high school dropout intervention, many Tennessee school systems implement GED Plus Two Programs to provide opportunities for equivalency credentialing. With recent research related to the impact of equivalency credentialing in mind, exploration of the school and student characteristics and conditions that lead to nontraditional school enrollment appeared to be essential to future intervention and prevention program development. The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore the perception of young people about the reasons they left the traditional secondary school program in a rural school system in East Tennessee to pursue successful completion of the GED Test while enrolled in a school sponsored GED Plus Two Program. Data were collected through a series of interviews with students, teachers, and administrators. Interviews were recorded and tapes of the interviews were transcribed. Using interpretive analysis, data were examined to determine themes and patterns. Descriptive information about participants was collected from the attendance and scholarship records of students and reported as part of the analysis. Findings were presented for each theme within the context of reviewed literature. Each student presented a unique set of problems and issues within the interview process. A strong placement experience, individualized instruction, supportive and nurturing relationships between students/teachers/administrators, and positive interaction between students were viewed by all categories of participants as important to a successful secondary school experience. Academic difficulties, relationship conflicts, teenage parenthood, chronic truancy, a history of discipline problems and juvenile delinquency, and a family background characterized by financial difficulties and divorce were linked to the decision to exit the traditional secondary school program. The value of program alternatives was emphasized. An examination of practices in elementary and secondary schools to ensure that students experiencing a lack of academic success or disciplinary problems be identified in a timely fashion was recommended. Specific recommendations for changes to current practice included the implementation of productive placement processes such as comprehensive student assessment, the provision of program alternatives, and responsiveness to the unique needs of young parents. The need for additional quantitative and qualitative research was also suggested.

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