Although ships have been used for thousands of years, modeling the dynamics of marine craft has historically been restricted by the complex nature of the hydrodynamics. The principal challenge is that the vehicle motion is coupled to the ambient fluid motion, effectively requiring one to solve an infinite dimensional set of equations to predict the hydrodynamic forces and moments acting on a marine vehicle. Additional challenges arise in parametric modeling, where one approximates the fluid behavior using reduced-order ordinary differential equations. Parametric models are typically required for model-based state estimation and feedback control design, while also supporting other applications including vehicle design and submarine operator training. In this dissertation, Lagrangian mechanics is used to derive nonlinear, parametric motion models for marine craft operating in the presence of a free surface. In Lagrangian mechanics, one constructs the equations of motion for a dynamic system using a system Lagrangian, a scalar energy-like function canonically defined as the system kinetic energy minus the system potential energies. The Lagrangian functions are identified under ideal flow assumptions and are used to derive two sets of equations. The first set of equations neglects hydrodynamic forces due to exogenous fluid motions and may be interpreted as a nonlinear calm water maneuvering model. The second set of equations incorporates effects due to exogenous fluid motion, and may be interpreted as a nonlinear, unified maneuvering and seakeeping model. Having identified the state- and time-dependent model parameters, one may use these models to rapidly simulate surface-affected marine craft maneuvers, enabling model-based control design and state estimation algorithms. / Ph. D. / Although ships have been used for thousands of years, modeling the dynamics of marine craft has historically been restricted by the complex nature of the hydrodynamics. The principal challenge is that the vehicle motion is coupled to the ambient fluid motion, effectively requiring one to solve an infinite dimensional set of equations to predict the hydrodynamic forces and moments acting on a marine vehicle. Additional challenges arise in parametric modeling, where one approximates the fluid behavior using reduced-order ordinary differential equations. Parametric models are typically required for model-based state estimation and feedback control design, while also supporting other applications including vehicle design and submarine operator training. In this dissertation, Lagrangian mechanics is used to derive nonlinear, parametric motion models for marine craft operating in the presence of a free surface. In Lagrangian mechanics, one constructs the equations of motion for a dynamic system using a system Lagrangian, a scalar energy-like function canonically defined as the system kinetic energy minus the system potential energies. The Lagrangian functions are identified under ideal flow assumptions and are used to derive two sets of equations. The first set of equations neglects hydrodynamic forces due to exogenous fluid motions and may be interpreted as a nonlinear calm water maneuvering model. The second set of equations incorporates effects due to exogenous fluid motion, and may be interpreted as a nonlinear, unified maneuvering and seakeeping model. Having identified the state- and time-dependent model parameters, one may use these models to rapidly simulate surface-affected marine craft maneuvers, enabling model-based control design and state estimation algorithms.

Federal, state and local governments are increasingly focused on the effects of development on water quality and quantity. With waterbodies being especially sensitive to certain pollutants, such as sediment and nutrients, regulations have been put in place to control the amount of pollutant that gets discharged. Sediment is a cause for concern as it originates during both rural and urban activities, and often carries other pollutants (metals, nutrients, etc.) with it. Existing erosion models focus primarily on estimating erosion from agricultural watersheds. Methods are needed to predict areas with high erosive potential (EP) in urban watersheds. Highlighting highly erosive areas in urbanized watersheds allows for the prioritization of maintenance and installation of Stormwater Control Measures (SCMs), and monitoring of sediment by municipal planners and engineers. This study utilizes commonly available geospatial layers in conjunction with a computational procedure to compute relative EP risk throughout a target urban watershed. A case study of the developed methodology was performed on a watershed in Blacksburg, VA, to generate EP risk maps. Results of the study indicate areas of erosive potential within the target watershed and provide a methodology for creating erosion potential risk maps for use by municipal planners and engineers / Master of Science / Federal, state and local governments are increasingly focused on the effects of development on water quality and quantity. With waterbodies being especially sensitive to certain pollutants, such as sediment and nutrients, regulations have been put in place to control the amount of pollutant that gets discharged. Sediment is a cause for concern as it originates during both rural and urban activities, and often carries other pollutants (metals, nutrients, etc.) with it. Existing erosion models focus primarily on estimating erosion from agricultural watersheds. Methods are needed to predict areas with high erosive potential (EP) in urban watersheds. Highlighting highly erosive areas in urbanized watersheds allows for the prioritization of maintenance and installation of Stormwater Control Measures (SCMs), and monitoring of sediment by municipal planners and engineers. This study utilizes commonly available geospatial layers in conjunction with a computational procedure to compute relative EP risk throughout a target urban watershed. A case study of the developed methodology was performed on a watershed in Blacksburg, VA, to generate EP risk maps. Results of the study indicate areas of erosive potential within the target watershed and provide a methodology for creating erosion potential risk maps for use by municipal planners and engineers.

Yes / This chapter discuss several key issues for the UK in relation to Brexit. Firstly, how new directions could be initiated to fund infrastructure aimed at boosting the UK's future growth potential and/or promote reindustrialisation by nurturing strategic industries through the early and unknowable stages of their development until they achieve their own international competitive advantage. Secondly, we contest the belief that globalisation has created a new environment eroding the efficiency of traditional policy instruments and with it the relevance of individual nation states. Finally, in this context we conclude by arguing that Brexit offers a unique opportunity to negotiate of a new trade relationship with the EU, together with the rest of the world to both replace previous trade deals concluded by the EU, but also to establish a new set of relationships with a wider set of potential trade partners.

Yes / Organelle biogenesis is concomitant to organelle inheritance during cell division. It is necessary that organelles double their size and divide to give rise to two identical daughter cells. Mitochondrial biogenesis occurs by growth and division of pre-existing organelles and is temporally coordinated with cell cycle events [1]. However, mitochondrial biogenesis is not only produced in association with cell division. It can be produced in response to an oxidative stimulus, to an increase in the energy requirements of the cells, to exercise training, to electrical stimulation, to hormones, during development, in certain mitochondrial diseases, etc. [2]. Mitochondrial biogenesis is therefore defined as the process via which cells increase their individual mitochondrial mass [3]. Recent discoveries have raised attention to mitochondrial biogenesis as a potential target to treat diseases which up to date do not have an efficient cure. Mitochondria, as the major ROS producer and the major antioxidant producer exert a crucial role within the cell mediating processes such as apoptosis, detoxification, Ca2+ buffering, etc. This pivotal role makes mitochondria a potential target to treat a great variety of diseases. Mitochondrial biogenesis can be pharmacologically manipulated. This issue tries to cover a number of approaches to treat several diseases through triggering mitochondrial biogenesis. It contains recent discoveries in this novel field, focusing on advanced mitochondrial therapies to chronic and degenerative diseases, mitochondrial diseases, lifespan extension, mitohormesis, intracellular signaling, new pharmacological targets and natural therapies. It contributes to the field by covering and gathering the scarcely reported pharmacological approaches in the novel and promising field of mitochondrial biogenesis.

Yes / Semiconductor nanostructures like CdSe quantum dots and colloidal nanoplatelets exhibit remarkable optical properties, making them interesting for applications in optoelectronics and photocatalysis. For both areas of application a detailed understanding of the electronic structure is essential to achieve highly efficient devices. The electronic structure can be probed using the fact that optical properties of semiconductor nanoparticles are found to be extremely sensitive to the presence of excess charges that can for instance be generated by means of an electrochemical charge transfer via an electrode. Here we present the use of potential modulated absorption spectroscopy (EMAS) as a versatile spectroelectrochemical method to obtain absolute band edge positions of CdSe nanostructures versus a well-defined reference electrode under ambient conditions. In this the spectral properties of the nanoparticles are monitored dependent on an applied electrochemical potential. We developed a bleaching model that yields the lowest electronic state in the conduction band of the nanostructures. A change in the band edge positions caused by quantum confinement is shown both for CdSe quantum dots as well as for colloidal nanoplatelets. In the case of CdSe quantum dots these findings are in good agreement with tight binding calculations. The method presented is not limited to CdSe nanostructures but can be used as a universal tool. Hence, this technique allows the determination of absolute band edge positions of a large variety of materials used in various applications.

Three models for surface stress loading effect on a micromechanical cantilever are proposed as concentrated moment acting at the free end (Model I), concentrated moment plus axial force acting at the free end (Model II), and uniformly distributed surface force acting along the microcantilever (Model III). Solution to Model I loading is based on the Stoney formula, assuming that the microcantilever is subjected to pure bending and deformed with a constant curvature. Model II takes into account the clamping effect in such a way that an additional axial force is introduced. The deflections resulting from Models I and II surface stress loading effect are solved by Euler-Bernoulli beam theory. In Model III, the effect of surface stress is modeled as uniformly distributed surface force that causes both uniformly distributed bending moment and axial force acting along the axis of the microcantilever. The energy method is then used to obtain the governing equation and boundary conditions for Model III displacement. Comparison of the results obtained by the three models with those by the finite element method and experiment indicates that Model III is the most realistic model for surface stress loading effect to obtain the deflection of a microcantilever. Model III for surface stress loading effect is then used to demonstrate the applications of a microcantilever in sensor technology through the measurement of tip deflection under an atomic adsorption as the source of surface stress. Dual attractive or repulsive characteristics of interactions between a pair of mercury atoms are described in terms of Lennard-Jones potential. The force per unit atomic spacing induced by the adjacent free surface atoms of a monolayer is then computed using the potential. The sensitivities of atomic spacing and monolayer thickness to the tip-deflection of a microcantilever are studied in this research. / Master of Science

no

Technological challenges must be objectively and rigorously studied through simulation and modeling with the transition to more advanced air transportation systems. This dissertation addresses two relevant problems in air transportation: airport runway infrastructure evaluation and the prediction of worldwide demand for future supersonic aircraft. Both topics aim to improve air transportation mobility, which benefits society and contributes to economic growth. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Advisory Circular (AC) 150/5325-4B contains the current method of estimating runway length requirements at small airports. With the introduction and significant growth of new-generation aircraft operations, the aircraft group approach and the oversimplification of several design variables described in the AC are problematic. This dissertation developed a series of modules to address these problems. These modules are integrated into the Small Aircraft Runway Length Analysis Tool (SARLAT), a stand-alone computer program used by airport designers. The latest version of SARLAT incorporates 67 individual aircraft performance characteristics based on a robust data processing, consolidation, and validation workflow. A conservative regression-based model has been developed to account for non-zero runway gradients and different runway surface conditions. A comparison between the FAA AC and SARLAT indicates that the current design methods are conservative for new-generation corporate jets but fall short for modern piston and turboprop aircraft. The models developed include aircraft stage length and payload-range analysis to assist airport designers and improve decision-making. The stage length analysis model uses Traffic Flow Management System (TFMS) data to estimate the cumulative distribution distances flown by individual aircraft. Using a time-step numerical simulation, the payload-range analysis developed a series of MATLAB functions to quantify the trade-offs between the aircraft's useful load and mission range. Another model developed in the dissertation and integrated into SARLAT determines the critical aircraft operating at the airport. All federally-funded projects require this process as part of the Airport Improvement Program (AIP). The models developed in the dissertation lead to more accurate and cost-effective estimates of runway length designs. The desire for supersonic transport was revived recently with advancements in aeronautical technologies and worldwide economic growth. Recent studies have developed various open-loop systems to assess worldwide demand and fleet size of future supersonic aircraft designs, assuming a fixed percentage of business passengers willing to switch to supersonic travel (i.e., switch rate). However, these studies overlooked the strong causality between supersonic transport airfare, the cost of the aircraft, and the market size for an assumed switch rate. To address this important causal gap, this dissertation develops a four-discipline coupled system, the Low Boom Systems Analysis Model Version 2 (LBSAM2). This system captures the dynamics between passenger preferences, fleet assignment, aircraft development cost, and aircraft operational economics to reach an equilibrium point. The passenger preference model quantifies the differences between supersonic and subsonic travel by introducing a "Value of Comfort" (VOC) concept to account for comfort loss due to seat pitch reductions. The fleet assignment model finds the minimum number of aircraft required to satisfy worldwide supersonic demand, which is subject to several constraints, including aircraft routes, airport curfews, aircraft utilization, and aircraft maintenance requirements. The aircraft development and life cycle cost models consider total aircraft production, technical specifications, and various operating and maintenance costs to derive a Cost per Passenger Nautical Mile (CPM) for each concept of supersonic aircraft. The integrated LBSAM2 shows that low-boom aircraft designs could attract 28% more business travelers worldwide than Mach cut-off designs (i.e., supersonic aircraft must slow down while flying overland to avoid excessive sonic booms over populated areas). Higher passenger demand for low-boom aircraft increases aircraft production leading to lower unit airframe cost, which achieves parity with the Mach cut-off design. This dissertation conducted a sensitivity analysis to investigate the effect of jet fuel prices on the market potential based on realistic and optimistic assumptions for airport emissions, noise, and landing fees. The estimated number of aircraft required and annual passengers are sensitive to fuel prices and operational factors. The potential market for a 50-passenger low-boom supersonic design ranges between 315 and 719 in 2040, depending on assumptions and jet fuel price. Based on a forecast of $5/gallon Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) fuel price in 2040, LBSAM2 indicates that the low-boom design is not economically viable with only a worldwide projected demand of 1.24 million passengers. The models developed in this dissertation advance the state of knowledge in air transportation engineering. First, the dissertation develops an integrated method to predict runway length requirements at small airports. The models developed include detailed aircraft performance models for 67 individual aircraft with correction factors for runway grade and runway surfaces. Other models developed estimate aircraft payload-range diagrams, historical stage length analysis, and an automated critical aircraft determination to obtain a final recommended runway length. These functions have been integrated into the SARLAT tool - a stand-alone and user-friendly computer program. SARLAT provides information for airport designers and planners to streamline runway length design and improve the decision-making process in evaluating runway extension projects. This dissertation developed passenger preference and optimization network fleet analysis modules to predict supersonic aircraft demand. The passenger preference model quantifies time-saving benefits and comfort loss between the subsonic and supersonic flights. A fleet assignment model has been developed to minimize the number of aircraft under aircraft routes, airport curfews, maximum daily aircraft utilization, and passenger demand constraints. Considering realistic operational constraints, LABSAM2 enables a quantitative comparison for system-level trade-off studies between aircraft weight, range, and ground noise from the sonic boom. Passenger mobility is a central focus of this dissertation. Enhancing passenger mobility not only meets the needs of air travelers but also stimulates economic growth by generating additional job opportunities. The development of SARLAT offers an accurate and cost-effective solution for determining runway length requirements at small airports, thereby improving their accessibility. Enhanced airport accessibility brings socio-economic benefits to surrounding communities. In addition, the dissertation developed a set of modules to predict worldwide supersonic passenger demand. Advancing passenger mobility through supersonic designs could foster socio-economic benefits by significantly reducing intercontinental travel time and expanding business opportunities for companies worldwide. / Doctor of Philosophy / The scope of this dissertation includes airport runway infrastructure evaluation and the worldwide demand for future supersonic aircraft. Both topics aim to improve air transportation mobility, which benefits society and contributes to economic growth. The existing method of determining runway length requirements categorizes aircraft into different groups and simplifies several design variables. However, the current group design approach and simplification are problematic for new-generation aircraft. This dissertation has developed a series of models to address these problems and then integrated these models into the Small Aircraft Runway Length Analysis Tool (SARLAT), a stand-alone computer program used by airport designers. The latest version of SARLAT incorporates 67 individual aircraft takeoff and landing distances with conservative correction factors for runway grade and different runway surfaces. Other models developed include aircraft payload-range diagrams and historical distances flown to assist airport designers in the decision-making process. The models developed in the dissertation lead to more accurate and cost-effective estimates of runway length designs. Recent studies have developed various methodologies to assess worldwide demand and fleet size of future supersonic aircraft designs, assuming a fixed percentage of business passengers willing to switch to supersonic travel (i.e., switch rate). However, these studies overlooked the strong causality between supersonic transport airfare, the cost of the aircraft, and the market size for an assumed switch rate. To address this important causal gap, the Low Boom Systems Analysis Model version 2 (LBSAM2) has been developed. The passenger preference model quantifies the differences between supersonic and subsonic travel by introducing a "Value of Comfort" (VOC) concept to account for comfort loss due to seat pitch reductions. The fleet assignment model finds the minimum number of aircraft required to satisfy worldwide supersonic demand, which is subject to several constraints, including aircraft routes, airport curfews, aircraft utilization, and aircraft maintenance requirements. The estimated number of aircraft required and annual passengers are sensitive to fuel prices and operational factors. The potential market for a 50-passenger low-boom supersonic design ranges between 315 and 719 in 2040. Based on a forecast of $5/gallon Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) fuel price in 2040, LBSAM2 indicates that the low-boom design is not economically viable with only a worldwide projected demand of 1.24 million passengers. Considering realistic operational constraints, LABSAM2 enables a quantitative comparison for system-level trade-off studies between aircraft weight, range, and ground noise from the sonic boom. Passenger mobility is a central focus of this dissertation. Enhancing passenger mobility not only meets the needs of air travelers but also stimulates economic growth by generating additional job opportunities. The development of SARLAT offers an accurate and cost-effective solution for determining runway length requirements at small airports, thereby improving their accessibility. Enhanced airport accessibility brings socio-economic benefits to surrounding communities. In addition, the dissertation developed a set of modules to predict worldwide supersonic passenger demand. Advancing passenger mobility through supersonic designs could foster socio-economic benefits by significantly reducing intercontinental travel time and expanding business opportunities for companies worldwide.

We provide geometric inequalities on $R^n$ and on general manifolds with nonnegative Ricci curvature by employing suitable monotone quantities along the flow of capacitary and $p$-capacitary potentials, as well as through related boundary value problems. Among the main achievements, we cite [(i)] a Willmore-type inequality on manifolds with nonnegative Ricci curvature leading in turn to the sharp Isoperimetric Inequality on $3$-manifolds with nonnegative Ricci curvature ; [(ii)] enhanced Kasue/Croke-Kleiner splitting theorems ; [(iii)] a generalised Minkowski-type inequality in $R^n$ holding with no assumptions on the boundary of the domain considered except for smoothness ; [(iv)] a complete discussion of maximal volume solutions to the least area problem with obstacle on Riemannian manifolds and its relation with the variational $p$-capacity.

Postlingually deafened cochlear implant (CI) adults have large variability in speech perception abilities. While CIs are one of the most successful neural prosthetic devices, they are not able to adequately provide fine structure cues which results in a degraded signal for the listener to interpret. While behavioral measures remain the gold standard for determining speech perception abilities, an objective measure is needed for patients who are unable to provide reliable behavioral responses. Behavioral, cognitive, and neural measures were collected in this study to identify potential neural biomarkers that correlate with speech perception performance. Behavioral experiments evaluated participants' abilities to identify, discriminate, and recognize words as well as sentences in quiet and in noise. Cognitive measures were assessed to determine the roles of attention, impulse control, memory, and cognitive flexibility on speech recognition. Auditory event-related potentials (ERP) were obtained with a double oddball paradigm to produce the mismatch negativity (MMN) response, which has been shown to have associations with phonetic categorical perception at the group level. The results indicated that executive function is highly predictive of speech performance and that the MMN is associated with categorical perception at the individual level. These findings are clinically relevant to determining appropriate follow-up care post-implantation.