Conversion of biomass to energy does not contribute to the net increase of carbon dioxide in the environment, therefore the use of biomass waste as a clean and renewable fuel source is an attractive alternative to the use of fossil fuels. Biomass can be converted to energy via direct combustion or via thermo-chemical conversion to liquid or gas fuels. This study focuses on employing gasification technology to convert biomass waste to producer gas, which is then cleaned and fed as gaseous fuel into the gas turbine. Since the producer gases are usually low caloric values, the power plants performance under various operating conditions has not yet been proven. In this study, system performance calculations are conducted for a 5MWe and a 20MWe power plants using commercial software ThermoFlow. The power plants considered including simple gas turbine systems, steam turbine systems, combined cycle systems, and steam injection gas turbine systems (STIG) using the producer gas with low caloric values at approximately 30% and 15% of the natural gas heating value. The low caloric value fuels are shown to impose high back compressor pressure and increased power output due to increased fuel flow. Power augmentations under four different weather conditions are also calculated by employing gas turbine inlet fog cooling. Different capacity options for the heat recovery steam generator (HRSG) that provides the steam for STIG are analyzed.

Master of Science / Department of Civil Engineering / Prathap Parameswaran / The ever-increasing demand for water, food, and energy and the simultaneous diminishment of our planets’ ecosystems wrought by humans have prompted a more sustainable approach to engineering the built environment. Wastewater treatment systems stand at the interface that connects the built and natural environment where potential solutions for resource and environmental issues exist. Wastewater treatment technologies can address issues involving water, food, energy, and environmental regulation when resources are properly captured from the wastewater while it’s being treated. This way of thought allows wastewater to be perceived as a source of valuable products rather than an obligate waste stream. For this reason, anaerobic wastewater treatment is progressively being considered because of its ability to improve energy and resource recovery, while reducing costs and environmental impacts associated with conventional domestic wastewater treatment. More specifically, anaerobic membrane bioreactors (AnMBRs) hold promise to effectively treat wastewater at low temperatures with low energy and nutrient requirements, low sludge production, while having the benefit of generating methane-rich biogas suitable as an energy source and the potential to capture nutrients used to fertilize cropland. But, at low temperatures the microbial communities that control anaerobic digestion (AD) face biochemical obstacles. Elucidating the microbial community dynamics within AnMBRs with respect to seasonal temperatures will give insight on how to efficiently operate AnMBRs with the goal of energy-neutral wastewater treatment. DNA based tools such as advanced high-throughput sequencing was coupled with AnMBR process data to explicate the mechanism of methane production in the suspended biomass of an AnMBR from a mesophilic startup leading into psychrophilic conditions, and then returning to mesophilic temperatures.

O comércio varejista brasileiro expõe o bacalhau salgado seco inteiro ou porcionado sem refrigeração. Esta condição, tradicionalmente aceita pelos consumidores, contraria as especificações do fabricante de manter o produto sob refrigeração, o que frequentemente gera conflitos entre as autoridades sanitárias e o comércio. Perante este fato, o presente estudo avaliou parâmetros microbiológicos e físico-químicos de 56 amostras de bacalhau obtidas no município de São Paulo, armazenadas sob refrigeração (0 a 5ºC) e em temperatura ambiente (20ºC a 25ºC), nos tempos zero, sete e 14 dias de armazenamento. As amostras foram agrupadas em 4 categorias: A-amostras refrigeradas não manipuladas e B, C e D manipuladas, respectivamente, com zero, 7 e 14 dias de armazenamento em temperatura ambiente. A temperatura ambiente variou de 20,5 a 23,5ºC e a umidade relativa do ar de 52,5 a 67%. Pesquisaram-se: Staphylococcus coagulase positiva, Clostridium sulfito redutores, coliformes totais e termotolerantes, Salmonella spp, bolores, leveduras e bactérias halofílicas. As análises físico-químicas realizadas foram: umidade, pH, atividade de água (Aa) e resíduo mineral fixo. Não houve diferenças nos resultados obtidos entre as 4 categorias e estes apresentaram-se dentro dos limites estabelecidos pela legislação brasileira. Com relação às análises físico-químicas também não houve diferença estatística entre as 4 categorias. Os valores médios obtidos, por categoria, foram: A: 54,9% de umidade; Aa=0,748; pH=6.0; B: 54,0% de umidade; Aa=0,749; pH=6.0; C: 49,1% de umidade; Aa=0,749; pH=6.0 e para a categoria D: 50,7% de umidade; Aa=0,748; pH=6.0 e 21,6% de resíduo mineral fixo. Todos os valores de umidade encontrados estavam acima do padrão (45%); os valores de pH obtidos estavam de acordo com o padrão (6 a 7) e os valores de resíduo mineral fixo contemplaram a legislação vigente (mín. 10%). Com relação à Aa, os valores sugerem que esta é uma importante barreira para o desenvolvimento microbiano e, embora não haja padrão para este parâmetro, julga-se necessário determinar um valor referência como limite máximo. Conclui-se que, nas condições do presente estudo, o comércio do bacalhau salgado seco mantido sob refrigeração ou em temperatura ambiente por 14 dias oferece as mesmas condições de segurança sanitária para o consumidor. / The Brazilian retail exposes the dried salt cod, whole or portioned without refrigeration. This condition is traditionally accepted by consumers, contrary to the manufacturer specifications to keep the product refrigerated, which often create conflicts between health authorities and traders. Given this fact, this study evaluated microbiological parameters and physico-chemical properties of 56 samples of cod collected in São Paulo, stored refrigerated (0-5 ° C) and ambient temperature (20 ° C to 25 ° C), for zero, seven and 14 storage days. The samples were grouped into four categories: A-refrigerated samples unmanipulated and B, C and D manipulated, respectively, zero, 7 and 14 days of storage at ambient temperature. The temperature ranged from 20.5 to 23.5 ° C and relative humidity from 52.5 to 67%. The following investigations were conducted: coagulase positive Staphylococcus, Clostridium sulfite reducer, total and fecal coliforms, Salmonella spp, molds, yeasts and bacteria halophilic. The following physic chemical analyzes were carried out: moisture, pH, water activity (Aw) and ash. The results presented no differences between the four categories and respected the limits established by Brazilian legislation. With respect to physical and chemical analyzes, they also showed no statistical differences among the four categories. The average results for each category were: A: 54.9% moisture, Aa = 0.748, pH = 6.0, B: 54.0% moisture, Aa = 0.749, pH = 6.0, C: 49.1% moisture, Aa = 0.749, pH = 6.0 and for D: 50.7% moisture, Aa = 0.748, pH = 6.0 and 21.6% of ash. All results had higher humidity values compared to the standard threshold (45%), pH results were obtained in accordance with the pattern limits (6-7) and the ash results contemplated the legislation limit (min. 10%). With respect to Aa, the figures suggest that this is an important barrier to microbial growth and, although there is no standard limits for this parameter, it is necessary to determine a reference threshold for this parameter. We conclude that, under the conditions of the present study, the trade of dried salt cod kept refrigerated or at ambient temperature for 14 days offer the same health and safety conditions for the consumer.

Background: Obstructive sleep apnea is a common disorder, especially in men. Patients with this condition often snore and suffer from excessive daytime sleepiness. It is a treatable condition related to cardiovascular disease, road traffic accidents and obesity. Aims: To study whether snoring and witnessed sleep apnea are related to diabetes mellitus and whether sleepy subjects who snore or report sleep apneas drive more than others. To investigate whether sleep apnea is related to stroke, mortality and myocardial infarction in patients with coronary artery disease. To study the effect of ambient temperature on sleep apnea, morning alertness and sleep quality in patients with obstructive sleep apnea. Methods and results: Questions on snoring, sleep apnea, daytime sleepiness and yearly driving distance were included in the northern Sweden component of the WHO MONICA study. Analyzed were 7905 randomly selected men and women aged 25-79 years. Snoring and witnessed sleep apnea were related to diabetes mellitus in women, (OR 1.58, p = 0.041 and OR 3.29, p = 0.012 respectively), independent of obesity, age and smoking, but not in men. Sleepy snoring men drove a mean of 22566 km per year which was more than others who drove 17751 km per year independent of age, BMI, smoking and physical activity (p = 0.02). Sleepy men reporting sleep apnea also drove more (p = 0.01). 392 men and women with coronary artery disease referred for coronary angiography were examined with overnight sleep apnea recordings and followed for 10 years. Sleep apnea was recorded in 211 (54%) of patients at baseline. Stroke occurred in 47 (12%) patients at follow up. Sleep apnea was associated with an increased risk of stroke (HR 2.89, 95% CI 1.37 - 6.09, p = 0.005) independent of age , BMI, left ventricular function, diabetes mellitus, gender, intervention, hypertension, atrial fibrillation, a previous stroke or TIA and smoking. The risk of stroke increased with the severity of sleep apnea. 40 patients with obstructive sleep apnea were investigated with overnight polysomnography in ambient temperatures of 16°C, 20°C and 24°C in random order. Total sleep time was a mean of 30 minutes longer (p = 0.009), sleep efficiency higher (p = 0.012), patients were more alert in the morning (p = 0.028), but sleep apnea was more severe when sleeping in 16°C (p = 0.001) and 20°C (p = 0.033) vs. 24°C. The AHI was 30 ± 17 in 16ºC room temperature, 28 ± 17 in 20°C and 24 ± 18 in 24°C. Conclusions: Snoring and witnessed sleep apneas are related to diabetes mellitus in women. Sleepy men who snore or report sleep apnea drive more than others. Sleep apnea is independently associated with the risk of stroke among patients with coronary artery disease. Subjects with obstructive sleep apnea sleep longer, are more alert in the morning after a night’s sleep, but sleep apnea is more severe when sleeping in a colder environment.

abstract: Infectious diseases have been a major threat to survival throughout human history. Humans have developed a behavioral immune system to prevent infection by causing individuals to avoid people, food, and objects that could be contaminated. This current project investigates how ambient temperature affects the activation of this system. Because temperature is positively correlated with the prevalence of many deadly diseases, I predict that temperature moderates the behavioral immune system, such that a disease prime will have a stronger effect in a hot environment compared to a neutral environment and one's avoidant behaviors will be more extreme. Participants were placed in a hot room (M = 85F) or a neutral room (M = 77F) and shown a disease prime slide show or a neutral slide show. Disgust sensitivity and perceived vulnerability surveys were used to measure an increased perceived risk to disease. A taste test between a disgusting food item (gummy bugs) and a neutral food item (gummy animals) measured food avoidance. There was no significant avoidance of the gummy and no significant difference in ratings of disgust sensitivity or perceived vulnerability as a function of temperature conditions. There were no significant interactions between temperature and disease. The conclusion is that this study did not provide evidence that temperature moderates the effect of disease cues on behavior. / Dissertation/Thesis / M.A. Psychology 2012

O comércio varejista brasileiro expõe o bacalhau salgado seco inteiro ou porcionado sem refrigeração. Esta condição, tradicionalmente aceita pelos consumidores, contraria as especificações do fabricante de manter o produto sob refrigeração, o que frequentemente gera conflitos entre as autoridades sanitárias e o comércio. Perante este fato, o presente estudo avaliou parâmetros microbiológicos e físico-químicos de 56 amostras de bacalhau obtidas no município de São Paulo, armazenadas sob refrigeração (0 a 5ºC) e em temperatura ambiente (20ºC a 25ºC), nos tempos zero, sete e 14 dias de armazenamento. As amostras foram agrupadas em 4 categorias: A-amostras refrigeradas não manipuladas e B, C e D manipuladas, respectivamente, com zero, 7 e 14 dias de armazenamento em temperatura ambiente. A temperatura ambiente variou de 20,5 a 23,5ºC e a umidade relativa do ar de 52,5 a 67%. Pesquisaram-se: Staphylococcus coagulase positiva, Clostridium sulfito redutores, coliformes totais e termotolerantes, Salmonella spp, bolores, leveduras e bactérias halofílicas. As análises físico-químicas realizadas foram: umidade, pH, atividade de água (Aa) e resíduo mineral fixo. Não houve diferenças nos resultados obtidos entre as 4 categorias e estes apresentaram-se dentro dos limites estabelecidos pela legislação brasileira. Com relação às análises físico-químicas também não houve diferença estatística entre as 4 categorias. Os valores médios obtidos, por categoria, foram: A: 54,9% de umidade; Aa=0,748; pH=6.0; B: 54,0% de umidade; Aa=0,749; pH=6.0; C: 49,1% de umidade; Aa=0,749; pH=6.0 e para a categoria D: 50,7% de umidade; Aa=0,748; pH=6.0 e 21,6% de resíduo mineral fixo. Todos os valores de umidade encontrados estavam acima do padrão (45%); os valores de pH obtidos estavam de acordo com o padrão (6 a 7) e os valores de resíduo mineral fixo contemplaram a legislação vigente (mín. 10%). Com relação à Aa, os valores sugerem que esta é uma importante barreira para o desenvolvimento microbiano e, embora não haja padrão para este parâmetro, julga-se necessário determinar um valor referência como limite máximo. Conclui-se que, nas condições do presente estudo, o comércio do bacalhau salgado seco mantido sob refrigeração ou em temperatura ambiente por 14 dias oferece as mesmas condições de segurança sanitária para o consumidor. / The Brazilian retail exposes the dried salt cod, whole or portioned without refrigeration. This condition is traditionally accepted by consumers, contrary to the manufacturer specifications to keep the product refrigerated, which often create conflicts between health authorities and traders. Given this fact, this study evaluated microbiological parameters and physico-chemical properties of 56 samples of cod collected in São Paulo, stored refrigerated (0-5 ° C) and ambient temperature (20 ° C to 25 ° C), for zero, seven and 14 storage days. The samples were grouped into four categories: A-refrigerated samples unmanipulated and B, C and D manipulated, respectively, zero, 7 and 14 days of storage at ambient temperature. The temperature ranged from 20.5 to 23.5 ° C and relative humidity from 52.5 to 67%. The following investigations were conducted: coagulase positive Staphylococcus, Clostridium sulfite reducer, total and fecal coliforms, Salmonella spp, molds, yeasts and bacteria halophilic. The following physic chemical analyzes were carried out: moisture, pH, water activity (Aw) and ash. The results presented no differences between the four categories and respected the limits established by Brazilian legislation. With respect to physical and chemical analyzes, they also showed no statistical differences among the four categories. The average results for each category were: A: 54.9% moisture, Aa = 0.748, pH = 6.0, B: 54.0% moisture, Aa = 0.749, pH = 6.0, C: 49.1% moisture, Aa = 0.749, pH = 6.0 and for D: 50.7% moisture, Aa = 0.748, pH = 6.0 and 21.6% of ash. All results had higher humidity values compared to the standard threshold (45%), pH results were obtained in accordance with the pattern limits (6-7) and the ash results contemplated the legislation limit (min. 10%). With respect to Aa, the figures suggest that this is an important barrier to microbial growth and, although there is no standard limits for this parameter, it is necessary to determine a reference threshold for this parameter. We conclude that, under the conditions of the present study, the trade of dried salt cod kept refrigerated or at ambient temperature for 14 days offer the same health and safety conditions for the consumer.

La regulación mundial de emisiones contaminantes en el sector de la automoción está siendo cada día más estricta. La implantación de nuevos procedimientos está presionando la industria hacia la búsqueda de nuevas tecnologías que cumplan los objetivos de reducción de emisiones contaminantes. En el medio plazo se espera que las pruebas de emisiones a baja temperatura ambiente sean obligatorias en el proceso de homologación. La combustión a bajas temperaturas influye de forma importante en la velocidad de la reacción conllevando un aumento de las emisiones y finalmente al apagado de llama. Bajo estas condiciones, se produce un aumento de las emisiones de hidrocarburos (HC) y monóxido de carbono (CO) así como un aumento del consumo de combustible. Además, en condiciones de baja temperatura ambiente las emisiones de óxidos de nitrógeno (NOx) pueden aumentar debido a la desactivación de los sistemas de recirculación de gases de escape. En la presente tesis, se ha analizado el efecto de la baja temperatura ambiente en un motor diesel HSDI. Los ensayos fueron realizados en ciclos de conducción NEDC y WLTC. La influencia directa de las bajas temperaturas en las emisiones se analizó por medio de las medida bruta de contaminantes, aguas arriba de los sistemas de postratamiento. El funcionamiento de los sistemas de postratamiento también fue evaluado a bajas temperaturas mediante la eficiencia de la oxidación catalítica de HC y CO. Los resultados de este estudio mostraron un deterioro de las emisiones y del rendimiento efectivo a bajas temperaturas. El efecto de las bajas temperaturas varió dependiendo de condiciones de carga. El ciclo NEDC se consolida como el peor escenario de conducción, para la realización de pruebas a baja temperatura, con un incremento del 270% en HC, 250% en NOx, 125% en CO y 20% en consumo específico. El mayor grado de carga junto con el carácter más transitorio del ciclo WLTC mostraron un efecto menor de las bajas temperaturas ambiente con un aumento del 150% en HC y 250% en NOx. A diferencia del ciclo NEDC, las emisiones de CO se redujeron en un 20% y no se detectó un aumento del consumo de combustible. Además del aumento de la formación de contaminates, el análisis del catalizador de oxidación mostró una reducción de la eficiencia en ambos ciclos de conducción NEDC y WLTC. El presente trabajo tiene por objetivo comparar dos sistemas de gestión térmica para la mejora del funcionamiento de MCIA a bajas temperaturas. El primer sistema estaba basado en la gestión del flujo de refrigerante para evitar subenfriamiento en condiciones de funcionamiento en frío. Por un lado, se propusieron estrategias de bajo y nulo flujo en el circuito de refrigerante motor. Por otro lado, se realizaron ensayos con 0 flujo en el circuito de refrigerante del WCAC para evitar el subenfriamiento del aire de admisión durante puntos de baja carga en condiciones de funcionamiento en frío. El otro sistema incluía la recuperación de energía térmica del escape (EGHR). El refrigerante del WCAC se empleó como fluido de recuperación conectándose con un intercambiador de escape. La primera parte de los resultados de la gestión térmica están centrados en el análisis individual de los distintos sistemas de gestión. En las conclusiones se comparan todos los sistemas propuestas explicando las diferencias entre ellos. Mediante el uso del EGHR las emisiones de HC fueron reducidas, durante los puntos de baja carga, en comparación con el resto de estrategias térmicas planteadas. El análisis energético del EGHR se centró en la eficiencia y en el estudio la recuperación por cambio de fase. El papel que la entalpia de cambio de fase juega en la recuperación de calor residual fue estudiado por medio de la medición de concentración de vapor de agua en el gas de escape en la entrada y salida del intercambiador del EGHR. La condensación del vapor de agua de escape representó el 25% de toda la / Automotive world-wide pollutant emissions regulations are getting more stringent every day. New testing procedures are pushing the automotive industry towards researching new technologies to accomplish the emissions targets. In the mid-term future is expected that low ambient temperature emissions testing will become mandatory for any engine model type approval. Low ignition temperature greatly influences on combustion rate leading to emissions increase and eventually to misfiring events. In these conditions, high emissions of unburned hydrocarbon (HC) and carbon monoxide (CO) are released along with fuel consumption penalties. In addition, nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions may rise under cold conditions owing to the disabling of Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) systems at cold conditions. In this thesis the effect of low ambient temperature in a High Speed Direct Injection (HSDI) Light Duty (LD) engine is analysed. Tests were performed in New European Driving Cycles (NEDC) and Worldwide harmonized Light vehicles Tests (WLTC). Direct influence of low temperature on engine emissions was addressed by engine out pollutants sampling. The effect on aftertreatment systems was also evaluated by the CO and HC oxidation efficiency. The results of this survey indicated a general detriment of pollutant emissions and brake thermal efficiency at low ambient temperatures. The effect of low temperature varied depending on the engine load test conditions. NEDC comes up as the worst scenario for low temperature testing with an increase of 270% in HC, 250% in NOx, 125% in CO and 20% in Brake Specific Fuel Consumption (BSFC). Running at higher engine loads and transient conditions, as it's performed in WLTC tests, showed a lower effect of ambient temperature with an increase of 150% in HC and 250% in NOx. In contrast to NEDC, CO emissions were reduced in 20% and no engine efficiency penalty was spotted. In addition to the pollutant emission formation increase, the aftertreatment analysis showed a significant reduction of the Diesel Oxidative Catalyst (DOC) efficiency in both NEDC and WLTC. This work is aimed to analyse and compare two different thermal management approaches for engine enhancement running at low ambient temperature. The first approach relied on coolant management aimed to avoid overcooling when running at cold conditions. On one hand, low flow and 0 flow engine coolant strategies were performed while Water Charge Air Cooled (WCAC) coolant is recirculated. On the other hand, WCAC 0 flow was applied for avoiding overcooling at low ambient temperatures. The other layout was based on an exhaust gas heat recovery system (EGHR). WCAC coolant was directed to an exhaust tail pipe heat exchanger for waste heat recovery. Recovered heat was released in the WCAC for speeding up the intake air temperature increase. The first part of the thermal management results is focused on the analysis by thermal layout. Comparison of both thermal management is discussed in the conclusions section of that chapter. By enabling an EGHR system, HC emissions were reduced during low load driving phases in comparison with the other of layouts. EGHR energy analysis was also conducted, focusing on energy efficiency and phase change recovery analysis. The role that latent enthalpy plays on waste heat recovery was addressed by measuring the water vapour concentration in the exhaust stream at both EGHR heat exchanger inlet and outlet. Water vapour condensation represented the 25% of the total recovered energy. / La regulació mundial d'emissions contaminants en el sector de l'automoció està sent cada vegada més estricta. La implantació de nous procediments està pressionant la indústria cap a la cerca de noves tecnologies que complisquen els objectius de reducció d'emissions contaminants. En el mig termini s'espera que les proves d'emissions a baixa temperatura ambient siguen obligatòries en el procés d'homologació. La combustió a baixes temperatures influeix de forma important en la velocitat de la reacció comportant un augment de les emissions i finalment a l'apagat de flama. Sota aquestes condicions, es produeix un augment de les emissions d'hidrocarburs (HC) i monòxid de carboni (CO) així com un augment del consum de combustible. A més, en condicions de baixa temperatura ambiente les emissions d'òxids de nitrogen (NOx) poden augmentar a causa de la desactivació dels sistemes de recirculació de gasos d'escapament. En la present tesi, s'ha analitzat l'efecte de la baixa temperatura ambiente en un motor dièsel HSDI. Els assajos van ser realitzats en cicles de conducció NEDC i WLTC. La influència directa de les baixes temperatures en les emissions es va analitzar per mitjà de la mesura bruta de contaminants, aigües a dalt dels sistemes de postractament. El funcionament dels sistemes de postractament també va ser avaluat a baixes temperatures mitjançant l'eficiència de la oxidació catalítica de HC i CO. Els resultats d'aquest estudi van mostrar una deterioració de les emissions i del rendiment efectiu a baixes temperatures. L'efecte de les baixes temperatures variava depenent de les condicions de càrrega. El cicle NEDC es consolida com el pitjor escenari de conducció, per a la realització de proves a baixa temperatura, amb un increment del 270% en HC, 250% en NOx, 125% en CO i 20% en consum específic. El major grau de càrrega juntament amb el caràcter més transitori del cicle WLTC van mostrar un efecte menor de les baixes temperatures ambient amb un augment del 150% en HC i 250% en NOx. A diferència del cicle NEDC, les emissions de CO es van reduir en un 20% i no es va detectar un augment del consum de combustible. A més de l'augment de la formació de contaminants, l'anàlisi del catalitzador d' oxidació va mostrar una reducció de l'eficiència en tots dos cicles de conducció NEDC i WLTC. El present treball té per objectiu comparar dos sistemes de gestió tèrmica per a la millora del funcionament dels MCIA a baixes temperatures. El primer sistema estava basat en la gestió del flux de refrigerant per a evitar subrefredament en condicions de funcionament en fred. D'una banda, es van proposar estratègies de baix i nul flux en el circuit de refrigerant motor. D'altra banda, es van realitzar assajos amb 0 flux en el circuit de refrigerant del WCAC per a evitar el subrefredament de l'aire d'admissió durant punts de baixa càrrega en condicions de funcionament en fred. L'altre sistema incloïa la recuperació d'energia tèrmica de l'escapament (EGHR). El refrigerant del WCAC es va emprar com fluït de recuperació connectant-se amb un bescanviador d'escapament. La primera part dels resultats de la gestió tèrmica estan centrats en l'anàlisi individual dels diferents sistemes de gestió. En les conclusions es comparen tots els sistemes proposats explicant les diferències entre ells. Mitjançant l'ús del EGHR les emissions de HC van ser reduïdes, durant els punts de baixa càrrega, en comparació de la resta d'estratègies tèrmiques plantejades. L'anàlisi energètic del EGHR es va centrar en l'eficiència i en l'estudi de la recuperació per canvi de fase. El paper que l'entalpia de canvi de fase juga en la recuperació de calor residual va ser estudiat per mitjà del mesurament de concentració de vapor d'aigua en el gas d'escapament en l'entrada i eixida del bescanviador del EGHR. La condensació del vapor d'aigua de l'escapament va representar el 25% de tota l'energia recuperada. / Moratal Martínez, AA. (2018). EXPERIMENTAL ANALYSIS OF THERMAL MANAGEMENT INFLUENCE ON PERFORMANCE AND EMISSIONS IN DIESEL ENGINES AT LOW AMBIENT TEMPERATURE [Tesis doctoral no publicada]. Universitat Politècnica de València. https://doi.org/10.4995/Thesis/10251/111950 / TESIS

The small size of nectarivorous birds is associated with high mass-specific metabolic rates and energetic lifestyles. Their energy balance is likely to be strongly influenced by environmental factors. Firstly, nectar varies in sugar concentration between different food plants and birds must adjust their consumption to maintain a constant energy intake. Secondly, unfavourable weather conditions, such as storms and heavy rains, may prevent birds from feeding, and they must increase their energy intake to compensate for the loss in foraging time. Low ambient temperature, as a third energetic challenge, results in higher energy demands for thermoregulation, which leads to increased food intake. However, these compensatory feeding responses may be constrained by physiological limitations to nectar ingestion, digestion and osmoregulatory processes. My research focused on the behavioural and physiological responses of captive sunbirds (Nectariniidae) and honeyeaters (Meliphagidae) to energetic challenges, namely variations in nectar quality and availability and in ambient temperature. For sunbirds, I also investigated on a novel short-term scale how feeding patterns are adjusted in order to compensate for alterations in energy intake or requirements. Feeding events were recorded using a photodetection system, and body mass was monitored continuously by connecting the perches to electronic balances, interfaced to a computer. Whitebellied sunbirds (Cinnyris talatala) were fed various nectar sugar concentrations. Their feeding durations were found to provide an estimate of meal size on all food concentrations. When exposed to a decrease in sugar concentration, birds generally demonstrated an increased feeding frequency and food intake within 10 min. The number and duration of meals increased in the first few minutes after return of a more concentrated diet. When whitebellied sunbirds and brown honeyeaters (Lichmera indistincta) were exposed to a 2 h fasting period during the day, they increased their nectar intake and energy accumulation after the fast. Sunbirds achieved this by increasing meal size but not meal frequency. However, both species weighed less in the evening following the fast than the previous evening, indicating that the compensation for lost foraging time was incomplete. During acute cold exposure, whitebellied sunbirds, amethyst sunbirds (Chalcomitra amethystina) and brown honeyeaters increased their nectar intake, but lost body mass irrespective of nectar sugar concentration. Honeyeaters ingested more food at subsequent cold exposure, suggesting physiological adaptation to high feeding rates. A chemical reactor model of digestive capacity, which assumes sucrose hydrolysis to be the limiting step in nectar digestion, accurately predicted maximal food intake in honeyeaters, but mostly underestimated it in sunbirds. Sugar assimilation efficiency was higher than 99% in whitebellied sunbirds and brown honeyeaters. Lastly, licking frequencies and tongue loads of whitebellied and amethyst sunbirds were investigated. In both species, tongue lick duration increased, and licking frequency and consumption per lick decreased, with increasing nectar concentration. Birds did not adjust their licking behaviour after a fasting period. In conclusion, the response to varied energy challenges is shaped by both compensatory feeding and physiological constraints. Although unrelated, sunbirds and honeyeaters showed convergence in their responses, probably due to their similar nectarfeeding lifestyle. / Thesis (PhD)--University of Pretoria, 2009. / Zoology and Entomology / unrestricted

One potential alternative to chemical weed control is the use of microwave radiation, a particular form of indirect thermal weeding. Absorption of microwave radiation causes water molecules within the tissue to oscillate, thereby converting electromagnetic energy into heat. This technique is rapid, versatile and effective, as the electromagnetic waves heat the plant tissue and destroy cellular integrity. The objective of this research was to evaluate the potential use of dielectric heating for weed management. Ten weed species representing monocots and dicots were selected for this study: southern crabgrass, dallisgrass, yellow nutsedge, fragrant flatsedge, false green kyllinga, common ragweed, field bindweed, henbit, white clover, and pitted morningglory. There was a lag or warm up period between energizing the magnetron and actual microwave radiation production. To eliminate the gap between electric power supplied to magnetron and actual microwave radiation produced, a conveyer was used. Overall injury to grasses, sedges and broadleaf weeds was higher at each dose when weeds were treated by microwave radiation while moving on a conveyer in comparison to being stationary. Grasses showed slightly more tolerance to microwave treatments in comparison to broadleaf weeds. Older weeds (8 to 10 weeks old) showed more tolerance to microwave treatments in comparison to younger weed plants (4 to 6 weeks old). Microwave radiation was able to control a range of weed species, although larger weeds were more likely to regrow after treatment. Ambient temperature had a significant effect on injuries caused by microwave radiation to target weeds, with control increasing as the air temperature increased. Weed control using microwave radiation required more energy when weeds were treated at 13 C compared to 35 C. More energy was needed at lower air temperatures to raise the plant canopy temperature from ambient levels to beyond the biological limit. Microwave radiation at lower doses caused greater injury to common chickweed and yellow woodsorrel than bermudagrass, suggesting the potential for selective weed control in certain situations. A custom built microwave applicator provided similar control of emerged weeds as the contact herbicides diquat and acetic acid. / Ph. D.

The main objective of the research was to study the effect of the Stenotaphrum secundatum and Zoysia japonica grasses on the higher and lower environment temperature and lower relative humidity; the secondary objective was to compare whether the Stenotaphrum secundatum grass has a greater impact on the environment parameters of comfort than the Zoysia japonica species. Six materials were used for the extensive green roof, each one forming a layer of the system, which were placed on the concrete slab and in an upward direction, including: PVC geomembrane, Polyester asphalt carpet, Pumice stone, Planar geodren, Prepared soil with guano, compost, muss, and Substrate. In order to make measurements of the higher and lower ambient temperature, a digital thermometer and lower relative humidity meter was used. Stenotaphrum secundatum and Zoysia japonica were used as grass species, as they were the most representative of the grasses used in extensive green roofs. The experimentation was carried out for 2 months from September to October of 2021, having built 3 modules of 1000x600mm roofs, including 1module of the concrete roof with ceramic covering and 2 modules of extensive green roof with two types of grass: Stenotaphrum secundatum and Zoysia japonica. The readings of the environment temperature and relative humidity of the higher and lower part were taken in six points of each module to have a greater number of representative measurements. The watering of the 2 green roof modules with grass was carried out twice a week, applying 5L of water per module. The results indicate that the Zoysia japonica grass is the one that presents a better behavior before the higher ambient temperature and that the Stenotaphrum secundatum grass behaves better before the lower ambient temperature and lower relative humidity. The conclusions indicate that the Stenotaphrum secundatum grass behaves better temperature and relative humidity; the two grass types exhibit different behavior.