<p> A new rigid, dianionic ligand, 4,5-bis(2,6-diisopropylanilido)-2,7-di-tert-butyl-9,9-dimethylxanthene {[XA₂]}, has been designed for use in the chemistry of the actinides. Pro-ligand H2[XA₂] (1) was synthesized by the Hartwig-Buchwald coupling of 4,5-dibromo-2,7-di-tert-butyl-9,9-dimethylxanthene with 2,6-diisopropylaniline. </p> <p> Stable alkali metal salts of the [XA₂] ligand, K₂(dme)₂[XA₂] (2) and Na₂[XA₂] (3), were accessible by deprotonation of H₂[XA₂] with KH or NaH in dme or toluene, respectively. The thermally unstable lithium salt of McConville's 2,6-bis(2,6diisopropylanilidomethyl)pyridine {Li₂[BDPP], 4} was isolated by deprotonation of pro-ligand H₂[BDPP] with nBuLi or LiCH₂SiMe₃ in hexanes at low temperature. Reaction of [ThCl₄(dme)₂] with Li₂[BDPP] or M₂(dme)_n[XA₂] (M = K, n = 2; M = Na, n = 0) resulted in the formation of pentagonal bipyramidal [LThCl₂(dme)] complexes {L = [BDPP], 5; [XA₂], 6}. Subsequent reaction of the dichloride complexes with LiCH₂SiMe₃ gave base-and salt-free dialkyl complexes [LTh(CH₂SiMe₃)₂] {L = [BDPP], 9; [XA₂], 10}, which are stable for days in solution at 90 and 70 °C, respectively. Reaction of 5 with LiNEt₂ or 10 with H₂NPh provided [(BDPP)Th(NEt₂)₂] (11) and [(XA₂)Th(NHPh)₂] (28), respectively. </p> <p> An alternative route to [(BDPP)ThCl₂(dme)] (5) and [LTh(CH₂SiMe₃)₂] (9 and 10) involved combination of two or four equivalents of LiCH₂SiMe₃ with [ThCl₄(dme)₂], followed by addition of H₂L. These reactions likely proceed by alkane elimination from dialkyl or tetraalkyl thorium intermediates. The solid-state structure of [(BDPP)Th(CH₂SiMe₃)₂] (9) suggests the presence of α-agostic C-H-Th interactions for both alkyl groups. In solution, 9 and 10 exhibit temperature-dependent ¹J_C-H coupling constants for ThCH₂, consistent with an equilibrium between products participating in aagostic C-H-Th bonding to a greater or lesser extent, with more agostic products favored at lower temperatures. Reaction of Li₂[BDPP] (4) with [(BDPP)ThCl₂(dme)] (5) at 0 °C, or the reaction of [(BDPP)Th(CH₂SiMe₃)₂] (9) with H₂[BDPP] at 100 °C resulted in the formation of extremely sterically encumbered [Th(BDPP)₂] (8), which adopts a highly distorted six-coordinate geometry with the four anilido groups arranged in an approximate tetrahedron around thorium. A his-ligand complex was not accessible with the [XA₂] ancillary ligand, presumably due to increased ligand rigidity. </p> <p> Addition of two equivalents of PhCH₂MgCl to [LThCl₂(dme)] yielded solvent-free [LTh(CH₂Ph)₂] {L = [XA₂] (12) and [BDPP] (13)]. The ¹J_C-H coupling constants in both complexes {120 and 139 Hz for 12; 127 and 138 Hz for 13} are indicative of η¹- and η²- or η³-coordinated benzyl ligands in solution; polyhapto benzyl coordination was also observed in the solid state. </p> <p> Reaction of [LThCl₂(dme)] with two equivalents of nBuLi provided highly soluble [LTh(nBu)₂] {L = [BDPP] (14), [XA₂] (15)]. These β-hydrogen-containing compounds are remarkably thermally stable, showing no sign of decomposition after days at 60 and 80 °C, respectively. Combination of [(BDPP)ThCl₂(dme)] (5) with three equivalents of MeLi yielded the thorium trimethyl 'ate' complex [(BDPP)ThMe₃{Li(dme)}] (16), which underwent thermal decomposition over 3 days at room temperature to produce the metalated complex [(BDPP*)Th(µ-Me)₂Li(dme)] (17) {BDPP* = 2,6-{NC₅H₃(CH₃NAr)(CH₂N {C₆H₃iPr(CMe₂)-2,6})}; Ar = 2,6-diisopropylphenyl; donor atoms in BDPP* are underlined}. Reaction of two equivalents of complex 16 with one equivalent of [(BDPP)ThCl₂(dme)] (5) yielded the dimethyl complex [(BDPP)ThMe₂] (18) which decomposes rapidly at room temperature to form a mixture of unidentified products. Labeling studies using ¹³CD₃ groups revealed that thermal decomposition of 16 and 18 occurs via a straightforward a-bond metathesis pathway. </p> <p> Reaction of [LThCl₂(dme)] with Grignard reagents {MeMgBr, L = [BDPP]; PhCH₂MgCl, L = [XA₂]} resulted, under certain conditions, in halide exhange and adduct formation as evidenced by the solid state structure of [{Th(BDPP)Br(µ-Br)₂Mg(µ-Me)(OEt₂)}₂] (19), or ancillary ligand transfer to magnesium to produce [(XA₂)Mg(dme)] (20). Complex 19 provides insight into the type of intermediates likely involved in undesired halide exchange reactions between d-or f-element halide complexes and Grignard reagents. </p> <p> Reaction of [(XA₂)Th(CH₂Ph)₂] (12) with either one or two equivalents of B(C₆F₅)₃ afforded the first non-carbocyclic actinide alkyl cation, [(XA₂)Th(CH₂Ph)][PhCH₂B(C₆F₅)₃] (21), and a rare example of an actinide dication, [(XA₂)Th][PhCH₂B(C₆F₅)₃]₂ (27). In both 21 and 27 the PhCH₂B(C₆F₅)₃⁻ anion is η⁶-coordinated to thorium. Reaction of neutral dialkyl complex [(XA₂)Th(CH₂SiMe₃)₂] (9) with [Ph₃C][B(C₆F₅)₄] in benzene or toluene at room temperature resulted in the formation of [(XA₂)Th(CH₂SiMe₃)(η⁶-arene)][B(C₆F₅)₄] (arene = C₆H₆, 22; arene = C₇H₈, 23). These complexes were characterized in solution by NMR spectroscopy (21, 22 and 23) and/or in the solid state by X-ray crystallography (22 and 27). In close analogy, [(XA₂)Th(CH₂Ph)₂] (12) reacted with [Ph₃C][B(C₆F₅)₄] in toluene at room temperature to form [(XA₂)Th(η²-CH₂Ph)(η⁶-C₇H₈)][B(C₆F₅)₄] (24). In contrast, related [(BDPP)Th(CH₂Ph)₂] (13) reacted with [Ph₃C][B(C₆F₅)₄] to precipitate a mixture of mononuclear and a dinuclear cations; the dinuclear cation was identified as [(BDPP)Th(η²-CH₂Ph)(µ-η¹:η⁶-CH₂Ph)Th(η¹-CH₂Ph)(BDPP)][B(C₆F₅)₄] (25) by X-ray crystallography. Complexes 22, 23, and 24 are rare examples of arene solvent-separated ion pairs, while complex 21 exists as a tight contact ion pair, and dinuclear 25 exhibits a unique benzyl ligand bridging mode. Cations 21-25 and 27 highlight a pronounced tendency for these systems to engage in arene π-coordination. </p> <p> Preliminary reaction studies with both neutral and cationic thorium complexes supported by the [BDPP] and [XA₂] ancillary ligands demonstrated significant activity for olefin polymerization and hydroamination catalysis. Reactions of 9 and 10 with 4 atm. of hydrogen also suggest that the [BDPP] and [XA₂] ligand frameworks may be suitable for the stabilization of thorium hydride complexes. </p> / Thesis / Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Power System Deregulation is a trend, and it takes place when the government, reduces unnecessary intervention and relaxes the control of capacity and price for the electricity market. It can establish the market mechanism and create rules that facilitate competition. The intention is to raise the market efficiency, introducing various types of production technologies and marketing management. As a result, it should create higher added value and ensure customer rights and interests to reach a win-win situation from both parties. In this thesis, a maximum profit will be pursued in the security market by the use of the Enhanced Immune Algorithm and Signal-to-Noise Ratio search under deregulated environment. Participation of generator companies and distribution companies are determined by ISO depending on their individual contributions to join the security market. The monetary influence is also discussed by using the social welfare. In this thesis, optimization will be considered when a line trip could lead to system congestion under security analysis. Tracing was used to find GenCos and DisCos¡¦s contributions to the transmission lines. ISO determines the participants to join the security market according to the tracing results. For the same fault type, various dispatch fees of the bids from participants will have various impacts on ISO¡¦s dispatch in terms of social welfare in the security market. Various fault types will also be discussed for the impacts of dispatch fees over ISO. This research could also provide a solid foundation for power system deregulation in the future. ISO can forecast the cost for a fault, and maximizes social welfare.

Background: The Selenium and Vitamin E Cancer Prevention Trial (SELECT) was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, prostate cancer prevention study funded by the National Cancer Institute and conducted by SWOG (Southwest Oncology Group). A total of 35,533 men were assigned randomly to one of four treatment groups (vitamin E + placebo, selenium + placebo, vitamin E + selenium, placebo + placebo). At the time of the trial's development, NIH had invested substantial resources in evaluating the potential benefits of these antioxidants. To capitalize on the knowledge gained from following a large cohort of healthy, aging males on the effects of selenium and/or vitamin E, ancillary studies with other disease endpoints were solicited. Methods: Four ancillary studies were added. Each drew from the same population but had independent objectives and an endpoint other than prostate cancer. These studies fell into two categories: those prospectively enrolling and following participants (studies of Alzheimer's disease and respiratory function) and those requiring a retrospective medical record review after a reported event (cataracts/age-related macular degeneration and colorectal screening). An examination of the challenges and opportunities of adding ancillary studies is provided. The impact of the ancillary studies on adherence to SELECT was evaluated using a Cox proportional hazards model. Results: While the addition of ancillary studies appears to have improved participant adherence to the primary trial, this did not come without added complexity. Activation of the ancillary studies happened after the SELECT randomizations had begun resulting in accrual problems to some of the studies. Study site participation in the ancillary trials varied greatly and depended on the interest of the study site principal investigator. Procedures for each were integrated into the primary trial and all monitoring was done by the SELECT Data and Safety Monitoring Committee. The impact of the early closure of the primary trial was different for each of the ancillary trials. Conclusions: The ancillary studies allowed study sites to broaden the research opportunities for their participants. Their implementation was efficient because of the established infrastructure of the primary trial. Implementation of these ancillary trials took substantial planning and coordination but enriched the overall primary trial.

As moléculas à base de nitrogênio, NH2Ph, NH2CH2Ph e NHnBuPh foram investigadas como ligantes ancilares nos novos complexos do tipo [RuCl2 (PPh3)2 (amina) x] para a polimerização via metátese por abertura de anel (ROMP) de norborneno (NBE), norbornadieno (NBD) e diciclopentadieno (DCPD). Os complexos foram obtidos da síntese com [RuCl2 (PPh3)3] com as respectivas moléculas. E eles foram caracterizados por análise elementar de CHN, FT-IR, RMN 31P{1H}, Espectroscopia eletrônica na região do uv-vis e voltametria cíclica. Os complexos isolados foram hexacoordenados (x = 2) com NH2Ph e NH2CH2Ph, e pentacoordenado com NHnBuPh (x = 1). Além disso, os resultados sugerem que todos os ligantes estão trans-posicionados no caso do complexo com NH2Ph (complex 1) e cis no caso do complexo com NH2CH2Ph (complex 2). O complexo com NHnBuPh ( complex 3) e sugerido estar na geometria pirâmide de base quadrada, com a amina no eixo axial. Quantitativos rendimentos foram obtidos na ROMP de NBE a 50°C com 1 por 30 min e com 2 por 5 minutos. Similar resultado foi obtido com 3 at 25°C por 5 min. O valor de Mw foram na faixa de 104 e 105 g/mol,com valores de IPD entre 1,6 e 3,5. Os valores de &sigma;c foram em torno de 0,40 a 0,52. ROMP de NBE e DCPD, bem como copolimerizações foram também realizadas com melhores resultados com 3. Os resultados são discutidos em termos de densidade eletrônica e impedimento estérico das aminas como ligantes ancilares nos complexos. As reações com o complexo 2 são favoráveis pelo caráter &sigma;-doador, enquanto que o grande ângulo de cone da NHnBuPh prove a reatividade de 3. / The nitrogen-based molecules, NH2Ph, NH2CH2Ph and NHnBuPh were investigated as ancillary ligands in the new [RuCl2 (PPh3)2 (amine) x] complex types for Ring Opening Metathesis Polymerization (ROMP) of norbornene (NBE), norbornadiene (NBD) and dicyclopentadiene (DCPD). The complexes were obtained from syntheses with [RuCl2 (PPh3)3]of and the respectively molecules and they were characterized by elementar analysis of CHN, FT-IR, NMR 31P, uv-vis spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry. The isolated complexes were sixcoordinated (x = 2) with NH2Ph and NH2CH2Ph and pentacoordinated with NHnBuPh (x = 1). Moreover, the data suggest that all the ligands are trans-positioned in the case of NH2Ph (complex 1) and cis-positioned in the case of NH2CH2Ph (complex 2). The complex with NHnBuPh (3) was suggested to present a square pyramidal geometry with the amine in the axial axis. Quantitative yields were obtained in the ROMP of NBE at 50 °C with 1 for 30 min and with 2 for 5 min. Similar result was obtained with 3 at 25 °C for 5 min. The Mw values were in the range of 104 to 105 g/mol with PDI values between 1.6 and 3.5. The &sigma;c values were 0.40 to 0.52. ROMP of NBD and DCPD, as well copolymerizations with NBE, NBD and DCPD, were also performed with better results with 3. The results are discussed in terms of the electronic density and steric hindrance from the amines as ancillary ligands in the complexes. The reactions with complex 2 are favored by the &sigma;-donor character of NH2CH2Ph, whereas the large cone angle of NHnBuPh provided the reactivity with 3.

As moléculas à base de nitrogênio, NH2Ph, NH2CH2Ph e NHnBuPh foram investigadas como ligantes ancilares nos novos complexos do tipo [RuCl2 (PPh3)2 (amina) x] para a polimerização via metátese por abertura de anel (ROMP) de norborneno (NBE), norbornadieno (NBD) e diciclopentadieno (DCPD). Os complexos foram obtidos da síntese com [RuCl2 (PPh3)3] com as respectivas moléculas. E eles foram caracterizados por análise elementar de CHN, FT-IR, RMN 31P{1H}, Espectroscopia eletrônica na região do uv-vis e voltametria cíclica. Os complexos isolados foram hexacoordenados (x = 2) com NH2Ph e NH2CH2Ph, e pentacoordenado com NHnBuPh (x = 1). Além disso, os resultados sugerem que todos os ligantes estão trans-posicionados no caso do complexo com NH2Ph (complex 1) e cis no caso do complexo com NH2CH2Ph (complex 2). O complexo com NHnBuPh ( complex 3) e sugerido estar na geometria pirâmide de base quadrada, com a amina no eixo axial. Quantitativos rendimentos foram obtidos na ROMP de NBE a 50°C com 1 por 30 min e com 2 por 5 minutos. Similar resultado foi obtido com 3 at 25°C por 5 min. O valor de Mw foram na faixa de 104 e 105 g/mol,com valores de IPD entre 1,6 e 3,5. Os valores de &sigma;c foram em torno de 0,40 a 0,52. ROMP de NBE e DCPD, bem como copolimerizações foram também realizadas com melhores resultados com 3. Os resultados são discutidos em termos de densidade eletrônica e impedimento estérico das aminas como ligantes ancilares nos complexos. As reações com o complexo 2 são favoráveis pelo caráter &sigma;-doador, enquanto que o grande ângulo de cone da NHnBuPh prove a reatividade de 3. / The nitrogen-based molecules, NH2Ph, NH2CH2Ph and NHnBuPh were investigated as ancillary ligands in the new [RuCl2 (PPh3)2 (amine) x] complex types for Ring Opening Metathesis Polymerization (ROMP) of norbornene (NBE), norbornadiene (NBD) and dicyclopentadiene (DCPD). The complexes were obtained from syntheses with [RuCl2 (PPh3)3]of and the respectively molecules and they were characterized by elementar analysis of CHN, FT-IR, NMR 31P, uv-vis spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry. The isolated complexes were sixcoordinated (x = 2) with NH2Ph and NH2CH2Ph and pentacoordinated with NHnBuPh (x = 1). Moreover, the data suggest that all the ligands are trans-positioned in the case of NH2Ph (complex 1) and cis-positioned in the case of NH2CH2Ph (complex 2). The complex with NHnBuPh (3) was suggested to present a square pyramidal geometry with the amine in the axial axis. Quantitative yields were obtained in the ROMP of NBE at 50 °C with 1 for 30 min and with 2 for 5 min. Similar result was obtained with 3 at 25 °C for 5 min. The Mw values were in the range of 104 to 105 g/mol with PDI values between 1.6 and 3.5. The &sigma;c values were 0.40 to 0.52. ROMP of NBD and DCPD, as well copolymerizations with NBE, NBD and DCPD, were also performed with better results with 3. The results are discussed in terms of the electronic density and steric hindrance from the amines as ancillary ligands in the complexes. The reactions with complex 2 are favored by the &sigma;-donor character of NH2CH2Ph, whereas the large cone angle of NHnBuPh provided the reactivity with 3.

The research work presented in this thesis discusses various complex issues associated with reactive power management and pricing in the context of new operating paradigms in deregulated power systems, proposing appropriate policy solutions. An integrated two-level framework for reactive power management is set forth, which is both suitable for a competitive market and ensures a secure and reliable operation of the associated power system. The framework is generic in nature and can be adopted for any electricity market structure. The proposed hierarchical reactive power market structure comprises two stages: procurement of reactive power resources on a seasonal basis, and real-time reactive power dispatch. The main objective of the proposed framework is to provide appropriate reactive power support from service providers at least cost, while ensuring a secure operation of the power system. The proposed procurement procedure is based on a two-step optimization model. First, the marginal benefits of reactive power supply from each provider, with respect to system security, are obtained by solving a loadability-maximization problem subject to transmission security constraints imposed by voltage and thermal limits. Second, the selected set of generators is determined by solving an optimal power flow (OPF)-based auction. This auction maximizes a societal advantage function comprising generators' offers and their corresponding marginal benefits with respect to system security, and considering all transmission system constraints. The proposed procedure yields the selected set of generators and zonal price components, which would form the basis for seasonal contracts between the system operator and the selected reactive power service providers. The main objective of the proposed reactive power dispatch model is to minimize the total payment burden on the Independent System Operator (ISO), which is associated with reactive power dispatch. The real power generation is decoupled and assumed to be fixed during the reactive power dispatch procedures; however, the effect of reactive power on real power is considered in the model by calculating the required reduction in real power output of a generator due to an increase in its reactive power supply. In this case, real power generation is allowed to be rescheduled, within given limits, from the already dispatched levels obtained from the energy market clearing process. The proposed dispatch model achieves the main objective of an ISO in a competitive electricity market, which is to provide the required reactive power support from generators at least cost while ensuring a secure operation of the power system. The proposed reactive power procurement and dispatch models capture both the technical and economic aspects of power system operation in competitive electricity markets; however, from an optimization point of view, these models represent non-convex mixed integer non-linear programming (MINLP) problems due to the presence of binary variables associated with the different regions of reactive power operation in a synchronous generator. Such MINLP optimization problems are difficult to solve, especially for an actual power system. A novel Generator Reactive Power Classification (GRPC) algorithm is proposed in this thesis to address this issue, with the advantage of iteratively solving the optimization models as a series of non-linear programming (NLP) sub-problems. The proposed reactive power procurement and dispatch models are implemented and tested on the CIGRE 32-bus system, with several case studies that represent different practical operating scenarios. The developed models are also compared with other approaches for reactive power provision, and the results demonstrate the robustness and effectiveness of the proposed model. The results clearly reveal the main features of the proposed models for optimal provision of reactive power ancillary service, in order to suit the requirements of an ISO under today’s stressed system conditions in a competitive market environment.

The research work presented in this thesis discusses various complex issues associated with reactive power management and pricing in the context of new operating paradigms in deregulated power systems, proposing appropriate policy solutions. An integrated two-level framework for reactive power management is set forth, which is both suitable for a competitive market and ensures a secure and reliable operation of the associated power system. The framework is generic in nature and can be adopted for any electricity market structure. The proposed hierarchical reactive power market structure comprises two stages: procurement of reactive power resources on a seasonal basis, and real-time reactive power dispatch. The main objective of the proposed framework is to provide appropriate reactive power support from service providers at least cost, while ensuring a secure operation of the power system. The proposed procurement procedure is based on a two-step optimization model. First, the marginal benefits of reactive power supply from each provider, with respect to system security, are obtained by solving a loadability-maximization problem subject to transmission security constraints imposed by voltage and thermal limits. Second, the selected set of generators is determined by solving an optimal power flow (OPF)-based auction. This auction maximizes a societal advantage function comprising generators' offers and their corresponding marginal benefits with respect to system security, and considering all transmission system constraints. The proposed procedure yields the selected set of generators and zonal price components, which would form the basis for seasonal contracts between the system operator and the selected reactive power service providers. The main objective of the proposed reactive power dispatch model is to minimize the total payment burden on the Independent System Operator (ISO), which is associated with reactive power dispatch. The real power generation is decoupled and assumed to be fixed during the reactive power dispatch procedures; however, the effect of reactive power on real power is considered in the model by calculating the required reduction in real power output of a generator due to an increase in its reactive power supply. In this case, real power generation is allowed to be rescheduled, within given limits, from the already dispatched levels obtained from the energy market clearing process. The proposed dispatch model achieves the main objective of an ISO in a competitive electricity market, which is to provide the required reactive power support from generators at least cost while ensuring a secure operation of the power system. The proposed reactive power procurement and dispatch models capture both the technical and economic aspects of power system operation in competitive electricity markets; however, from an optimization point of view, these models represent non-convex mixed integer non-linear programming (MINLP) problems due to the presence of binary variables associated with the different regions of reactive power operation in a synchronous generator. Such MINLP optimization problems are difficult to solve, especially for an actual power system. A novel Generator Reactive Power Classification (GRPC) algorithm is proposed in this thesis to address this issue, with the advantage of iteratively solving the optimization models as a series of non-linear programming (NLP) sub-problems. The proposed reactive power procurement and dispatch models are implemented and tested on the CIGRE 32-bus system, with several case studies that represent different practical operating scenarios. The developed models are also compared with other approaches for reactive power provision, and the results demonstrate the robustness and effectiveness of the proposed model. The results clearly reveal the main features of the proposed models for optimal provision of reactive power ancillary service, in order to suit the requirements of an ISO under today’s stressed system conditions in a competitive market environment.

Pricing strategies (e.g. yield management) in the tourism industry, known as non-transparent pricing, have raised fairness issues, and more recently, new pricing schemes in the airline industry have been controversial issues in terms of price fairness. Nonetheless, few tourism researchers have studied price fairness from a consumer perspective. Thus, an understanding of the cognitive processes associated with perceived price fairness could have far-reaching implications for tourist behavior research. The purpose of this study was to examine the antecedents and consequences of tourists‟ perceived price fairness of the ancillary revenue (i.e. extra fees of airlines). In particular, a conceptual model was based on Weiner's (1980) attribution theory, which was expected to complement shortcomings of the traditional dual entitlement principle (Kahneman, Knetsch, and Thaler, 1986). Following the study purpose, four objectives of the study were established: (1) to examine the dimensionality of price fairness in a price change context; (2) to examine the antecedents of price fairness; (3) to examine the consequences of price fairness; and (4) to compare differences in the price fairness model between high and low price sensitivity groups. To achieve the study objectives, this study developed a conceptual model of price fairness with three antecedents (price comparison, cognitive attribution, and emotional response) and four consequences (behavioral loyalty, willingness to pay, complaining, and revenge), and determined the model that best predicted the hypothesized model using Structural Equation Modeling. Data were collected from an online survey and the respondents (n=524) were leisure travel passengers in the United States who had taken domestic flights in the past 12 months. The initial model fit the data well from a global perspective, yet, some hypotheses were not supported. Results suggested that price comparison evaluation and cognitive attribution are antecedents to price fairness, but emotional response was found to be influenced by price fairness as opposed to what was hypothesized. It was also revealed that while price fairness directly influenced favorable behavioral intentions (e.g. behavioral loyalty and willingness to pay more), it also influenced unfavorable behavioral intentions (e.g. revenge and complaining behavior), mediated by negative emotional response. The revised model was alternatively proposed. In addition, significant differences in price fairness, emotional response, willingness to pay more, and revenge intention between high and low price sensitivity groups were found. Results of this study provide potentially important direction for the development of a theoretical framework for the conceptualization of antecedents and consequences of price fairness in a tourism context. It is further expected that findings of this study from an attributional perspective provide managerial guidance for the utilization of marketing strategy when a company encounters inevitable price increases or extra fees.

Risk assessment is an essential part of an effective transportation asset management program. The 2012 surface transportation bill, Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century, requires state departments of transportation (DOTs) to establish risk- and performance-based asset management programs for the National Highway System. While the bill’s provisions include requirements only for pavement and bridge assets, they also recommend that DOTs consider other ancillary highway assets such as culverts and earth retaining structures, and hazards such as rockfalls and landslides. This research introduces an integrated risk framework with supporting algorithms to provide for the integration of ancillary assets and hazards into existing transportation asset management systems, and facilitate budget planning and resource allocation. The framework, Highway Assets Risk Management Decision-Support System (HARM-DSS), adopts a system-of systems perspective in defining and evaluating performance, and analyzing and addressing risk. The algorithms are developed using multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) and risk analysis methods; value functions are applied to scale performance attributes, and additive weighting to integrate multiple risk criteria. The methodology is applied at the corridor-level to analyze three different case studies using data with notable variability from New York, Minnesota and Oregon. The cases demonstrate the process for developing descriptive and visual information on multi-asset/hazard corridors, with sparse to medium data, in order to identify corridors that are vulnerable to failure, as well as exhibit high risk of failure within a transportation network. The results demonstrate that HARM-DSS can be applied across competing corridors or alternatives to produce descriptive and intuitive results that decision makers can use in budget planning and resource allocation. This research extends the risk-based thinking on transportation asset management, by moving it from a silo-ed to an integrated analytical platform that considers multiple non-homogenous assets and hazards simultaneously. It identifies data deficiencies and offers recommendations on the requisite data collection on asset inventory and condition to improve objectivity in the analytical process and confidence in the analysis results. In addition, it offers recommendations on the appropriate use of expert knowledge in supplementing existing data deficiencies in the interim. This work is potentially useful to decision makers involved in distributing resources to preserve the reliability and resiliency of transportation systems, as well as meet the existing performance- and risk-based Federal mandates for transportation asset management.

Generation capacity expansion planning has been evolving in rencent decades. First, the long-term planning procedure is taking more detailed considerations of short-term operation impacts. Second, as more renewable resources being integrated into the grid, a new strategy of dealing with the non-dispatchable renewable energy should be developed, with more ancillary services needing to be procured from thermal units. These trends are expected to continue. This thesis describes a methodology in generation capacity expansion planning. The screening curves method can be used to estimate optimal generation mix for a target year. This thesis first introduces three screening curves methods, which are classified based on their ability to deal with detailed shortterm operational issues. It then includes ancillary service and wind integration impacts. Finally, it presents a case study of a projected ERCOT 2030 system. / text