Detta examensarbete undersöker möjligheten att tillämpa tidiga och ej så beräkningstunga CFD-simuleringar (’Computational Fluid Dynamics’) för optimering av gasväxlingskomponenter tidigt i produktutvecklingsprocessen. Examensarbetet har innefattat framtagande av generellt applicerbara inställningar och riktlinjer vid modellering av gasväxlingskomponenter med programvaran OpenFOAM, optimerade för att nyttja så låg beräkningskraft som möjligt men fortfarande erhålla tillräckligt noggranna och pålitliga resultat. Rapporten ger en teoretiskt genomlysning med motivering av simuleringsrelaterade val i OpenFOAM i syfte att validera och efter behov justera de inställningar och parameterval ansatta i det befintliga Excel skriptet – framtaget av avdelningen med ansvar för avgasefterbehandlingssystem – som automatiserar uppställningen av OpenFOAM:s simuleringsrelaterade filstruktur. Detta i syfte att erhålla och säkerställa pålitliga resultat vid användning av skriptet anpassat för simulering av gasväxlingskomponenter. Rapporten redovisar även bakomliggande analyser för olika inställningar och val i OpenFOAM i syfte att tjäna som välgrundade riktlinjer genom hela CFD-processen; såsom för skapande av geometriska modeller, generering av volymsnät, åtgärder för att säkerställa konvergens samt uppställning och tolkning av resultatet. En av examensarbetets leveranser är en metodbeskrivning utformad med praktiska riktlinjer för genomförandet av hela CFD-processen med avsedda programvaror samt med tillhörande praxis avseende simuleringsrelaterade val genom processen. Ett antal genomförda fallstudier i examensarbetet visar att OpenFOAM har potential att utföra initiala och indikativa simuleringar för att mer tidseffektivt möjliggöra en bredare idégenerering i konceptutvecklingsfasen. / This thesis investigates the possibility of applying early and not so computational heavy simulations using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) for optimization of gas exchange components early in the product development process. The scope of the thesis includes the development of generally applicable settings and guidelines – documented in a methodology – when modelling gas exchange components with the software OpenFOAM, optimized to use as low computational power as possible but still obtaining sufficiently accurate and reliable data. The report consists of a theoretical study and motives for simulation-related choices in OpenFOAM in order to adjust and validate the settings and parameter choices applied in the existing Excel script – developed by the department responsible for exhaust aftertreatment systems – that automates the set-up of OpenFOAM's simulation-related file structure. This in order to obtain and ensure reliable results using the script adapted to the environment for gas exchange components. The report also presents underlying analyses for different settings and choices in order to serve as well-founded guidelines throughout the CFD-process; such as the creation of geometric models, the generation of mesh, measures to ensure convergence, and the set-up and interpretation of the results. One of the deliverables of the thesis is a method description designed with practical guidelines for the entire CFD-process with intended software’s and with associated best practices in regards of simulation-related choices throughout the process. A number of case studies – that has been simulated in this thesis – show that OpenFOAM has the potential to perform initial and indicative simulations enabling a more time-efficiently and broader ideation in the concept development phase.

We introduce a novel integration of real-time, predictive eye-gaze tracking models into a multimodal dialogue system tailored for remote health assessments. This system is designed to be highly accessible requiring only a conventional webcam for video input along with minimal cursor interaction and utilizes engaging gaze-based tasks that can be performed directly in a web browser. We have crafted dynamic subsystems that capture high-quality data efficiently and maintain quality through instances of user attrition and incomplete calls. Additionally, these subsystems are designed with the foresight to allow for future re-analysis using improved predictive models, as well as enable the creation and training of new eye-gaze tracking datasets. As we explored gaze patterns for various user-performed tasks, we developed generalizable eye-gaze metrics that capture and reflect the distinct gaze trends among different cohorts. And through testing various feature extraction and classification methods, we have found promising results that have enabled us to effectively classify individuals with Mild Neurocognitive Disorder (MiNCD) / Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) in a crowdsourced pilot study (N = 35) with an average accuracy of 0.94 (f1 = 0.83). Although just the beginning, this work represents the first step towards establishing predictive eye-gaze tracking as an accessible and important modality for healthcare applications moving forward, with the potential to significantly impact remote screening and monitoring of neurocognitive health.

This paper has attempted to determine if there is a significant relationship between self-determination and client outcomes among the homeless. The study has been based upon the conceptual framework set forth in Self-Determination Theory. The purpose of the study was to explore the relationship between self-determination and client outcomes among the homeless. Using a data collection instrument, based on empirically validated instrumentation, clients from several homeless service providers in the City of San Bernardino were assessed for the level of self-determination and autonomy support they experience within these agencies. Outcome measures included such things as whether the client was going to school, had a job and had a bank account. Overall, the results of the study were inconclusive, though some interesting post hoc observations were made. It was the primary aim of this paper to increase the knowledge base of the local network of homeless service providers and to promote the compassionate, equitable, and dignified treatment of the population they serve.

Les machines électriques jouent un rôle très important dans la conversion d'énergie dans plusieurs applications et domaines. Les contraintes thermiques jouent ainsi un rôle indispensable dans la conception des machines électriques de plus en plus petites et performantes. En effet, la performance des machines électriques est limitée par les températures maximales admissibles dans certaines zones critiques telles que le bobinage, les aimants permanents et les roulements. Deux approches principales peuvent être utilisées pour étudier le comportement thermique de la machine: la méthode nodale ou le circuit à constantes localisées ou les modèles numériques. Dans notre étude, nous proposons d'appliquer la méthode nodale sur une machine électrique intégrée dans un environnement mécatronique complexe. Le modèle thermique développé de la machine est ainsi présenté avec ses différents éléments. En effet, un modèle précis dépend fortement de plusieurs paramètres thermiques tels que les coefficients d'échange convectif, les conductances de contact, les conductivités équivalentes du bobinage, et autres paramètres. En conséquence, des techniques d'analyse de sensibilité sont ensuite appliquées sur le modèle thermique pour identifier les paramètres d'influence significative sur les températures de la machine ainsi que pour la réduction de ce modèle. Ensuite, nous appliquons deux méthodologies d'identification des paramètres thermiques incertains sont développées et appliquées afin de recaler le modèle thermique de la machine. Cette étape permet la validation de ce modèle par rapport à des mesures thermiques sur une machine synchrone à aimants permanents internes installée sur un banc de caractérisation de machine électriques. Finalement, nous intégrons le modèle recalé dans une approche système mécatronique comportant les lois de commande de la machine ainsi que son convertisseur. Ceci permettra ainsi d'étudier l'influence de la température d'une machine électrique sur le système mécatronique complet. / Electric machines play an important role in power conversion in several applications and fields. With the increasing demand for designing lighter and more efficient machines and optimizing the existing structures, thermal analysis becomes a necessary; in fact, the performance of electric machines islimited by the allowable temperatures in many critical components like windings, permanent magnetsand bearings. Two main approaches can be employed in order to study the machine thermal behavior : the lumped parameter thermal network (LPTN) or numerical models. Considering low-computationtime-consuming and the possibility to be integrated in a mechatronics system design, the LPTN method is considered in our study. The latter is mainly applied on electric machine integrated in a complex mechatronics environment. The thermal network is presented along with the definition of the principal elements constituting this network. In fact, an accurate and reliable network strongly depends on many critical parameters like heat transfer coefficients, interface gaps, impregnation goodness, among others. For this reason, different sensitivity analysis techniques are carried out in order to, first, identify the significance of uncertainties in the evaluation of these parameters on machine temperatures and second, to reduce the thermal network. Next, we propose two optimization algorithm-based identification methodologies in order to calibrate results of the thermal network with measured temperatures obtained from a test-bench of a permanent magnet based integrated starter-generator machine. The calibrated model is then integrated in a mechatronics system consisting of an electric model of the electric machine, along with its control strategy and the power converter. This final study allows us to evaluate the impact of the machine temperature rise on the mechatronic system.

The proven ability to ferment Saccharomyces cerevisiae on a large scale presents an attractive target for producing chemicals and fuels from sustainable sources. Efficient and predominant carbon flux through to ethanol is a significant engineering issue in the development of this yeast as a multi-product cell chassis used in biorefineries. In order to evaluate diversion of carbon flux away from ethanol, combinatorial deletions were investigated in genes encoding the six isozymes of alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH), which catalyse the terminal step in ethanol production. The scarless, dominant and counter- selectable amdSYM gene deletion method was optimised for generation of a combinatorial ADH knockout library in an industrially relevant strain of S. cerevisiae. Current understanding of the individual ADH genes fails to fully evaluate genotype-by-genotype and genotype-by-environment interactions: rather, further research of such a complex biological process requires a multivariate mathematical modelling approach. Application of such an approach using the Design of Experiments (DoE) methodology is appraised here as essential for detailed empirical evaluation of complex systems. DoE provided empirical evidence that in S. cerevisiae: i) the ADH2 gene is not associated with producing ethanol under anaerobic culture conditions in combination with 25 g l-1 glucose substrate concentrations; ii) ADH4 is associated with increased ethanol production when the cell is confronted with a zinc-limited [1 μM] environment; and iii) ADH5 is linked with the production of ethanol, predominantly at pH 4.5. A successful metabolic engineering strategy is detailed which increases the product portfolio of S. cerevisiae, currently used for large-scale production of bioethanol. Heterologous expression of the cytochrome P450 fatty acid peroxygenase from Jeotgalicoccus sp., OleTJE, fused to the RhFRED reductase from Rhodococcus sp. NCIMB 978 converted free fatty acid precursors to C13, C15 and C17 alkenes (3.81 ng μl-1 total alkene concentration).

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of the use of technology on students’ mathematics achievement, particularly the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT) mathematics results. Eleven schools within the Miami-Dade County Public School System participated in a pilot program on the use of Geometers Sketchpad (GSP). Three of these schools were randomly selected for this study. Each school sent a teacher to a summer in-service training program on how to use GSP to teach geometry. In each school, the GSP class and a traditional geometry class taught by the same teacher were the study participants. Students’ mathematics FCAT results were examined to determine if the GSP produced any effects. Students’ scores were compared based on assignment to the control or experimental group as well as gender and SES. SES measurements were based on whether students qualified for free lunch. The findings of the study revealed a significant difference in the FCAT mathematics scores of students who were taught geometry using GSP compared to those who used the traditional method. No significant differences existed between the FCAT mathematics scores of the students based on SES. Similarly, no significant differences existed between the FCAT scores based on gender. In conclusion, the use of technology (particularly GSP) is likely to boost students’ FCAT mathematics test scores. The findings also show that the use of GSP may be able to close known gender and SES related achievement gaps. The results of this study promote policy changes in the way geometry is taught to 10th grade students in Florida’s public schools.

Despote the indisputable advantages of fine-pitch components, is need to calculate with a few trouble during production, especially increased requirements for accuracy of mounting and solder printing. In this work I’m concerned with problems of solder printing for these components and evaluation using SPC. For the evaluation I used 3D paste inspection based on laser scanning of the surface. The output of this work is to describe the principles of solder printing and elaborating of GR&R, SPC analysis and histograms of solder printing for some outputs. I focused in my master thesis on motive design change of problematic components and economic evaluation of the adjustments.

[ES] En un contexto de creciente preocupación por el calentamiento global y de políticas energéticas internacionales, en el cual los sistemas de climatización de los edificios suponen una parte importante del consumo energético global, los sistemas de bombas de calor son considerados como opciones muy interesantes debido a su alta eficiencia y por ser fuentes de energía renovables. En este sentido, una caracterización precisa de estos equipos es de vital importancia con el objetivo de mejorar su diseño y, en aquellos casos dónde este tipo de unidades se integren como parte de sistemas más complejos, implementar estrategias de control eficientes. En este contexto, esta tesis doctoral se centra en el modelado de bombas de calor con el fin de obtener modelos que permitan conocer con precisión el desempeño global de estas unidades en todo el rango de trabajo. En la primera parte del trabajo, se han realizado numerosos ensayos experimentales utilizando un nuevo prototipo de bomba de calor dual, obtenidos dentro del marco de trabajo del proyecto europeo GEOTeCH. Debido a la tipología hibrida de esta unidad, los resultados experimentales obtenidos incluyen datos de desempeño para las principales tecnologías de bombas de calor: las bombas de calor aerotérmicas y geotérmicas. Haciendo uso de toda esta información experimental, esta primera parte del trabajo se centra en obtener modelos polinómicos para la predicción del consumo eléctrico y las capacidades de calefacción y refrigeración en función de las variables externas a la unidad. Dichas variables son fáciles de obtener y suelen medirse en instalaciones reales. Por tanto, estos modelos caracterizan a la bomba de calor como un único componente, simplificando su implementación en modelos globales de sistemas más complejos donde se instalan estas unidades. Además, seleccionado un enfoque empírico para el modelado, en esta parte también se analizan algunos aspectos relevantes, como los términos a incluir en el polinomio, o cómo conformar las matrices experimentales de ensayo necesarias, es decir, cuántos puntos experimentales realizar y dónde situarlos en el rango de operación. Por último, la segunda parte de la tesis doctoral está dedicada a modelar uno de los componentes principales en estas unidades, el compresor. En este caso, el desarrollo de una extensa base de datos que incluye numerosos ensayos calorimétricos de las dos principales tecnologías de compresores, pistón y scroll, ha permitido el análisis detallado de las superficies de respuesta del consumo eléctrico y el caudal másico de refrigerante en función de las temperaturas de evaporación y condensación. A partir de esta información y siguiendo un enfoque similar al utilizado previamente, en esta segunda parte se revisan los modelos incluidos en la norma actual de caracterización de compresores, el estándar AHRI 540 (2020), para comprobar si son adecuados o si, por el contrario, debemos utilizar otro tipo de expresiones polinómicas. También se analizan en profundidad cuestiones críticas como el número de puntos necesarios para caracterizar cada tecnología de compresor, dónde situarlos en el dominio experimental, cómo evitar un posible sobreajuste del modelo minimizando problemas de extrapolación o interpolación, o cómo extrapolar los resultados para predecir con otros refrigerantes u otras condiciones de aspiración. / [CA] En un context de creixent preocupació per l'escalfament global i de polítiques energètiques internacionals, en el qual els sistemes de climatització dels edificis suposen una part important del consum energètic global, els sistemes de bombes de calor són considerats com a opcions molt interessants a causa de la seva alta eficiència i perquè són fonts d'energia renovables. En aquest sentit, una caracterització precisa d'aquests equips és de vital importància amb l'objectiu de millorar el seu disseny i, en aquells casos on aquest tipus d'unitats s'integren com a part de sistemes més complexos, implementar estratègies de control eficients. En aquest context, aquesta tesi doctoral se centra en el modelat de bombes de calor per obtenir models que permitisquen conèixer amb precisió el funcionament d'aquestes unitats a tot el rang de treball. A la primera part del treball, s'han realitzat nombrosos assajos experimentals utilitzant un nou prototip de bomba de calor dual, obtinguts dins del marc de treball del projecte europeu GEOTeCH. A causa de la tipologia hibrida d'aquesta unitat, els resultats experimentals obtinguts inclouen dades de funcionament per a les principals tecnologies de bombes de calor: les bombes de calor aerotèrmiques i geotèrmiques. Fent ús de tota aquesta informació experimental, aquesta primera part del treball se centra a obtenir models polinòmics per a la predicció del consum elèctric i les capacitats de calefacció i refrigeració en funció de les variables externes a la unitat. Aquestes variables són fàcils d'obtenir i se solen mesurar en instal·lacions reals. Per tant, aquests models caracteritzen la bomba de calor com un únic component, simplificant-ne la implementació en models globals de sistemes més complexos on s'instal·len aquestes unitats. A més, seleccionat un enfocament empíric per al modelatge, en aquesta part també s'analitzen alguns aspectes rellevants, com els termes a incloure al polinomi, o cóm conformar les matrius experimentals d'assaig necessàries, és a dir, quants punts experimentals realitzar i on situar-los al rang d'operació. Per acabar, la segona part de la tesi doctoral està dedicada al modelat d'un dels components principals d'aquestes unitats, el compressor. En aquest cas, el desenvolupament d'una extensa base de dades que inclou nombrosos assajos calorimètrics de les dues principals tecnologies de compressors, pistó i scroll, ha permès l'anàlisi detallat de les superfícies de resposta del consum elèctric i el cabal màssic de refrigerant segons les temperatures d'evaporació i de condensació. A partir d'aquesta informació i seguint un enfocament similar a l'utilitzat prèviament, en aquesta segona part es revisen els models inclosos a la norma actual de caracterització de compressors, l'estàndard AHRI 540 (2020), per comprovar si són adequats o si, per contra, cal utilitzar un altre tipus d'expressions polinòmiques. També s'analitzen en profunditat qüestions crítiques com el nombre de punts necessaris per caracteritzar cada tecnologia de compressor, on situar-los al domini experimental, cóm evitar un possible sobreajust del model minimitzant problemes d'extrapolació o interpolació, o cóm extrapolar els resultats per predir amb altres refrigerants o altres condicions d'aspiració. / [EN] In a context of global warming concerns and global energy policies, in which heating and cooling systems in buildings account for a significant amount of the global energy consumption, heat pump systems are widely considered as a really interesting option for enabling high efficiency and also for being renewable energy sources. In this sense, an accurate characterization of these units is of vital importance to improve their design and implement efficient control strategies, when the unit is integrated in more complex systems. Against this background, this PhD thesis focuses on heat pump modelling in order to create map-based models able to accurately characterize the global performance of these units for the entire working range. In the first part of this work, many experimental tests have been obtained for a new Dual Source Heat Pump prototype tested in the framework of the European project GEOTeCH. Due to the dual typology, the experimental results include performance data for the two main heat pump technologies: Air Source Heat Pumps and Ground Source Heat Pumps. By using all this experimental information, this first part focuses on obtaining empirical polynomial models capable of accurately predicting energy consumption and heating and cooling capacities as a function of external variables. Such variables are easy to measure and are usually recorded in real installations. Therefore, these models characterize the heat pump as a single component, simplifying its implementation in global models of more complex systems where these units are installed. Furthermore, selecting the empirical model approach, this part also includes some critical aspects, such as how to obtain the best polynomial expression, or how to perform the required experimental test matrices, i.e., how many tests should be conducted and where in the operating range. Finally, the second part of this PhD thesis is dedicated to modelling one of the main components of these units, the compressor. In this case, the development of an extensive database including numerous calorimetric tests on the two main compressor technologies, reciprocating and scroll compressors, has allowed the detailed analysis of the response surfaces of their performance parameters, i.e., the energy consumption and mass flow rate as a function of the evaporation and condensation temperatures. Using this information, and following an approach similar to that used in the first part, this second part reviews the models included in the current compressor characterization standard, the AHRI 540 (2020), in order to check whether they are appropriate or, on the contrary, whether we should use of other types of polynomial expression. Critical issues such as the number of points needed to characterize each compressor technology, where to place them in the experimental domain, how to prevent possible overfitting in the model adjustment to minimize extrapolation or interpolation problems, or how to extrapolate results for predicting other refrigerant or suction conditions, are discussed in depth. / I would like to acknowledge the financial support that has made this PhD thesis possible. The doctoral fellowship FPU15/03476 was founded by “Ministerio de Educación, Cultura y deporte” inside the program “Formación de Profesorado Universitario”, and the GEOTeCH project (No 656889) founded by the European Union under the “Horizon 2020 Framework Programme for European Research and Technological Development” / Marchante Avellaneda, J. (2023). Study of Response Surface Models for the characterization of the performance in Refrigeration Equipments and Heat Pumps [Tesis doctoral]. Universitat Politècnica de València. https://doi.org/10.4995/Thesis/10251/192653

Sizing (hydrophobization) is one of the most important process steps within the added-value chain of about 1/3rd of the worldwide produced paper & board products. Even though sizing with so-called reactive sizing agents, such as alkenyl succinic anhydride (ASA) was implemented in the paper industry decades ago, there is no total clarity yet about the detailed chemical and physical mechanisms that lead to their performance. Previous research was carried out on the role of different factors influencing the sizing performance, such as bonding between ASA and cellulose, ASA hydrolysis, size revision as well as the most important interactions with stock components, process parameters and additives during the paper making process. However, it was not yet possible to develop a holistic model for the explanation of the sizing performance given in real life application. This thesis describes a novel physico-chemical approach to this problem by including results from previous research and combining these with a wide field of own basic research and a newly developed method that allows tracing back the actual localization of ASA within the sheet structure. The carried out measurements and trial sets for the basic field of research served to evaluate the stock and process parameters that most dominantly influence the sizing performance of ASA. Interactions with additives other than retention aids were not taken into account. The results show that parameters, such as the content of secondary fibers, the degree of refining, the water hardness as well as the suspension conductivity, are of highest significance. The sample sets of the trials with the major impacting parameters were additionally analyzed by a newly developed localization method in order to better understand the main influencing factors. This method is based on optical localization of ASA within the sheet structure by confocal white light microscopy. In order to fulfill the requirements at magnification rates of factor 100 optical zoom, it was necessary to improve the contrast between ASA and cellulose. Therefore, ASA was pretreated with an inert red diazo dye, which does not have any impact on neither the sizing nor the handling properties of ASA. Laboratory hand sheets that were sized with dyed ASA, were analyzed by means of their sizing performance in correlation to measurable ASA agglomerations in the sheet structure. The sizing performance was measured by ultrasonic penetration analysis. The agglomeration behavior of ASA was analyzed automatically by multiple random imaging of a sample area of approx. 8650 µm² with a minimum resolution for particles of 500 nm in size. The gained results were interpreted by full factorial design of experiments (DOE). The trials were carried out with ASA dosages between 0% and 0.8% on laboratory hand sheets, made of 80% bleached eucalyptus short fiber kraft pulp and 20% northern bleached softwood kraft pulp, beaten to SR° 30, produced with a RDA sheet former at a base weight of 100 g/m² oven dry. The results show that there is a defined correlation between the ASA dosage, the sizing performance and the number and area of ASA agglomerates to be found in the sheet structure. It was also possible to show that the agglomeration behavior is highly influenced by external factors like furnish composition and process parameters. This enables a new approach to the explanation of sizing performance, by making it possible to not only examine the performance of the sizing agent, but to closely look at the predominant position where it is located in the sheet structure. These results lead to the explanation that the phenomenon of sizing is by far not a pure chemical process but rather a more physical one. Based on the gained findings it was possible so far to optimize the ASA sizing process in industrial-scale by means of ~ 50% less ASA consumption at a steady degree of sizing and improved physical sheet properties.

View John Huân Vũ's thesis presentation at http://youtu.be/y3bzNmkTr-c. In 2001, the ACM and IEEE Computing Curriculum stated that it was necessary to address "the need to develop implementation models that are international in scope and could be practiced in universities around the world." With increasing connectivity through the internet, the move towards a global economy and growing use of technology places software internationalization as a more important concern for developers. However, there has been a "clear shortage in terms of numbers of trained persons applying for entry-level positions" in this area. Eric Brechner, Director of Microsoft Development Training, suggested five new courses to add to the computer science curriculum due to the growing "gap between what college graduates in any field are taught and what they need to know to work in industry." He concludes that "globalization and accessibility should be part of any course of introductory programming," stating: A course on globalization and accessibility is long overdue on college campuses. It is embarrassing to take graduates from a college with a diverse student population and have to teach them how to write software for a diverse set of customers. This should be part of introductory software development. Anything less is insulting to students, their family, and the peoples of the world. There is very little research into how the subject of software internationalization should be taught to meet the major requirements of the industry. The research question of the thesis is thus, "Is there a framework for software internationalization that has been validated against industry requirements?" The answer is no. The framework "would promote communication between academia and industry ... that could serve as a common reference point in discussions." Since no such framework for software internationalization currently exists, one will be developed here. The contribution of this thesis includes a provisional framework to prepare graduates to internationalize software and a validation of the framework against industry requirements. The requirement of this framework is to provide a portable and standardized set of requirements for computer science and software engineering programs to teach future graduates.