The city of Melbourne in Victoria, Australia has been recognised as having high quality drinking water, but like other urban cities in the world, its growing population means increasing water demand. Melbourne is also already on its eight year of dry climatic conditions and is currently experiencing a drought that forced water authorities to impose water restrictions after 20 years of unrestricted supply. The current drought, dwindling supplies and possible impact of climate change highlight the importance of making better use of this precious resource. The Water Resources Strategy has been developed for Melbourne, which serve as the basis for the Victorian Government to set per capita consumption reduction targets of 15%, 25% and 30% by 2010, 2015 and 2020 respectively. The strategy was developed to ensure a continuation of a safe, reliable and cost effective water supply that is environmentally sustainable in the long term. This is in recognition that population growth and water consumption will eventually require additional supplies of water (Water Resources Strategy Committee for the Melbourne Area 2002). One of the key findings of the National Land and Water Resources Audit's Australian Water Resources Assessment 2000 is the lack of detailed knowledge about the end use (Australian Water Association 2001). The

Genetic resistance to the orange wheat blossom midge (Sitodiplosis mosellana; OWBM) is an important breeding target to prevent yield and quality losses of durum wheat produced in western Canada. To date, only a single characterized midge resistance gene, Sm1, has been identified. Sm1 confers antibiosis resistance to the OWBM. It has been genetically localized to chromosome 2BS of hexaploid wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Sm1 has been introgressed into locally adapted germplasm. Currently, no Sm1 carrying durum wheat lines are available for commercial production, and no studies have characterized the influence of Sm1 on yield and end-use quality of durum wheat. The main objectives of this study were: 1) To determine the effect of Sm1 on grain yield and end-use quality. 2) To genetically map the Sm1 introgression. For this work, 122 F5:9 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) derived from a cross between the midge susceptible durum wheat cultivar CDC Verona (Sm1 “-”) and resistant experimental line DT780 (Sm1 “+”). Agronomic and end-use quality traits of the mapping population were analyzed. The results from each environment were used for quantitative trait loci (QTL) analysis at Kernen (SK) in 2009 and 2010, and at Indian Head (SK) in 2009. On average, the presence of Sm1 was associated with higher grain yield and yellow pigment content, but lower kernel weight, reduced grain protein content, and weaker gluten properties. However, it was possible to identify RIL lines carrying Sm1 that expressed higher kernel weight, grain protein content, and stronger gluten. A genetic linkage map spanning 58 cM on chromosome 2B near Sm1 was constructed. QTL mapping suggested that the total length of the Sm1 introgression into durum wheat was approximately 11cM. Nearly all traits measured showed QTLs associated with Sm1. For grain protein content, a QTL proximal to Sm1 was identified, suggesting that Sm1 per se may not be contributing to the reduced grain protein observed in the Sm1 carriers of the RIL mapping population. The results presented here suggest that on average, Sm1 is associated with higher grain yield and some reduced end-use quality factors, but that it may be possible to combine Sm1 with high grain yield and end-use quality equivalent to current check cultivars.

O presente trabalho visa analisar, a partir da perspectiva do uso final de energia, os resultados do indicador de eficiência criado para averiguar o desempenho de equipamentos usados em obras de construção civil de grande porte. Dentro do setor apreciado, optou-se por analisar energeticamente apenas a fase de construção per si em razão desta etapa ser uma fase de intenso consumo energético. O presente trabalho contou com uma compilação de dados baseados no consumo de 26.121 equipamentos em operação, em 84 obras de construção de grande porte. A partir do banco de dados inicial realizou-se a análise dos dados dos equipamentos monitorados via satélite e com informações de eficiência. Por fim, estimou-se, especificamente, a variação da eficiência nos equipamentos em questão. Na busca de resultados, foi possível constatar uma predominância no consumo de óleo diesel quando comparado a outros insumos energéticos. Geradores, guindastes, compressores e caminhões foram os itens que apresentaram maiores índices de eficiência, com 99,0%, 93,5%, 93,2% e 92,3%, respectivamente. Esses resultados mostram que a maior parte destes equipamentos operam próximo ao ótimo do consumo por hora registrado no projeto. / The present work aims to analyze, from the perspective of the end use of energy, the results of the efficiency indicator created in order to investigate the performance of a group of equipment widely used in large construction projects in Brazil. The analyze comprehends only construction period itself due this step is to consider a phase of intense energy consumption. This work included a database related to the fuel consumption of 26,121 equipment during their operation, at 84 work sites in the large construction projects. From the database described, we performed data analysis of satellite equipment monitored and with efficiency information. Finally, it was estimated the variation of efficiency of the equipment in question. The results show a predominance of diesel consumption when compared to other fuels inputs. Considering our methodology, generators, cranes, compressors and trucks were the items that had higher levels of efficiency, with 99.0%, 93.5%, 93.2% and 92.3%, respectively. These results show that most of these devices operate close to the optimal consumption per hour recorded in the project.

Made available in DSpace on 2014-10-09T12:34:23Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 / Made available in DSpace on 2014-10-09T14:10:22Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 / Dissertação (Mestrado) / IPEN/D / Instituto de Pesquisas Energeticas e Nucleares - IPEN-CNEN/SP

O presente trabalho visa analisar, a partir da perspectiva do uso final de energia, os resultados do indicador de eficiência criado para averiguar o desempenho de equipamentos usados em obras de construção civil de grande porte. Dentro do setor apreciado, optou-se por analisar energeticamente apenas a fase de construção per si em razão desta etapa ser uma fase de intenso consumo energético. O presente trabalho contou com uma compilação de dados baseados no consumo de 26.121 equipamentos em operação, em 84 obras de construção de grande porte. A partir do banco de dados inicial realizou-se a análise dos dados dos equipamentos monitorados via satélite e com informações de eficiência. Por fim, estimou-se, especificamente, a variação da eficiência nos equipamentos em questão. Na busca de resultados, foi possível constatar uma predominância no consumo de óleo diesel quando comparado a outros insumos energéticos. Geradores, guindastes, compressores e caminhões foram os itens que apresentaram maiores índices de eficiência, com 99,0%, 93,5%, 93,2% e 92,3%, respectivamente. Esses resultados mostram que a maior parte destes equipamentos operam próximo ao ótimo do consumo por hora registrado no projeto. / The present work aims to analyze, from the perspective of the end use of energy, the results of the efficiency indicator created in order to investigate the performance of a group of equipment widely used in large construction projects in Brazil. The analyze comprehends only construction period itself due this step is to consider a phase of intense energy consumption. This work included a database related to the fuel consumption of 26,121 equipment during their operation, at 84 work sites in the large construction projects. From the database described, we performed data analysis of satellite equipment monitored and with efficiency information. Finally, it was estimated the variation of efficiency of the equipment in question. The results show a predominance of diesel consumption when compared to other fuels inputs. Considering our methodology, generators, cranes, compressors and trucks were the items that had higher levels of efficiency, with 99.0%, 93.5%, 93.2% and 92.3%, respectively. These results show that most of these devices operate close to the optimal consumption per hour recorded in the project.

Made available in DSpace on 2014-10-09T12:34:23Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 / Made available in DSpace on 2014-10-09T14:10:22Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 / Dentro das exigências restritivas visando à mitigação de danos ambientais, várias ações estão sendo tomadas em termos mundiais, destacando-se os países onde a mobilização social e tomadas de decisão são mais efetivas. Entre estas ações as diretivas RoHS e WEEE, ambas da comunidade européia, destacam-se como interessantes procedimentos que se somam para a prevenção do uso de substâncias tóxicas e redução de emissão ao meio ambiente de resíduos sólidos de eletrônicos após o uso. Atualmente, em termos mundiais, não se observa o uso de tais procedimentos no que tange aos equipamentos eletromédicos após o término de vida útil e descarte. Este trabalho faz um estudo de ambas diretivas utilizando-se um equipamento eletromédico de fabricação nacional, um eletroestimulador. O equipamento foi criteriosamente desmontado e seus componentes classificados com base em sua classe de material e composição química. Após a desmontar e catalogar os componentes quanto à classe de materiais e composição química, foram sugeridos alguns procedimentos. Para atender a diretiva RoHS, a substituição de metais pesados presentes na liga utilizada na soldagem dos componentes eletrônicos. Para atender a diretiva WEEE, o processamento de resíduo de placa de circuito impresso inertizado em vidro. Deste modo verifica-se que os procedimentos adotados para cumprir com as duas diretivas européias foram adequados para os equipamentos eletromédicos tanto de fabricação nacional como internacional. / Dissertação (Mestrado) / IPEN/D / Instituto de Pesquisas Energeticas e Nucleares - IPEN-CNEN/SP

Ce travail porte sur l'étude de liens entre les propriétés mécaniques de comprimés modèles composés de billes de verre et les caractéristiques physico-chimiques des liants, constitués de sucres et préparés sous forme de sirops. Le procédé de fabrication consiste en une méthode modifiée de compression humide. Deux paramètres de formulation ont été testés : le taux de saturation en sirop et sa concentration massique. Nous en avons tiré une variable unique qui est la fraction massique de sucre ajoutée aux billes de verre. Ces paramètres se sont avérés essentiels dans la maîtrise de la tenue mécanique des comprimés. Il en est de même pour leurs conditions de stockage. Une corrélation linéaire a été établie entre une activité de l'eau, définie comme critique, du fructose, du galactose, du glucose, du lactose et du saccharose et l'apparition du phénomène de transition vitreuse pour chacun de ces sucres, engendrant une chute brutale dans la résistance mécanique de leurs comprimés respectifs. Le taux de cristallisation des sucres et l'absence d'anomérie sont aussi des paramètres qui semblent être à l'origine d'une meilleure tenue mécanique des comprimés / This work focuses on the study of relationships between the mechanical properties of model compacts composed by glass beads and the physicochemical characteristics of binders consisting of sugars and prepared in the form of syrups. Fructose, galactose, glucose, lactose and sucrose were used in this study. The manufacturing process consists in a modified wet compression method. Two formulation parameters were tested: the saturation ratio and the mass concentration of the syrup. We deduced from them a single variable which is the mass fraction of sugar added to the glass beads. These parameters were essential in controlling the mechanical strength of the compacts. It has been shown that storage conditions also influence tablets properties. A linear correlation was established between a specific water activity value, defined as critical, and the glass transition temperature for each of sugars, resulting in a collapse in mechanical strength of the compacts. The rate of crystallization of sugar and the absence of anomeric forms are also parameters that seem to be targeted in order to increase compacts mechanical strength

No description available.

Wheat (Triticum aestivum, L) and barley (Hordeum vulgare) are widely grown as winter annual grains in a double crop rotation with soybean (Glycine max, L. Merr.) in much of the U.S. Improved management strategies and the development cultivars that meet the quality requirements of higher value end-use markets is important to increase production and profitability of winter annual grains and the double crop rotation in the Eastern U.S. In Chapter I, fifteen commercially relevant winter wheat genotypes ranging in maturity were sown in a split-plot design (sowing date=main plot, genotype=subplot) at three different sowing dates (considered to be 'very early' (20-28 days before recommended), 'early (6-11 days before recommended)', or 'recommended') and replicated three times at eight environments (site-year) from 2015-2018 in VA and KY. Grain yield, tiller estimation, heading date, protein, and 1000-kernel weight were assessed for each yield plot. At all environments, sowing earlier in the fall achieved an earlier (P<0.05) heading date, while grain yields varied depending on environment and genotype. Genotype by sowing date interactions were non-significant (P<0.05) at five site-years and significant (P<0.05) at three site-years. Molecular markers can be associated with phenotypic traits via quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping, these markers can be used by breeders in marker assisted selection (MAS) to indirectly select phenotypic traits that are difficult or expensive to measure. In Chapter II, the genetic architecture of end-use quality is investigated in two soft red winter wheat bi-parental (Pioneer '25R47' / 'Jamestown' and Pioneer '26R46' / 'Tribute'). Both populations were genotyped with a public 90,000 wheat iSelect SNP-Array, grown over two crop seasons at two Virginia sites, evaluated for quality traits at the USDA-ARS Soft Wheat Quality Lab (SWQL), and analyzed with QTL mapping. This chapter describes a total of 24 putative QTL that were identified on 13 different chromosomes and associated with grain characteristics, milling, and/or baking performance along with phenotypic data for both populations, other putative QTL, and transgressive progeny with exceptional flour yield and cookie diameters. A region on 3A (Qfy.vt.3A.Jtwn) is a strong candidate to be utilized for MAS in soft red winter wheat breeding programs as it explained 6.9-10.3% (Pioneer 25R47 / Jamestown) and 4.6-17.0% (Pioneer 26R46 / Tribute) of the phenotypic variation for flour yield. In Chapter III, malt quality genetic structure was investigated in two winter 'malt x feed' doubled haploid barley breeding populations. Both populations were genotyped with the iSelect InfiniumTM SNP assay consisting of 50,000 barley SNPs, grown in two to three Virginia environments (Blacksburg and Warsaw) during 2017 - 2019, and characterized for 11 phenotypic traits associated with malting quality. QTL mapping validated six previously reported regions (Mohammadi, et al., 2015, GrainGenes 3.0, 2019) that are strongly associated (LOD > 3.0) with relevant malt quality traits. Phenotypic variation for malt quality was largely and consistently explained by QTL on chromosomes 1H, 5H, and 7H in the Endeavor / VA09B-34 population and by two separate QTL on 1H in the Violetta / VA09B-34 population. A region on 4H corresponding with QDp.DiMo-4H, explained between 12.1 - 42.2% (Endeavor / VA09B-34) and 30.0 - 55.7% (Violetta / VA09B-34) of the phenotypic variation for diastatic power (DU). These QTL are recommended for MAS in order to aid breeding strategies that aim to select for improved malting characteristics in Eastern U.S. malt barley breeding material. / Doctor of Philosophy / Wheat (Triticum aestivum, L) and barley (Hordeum vulgare) are staple crops throughout the world, and are the third and fourth most produced cereals crop according to the FAO. Primarily grown for human consumption, wheat and barley provide a significant percentage of the nutritional requirements for the human populations. According to the United Nations, wheat contributes 20% of all calories consumed by humans. Barley is the primary ingredient used to make beer. Increased productivity of all cropping and livestock systems is required in order to feed a growing human population while also restoring and preserving natural ecosystems. This can be accomplished through breeding and improved cropping systems management. Planting of existing cropland more frequently is fundamental to the improvement of cropping system productivity. In much of the U.S. (southern two-thirds of the lower 48), annual winter grains such as wheat and barley can be grown over the winter and spring in between the typical corn (Zea mays subsp. mays) and soybean (Glycine max, L. Merr.) growing seasons. Therefore, producing three crops in two years, as opposed to only two. Only between 6 and 11 million acres are double cropped in the US annually, for perspective, in 2018, 89 million acres of both corn and soybeans, which can only grow in summer, were planted. Over half of the soybean (~45 million) acres in Midwestern and Southeastern states could support double cropping. This is a major opportunity to maximize output per unit area, freeing up less productive land to be restored as natural ecosystems, potentially increasing carbon sequestration and species biodiversity. Winter annual grains have a very similar composition (high carbohydrate, low protein and oil) to corn, and could fill similar end-use markets currently dominated by corn (i.e. ethanol or livestock feed). For double cropping to be more widely deployed, it must be more profitable. Increased profitability of growing three crops in two years as opposed to two must outweigh the added cost of planting, managing, harvesting, and marketing the additional winter crop. Therefore, it is important to investigate management strategies that could increase production per unit area and develop new winter annual cultivars with improved end-use characteristics in order to make the winter annual more desirable to the end-users. Chapter I investigates sowing winter wheat earlier in the fall (i.e. 1st week of Oct. or last week of Sept.) in order to achieve an earlier harvest in the spring and earlier soybean planting (yield decreases 0.5 to 1 bu/ac per day that sowing is delayed), while also offering other benefits such as better-established root systems going into winter, which improves water infiltration and reduces erosion. At all environments, sowing earlier in the fall achieved an earlier heading date, while grain yields varied depending on environment and genotype. Genotype by sowing date interactions were non-significant at five site-years and significant at three site-years. Chapters II and III investigate the genetic architecture of winter wheat and winter barley breeding populations for end-use quality traits (milling/baking and malting). This was done in order to identify molecular markers that could be used to screen breeding material for improved end-use quality. The markers could then be used to assist breeders in developing soft red winter wheat cultivars with greater flour yields/improved baking performance and winter malt barley cultivars that can be grown in the Eastern U.S. and are suitable for the craft beer market. Chapter II describes 24 genomic regions that influences milling/baking performance in two soft red winter wheat breeding populations. Chapter III describes 6 genomic regions that influence malting performance in two winter barley breeding populations.

Paper [I] Using a unique and highly detailed data set on energy consumption at the appliance-level for 200 Swedish households, seemingly unrelated regression (SUR)-based end-use specific load curves are estimated. The estimated load curves are then used to explore possible restrictions on load shifting (e.g. the office hours schedule) as well as the cost implications of different load shift patterns. The cost implications of shifting load from "expensive" to "cheap" hours, using the Nord Pool spot prices as a proxy for a dynamic price, are computed to be very small; roughly 2-4% reduction in total daily costs from shifting load up to five hours ahead, indicating small incentives for households (and retailers) to adopt dynamic pricing of electricity. Paper [II] Using a detailed data set on appliance-level electricity consumption at the hourly level, we provide the first estimates of hourly and end-use-specific income elasticities for electricity. Such estimates are informative about how consumption patterns in general, and peak demand in particular, will develop as households’ income changes. We find that the income elasticities are highest during peak hours for kitchen and lighting, with point estimates of roughly 0.4, but insignificant for space heating. Paper [III] In this paper, I estimate the price elasticity of electricity as a function of the choice between fixed-price and variable-price contracts. Further, assuming that households have imperfect information about electricity prices and usage, I explore how media coverage of electricity prices affects electricity demand, both by augmenting price responsiveness and as a direct effect of media coverage on electricity demand, independent of prices. I also address the endogeneity of the choice of electricity contract. The parameters in the model are estimated using unique and detailed Swedish panel data on monthly household-level electricity consumption. I find that price elasticities range between −0.025 and −0.07 at the mean level of media coverage, depending on contract choice, and that households with monthly variation in electricity prices respond more to prices when there is extensive media coverage of electricity prices. When media coverage is high, for example 840 news articles per month (which corresponds to the mean plus two standard deviations), the price elasticity is −0.12, or 1.7 times the elasticity at the mean media coverage. Similarly, media coverage is also found to have a direct effect on electricity demand. Paper [IV] I explore how households switch between fixed-price and variable-price electricity contracts in response to variations in price and temperature, conditional on previous contract choice. Using panel data with roughly 54000 Swedish households, a dynamic probit model is estimated. The results suggest that the choice of contract exhibits substantial state dependence, with an estimated marginal effect of previous contractchoiceof0.96, andthattheeffectofvariationinpricesandtemperatureonthechoice of electricity contract is small. Further, the state dependence and price responsiveness are similar across housing types, income levels and other dimensions. A plausible explanation of these results is that transaction costs are larger than the relatively small cost savings from switching between contracts.