Rural electrification has long been the most important topic on the development agenda of many countries. The needs for power supplies to rural areas increased significantly in the past decades. Extending electricity grids to rural areas is of a very high initial cost and is not viable economically. Micro hydroelectric power plants provide a good economical solution, which is also environmentally very friendly. The current study concentrates on selecting and optimizing a suitable cross-flow micro-turbine to be used in micro hydroelectric power plants. Cross-flow turbines are in general of simple structure, low cost, easy to fabricate and of modest efficiency. The main purpose of the present work is to optimize the performance of a selected turbine by establishing the optimal turbine’s design parameters. A complete analysis of the internal flow, which is of turbulent, two-phase and three dimensional in nature, was undertaken by simulating it using various CFD simulation codes. This study reports on the flow simulation using ANSYS CFX with a two-phase flow model, water-air free surface model and shear stress transport (SST) turbulence model. Prediction velocity and pressure fields of inside the turbine are, subsequently, used to characterize the turbine performance for different geometric parameters including the number of runner blades, the angle of attack, the ratio of inner to outer diameter, the nozzle profile, the blade profile, the nozzle throat width, the nozzle to runner blades width and the runner blades width to outer runner diameter. The results revealed the highly complex nature of the flow and provided a very good insight to the flow structure and performance optimization parameters.

Warburg Micro syndrome is a severe autosomal recessive condition characterised by abnormalities affecting the ocular, neurological and endocrine systems. Previous studies have identified causative loss-of-function mutations in four members of the RAB protein network; RAB3GAP1, RAB3GAP2, RAB18 and TBC1D20, causing clinically indistinguishable phenotypes. RAB3GAP1 and RAB3GAP2 form a heterodimeric complex specifically regulating the RAB3 family of proteins in calcium mediated exocytosis of hormones and neurotransmitters. Rab3gap1 deficient mice have previously been generated and showed altered short term plasticity in the hippocampus and inhibition of Ca2+ mediated exocytosis of glutamate from cortical synaptosomes, but failed to recapitulate the characteristic ocular or neurological features of Warburg Micro syndrome. Mutations in TBC1D20, a GTPase activating protein (GAP) for the RAB1 family, have recently been identified in Warburg Micro syndrome patients and the bs (blind sterile) mouse model; although this model recapitulated many ocular and endocrine abnormalities of the disease any neurological abnormalities have yet to be reported. The function and localisation of RAB18 remains to be fully elucidated and its role in disease pathogenesis is still unclear. Initially, I have confirmed previous reports co-localising RAB18 with the cis-Golgi, ER and lipid droplets in mouse embryonic fibroblasts and identified a novel localisation in neuronal processes of primary hippocampal neurons. To examine the role of RAB18 in vivo a novel Rab18 genetrap mouse was generated by MRC Harwell as part of the EUMODIC screen. In this study I describe detailed histopathological and neurological characterisation of the Rab18-/- mouse model. Rab18-/- mice were viable and fertile. At eye opening they presented with dense nuclear congenital cataracts and atonic pupils recapitulating major ocular features of Warburg Micro syndrome. Analysis of embryonic eye development revealed a delay in lens development in Rab18-/- mice as early as embryonic day 12.5. From three weeks of age Rab18-/- mice developed progressive hind limb weakness indicative of neurological dysfunction. I have undertaken detailed neuropathological analysis of the observed hind limb weakness and identified no abnormalities in synaptic vesicle recycling and no atrophy of peripheral muscles or aberrant development or stability of neuromuscular connectivity. However, loss of RAB18 resulted in gross accumulations of neurofilament and microtubule proteins at the neuromuscular junction and disorganisation of the cytoskeleton in peripheral nerves. Investigation of global proteomic profiling in peripheral nerve of Rab18-/- mice identified alterations in core pathways regulating the axonal cytoskeleton in neurons. In summary this thesis describes a novel Rab18-/- mouse model recapitulating the characteristic ocular and neurological features of Warburg Micro syndrome. I highlight a novel mechanistic insight into Warburg Micro syndrome disease pathogenesis and a role for RAB18 in regulating cytoskeletal dynamics in neurons.

La compréhension et la modélisation de l’interaction de l’onde électromagnétique avec la neige sont très importantes pour l’application des technologies radars à des domaines tels que l’hydrologie et la climatologie. En plus de dépendre des propriétés de la neige, le signal radar mesuré dépendra aussi des caractéristiques du capteur et du sol. La compréhension et la quantification des différents processus de diffusion du signal dans un couvert nival s’effectuent à travers les théories de diffusions de l’onde électromagnétique. La neige, dans certaines conditions, peut être considérée comme un milieu dense lorsque les particules de glace qui la composent y occupent une fraction volumique considérable. Dans un tel milieu, les processus de diffusion par les particules ne se font plus de façon indépendante, mais de façon cohérente. L’approximation quasi-cristalline pour les milieux denses est une des théories élaborées afin de prendre en compte ces processus de diffusions cohérents. Son apport a été démontré dans de nombreuses études pour des fréquences > 10 GHz où l’épaisseur optique de la neige est importante et où la diffusion de volume est prédominante. Par contre, les capteurs satellitaires radar présentement disponibles utilisent les bandes L (1-2GHz), C (4-8GHz) et X (8-12GHz), à des fréquences principalement en deçà des 10 GHz. L’objectif de la présente étude est d’évaluer l’apport du modèle de diffusion issu de l’approximation quasi-cristalline pour les milieux denses (QCA/DMRT) dans la modélisation de couverts de neige sèches en bandes C et X. L’approche utilisée consiste à comparer la modélisation de couverts de neige sèches sous QCA/DMRT à la modélisation indépendante sous l’approximation de Rayleigh. La zone d’étude consiste en deux sites localisés sur des milieux agricoles, près de Lévis au Québec. Au total 9 champs sont échantillonnés sur les deux sites afin d’effectuer la modélisation. Dans un premier temps, une analyse comparative des paramètres du transfert radiatif entre les deux modèles de diffusion a été effectuée. Pour des paramètres de cohésion inférieurs à 0,15 à des fractions volumiques entre 0,1 et 0,3, le modèle QCA/DMRT présentait des différences par rapport à Rayleigh. Un coefficient de cohésion optimal a ensuite été déterminé pour la modélisation d’un couvert nival en bandes C et X. L’optimisation de ce paramètre a permis de conclure qu’un paramètre de cohésion de 0,1 était optimal pour notre jeu de données. Cette très faible valeur de paramètre de cohésion entraîne une augmentation des coefficients de diffusion et d’extinction pour QCA/DMRT ainsi que des différences avec les paramètres de Rayleigh. Puis, une analyse de l’influence des caractéristiques du couvert nival sur les différentes contributions du signal est réalisée pour les 2 bandes C et X. En bande C, le modèle de Rayleigh permettait de considérer la neige comme étant transparente au signal à des angles d’incidence inférieurs à 35°. Vu l’augmentation de l’extinction du signal sous QCA/DMRT, le signal en provenance du sol est atténué d’au moins 5% sur l’ensemble des angles d’incidence, à de faibles fractions volumiques et fortes tailles de grains de neige, nous empêchant ainsi de considérer la transparence de la neige au signal micro-onde sous QCA/DMRT en bande C. En bande X, l’augmentation significative des coefficients de diffusion par rapport à la bande C, ne nous permet plus d’ignorer l’extinction du signal. La part occupée par la rétrodiffusion de volume peut dans certaines conditions, devenir la part prépondérante dans la rétrodiffusion totale. Pour terminer, les résultats de la modélisation de couverts de neige sous QCA/DMRT sont validés à l’aide de données RADARSAT-2 et TerraSAR-X. Les deux modèles présentaient des rétrodiffusions totales semblables qui concordaient bien avec les données RADARSAT-2 et TerraSAR-X. Pour RADARSAT-2, le RMSE du modèle QCA/DMRT est de 2,52 dB en HH et 2,92 dB en VV et pour Rayleigh il est de 2,64 dB en HH et 3,01 dB en VV. Pour ce qui est de TerraSAR-X, le RMSE du modèle QCA/DMRT allait de 1,88 dB en HH à 2,32 dB en VV et de 2,20 dB en HH à 2,71 dB en VV pour Rayleigh. Les valeurs de rétrodiffusion totales des deux modèles sont assez similaires. Par contre, les principales différences entre les deux modèles sont bien évidentes dans la répartition des différentes contributions de cette rétrodiffusion totale.

International Telemetering Conference Proceedings / November 04-07, 1991 / Riviera Hotel and Convention Center, Las Vegas, Nevada / Recorders conforming to IRIG Standards have served the data recording community well for many years. Initially, most systems were analog in nature, recording data in either direct or FM modes but as the need for digital recording developed, the IRIG recorder was successfully adapted for this purpose by the addition of formatting and coding sub-systems to form the High Density Digital Recorder (HDDR). Today, user requirements for higher speed, higher capacity and more convenient systems have presented equipment designers with new challenges in terms of the correct choice of technology and system architecture. It is not surprising that system designers should turn for inspiration first to the very high speed transverse and helical products which had been developed for the broadcast industry since these technologies possess many of the attributes necessary for a high rate digital data recorder. It is unfortunate that it has now become a truism that the only logical progression from the longitudinal IRIG system is by means of rotary technology. Recent developments in a technology known as micro-track recording now call this assumption into question. Recording systems based on micro-track technology are available and others are in an advanced state of development, and these offer a costeffective, attractive and low risk alternative to rotary systems for both high rate data capture and tape mass storage applications.

Syftet med denna uppsats är att undersöka förutsättningar för lärande för mikroföretagare(ägare/chefer i företag med färre än 10 anställda). En webbenkät används för att samla in svarfrån 52 mikroföretagare i Sverige. Datamaterialet analyseras med hjälp av ett teoretisktramverk bestående av fem punkter för förutsättningar för lärande. De fem punkterna ärhandlingsutrymme, interaktionsutrymme, utbildningsmöjligheter, organisationskultur samtindividens lust och engagemang att lära. Alla statistiska beräkningar och analyser görs medhjälp med av SPSS. Ur studiens resultat går det att utläsa att handlingsutrymmet är stort dåarbetstyper med stor lärpotential förekommer mest i mikroföretagarnas arbete.Interaktionsutrymmet är även stort då mikroföretagarna anser att de kan fråga om råd ochdiskutera problem med både medarbetare och andra professionella. Majoriteten avmikroföretagarna nätverkar i ganska stor till stor utsträckning. Utbildningsmöjligheterna ärtvetydiga då svaren är väldigt spridda och inte förmedlar en enhetlig bild.Organisationskulturen hos mikroföretagarna präglas av normer som uppmuntrar till att görakarriär horisontellt, ta initiativ, utrymme för risktagande och misstag samt kritisktifrågasättande av arbetsuppgifter. Individens lust och engagemang att lära är också stor dåmikroföretagarna känner trygghet inför förväntningar på utveckling samt har en positiv attitydtill utbildningsaktiviteter och teknik som verktyg för lärande. Mikroföretagarna tycker attlärande främst sker i det dagliga arbetet. Resultatet visar vidare att mikroföretagarna ärsplittrade när det gäller både om företagsklimatet i Sverige är gynnsamt för deras företag samtom de använder lärande och kompetensutveckling som en strategi. Slutsatserna som dras äratt förutsättningarna för lärande för mikroföretagare är goda när det gäller handlingsutrymme,interaktionsutrymme, organisationskultur samt individens lust och engagemang att lära.Utbildningsmöjligheter är däremot svårtolkad. Studien bör replikeras men med användandetav ett OSU samt ett större urval för att möjliggöra generalisering samt jämförelser mellangrupper.

The body’s humoral immune response plays a larger role in the body’s defenses beyond screening for invading pathogens. Modulation of this response is also vital for tissue regeneration, drug delivery, and vaccine development. The immune system operates within a complicated feedback loop and as such, altering the strength of the immune response can be approached from an engineering perspective. While a strong initial input can direct the response to either a pro- or anti-inflammatory bias, extreme responses can be deleterious, as in the case of allergic reactions or sepsis. Therefore, the objective of this thesis was to develop a novel biomaterials platform that can be used to alter the immune response in a tunable manner. Antibodies are not only the workhorses of the adaptive immune response but are also powerful immunomodulators through their Fc (constant fragment) regions. By coating microparticles with Fc ligands in variable surface densities, we were able to utilize the sensitivity of multivalent signaling to tune the response of the immune response. Microparticle size was also varied to decouple the effects of physical versus biochemical signaling. The goal of this thesis was to analyze the effects of Fc coated particles on two major components of the humoral immune responses: macrophages and the complement system. We first looked at the mechanical response of macrophages through phagocytosis and found that both Fc density and microparticle size had significant impacts on macrophage phagocytosis. These results also provide a particle delivery “toolbox” for future applications. We then analyzed the downstream effects of Fc particles on macrophage phenotype and on phenotype plasticity. This showed that the addition of Fc particles lead to increased production of TNFα and IL-12 and inverted the response of LPS treated macrophages. Finally, we applied our particles to activate the complement system, an often overlooked cascade of serum protein activation that results in bacterial cell lysis. Cleaved components of the complement system are also powerful chemokines and can act as a vaccine adjuvant. Fc density on particles played a large role in complement system activation, both through the classical and alternative pathway, as it lead to a binary response for smaller particles and a tunable response for larger particles. We then applied these results to create a novel form of antibiotic by using Fc particles to direct complement-mediated bacterial cytotoxicity. The use of immune activation by Fc particles was also applied to better understand and improve the tuberculosis vaccine. Our findings are significant to the biomaterials and immunology fields as we showed that Fc microparticles can generally be used to alter the immune response in a tunable manner for a broad range of applications, as well answering fundamental immunology questions.

Introduction. Osteoporosis is a chronic disease characterized by the loss of bone mass and the deterioration of bone micro-architecture leading to a subsequent increase in fracture risk. High-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT) provides non-invasive measures of bone micro-architecture and strength in live humans but its ability to monitor small skeletal changes is yet poorly understood. The objectives of this thesis were to 1) determine HR-pQCT precision for volumetric density, geometry, cortical and trabecular micro-architecture, as well as estimates of bone strength; 2) determine the monitoring time interval (MTI) and least significant change (LSC) metrics; and 3) to characterize annual changes in bone area, density, and micro-architecture at the distal radius and tibia using HR-pQCT in postmenopausal women. Methods. To determine precision error as well as monitoring and change metrics of the distal radius and tibia, 34 postmenopausal women (mean age 74, SD±7 years) from the Saskatoon cohort of the Canadian Multicentre Osteoporosis Study (CaMos) were measured using HR-pQCT. To characterize the annual change in bone outcomes of this same cohort, 51 women (mean age±SD: 77±7 years) were measuring at baseline and again 1 year later. Precision errors were calculated as coefficient of variation (CV% and CV%RMS). The LSC was determined from precision errors and then divided by the median annual percent changes to define MTIs for bone area, density, and micro-architecture. Repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) with Bonferroni adjustment for multiple comparisons were used to characterize the mean annual change in total density, cortical perimeter, trabecular and cortical bone area, density, content, and micro-architecture. Significant changes were accepted at P<0.05. Results and Discussion. HR-pQCT precision errors were <10% for bone densitometric, geometric, and mechanical properties; while precision errors were <16% for cortical and trabecular micro-architectural outcomes. Further, the use of either automatic or modified contour methods for the dual-threshold technique for cortical micro-architectural analysis provided similar precision. Densitometric and geometric outcomes had longer monitoring times (>3 years), while micro-architecture had monitoring times of ~2 years. The observed annual changes were statistically significant for several outcomes; however, only cortical and trabecular area, as well as cortical density at the distal tibia changed beyond the LSC. Overall, thesis findings will assist design and interpretation of prospective HR-pQCT studies in postmenopausal women.

The purpose of this professional report is to more precisely define social media tools and consumer-generated media and consider their effects on advertising campaigns in the digital age. By examining the rather controversial “Motrin Mom” campaign, certain insights arose, including the necessity to embrace the concepts within the micro-targeting of demographics and the testing and measuring of consumer-generated media. / text

This thesis discusses the relationship between the two forces—the Internet and the conventional media, and the rules and etiquette that have governed these media from the mid-1990s to present day. I divide the history of interaction between them into three phases, corresponding to different power balances and stances in the field of cultural production. By analyzing three Internet-themed TV talk show episodes, I probe how the Internet has gradually evolved into an active competitor, and how the conventional media have correspondingly changed their stance in response to their thriving counterpart. / text

La miniaturisation des technologies Silicium optimise la surface occupée par les supports de télécommunication mobile. La motivation de cette thèse porte sur la conception d'un amplificateur de puissance en technologie CMOS 65 nm qui permet de répondre au standard UMTS W-CDMA. Ce standard exige une grande linéarité et une forte puissance de sortie afin d'assurer une émission à haut débit sur une longue distance. Cette étude porte sur la compatibilité entre la technologie utilisée et les exigences de ce standard."