The work in this thesis is concerned with the mechanics of the initiation and growth of small fatigue cracks from notches under service load histories. Fatigue life estimates for components subjected to variable amplitude service loading are usually based on the same constant amplitude strain-life data used for constant amplitude fatigue life predictions. The resulting fatigue life estimates although they are accurate for constant amplitude fatigue, are always non conservative for variable amplitude load histories. Similarly fatigue life predictions based on small crack growth calculations for cracks growing from flaws in notches are non conservative when constant amplitude crack growth data are used. These non conservative predictions have, in both cases, been shown to be due to severe reductions in fatigue crack closure arising from large (overload or underload) cycles in a typical service load history. Smaller load cycles following a large near yield stress overload or underload cycle experience a much lower crack opening stress than that experienced by the same cycles in the reference constant amplitude fatigue tests used to produce design data. This reduced crack opening stress results in the crack remaining open for a larger fraction of the stress-strain cycle and thus an increase in the effective portion of the stress-strain cycle. The effective strain range is increased and the fatigue damage for the small cycles is greater than that calculated resulting in a non conservative fatigue life prediction. Previous work at Waterloo introduced parameters based on effective strain-life fatigue data and effective stress intensity versus crack growth rate data. Fatigue life calculations using these parameters combined with experimentally derived crack opening stress estimates give accurate fatigue life predictions for notched components subjected to variable amplitude service load histories. Information concerning steady state crack closure stresses, effective strain-life data, and effective stress intensity versus small crack growth rate data, are all obtained from relatively simple and inexpensive fatigue tests of smooth specimens in which periodic underloads are inserted into an otherwise constant amplitude load history. The data required to calibrate a variable amplitude fatigue crack closure model however, come from time consuming measurements of the return of crack closure levels for small cracks to a steady state level following an underload (large cracks for which crack closure measurements are easier to make cannot be used because at the high stress levels in notches under service loads a test specimen used would fracture). For low and moderately high hardness levels in metals crack growth and crack opening stress measurements have been made using a 900x optical microscope for the small crack length at which a test specimen can resist the high stress levels encountered when small cracks grow from notches. For very hard metals the crack sizes may be so small that the measurements must be made using a confocal scanning laser microscope. In this case the specimen must be removed from the test machine for each measurement and the time to acquire data is only practical for an extended research project. The parameters for the crack closure model relating to steady state crack closure levels vary with material cyclic deformation resistance which in turn increases with hardness. One previous investigation found that the steady state crack opening level was lower and the recovery to a steady state crack opening stress level after an underload was more rapid for a hard than for a soft metal. This observation can be explained by the dependence of the crack tip plastic zone size that determines crack tip deformation and closure level on metal hardness and yield strength. Further information regarding this hypothesis has been obtained in this thesis by testing three different steels of varying hardness levels (6 HRC, 35 HRC, and 60 HRC) including a very hard carburized steel having a hardness level (60 HRC) for which no crack opening stress data for small cracks had yet been obtained. This thesis introduced a new test procedure for obtaining data on the return of crack opening stress to a steady state level following an underload. Smooth specimens were tested under load histories with intermittent underload cycles. The frequency of occurrence of the underloads was varied and the changes in fatigue life observed. The changes in damage per block (the block consisted of an underload cycle followed by intermittent small cycles) were used to determine the value of the closure model parameter governing the recovery of the crack opening stress to its steady state level. Concurrent tests were carried out in which the crack opening stress recovery was measured directly on crack growth specimens using optical microscope measurements. These tests on metals ranging in hardness from soft to very hard were used to assess whether the new technique would produce good data for crack opening stress changes after underloads for all hardness levels. The results were also used to correlate crack closure model parameters with mechanical properties. This together with the steady state crack opening stress, effective strain-life data and the effective intensity versus crack growth rate data obtained from smooth specimen tests devised by previous researchers provided all the data required to calibrate the two models proposed in this investigation to perform strain-life and small crack growth fatigue analysis.

One common idea within participation theory is the need for new approaches in decision making that emphasize a two-way interaction between decision makers and the public as well as deliberation among participants. Citizens should be given the opportunity to weigh evidence, discuss and debate potential decision options and possibly arrive at mutual agreements by which all parties can abide. The demand for sound scientific information and public participation is particularly great especially in adapting to some of the impacts of climate change such as floods due to sea level rise. The uncertainties and the socially sensitive nature of such risk, makes it important for all relevant stakeholders to be involved. This study draws on two research projects carried out in Sweden and Denmark with the intention of engaging stakeholders in finding suitable ways of adapting to climate change. The two cases that have been selected for this study include the SEAREG (Sea Level Change Affecting the Spatial Development in the Baltic Sea Region) and the BALTCICA (Climate Change: Impacts, Costs and Adaptation in the Baltic Sea Region). Using a comparative case study method, this thesis looks into the design of participatory processes and the conceptions that underlie them, as well as the consequences on the active participation of other stakeholders with a particular focus on the public. Some of the main differences on the extent of public participation between these projects are sorted out and compared using theoretical perspectives from participation theory. Both cases cut across the local and national scales of decision making and use flooding scenarios in communicating with the public. However, the design of these scenarios as well as the participatory models differ.

Summary Here are different Governing strategy to the border area in China's history, It relates to environmental factor under different space-time, The system of having garrison troops open up wasteland and grow food grain of successive dynasties is a kind of strategy that response too. After China builds in 1949, replied the complicated environment of Xinjiang, Nationality's historical background and stability of Xinjiang both need a unique organization with development, So the China has managed the policy of Xinjiang and situation at that time and offered and set up this condition of organization. The production and construction of Xinjiang accomplishing the task of stationing troops for opening up wasteland and guarding the frontier,The formation is the special organization that Its particularity has unique functions in such five respects as economy, the military, politics, culture, society,etc. So formation's special function, Have formed formation's special system, special institutional framework is while fulfilling formation's function, Have become the formation's own contradiction instead, These contradictions have caused the question which the formation develops. One present formation's subject, Just facing this incongruous place of organization and market-based mechanism, Key to formation's future development, Handle the relation between the special system and market mechanism well. Up to the environmental changes of era, Formation's key task is different, But the present situation of Xinjiang, Still there is space of development in the formation; So can expect, This unique organization of the formation is within some time of future, Still have a necessity of existence. The Research twill look over formation in the China¡¦s governing strategy toward Xinjiang , Probe into the internal and external environment that the formation establishes, How to finish the multi-functional task and impact on situation of Xinjiang; Analyse the place that the formation and market function are incongruous, How to answer in the future; In the new governing strategy of the China after the incident of the Seventh- Five event, The formation consolidates the role that acted of strategy of key interests in the China, It will be another stage task.

The appearance of smart phone creates new opportunities for mobile advertising. The new forms of mobile advertising have decreased the users¡¦ negative impression of short message service. What are the features of the new mobile advertisement? Why the users willing to spend more time on reading the advertisements? How to create a mobile advertisement with advertising effect? In this research we attempts to find out the factors affecting the consumers¡¦ attitude toward mobile advertising, and the relationship between the attitude toward mobile advertising and advertising effect. We also try to observe the impact of the mediator, the method of opening a page on internet, on mobile advertising. There are four main results: 1. Entertainment, informativeness, and operation are the most important factors affecting consumers¡¦ positive attitude toward mobile advertising. 2. Informativeness¡Birritation and credibility are the most important factors affecting consumers¡¦ negative attitudes toward mobile advertising. 3. The attitude toward mobile advertising has a significant impact on advertising effect. 4. The moderating effect of the method of opening a page on internet between the relationship of the attitude toward mobile advertising and advertising effect is significant.

This thesis is based on ¡§Socialism of Chinese Characteristics¡¨which discusses development of civil aviation in China and strategies for Taiwan¡¦s aviation sectors to participate in China¡¦s aviation market. ¡§Socialism of Chinese Characteristics¡¨ have become a theory system which integrates from each general secretary¡¦s core policies of Communist Party of China. The theory is still reconstructing according to the development of a changing Chinese society. ¡§Socialism of Chinese Characteristics¡¨ has guided government¡¦s overall policies in every aspect of development which maintain economic growth as prime purpose by implementing market economy¡¦s strength and keeping the country and society under severe control that shows specialty of openness and tight regulation of its political and economy system. The incremental growth of ¡§Socialism of Chinese Characteristics¡¨ is then an important guideline to look at the future development of civil aviation in China. The civil aviation industry in China itself has already gone through administrative reform, deregulation of civil aviation, lax regulation on foreign direct investment, etc. which enormously changed civil aviation¡¦s system of management and operation since the ¡§Reform and Opening Up¡¨, the process has in turn led Chinese government take civil aviation as a unique industry that fits into China¡¦s macro-contexts of political, social, and economic plans on regional economic development, multi-model transport system, high-end technology and foreign policy adjustment. Civil aviation in China now incrementally march to ¡§Open Skies¡¨ policy under Chinese government¡¦s support and propel China¡¦s civil aviation as a heavyweight not only in East Asia but also in global perspective by constructing ¡§hub and spoke¡¨ system that aims to reach china¡¦s long term goal of becoming an aviation superpower. During this critical time, China would absorb modern management model, aviation technology and foreign investment by co-operating with global players and reaching global standards in every aspect in order to enhance sound development of China¡¦s civil aviation. Taiwan¡¦s aviation sectors at this juncture then could use current traffic rights and contents of bilateral agreements with mainland China to both open up mainland China¡¦s aviation market and serve as supplier of mainland China¡¦s whole aviation system in which Taiwan¡¦s actors could invest on related industries, aggrandize it¡¦s aviation performance so that both parties could benefits from each other and that is key element for Taiwan¡¦s aviation sectors to stand firmly on Asia Pacific market.

The novel chelating ligand, Me[NOON]H2 (N,N'-((ethane-1,2-diylbis(oxy))-bis(ethane-2,1-diyl))- bis(2,6-dimethylaniline)), have been synthesized successfully and characterized by NMR. The lithium complexes of the aryl diamide ligand have also been synthesized by n-BuLi react with neutral ligand, Me[NOON]H2. And the lithium complexes is a ether adduct according to the 1H NMR. The lithium complex, Me[NOON]Li2(OEt2) react with Ti(OiPr)4 and TiCl4(THF)2 to form the NOON titanium alkoxide and dichloride complexes respectively, and they have been characterized by 1H NMR and X-ray diffraction. These NOON titanium complexes are expected to be a catalyst for the ring opening polymerization of lactide or caprolactone in the future. The tantalum complexes of diphenolate phosphine ligands have been synthesized and characterized successfully by NMR, X-ray diffraction, and elemental analysis. The tantalum complexes, [tBuOPO]2TaX (X=Me, Et, H) is produced by the reaction of [tBuOPO]2TaCl with Grignard reagent (MeMgBr and EtMgCl) and superhydride(LiHBEt3). These tantalum complexes will be applied in dinitrogen activation in the future work.

Explored in this study were the patterns of direct sunlight received by differentlyoriented patient rooms in healthcare facilities. Desktop Radiance 1.02&reg / software was used to simulate conditions in a typical double patient room. The area and locations of sunlight patches on room surfaces were considered as analog indicators for the investigation. The setting was defined as Ankara, Turkey. Seven orientations and 3 positions of standard-size window openings were studied in different combinations at solstices and equinoxes, from sunrise to sunset on an hourly basis for comparison. Data compiled were statistically analyzed and results for various combinations of orientation and opening position recorded. All these showed that there was no difference in the total amount of direct sunlight received between rooms with different orientations but there was, with different opening positions. Orientation created a difference in the amount of direct sunlight when the room surfaces were studied separately. Rooms with right and left-shifted openings received direct sunlight mostly on walls while those with centered openings received direct sunlight mostly on floor surfaces. Results suggested there were sufficient grounds for further investigation focusing on decisions related to the design of patient rooms, such as layout (e.g., the location of beds) and to choice of surfacing materials, colors and textures.

Synthesis of a polymer with benzoxazine units in the main chain backbone by a trifunctional phenol, a difunctional amine, and paraformaldehyde was achieved. Thermal, mechanical and spectroscopic characterization and the viscosity properties of the synthesized polymer were studied. In the first step of this study, a fast and feasible method for the synthesis of the benzoxazine precursors was developed since some methods mentioned in the literature about the synthesis of the benzoxazine derivatives last long time. The second step was to polymerize the benzoxazine precursors thermally. The curing of benzoxazine precursors was done via ring opening polymerization at 150 oC and a final polymerization was observed at about 250 oC. 1H NMR, 13C NMR and FT-IR spectroscopies revealed the characteristic peaks for the formation of benzoxazine ring. Among them, 13C NMR gave important clue on the formation of the benzoxazine. The thermal characterization of the benzoxazine precursors and the polymers indicated that the ring opening polymerization of these precursors started at around 110 oC and a final polymerization was about at 230 oC. Differential Scanning Calorimetry thermograms of the polybenzoxazine indicated a secondary transition at around 270 oC. An onset decomposition of the benzoxazine oligomers started around 100 oC in Thermal Gravimetric Analysis thermograms performed under N2 atmosphere and two major maximum weight losses were observed at 273 oC and 439 oC. However, polybenzoxazine showed a starting degradation at about 260 oC and the maximum weight loss temperatures were seen at 296 oC and 465 oC. Viscosity variation of the reaction mixture was studied by Ubbelohde Viscometer at 30 oC. Viscosity results indicated that the increase in the intrinsic viscosity of the reaction mixture till 50th minute and followed by a decrease due to possible branching and the intra-crosslinking of the benzoxazine oligomers. Mechanical properties of the polymer films, prepared by compression molding at 180 0C, were investigated. Test results showed that low tensile strength whereas comparatively high elongation.

In this study, the effects of opening trading mechanism and information flow on return volatility are examined in the Istanbul Stock Exchange. The change in the morning opening mechanism from a continuous auction to a call auction on February 2, 2007 and the extension in afternoon trading hours on September 7, 2007 provide unique opportunities in this respect. First, it is found that the call auction trading mechanism has a decreasing effect on the morning open-to-open interday volatility and morning intraday volatility for low-volume stocks but it does not have an obvious effect on the same type of volatilities for high volume stocks. Second, the study provides evidence that the increased information flow towards the end of the trading day increases the afternoon close-to-close interday volatility for high volume stocks while it does not have such an effect on low-volume stocks. Third, the overnight return volatility is decreased slightly with the extension of trading hours.

Cyclitols are cyclic compounds having hydroxyl groups which attached to different carbons on the ring. Cyclitols have attracted a great deal of attention for having diverse biological activities. Cyclic alcohols play an important role in biological processes such as inhibition of glycosidase, cellular recognition, and signal transduction. In addition to this, these compounds are very important molecules due to being capable of using while synthesizing natural products or pharmaceuticals. In this study, development of new methodology for the synthesis of bis-aminoinositol derivatives was aimed. The starting material, cis-diester, was synthesized from the Diels-Alder reaction of furan and maleic anhydride followed by reaction with MeOH. As a second key compound, trans-diester was obtained from the Diels-Alder reaction of furan and fumaryl chloride followed by esterification. The diester functionality in these two compounds was planned to be converted into the hydrazide upon treatment with hydrazine monohydrate. Before this reaction, double bond was protected via stereo selective oxidation reaction with m-CPBA due to preventing retro Diels-Alder reaction. Then, hydrazide functionality was converted into acyl azide through &beta / -nitroso hydrazide intermediate. Subsequent Curtius rearrangement reaction resulted in the formation of the isocyanate which was converted to the corresponding bis-urethane by treatment with MeOH. Attempt to cleave the oxa-bridge in urethane with sulfamic acid provided the unexpected tricyclic product 148. Furthermore, hydrolysis of isocyanate with aqueous HCl formed the diamine 156. However, O-bridge could not be opened with any reagents used for that of urethane derivative as described above. Then,the cis-diol 157 was synthesized to prevent the neighboring group participitation during the epoxide-opening reaction. Further ring-opening reactions are under investigation.