Improvement of genistein content in solid genistein/-cyclodextrin complexes β

Genistein:β-cyclodextrin complexes with high drug loading (19.22%) were prepared by freeze-drying and characterized by differential scanning calorimetry and hydrogen nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The spatial configuration of the complex was proposed by means of 2D-NOESY experiment combined with molecular modeling. According to the results obtained, the interaction of genistein with β -cyclodextrin in a 1:1 complex is supposed to occur mainly through the insertion of the guest A-ring in cyclodextrin cavity, without rule out the possibility of inclusion through the B-ring, as previously reported in the literature.

Corrosion resistance improvement of titanium base alloys

The corrosion resistance of the new Ti-6Al-4V-1Zr alloy in comparison with ternary Ti-6Al-4V alloy in Ringer-Brown solution and artificial Carter-Brugirard saliva of different pH values was studied. In Ringer-Brown solution, the new alloy presented an improvement of all electrochemical parameters due to the alloying with Zr; also, impedance spectra revealed better protective properties of its passive layer. In Carter-Brugirard artificial saliva, an increase of the passive film thickness was proved. Fluoride ions had a slight negative influence on the corrosion and ion release rates, without to affect the very good stability of the new Ti-6Al-4V-1Zr alloy.

Measurement and Improvement of Wet Paper Web Strength

Various strength properties of paper are measured to tell how well it resists breaks in a paper machine or in printing presses. The most often measured properties are dry tensile strength and dry tear strength. However, in many situations where paper breaks, it is not dry. For example, in web breaks after the wet pressing the dry matter content can be around 45%. Thus, wet-web strength is often a more critical paper property than dry strength. Both wet and dry strength properties of the samples were measured with a L&W tensile tester. Originally this device was not designed for the measurement of the wet web tensile strength, thus a new procedure to handle the wet samples was developed. The method was tested with Pine Kraft (never dried). The effect of different strength additives on the wet-web and dry paper tensile strength was studied. The polymers used in this experiment were aqueous solution of a cationic polyamidoamine-epichlorohydrin resin (PAE), cationic hydrophilised polyisocyanate and cationic polyvinylamine (PVAm). From all three used chemicals only Cationic PAE considerably increased the wet web strength. However it was noticed that at constant solids content all chemicals decreased the wet web tensile strength. So, since all chemicals enhanced solid content it can be concluded that they work as drainage aids, not as wet web strength additives. From all chemicals only PVAm increased the dry strength and two other chemicals even decreased the strength. As chemicals were used in strong diluted forms and were injected into the pulp slurry, not on the surface of the papersheets, changes in samples densities did not happen. Also it has to be noted that all these chemicals are mainly used to improve the wet strength after the drying of the web.

Utilization of Automatic Meter Reading in the Improvement of a District Heating System

A district heating system comprises production facilities, a distribution network, and heat consumers. The utilization of new energy metering and reading system (AMR) is increasing constantly in district heating systems. This heuristic study shows how the AMR system can be exploited in finding optimization opportunities in district heating system. In this study, the district heating system is mainly considered from the viewpoint of operational optimization. The focus is on the core processes, heat production and distribution. Three objectives were set to this study. The first one was to examine general optimization opportunities in district heating systems. Second, to figure out the benefits of AMR for general optimization opportunities. Finally, to define a methodology for process improvement endeavors. This study shows, through a case study, the usefulness of AMR in specifying current deficiencies in a district heating system. Based on a literature review, the methodology for the improvement of business processes is presented. Additionally, some issues related to future competitiveness of district heating are concerned. As a conclusion, some optimization objectives are considered more desirable than others. Study shows that AMR is useful in the specification of optimization targets in the district heating system. Further steps in optimization process were not examined in detail. That would seem to be interesting topic for further studies.

Evaluation of energy efficiency and best available techniques in pumping processes

The potential for enhancing the energy efficiency of industrial pumping processes is estimated to be in some cases up to 50 %. One way to define further this potential is to implement techniques in accordance to definition of best available techniques in pumping applications. These techniques are divided into three main categories: Design, control method & maintenance and distribution system. In the theory part of this thesis first the definition of best available techniques (BAT) and its applicability on pumping processes is issued. Next, the theory around pumping with different pump types is handled, the main stress being in centrifugal pumps. Other components needed in a pumping process are dealt by presenting different control methods, use of an electric motor, variable speed drive and the distribution system. Last part of the theory is about industrial pumping processes from water distribution, sewage water and power plant applications, some of which are used further on in the empirical part as example cases. For the empirical part of this study four case studies on typical pumping processes from older Master’s these were selected. Firstly the original results were analyzed by studying the distribution of energy consumption between different system components and using the definition of BAT in pumping, possible ways to improve energy efficiency were evaluated. The goal in this study was that by the achieved results it would be possible to identify the characteristic energy consumption of these and similar pumping processes. Through this data it would then be easier to focus energy efficiency actions where they might be the most applicable, both technically and economically.

Investment recovery period in electric motor of higher efficiency in pumping for irrigation

In this study, it was adjusted a mathematical model to measure the effect of electric motor efficiency on pumping system costs for irrigation on the tariff structure of conventional electricity and green horo-seasonal , and also to calculate the recovery period of the invested capital in higher efficiency equipment. Then, it was applied to a center pivot irrigation system in two options of electric motor efficiency, 92,6% (standard line) and 94,3% (high efficiency line), and the acquisition cost of the first corresponded to 70% the of the second. The power of the electric motor was 100hp. The results showed that the model allowed us to evaluate if a high efficiency motor was economically viable compared to the standard motor in each tariff structure. The high efficiency motor was not viable in the two tariff structures. In the green horo-seasonal tariff, would only be viable if its efficiency was 4.46% higher than the standard motor. In the conventional tariff, it would only be viable if the efficiency overcame 2.71%.

Improvement of open innovation processes: case Nokia

Open innovation is becoming increasingly popular in academic literature and in business life, but even if people heard about it, they might not understand what it really is, they may over-estimate it thinking that it is savior or underestimate it, concentrating on limitations and risks. Current work sheds light on most important concepts of open innovation theory. Goal of current research is to offer business processes improvement for both inbound and outbound modes in case company. It is relevant as open innovation proved to affect firms‘ performance in general case and in case company, and Nokia planned to develop open innovation implementation since 2008 but still competitors succeed in it more, therefore analysis of current situation with open innovation in Nokia and recommendations how to improve it are topical. Case study method was used to answer the question ―How open innovation processes can be improved?‖. 11 in-depth interviews with Nokia senior managers and independent consultants were used to reach the goal of the thesis, as well as secondary sources. Results of current work are as-is and to-be models (process models of today and best practices models) of several open innovation modes, and recommendation for case company, which will be presented to company representatives and checked for practical applicability.

Improvement of wet and dry web properties in papermaking by controlling water and fiber quality

Pappersindustrin står inför många utmaningar och bör uppfylla krav som ställs av t.ex. marknadstrender och slutanvändare. Snabbare och effektivare processer ställer även större krav på pappersbanans mekaniska egenskaper. Avbrott i produktionen sker inte enbart pga. låg styrka utan orsaken kan även vara en för låg spänning i pappersbanan. De flesta problemen sker vid våtpressen och/eller i början av torkpartiet då papprets torrhalt är 30-70 %. Spänningen hålls inte konstant efter töjning, utan sjunker pga. papprets relaxering, som till största delen sker då pappret flyttas från pressen till torkpartiet. Ur forskningssynvinkel öppnar en smidigt fungerande verksamhet med potentiella energibesparingar upp möjligheterna för förbättring av befintliga processer. I detta arbete undersöktes hur olika faktorer inverkar på fibernätverkets avvattning, initiala våtstyrka och relaxering samt också på slutproduktens mekaniska egenskaper och ytegenskaper. I första delen ändrades processvattnets egenskaper, såsom pH, konduktivitet och ytspänning. Ytspänningen varierades genom tillsatts av ett nonjoniskt ytaktivt ämne, s.k. surfaktant. Fiberegenskaperna modifierades också. Fibern maldes antingen genom en mild eller genom en hård process. Effekten av finmaterial undersöktes genom att tillsätta finmaterial till den ursprungliga massan eller genom att avlägsna finmaterialet från den malda massan. I den sista delen användes en hemicellulosa, som finns i stora mängder i gran, som tillsatsmedel. Förutom naturliga galaktoglukomannaner (GGM), tillverkades också en katjoniserad, en karboximetylerad samt en iminerad, amfifil GGM. Dessa användes i pappersmassa eller sprayades på ytan av ett nybildat ark. Resultaten, som erhölls i denna avhandling, bildar en värdefull kunskapsbas, som kan användas för kontroll och reglering av pappersmaskinens körbarhet och papperskvalitet.

The improvement of enclosure protection class of power electronics device

Tässä diplomityössä tutkittiin vaihtoehtoja tehoelektroniikkalaitteiden kotelointiluokan kehittämiseksi. Haasteena paremman suojauksen suunnittelussa on laitteiden tuottama suuri määrä lämpöä, joka vaatii tehokkaan jäähdytyksen. Työn tuloksena saatu prototyyppi IP33 luokkaa varten täyttää standardissa SFS-EN 60529+A1 asetetut vaatimukset kyseiselle kotelointiluokalle. Rakenteessa ja valmistettavuudessa havaittiin muutama ongelma, jotka ovat korjattavissa pienillä muutoksilla. Korkeampia suojausluokkia varten testattiin IP54-luokiteltujen filtterituulettimien vaikutusta laitteen jäähdytykseen. Testien perusteella jäähdytysteho on riittävä ja filtterituulettimet todettiin toimivaksi ratkaisuksi korkeammille suojausluokille. Työn perusteella voidaan todeta, että nykyiset laitteet voidaan muokata vastaamaan IP33 luokan vaatimuksia kohtuullisen pienillä muutoksilla. Tätä korkeammat suojausluokat vaatisivat niin suuria muutoksia designiin, että todennäköisesti täysin uuden laitteen suunnittelu olis kannattavin vaihtoehto.

Recuperation and improvement of chromosome preparations stained with silver nitrate

Both periodic acid and photographic reagents have been used to remove the silver nitrate residues from cytological preparations. We used potassium ferricyanide to remove AgNO3 salts in cases of excessive chromosome impregnation. This method produced partial decolorization, with contrast enhancement. Counterstaining with Giemsa also promoted a better contrast between chromosome arms and NORs, which were preserved and retained a dark color. Application of this procedure to chromosome preparations treated sequentially for CBG banding/AgNO3 staining promoted complete decolorization of C+ regions, leading to "reverse" C-banding, generally with high contrast.

Accuracy improvement of a demand forecasting model

This research concerns different statistical methods that assist to increase the demand forecasting accuracy of company X’s forecasting model. Current forecasting process was analyzed in details. As a result, graphical scheme of logical algorithm was developed. Based on the analysis of the algorithm and forecasting errors, all the potential directions for model future improvements in context of its accuracy were gathered into the complete list. Three improvement directions were chosen for further practical research, on their basis, three test models were created and verified. Novelty of this work lies in the methodological approach of the original analysis of the model, which identified its critical points, as well as the uniqueness of the developed test models. Results of the study formed the basis of the grant of the Government of St. Petersburg.

Improvement of bovine ß-lactoglobulin production and secretion by Lactococcus lactis

The stabilizing effects of staphylococcal nuclease (Nuc) and of a synthetic propeptide (LEISSTCDA, hereafter called LEISS) on the production of a model food allergen, bovine ß-lactoglobulin (BLG), in Lactococcus lactis were investigated. The fusion of Nuc to BLG (Nuc-BLG) results in higher production and secretion of the hybrid protein. When LEISS was fused to BLG, the production of the resulting protein LEISS-BLG was only slightly improved compared to the one obtained with Nuc-BLG. However, the secretion of LEISS-BLG was dramatically enhanced (~10- and 4-fold higher than BLG and Nuc-BLG, respectively). Finally, the fusion of LEISS to Nuc-BLG resulting in the protein LEISS-Nuc-BLG led to the highest production of the hybrid protein, estimated at ~8 µg/ml (~2-fold higher than Nuc-BLG). In conclusion, the fusions described here led to the improvement of the production and secretion of BLG. These tools will be used to modulate the immune response against BLG via delivery of recombinant lactococci at the mucosal level, in a mouse model of cow's milk allergy.