Optimization of integrated chemical-biological degradation of a reactive azo dye using response surface methodology

The integrated chemical-biological degradation combining advanced oxidation by UV/H2O2 followed by aerobic biodegradation was used to degrade C.I. Reactive Azo Red 195A, commonly used in the textile industry in Australia. An experimental design based on the response surface method was applied to evaluate the interactive effects of influencing factors (UV irradiation time, initial hydrogen peroxide dosage and recirculation ratio of the system) on decolourisation efficiency and optimizing the operating conditions of the treatment process. The effects were determined by the measurement of dye concentration and soluble chemical oxygen demand (S-COD). The results showed that the dye and S-COD removal were affected by all factors individually and interactively. Maximal colour degradation performance was predicted, and experimentally validated, with no recirculation, 30 min UV irradiation and 500 mg H2O2/L. The model predictions for colour removal, based on a three-factor/five-level Box-Wilson central composite design and the response surface method analysis, were found to be very close to additional experimental results obtained under near optimal conditions. This demonstrates the benefits of this approach in achieving good predictions while minimising the number of experiments required. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

An analysis of the role of soft systems methodology in the change process and the contribution of the facilitator within this process

This research aims to examine the effectiveness of Soft Systems Methodology (SSM) to enable systemic change within local goverment and local NHS environments and to examine the role of the facilitator within this process. Checkland's Mode 2 variant of Soft Systems Methodology was applied on an experimental basis in two environments, Herefordshire Health Authority and Sand well Health Authority. The Herefordshire application used SSM in the design of an Integrated Care Pathway for stroke patients. In Sandwell, SSM was deployed to assist in the design of an Infonnation Management and Technology (IM&T) Strategy for the boundary-spanning Sandwell Partnership. Both of these environments were experiencing significant organisational change as the experiments unfurled. The explicit objectives of the research were: To examine the evolution and development of SSM and to contribute to its further development. To apply the Soft Systems Methodology to change processes within the NHS. To evaluate the potential role of SSM in this wider process of change. To assess the role of the researcher as a facilitator within this process. To develop a critical framework through which the impact of SSM on change might be understood and assessed. In developing these objectives, it became apparent that there was a gap in knowledge relating to SSM. This gap concerns the evaluation of the role of the approach in the change process. The case studies highlighted issues in stakeholder selection and management; the communicative assumptions in SSM; the ambiguous role of the facilitator; and the impact of highly politicised problem environments on the effectiveness of the methodology in the process of change. An augmented variant on SSM that integrates an appropriate (social constructivist) evaluation method is outlined, together with a series of hypotheses about the operationalisation of this proposed method.

A methodology to measure coordination of business processes

Coordination of business processes is the management of dependencies where dependencies constrain how the tasks are performed. It has been traditionally done in an intuitive fashion, without paying much attention to the coordination load. Coordination load is being defined as the ratio between the time spent on coordination activities and the total task time. Previous efforts to understand and analyze coordination have resulted in mostly qualitative approaches to categorize and recommend coordination strategies. This research seeks to answer two questions: (1) How can we analyze process coordination problems to improve overall performance? (2) What guidance can we provide to reduce the coordination load of the process and consequently improve the organization's performance? Thus, this effort developed a quantitative measure for coordination load of business processes and a methodology to apply such measure. ^ This effort used a management simulation game to have a controlled laboratory environment enabling the manipulation of the task factors variability, analyzability, and interdependence to measure their impact on coordination load. The hypothesis was that the more variable, non-analyzable, and interdependent a process, the higher the coordination load, and that a higher coordination load would have a negative impact on performance. Coordination load was measured via the surrogate coordination time, and performance via profit. ^ A 22 x 31 full factorial design, with two replicates, was run to observe the impact on the variables coordination time and profit. Properly validated spreadsheets and questionnaires were used as data collection instruments for each scenario. The experimental results indicate that lower task analyzability (ρ=0.036) and higher task interdependence (ρ=0.000) lead to higher coordination load, and higher levels of task variability (ρ=0.049) lead to lower performance. However, contrary to the hypotheses postulated by this work, coordination load did not prove to be strong predictor of performance (correlation of -0.086). ^ These findings from the laboratory experiment and other lessons learned were incorporated to develop a quantitative measure, a tool (survey) to use to gather data for the variables in the measures, and a methodology to quantify coordination load of production business processes. The practicality of the methodology is demonstrated with an example.^

Novel methodology for in situ carbon dioxide enrichment of benthic ecosystems

Future climate change will likely represent a major stress to shallow aquatic and coastal marine communities around the world. Most climate change research, particularly in regards to increased pCO2 and ocean acidification, relies on ex situ mesocosm experimentation, isolating target organisms from their environment. Such mesocosms allow for greater experimental control of some variables, but can often cause unrealistic changes in a variety of environmental factors, leading to “bottle effects.” Here we present an in situ technique of altering dissolved pCO2within nearshore benthic communities (e.g., macrophytes, algae, and/or corals) using submerged clear, open-top chambers. Our technique utilizes a flow-through design that replicates natural water flow conditions and minimizes caging effects. The clear, open-top design additionally ensures that adequate light reaches the benthic community. Our results show that CO2 concentrations and pH can be successfully manipulated for long durations within the open-top chambers, continuously replicating forecasts for the year 2100. Enriched chambers displayed an average 0.46 unit reduction in pH as compared with ambient chambers over a 6-month period. Additionally, CO2 and HCO3 – concentrations were all significantly higher within the enriched chambers. We discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this technique in comparison to other ex situ mesocosm designs used for climate change research.

Metodologia númerico-experimental para avaliação da espessura de filmes de nitreto de titânio obtidos por processamento a plasma

In recent decades, changes in the surface properties of materials have been used to improve their tribological characteristics. However, this improvement depends on the process, treatment time and, primarily, the thickness of this surface film layer. Physical vapor deposition (PVD) of titanium nitrate (TiN) has been used to increase the surface hardness of metallic materials. Thus, the aim of the present study was to propose a numerical-experimental method to assess the film thickness (l) of TiN deposited by PVD. To reach this objective, experimental results of hardness (H) assays were combined with a numerical simulation to study the behavior of this property as a function of maximum penetration depth of the indenter (hmax) into the film/substrate conjugate. Two methodologies were adopted to determine film thickness. The first consists of the numerical results of the H x hmax curve with the experimental curve obtained by the instrumental indentation test. This methodology was used successfully in a TiN-coated titanium (Ti) conjugate. A second strategy combined the numerical results of the Hv x hmax curve with Vickers experimental hardness data (Hv). This methodology was applied to a TiN-coated M2 tool steel conjugate. The mechanical properties of the materials studied were also determined in the present study. The thicknesses results obtained for the two conjugates were compatible with their experimental data.

Greener methodology for the synthesis of alpha-diazocarbonyl compounds and a novel approach to dioxinone derivatives

This thesis outlines a more environmentally benign approach to diazo transfer, and the investigation of the reactivity of -diazocarbonyl compounds when subjected to transition metal and lanthanide catalysis. Extensive studies were carried out to find the optimum conditions for a greener diazo transfer methodology, and this was also applied to a continuous process for the synthesis of -diazo--ketoesters. The first chapter includes a literature review of the synthesis and subsequent reactivity of -diazocarbonyl compounds. An overview of the applications of flow chemistry for the synthesis of hazardous intermediates is also included. The applications of lanthanide catalysts in organic synthesis is also discussed. The second chapter outlines the extensive studies undertaken to determine the optimum conditions for a greener diazo transfer methodology, including base and solvent studies. Use of water as a viable solvent for diazo transfer was successfully investigated. Diazo transfer to a range of -diazo--ketoesters was achieved using 5 mol% triethylamine or DMAP in water with high conversions. Polystyrene-supported benzenesulfonyl azide as an alternative diazo transfer reagent was also explored, as well as investigations into cheaper generation of this safer reagent. This polymer-supported benzenesulfonyl azide was used with 25 mol% of base in water to achieve successful diazo transfer to a range of -diazo--ketoesters. The third chapter describes the application of the new methodology developed in Chapter 2 to a continuous processing approach. Various excellent conditions were identified for both batch and flow reactions. A series of -diazo--ketoesters were synthesised with excellent conversions using 25 mol% triethylamine in 90:10 acetone water using flow chemistry. Successful diazo transfer was also achieved using a polymer-supported benzenesulfonyl azide in water under flow conditions. The fourth chapter discusses the reactivity of -diazo--ketoesters under transition metal and lanthanide catalysis. This chapter describes the synthesis of a range of -ketoesters via transesterification, which were used to synthesise a range of novel -diazo--ketoesters that were used in subsequent decomposition reactions. A novel route to dioxinones via rhodium(II) catalysis is reported. Attempted OH and SH insertion reactions in the presence of various lanthanide(II) catalysts are outlined, leading to some unexpected and interesting rearrangement products. The experimental details, including spectroscopic and analytical data for all compounds prepared, are reported at the end of each chapter.

Afrofuturism as Applied to Self-Perception: an Experimental Vignette Study

Thesis (Master's)--University of Washington, 2016-06

A Generalized Methodology to Characterize Composite Materials for Pyrolysis Models

The predictive capabilities of computational fire models have improved in recent years such that models have become an integral part of many research efforts. Models improve the understanding of the fire risk of materials and may decrease the number of expensive experiments required to assess the fire hazard of a specific material or designed space. A critical component of a predictive fire model is the pyrolysis sub-model that provides a mathematical representation of the rate of gaseous fuel production from condensed phase fuels given a heat flux incident to the material surface. The modern, comprehensive pyrolysis sub-models that are common today require the definition of many model parameters to accurately represent the physical description of materials that are ubiquitous in the built environment. Coupled with the increase in the number of parameters required to accurately represent the pyrolysis of materials is the increasing prevalence in the built environment of engineered composite materials that have never been measured or modeled. The motivation behind this project is to develop a systematic, generalized methodology to determine the requisite parameters to generate pyrolysis models with predictive capabilities for layered composite materials that are common in industrial and commercial applications. This methodology has been applied to four common composites in this work that exhibit a range of material structures and component materials. The methodology utilizes a multi-scale experimental approach in which each test is designed to isolate and determine a specific subset of the parameters required to define a material in the model. Data collected in simultaneous thermogravimetry and differential scanning calorimetry experiments were analyzed to determine the reaction kinetics, thermodynamic properties, and energetics of decomposition for each component of the composite. Data collected in microscale combustion calorimetry experiments were analyzed to determine the heats of complete combustion of the volatiles produced in each reaction. Inverse analyses were conducted on sample temperature data collected in bench-scale tests to determine the thermal transport parameters of each component through degradation. Simulations of quasi-one-dimensional bench-scale gasification tests generated from the resultant models using the ThermaKin modeling environment were compared to experimental data to independently validate the models.

The Effect of Attentional Focus on Singing Voice Quality: Towards the Interdisciplinary Experimental Investigation of Singing Pedagogy

Instructional methods employed by teachers of singing are mostly drawn from personal experience, personal reflections, and methods encountered in their own voice training (Welch & Howard, 2005). Even in Academia, singing pedagogy is one of the few disciplines in which research of teaching/learning practice efficacy has not been established (Crocco, et al., 2016). This dissertation argues the reason for this deficit is a lack of operationalization of constructs in singing, which, to date has not been undertaken. The researcher addresses issues of paradigm, epistemology, and methodology to suggest an appropriate model of experimental research towards the assessment of teaching/learning practice efficacy. A study was conducted adapting attentional focus research methodologies to test the effect of attentional focus on singing voice quality in adult novice singers. Based on previous attentional focus studies, it was hypothesized that external focus conditions would result in superior singing voice quality than internal focus conditions. While the hypothesis was partially supported by the data, the researcher welcomed refinement of the suggested research model. It is hoped that new research methodologies will emerge to investigate singing phenomena, yielding data that may be used towards the development of evidence-based frameworks for singing training.

Impacte do programa de formação em ensino experimental das ciências nas conceções e práticas de professores do 1º ciclo do ensino básico

Numa época em que nos regemos, cada vez mais, pela Ciência e Tecnologia é fundamental que os cidadãos estejam devidamente informados, exercendo uma cidadania plena, tomando decisões fundamentadas e intervindo na sociedade. Para viabilizar estes intentos, é importante que a educação científica se inicie nas escolas o mais cedo possível, para a edificação de futuros cidadãos cientificamente literatos. Apesar das dificuldades manifestadas pelos professores na implementação do ensino das Ciências nas escolas do 1.º Ciclo do Ensino Básico (1.º CEB), são várias as potencialidades que têm vindo a ser atribuídas a este campo curricular. Com este estudo pretendeu-se descrever e interpretar as conceções de ensino e aprendizagem de professores do 1.º CEB, no contexto do Programa de Formação em Ensino Experimental das Ciências (PFEEC), bem como averiguar como implementam as atividades práticas de índole experimental e investigativo em sala de aula, e quais as dificuldades sentidas durante a sua realização. Para atingir estas finalidades, utilizou-se uma abordagem metodológica de orientação interpretativa, de base naturalista, recorrendo-se ao método de estudo de casos múltiplos, fazendo-se uso de distintos instrumentos de recolha de dados: observação naturalista, entrevistas, notas de campo e documentos escritos. Participaram neste estudo três professoras do 1.º CEB, pertencentes a duas escolas do concelho de Faro. Os resultados evidenciaram que a maioria das conceções das professoras relativamente às categorias edificadas foram modificadas após a frequência do PFEEC. Contudo, outras aparentam estar fortemente enraizadas. Estas mudanças que ocorreram parecem estar relacionadas com a modificação das ações, atitudes e sentimentos das professoras que se coadunaram com a metodologia de trabalho defendida pelo PFEEC, culminando na modificação das suas práticas letivas. Durante a planificação e implementação das atividades as professoras manifestaram algumas dificuldades e constrangimentos. Todavia, no decorrer do PFEEC, estes obstáculos foram sendo minimizados; IMPACT OF A TRAINING PROGRAMME ON THE CONCEPTIONS AND PRACTICES OF PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHERS ABSTRACT: In an era in which we are governed, more and more, by Science and Technology, it is fundamental that citizens are properly informed; exercising full citizenship; making fundamental decisions and intervening in society. To enable these intentions, it is important that scientific education takes place in schools as soon as possible, so as to edify future scientifically literate citizens. Despite the teachers' difficulties in implementing Science teaching in Primary Schools, there are many potentialities that have come to be attributed to this curricular field. This study is intended to describe and interpret science learning and teaching conceptions of the Primary School teachers, in the context of the Training Programme in Experimental Science Teaching (PFEEC), as well as determine how they implement the experimental science and inquiry based learning activities in the classroom, and take into account what experienced difficulties occur during their execution. To reach these goals, a methodological approach of interpretive orientation, on a naturalistic basis, using a method of multiple case study, by means of distinct data collection tools was used: naturalistic observation, interviews, field research notes and written documents. Three Primary School teachers of the municipality of Faro took part in this study. The results showed that the majority of the teachers' conceptions in relation to the edified categories were modified after the attendance of the PFEEC. However, others seem to be deeply rooted. These changes that occurred seem to be related to the modification of actions, attitudes and feelings of the teachers who complied with the work methodology defended by the PFEEC, culminating in the modification of their session practices. During the planning and implementation of the activities, the teachers showed some difficulties and constraints. Nevertheless, during the PFEEC, these obstacles were minimized.

Experimental Modeling of Twin-Screw Extrusion Processes to Predict Properties of Extruded Composites

Twin-screw extrusion is used to compound fillers into a polymer matrix in order to improve the properties of the final product. The resultant properties of the composite are determined by the operating conditions used during extrusion processing. Changes in the operating conditions affect the physics of the melt flow, inducing unique composite properties. In the following work, the Residence Stress Distribution methodology has been applied to model both the stress behavior and the property response of a twin-screw compounding process as a function of the operating conditions. The compounding of a pigment into a polymer melt has been investigated to determine the effect of stress on the degree of mixing, which will affect the properties of the composite. In addition, the pharmaceutical properties resulting from the compounding of an active pharmaceutical ingredient are modeled as a function of the operating conditions, indicating the physical behavior inducing the property responses.

Monitoramento e identificação numérico e experimental de danos em vigas e pontes de aço e concreto utilizando transformadas de wavelet

Tese (doutorado)—Universidade de Brasília, Faculdade de Tecnologia, Departamento de Engenharia Civil e Ambiental, 2015.

Combination of Evolutionary Algorithms with Experimental Design, Traditional Optimization and Machine Learning

Evolutionary algorithms alone cannot solve optimization problems very efficiently since there are many random (not very rational) decisions in these algorithms. Combination of evolutionary algorithms and other techniques have been proven to be an efficient optimization methodology. In this talk, I will explain the basic ideas of our three algorithms along this line (1): Orthogonal genetic algorithm which treats crossover/mutation as an experimental design problem, (2) Multiobjective evolutionary algorithm based on decomposition (MOEA/D) which uses decomposition techniques from traditional mathematical programming in multiobjective optimization evolutionary algorithm, and (3) Regular model based multiobjective estimation of distribution algorithms (RM-MEDA) which uses the regular property and machine learning methods for improving multiobjective evolutionary algorithms.

Optimization of microwave-assisted extration of phenolic compounds from tomao by full factorial design coupled with response surface methodology

Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.), apart from being a functional food rich in carotenoids, vitamins and minerals, is also an important source of phenolic compounds [1 ,2]. As antioxidants, these functional molecules play an important role in the prevention of human pathologies and have many applications in nutraceutical, pharmaceutical and cosmeceutical industries. Therefore, the recovery of added-value phenolic compounds from natural sources, such as tomato surplus or industrial by-products, is highly desirable. Herein, the microwave-assisted extraction of the main phenolic acids and flavonoids from tomato was optimized. A S-Ieve! full factorial Box-Behnken design was implemented and response surface methodology used for analysis. The extraction time (0-20 min), temperature (60-180 "C), ethanol percentage (0-100%), solidlliquid ratio (5-45 g/L) and microwave power (0-400 W) were studied as independent variables. The phenolic profile of the studied tomato variety was initially characterized by HPLC-DAD-ESIIMS [2]. Then, the effect of the different extraction conditions, as defined by the used experimental design, on the target compounds was monitored by HPLC-DAD, using their UV spectra and retention time for identification and a series of calibrations based on external standards for quantification. The proposed model was successfully implemented and statistically validated. The microwave power had no effect on the extraction process. Comparing with the optimal extraction conditions for flavonoids, which demanded a short processing time (2 min), a low temperature (60 "C) and solidlliquid ratio (5 g/L), and pure ethanol, phenolic acids required a longer processing time ( 4.38 min), a higher temperature (145.6 •c) and solidlliquid ratio (45 g/L), and water as extraction solvent. Additionally, the studied tomato variety was highlighted as a source of added-value phenolic acids and flavonoids.

Flowers of Gomphrena globosa L. as an alternatve source of betacyanins: optimization of the extraction using response surface methodology

Betacyanins are betalain pigments that display a red-violet colour which have been reported to be three times stronger than the red-violet dye produced by anthocyanins [1]. The applications of betacyanins cover a wide range of matrices, mainly as additives or ingredients in the food industry, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and livestock feed. Although, being less commonly used than anthocyanins and carotenoids, betacyanins are stable between pH 3 to 7 and suitable for colouring in low acid matrices. In addition, betacyanins have been reported to display interesting medicinal character as powerful antioxidant and chemopreventive compounds either in vitro or in vivo models [2]. Betacyanins are obtained mainly from the red beet of Beta vulgaris plant (between I 0 to 20 mg per I 00 g pulp) but alternative primary sources are needed [3]. In addition, independently of the source used, the effect of the variables that affect the extraction of betacyanins have not been properly described and quantified. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identifY and optimize the conditions that maximize betacyanins extraction using the tepals of Gomphrena globosa L. flowers as an alternative source. Assisted by the statistical technique of response surface methodology, an experimental design was developed for testing the significant explanatory variables of the extraction (time, temperature, solid-liquid ratio and ethanolwater ratio). The identification was performed using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with a photodiode array detector and mass spectrometry with electron spray ionization (HPLC-PDAMS/ ESI) and the response was measured by the quantification of these compounds using HPLC-PDA. Afterwards, a response surface analysis was performed to evaluate the results. The major betacyanin compounds identified were gomphrenin 11 and Ill and isogomphrenin IJ and Ill. The highest total betacyanins content was obtained by using the following conditions: 45 min of extraction. time, 35•c, 35 g/L of solid-liquid ratio and 25% of ethanol. These values would not be found without optimizing the conditions of the betacyanins extraction, which moreover showed contrary trends to what it has been described in the scientific bibliography. More specifically, concerning the time and temperature variables, an increase of both values (from the common ones used in the bibliography) showed a considerable improvement on the betacyanins extraction yield without displaying any type of degradation patterns.