Water transfer from São Francisco river to semiarid northeast of Brazil: technical data, environmental impacts, survey of opinion about the amount to be transferred

The transposition of the São Francisco River is considered one of the greatest engineering works in Brazil of all time since it will cross an extensive agricultural region of continental dimensions, involving environmental impacts, water, soil, irrigation, water payment and other multidisciplinary themes. Taking into account its importance, this subject was incorporated into a discipline of UFSCar (Federal University of São Carlos - Brazil) named "Pollution and Environmental Impacts". It was noted strong reaction against the project, even before the presentation. To allow a critical analysis, the first objective was to compile the main technical data and environmental impacts. The second objective was to detect the three most important aspects that cause reaction, concluding for the following reasons: assumption that the volume of water to be transferred was much greater than it actually is proposed in the project; lack of knowledge about similar project already done in Brazil; the idea that the artificial canal to be built was much broader than that proposed by the project. The participants' opinion about "volume to be transferred" was raised quantitatively four times: 2-undergraduate students; 1-graduate; 1-outside community. The average resulted 14 times larger than that proposed in the project, significant according to t-test. It was concluded that the reaction to water transfer project is due in part to the ignorance combined with a preconceived idea that tend to overestimate the magnitude of environmental impacts.

Intra-organizational knowledge transfer in a Finnish multinational company

The ability of a multinational company to effectively transfer knowledge from one unit to another can create a great source of competitive advantage and is crucial for long-term success. However, in their attempts to disseminate existent knowledge across national boundaries, organizations encounter several obstacles. Especially challenging is the transfer of tacit knowledge, the most valuable kind, as it is embedded in the minds and the behavior of people. The purpose of this study is to identify the main factors and challenges to be considered in intra-organizational knowledge transfer and consequently develop a framework that could be utilized to improve the process. The research is of qualitative nature and it adopts an exploratory approach. The study was further conducted as an intensive single-case study through studying a Finnish multinational company, and the researcher adopted a role as a participant observant in the research setting. Other data collection methods include semi-structured interviews and an online survey. The research findings show that knowledge transfer is currently challenging within the international sales organization of the case company. The majority of knowledge is currently concentrated in the company headquarters, and it is not always systematically distributed to the regional offices abroad. The main factor affecting knowledge transfer seems to be the organizational culture, which does not support or encourage knowledge sharing. The company is struggling in having a common place for information and employees that lack proper social networks have difficulties accessing relevant knowledge. Some recommended improvement suggestions include the institutionalization of knowledge transfer by turning it into an articulated organizational goal, and the implementation of a reward system that includes soft factors, such as teamwork and knowledge sharing behavior. Furthermore, the organizational culture should be more open and supportive in order to reinforce trust. Individuals in regional offices should be given better support by offering them dedicated mentors and increasing the amount of expatriation. Finally, knowledge should actively be codified and stored in commonly shared platforms where it is easily accessible by all employees.

Transfer of Administrative HR Services to Global Service Center in Poland

Liiketoimintaa tukevien palvelujen etätuotanto edustaa uutta kansainvälistymisen muotoa. Kehittyvien markkinoiden nousu yhdistettynä yritysten arvoketjutoimintojen kansainvälistymiseen on luonut yrityksille kasvavan paineen etsiä parasta sijaintia toiminnoilleen. Monikansalliset yritykset ovat yhä useammin korvanneet paikallisia henkilöstöpalvelujaan siirtymällä globaaliin malliin jaettujen palvelujen tuotannossa. Tämä diplomityö on toteutettu tukeakseen UPM:n henkilöstöhallintoa globaalin palvelukeskuksen perustamisessa Puolaan. Tutkimuksen tavoitteena on laajentaa käsitystä henkilöstöpalvelujen tarjontamallin uudistamiseen johtaneista tekijöistä ja motiiveista. Empiirisen tutkimuksen tärkein tavoite on tukea rekrytoinnin hallinnollisten töiden siirtoa globaaliin palvelukeskukseen palvelun laadun säilyessä vähintään aikaisemmalla tasolla. Tutkimuksen tulokset painottavat strategista näkökulmaa muutokseen. Strategiset syyt UPM:n henkilöstöhallinnon globaalin palvelukeskuksen perustamiselle sisältävät ylikapasiteetin ja päällekkäisten toimintojen vähentämisen eri maissa. Muutos lisää palvelun joustavuutta sekä edesauttaa toiminnan läpinäkyvyyttä, ennustettavuutta ja kustannusten valvontaa. Onnistuneesti toteutetut jaetut palvelut voivat toimia hyvänä lähtökohtana tehokkaiden henkilöstöpalvelujen tuottamiselle.

Fundamentals of heat transfer

Following over 170+ pages and additional appendixes are formed based on content of Course: Fundamentals of Heat Transfer. Mainly this summarizes relevant parts on Book of Fundamentals of Heat and Mass Transfer (Incropera), but also other references introducing the same concepts are included. Student’s point of view has been consideredwith following highlights: (1) Relevant topics are presented in a nutshell to provide fast digestion of principles of heat transfer. (2) Appendixes include terminology dictionary. (3) Totally 22 illustrating examples are connecting theory to practical applications and quantifying heat transfer to understandable forms as: temperatures, heat transfer rates, heat fluxes, resistances and etc. (4) Most important Learning outcomes are presented for each topic separately. The Book, Fundamentals of Heat and Mass Transfer (Incropera), is certainly recommended for those going beyond basic knowledge of heat transfer. Lecture Notes consists of four primary content-wise objectives: (1) Give understanding to physical mechanisms of heat transfer, (2)Present basic concepts and terminology relevant for conduction, convection and radiation (3) Introduce thermal performance analysis methods for steady state and transient conduction systems. (4) Provide fast-to-digest phenomenological understanding required for basic design of thermal models

Cross-cultural knowledge transfer within a multinational company

The ability to share knowledge efficiently is vital in day-to-day operations of multinational companies. Therefore, the tools for the effective knowledge sharing along with the transfer knowledge models are of a primary interest for the companies. Knowledge transfer often involves participants of different cultural background. The purpose of this research is to investigate how the cross-cultural knowledge transfer in a multinational corporation takes place and how the successful knowledge transfer is ensured. The four sub-questions will help to answer the research question. Firstly, the author will try to identify what difficulties might occur while transferring knowledge in a multicultural environment. Secondly, the cultural differences’ impact on cross-cultural communication will be explored. Thirdly, the tools and models for effective tacit knowledge transfer will be covered by the author. Lastly, the methods of assessing if a knowledge transfer was successful or not will be discussed. The focus of this thesis is on knowledge transfer within a multinational setting. A multinational corporation is used as a practical example for this study; namely the Training Centre of the multinational corporation. The study was carried out by using a qualitative research approach. The four employees of the Training Centre were interviewed in order to obtain the answers to the research questions. The complete idea of the data gathering process can be obtained by reading through the first part of the methodology section Furthermore, the matters of transferability, confirmability, trustworthiness and objectivity were discussed in the methodological section. The study indicates that in order to carry out the successful and efficient knowledge transfer several requests have to be met. Mutual motivation, e.g. the motivation of both knowledge sender and knowledge receiver is one of the most important determinants of knowledge transfer. Sufficient and bearable workload for the knowledge senders is important to ensure the quality and involvement of the knowledge sender into knowledge transfer process. Course contents, infrastructure and other matters will be discussed further on in relation of successful knowledge transfer. Influences of cultural differences on knowledge sharing were studied in this thesis. At the end of the empirical study- a model used to transfer knowledge in Training Centre will be presented. The model created proves to be functional and appropriate for transferring knowledge to representatives of different cultures.

Education export as a form of knowledge transfer : The potential of Finnish education export in Chile

Knowledge transfer is a complex process. Knowledge transfer in the form of exporting education products from one system of education to another is particularly complicated, because each system has been developed in a particular context to meet the requirements seen as relevant at each time. National innovation systems are often seen to form an essential framework within which the development of a country, its economy and level of knowledge are considered and promoted. These systems are orientated towards the future, and as such they also provide a framework for the knowledge transfer related to the development of education. In the best of circumstances they are able to facilitate and boost this transfer both from the viewpoint of the provider and the recipient. The leading thought and the idea of the study is that education export is a form of knowledge transfer, which is illustrated by the existing models included. The purpose of this study is to explore, analyze and describe the factors and phenomena related to education export, and more specifically, those related to the experiences and potential of Finnish education export to Chile. For better understanding, of the multiplicity of the issue involved, the current status of education export between Finland and Chile and he existing efforts within the Finnish innovation network will be outlined as well as new forms of co-operation between Finland and Chile in educational matters explored. Several countries have started to commercialize their education system in order to establish themselves as emerging education exporters. Moreover, the demand for education reform is accurate in many developing countries. This offers a good match between Finland and Chile to be the example countries of the research. The main research findings suggest that there are several business areas in education export. These include degrees in education, training services and education technologies for example The factors that influence education export can be divided into four groups, including academic, cultural, political and economic aspects. Challenges to overcome include the lack of product or services to be sold, lack of market and cultural knowledge of the buyer country, financing and lack of suitable pricing model. National innovation systems could be seen as enabling entities for successful education export. The extensive networks that national innovation systems aim to form, could operate as a basis for joining the forces in selling knowledge as well as receiving knowledge in a constructive way.

DFMA Aspects in the Design of a Transfer Line for Off-line Ion Sources

In this thesis, the DFMA is presented and used for the purpose of having a design for a vertical transfer line that can be easily manufactured and assembled. The design of the transfer line, the major components and drawings are presented. The ease of assembly, the costs of manufacturing and differences between the use of steel structure and aluminum are compared. The ALARA principle is followed to minimize the risk of radiation exposure by the means of locating the test ion sources outside the radioactive area.

Glycolipid and ceramide transfer proteins : important determinants for their function

Lipider är viktiga biomolekyler, eftersom de bygger upp alla cellulära membran. Glykolipider, dvs. lipider som innehåller socker, är dessutom betydelsefulla som signaleringsmolekyler vid olika processer. Det är essentiellt att regleringen av syntesen, nedbrytningen samt transporten av lipider i cellen är noggrant koordinerade, och faktorer som kan påverka lipidmetabolismen är därför viktiga att undersöka. Denna avhandling har undersökt två olika lipidbindande proteiner, glykolipidtransportprotein (GLTP) och ceramidtransportprotein (CERT). GLTPs biologiska funktion är ännu oklar, dock vet man att GLTP har förmåga att binda olika glykolipider samt överföra dessa lipider mellan olika lipidmembraner. CERT har däremot visats kunna transportera ceramid från det endoplastiska retiklet (ER) till Golgi-apparaten, för produktion av sfingomyelin. I detta avhandlingsarbete undersöktes lokaliseringen av GLTP i celler med olika metoder, bl.a. konfokalmikroskopi, samt olika centrifugeringsmetoder. Genom att överuttrycka GLTP i celler och därefter analysera halten nysyntetiserade glykolipider, kunde även sambandet mellan GLTP-uttrycket och dessa lipider undersökas. I avhandlingen identifierades ytterligare en specifik aminosyrasekvens hos GLTP. Denna sekvens visades kunna binda till VAP-A, ett integralt ER protein, med en tidigare fastställd viktig funktion vid regleringen av lipidtransporten. I avhandlingen analyserades även hur ceramidtransporten mellan två olika membraner, medierad av CERT, påverkas av egenskaper i ceramidens omgivning. För att undersöka detta användes artificiella modellmembraner samt fluorimetriska metoder. Sammansättningen och packningen hos lipidmembranerna visades ha en stor betydelse för den CERT-katalyserade ceramidtransporten. Sammanfattningsvis antyder resultaten från avhandlingen att det existerar flera faktorer som kan påverka aktiviteten av GLTP och CERT, vilka i sin tur har förmåga att reglera lipidmetabolismen.

Passive immunity transfer and serum constituents of crossbred calves

Passive immunity transfer (PIT) evaluation is an essential tool for the maintenance of healthy calves during the first months of life. Since lactation number and breed have been proven to influence immunoglobulin levels in colostrum, the aim of this study was to evaluate PIT from primiparous and multiparous Canchim cows to their calves. Blood samples were collected from the calves before colostrum intake and 1, 2, 7, 15 and 30 days thereafter, while colostrum samples from the cows were taken immediately after parturition. Activities of gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and concentrations of total protein, albumin, globulins, immunoglobulin A (IgA), immunoglobulin G (IgG), total and ionized calcium, inorganic phosphorus, magnesium, sodium and potassium were evaluated in calves' serum and activities of GGT and ALP and concentrations of total protein, IgA and IgG were assessed in cow's colostrum whey. Immunoglobulins concentrations were evaluated by electrophoresis in polyacrylamide gels. Serum biochemistry evaluations revealed an increase in gamma-glutamyl transferase and alkaline phosphatase activities and in total protein, globulins, immunoglobulin A and immunoglobulin G levels in calves' serum after colostrum intake. Only total protein and light chain immunoglobulin G levels in colostrum whey were affected by the cows' lactation number. Phosphorus and magnesium levels in blood serum increased after colostrum intake, while sodium and potassium levels oscillated in the experimental period. PIT was influenced by the cows' lactation number but was efficient in both groups.

Transfer of passive immunity and serum proteinogram in the first six months of life of Criollo Lageano and black and white holstein calves

The objective of this study was to evaluate and compare the transfer of passive immunity and the proteinogram in Criollo Lageano (CL) and Black and White Holstein (BWH) calves. Two groups were utilized with 13 Criollo Lageano and 10 BWH calves. Blood samples were collected for the measurement of total serum protein, electrophoresis of serum proteins, activity of the gamma glutamyl transferase, and concentration of IgG by the method of the zinc sulfate turbidity in periods between 24 and 36 hours of life, 15, 30, 60, 90, 120, 150 and 180 days. Statistical analysis was performed by ANOVA and Tukey test at 5% significance level, and correlations between variables were calculated. Variations of serum proteins followed a pattern of physiological behavior over the first six months of life and production of immunoglobulins was active earlier in BWH calves and slower in the Criollo Lageano, without causing any impact on their health. Gamma globulin in the first days of life (24-36h) was correlated with IgG (r=0.87 for CL and r=0.89 for BWH), PTS (r=0.91 for CL and r=0.92 for BWH), Glob (r=0.99 for CL and r=0.98 for BWH) and GGT (r=0.14 for CL and r=0.83 for BWH). It was concluded that there was no failure in the transfer of passive immunity in Criollo Lageano calves but this failure occurred in the BWH calves. IgG values estimated by the zinc sulfate turbidity and serum proteins were considered good indicators of the transfer of passive immunity in calves between 24 and 36 hours of life.

Heat transfer inside internal combustion engine: modelling and comparison with experimental data

The paper is devoted to study specific aspects of heat transfer in the combustion chamber of compression ignited reciprocating internal combustion engines and possibility to directly measure the heat flux by means of Gradient Heat Flux Sensors (GHFS). A one – dimensional single zone model proposed by Kyung Tae Yun et al. and implemented with the aid of Matlab, was used to obtain approximate picture of heat flux behavior in the combustion chamber with relation to the crank angle. The model’s numerical output was compared to the experimental results. The experiment was accomplished by A. Mityakov at four stroke diesel engine Indenor XL4D. Local heat fluxes on the surface of cylinder head were measured with fast – response, high – sensitive GHFS. The comparison of numerical data with experimental results has revealed a small deviation in obtained heat flux values throughout the cycle and different behavior of heat flux curve after Top Dead Center.

Regulation of photosynthetic electron transfer in plant chloroplasts

This thesis focuses on the molecular mechanisms regulating the photosynthetic electron transfer reactions upon changes in light intensity. To investigate these mechanisms, I used mutants of the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana impaired in various aspects of regulation of the photosynthetic light reactions. These included mutants of photosystem II (PSII) and light harvesting complex II (LHCII) phosphorylation (stn7 and stn8), mutants of energy-dependent non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) (npq1 and npq4) and of regulation of photosynthetic electron transfer (pgr5). All of these processes have been extensively investigated during the past decades, mainly on plants growing under steady-state conditions, and therefore many aspects of acclimation processes may have been neglected. In this study, plants were grown under fluctuating light, i.e. the alternation of low and high intensities of light, in order to maximally challenge the photosynthetic regulatory mechanisms. In pgr5 and stn7 mutants, the growth in fluctuating light condition mainly damaged PSI while PSII was rather unaffected. It is shown that the PGR5 protein regulates the linear electron transfer: it is essential for the induction of transthylakoid ΔpH that, in turn, activates energy-dependent NPQ and downregulates the activity of cytochrome b6f. This regulation was shown to be essential for the photoprotection of PSI under fluctuations in light intensity. The stn7 mutants were able to acclimate under constant growth light conditions by modulating the PSII/PSI ratio, while under fluctuating growth light they failed in implementing this acclimation strategy. LHCII phosphorylation ensures the balance of the excitation energy distribution between PSII and PSI by increasing the probability for excitons to be trapped by PSI. LHCII can be phosphorylated over all of the thylakoid membrane (grana cores as well as stroma lamellae) and when phosphorylated it constitutes a common antenna for PSII and PSI. Moreover, LHCII was shown to work as a functional bridge that allows the energy transfer between PSII units in grana cores and between PSII and PSI centers in grana margins. Consequently, PSI can function as a quencher of excitation energy. Eventually, the LHCII phosphorylation, NPQ and the photosynthetic control of linear electron transfer via cytochrome b6f work in concert to maintain the redox poise of the electron transfer chain. This is a prerequisite for successful plant growth upon changing natural light conditions, both in short- and long-term.

Reproductive efficiency of asymptomatic Theileria equi carriers mares submitted to an embryo transfer program

This study aimed to assess and evaluate the effects of Theileria equi infection on embryonic recovery, gestation and early embryonic loss. Thirteen Mangalarga Marchador Theileria equi positive donors (diagnosed through nested-PCR) and 40 embryos receptors were used. Donors were submitted to two embryo collections in two consecutive estrous cycles (GId); after, the same mares were treated with imidocarb dipropionate (1.2mg/kg IM.) in order to collect more embryos in two more estrous cycles (GIId). Receptors were divided into two groups (control and with treated) with 20 animals each, where one group was the control (GIr) and the other one (GIIr) treated with 1.2mg/kg IM of imidocarb dipropionate assessing the gestation rate at 15, 30, 45 and 60 days. After 52 embryo collections, the embryonic recovery rates were 53.84% (14/26) and 65.38% (17/26) (p> 0.05) for GId and GIId, respectively. The gestation rate was 70% (14/20) (p>0.05) at 15, 30, 45 and 60 days in group GIr and for GIIr was 85% (17/20) (p>0.05) at 15 days, 80% (16/20) (p>0.05) at 30, 45 and 60 days. The treatment with imidocarb dipropionate did not cause significant improvement in the reproductive efficiency at an ET program.

Follicle and corpus luteum size and vascularity as predictors of fertility at the time of artificial insemination and embryo transfer in beef cattle

Abstract:Two ultrasound based fertility prediction methods were tested prior to embryo transfer (ET) and artificial insemination (AI) in cattle. Female bovines were submitted to estrous synchronization prior to ET and AI. Animals were scanned immediately before ET and AI procedure to target follicle and corpus luteum (CL) size and vascularity. In addition, inseminated animals were also scanned eleven days after insemination to target CL size and vascularity. All data was compared with fertility by using gestational diagnosis 35 days after ovulation. Prior to ET, CL vascularity showed a positive correlation with fertility, and no pregnancy occurred in animals with less than 40% of CL vascularity. Prior to AI and also eleven days after AI, no relationship with fertility was seen in all parameters analyzed (follicle and CL size and vascularity), and contrary, cows with CL vascularity greater than 70% exhibit lower fertility. In inseminated animals, follicle size and vascularity was positive related with CL size and vascularity, as shown by the presence of greater CL size and vascularity originated from follicle with also greater size and vascularity. This is the first time that ultrasound based fertility prediction methods were tested prior to ET and AI and showed an application in ET, but not in AI programs. Further studies are needed including hormone profile evaluation to improve conclusion.