Feasibility of ASH DEC‐ process in treating sewage sludge and manure ash in Finland

In Finland the thermal treatment of sewage sludge has been moderate in 21th century. The reason has been the high moisture content of sludge. During 2005-2008, 97-99% of sewage sludge was utilized in landscaping and agriculture. However agricultural use has been during 2005-2007 less than 3 %. The aim of national waste management plan is that by 2016 100% of sludge is used either as soil amendment or energy. The most popular utilization method for manure is spreading it on arable land. The dry manures such as poultry manure and horse manure could also be used in incineration. The ashes could be used as fertilizers and while it is not suitable as a starter fertilizer, it is suitable in maintaining P levels in the soil. One of the main drivers for more efficient nutrient management is the eutrophication in lakes and the Baltic See. ASH DEC process can be used in concentrating phosphorus rich ashes while separating the heavy metals that could be included. ASH DEC process uses thermochemical treatment to produce renewable phosphate for fertilizer production. The process includes mixing of ashes and chlorine donors and subsequent treatment in rotary kiln for 20 min in temperature of 900 – 1 050 oC. The heavy metals evaporate and P-rich product is obtained. The toxic substances are retained in air pollution control system in form of mixed metal hydroxides. The aim of conducting this study is to estimate the potential of ASH DEC process in treating phosphorus rich ashes in Finland. The masses considered in are sewage sludge, dry manure from horses, and poultry and liquid pig manure. To date the usual treatment method for sewage sludge in Finland is composting or anaerobic digestion. Part of the amount of produced sewage sludge (800 kt/a fresh mass and 160 kt/a TS) could also be incinerated and the residual ashes used in ASH DEC process. Incinerating only manure can be economically difficult to manage because the incineration of manure is in Finland considered as waste incineration. Getting a permit for waste incineration is difficult and also small scale waste incineration is too expensive. The manure could act as an additional feedstock in counties with high density of animal husbandry where the land area might not be enough for spreading of manure. Now when the manure acts as a supplementary feedstock beside sludge, the ash can’t be used directly as fertilizer. Then it could be used in ASH DEC process. The perquisite is that the manure producers could pay for the incineration, which might prove problematic.

Improving customer service by identifying critical success factors and utilizing business process outsourcing

Consumers increasingly demand convenience when dealing with companies and therefore it is important to provide professional, diverse and speedy service via customer’s preferred communication channel. These interactions between the customer service and customer have a critical role in customer’s future purchasing decisions. Those customers who don't receive satisfactory customer service are willing to do business with another company that charges more but offers better customer service. This study identifies the critical success factors for the customer service in order to improve the customer service according to the company’s mission and meet customer expectations. Case study is used as a research method and data is collected via observation, archival records and interviews during a time span of fourteen months. The analysis suggests three critical success factors: voice support, scalable and flexible customer service and customer service champions. The study further analyzes the improvement measures according to the critical success factors concluding the Business Process Outsourcing to be the most proper to proceed with. As a conclusion of the study, critical success factors enable achieving the goals of the customer service and align operations according to the company’s mission. Business Process Outsourcing plays important role in improving the customer service by allowing fast expansion of new service offering and obtaining specialized workforce.

Toimintaohjeistus HSY:n jätteenpolton materiaalivirtojen hallintaan

Vantaan Energia rakentaa ympäristövaatimukset täyttävän jätevoimalan Itä-Vantaan Långmossebergeniin. Jätevoimalassa tullaan käyttämään polttoaineena kierrätykseen kelpaamatonta syntypaikkalajiteltua yhdyskuntajätettä sekä maakaasua. Helsingin seudun ympäristöpalvelut -kuntayhtymä HSY tulee toimittamaan noin 80 % vuosittaisesta jätepolttoaineesta. Tässä työssä on esitetty toimintamalli HSY:n jätteenpolton materiaalivirtojen hallitsemiseksi. Toimintamallin tarkoituksena on antaa ohjeistus jätteiden materiaalivirtojen käsittelymenetelmistä ennen jätteenpolttolaitosta. Lisäksi toimintamallin tarkoituksena on saada vähennettyä pohjakuonan määrää. Toimintamalli sisältää ohjeistuksen kotitalouksien sekajätteen, pienjäteasemien sekajätteen, sekalaisen rakennus- ja purkujätteen sekä kaupan- ja teollisuuden jätteiden käsittelytavoista. Jätevirtojen koostumusta on selvitetty kirjallisuudesta löytyvien tietojen perusteella ja tietoja on täydennetty kesällä 2013 suoritetun lajittelututkimuksen tiedoilla. Tutkimuksen tuloksista selvisi, että pienjäteasemien sekajätteiden lajittelua tehostamalla HSY:llä pystytään tekemään merkittäviä taloudellisia säästöjä. Tutkimuksessa selvisi, että kipsilevy olisi kannattavinta kerätä omalle lavalleen pienjäteasemilla. Sekalaisen rakennus- ja purkujätteen osalta todettiin, että sitä ei kannata ohjata suoraan jätevoimalalle poltettavaksi, eikä sitä voida sijoittaa käsittelemättömänä kaatopaikalle vuoden 2020 jälkeen. Tästä syystä työssä on ehdotettu, että sekalainen rakennus- ja purkujäte ohjattaisiin lajittelulaitokselle käsiteltäväksi ennen sen loppusijoittamista. Tutkimuksen tulosten perusteella voidaan myös todeta, että toimintamallia noudattamalla, pohjakuonan määrää on mahdollista vähentää lähes puolella alkuperäisestä arviosta.

Upconverting diagnostics: Multiplex assays utilizing upconversion luminescence technology

Conventional diagnostics tests and technologies typically allow only a single analysis and result per test. The aim of this study was to propose robust and multiplex array-inwell test platforms based on oligonucleotide and protein arrays combining the advantages of simple instrumentation and upconverting phosphor (UCP) reporter technology. The UCPs are luminescent lanthanide-doped crystals that have a unique capability to convert infrared radiation into visible light. No autofluorescence is produced from the sample under infrared excitation enabling the development of highly sensitive assays. In this study, an oligonucleotide array-in-well hybridization assay was developed for the detection and genotyping of human adenoviruses. The study provided a verification of the advantages and potential of the UCP-based reporter technology in multiplex assays as well as anti-Stokes photoluminescence detection with a new anti- Stokes photoluminescence imager. The developed assay was technically improved and used to detect and genotype adenovirus types from clinical specimens. Based on the results of the epidemiological study, an outbreak of adenovirus type B03 was observed in the autumn of 2010. A quantitative array-in-well immunoassay was developed for three target analytes (prostate specific antigen, thyroid stimulating hormone, and luteinizing hormone). In this study, quantitative results were obtained for each analyte and the analytical sensitivities in buffer were in clinically relevant range. Another protein-based array-inwell assay was developed for multiplex serodiagnostics. The developed assay was able to detect parvovirus B19 IgG and adenovirus IgG antibodies simultaneously from serum samples according to reference assays. The study demonstrated that the UCPtechnology is a robust detection method for diverse multiplex imaging-based array-inwell assays.

From Unspecific Quenching to Specific Signaling: Functional GTPase Assays Utilizing Quenching Resonance Energy Transfer (QRET) Technology

The aim of the work presented in this study was to demonstrate the wide applicability of a single-label quenching resonance energy transfer (QRET) assay based on time-resolved lanthanide luminescence. QRET technology is proximity dependent method utilizing weak and unspecific interaction between soluble quencher molecule and lanthanide chelate. The interaction between quencher and chelate is lost when the ligand binds to its target molecule. The properties of QRET technology are especially useful in high throughput screening (HTS) assays. At the beginning of this study, only end-point type QRET technology was available. To enable efficient study of enzymatic reactions, the QRET technology was further developed to enable measurement of reaction kinetics. This was performed using proteindeoxyribonuclei acid (DNA) interaction as a first tool to monitor reaction kinetics. Later, the QRET was used to study nucleotide exchange reaction kinetics and mutation induced effects to the small GTPase activity. Small GTPases act as a molecular switch shifting between active GTP bound and inactive GDP bound conformation. The possibility of monitoring reaction kinetics using the QRET technology was evaluated using two homogeneous assays: a direct growth factor detection assay and a nucleotide exchange monitoring assay with small GTPases. To complete the list, a heterogeneous assay for monitoring GTP hydrolysis using small GTPases, was developed. All these small GTPase assays could be performed using nanomolar protein concentrations without GTPase pretreatment. The results from these studies demonstrated that QRET technology can be used to monitor reaction kinetics and further enable the possibility to use the same method for screening.

Short-term exposure of mice to cigarette smoke and/or residual oil fly ash produces proximal airspace enlargements and airway epithelium remodeling

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is associated with inflammatory cell reactions, tissue destruction and lung remodeling. Many signaling pathways for these phenomena are still to be identified. We developed a mouse model of COPD to evaluate some pathophysiological mechanisms acting during the initial stage of the disease. Forty-seven 6- to 8-week-old female C57/BL6 mice (approximately 22 g) were exposed for 2 months to cigarette smoke and/or residual oil fly ash (ROFA), a concentrate of air pollution. We measured lung mechanics, airspace enlargement, airway wall thickness, epithelial cell profile, elastic and collagen fiber deposition, and by immunohistochemistry transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), macrophage elastase (MMP12), neutrophils and macrophages. We observed regional airspace enlargements near terminal bronchioles associated with the exposure to smoke or ROFA. There were also increases in airway resistance and thickening of airway walls in animals exposed to smoke. In the epithelium, we noted a decrease in the ciliated cell area of animals exposed to smoke and an increase in the total cell area associated with exposure to both smoke and ROFA. There was also an increase in the expression of TGF-β1 both in the airways and parenchyma of animals exposed to smoke. However, we could not detect inflammatory cell recruitment, increases in MMP12 or elastic and collagen fiber deposition. After 2 months of exposure to cigarette smoke and/or ROFA, mice developed regional airspace enlargements and airway epithelium remodeling, although no inflammation or increases in fiber deposition were detected. Some of these phenomena may have been mediated by TGF-β1.

Simulation and material calibration of ultra high strength steel (UHSS) S960 welded joint under static tensile test utilizing finite element method (FEM)

The aim of this work was to calibrate the material properties including strength and strain values for different material zones of ultra-high strength steel (UHSS) welded joints under monotonic static loading. The UHSS is heat sensitive and softens by heat due to welding, the affected zone is heat affected zone (HAZ). In this regard, cylindrical specimens were cut out from welded joints of Strenx® 960 MC and Strenx® Tube 960 MH, were examined by tensile test. The hardness values of specimens’ cross section were measured. Using correlations between hardness and strength, initial material properties were obtained. The same size specimen with different zones of material same as real specimen were created and defined in finite element method (FEM) software with commercial brand Abaqus 6.14-1. The loading and boundary conditions were defined considering tensile test values. Using initial material properties made of hardness-strength correlations (true stress-strain values) as Abaqus main input, FEM is utilized to simulate the tensile test process. By comparing FEM Abaqus results with measured results of tensile test, initial material properties will be revised and reused as software input to be fully calibrated in such a way that FEM results and tensile test results deviate minimum. Two type of different S960 were used including 960 MC plates, and structural hollow section 960 MH X-joint. The joint is welded by BöhlerTM X96 filler material. In welded joints, typically the following zones appear: Weld (WEL), Heat affected zone (HAZ) coarse grained (HCG) and fine grained (HFG), annealed zone, and base material (BaM). Results showed that: The HAZ zone is softened due to heat input while welding. For all the specimens, the softened zone’s strength is decreased and makes it a weakest zone where fracture happens while loading. Stress concentration of a notched specimen can represent the properties of notched zone. The load-displacement diagram from FEM modeling matches with the experiments by the calibrated material properties by compromising two correlations of hardness and strength.

Utilizing analytic modelling process in industrial retail context

Nykypäivän monimutkaisessa ja epävakaassa liiketoimintaympäristössä yritykset, jotka kykenevät muuttamaan tuottamansa operatiivisen datan tietovarastoiksi, voivat saavuttaa merkittävää kilpailuetua. Ennustavan analytiikan hyödyntäminen tulevien trendien ennakointiin mahdollistaa yritysten tunnistavan avaintekijöitä, joiden avulla he pystyvät erottumaan kilpailijoistaan. Ennustavan analytiikan hyödyntäminen osana päätöksentekoprosessia mahdollistaa ketterämmän, reaaliaikaisen päätöksenteon. Tämän diplomityön tarkoituksena on koota teoreettinen viitekehys analytiikan mallintamisesta liike-elämän loppukäyttäjän näkökulmasta ja hyödyntää tätä mallinnusprosessia diplomityön tapaustutkimuksen yritykseen. Teoreettista mallia hyödynnettiin asiakkuuksien mallintamisessa sekä tunnistamalla ennakoivia tekijöitä myynnin ennustamiseen. Työ suoritettiin suomalaiseen teollisten suodattimien tukkukauppaan, jolla on liiketoimintaa Suomessa, Venäjällä ja Balteissa. Tämä tutkimus on määrällinen tapaustutkimus, jossa tärkeimpänä tiedonkeruumenetelmänä käytettiin tapausyrityksen transaktiodataa. Data työhön saatiin yrityksen toiminnanohjausjärjestelmästä.

Utilizing hemicelluloses – the first step : controlled extraction with hot water

Människor utnyttjar ofta kemi mångsidigt i sitt vardagliga liv utan att närmare tänka på detaljerna. Nuförtiden kan man framställa en ökande mängd av produkter ur förnybara råmaterial och en av de mest mångsidiga nybara råmaterialet i Norden är barrträd. Den lyriska lägerelden eller spiselden och möbler av ved samt papper är en väsentlig del av vardagen. Också livsmedel och läkemedel kan innehålla föreningar ur ved. Ved som råmaterial består av tre huvudkomponenten: cellulosa, som är uppbyggd av druvsockermolekyler är en långkedjad, oförgrenad polymer; lignin, som sammanhåller fibrerna i vedmaterialet som lim samt hemicellulosor, som ofta är uppbyggda av olika sockerarter och är en förgrenad polymer. Följaktligen består vedmaterialet av 70 % socker. I detta arbete har vi koncentrerat på i hemicellulosa och dess extraktion ur gran, samt bestämning av hemicellulosans egenskaper. Den slutliga målsättningen i forskningen var att skapa nya produkter ur gran. Forskning i extraktionens hemligheter eller hur hemicellulosa kan effektivt extraheras i den önskade formen kräver nya typers experimentellasanläggningar och experiment samt matematisk modellering. Den långkedjade hemicellulosan är lämplig för att användas t.ex. i skyddshinnor eller i livsmedel. Medel- och småmolekylär hemicellulosa kan användas som utgångsämne för framställning av bränslen, smörjmedel, sockersyror och alkoholer, av vilka xylitol är mest känd för alla pga hälsobefrämjande effekter. Det är utomordentligt viktigt ur miljöns och energiekonomins synvinkel att sträva efter effektivering av utnyttjandet av den värdefullaste och största naturtillgången, skogen i vårt land, med alla möjliga sätt. Resultaten av denna forskning utnyttjar avsevärt den växande, nya, på skogen baserande biobaseradeindustrin, som framställer nya spetsprodukter samt skapar nya arbetsplatser. ----------------------------------------------------- Ihmiset hyödyntävät usein huomaamattaan kemiaa monipuolisesti jokapäiväisessä elämässä. Nykyään kasvava määrä tuotteista kyetään valmistamaan uusiutuvista raaka-aineista ja yksi monipuolisimmista uusiutuvista luonnonvaroistamme pohjolassa ovat havupuut. Tunnelmallinen nuotio tai takkatuli ja puiset huonekalut sekä paperi ovat olennainen osa arkea. Myös elintarvikkeet ja lääkkeet voivat sisältää puusta peräisin olevia yhdisteitä. Puu materiaalina koostuu rakenteeltaan pääosin kolmesta osasta; selluloosasta, joka on rypälesokerista koostuva pitkäketjuinen haaroittumaton polymeeri, ligniinistä, joka toimii puun koossa pitävänä liima-aineena ja hemiselluloosasta, joka on useista eri sokereista rakentunut haaroittunut polymeeri. Näin ollen puusta 70 % on sokeria. Tässä työssä olemme keskittyneet hemiselluloosaan ja sen uuttamiseen kuusesta, sekä ominaisuuksien kartoittamiseen. Tutkimusaiheen lopullinen tavoite on luoda uusia tuotteita kuusesta. Uuton salojen tutkiminen eli miten hemiselluloosa saadaan tehokkaasti uutettua halutunlaisena vaatii uudenlaisia koelaitteistoja ja kokeita, sekä matemaattista mallintamista. Suurikokoinen hemiselluloosa on sopivaa käytettäväksi esimerkiksi suojakalvoissa tai elintarvikkeissa. Keskikokoista ja pienimolekyylistä hemiselluloosaa voidaan käyttää lähtöaineena valmistettaessa polttoaineita, voiteluaineita, sokerihappoja ja sokerialkoholeja, joista xylitoli on terveysvaikutustensa vuoksi kaikille tuttu. Niin ympäristömme kuin myös energiataloutemme kannalta on ensiarvoisen tärkeää pyrkiä kaikin keinoin tehostamaan maallemme arvokkaan, sekä luonnonvaroistamme yhden suurimman, metsän, vastuullista hyödyntämistä. Tämän tutkimuksen tulokset hyödyntävät merkittävästi maahamme nousevaa uutta metsään pohjautuvaa biojalostusteollisuutta, joka valmistaa uusia huipputuotteita sekä luo työpaikkoja.

How Is Credit Risk Estimated? Discussion and Evidence based on Cross-Industry Sample Utilizing the KMV Model

The purpose of this thesis is to focus on credit risk estimation. Different credit risk estimation methods and characteristics of credit risk are discussed. The study is twofold, including an interview of a credit risk specialist and a quantitative section. Quantitative section applies the KMV model to estimate credit risk of 12 sample companies from three different industries: automobile, banking and financial sector and technology. Timeframe of the estimation is one year. On the basis of the KMV model and the interview, implications for analysis of credit risk are discussed. The KMV model yields consistent results with the existing credit ratings. However, banking and financial sector requires calibration of the model due to high leverage of the industry. Credit risk is considerably driven by leverage, value and volatility of assets. Credit risk models produce useful information on credit worthiness of a business. Yet, quantitative models often require qualitative support in the decision-making situation.