Some test/analysis issues for the space station structural characterization experiment

The Space Station Structural Characterization Experiment (SSSCE) 1,2 is an early space flight experiment that uses the space station as a generic structure to study the dynamic characteristics of Large Space Structures (LSS). On-orbit modal testing will be conducted to determine natural frequencies, mode shapes and damping of dominant structural modes of the space structure assembly. This experiment will utimately support the development of system identification and analytical modeling techniques for Large Space Structures. In order to ensure the success of SSSCE (in-space validation of modeling techniques for LSS), adequate measurement and instrumentation requirements have to be established during the experiment-definition study. Among the issues affecting these requirements, spatial and modal coverages of the modal test data are of particular interest. Topics such as total number of sensors, type of measurements (translation and rotation), optimal sensor locations (measurement degrees-of-freedom), selection of target modes, effects of modal superposition and truncation, separation of global and local modes, etc., are all a fundamental importance and must be investigated

SYNTHESIS AND DEVELOPMENT OF NOVEL FULLERENE-BASED STRUCTURES FOR PHOTOVOLTAICS, ELECTRONIC APPLICATIONS AND MRI CONTRAST AGENTS

Metallic nitride endohedral metallofullerenes (EMFs) are one of the most interesting types of metallofullerenes due to their high yields and interesting electronic properties. The synthesis of these compounds allows the encapsulation of different metals inside fullerenes making it possible to combine the properties of the metal with those of the fullerene. Their interesting electrochemical and optical features make them potential candidates for several applications such as molecular electronics, biomedical imaging, non-linear optical devices, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) agents. This thesis reports the synthesis of novel metallic nitride EMFs based on Gd, Nd, Pr, Ce and La. These families of metallofullerenes were characterized by different techniques such as X-ray diffraction, MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, HPLC, electrochemistry and UV/Vis-NIR spectroscopy. The reactivity study of the Gd nitride EMF family and the synthesis of a third generation dendrimer that is attached to EMFs in order to obtain water soluble structures that can be used in MRI applications is also covered. Finally, a comprehensive electrochemical study of carbon rich macrocycles is reported

Forest disturbance leads to the rapid spread of the invasive leucaena leucocephala in Taiwan

This study, based on different investigative documents and analytical methods, elucidates spatial distribution of habitats for major invasive exotic plants, Leucaena leucocephala, in Taiwan. Results show that Leucaena leucocephala is most harmful to broad-leaved trees and its invasion directly relates to changes in the physical environment. Leucaena leucocephala can bloom and bear fruits all year round and during the period of seeds sprouting and saplings, the invasion varies greatly among different soil types. Leucaena leucocephala prefers weakly acidic soil, though it grows well with other soil textures and nutrients as well. The average spreading rate of Leucaena leucocephala is 3.55 ha year-1 on abandoned farm land calculated from the aerial photographs taken in 1982, 1992, 2003, and 2007

Synthesis And Electronic Properties Of Tris(4-Formylbiphenyl-4-Yl) Amine As A Building Block For Covalent Organic Frameworks And For Optoelectronic Devices.

Herein is reported the preparation of a new triphenylamine derivative, the tris(´4-formylbiphenyl- 4-yl) amine (TFBA). This compound exhibits optoelectronic properties suitable for its use in Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells (DSSCs) and light emitting diodes. The electrochemical properties were studied by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and square wave voltammetry (SWV). At the same time, the symmetrical chemical structure of TFBA allows its utilization as a building block in Covalent Organic Frameworks (COFs) bringing additional properties and a wide range of applications to such materials

Fishery statistics of Taiwan

Following a brief account of current general trends in the fishery sector of Taiwan, details are given of fish production and fishery policy towards 2010. The status of National Fishery Statistics Systems is outlined, describing the Fishery Census, and catch-effort and fish processing statistics. Some proposals are made to improve the National Fishery Statistical Systems

Estructuración y puesta en marcha del "Instituto de investigación y Desarrollo tecnológico para la Microempresa: un espacio para la incubación, asesoría y asistencia técnica."

La Facultad Tecnológica propone la realización de este proyecto, con el propósito fundamental de estructurar un Instituto a través del cual se logre la tan buscada interacción con la comunidad y con la industria. Los problemas de los microempresarios están relacionados con una asesoría continuada no solo en aspectos administrativos sino también en aspectos tecnológicos. Es necesario crear un espacio donde exista una visión integral del desarrollo microempresarial y donde se conjuguen todos aquellos elementos requeridos para que este sector pueda desarrollarse en forma adecuada. El Instituto de Investigación y Desarrollo Tecnológico para la Microempresa dispondrá de cuatro bloques operativos, en los que se incluye un centro especializado de información, una unidad de investigación, otra de capacitación y otra de desarrollo de la visión empresarial orientada principalmente para apoyar las ideas de los propios estudiantes de la Facultad

Community change and species richness reductions in rapidly advancing tree lines

Aim: Climate change is causing shifts in the range of species worldwide. In high altitude areas forests are often observed to be shifting their upper limits to higher altitudes in response to warming temperatures. Although this phenomenon is well described, the possible consequences of this for the wider forest community have not been fully considered. In this study we use epiphytic macro-lichens to investigate the impacts of treeline advance on associated organisms. We hypothesized that the rate of forest advance should influence the species richness and composition of associated communities.  Location: The Hehuanshan area, Central Mountain Range, Taiwan (24°08–09’ N, 121°15 – 16’ E).  Methods: Lichen communities were sampled on trees occurring at 33 treeline sites displaying varying degrees of advance. Habitat variables were recorded. ANOVA, GLMM, nestedness analysis and indicator species analysis were used to investigate patterns of species richness and community composition and their association with treeline advance and habitat variables.  Results: Species richness was lower in treelines exhibiting rapid advance; reductions were related to tree size (considered here as a proxy for age) and the distance over which advance had occurred. Community composition varied with treeline form and forest position. Only a subset of species found in slowly advancing or stable forest edges occurred in rapidly advancing treelines.  Main conclusions: Differential migration rates between co-occurring species and differences in habitat structure associated with treeline advance can result in community change, but this depends, amongst other factors, on the speed of treeline advance. The importance of advance rate in determining the response suggests that reductions in species richness at treeline could be transitory. However, this will depend on whether advance continues, and on the changes in habitat associated with advance. Given the complexity of treeline behaviour, the findings that we report represent an essential step in understanding community responses to climate change. This understanding is of importance for biodiversity and conservation, especially given the high rate of endemism reported for this and other alpine regions