Alueellinen power-to-x konsepti : teknistaloudellinen arviointi ja katsaus ajankohtaisiin ohjausmekanismeihin

The purpose of this Thesis was to research the field of power-to-x (PtX) and the current regulative aspects on the EU and national level. Furthermore, a techno-economic assessment was prepared for a regional PtX concept. A technology overview of different PtX process components was evaluated which included electrolysers, carbon capture and fuel synthesis. Their associated main products and side streams and their utilisation potential were identified as well. The regulative aspects concerning EU Fit For 55 packages was analysed and their impact to the field of PtX. Current regulation status on a national level was also presented. The results indicated that the field of regulation is incomplete at this stage and is on a development status. Regulation will affect the potential of wide-scale application of PtX technologies; however further clarification and finalisation is needed. The regional PtX concept main product off-takers and side stream utilisation targets were identified based on local opportunities. A PtX ecosystem analysis of possible key stakeholders was completed and their roles as well as regulation and value drivers were uncovered. The techno-economic assessment evaluated the feasibility of methanation plant alternatives in different demand scenarios. Alkaline electrolyser based methanation resulted in a feasible scenario when the production of synthetic natural gas (SNG) exceeded approx. 6 kt/a with a reference sales price of 145 €/MWh. Solid oxide electrolyser based methanation resulted in a feasible scenario only if SNG was produced by at least 23.7 kt/a. Oxygen and heat revenues were found to reduce the levelized costs of hydrogen and SNG. Electricity costs, full load hours, electrolyser efficiency and scaling had a large impact on the costs of methanation.Diplomityön tarkoituksena oli tutkia power-to-x (PtX) kenttää ja tämänhetkisiä säädöksiin liittyviä näkökohtia EU:n ja kansalliselta tasolta. Lisäksi työssä tehtiin teknis-taloudellinen arviointi alueelliseen PtX konseptiin. Työssä tarkasteltiin myös PtX prosessiin liittyviä teknologioita ja näistä tehtiin yleiskatsaus. Yleiskatsaus sisälsi elektrolyysin, hiilidioksidin talteenoton ja polttoainesynteesiin liittyviä asioita. Prosessien päätuotteet sekä sivuvirrat ja niiden hyödyntämisen mahdollisuudet tuotiin esille. Säädöksiin liittyvät näkökohdat keskittyivät EU:n Fit For 55 pakettiin ja niiden vaikutusten arviointiin PtX alaa koskien. Kansallisen tason säännöksiä esitettiin myös. Säädökset liittyen PtX alaan ovat vielä valtaosin keskeneräisiä ja kehityksen asteella. Säädökset vaikuttavat PtX teknologioiden laajamittaiseen soveltamiseen, mutta ne tarvitsevat vielä lisäselvityksä ja viimeistelyä. Alueellisen PtX konseptin pää- ja sivutuotteiden hyödyntäjät tunnistettiin paikallisten mahdollisuuksien perusteella. Työssä tehtiin PtX ekosysteemin analyysi jossa mahdolliset keskeiset sidosryhmät, heidän roolit, arvotekijät ja ohjaavat säädökset tunnistettiin. Teknis-taloudellisessa arvioinnissa tutkittiin metanointi vaihtoehtoja erilaisissa kysyntä skenaarioissa. Alkalielektrolyysiin perustuva metanointi saavutti tuottavan skenaarion mikäli synteettisen metaanin (SNG) vuosittainen tuotanto ylitti n. 6000 tonnia 145 €/MWh referenssi myyntihinnalla. Kiinteäoksidielektrolyysiin perustuvassa metanoinnissa saavutettiin tuottava skenaario vuosituotannon ylittäessä n. 23700 tonnia. Happi ja hukkalämpö sivuvirtojen hyödyntäminen laski vedyn ja synteettisen metaanin tuotantokustannuksia. Sähkön hinta, huipunkäyttöaika, elektrolyysin hyötysuhde ja skaalaus vaikuttivat merkittävästi metanoinnin tuotantokustannuksiin

Examination of the skin barrier repair/wound healing process using a living skin equivalent (LSE) model and matrix-assisted laser desorption-ionization-mass spectrometry imaging (MALDI-MSI).

Examination of the skin barrier repair/wound healing process using a living skin equivalent (LSE) model and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-mass spectrometry imaging (MALDI-MSI) to identify lipids directly involved as potential biomarkers. These biomarkers may be used to determine whether an in vivo wound is going to heal for example if infected. An in vitro LSE model was wounded with a scalpel blade and assessed at day 4 post wounding by histology and MALDI-MSI. Samples were sectioned at wound site and were either formalin fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) for histology or snapped frozen (FF) for MSI analysis. The combination of using an in vitro wounded skin model with MSI allowed the identification of lipids involved in the skin barrier repair/wound healing process. The technique was able to highlight lipids directly in the wound site and distinguish differences in lipid distribution between the epidermis and wound site. This novel method of coupling an in vitro LSE with MSI allowed in depth molecular analysis of the skin barrier repair/wound healing process. The technique allowed the identification of lipids directly involved in the skin barrier repair/wound healing process, indicating these biomarkers may be potentially be used within clinic. These biomarkers will help determine, which stage of the skin barrier repair/wound healing process the wound is in to provide the best treatment. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. [Abstract copyright: This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Investigation of flow uniformity and pressure recovery in a turning diffuser by means of baffles

Turning diffuser is an engineering device that is widely used in the industry to reduce the flow velocity as well as change the direction of the flow. Having a curvature shape causes its performance to decrease in terms of pressure recovery (Cp) and flow uniformity (σu). Therefore, this study presents the work done in designing baffles to be installed in the turning diffuser with ratio of AR=2.16 to improve the flow uniformity and pressure recovery. It also aims to investigate the mechanism of flow structure and pressure recovery in turning diffusers by means of turning baffles. The results with varying inflow Reynolds number (Rein) between 5.786E+04 – 1.775E+05 have been experimentally tested and compared with previous study. Particle image velocimetry (PIV) was used to determine the flow uniformity. On the other hand, a digital manometer provided the average static pressure of the inlet and outlet of turning diffuser. The best produced pressure recovery of Cp=0.526 were recorded when the system were operated at the highest Reynolds number tested Rein=1.775E+05. This result shows an improvement up to 54.625% deviation from previous study with Cp=0.239. The flow uniformity also shows an improvement of 47.127% deviation from previous study at the same Rein with σu=3.235 as compared to previous study σu=6.12

Volkswagen-huoltoprosessin kehittäminen lean menetelmin

Tämän opinnäytetyön tavoite oli kehittää Volkswagen Center Turun huoltoprosessia Leanmenetelmin, prosessin sujuvuutta vastaamaan yrityksen tavoitteita ja tulevaisuudennäkymiä sekä auttaa ymmärtämään syitä tuloksen takana. Menestyvä yritys syntyy motivoituneista ja tyytyväisistä työntekijöistä ja siksi työntekijöiden tyytyväisyys ja siihen panostaminen oli yksi tärkeimmistä kehityskohteista ja se vaatii myös jatkuvaa kehitystä ja ylläpitäviä toimintamalleja. Menetelmissä keskityttiin paljon henkilöstön hyvinvointiin sekä sitouttamiseen, jotka ovat jatkuvan muutoksen keskellä tärkeitä tehokkaan toiminnan kannalta. Opinnäytetyössä hyödynnettiin työntekijöiden kokemuksia keskusteluiden ja kysely- ja haastattelututkimuksien avulla. Opinnäytetyön aikana organisaatiossa toteutui organisaation rakennemuutoksia sekä mittava järjestelmämuutos. Uudet käyttöjärjestelmät ja tehostetumpi työtehtävien jaottelu mahdollistivat paremman keskittymisen yhteen osa-alueeseen. Yhdeksi laajemmaksi kehitys- ja tutkimuskohteeksi valittiin hallityönjohtajan rooli huollon toimihenkilöiden tiimissä. Hallityönjohdon esiselvityksen tavoitteena oli kartoittaa erillisen hallityönjohdon käyttöönoton mahdollisuutta Turun toimipisteessä. Esiselvitys toteutettiin tutustumalla hallityönjohdon toteutukseen muissa K-Caaran toimipisteissä. Vastuualueiden jako oli esiselvityksen mukaan yksi tärkeimmistä tekijöistä järjestelyn toimivuuden kannalta. Hallityönjohto ja vastuualueiden jako otettiin käyttöön ehdotelman mukaisesti, jolloin valittiin yksi vakituinen hallityönjohtaja sekä muiden toimihenkilöiden vastuualueet selkeytettiin. Henkilöstön sitouttaminen on avaintekijä muutoksen onnistumisessa. Tämä huomioitiin opinnäytetyötä tehdessä tutkimalla ja luomalla kehitysehdotuksia muun muassa kehityskeskusteluiden pitämiseen sekä palaverikäytäntöjen luomiseen ja tehostamiseen. Opinnäytetyön valmistuessa organisaatiossa on vielä suuria muutoksia meneillään. Opinnäytetyö toimi yrityksen huoltotoiminnan tarkastelun sekä muutoksen aloittajana, jonka keskeisin onnistuminen oli erillisen hallityönjohdon suunnittelu ja käyttöönotto, sekä toimihenkilöiden työtehtävien tarkastelun sekä uudelleenorganisoinnin ja käyttöönoton.The aim of the present Master’s thesis was to develop the VW service process in Volkswagen Center Turku with Lean methods, to help understand the reasons behind the result, to develop the fluency of the process and to meet the goals and future prospects of the company. Motivated and satisfied employees make a successful company. Therefore, employee satisfaction and investing in it was one of the main development targets and it requires continuous development. The methods used in the present study focus on the well-being and commitment of the employees. Employee well-being and commitment are important for an efficient way of working, especially in a situation characterized by a constant change. The employees’ experiences were studied through discussions, surveys and interviews. During the thesis process, a major system change as well as organizational changes took place in the company. New systems and a more efficient division of work allowed employees to focus on one area at a time. One of the broadest development and research targets was the position of the independent supervisor in the maintenance staff team. The aim of the preliminary study on the position was to survey the possibility of introducing an independent supervisor position at VW Turku. The preliminary study was carried out by exploring the implementation of the supervisor position in other K Caara services. According to the preliminary study, the clarity and division of the responsibilities was one of the most important factors for a successful way of working. The supervisor position and division of responsibilities were introduced in accordance with the plan. An independent supervisor was named and the responsibilities between the employees were clarified. The engagement of the employees is a key factor in the success of a change. This was taken into account in the thesis by researching and creating development proposals. The proposals include, among others, holding development discussions and enhancing meeting practices. As the thesis was completed, major changes were still taking place in the organization. The thesis was the initiator of the development and reviewing of the company’s service operations. The main success was the planning and implementation of an independent supervisor position as well as reviewing the work tasks of the employees, reorganization and introduction of the new ways of working

Isolation and characterisation of human gingival margin-derived STRO-1/MACS+ and MACS− cell populations

Recently, gingival margin-derived stem/progenitor cells isolated via STRO-1/magnetic activated cell sorting (MACS) showed remarkable periodontal regenerative potential in vivo. As a second-stage investigation, the present study's aim was to perform in vitro characterisation and comparison of the stem/progenitor cell characteristics of sorted STRO-1-positive (MACS+) and STRO-1-negative (MACS−) cell populations from the human free gingival margin. Cells were isolated from the free gingiva using a minimally invasive technique and were magnetically sorted using anti-STRO-1 antibodies. Subsequently, the MACS+ and MACS− cell fractions were characterized by flow cytometry for expression of CD14, CD34, CD45, CD73, CD90, CD105, CD146/MUC18 and STRO-1. Colony-forming unit (CFU) and multilineage differentiation potential were assayed for both cell fractions. Mineralisation marker expression was examined using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). MACS+ and MACS− cell fractions showed plastic adherence. MACS+ cells, in contrast to MACS− cells, showed all of the predefined mesenchymal stem/progenitor cell characteristics and a significantly higher number of CFUs (P<0.01). More than 95% of MACS+ cells expressed CD105, CD90 and CD73; lacked the haematopoietic markers CD45, CD34 and CD14, and expressed STRO-1 and CD146/MUC18. MACS− cells showed a different surface marker expression profile, with almost no expression of CD14 or STRO-1, and more than 95% of these cells expressed CD73, CD90 and CD146/MUC18, as well as the haematopoietic markers CD34 and CD45 and CD105. MACS+ cells could be differentiated along osteoblastic, adipocytic and chondroblastic lineages. In contrast, MACS− cells demonstrated slight osteogenic potential. Unstimulated MACS+ cells showed significantly higher expression of collagen I (P<0.05) and collagen III (P<0.01), whereas MACS− cells demonstrated higher expression of osteonectin (P<0.05; Mann–Whitney). The present study is the first to compare gingival MACS+ and MACS− cell populations demonstrating that MACS+ cells, in contrast to MACS− cells, harbour stem/progenitor cell characteristics. This study also validates the effectiveness of the STRO-1/MACS+ technique for the isolation of gingival stem/progenitor cells. Human free gingival margin-derived STRO-1/MACS+ cells are a unique renewable source of multipotent stem/progenitor cells

The identification of proteoglycans and glycosaminoglycans in archaeological human bones and teeth

Bone tissue is mineralized dense connective tissue consisting mainly of a mineral component (hydroxyapatite) and an organic matrix comprised of collagens, non-collagenous proteins and proteoglycans (PGs). Extracellular matrix proteins and PGs bind tightly to hydroxyapatite which would protect these molecules from the destructive effects of temperature and chemical agents after death. DNA and proteins have been successfully extracted from archaeological skeletons from which valuable information has been obtained; however, to date neither PGs nor glycosaminoglycan (GAG) chains have been studied in archaeological skeletons. PGs and GAGs play a major role in bone morphogenesis, homeostasis and degenerative bone disease. The ability to isolate and characterize PG and GAG content from archaeological skeletons would unveil valuable paleontological information. We therefore optimized methods for the extraction of both PGs and GAGs from archaeological human skeleto ns. PGs and GAGs were successfully extracted from both archaeological human bones and teeth, and characterized by their electrophoretic mobility in agarose gel, degradation by specific enzymes and HPLC. The GAG populations isolated were chondroitin sulfate (CS) and hyaluronic acid (HA). In addition, a CSPG was detected. The localization of CS, HA, three small leucine rich PGs (biglycan, decorin and fibromodulin) and glypican was analyzed in archaeological human bone slices. Staining patterns were different for juvenile and adult bones, whilst adolescent bones had a similar staining pattern to adult bones. The finding that significant quantities of PGs and GAGs persist in archaeological bones and teeth opens novel venues for the field of Paleontology

Benzoyl-arginine naphthylamide (BANA) hydrolysis by Treponema denticola and/or Bacteroides gingivalis in periodontal plaques

Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/73624/1/j.1399-302X.1990.tb00425.x.pd

Влияние фосфатных связующих на физико-механические свойства периклазохромитовых огнеупоров

У данній статті наведено та порівняно фізико-механічні властивості периклазо-хромітових матеріалів в залежності від різних типів фосфатних зв’язуючих та введення різних домішок. Визначено, що найбільш раціональним є введення триполіфосфату натрію.In given clause are resulted and the physycal-mechanical properties periclase-cgromite of materials are compared depending on different of types phosphate binding and introduction of the various additives. Is determined, that most rational is the introduction treepolyphosphate sodume