Reurbanisation Through Cultural Flagship Strategies: The Attitude of and Effects on Residents in Regenerated Areas of Glasgow and Manchester

The thesis takes its inspiration from the current debate over urban cultural policy and its effect on urban regeneration. In the 1960s and the 1970s, most older industrial cities in Europe suffered from massive economic decline along with social unrest. The cities of Glasgow and Manchester were two of the older industrial cities in Britain, which suffered the worst urban decline. In order to overcome such urban decline, many European cities have adopted new means of urban growth strategies. Cultural flagship development strategies were begun in the US, but the strategies have become a focal point in urban regeneration policies of many European cities. The cities of Glasgow and Manchester have used cultural flagship development to endeavour to transform their city's overall image and the strengthening of their economic base. In spite of extensive literature debating the issues of cultural flagship strategies, there is a lack of empirical studies on residents who live in cities which have employed the strategies for their city's development. This empirical study examines residents in some parts of Glasgow and Manchester (Crown Street & Merchant City in Glasgow and Hulme (Royce Place) & Whitworth Street in Manchester) where housing regeneration has taken place. The study focuses upon residents' reasons for residential relocation in the research areas, and their view on the perceptions of the cities of Glasgow and Manchester and on the use of cultural flagship strategies to improve their city. By analysing residents' points of view, one can gain insight into what the cities of Glasgow and Manchester have achieved over a decade through the use of cultural flagship schemes. The thesis advanced is that it explains factors that stimulated the process of reurbanisation in the four chosen areas of Glasgow and Manchester. The thesis also dismisses the fundamental hypothesis that there would be highly contrasting opinions on cultural flagship strategies between residents with different social and economic backgrounds in the survey areas as the strategies would seem to be likely to benefit economically better-off residents more than economically worse-off residents. However, the thesis found that both types of residents in the areas showed a very positive attitude toward the strategies and the current developments of Glasgow and Manchester. The changes in the perceptions of Glasgow and Manchester were seen in the eyes of residents as largely a result of cultural improvements in the cities. However, it seems to be inevitable that there is an unequal distribution of benefits from cultural flagship developments among the residents in the survey areas since cultural flagship developments were largely designed to attract businesses and wealthy residents. The main benefits generated by cultural flagship strategies largely went to those residents in the central city areas with high household incomes. Moreover, the cultural flagship strategies seem to deepen the polarisation in the cities of Glasgow and Manchester between, on the one hand, residents with low-income and who are unemployed and, on the other, residents with high-income and secure occupations. Nevertheless, an interesting factor in the study is that a vast majority of the residents in the survey areas reacted positively toward cultural flagship developments of their city

Wearable thermoelectrics for personalized thermoregulation.

Thermoregulation has substantial implications for energy consumption and human comfort and health. However, cooling technology has remained largely unchanged for more than a century and still relies on cooling the entire space regardless of the number of occupants. Personalized thermoregulation by thermoelectric devices (TEDs) can markedly reduce the cooling volume and meet individual cooling needs but has yet to be realized because of the lack of flexible TEDs with sustainable high cooling performance. Here, we demonstrate a wearable TED that can deliver more than 10°C cooling effect with a high coefficient of performance (COP > 1.5). Our TED is the first to achieve long-term active cooling with high flexibility, due to a novel design of double elastomer layers and high-ZT rigid TE pillars. Thermoregulation based on these devices may enable a shift from centralized cooling toward personalized cooling with the benefits of substantially lower energy consumption and improved human comfort

Association Between Impairment of DNA Double Strand Break Repair and Decreased Ovarian Reserve in Patients With Endometriosis

Background: Repair of DNA double strand break (DSB) is an important mechanism for maintaining genetic stability during a DNA damage event. Although, a growing body of recent evidence suggests that DNA DSBs and related repair mechanisms may be important in ovarian aging and in various cancers, there are few reports in endometriosis. We, therefore, examined expression levels of genes pertaining to DNA DSB repair in patients with endometriosis to assess the potential effects on ovarian reserves.Materials and methods: A total of 69 women undergoing laparoscopic surgery for endometriosis and other benign conditions was included; endometriosis group (n = 38) vs. controls (n = 31). DNA DSBs in endometrial and ovarian tissues of both groups were compared via immunohistochemistry, aimed at γ-H2AX expression. To gauge genotoxin-induced DNA DSBs in endometrial stromal cells, γ-H2AX expression was determined by western blot after H2O2 treatment of cultured endometrial stromal cells (endometriosis group and controls) and Ishikawa cell-line cultures. Endometrial and ovarian tissue levels of BRCA1, BRCA2, Rad51, and ATM (ataxia-telangiectasia mutated) mRNA expression were also compared. Correlations between expression levels of genes of interest and serum anti-müllerian hormone (AMH) levels were assessed as well.Results: Expression of γ-H2AX in immunostained endometrial and ovarian tissue preparations was greater in the endometriosis group, compared with controls. After H2O2 treatment, γ-H2AX expression levels were also significantly greater in cultured stromal cells of the endometriosis group and in the Ishikawa cell line than in controls. Endometrial expression of BRCA1 and Rad51 mRNA proved significantly lower in the endometriosis group (vs. controls), as did ovarian expression of BRCA1 and BRCA2 mRNA. Serum AMH concentration showed a significant correlation with ovarian BRCA1 mRNA expression in women with endometriosis (p = 0.03).Conclusions: In women with endometriosis, expression levels of various genes implicated in DSB repair are decreased and ovarian BRCA1 expression correlates wit

제일원리전산을 이용한 연료전지용 백금 나노촉매의 전기화학적 안정성에 대한 열역학적 분석

Durability of Pt based nanocatalyst materials in acidic environments is one of the key issues hindering the development of efficient fuel cells. In this study, we used first principles calculations to analyze the electrochemical degradation of Pt nanoparticles. Model systems for Pt nanoparticles of different sizes were conceptualized for calculating their electrochemical dissolution potential, which essentially indicates the nanoparticle’s resistance to dissolution. We adopted a step by step mechanism for dissolution of Pt atoms on the outermost shell of the nanoparticle by accounting for various possible pathways which lead to complete dissolution. Based strictly on thermodynamic considerations, our findings point towards a strong size dependent behavior of the Pt nanoparticles, whose properties become similar to bulk Pt for size more than 3 nm. Remarkably, we find that for all cases, the dissolution proceeds by exposing more (111) facets at the expense of other atomic sites. Our results indicate that the competition between two major thermodynamic factors, the cohesive energy and the surface energy, decides the dissolution pathway. Based on our findings, we propose some desired characteristics which can serve towards rational design of model Pt nanocatalysts. Our findings may be of importance in understanding of the electrochemical stability in other applications as well, for instance the photo-catalysts for fuel generations via water splitting. ⓒ 2013 DGISTChapter 1. Introduction 1 -- 1.1 Challenges of fuel cells 1 -- 1.2 Objectives of this work 2 -- Chapter 2. Methodology 4 -- 2.1 Model systems 4 -- 2.2 Computational details 7 -- 2.3 Formalisms 8 -- Chapter 3. Results and discussion 10 -- Chapter 4. Limitations of the thesis and future works 17 -- Chapter 5. Conclusions 19 -- References 21 -- Summary (국문요약) 25산성환경에서 백금 나노입자의 열화 문제는 고성능 연료전지를 개발함에 있어서 가장 핵심이 되는 부분이다. 본 논문에서는 열역학적 관점을 기반으로 하여 백금 나노입자의 전기화학적 열화현상을 규명하기 위해 제일원리전산을 도입하였다. 열화현상은 전기화학적 용해전위와 관련이 있는데 이를 계산하기 위해 3 nm 이하 백금 입자모델을 세웠다. 그리고 이것이 완전용해에 이르는 여러 루트를 설명하기 위해, 나노입자의 최외곽 껍질이 단계적으로 용해되어서 없어지는 소위 “step by step” 메커니즘을 도입하였다. 그 결과, 백금 나노입자의 용해전위가 입자크기에 의해 좌우되고, 크기가 커질수록 벌크 백금 금속의 용해전위에 가까워짐을 발견하였다. 주목할만한 점은, 본 연구에서 사용된 모든 백금 나노입자 모델들이 (111) 면을 점점 더 노출하면서 용해되는 특성을 보였고, 응집에너지와 표면에너지 간의 상호작용을 통해 내구성이 결정되는 것을 확인하였다. 본 연구과정에서 발견된 나노입자의 전기화학적 용해 특성은 실제 백금 나노촉매를 디자인 함에 있어 기준을 제시할 것이다. 그뿐만 아니라 광촉매 응용분야와 같은 여러 어플리케이션 개발에도 중요한 역할을 담당할 것이다. ⓒ 2013 DGISTMasterdCollectio

Electrochemical and Thermodynamic Study of Electrode Materials on Li-ion Batteries and Aqueous Energy Storage and Conversion Applications

The energy storage and conversion is one of the key issues for human beings to live sustainably on earth since our living environment has been deteriorating with the development of industrialization. We can alleviate the waste of energy consumption and corresponding environmental pollutions by storing and converting energy efficiently. The electrochemical cells are drawing considerable attention recently as a promising solution. In this thesis, electrode materials for Li-ion batteries and aqueous electrochemical cells are studied, focusing on the electrochemical and thermodynamic aspects.First, transition metal difluorides, MF2 (M = Fe,Ni, and Cu) are explored. It is found that the conversion-reaction voltage is associated with the size of the converted metal nanoparticles. The surface energy of metal nanoparticles reduces the reaction energy, which decreases the conversion-reaction voltage. In addition, CuF2 electrodes are rechargeable when it is coated with NiO. NiO alleviates Cu dissolution into an electrolyte and enhances the cyclability of CuF2.Second, Zn/β-MnO2 alkaline battery is studied as a promising rechargeable energy storage of high capacity. The nano-sized β-MnO2 cathode in the alkaline electrolyte of LiOH and KOH exhibit the average discharge capacity of 280 mAh g-1 over the first 100 cycles. It is found that the β-MnO2 transforms through proton intercalation and conversion reactions. The capacity is improved further with an addition of 4% mole fraction Bi2O3 in the nanosized β-MnO2.Third, density functional theory (DFT) calculations are conducted for Li4Ti5O12 (LTO), its Gadolinium (Gd)-doped, and lithiated phases. The density of states (DOS) of LTO exhibits the property of an electrical insulator, however Gd-doped LTO is an electrical conductor which enhances the electrochemical performance. In addition, the formation energy of lithiated LTO phases is calculated to understand the reaction mechanism of LTO upon lithiation. The calculated results show that the lithiation proceeds by the two-phase reaction and there is no intermediate phase between two end phases: Li4Ti5O12 and Li7Ti5O12.Lastly, oxygen evolution reaction (OER) on YBaCo4O7 (110) is investigated by DFT calculations. The results indicate that OER can be easily activated by YBaCo4O7 (110) due to its low overpotential. The free energy diagram exhibits the oxidation from O* to OOH*, which is the rate-determining step

Electrochemical and Thermodynamic Study of Electrode Materials on Li-ion Batteries and Aqueous Energy Storage and Conversion Applications

The energy storage and conversion is one of the key issues for human beings to live sustainably on earth since our living environment has been deteriorating with the development of industrialization. We can alleviate the waste of energy consumption and corresponding environmental pollutions by storing and converting energy efficiently. The electrochemical cells are drawing considerable attention recently as a promising solution. In this thesis, electrode materials for Li-ion batteries and aqueous electrochemical cells are studied, focusing on the electrochemical and thermodynamic aspects.First, transition metal difluorides, MF2 (M = Fe,Ni, and Cu) are explored. It is found that the conversion-reaction voltage is associated with the size of the converted metal nanoparticles. The surface energy of metal nanoparticles reduces the reaction energy, which decreases the conversion-reaction voltage. In addition, CuF2 electrodes are rechargeable when it is coated with NiO. NiO alleviates Cu dissolution into an electrolyte and enhances the cyclability of CuF2.Second, Zn/β-MnO2 alkaline battery is studied as a promising rechargeable energy storage of high capacity. The nano-sized β-MnO2 cathode in the alkaline electrolyte of LiOH and KOH exhibit the average discharge capacity of 280 mAh g-1 over the first 100 cycles. It is found that the β-MnO2 transforms through proton intercalation and conversion reactions. The capacity is improved further with an addition of 4% mole fraction Bi2O3 in the nanosized β-MnO2.Third, density functional theory (DFT) calculations are conducted for Li4Ti5O12 (LTO), its Gadolinium (Gd)-doped, and lithiated phases. The density of states (DOS) of LTO exhibits the property of an electrical insulator, however Gd-doped LTO is an electrical conductor which enhances the electrochemical performance. In addition, the formation energy of lithiated LTO phases is calculated to understand the reaction mechanism of LTO upon lithiation. The calculated results show that the lithiation proceeds by the two-phase reaction and there is no intermediate phase between two end phases: Li4Ti5O12 and Li7Ti5O12.Lastly, oxygen evolution reaction (OER) on YBaCo4O7 (110) is investigated by DFT calculations. The results indicate that OER can be easily activated by YBaCo4O7 (110) due to its low overpotential. The free energy diagram exhibits the oxidation from O* to OOH*, which is the rate-determining step

Molecular and functional profiling of Arabidopsis pathogenesis-related genes: Insights into their roles in salt response of seed germination

Pathogenesis-related (PR) proteins are a group of heterogeneous proteins encoded by genes that are rapidly induced by pathogenic infections and by salicylic acid (SA), jasmonic acid (JA) and ethylene (ET). They are widely used as molecular markers for resistance response to pathogens and systemic acquired response (SAR). However, recent studies have shown that the PR genes are also regulated by environmental factors, including light and abiotic stresses, and by developmental cues, suggesting that they also play a role in certain stress responses and developmental processes. In this work, we systematically examined the expression patterns of Arabidopsis PR genes. We also investigated the effects of environmental stresses and growth hormones on the expression of PR genes. We found that individual PR genes are temporally and spatially regulated in distinct patterns. In addition, they are differentially regulated by plant growth hormones, including SA, ABA, JA, ET and brassinosteroid (BR), and by diverse abiotic stresses, supporting the contention that the PR proteins play a role in plant developmental processes other than disease resistance response. Interestingly, PR-3 was induced significantly by high salt in an ABA-dependent manner. Consistent with this, a T-DNA insertional knockout plant with disruption of the PR-3 gene showed a significantly reduced rate of seed germination in the presence of high salt. It is thus proposed that PR-3 mediates ABA-dependent salt stress signals that affect seed germination in Arabidopsis. PR-4 and PR-5 also contributed to salt regulation of seed germination, although their effects were not as evident as those of PR-3