Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Internal density'

Thesis (S.B.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Mechanical Engineering, 2007.
"June 2007."
Includes bibliographical references.
A method was developed to create a nonlinear density gradient in a tank of water. Such gradients are useful for studying internal waves, an ocean phenomenon that plays an important role in climate and ocean circulation. The method was developed by expanding on the two-tank system currently used to create linear density gradients. A mathematical model of the two-tank system was used and a Matlab script was written to solve the model for the required flow rates in the system given a desired density gradient. The method was tested by creating three different density gradients: a linear gradient, a hyperbolic gradient, and a two-layer gradient. It was discovered that for a two-layer gradient the flow rates for each layer must be calculated independently of each other, because of problems integrating over a density gradient with a non-continuous slope. It was also discovered that the system failed at very low flow rates; insufficient mixing in the two-tank system led to gradients weaker than expected. Overall, the measured gradients matched up well with the expected gradients, and it was concluded that the system can successfully produce nonlinear density gradients.
by Victoria Siân Harris.
S.B.

Internal waves are generated in a fluid if the density increases continuously with depth. The variation in density with depth, or stratification, defines the natural frequency of the fluid N. Two common examples of stratified fluids are the ocean and atmosphere; internal waves are generated continuously in both mediums. Although there are many internal wave generation mechanisms, one common and frequently studied method is tidal flow over oceanic bathymetry. If the local natural frequency of the water near the topography is greater than the tidal frequencyω, internal waves will be generated by the tidal flow over the topography. If N=ω, only evanescent waves will be formed. Unlike internal waves, evanescent waves decay rapidly as they move vertically away from their generation site. As evanescent waves pass from an evanescent region (N=ω),through a turning depth (N=ω) and into a propagating region (N=ω), they become propagating internal waves. Because internal waves can propagate energy across large distances, they play an important role in oceanic mixing and the overall energy budget of the ocean. Knowing where these waves are formed from evanescent waves and their corresponding energy improves understanding of the impact on their surrounding area.Kinetic energy density of evanescent and internal waves formed from oscillatory flow over topography in evanescent regions is first estimated using synthetic schlieren experiments and a novel linear theory model. Experiments were performed with two Gaussian topographies in an exponential density profile. The linear theory model, which uses a set of equations that links the evanescent and propagating regions with the Airy function to overcome the discontinuity inherent with a turning depth, was compared to the experiments. Both methods showed that increasing Fr1,the strength of the evanescent region relative to the excitation frequency, causes the propagating kinetic energy to decrease. In addition, kinetic energy decreased with increasing distance between the topography and the turning depth. Because the model does not account for non-linearities such as turbulence generation, it regularly overestimates propagating kinetic energy relative to the experiments. After comparing the model with synthetic schlieren experiments, it was used to estimate that 25% of the evanescent wave energy generated by an oceanic topography located at 15◦N, 130◦E can become propagating wave energy.The influence of topography shape and fluid density profile on kinetic energy density was also explored through a combination of experiments, a linear theory model, and numerical simulations. From numerical simulations, kinetic energy can be directly calculated with the velocity pro-file and indirectly with the density perturbation field, in the same manner as the synthetic schlieren experiments. Average propagating internal wave kinetic energy (KE∗ 2) as a function of Fr1D/H,which combines Fr1 with the relative distance between the topography and the turning depth D/H,was compared for all methods. KE∗ 2 decreases with increasing Fr1D/H for all methods. Also, far from the turning depth, the direct and indirect simulations indicate similar kinetic energy when in the propagating region, where a distance from the turning depth can be quantified based on N and ω. This work was expanded to include a medium Gaussian, steep Gaussian, sinusoidal, and complex topography with two layer linear, parabolic, cubic, and exponential density profiles to investigate the validity of assuming an average natural frequency in the evanescent region and the impact of the topographic slope on KE∗ 2. A comparison of the density profiles indicated that using a two layer linear density profile has similar results compared to the other density profiles for estimating KE∗ 2 as a function of Fr1D/H. Also, KE∗ 2 is non-negligible for Fr1D/H<4. Increasing the maximum slope of a topography shape decreases the kinetic energy of the generated internal waves, though it was found that the energy is dependent upon the actual shape of the topography as well.Particle image velocimetry (PIV) experiments were performed and compared to synthetic schlieren (SS). While SS experiments generally resulted in an overestimate of kinetic energy relative to the PIV results, the trends from each experimental method matched well. It is recommended that SS be used in regions away from turning depths, but that either are valid in the evanescent and propagating regions. PIV methods should be used when results near the turning depth or the topography are desired.

Doctor of Philosophy
Department of Human Nutrition
Edgar Chambers IV
Preference mapping is a method that provides product development directions for developers to see a whole picture of products, liking and relevant descriptors in a target market. Many statistical methods and commercial statistical software programs offering preference mapping analyses are available to researchers. Because of numerous available options, there are two questions addressed in this research that most scientists must answer before choosing a method of analysis: 1) are the different methods providing the same interpretation, co-ordinate values and object orientation; and 2) which method and program should be used with the data provided? This research used data from paint, milk and fragrance studies, representing complexity from lesser to higher. The techniques used are principal component analysis, multidimensional preference map (MDPREF), modified preference map (PREFMAP), canonical variate analysis, generalized procrustes analysis and partial least square regression utilizing statistical software programs of SAS, Unscrambler, Senstools and XLSTAT. Moreover, the homogeneousness of consumer data were investigated through hierarchical cluster analysis (McQuitty’s similarity analysis, median, single linkage, complete linkage, average linkage, and Ward’s method), partitional algorithm (k-means method), nonparametric method versus four manual clustering groups (strict, strict-liking-only, loose, loose-liking-only segments). The manual clusters were extracted according to the most frequently rated highest for best liked and least liked products on hedonic ratings. Furthermore, impacts of plotting preference maps for individual clusters were explored with and without the use of an overall mean liking vector. Results illustrated various statistical software programs were not similar in their oriented and co-ordinate values, even when using the same preference method. Also, if data were not highly homogenous, interpretation could be different. Most computer cluster analyses did not segment consumers relevant to their preferences and did not yield as homogenous clusters as manual clustering. The interpretation of preference maps created by the highest homogeneous clusters had little improvement when applied to complicated data. Researchers should look at key findings from univariate data in descriptive sensory studies to obtain accurate interpretations and suggestions from the maps, especially for external preference mapping. When researchers make recommendations based on an external map alone for complicated data, preference maps may be overused.

Functional near infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) is a non-ionising, non-invasive, portable and relatively inexpensive method of measuring cerebral oxygen saturation. One potential application of fNIRS is as a monitoring modality for patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) in order to guide therapy in both the emergency and clinical settings. However, despite its potential, uncertainty in signal origins (superficial contamination) has meant that current literature describes fNIRS as a 'work in progress' and as not currently suitable as a standalone technique to replace x-ray computerised tomography or invasive intracranial pressure monitors for TBI care. In order to address such limitations, the work within this thesis examined the viability of existing fNIRS devices, explored the utility of atlas-based reconstruction algorithms, and a prototype, high-density near infrared spectroscopy probe to improve the quantitative assessment of cerebral haemodynamics (including oxygen saturation) for use in TBI care. The presented data demonstrates that a high-density probe and Atlas-based reconstruction method is capable of more accurately mapping cerebral oxygen saturation than conventional fNIRS.

In Latin America, visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is caused by infection with Leishmania infantum, an endemic but lethal parasite transmitted by Lutzomyia longipalpis sandflies. Multiple hosts are implicated in VL transmission; therefore sandfly biting preferences may be pivotal in determining transmission dynamics. Host preferences are poorly understood with simple preference-host density relationships being conventionally assumed. Combined modelling and fieldwork approaches were used to investigate the preference of sandflies for key host types (dogs, humans and chickens) and force of infection (FOI) over a range of vector and host densities. In Brazil, variable vector densities were (i) observed over a period of seasonal variation, and (ii) experimentally manipulated via “trapping out” (sustained CDCLT capture to reduce local vector density). Host density was also manipulated by (iii) the incremental introduction of chickens to experimental sheds. Results suggest that there is a significant link between alternative host density and the absolute and relative preference of sandflies for humans and dogs. Investigations also indicate that host choice has a vector density dependent element, which varies significantly and nonlinearly depending upon vector density. Meta-analysis and mathematical modelling of human and canine prevalences across Brazil also point toward variable transmission rates to these hosts attributable to density-dependent biting preferences observed in the field. These host choice dynamics ultimately combine to demonstrate the influence of host and vector densities on FOI on dogs and humans, but there are significant interactions between host and vector densities resulting in complex FOI relationships. Nonlinearities are likely explained by density dependent sandfly aggregation behaviour upon outdoor living hosts, such as chickens, as vector density rises. This preference behaviour may have far reaching implications for our understanding of transmission and control, and potentially indicate host density manipulation as an intervention measure.

The demand for more power and performance from electronic equipment has constantly been growing resulting in an increased amount of heat dissipation from these devices. Thermal management of high-density power control units for hybrid electric vehicles is one such application. Over the last few years, the performance of this power control unit has been improved and size has been reduced to attain higher efficiency and performance causing the heat dissipation as well as heat density to increase significantly. However, the overall cooling system has remained unchanged and only the heat exchanger corresponding to the power control unit (PCU) has been improved. This has allowed the manufacturing costs to go down. Efforts are constantly being made to reduce the PCU size even further and also to reduce manufacturing costs. As a consequence, heat density will go up (~ 200 – 250 W/cm2) and thus, a better high performance cooler/heat exchanger is required that can operate under the existing cooling system design and at the same time, maintain active devices temperature within optimum range (<120 – 125 °C) for higher reliability. The aim of this dissertation was to study the various cooling options based on jet impingement, mini-channel, ribbed mini-channel, phase change material and double sided cooling configurations for application in hybrid electric vehicle and other similar consumer products and perform parametric and optimization study on selected designs. Detailed experimental and computational analysis was performed on different cooling designs to evaluate overall performance. Severe constraints such as choice of coolant, coolant flow-rate, pressure drop, minimum geometrical size and operating temperature were required for the overall design. High performance jet impingement based cooler design with incorporated fin-like structures induced swirl and provided enhanced local heat transfer compared to traditional cooling designs. However, the cooling scheme could manage only 97.4% of the target effectiveness. Tapered/nozzle-shaped jets based designs showed promising results (~40% reduction in overall pressure drop) but were not sufficient to meet the overall operating temperature requirement. Various schemes of mini-channel arrangement, which were based on utilizing conduction and convection heat transfer in a conjugate mode, demonstrated improved performance over that of impingement cooling schemes. Impingement and mini-channel based designs were combined to show high heat transfer rates but at the expense of higher pressure drops (~5 times). As an alternate, mini-channel based coolers with ~1.5 mm size channels having trip strips or ribs were studied to accommodate the design constraints and to enhance local as well as overall heat transfer rates and achieve the target operating temperature. A step by step approach to the development of the heat exchanger is provided with an emphasis on system level design. The computational based optimization methodology is confirmed by a fabricated test bed to evaluate overall performance and compare the predicted results with actual performance. Additionally, one of the impingement based configuration (Swirl-Impingement-Fin) developed during the course of this work was applied to the internal cooling of a turbine blade trailing edge and was shown to enhance the thermal performance by at least a factor of 2 in comparison to the existing pin-fin technology for the conditions studied in this work.
Ph. D.

Thesis (DMed)--Stellenbosch University, 2008.
The comparative study presented in this dissertation specifically aimed to assess fracture risk in black (Xhosa) and white South African women by evaluating known determinants of bone strength as well as the propensity to falls. We thus compared the prevalence of clinical (historic) risk factors for osteoporosis, measured and compared vertebral and femoral bone mineral density (BMD) employing dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA), ultrasound variables using the Sahara sonometer, serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) and 25-OH Vitamin D, mineral homeostasis and modern biochemical markers of bone turnover, bone geometry and the propensity to falls. Finally, we determined the prevalence of vertebral fractures in these black and white South African females. 1. Significant ethnic differences were noted in the presence and frequency of historical clinical and lifestyle risk factors for osteoporosis. Blacks were heavier and shorter, they consumed less calcium, were more inactive, preferred depot-medroxyprogesterone acetate as contraceptive agent and were of higher parity. Whites smoked more, preferred oral oestrogen containing contraceptive tablets and were more likely to have a positive family history of osteoporosis. Hormone therapy was used almost exclusively by postmenopausal whites. Inter-ethnic differences in weight, physical activity and high parity was most marked in the older subjects. 2. We found that peak spinal BMD was lower, but peak femoral BMD similar or higher (depending on the specific proximal femoral site measured) in black South-African females compared with whites. The lower peak spinal BMD was mainly attributed to lower BMD’s in the subgroup of black females with normal to low body weight, indicating that obesity either protected black females against a low spinal BMD or enhanced optimal attainment of bone mineral. An apparent slower rate of decline in both spinal- and femoral BMD with ageing was noted in the black females compared with whites in this cross-sectional study – an observation which will require confirmation in longitudinal, follow-up studies. This resulted in similar spinal BMD values in postmenopausal blacks and whites, but significantly higher femoral BMD measurements in blacks. The volumetric calculation of bone mineral apparent density (BMAD) at the lumbar spine and femoral neck yielded similar results to that of BMD. Spinal BMAD was similar in blacks and whites and femoral neck BMAD was consistently higher in all the menopausal subgroups studied. Weight significantly correlated with peak- and postmenopausal BMD at all sites in the black and white female cohorts. Greater and better maintained body weight may be partially responsible for slower rates of bone loss observed in black postmenopausal females. Most of the observed ethnic difference in BMD was, in fact, explained by differences in body weight between the two cohorts and not by ethnicity per se. 3. A low body weight and advanced age was identified as by far the most informative individual clinical risk factors for osteopenia in our black and white females, whereas physical inactivity was also identified as an important individual risk factor in blacks only. Risk assessment tools, developed and validated in Asian and European populations, demonstrated poor sensitivity for identification of South African women at increased risk of osteopenia. The osteoporosis risk assessment instrument (ORAI) showed the best results, with sensitivities to identify osteopenic whites at most skeletal sites approaching 80% (78% - 81%). The risk assessment tool scores appear to be inappropriate for our larger sized study cohort, especially our black subjects, thus resulting in incorrect risk stratification and poor test sensitivity. General discriminant analysis identified certain risk factor subsets for combined prediction of osteopenia in blacks and whites. These risk factor subsets were more sensitive to identify osteopenia in blacks at all skeletal sites, compared with the risk assessment tools described in the literature. 4. Higher ultrasonographically measured broadband ultrasound attenuation (BUA) and speed of sound (SOS) values were documented in our elderly blacks compared with whites, even after correction for differences in DEXA determined BMD at the spine and proximal femoral sites. BUA and SOS showed no decline with ageing in blacks, in contrast to an apparent significant deterioration in both parameters in ageing whites. If these quantitative ultrasound (QUS) parameters do measure qualitative properties of bone in our black population, independent of BMD as has been suggested in previous work in Caucasian populations, the higher values documented in elderly blacks imply better preservation of bone quality in ageing blacks compared with whites. The correlation between QUS calcaneal BMD and DEXA measured BMD at the hip and spine was modest at best. QUS calcaneal BMD was therefore unable to predict DEXA measured BMD at clinically important fracture sites in our study population. 5. Bone turnover, as assessed biochemically, was similar in the total pre- and postmenopausal black and white cohorts, but bone turnover rates appeared to differ with ageing between the two racial groups. A lower bone turnover rate was noted in blacks at the time of the menopausal transition and is consistent with the finding of a lower percentage bone loss at femoral sites at this time in blacks compared with whites. Bone turnover only increased in ageing postmenopausal blacks, and this could be ascribed, at least in part, to the observed negative calcium balance and the more pronounced secondary hyperparathyroidism noted in blacks. Deleterious effects of secondary hyperparathyroidism on bone mineral density at the proximal femoral sites were demonstrated in our postmenopausal blacks and contest the idea of an absolute skeletal resistance to the action of PTH in blacks. The increase in bone turnover and the presence of secondary hyperparathyroidism due to a negative calcium balance may thus potentially aggravate bone loss in ageing blacks, especially at proximal femoral sites. 6. Shorter, adult black women have a significantly shorter hip axis length (HAL) than whites. This geometric feature has been documented to protect against hip fracture. The approximately one standard deviation (SD) difference in HAL between our blacks and whites may therefore significantly contribute to the lower hip fracture rate previously reported in South African black females compared with whites. Average vertebral size was, however, smaller in black females and fail to explain the apparent lower vertebral fracture risk previously reported in this population. Racial differences in vertebral dimensions (height, width) and/or other qualitative bone properties as suggested by our QUS data may, however, account for different vertebral fracture rates in white and black women – that is, if such a difference in fact exists. 7. The number of women with a history of falls was similar in our black and white cohorts, and in both ethnic groups the risk of falling increased with age. There is a suggestion that the nature of falls in our black and white postmenopausal females may differ, but this will have to be confirmed in a larger study. Fallers in our postmenopausal study population were more likely to have osteoporosis than non-fallers. Postmenopausal blacks in our study demonstrated poorer outcomes regarding neuromuscular function, Vitamin D status and visual contrast testing and were shown to be more inactive with ageing compared with whites. An increased fall tendency amongst the black females could not however be documented in this small study. Quadriceps weakness and slower reaction time indicated an increased fall risk amongst whites, but were unable to distinguish black female fallers from non-fallers. 8. Vertebral fractures occurred in a similar percentage of postmenopausal blacks (11.5%) and whites (8.1%) in our study. Proximal femoral BMD best identified black and white vertebral fracture cases in this study. Quite a number of other risk factors i.e. physical inactivity, alcohol-intake, poorer physical performance test results and a longer HAL were more frequent in the white fracture cases and could therefore serve as markers of increased fracture risk, although not necessarily implicated in the pathophysiology of OP or falls. However, in blacks, only femoral BMD served as risk factor. Similar risk factors for blacks and whites cannot therefore be assumed and is deserving of further study. White fracture cases did not fall more despite lower 25-OH-Vitamin D, poorer physical performance and lower activity levels than non-fracture cases. Calcaneal ultrasonography and biochemical parameters of bone turnover were similar in fracture and non-fracture cases in both ethnic groups. Our study data on vertebral fractures in this cohort of urbanized blacks thus cautions against the belief that blacks are not at risk of sustaining vertebral compression fractures and emphasize the need for further studies to better define fracture prevalence in the different ethnic populations of South Africa. 9. In our study, hormone therapy in postmenopausal white women improved bone strength parameters and reduced fall risk. In hormone treated whites compared with non-hormone users, a higher BMD at the spine and proximal femur as determined by DEXA were documented and all QUS measurements were also significantly higher. The biochemically determined bone turnover rate, as reflected by serum osteocalcin levels, was lower in hormone users. Fall frequency was lower in the older hormone treated women (≥ 60yrs) and greater quadriceps strength and reduced lateral sway was noted. Only one patient amongst the hormone users (2%) had radiological evidence of vertebral fractures compared with four patients (6%) amongst the never-users. As hormone therapy was used almost exclusively by whites in this study population, the impact of hormone therapy on postmenopausal black study subjects could not be assessed.

Tethered polymer layers at solid-fluid interfaces are used widely in a variety of surface science applications. Although many of these applications require exposure to dynamic flow conditions, flow field penetration into densely grafted polymer brushes, is still a question open to debate despite the fact that it is a fundamental process crucial to mass transport through these polymer films. Although most theoretical work has indicated flow field penetration into polymer films, with varying predicted penetration depths predicted, the limited experimental attempts to investigate this phenomenon have resulted in inconsistent conclusions due to lack of a proper analytical method. To help resolve this controversy, in this Dissertation, a new spectroscopic method, FRET-TIRFM, based on a combination of Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) and total internal reflectance fluorescence microscopy (TIRFM), is developed to provide the first direct, quantitative measurements on flow field penetration by measuring linear diffusion coefficients of small molecules through densely grafted, thin poly(N-isopropylacryl-amide) (pNIPAM) films. Decay curves from FRET of the acceptor with a donor covalently attached at the substrate surface were fit to a combined Taylor-Aris-Fickian diffusion model to obtain apparent linear diffusion coefficients of the acceptor molecules for different flow rates. These values can then be used to obtain quantitative estimates of flow field penetration depths. For a pNIPAM surface of 110 nm dry thickness, with a 0.6 chain/nm² grafting density, apparent diffusion coefficients ranging from 1.9-9.1 × 10-12 cm²/s were observed for flow rates ranging from 100 to 3000 μL/min. This increase in apparent diffusion coefficient with applied fluid flow rate is indicative of flow field penetration of the polymer film. The depth of penetration of the flow field is estimated to range from ~6% of the polymer film thickness to ~57% of the film thickness in going from 100 to 3000 μL/min flow rate of a good solvent. Factors other than flow rate that may impact flow field penetration were also investigated using this new FRET-TIRFM method. Solvent quality and polymer brush grafting density are the two most important parameters due to the fact that they influence changes in tethered polymer chain conformation. This work demonstrates that polymer films are most penetrable in a good solvent and least penetrable in a poor solvent under identical flow conditions. These findings are consistent with polymer chain conformational changes going from extended brushes to compact globules. For flow rates ranging from 100 to 3000 μL/min, flow field penetration depth ranges from ~6% of the film thickness to ~57% of film thickness for a good solvent compared to ~4% to ~19% for a poor solvent. Thus, by simply changing solvent quality from good to poor, flow field penetration decreases by about 38%. Grafting density has a less pronounced effect than solvent quality on penetration depth, probably due to the small range of grafting densities chosen for study. However, a roughly 10-20% difference in penetration depth was observed between high density (0.60 chain/nm²) and low density (0.27 chain/nm²) pNIPAM surfaces in the same solvent. Changes in grafting density have a less significant impact in a good solvent compared to a poor solvent. This is most likely caused by the fact that grafting density impacts polymer chain conformation mainly through polymer-polymer repulsion, which becomes less significant in a solvent that better solvates the polymer. For the two extreme cases studied here at flow rates ranging from 100 to 3000 μL/min, the penetration depth is estimated to range from ~4-19% of the original solvent-swollen film thickness for high density pNIPAM films in a poor solvent and from ~7-67% for low density films in a good solvent. One important assumption that underlies all of this work is that the dominant mass transport mechanism for small molecules in dense polymer brushes is diffusion. This assumption was further validated through the use of two different small molecule quenchers, RhB and 2-nitrobenzylalcohol. These molecules are significantly different in size, charge, and structure, and operate by different quenching mechanisms. Despite these differences, the results for flow field penetration are statistically the same for both. These observations validate the assumption of diffusive mass transport in these films.

[EN] This Thesis is focused on the development and implementation of efficient numerical methods for the acoustic modelling and design of noise control devices in the exhaust system of combustion engines. Special attention is paid to automotive perforated dissipative silencers, in which significant differences are likely to appear in their acoustic behaviour, depending on the temperature variations within the absorbent material. Also, material heterogeneities can alter the silencer attenuation performance. Therefore, numerical techniques considering all these features are required to guarantee the accuracy of the results. A literature review is carried out, mainly related to one-dimensional models, as well as to acoustic models for absorbent materials and perforated surfaces. However, plane wave model limitations make indispensable using alternative multidimensional methods. In addition, the possibility of using new acoustic elements is explored. These elements have as an objective being a potential alternative to the fibrous absorbent materials, which can have a negative impact on health. The Thesis considers the use of microperforated and sintered surfaces. The latter have, in some cases, a nearly constant acoustic impedance, whose value depends, among others, on the thickness and porosity of the plates. To avoid the limitations of plane wave models, a finite element (FE) approach is proposed for the acoustic analysis of dissipative silencers including a perforated duct with uniform axial mean flow and an outer chamber with a heterogeneous distribution of the absorbent material. On the other hand, property variations can be also produced by temperature gradients. In this case, a hybrid FE model has been derived for perforated dissipative silencers including: (1) Thermal gradients in the central duct and the chamber; (2) A perforated passage carrying non-uniform axial mean flow. A FE approach has been implemented to solve the pressure-based wave equation for a non-moving heterogeneous medium, associated with the chamber. Also, the governing equation in the central duct has been written and solved in terms of an acoustic velocity potential to allow the presence of an axially inhomogeneous flow. The coupling between both regions has been carried out by means of a perforated duct and its acoustic impedance, adapted here to include absorbent material heterogeneities and mean flow effects. It has been found that the presence of non-homogeneities can have a significant influence on the acoustic attenuation of a silencer and should be included in the theoretical models. Optimization techniques for industrial noise control devices are relevant, since they lead to the production of elements with better characteristics. Evolutionary algorithms are emergent techniques able to obtain a solution, even in those problems in which the traditional optimization have difficulties. Optimization techniques are combined with the FE method to achieve the maximum attenuation in the frequency range of interest. A multichamber silencer optimization problem is defined and several analyses are carried out to obtain the most suitable configuration for each application. Under certain assumptions of axial uniformity, several techniques have been considered to reduce the computational effort of a full 3D FE analysis for dissipative silencers with temperature gradients and mean flow. These are based on a decomposition of the acoustic field into transversal and axial modes within each silencer subdomain, and a matching procedure of the modal expansions at the silencer area changes through the continuity conditions of the acoustic fields. The relative computational efficiency and accuracy of predictions for the matching techniques are studied, including point collocation at nodes and Gauss points and also mode-matching with weighted integration. All of them provide accurate predictions of the attenuation and improve the computational cost of a FE calculation
[ES] Esta Tesis se centra en el desarrollo e implementación de métodos numéricos eficientes para el diseño y modelado de componentes de la línea de escape en motores de combustión interna. Merecen especial atención los silenciadores disipativos perforados de automóviles, ya que su comportamiento acústico puede sufrir variaciones importantes debidas a las variaciones de temperatura en el material absorbente, así como a las heterogeneidades de la fibra. Por tanto, se requieren técnicas numéricas que consideren estos casos para garantizar la precisión de los resultados. Se lleva a cabo una revisión bibliográfica que recoge los modelos de onda unidimensionales, así como modelos acústicos de materiales absorbentes y superficies perforadas. Sin embargo, las limitaciones de los primeros hacen indispensable el uso de modelos multidimensionales. Además se explora la posibilidad de usar nuevos elementos acústicos, cuyo objetivo es ser una alternativa potencial a los materiales absorbentes, que pueden tener un efecto negativo sobre la salud. La Tesis considera el uso de superficies microperforadas y sinterizadas. Estas últimas en algunos casos presentan una impedancia casi constante, cuyo valor depende, entre otras cosas, del espesor y la porosidad de las placas. Para evitar las limitaciones de los modelos de onda plana, se propone un enfoque en elementos finitos (EF) para el análisis acústico de silenciadores disipativos que incluyen un conducto con flujo medio axial uniforme y una cámara externa con una distribución heterogénea de material absorbente. Por otro lado, la variación de las propiedades también puede producirse por gradientes térmicos. En este caso, se propone una formulación híbrida de EF para silenciadores disipativos perforados que incluye: (1) Gradientes térmicos en el conducto central y la cámara; (2) Un conducto perforado que canaliza flujo medio axial no uniforme. Se ha implementado una formulación de EF para resolver la ecuación de ondas en términos de presión para el medio estacionario heterogéneo asociado a la cámara. Además, la ecuación asociada al conducto central, expresada en términos de potencial de velocidad acústica, permite la presencia de flujo axial no uniforme. El acoplamiento entre ambas regiones se ha realizado mediante un conducto perforado y su impedancia acústica y se ha adaptado para incluir la citada falta de homogeneidad. Se ha visto que las heterogeneidades pueden influir notablemente en la atenuación acústica de un silenciador, debiéndose incluir en los modelos teóricos. Las técnicas de optimización para componentes industriales de control de ruido son importantes, ya que producen elementos con mejores características. Los algoritmos evolutivos son técnicas emergentes capaces de obtener una solución, incluso cuando la optimización tradicional tiene dificultades. Las técnicas de optimización se combinan con el MEF para conseguir la máxima atenuación posible en el rango de frecuencias de interés. Se ha definido un problema de optimización de un silenciador multicámara y se han llevado a cabo varios análisis para obtener la configuración más adecuada para cada caso. Bajo ciertas hipótesis de uniformidad axial, se han considerado varias técnicas para reducir el coste computacional de un análisis 3D completo para silenciadores disipativos con gradientes de temperatura y flujo medio. Éstas se basan en la descomposición del campo acústico en modos axiales y transversales dentro de cada subdominio, y un procedimiento de acoplamiento de las expansiones modales en los cambios de sección del silenciador mediante las condiciones de continuidad de los campos acústicos. Se estudia la eficiencia computacional y precisión de las predicciones de las técnicas de acoplamiento, incluyendo colocación puntual en nodos y puntos de Gauss, así como ajuste modal. Todos ellos proporcionan predicciones precisas de la atenuación mejorando el coste
[CAT] Aquesta Tesi es centra en el desenvolupament i implementació de mètodes numèrics eficients per al disseny i modelatge de components de la línia d'escapament en motors de combustió interna. Mereixen especial atenció els silenciadors dissipatius perforats d'automòbils, ja que el seu comportament acústic pot patir variacions importants degudes a les variacions de temperatura en el material absorbent, així com a les heterogeneïtats de la fibra. Per tant, es requereixen tècniques numèriques que considerin aquests casos per garantir la precisió dels resultats. Es porta a terme una revisió bibliogràfica que recull els models d'ona unidimensionals, així com models acústics de materials absorbents i superfícies perforades. No obstant això, les limitacions dels primers fan indispensable l'ús de models multidimensionals. A més s'explora la possibilitat d'usar nous elements acústics amb l'objectiu que siguen una alternativa potencial als materials absorbents, que poden tenir un efecte negatiu sobre la salut. La Tesi considera l'ús de superfícies microperforades i sinteritzades. Aquestes últimes en alguns casos presenten una impedància gairebé constant. El seu valor depèn, entre altres coses, del gruix i la porositat de les plaques. Per evitar les limitacions dels models d'ona plana, es proposa un enfocament amb elements finits (EF) per a l'anàlisi acústic de silenciadors dissipatius que inclouen un conducte amb flux mig axial uniforme i una càmera externa amb una distribució heterogènia de material absorbent. D'altra banda, la variació de les propietats també es pot produir per gradients tèrmics. En aquest cas, es proposa una formulació híbrida d'EF per silenciadors dissipatius perforats que inclou: (1) Gradients tèrmics en el conducte central i la càmera; (2) Un conducte perforat que canalitza flux mig axial no uniforme. S'ha implementat una formulació d'EF per resoldre l'equació d'ones en termes de pressió per al medi estacionari heterogeni associat a la càmera. A més, l'equació associada al conducte central, expressada en termes de potencial de velocitat acústica, permet la presència de flux axial no uniforme. L'acoblament entre les dues regions s'ha realitzat mitjançant un conducte perforat i la seva impedància acústica i s'ha adaptat per incloure la esmentada falta d'homogeneïtat. S'ha vist que les heterogeneïtats poden influir notablement en l'atenuació acústica d'un silenciador i s'han d'incloure en els models teòrics. Les tècniques d'optimització per a components industrials de control de soroll són importants, ja que produeixen elements amb millors característiques. Els algoritmes evolutius són tècniques emergents capaces d'obtenir una solució, fins i tot quan l'optimització tradicional té dificultats. Les tècniques d'optimització es combinen amb el mètode d'elements finits (MEF) per aconseguir la màxima atenuació possible en el rang de freqüències d'interès. S'ha definit un problema d'optimització d'un silenciador multicàmera i s'han dut a terme diverses anàlisis per obtenir la configuració més adequada per a cada cas. Sota certes hipòtesis d'uniformitat axial, s'han considerat diverses tècniques per reduir el cost computacional d'una anàlisi 3D complet per silenciadors dissipatius amb gradients de temperatura i flux mig. Aquestes es basen en la descomposició del camp acústic en modes axials i transversals dins de cada subdomini, i un procediment d'acoblament de les expansions modals en els canvis de secció del silenciador mitjançant les condicions de continuïtat dels camps acústics. S'estudia l'eficiència computacional i precisió de les prediccions de les tècniques d'acoblament, incloent col·locació puntual en nodes i punts de Gauss, així com ajust modal. Tots ells proporcionen prediccions precises de l'atenuació millorant el cost computacional d'EF.
Sánchez Orgaz, EM. (2016). Advanced numerical techniques for the acoustic modelling of materials and noise control devices in the exhaust system of internal combustion engines [Tesis doctoral no publicada]. Universitat Politècnica de València. https://doi.org/10.4995/Thesis/10251/64090
TESIS

Advantage of the single QD active layer is its potential for very low threshold current density, which in turn can produce low internal optical loss. The low threshold current density and low internal loss thus enable a significant increase in laser diode cavity length. Because of the importance of the threshold current density in heatsinking, future technology of broad-area monolithic laser diodes can be implemented. The dissertation describes the development and the unique characteristics of single QD active layer laser with long cavity. The data are presented on single layer QD laser diodes that reach threshold current densities values of 11.7 A/cm2 in a p-up mounted 2 cm long cavity and as low as 10 A/cm2, with CW output power of 2 W in a p-down mounted 1.6 cm long cavity. The 8.8 A/cm2 in a p-down mounted 2 cm long cavity is reported. To our knowledge the value 8.8 A/cm2 is the lowest threshold current density ever reported for a room temperature laser diode. These single layer QD laser diodes reach an internal loss of ~0.25 cm-1, which is also the lowest ever reported for a room temperature laser diode. These unique characteristics of single layer QD and laser diode size are potentially promising for the monolithic mode-locked laser because of relatively high peak power with a low repetition rate that is on the order of a few GHz, which can be the novel device for external clocking in the optical interconnect applications. In this dissertation, the stable optical pulse train in a 40 µm wide stripe with a repetition rate of 3.75 GHz with 1.1 cm cavity length through the passive mode-locked onto the monolithic two-section device fabricated from this single layer QD laser is observed.
Ph.D.
Optics and Photonics
Optics and Photonics
Optics PhD

Bone’s capacity to repair following trauma is both unique and astounding. However, fractures sometimes fail to heal. Hence, the goal of fracture treatment is the restoration of bone’s structure, composition and function. Fracture fixation devices should provide a favourable mechanical and biological environment for healing to occur. The use of internal fixation is increasing as these devices may be applied with less invasive techniques. Recent studies suggest however that, internal fixation devices may be overly stiff and suppresses callus formation. The degree of mechanical stability influences the healing outcome. This is determined by the stiffness of the fixation device and the degree of limb loading. This project aims to characterise the fixation stability of an internal plate fixation device and the influence of modifications to its configuration on implant stability. As there are no standardised methods for the determination of fixation stiffness, the first part of this project aims to compares different methodologies and determines the most appropriate method to characterise the stiffness of internal plate fixators. The stiffness of a fixation device also influences the physiological loads experienced by the healing bone. Since bone adapts to this applied load by undergoing changes through a remodelling process, undesirable changes could occur during the period of treatment with an implant. The second part of this project aims to develop a methodology to quantify remodelling changes. This quantification is expected to aid our understanding of the changes in pattern due to implant related remodelling and on the factors driving the remodelling process. Knowledge gained in this project is useful to understand how the configuration of internal fixation devices can promote timely healing and prevent undesirable bone loss.

Background: Systemic chemotherapy and radiotherapy play an important role in the treatment of colorectal cancer. Tumour perfusion and oxygenation is known to influence radiosensitivity and chemosensitivity. In this thesis, I propose that the evaluation of changes in tumour perfusion using perfusion CT (pCT) and dynamic contrast-enhanced (Dce) MRI can guide the rational sequencing of drugs and radiation. Methods: Dce-MRI and pCT scans were incorporated into a clinical trial of hypofractionated pelvic radiotherapy and nelfinavir in 10 patients with rectal cancer. Toxicity and tissue biomarkers (tumour cell density, microvessel density, CAIX, HIF1-alpha, phospho-Akt and phospho-PRAS40) were evaluated. pCT liver scans were incorporated into an imaging study in patients with colorectal liver metastases randomised to receive either oxaliplatin/ 5FU chemotherapy or oxaliplatin/ 5FU chemotherapy plus selective internal radiotherapy. Results: After 7 days of nelfinavir concurrent with hypo-fractionated pelvic radiotherapy, there was a mean 42% increase in median K^trans (P=0.03, paired t test) on Dce-MRI and a median 30% increase in mean blood flow on pCT (P=0.028, Wilcoxon Rank Sum), although no statistically significant changes in perfusion parameters were demonstrated after 7 days of nelfinavir prior to radiotherapy. The feasibility of evaluating tumour cell density in rectal biopsies before and after radiotherapy and a radiosensitising drug as an early endpoint of response was demonstrated. In patients with colorectal liver metastases who received oxaliplatin and modified de Gramont chemotherapy alone, after 4 cycles of chemotherapy, a 28% decrease in the mean hepatic arterial fraction was observed (P=0.018, paired t test). Between pCT scans 2 days before SIRT and 39-47 days following SIRT and continued 2-weekly chemotherapy, there was a mean 62% (P=0.009) reduction in Blood Flow and 61% (P=0.006) reduction in Blood Volume (paired t test). Conclusions This research does not support the hypothesis that nelfinavir before radiotherapy improves blood flow to human rectal cancer. Increases in rectal tumour perfusion during radiotherapy and concurrent nelfinavir are likely to be primarily explained by the acute biological effects of radiation. Four or more cycles of oxaliplatin and modified de Gramont chemotherapy may result in changes in tumour perfusion of colorectal liver metastases which would be detrimental to subsequent radiotherapy. Selective internal radiotherapy resulted in substantial reductions in tumour perfusion 39-47 days after the treatment. Perfusion imaging can be used to detect changes in tumour perfusion in response to radiotherapy and systemic therapy which have implications for the sequencing of therapies.

Cette thèse porte sur l'interaction entre des structures tourbillonnaires modèles et observées dans de nombreux types d'écoulement, les anneaux tourbillonnaires, et un milieu linéairement stratifié en densité. Un anneau tourbillonnaire constitué d'un fluide homogène léger pénètre sous l'effet de son inertie dans une stratification. Les paramètres de contrôle sont les dimensions de l'anneau, sa vitesse de propagation, son orientation par rapport à l'axe vertical, le gradient de densité de la stratification linéaire et la densité du fluide constituant l'anneau tourbillonnaire. Aux temps courts, lors de la phase de pénétration, la distorsion des isopycnes par l'anneau tourbillonnaire est responsable de la génération de vorticité barocline. Aux temps longs, la stratification se relaxe et des ondes internes sont générées. La dynamique de l'anneau est considérablement affectée par son interaction avec le milieu stratifié et la vorticité est amenée à se réorganiser sur des échelles de temps et d'espace qui dépendent des paramètres de contrôle. Différents verrous scientifiques sont abordés au fil des chapitres. Quelle est la profondeur maximale de pénétration de l'anneau et quels sont les mécanismes précurseurs de l'arrêt de la structure tourbillonnaire avant retour en arrière ? Quelles sont les échelles de temps associées à la réorganisation tourbillonnaire et à la génération d'ondes internes ? Quelles sont les caractéristiques des ondes internes forcées par l'impact ponctuel d'une structure tourbillonnaire localisée et comment les décrire ? Quelle est l'influence de l'angle de propagation de l'anneau tourbillonnaire sur la réorganisation de l'écoulement ? Comment est-ce que l'écoulement est modifié lorsque deux anneaux tourbillonnaires sont générés consécutivement ? Existe-t-il une influence du délai de génération entre les deux anneaux tourbillonnaires sur la profondeur de pénétration et sur les ondes internes générées ? Des campagnes expérimentales où des mesures qualitatives (visualisations) et quantitatives (vélocimétrie par image de particule 2D et vélocimétrie par suivi de particules 4D) ont été réalisées pour répondre à ces questions
In this work, the interaction between model vortex structures observed in many flows, vortex rings, and a linearly stratified fluid is studied. A light homogeneous vortex ring is generated and penetrates by inertia into a density stratification. The resulting interaction depends on several control parameters which are: the dimensions of the vortex ring, its propagating speed, its orientation relative to the vertical, its initial density and the density gradient of the stratification. For short times, baroclinic vorticity is generated as the vortex ring pushes isopycnal during the penetration phase. The vortex ring dynamics is highly affected by its interaction with the stratified zone leading to reorganisation of the vorticity distribution depending on the control parameters. For long times, internal gravity waves are generated as the stratification relaxes. Several key points are adressed throughout the chapters. What is the maximum penetration depth a vortex ring can reach? What is the mechanism for the vortex ring recoil? What are the time scales of the vorticity reorganisation and generation of internal waves? What are the characteristics of the internal waves generated by the impact of such a localized fluid structure and how to quantify them? What is the influence of the angle of propagation of the vortex ring on the reorganisation of the flow? How is the flow modified when two vortex rings are launched consecutively? What is the role of the time delay between the generation of the vortex rings on the penetration depth reached and the internal waves generated? Qualitative (visualizations) and quantitative (2D-Particles Image Velocimetry and 4D-Particle Tracking Velocimetry) have been deployed to answer these questions

Abstract Weak and osteoporotic bones in old age are an increasing cause of mortality and painful physical impairment of the elderly, especially in the western world. Bone mineral accrual during childhood and adolescence is thought to play a vital role in preventing osteoporosis. Identifying and optimizing the factors influencing peak bone mass is thus important for the prevention of osteoporosis and related fractures. A main aim of this thesis was to investigate the potential effects of various types of weight-bearing physical activity on bone accretion in young males just out of puberty. The results from our subgroups of athletes consisting of badminton, ice hockey, and soccer players suggest that weight-bearing physical activity gives rise to regional specific bone response that is determined by the degree of impact of the activity in areas subject to mechanical loading (papers I–IV). In summary, the bone is sensitive to loading after puberty in males, and important bone mass gains can be achieved by proper amount and type of exercise. Another aim of this thesis was to studythe effect of detraining on weight-bearing and non-weight-bearing bone in a cohort of adolescent males who participated in ice hockey and soccer training. Our results indicate that exercise-induced bone mineral density benefits decline, predominantly in weight-bearing bones, after retirement from an active sports career (papers II–IV). High bone density stemming from physical loading might be at least partly preserved even by reduced physical activity at nonweight-bearing sites after about three years of reduced activity (III, IV). A final aim was to follow prospectively the development of BMD during years of reduced activity in former male athletes, and evaluate whether exercise during adolescence could be associated with fewer fractures in old age. We found fewer fragility fractures in a cohort of 400 former athletes compared to in 800 age-matched controls. Thus, high bone density stemming from previous weight-bearing physical activity may reduce the risk of sustaining fragility fractures in the elderly. Key words: physical activity, peak bone mineral density, males.

Ces travaux de thèse, répondent à la problématique liée à la sécurité incendie des bâtiments ventilés naturellement, et notamment au comportement des fumées chaudes lorsqu’elles interagissent avec le vent. Le premier chapitre concerne la mise en exergue de la problématique bâtimentaire, au travers de la présentation des moteurs de la ventilation naturelle, d’une analyse règlementaire croisée sécurité incendie / confort thermique, et de multiples retours d’expériences. La nécessité d’étudier les régimes d’écoulement interne lorsque le vent interagit avec la fumée est mise en évidence. Ainsi, dans le second chapitre, les verrous scientifiques, associés à l’identification des régimes d’écoulement en convection mixte, sont soulevés à l’aide d’une analyse de la littérature. Dans le troisième chapitre, nous nous intéressons à la caractérisation des régimes d’écoulement internes lorsque le vent oppose le tirage thermique dans un volume contenant une source constante générant les forces de flottabilité. Une expérimentation densimétrique, air/hélium, à échelle réduite est proposée. Trois régimes d’écoulement internes stables sont mis en évidence. Les transitions entre ces régimes sont caractérisées par une loi puissance, mettant en jeu le nombre de Froude, relatif à la source générant les forces de flottabilité, et le rapport entre la pression dynamique de la source et celle du vent. Dans le quatrième chapitre, ces régimes sont également identifiés, expérimentalement et numériquement, lors de la vidange de fluide léger lorsque le vent oppose le tirage thermique. Une relation entre le nombre de Richardson et un temps de vidange caractéristique est identifiée. L’étude numérique nous permet d’analyser des dynamiques particulières de vidange de manière quantitative. Dans la dernière partie, les lois de transitions entre régimes d’écoulement permettent d’introduire un indicateur de sécurité dépendant des conditions de vent. Une méthode d’analyse, qui considère à la fois la sécurité et le confort, est alors proposée pour éviter les conflits mis en avant dans les retours d’expériences du chapitre 1
This thesis work presents deals with the issue of fire safety consideration in naturally ventilated buildings. The particular case of the interaction between the wind and hot smoke movement is pinpointed. In the first chapter, basics of natural ventilation mechanisms are shown. Then, the analysis of building’s regulations, relating to fire safety and thermal comfort, allows to highlight potential conflicts and normative gaps. Theses gaps and conflicts are illustrated through real buildings feedbacks. The challenge of indoor flow pattern studies for safety purpose is hence underline. In the second chapter, scientific’s barriers in relation with the transitions between existing flow pattern, when wind and buoyancy are opposed, are identified thought a literature review. A scaled experiment is proposed in the third chapter, using density difference between air and helium, to identify internal flow pattern when wind opposes buoyancy. Three stable internal flow patterns are identified. A power law characterizing the transitions between identified flow pattern, involving source Froude number and dynamic pressure ratio between source jet and wind, is found. In the fourth chapter, the identified flow pattern are observed when the tested volume is emptied, and a relation between the initial Richardson number Ri and the characteristic emptied time θ is found. Furthermore, specific behaviour of internal flow, when the volume is emptied, is quantitatively study thanks to a numerical model. In the last part of this thesis, transitions law between internal flow patterns allows to introduce a new wind dependent fire safety index. A methodology is then proposed to both analyse fire safety and thermal comfort in building. The presented method gives the opportunity to avoid conception conflicts underlined in the first chapter of the present work

The blood vessels of the pancreatic islets are of crucial importance for oxygen and metabolite supply as well as dispersal of secreted hormones. In addition to this, endothelial cells have an important role in the revascularization process after islet transplantation. Previous studies have reported signs of poor engraftment of transplanted islets, presumably due to impaired revascularization. The aims of this thesis were to investigate the revascularization process of transplanted islets and to examine the role of islet endothelial cells. In this context, the lectin Bandeiraea simplicifolia was found to stain endothelium of both endogenous and transplanted pancreatic islets. By using this lectin we investigated the vascular density of both endogenous and islets transplanted syngeneically beneath the renal capsule, into the spleen or intraportally into the liver of normoglycemic C57BL/6 mice. One month post-transplantation, a time point when the grafts are assumed to be completely revascularized, the vascular density was decreased at all three implantation sites when compared to endogenous islets. Furthermore, most of the blood vessels were located in the graft connective tissue stroma. Similar results were obtained when islet transplant vascular density was determined six months post-transplantation and in cured diabetic animals after one month. In order to evaluate the function of intraportally transplanted islets, we developed a method to retrieve such islets. We treated the implantation organ (liver) first enzymatically (collagenase) and then mechanically, thereafter we could re-isolate the transplanted islets for further in vitro studies. The retrieved islets had a decreased insulin relase, insulin content and glucose oxidation rate when compared to non-transplanted control islets. To understand the role of islet endothelium in the revascularization of transplanted islets we performed angiogenesis GEArray studies on islet endothelial cells, from non-cultured, cultured and transplanted islets. We found that the islet endothelium expressed mRNA for both inhibitors and inducers of angiogenesis, and that this expression differed with time. The functional consequences of this remain to be determined. In summary, the results presented above provide a useful platform for future studies of the morphology and function of islet endothelial cells, especially with a view for elucidating changes induced by islet transplantation.

La propagation d'une flamme prémélangée turbulente dans une chambre de combustion fermée est étudiée par l'approche fonction densité de probabilité (pdf) des variables fraction et enthalpie massiques. L'allumage et l'interaction flamme-paroi peuvent ainsi être représentés également. La résolution de l'équation pour la pdf jointe est effectuée par une méthode Monte Carlo lagrangienne couplée à un code de calcul eulérien. Deux modèles de diffusion turbulente sont présentés et étudiés : le premier suppose classiquement une diffusion de type gradient alors que le second repose sur la dispersion turbulente lagrangienne de particules. Une adaptation de ce dernier, nécessaire pour les écoulements réactifs est proposée. Un nouveau modèle de mélange tenant compte de la présence éventuelle de flammelettes est également proposé. Le temps caractéristique de mélange est calculé à partir de la dissipation scalaire dont l'équation de transport établie dans le cadre de flammelettes est généralisée pour des flammes plus épaisses. Trois processus de transferts thermiques sont proposés afin de déterminer les flux de chaleur pariétaux. Les divers processus stochastiques sont étudiés tout d'abord dans un cas simple monodimensionnel. Des calculs sont menés ensuite dans une configuration réelle bidimensionnelle. Une dernière étude démontre la faisabilité de l'approche pdf dans les moteurs (à allumage commandé).

A hardware system for investigating Intersymbol Interference (ISI) in an optical data storage system has been designed and constructed by the author. The system consists of a pattern generator which produces data patterns of variable lengths and bit rates to be recorded on the optical disk. Data marks of the readback signal are quantized by a light-speed clock-counter system, and transferred in parallel to a personal computer for analysis. SNR values for collected data are obtained by computing mark size deviations of the readback signal from the original marks. A pseudo-random pattern of 31 bits is used for calculating SNR values for different spot sizes. Finally, Additive Interleaving Detection (AID) technique is implemented to compute another set of SNR values. 3-5db SNR improvement is observed when AID technique is used.

Atherosclerosis is a progressive inflammatory disease that is characterized by the accumulation of lipids, infiltrated cells and fibrous elements in large arteries.

This thesis focuses on the molecular mechanisms behind foam cell formation and inflammation, two central processes in the development of atherosclerosis. More specific, we studied the effects of proinflammatory cytokines on CXCL16 expression and its role as scavenger receptor on macrophages and smooth muscle cells in atherogenesis. CXCL16 is defined as a chemokine and a scavenger receptor, regulating adhesion and chemoattraction of CXCR6 expressing cells and uptake of oxLDL. We show that the expression of CXCL16 and its receptor CXCR6 are more pronounced in human atherosclerotic lesions compared with non-atherosclerotic vessels. Increased expression of CXCL16 was also seen in atherosclerotic aortas of apoE-/- mice compared with aortas of non-atherosclerotic, age-matched C57BL/6 mice. In vitro, IFN gamma induced CXCL16 expression in primary human monocytes and smooth muscle cells which resulted in an increased uptake of oxLDL. Treatment of mice with IFN gamma also induced CXCL16 expression in atherosclerotic lesions. Thus, we have demonstrated a role for IFN gamma in foam cell formation through upregulation of CXCL16. The expression of CXCR6 was defined to the same regions as for CXCL16 in the lesion, indicating the presence of cells able to respond to CXCL16. Consequently, CXCL16 could serve as a molecular link between lipid metabolism and immune activity in atherosclerotic lesion.

CD137 belongs to the TNF family and mediates several important processes in inflammation. CD137 is involved in the activation of T cells, NK cells, B cells and monocytes and regulate cytokine production, proliferation and apoptosis in these cells. A limited number of studies have demonstrated CD137 expression on smooth muscle cells and endothelial cells. Our results show that CD137 mRNA is higher expressed in human atherosclerotic lesions compared with unaffected vessels. We found that endothelial cells express CD137 in atherosclerotic lesions and that cultured endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells express CD137 and CD137 ligand in vitro. CD137 was regulated differentially by proinflammatory cytokines (i.e. IFN gamma, TNF alpha, IL-1 beta) and bacterial lipopolysaccharide depending on cell type. Furthermore, we investigated the effects of CD137 signalling, demonstrating that binding of the CD137 ligand to its receptor increases proliferation and migration of smooth muscle cells.

In summary, this thesis has focused on the expression, regulation and role of CXCL16 and CD137, two genes that have not been described earlier in the concept of atherosclerosis. The findings demonstrate some of the molecular mechanisms involved in vascular inflammation and may increase our knowledge about the development of atherosclerosis.

Ce travail présente un modèle d'allumage d'un milieu turbulent dans lequel le carburant et l'air sont préalablement parfaitement mélangés. Les conditions initiales retenues sont proches de celles rencontrées dans les moteurs à allumage commandé. Le temps caractéristique de la turbulence et la durée de l'allumage ainsi que l'échelle de la turbulence et l'espace entre les électrodes sont sensiblement du même ordre de grandeur. Il y aura alors de fortes interactions entre la turbulence, la chimie et l'apport d'énergie. Elles seront étudiées par une approche basée sur les fonctions de densité de probabilité (PDF). L'équation d'évolution de la PDF des variables thermochimiques, concentration et enthalpie, est résolue par une méthode de Monte-Carlo. Tout d'abord quelques rappels généraux sur l'allumage et la formation de la flamme, l'aérothermochimie et l'approche fonction de densité de probabilité sont exposés. Le mémoire présente ensuite un modèle d'allumage et son comportement vis-à-vis des variations de turbulence, de conditions thermodynamiques initiales et d'énergie fournie au mélange. Un couplage de ce modèle à un code de calcul utilisé pour les simulations de l'aérodynamique interne et de la combustion dans les moteurs à allumage commandé constitue un des buts de ce travail. Il est donc exposé, ainsi qu'une première application dans une bombe à volume constant dans laquelle règne une turbulence homogène et isotrope. Les applications à un monocylindre nécessitent tout d'abord des données expérimentales complémentaires, telles que des mesures de turbulence au voisinage de la bougie et des mesures d'énergie d'allumage. Une fois ces mesures réalisées, des calculs complets sur plusieurs points de fonctionnement du moteur sont exposés.

In this thesis, a series of computational studies based on density functional theory (DFT) and density functional tight-binding (DFTB) is presented to deeply understand experimental results on the synthesis of endohedral fullerenes and graphene/iron hybrids at atomic level. In the first part, a simple and efficient model is proposed to evaluate the strain experienced by clusters encapsulated in endohedral metallofullerenes (EMFs). Calculations for the sole cluster, either in the neutral or the charged state, cannot be used for this goal. However, when the effect of the carbon cage is mimicked by small organic π-systems (such as pentalene and sumanene), the cluster has sufficient freedom to adopt the optimal configuration, and therefore the energetic characteristics of the EMF-induced distortion of the cluster can be evaluated. Both nitride and sulfide clusters were found to be rather flexible. Hence, they can be encapsulated in carbon cages of different size and shape. For carbide M2C2 cluster the situation is more complex. The optimized cluster can adopt either butterfly or linear shapes, and these configurations have substantially different metal-metal distance. Whereas for Sc2C2 both structures are isoenergetic, linear form of the Y2C2 cluster is substantially less stable than the butterfly-shaped configuration. These results show that phenomenon of the “nanoscale fullerene compression” once proposed by Zhang et al. (J. AM. CHEM. SOC. (2012),134(20)) should be “nanoscale fullerene stretching”. Finally, the results also reveal that both Ti2S and Ti2C2 cluster are strained in corresponding EMF molecules, but the origin of the strain is opposite: C78-D3h(5) cage imposes too long Ti···Ti distance for the sulfide cluster and too short distance for the carbide cluster. In the second part of the thesis, possible fullerene geometries and electronic structures have been explored theoretically for the species detected in mass spectra of the Sc-EMF extract synthesized using CH4 as a reactive gas. Two most promising candidates, namely Sc4C@C80-Ih(7) and Sc4C3@C80-Ih(7), have been identified and further studied at the DFT level. For Sc4C@C80, the tetrahedral Sc4 cluster with the central μ4-C atom was found to be 10 kJ/mol more stable than the square cluster. For Sc4C3@C80, the calculation showed that the most stable is the Sc4C3 cluster in which the triangular C3 moiety is η3- and η2-coordinated to Sc atoms. Whereas Sc4C@C80 has rather small HOMO-LUMO gap and low ionization potential, the HOMO-LUMO gap of Sc4C3@C80 is substantially higher and exceeds that of Sc4C2@C80. In the third part, computational studies of structures and reactivity are described for a new type of EMFs with a heptagon that has been produced in the arc-discharge synthesis. DFT computations predict that LaSc2N@Cs(hept)-C80 is more stable than LaSc2N@D5h-C80, so the former should be synthesized in much higher yield than observed. This disagreement may be ascribed to the kinetic factors rather than thermodynamic stability. Because of prospective applications of this EMFs by introducing functional groups, the influence of the heptagon on the chemical properties have been further evaluated. Thermodynamically and kinetically preferred reaction sites are studied computationally for Prato and Bingel-Hirsch cycloaddition reactions. In both types of reactions the heptagon is not affected, and chemical reactivity is determined by the adjacent pentalene units. Thermodynamically controlled Prato addition is predicted to proceed regioselectively across the pentagon/pentagon edges, whereas the most reactive sites in kinetically-controlled Bingel-Hirsch reaction are the carbon atoms next to the pentagon/pentagon edge. Fourth, although various EMFs have been successfully synthesized and characterized, the formation mechanism is still not known in details, and hence control of the synthesis products is rather poor. Therefore, EMF self-assembly process in Sc/carbon vapor in the presence and absence of cooling gas (helium) and reactive gas (NH3 and CH4) is systematically investigated using quantum chemical molecular dynamics (QM/MD) simulations based on the DFTB potentials. The cooling gas effect is that the presence of He atoms accelerates formation of pentagons and hexagons and reduces the size of formed carbon cages in comparison to the analogous He-free simulations. As a result, the Sc/C/He system yields a large number of successful trajectories (i.e. leading to the Sc-EMFs) with more realistic cage-size distribution than the Sc/C system. Encapsulation of Sc atoms within the carbon cage was found to proceed via two parallel mechanisms. The main mechanism involves nucleation of the several hexagons and pentagons with Sc atoms already at the early stages of the carbon vapor condensation. In such proto-cages, both Sc–C σ-bonds and coordination bonds between Sc atoms and the π-system of the carbon network are present. Sc atoms are thus rather labile and can move along the carbon network, but the overall bonding is sufficiently strong to prevent dissociation even at high temperatures. Further growth of the carbon cage results in encapsulation of one or two Sc atoms within the forming fullerene. Another encapsulation mechanism is observed in rare cases. In this process, the closed cage is formed with Sc being a part of the carbon network, i.e. being bonded by three or four Sc–C σ-bonds. However, such intermediates are found to be unstable, and transform into the endohedral fullerenes within few picoseconds of annealing. In perfect agreement with experimental studies, extension of the simulation to Fe and Ti showed that Fe-EMFs are not formed at all, whereas Ti is prone to form Ti-EMFs with small cage sizes, including Ti@C28-Td and Ti@C30-C2v(3). The role of “reactive gas” in the EMF synthesis is revealed in dedicated simulations of the fullerene formation in the presence of several molecules of CH4 or NH3. When concentration of reactive gas is high, carbon vapor tends to form graphene flakes or other carbon species terminated by hydrogen atoms, whereas the yield of empty fullerenes is very low. Conversely, with additional metal atoms (Sc) and the same number of NH3 molecules, the yield of fullerenes constantly increase from 5 to 65% which is ascribed to the catalytic activity of metal atoms in the nucleation of carbon cages already at early stage. Moreover, due to the presence of hydrogen atoms from the reactive gas, the carbon cage formation requires much longer time, which provides sufficient reaction time to encapsulate 3 or 4 Sc atoms within one cage. It explains preferential formation of clusterfullerenes in experiments with reactive gas. At the same time, monometallofullerenes and dimetallofullerenes are the main products in absence of reactive gas. We also provide possible growth mechanisms of carbide and cyano-clusterfullerenes in details to elucidate how the intracluster goes into the cage. A possible growth mechanism of nitride clusterfullerenes has been proposed based on DFT results. In the last part, a free-standing crystalline single-atom thick layer of Fe has been studied theoretically. By investigating the energy difference, ΔE, between a suspended Fe monolayer and a nanoparticle using the equivalent number of Fe atoms, one can estimate that the largest stable membrane should be ca. 12 atoms wide or 3 × 3 nm2 which is in excellent agreement with the experimental observation. Otherwise, the possibility of C, O, N atoms embedded into the Fe membrane can been fully excluded by DFTB and DFT simulations, which agrees with electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) measurement. A significantly enhanced magnetic moment for single atom thick Fe membranes (3.08 μB) is predicted by DFT as compared to the bulk BCC Fe (2.1 μB), which originates from the 2D nature of the Fe membrane since the dz2 orbital is out-of-plane while the dxy orbital is in-plane.

Nous etudions a l'aide de la theorie de l'eau peu profonde une onde interne plane dans le contexte d'un fluide tournant stratifie en bicouche. Differents cas ont ete traites pour lesquels les hypotheses de faible ecart de densite entre les couches et de faibles epaisseurs de couches sont considerees independamment ou en meme temps. Nous apportons la demonstration qu'une equation d'ostrovsky gouverne les ondes internes non-lineaires d'interface dans le cas faiblement tournant. Nous demontrons que reduire l'ecart de densite conduit a augmenter les effets de la rotation. Enfin nous etablissons les equations qui gouvernent les ondes internes dans quelques cas particuliers et nous donnons la forme de celle-ci. Des experiences ont ete menees dans la grande cuve tournante du laboratoire coriolis pour etudier l'influence de la rotation sur des ondes internes axisymetriques. Nous avons mis en evidence quelques phenomenes interessant et les conclusions experimentales confirment nos resultats analytiques en ce qui concerne les influences respectives de l'ecart de densite et de la rotation. La rotation modifie considerablement les lois d'evolution de l'amplitude en fonction de la distance au centre de la cuve. Une autre partie de l'etude a ete consacree a la recherche experimentale de la generation des ondes internes non-lineaires par la maree en presence du talus continental ainsi que leur propagation. L'originalite de ce travail reside dans la generation d'ondes internes tridimensionnelles ainsi que dans la prise en compte des effets de la rotation sur le mecanisme de generation et la propagation des ondes. Nous avons montre que seul le jusant engendre la maree interne sur le plateau et le talus. La rotation n'agit pas sur le mecanisme de generation mais sur la propagation des ondes, de plus elle en diminue l'amplitude et en augmente la vitesse de propagation.

This thesis deals with the segmentation and classification of paraspinal muscle and subcutaneous adipose tissue in 3D CT image data in order to use them subsequently as internal calibration phantoms to measure bone mineral density of a vertebrae. Chosen methods were tested and afterwards evaluated in terms of correctness of the classification and total functionality for subsequent BMD value calculation. Algorithms were tested in programming environment Matlab® on created patient database which contains lumbar spines of twelve patients. Following sections of this thesis contain theoretical research of the issue of measuring bone mineral density, segmentation and classification methods and description of practical part of this work.

Studies concerning social consequences, gastrointestinal and urinary tract symptoms were conducted in a population-based cohort comprising patients with long-standing type 1 diabetes and matched control persons. Three different questionnaires were sent by mail to diabetic patients and control persons. After a mean duration of 28.7±2.6 years, compared to the controls the diabetic patients showed an almost 10 times higher mortality, a lower employment rate and greater need for welfare benefits. These differences were mainly due to diabetic late complications. Education, housing conditions, life-style, civil state, alcohol and smoking habits were similar in the two groups. The prevalence of gastrointestinal symptoms was significantly higher in the diabetic patients than in the controls, and this was found to be attributable to the female diabetic patients. Female diabetic patients had been treated with antibiotics for urinary tract infections more often than controls, they experienced more social problems than controls in daily life because of urinary tract problems and used clamps to prevent wetting more often than did controls.

Body composition and bone mineral density were evaluated in parts of the cohort with long-standing type 1 diabetes and control persons in another population-based cohort comprising diabetic females aged 16-19 years with type 1 diabetes since childhood and matched controls. Besides a tendency to reduced abdominal fat mass in diabetic males, no difference was observed in fat mass, muscle mass or bone mineral density between the patients with long-standing type 1 diabetes and controls. Significant correlations were found between insulin dosage and whole body fat mass in diabetic females and between serum cholesterol levels and abdominal fat mass in diabetic males. The female adolescents had a higher body mass index than the controls, and their overweight was shown to consist almost entirely of an increased fat mass. The distribution of fat, expressed as abdominal-to-leg ratio, correlated significantly to HbA1c and daily dosage of insulin. Bone mineral density did not differ between the groups. IGF I was significantly lower both in patients with long-standing type 1 diabetes and in the adolescent diabetic females compared with their matched controls.

La première partie de ce travail présente un nouveau modèle permettant de décrire la propagation de flammes turbulentes prémélangées. L'approche retenue consiste à calculer le taux de dissipation des fluctuations d'un scalaire (concentration, température) par une équation de transport. On montre que les effets d'étirement à petite échelle et de courbure locale du champ de concentration sont des phénomènes prédominants. Dans le régime des flammelettes, le modèle permet d'aboutir à une équation de transport pour la densité de surface de flamme et a une nouvelle formulation du modèle Eddy Break-up. Une révision de la modélisation du flux de diffusion turbulente pour le scalaire a également été proposée. La donnée d'une fonction densité de probabilité (pdf) au moment de l'allumage nous a permis de représenter de manière satisfaisante l'initiation de la combustion. Les comparaisons aux résultats expérimentaux issus de configurations différentes ont permis de vérifier la réponse du modèle aux caractéristiques de la turbulence et à la composition du mélange. On en déduit les renseignements concernant l'évolution du nombre de Schmidt ainsi que l'échelle de temps caractéristique des fluctuations du scalaire au sein de la flamme. La seconde partie concerne l'allumage dans les moteurs à essence et une application du modèle à un cas concret. L'initiation provoquée par une bougie conventionnelle soumise à un champ aérodynamique donné a été simulée numériquement. Ces calculs ainsi que des mesures expérimentales ont montré des positions optimales de la bougie par rapport à l'écoulement permettant un meilleur début de combustion en mélange pauvre

Las redes de sensores inalámbricos están destinadas a revolucionar nuestra manera de vivir, trabajar y relacionarnos con el entorno. Aunque este tipo de redes ha estado en el foco de la investigación científica durante la última década, su rendimiento en implementaciones prácticas está todavía muy por detrás de los resultados teóricos. Esto es en gran parte debido a los problemas prácticos que aparecen en entornos reales. Como resultado, su uso está generalmente limitado a aplicaciones simples de monitorización del entorno. El objetivo de esta tesis es reducir el margen entre el potencial teórico y real de las redes de sensores inalámbricos y de esta manera incrementar su integración dentro de la sociedad. En concreto, la tesis se centra en los siguientes cuatro obstáculos: alta densidad de nodos, movilidad de nodos, tráfico heterogéneo e integración en el internet de las cosas. Primero, el objetivo es el de reducir las interferencias en despliegues de alta densidad de nodos. Para ello se propone un esquema práctico para realizar el enrutado, el control de potencia y la selección de canal, basado en el protocolo RPL (Routing Protocol for Low-Power and Lossy Networks). Esta solución permite reducir las colisiones entre paquetes y además mejorar el consumo energético de este tipo de redes. Segundo, se pretende mejorar la baja fiabilidad y robustez de las redes de sensores inalámbricos con nodos móviles. Con este objetivo se presenta un método que combina RPL con un sistema de enrutado que considera la posición de los nodos basado en el filtro de Kalman. Éste combina la eficiencia y fiabilidad de RPL permitiendo además manejar nodos móviles. Tercero, se estudian maneras de proporcionar la calidad de servicio necesaria a las redes de sensores con tráfico heterogéneo. Para ello se propone una estrategia multi árbol basada en la construcción de múltiples instancias RPL. Ésta construye diferentes topologías virtuales para cada función objetivo, y de esta manera es posible atender los requisitos de cada flujo de tráfico de manera independiente. Finalmente, se estudia la manera de integrar las redes de sensores inalámbricos dentro de la nube y el internet de las cosas. Con este objetivo se propone una formulación para coordinar la utilización de los recursos de la red de manera conjunta usando estrategias de virtualización y computación móvil en la nube. Esto permite reducir el consumo energético de la red, teniendo en cuenta las capacidades y limitaciones de cada nodo, satisfaciendo tanto los requisitos de los diferentes servicios como los de los usuarios.
Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) are expected to revolutionize the way we live, work, and interact with the physical environment. Although WSNs have been in the spotlight of the research community for the last decade, their performance in practical implementations is still far behind the theoretical results. This is mainly due to the practical issues that arise in real-life scenarios. As a result, WSNs are generally limited to simple environmental sensing applications. The aim of this thesis is to reduce the gap between the theoretical and real potential of WSNs, and therefore increase their integration in society. In particular, this thesis focuses on the following four practical obstacles: high node density, node mobility, traffic heterogeneity and integration with the future Internet of Things (IoT). First, we deal with the interference problem in high density sensor deployments. We address this issue proposing a pragmatic joint routing, transmission power control and channel allocation approach, built upon the well-known RPL (Routing Protocol for Low-Power and Lossy Networks). This reduces the average packet collisions and the energy consumption of WSNs. Second, we address the low communication reliability and robustness in WSNs with mobile nodes. In particular, we propose a solution that combines RPL with a position-based routing approach based on Kalman filtering. This provides the efficiency and reliability of RPL, and also includes mobility support for non-static nodes. Third, we study the problem of QoS (Quality of Service) provisioning in WSNs managing heterogeneous traffic. With this in mind, we propose a multi-tree approach based on the construction of multiple RPL Instances. This constructs multiple virtual topologies to address the particular requirements of each traffic flow individually. Finally, we focus on the efficient integration of wireless sensors with Cloud-based IoT platforms. In particular, we propose a formulation to orchestrate the resource utilization of the whole network, taking advantage of the recent advances in virtualization and mobile cloud computing. This optimizes the overall consumption, considering the capabilities and limitations of each node, while satisfying the service requirements and the individual users' demands.

Este trabalho teve por finalidade simular a hidrodinâmica da Plataforma Continental Interna do Estado de São Paulo (PCISP) e da Plataforma Continental Média do Estado de São Paulo (PCMSP) no período de verão, em resposta às forçantes do gradiente de densidade, do vento climatológico e das marés, através da implementação do modelo numérico hidrodinâmico tridimensional Regional Ocean Modeling System (ROMS). Os experimentos realizados mostraram que os efeitos da distribuição de densidade sobre o comportamento geral da circulação na PCISP e PCMSP são secundários quando comparados à circulação induzida pela tensão de cisalhamento do vento. Os resultados apontam que na PCISP e na PCMSP a componente de velocidade paralela à costa é dominada por forçantes de frequência subinercial, como o vento climatológico e o gradiente de densidade, enquanto que a componente normal, na direção normal à costa, é fortemente influenciada pela forçante de maré.
The aim of this study was simulate the hydrodynamic of the Inner Continental Shelf of the State of São Paulo (PCISP) and of the Mid Continental Shelf of the State of São Paulo (PCMSP) during summer, in response to the density gradient forcing, to the climatological wind shear stress forcing and to the tide forcing, applying the tridimensional hydrodynamic numeric model Regional Ocean Modeling System (ROMS). The experiments performed showed the effects of the density distribution over the general circulation behavior in the PCISP and PCMSP are secondary compared with the induced climatological wind shear stress circulation. The results indicate that in the PCISP and in the PCMSP the component velocity parallel to the coast is dominated by subinertial frequencies forcing, as the climatological wind and the density gradient, while the component velocity perpendicular to the coast is strongly influenced by the tide forcing.

O espalhamento de ondas eletromagnéticas por partículas isoladas, com propriedades ópticas e formatos arbitrários, encontra aplicações nas mais diversas áreas do conhecimento. Usualmente, o espalhamento eletromagnético é investigado via grandezas auferidas na região de campo distante. Para partículas inomogêneas, no entanto, as ressonâncias nas seções de choque de espalhamento podem não corresponder a um aumento de intensidade do campo eletromagnético nas vizinhanças imediatas da partícula (região de campo próximo). Esse efeito pode ser induzido em nanopartículas dielétricas com revestimentos plasmônicos e foi recentemente explicado em termos da ressonância de Fano. Essa ressonância resulta da interferência entre um modo eletromagnético não ressonante (processo de fundo) e um modo discreto ressonante (ressonância de plásmon), produzindo um formato assimétrico de linha espectral. Para o entendimento de como os modos de superfície no campo próximo acoplam-se às ressonâncias nas seções de choque, é necessário o cálculo de funcionais dos campos eletromagnéticos internos às partículas ou em suas vizinhanças imediatas. Neste estudo, calculamos a energia eletromagnética no interior de centros espalhadores nas geometrias esférica e cilíndrica. Fazemos aqui o vínculo dos campos internos às grandezas de espalhamento no campo distante via seção de choque de absorção e conservação de energia. Aplicamos nossos resultados a metamateriais dispersivos, estudando as propriedades do espalhamento por esferas revestidas e por esferas quirais, no regime de refração negativa, e por cilindros revestidos sob incidência oblíqua de radiação. Mediante a energia interna às partículas, demonstramos novos efeitos de aumento de intensidade de campo interno fora da ressonância de espalhamento e fornecemos resultados analíticos para a análise dessas ressonâncias, tanto em espalhamento simples quanto múltiplo.
Electromagnetic wave scattering by single particles with both shapes and optical properties arbitrary finds applications in several areas of knowledge. Usually, the electromagnetic scattering is investigated via measured quantities in the far-field region. However, for inhomogeneous particles, resonances in scattering cross sections may not correspond to the electromagnetic field enhancement in the vicinity of a particle (near-field). This effect can be induced in dielectric nanoparticles with plasmonic coatings, and it has recently been explained in terms of the Fano resonance. The Fano resonance results from the interference between a non-resonant electromagnetic mode (background or continuous) and a resonant discrete mode (localized plasmon resonance), leading to an asymmetric lineshape. To understand how the surface modes in the near-field are connected to the cross section resonances, functionals of the electromagnetic fields within scatterers or in their vicinity are required. In this study, we calculate the electromagnetic energy inside scatterers in both cylindrical and spherical geometries. We obtain a connection between the internal energy and the scattering quantities in the far-field via absorption cross section and energy conservation. We apply our results to dispersive metamaterials, studying scattering properties of coated and chiral spheres in the negative refraction regime, and coated cylinders under oblique incidence of radiation. By the electromagnetic energy inside particles, we demonstrate new off-resonance field enhancement effects and provide analytical tools to analyze these resonances in both single and multiple scattering regimes.

Residential access networks provide always-on connectivity at a constant maximum speed and constant energy consumption. However, their usage is not constant. Users combine disconnection periods with light usage periods and heavy usage periods. The mismatch between the energy consumption and the traffic demand results in a waste of energy. Moreover these networks are unable to increase the energy devoted to a user to satisfy her peaks of demand. The low average utilization of access networks, which is reported to be below 10%, makes clear this waste of energy. Meanwhile, the figures of energy consumption reported by telecommunication companies are staggering. And the maximum connectivity speeds in many regions of the world remain insufficient to support bandwidth hungry applications. To reduce the energy wasted by access networks and increase the maximum speed obtained by individual users I propose to exploit the high density of wireless networks in urban environments. This density allows to i) group light traffic demanding users into a small subset of access lines powering off the unused ones and ii) add the capacity of several lines to increase the throughput obtained by high speed demanding users. The results in this dissertation show that i) the combination of the reduced number of active lines with simple switches at the Internet Service Provider (ISP) central office, can save 66% of the energy devoted to powering access networks and ii) high traffic demanding users can experience a 4× speedup. This thesis has steered great interest in major ISPs. Actually, Telefónica decided to commercialize the ideas here presented and is actively testing its commercialization with a market test in Spain.
El uso de Internet en entornos residenciales no es constante. Los usuarios combinan períodos de desconexión con otros de bajo uso y algunos de alta actividad. Aún así, las redes de acceso a Internet proporcionan una máxima velocidad constante con un consumo energético también constante. La diferencia entre el uso de las redes y su consumo resulta en un desperdicio energético. Además, las velocidades máximas obtenidas por los usuarios son insuficientes para satisfacer sus picos de demanda. La baja utilización media de las redes de acceso – inferior al 10%— pone en evidencia este desperdicio. Mientras tanto, las cifras de consumo energético de las principales operadoras de telecomunicaciones son impresionantes y la velocidad máxima de conexión en muchas regiones del mundo sigue siendo insuficiente para ofrecer servicios como la transmisión de video en alta definición. En esta disertación propongo aprovechar la alta densidad de redes inalámbricas existente en entornos urbanos para reducir el desperdicio de energía de las redes de acceso e incrementar la máxima velocidad de conexión a Internet. Esta densidad permite i) agrupar usuarios con un bajo consumo de Internet en un subgrupo de líneas de acceso y apagar las que queden sin usar, y ii) agrupar la capacidad de varias líneas de acceso para aumentar la velocidad de conexión de los usuarios que lo necesiten. Los resultados presentados en esta disertación muestran que i) combinando la reducción de líneas activas con simples conmutadores en las centrales de los operadores se puede reducir el consumo energético de las redes de acceso en un 66% y ii) los usuarios pueden experimentar un aumento de su velocidad de hasta 4 veces. Esta tesis doctoral ha despertado gran inter ́es en las principales operado- ras de Internet. De hecho, Telefónica ha decidido comercializar las ideas presentadas en esta disertación y está realizando pruebas comerciales en España.

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The understanding and quantification of the impact of use and management of soil in its physical quality, in relation to prevention of compaction, are fundamentals in the development of sustainable agricultural systems. The objective of this work was performed with sample of a clayey Red Latosol and clayey Red Yellow Latosol, estimating hydraulic conductivity in saturated medium, macro and micro porosity in response to the index of compaction (IC) defined by the relation between the bulk density and the maximum density determined by test of Proctor. Also quantify the resistance of penetration, in response to IC and water potential of the soil and calculate the optimum hydric interval (OHI) seeking its utilization as indicator of physical quality of the soil. The OHI is an area limited by four dependent variables related to bulk density such as: aeration porosity, water content determined on volumetric bases -100 hPa and -15.000 hPa and the water content on volumetric bases permitting to maintain the resistance of the penetration in a pre-fixed value. The experimental unit were cylinders of soil artificially compacted to attained IC with in interval of 0.70 to 1.00. The resistance of the penetration was determined, additionally, in the interval limited by extreme potentials of -60 and -15.000 hPa. The results of the experiment permitted to conclude that: a) the hydraulic conductivity and macro porosity were reduced with the increment of IC and the increment of micro porosity is lower than the reduction of macro porosity in response to the compaction; b) the resistance of penetration increases with the increment of the compaction. It also increases with water potential of the soil decreases. The LVA with high water content in the working potential, reached to lower values of resistance of penetration and the difference is less accentuated, in response to the potential, as that of the LV; c) the determination of OHI is important to decrease the loss of productivity due to compaction, to establish limit of restriction in aeration of root system and the resistance of soil in the growth of roots; d) the convergence of results is indicator of the importance of using relative values, such as IC, in the comparison of soil characteristics, since the absolute value showed high divergence; e) IC in the range of 0.70 to 0.85 did not give restriction in the growth of the plants. High values indicated, initially restriction in the aeration of soil and when the range of 0.95 to 1.00, ending root growth due to resistance of penetration.
A compreensão e a quantificação do impacto do uso e manejo do solo na sua qualidade física, como a prevenção da compactação, são fundamentais no desenvolvimento de sistemas agrícolas sustentáveis. Foram objetivos deste trabalho, realizado com amostras de um Latossolo Vermelho argiloso e um Latossolo Vermelho Amarelo muito argiloso, quantificar a condutividade hidráulica em meio saturado, a macro e a microporosidade em resposta ao índice de compactação (IC), definido pela relação entre a densidade do solo e a densidade máxima determinada pelo ensaio de Proctor. Também quantificar a resistência à penetração, em resposta ao IC e ao potencial da água do solo, e calcular o intervalo hídrico ótimo (IHO), visando sua utilização como indicador da qualidade física do solo. O IHO é uma área delimitada por relações de quatro variáveis dependentes com a densidade do solo: porosidade de aeração, conteúdo de água base volumétrica determinada a -100 hPa e a -15.000 hPa e conteúdo de água base volumétrica que permite manter a resistência à penetração num valor prefixado i. As unidades experimentais foram cilindros de solo artificialmente compactados para atingir IC no intervalo de 0,70 a 1,00. A resistência à penetração foi determinada, adicionalmente, no intervalo delimitado pelos potenciais extremos de -60 e -15.000 hPa. Os resultados experimentais permitiram concluir que: a condutividade hidráulica e a macroporosidade são reduzidas com o incremento do IC e o incremento da microporosidade é inferior à diminuição da macroporosidade em resposta à compactação; a resistência à penetração aumenta com o incremento da compactação e a diminuição do potencial da água do solo. O LVA, com maior conteúdo de água nos potenciais de trabalho, apresentou menores valores de resistência à penetração e diferenças menos acentuadas, em resposta ao potencial, que o LV; a determinação do IHO é complemento adequado para diminuir perdas de produtividade em resposta à compactação, por estabelecer limites de restrição à aeração do sistema radicular e de resistência do solo ao crescimento das raízes; a convergência de resultados é indicativa da importância do uso de valores relativos, como o IC, na comparação de características de solos, em que os valores absolutos apresentam acentuada divergência; o IC na faixa de 0,70 a 0,85 não oferece restrições ao crescimento das plantas. Valores superiores indicam, inicialmente, restrições à aeração do solo e, quando na faixa de 0,95 a 1,00, impedimento ao crescimento de raízes pela resistência à penetração.

Cette thèse présente la Simulation des Grandes Echelles (LES) de l’injection, de la pulvérisation et de la cavitation dans un injecteur pour les applications liées aux moteurs à combustion interne. Pour la modélisation de l’atomisation, on utilise le modèle ELSA (Eulerian Lagrangian Spray Atomization). Le modèle résout la fraction volumique du combustible liquide ainsi que la densité de surface d’interface liquide-gaz pour décrire le processus complet d’atomisation. Dans cette thèse, l’écoulement à l’intérieur de l’injecteur est également pris en compte pour une étude ultérieure de l’atomisation. L’étude présente l’application du modèle ELSA à un injecteur Diesel typique, à la fois dans le contexte de RANS et de LES.Le modèle est validé à l’aide de données expérimentales disponibles dans Engine Combustion Network (ECN). Le modèle ELSA, qui est normalement conçu pour les interfaces diffuses (non résolues), lorsque l’emplacement exact de l’interface liquide-gaz n’est pas pris en compte, est étendu pour fonctionner avec une formulation de type Volume of Fluid (VOF) de flux à deux phases, où l’interface est explicitement résolu. Le couplage est réalisé à l’aide de critères IRQ (Interface Resolution Quality), qui prennent en compte à la fois la courbure de l’interface et la quantité modélisée de la surface de l’interface. Le modèle ELSA est développé en premier lieu en considérant les deux phases comme incompressibles. L’extension à la phase compressible est également brièvement étudiée dans cette thèse. Il en résulte une formulation ELSA compressible qui prend en compte la densité variable de chaque phase. En collaboration avec l’Imperial College de Londres, la formulation de la fonction de densité de probabilité (PDF) avec les champs stochastiques est également explorée afin d’étudier l’atomisation. Dans les systèmes d’injection de carburant modernes, la pression locale à l’intérieur de l’injecteur tombe souvent en dessous de la pression de saturation en vapeur du carburant, ce qui entraîne une cavitation. La cavitation affecte le flux externe et la formulation du spray. Ainsi, une procédure est nécessaire pour étudier le changement de phase ainsi que la formulation du jet en utilisant une configuration numérique unique et cohérente. Une méthode qui couple le changement de phase à l’intérieur de l’injecteur à la pulvérisation externe du jet est développée dans cette thèse. Ceci est réalisé en utilisant le volume de formulation de fluide où l’interface est considérée entre le liquide et le gaz; le gaz est composé à la fois de vapeur et d’airambiant non condensable
This thesis presents Large Eddy Simulation (LES) of fuel injection, atomization and cavitation inside the fuel injector for applications related to internal combustion engines. For atomization modeling, Eulerian Lagrangian Spray Atomization (ELSA) model is used. The model solves for volume fraction of liquid fuel as well as liquid-gas interface surface density to describe the complete atomization process. In this thesis, flow inside the injector is also considered for subsequent study of atomization. The study presents the application of ELSA model to a typical diesel injector, both in the context of RANS and LES. The model is validated with the help of experimental data available from Engine Combustion Network (ECN). The ELSA model which is normally designed for diffused (unresolved) interfaces, where the exact location of the liquid-gas interface is not considered, is extended to work with Volume of Fluid (VOF) type formulation of two phase flow, where interface is explicitly resolved. The coupling is achieved with the help of Interface Resolution Quality (IRQ) criteria, that takes into account both the interface curvature and modeled amount of interface surface. ELSA model is developed first considering both phases as incompressible, the extension to compressible phase is also briefly studied in this thesis, resulting in compressible ELSA formulation that takes into account varying density in each phase. In collaboration with Imperial College London, the Probability Density Function (PDF) formulation with Stochastic Fields is also explored to study atomization. In modern fuel injection systems, quite oftenthe local pressure inside the injector falls below the vapor saturation pressure of the fuel, resulting in cavitation. Cavitation effects the external flow and spray formulation. Thus, a procedure is required to study the phase change as well as jet formulation using a single and consistent numerical setup. A method is developed in this thesis that couples the phase change inside the injector to the external jet atomization. This is achieved using the volume of fluid formulation where the interface is considered between liquid and gas; gas consists of both the vapor and non condensible ambient air

Le développement de réseaux de capteurs connectés complexes, miniatures et autonomes nécessite l’élaboration de nouveaux dispositifs de stockage électrochimique de l’énergie. De tels dispositifs doivent être performants, miniatures et compacts, pouvant être assemblés directement sur une puce électronique. Pour ce faire, les micro-batteries (μ-Bat) à ions lithium et micro-supercondensateurs (μ-SC) peuvent assurer, grâce à leur complémentarité, l’autonomie énergétique des objets connectés miniaturisés. Pour obtenir de tels micro-dispositifs, l’idée est de coupler une électrode de carbone avec une électrode de matériaux pseudocapacitifs. Les carbones poreux dérivés de carbure métallique (CDC) ont été développés ces dernières années et présentent des densités de puissance importantes. Également, le pentoxyde de niobium (Nb2O5), de par son comportement pseudocapacitif, permet de stocker de grandes quantités d’énergie. Dans cette étude, des films minces de Nb2O5 ont été déposés sur substrat de silicium par pulvérisation, puis cristallisés par un traitement thermique rapide en films de Nb2O5 orthorhombique (T-Nb2O5). Le mécanisme d’intercalation rapide des ions lithium dans le matériau T-Nb2O5 a été étudié. Ensuite, des films minces de carbure de titane (TiC) ont été déposés sur substrat de silicium par pulvérisation, puis convertis par chloration partielle en films de TiC-CDC microporeux adhérents. Des micro-supercondensateurs hybrides CDC/Nb2O5 ont été élaborés et étudiés en milieu 1M LiClO4 (EC/DMC : 1/1). Enfin, l’écriture laser sur KaptonTM d’électrodes à base de Nb2O5 et de carbone semble prometteuse pour la réalisation de micro-supercondensateurs flexibles
Continuous development and further miniaturization of electronic devices greatly stimulate the research for miniaturized and compact electrochemical energy storage (EES) devices, allowing thus the development of autonomous, sustainable and connected devices. Small footprint storage sources should be sufficient efficient in terms of power, autonomy and lifespan and fixed directly on chip. To fulfil the requirements, the combination of a micro-battery (μ-Bat) with a micro- supercapacitor (μ-SC) would constitute an ideal EES microdevice where μ-Bat is dedicated to long-term applications and μ-SC ensures power demand. As promising electrode candidate for high power microdevice, carbide-derived carbons (CDCs) have been identified to load to important capacitance gains. In addition, niobium oxide (Nb2O5) stores higher levels of charges and offers the prospect of achieving energy densities of Li-ion battery materials but with the ability to operate at high power. In the present study, Nb2O5 thin films were deposited on silicon wafer by sputtering and crystallized by a rapid thermal annealing into an orthorhombic phase T-Nb2O5. We investigated porous T-Nb2O5 in which rapid insertion of lithium throughout the entire material. Then, titanium carbide (TiC) thin films were deposited on silicon wafer by sputtering and partial chlorinated into strongly adherent TiC-CDC films. Hybrid micro-supercapacitors CDC/Nb2O5 were successfully prepared and characterized in 1M LiClO4 (EC/DMC : 1/1). Finally, direct laser writing onto KaptonTM of Nb2O5 and carbon-based electrodes open the way for the design of flexible micro-supercapacitors

L'intérêt des modèles non-linéaires réside, d'une part, dans une meilleure prise en compte des non-linéaritéscaractérisant les séries macroéconomiques et financières et, d'autre part, dans une prévision plus riche en information.A ce niveau, l'originalité des intervalles (asymétriques et/ou discontinus) et des densités de prévision (asymétriqueset/ou multimodales) offerts par cette nouvelle forme de modélisation suggère qu'une amélioration de la prévisionrelativement aux modèles linéaires est alors possible et qu'il faut disposer de tests d'évaluation assez puissants pourvérifier cette éventuelle amélioration. Ces tests reviennent généralement à vérifier des hypothèses distributionnellessur les processus des violations et des transformées probabilistes associés respectivement à chacune de ces formes deprévision. Dans cette thèse, nous avons adapté le cadre GMM fondé sur les polynômes orthonormaux conçu parBontemps et Meddahi (2005, 2012) pour tester l'adéquation à certaines lois de probabilité, une approche déjà initiéepar Candelon et al. (2011) dans le cadre de l'évaluation de la Value-at-Risk. Outre la simplicité et la robustesse de laméthode, les tests développés présentent de bonnes propriétés en termes de tailles et de puissances. L'utilisation denotre nouvelle approche dans la comparaison de modèles linéaires et de modèles non-linéaires lors d'une analyseempirique a confirmé l'idée selon laquelle les premiers sont préférés si l'objectif est le calcul de simples prévisionsponctuelles tandis que les derniers sont les plus appropriés pour rendre compte de l'incertitude autour de celles-ci.

Behavioral weight loss programs have been shown to be effective for short-term weight loss, however the impact of these programs on dietary changes is unclear. This study examined the changes in participant’s diet and physical activity over the course of a 16-week Internet behavioral weight-loss program. A single-center randomized controlled trial was conducted from August 2008 to December 2008 in Lexington, KY, and sixty-six women whose mean (SD) age was 48.6 (10.8) years and body mass index was 31.8 (3.7) kg/m2 completed all dietary and physical measures. Participants received two face-to-face group sessions with a dietitian, at baseline and 4-weeks, in addition to 16 weekly behavioral weight loss lessons delivered via an Internet website. Participants showed a significant reduction in energy intake (1879.2±771.7 vs. 1372.9±423.7; p<0.001), dietary energy density (2.1±0.5 vs. 1.9±0.5; p=0.002) and a significant increase in diet quality score as measured by the HEI-2005 (53.9±9.9 vs. 57.4±10.6; p =0.002). Participants did not show significant differences in physical activity intensity, duration or energy expenditure. However, post hoc analysis revealed that those who adopted a healthy life style, such as eating more fruits and vegetables and being physically active, achieved greater weight loss than those who did not adopt a healthy lifestyle. Participation in this Internet behavioral weight loss program significantly improved dietary intake in adult women and did not significantly improve daily physical activity levels.

Connus sous le nom de Systèmes d’Alerte Avancés, ou Early Warning Systems (EWS), les modèles de prévision des crises financières sont appelés à jouer un rôle déterminant dans l’orientation des politiques économiques tant au niveau microéconomique qu’au niveau macroéconomique et international. Or,dans le sillage de la crise financière mondiale, des questions majeures se posent sur leur réelle capacité prédictive. Deux principales problématiques émergent dans le cadre de cette littérature : comment évaluer les capacités prédictives des EWS et comment les améliorer ?Cette thèse d’économétrie appliquée vise à proposer (i) une méthode d’évaluation systématique des capacités prédictives des EWS et (ii) de nouvelles spécifications d’EWS visant à améliorer leurs performances. Ce travail comporte quatre chapitres. Le premier propose un test original d’évaluation des prévisions par intervalles de confiance fondé sur l’hypothèse de distribution binomiale du processus de violations. Le deuxième chapitre propose une stratégie d’évaluation économétrique des capacités prédictives des EWS. Nous montrons que cette évaluation doit être fondée sur la détermination d’un seuil optimal sur les probabilités prévues d’apparition des crises ainsi que sur la comparaison des modèles.Le troisième chapitre révèle que la dynamique des crises (la persistance) est un élément essentiel de la spécification économétrique des EWS. Les résultats montrent en particulier que les modèles de type logit dynamiques présentent de bien meilleurs capacités prédictives que les modèles statiques et que les modèles de type Markoviens. Enfin, dans le quatrième chapitre nous proposons un modèle original de type probit dynamique multivarié qui permet d’analyser les schémas de causalité intervenant entre différents types crises (bancaires, de change et de dette). L’illustration empirique montre clairement que le passage à une modélisation trivariée améliore sensiblement les prévisions pour les pays qui connaissent les trois types de crises
Known as Early Warning Systems (EWS), financial crises forecasting models play a key role in definingeconomic policies at microeconomic, macroeconomic and international level. However, in the wake ofthe global financial crisis, numerous questions with respect to their forecasting abilities have been raised,as very few signals were drawn prior to the starting of the turmoil. Two questions arise in this context:how to evaluate EWS forecasting abilities and how to improve them?The broad goal of this applied econometrics dissertation is hence (i) to propose a systematic model-free evaluation methodology for the forecasting abilities of EWS as well as (ii) to introduce new EWSspecifications with improved out-of-sample performance. This work has been concretized in four chapters.The first chapter introduces a new approach to evaluate interval forecasts which relies on the binomialdistributional assumption of the violations series. The second chapter proposes an econometric evaluationmethodology of the forecasting abilities of an EWS. We show that adequate evaluation must take intoaccount the cut-off both in the optimal crisis forecast step and in the model comparison step. The thirdchapter points out that crisis dynamics (persistence) is essential for the econometric specification of anEWS. Indeed, dynamic logit models lead to better out-of-sample forecasting probabilities than those oftheir main competitors (static model and Markov-switching one). Finally, a multivariate dynamic probitEWS is proposed in the fourth chapter to take into account the causality between different types of crises(banking, currency, sovereign debt). The empirical application shows that the trivariate model improvesforecasts for countries that underwent the three types of crises

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento CientÃfico e TecnolÃgico
As propriedades fÃsico-quÃmicas do Ãster EtÃlico do Ãleo de Mamona (EEOM) foram estimadas a partir de modelos teÃricos e anÃlises experimentais. Por nÃo ser um combustÃvel comercial, o EEOM foi manufaturado por meio de um processo de fabricaÃÃo denominado (Transesterification Double Step Process) TDPS. AtravÃs do mÃtodo de contribuiÃÃo de grupos, as propriedades crÃticas e o ponto de ebuliÃÃo normal foram estimados. Utilizando os valores das propriedades crÃticas e correlaÃÃes matemÃticas, estimaram-se a tensÃo superficial, a entalpia de vaporizaÃÃo, a pressÃo de vapor, a condutividade tÃrmica, a viscosidade e a densidade. A anÃlise experimental do EEOM foi conduzida utilizando tÃcnicas tradicionalmente associadas à pesquisa de densidade e viscosidade de combustÃveis. Na anÃlise experimental de viscosidade utilizou-se um viscosÃmetro copo Ford. TambÃm foram analisadas experimentalmente as misturas ternÃrias do EEOM, etanol e diesel comercial em diversas fraÃÃes volumÃtricas. A anÃlise das misturas ternÃrias vem como uma alternativa para amenizar os valores de viscosidade e densidade do EEOM no combustÃvel de uso final, estimando os valores de fraÃÃes volumÃtricas que podem atender as normas brasileiras e europeias. Os resultados das propriedades fÃsico-quÃmicas servirÃo como base para rotinas computacionais de simulaÃÃo aplicadas ao estudo de emissÃes de poluentes e formaÃÃo do jato combustÃvel para o EEOM.
The physicochemical properties of the Ethyl Ester of Castor Oil (EECO) were estimated from theoretical models and experimental analysis. As it is not a comercial fuel, the EECO has been manufactured by a special fabrication process denominated (Transesterification Double Step Process) TDPS. Through the group contribution method, critical properties and normal boiling point were estimated. Using the values of the critical properties and mathematical correlations, were surface tension, enthalpy vaporization, vapor pressure, thermal conductivity, viscosity and density estimated. The experimental analysis of EEOM was conducted using techniques traditionally associated with research of density and viscosity of fuel. In the experimental analysis of viscosity it was used a Ford cup viscometer. As an alternative to alleviate the values of viscosity and density of the fuel EECO in ultimate use, as well as analyzed mixtures EECO, ethanol and diesel trade in various volume fractions, estimating the values that can meet the Brazilian and European standards. The results of the physical and chemical properties will serve as a basis for computer simulation routines applied to the study of emissions and formation of jet fuel for EECO.

Orientador: Carmen Regina Marcati
Resumo: A casca é um sistema biológico complexo que desempenha diversas funções na planta, incluindo condução de fotoassimilados, suporte mecânico, armazenamento de substâncias e proteção contra herbívoros, patógenos e intempéries como o fogo. A casca é composta, principalmente, pelo floema secundário e pela periderme, e reveste tanto caules quanto raízes. O caule está exposto à atmosfera e tem funções de elevação e suporte da planta, enquanto a raiz está exposta ao solo e tem funções de fixar a planta ao solo, armazenar substâncias e absorver e conduzir água e nutrientes. Contudo, pouco se sabe se as diferentes funções de caules e raízes indicam diferentes funções na casca de cada órgão. Neste trabalho, comparamos a casca de caules e raízes de 15 espécies representativas do cerrado paulista e testamos se a casca do caule apresentaria funções de suporte e proteção, enquanto a casca da raiz apresentaria função de armazenamento de substâncias. Também testamos se encontraríamos maior eficiência na condução de fotoassimilados na casca da raiz. Para tanto, selecionamos 15 espécies de árvores e arbustos do cerrado sensu stricto e amostramos a casca do caule e da raiz. Analisamos a estrutura (espessura e anatomia), a densidade e a química (água, açúcares solúveis, amido, nitrogênio, fósforo e carbono) e relacionamos com as funções da casca em cada órgão. Na casca do caule, encontramos maior espessura da periderme, devido ao felema mais largo com células maiores e mais espessas, e menor dens... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo)
Abstract: Bark is a complex biological system that performs multiple functions in plant, including photoassimilates conduction, mechanical support, storage and protection against herbivores, pathogens and fire. Bark comprises mainly the secondary phloem and the periderm, and covers both trunks and roots. The trunk is exposed to the atmosphere and has the main functions of plant elevation and plant support, whereas the root is exposed to the ground and has the main functions of fix the plant to the ground, store substances, provide water and nutrients to the plant. However, remain unclear whether the different functions of trunk s and roots indicate different functions in the bark of each organ. In this work, we compared the bark of trunk and roots of species in the cerrado of São Paulo, tested whether the trunk bark presents both support and protection functions, whereas the root bark presents storage function. We also tested whether we would find higher efficiency of photoassimilates conduction in the root bark. For this purpose, we selected 15 representative species of trees and shrubs in the cerrado sensu stricto and sample both trunk and root barks. We analyzed the structure (thickness and anatomy), density and chemistry (water, soluble sugars, starch, nitrogen, phosphorus and carbon) and associated to the bark functions in each organ. In the trunk bark, we found thicker periderm, due to thicker phellem with larger cell and thicker wall cells, and lower periderm density, suggesting... (Complete abstract click electronic access below)
Doutor

Today, the main research field for the automotive industry is to find solutions for active safety. In order to perceive the surrounding environment, tracking nearby traffic objects plays an important role. Validation of the tracking performance is often done in staged traffic scenarios, where additional sensors, mounted on the vehicles, are used to obtain their true positions and velocities. The difficulty of evaluating the tracking performance complicates its development. An alternative approach studied in this thesis, is to record sequences and use non-causal algorithms, such as smoothing, instead of filtering to estimate the true target states. With this method, validation data for online, causal, target tracking algorithms can be obtained for all traffic scenarios without the need of extra sensors. We investigate how non-causal algorithms affects the target tracking performance using multiple sensors and dynamic models of different complexity. This is done to evaluate real-time methods against estimates obtained from non-causal filtering. Two different measurement units, a monocular camera and a LIDAR sensor, and two dynamic models are evaluated and compared using both causal and non-causal methods. The system is tested in two single object scenarios where ground truth is available and in three multi object scenarios without ground truth. Results from the two single object scenarios shows that tracking using only a monocular camera performs poorly since it is unable to measure the distance to objects. Here, a complementary LIDAR sensor improves the tracking performance significantly. The dynamic models are shown to have a small impact on the tracking performance, while the non-causal application gives a distinct improvement when tracking objects at large distances. Since the sequence can be reversed, the non-causal estimates are propagated from more certain states when the target is closer to the ego vehicle. For multiple object tracking, we find that correct associations between measurements and tracks are crucial for improving the tracking performance with non-causal algorithms.

碩士
國立臺灣大學
臨床牙醫學研究所
96
Objectives: Prevalence of TMJ internal derangement (ID) in general population is relatively high (up to 32%). TMJ ID is often associated with joint noise, pain during mouth opening, and difficulty in chewing. Problems in TMJ ID possibly include changes in craniofacial morphology and malocclusion. From our previous study, disc displacement without reduction (DDNR) is significantly correlated with low bone mineral density and low body mass index. Therefore, high prevalence rate of TMJ ID and other associated changes may cause major health problems and needs our attention. Diagnosis rate of TMJ ID is under estimated because there is no general physical examination which can evaluate TMJ ID precisely. MRI, being used for correct diagnosis of TMJ ID, costs much and therefore, is not practical to apply on every patient. Thus, an easier and convenient method but with less cost should be developed for diagnosis of TMJ ID. The aim of this study was to explore correlations of TMJ ID and morphological differences of craniofacial structure, and to explore systemic risk factors of TMJ ID. A screening method for TMJ ID with different variables was derived for three populations of patients. Materials and methods: A total of 156 young females (18 to 28 years old) participated in this cross-sectional study. Samples were collected from: 1) TMD department, 2) orthodontic department of NTUH, and 3) general young females without any symptoms of TMD. Both static and dynamic TMJ MRI was used for the correct diagnosis of TMJ ID. Condylar head area (CHA) and ascending ramus height (ARH) were measured on the images from static TMJ MRI. The craniofacial morphology of the subjects was assessed by using both lateral and PA cephalograms. The bone mineral density in the lumbar spines was obtained by using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). BMI was calculated using the body height and weight (height/weight2). Chi square and multivariate regression analysis were used for the statistical analyses. Results: There was significant difference in diagnosis and distributions TMJ ID among three populations. In orthodontic department, 64.10% of population was diagnosed with ID at either side of TMJ and 50% of total condyles were diagnosed as TMJ ID. In TMD department, 96.43% of population was diagnosed with ID at either side of TMJ and 83.04% of total condyles were diagnosed as TMJ ID. In general young female population, 45.45% was diagnosed with ID at either side of TMJ and 34.85% of total condyles were diagnosed as TMJ ID. Prevalence of TMJ ID was highest in the population from TMD department, subsequently followed by the population from orthodontic department. The prevalence of TMJ ID in general young females were the lowest but still with one third of the joints affected. Multivariate regression model showed that small condyle head area, narrow condyle width, and short condyle length were associated with higher risks for TMJ ID. The smaller the condyle head was with higher possibility for TMJ ID. Patients with class II and class III skeletal jaw relationships were much prone to have TMJ ID than those with normal one. Especially, asymmetry in upper and lower jaws was with higher risks for TMJ ID. In addition, skeletal class II with large overjet was highly associated with disc displacement without reduction. Conclusion: There were significant differences in diagnosis and distribution of TMJ ID among three populations. TMJ ID was associated with specific changes in craniofacial morphology. Therefore, the characteristics of craniofacial morphology associated with higher risks for TMJ ID should be notified in different clinics for patient health benefits.

碩士
國立臺北大學
統計學系
97
Reliability is the probability that a component or a system can function at designed level during some specified period of time. When the distribution of component lifetime is unknown, nonparametric methods are used to estimate the system reliability, Rs(t)=P{T≥t}. Due to the randomization of sampling, the reliability of a component varies from lot to lot. In order to describe further the variation and uncertainty of the reliability, it can be viewed as a random variable, also called believed-reliability, which is often assumed to be distributed as a Beta distribution. The purpose of this research is to present a numerical method to evaluate system believed-reliability by component believed-reliabilities under the circumstance that components distributed as Beta function independently and through the system structure function. Let the believed-reliabilities of two components at time t be independent random variables X~Beta(α1,β1) and Y~Beta(α2,β2), α1, β1, α2, β2 > 0. This research first discusses the case of a series composed of two components to find the Beta approximation for the believed-reliability, Z=XY by minimizing the L1-norm between the density functions, and then extends it to the case of the series and parallel composed of n components. The Beta approximation of the believed-reliability for the system composed of series, parallel, series-parallel and parallel-series configuration can be derived by the previous methods.

Being able to explore a relationship between two life events is of great interest to scientists from different disciplines. Some issues of particular concern are, for example, the connection between smoking cessation and pregnancy (Thompson and Pantoja-Galicia 2003), the interrelation between entry into marriage for individuals in a consensual union and first pregnancy (Blossfeld and Mills 2003), and the association between job loss and divorce (Charles and Stephens 2004, Huang 2003 and Yeung and Hofferth 1998). Establishing causation in observational studies is seldom possible. Nevertheless, if one of two events tends to precede the other closely in time, a causal interpretation of an association between these events can be more plausible. The role of longitudinal surveys is crucial, then, since they allow sequences of events for individuals to be observed. Thompson and Pantoja-Galicia (2003) discuss in this context several notions of temporal association and ordering, and propose an approach to investigate a possible relationship between two lifetime events. In longitudinal surveys individuals might be asked questions of particular interest about two specific lifetime events. Therefore the joint distribution might be advantageous for answering questions of particular importance. In follow-up studies, however, it is possible that interval censored data may arise due to several reasons. For example, actual dates of events might not have been recorded, or are missing, for a subset of (or all) the sampled population, and can be established only to within specified intervals. Along with the notions of temporal association and ordering, Thompson and Pantoja-Galicia (2003) also discuss the concept of one type of event "triggering" another. In addition they outline the construction of tests for these temporal relationships. The aim of this thesis is to implement some of these notions using interval censored data from longitudinal complex surveys. Therefore, we present some proposed tools that may be used for this purpose. This dissertation is divided in five chapters, the first chapter presents a notion of a temporal relationship along with a formal nonparametric test. The mechanisms of right censoring, interval censoring and left truncation are also overviewed. Issues on complex surveys designs are discussed at the end of this chapter. For the remaining chapters of the thesis, we note that the corresponding formal nonparametric test requires estimation of a joint density, therefore in the second chapter a nonparametric approach for bivariate density estimation with interval censored survey data is provided. The third chapter is devoted to model shorter term triggering using complex survey bivariate data. The semiparametric models in Chapter 3 consider both noncensoring and interval censoring situations. The fourth chapter presents some applications using data from the National Population Health Survey and the Survey of Labour and Income Dynamics from Statistics Canada. An overall discussion is included in the fifth chapter and topics for future research are also addressed in this last chapter.