Disertacijoje nagrinėjama pluoštinių priedų įtaka autoklavinio akytojo betono (AAC) savybėms, ištirta pluoštinių priedų korozija šarminėje aplinkoje, nustatyta pluoštinių priedų įtaka AAC formavimo mišiniams, parinkta optimali formavimo mišinių sudėtis, sumaišymo ir pluoštų parametrai. Atlikta pluoštinių priedų hidrofilizacija ir ištirta jos įtaka portlandcemečio hidratacijai bei pluoštų pasiskirstymui AAC matricoje. Nustatytos AAC bandinių su pluoštiniais priedais bandinių fizikinės mechaninės charakteristikos, ištirta pluoštų sąlyčio zona su AAC matrica, nustatyta drėgnio įtaka AAC savybėms ir šalčio atsparumas. Disertacijoje pateikta patobulinta AAC gamybos technologinė schema. / Dissertation analizes The Influence of Fiberous Additives on the Properties of Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC). The corrosion of fibers in alkaline medium and the resistance to hydrothermal exposure was investigate, the optimal composition of formation admixtures and its parameters of mixing was selected, optimal quantities and parameters of fibrous admixture was determined, the effect of surface active agents (SAA) used for hydrophilization of fibers on hydration of Portland cement was investigate to. The effect of fibrous admixtures on properties of AAC products (density, macro- and microstructure, reinforcing fibrous admixture – AAC matrix contact zone, compression strength, bending strength, freeze resistance) was determined. A new modernized technological scheme to produce AAC is presented in this dissertation.

Disertacijoje nagrinėjama pluoštinių priedų įtaka autoklavinio akytojo betono (AAC) savybėms, ištirta pluoštinių priedų korozija šarminėje aplinkoje, nustatyta pluoštinių priedų įtaka AAC formavimo mišiniams, parinkta optimali formavimo mišinių sudėtis, sumaišymo ir pluoštų parametrai. Atlikta pluoštinių priedų hidrofilizacija ir ištirta jos įtaka portlandcemečio hidratacijai bei pluoštų pasiskirstymui AAC matricoje. Nustatytos AAC bandinių su pluoštiniais priedais bandinių fizikinės mechaninės charakteristikos, ištirta pluoštų sąlyčio zona su AAC matrica, nustatyta drėgnio įtaka AAC savybėms ir šalčio atsparumas. Disertacijoje pateikta patobulinta AAC gamybos technologinė schema. / Dissertation analizes the influence of fiberous additives on the properties of autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC). The corrosion of fibers in alkaline medium and the resistance to hydrothermal exposure was investigate, the optimal composition of formation admixtures and its parameters of mixing was selected, optimal quantities and parameters of fibrous admixture was determined, the effect of surface active agents (SAA) used for hydrophilization of fibers on hydration of Portland cement was investigate to. The effect of fibrous admixtures on properties of AAC products (density, macro- and microstructure, reinforcing fibrous admixture – AAC matrix contact zone, compression strength, bending strength, freeze resistance) was determined. A new modernized technological scheme of AAC producing is presented in this dissertation.

O Sistema Brasileiro de Televisão Digital estabeleceu como padrão de codificação de áudio o algoritmo MPEG-4 Advanced Audio Coding, mais precisamente nos perfis Low Complexity, High Efficiency versão 1 e High Efficiency versão 2. O trabalho apresenta um estudo detalhado sobre o padrão, contendo desde alguns conceitos da psicoacústica como o mascaramento até a metodologia de decodificação do stream codificado, sempre voltado para o mercado do SBTVD. É proposta uma arquitetura em hardware para um decodificador compatível com o padrão MPEG-4 AAC LC. O decodificador é separado em dois grandes blocos mantendo em um deles o banco de filtros, considerado a parte mais custosa em termos de processamento. No bloco restante é realizada a decodificação do espectro, onde ocorre a decodificação dos códigos de Huffman, o segundo ponto crítico do algoritmo em termos de demandas computacionais. Por fim é descrita a implementação da arquitetura proposta em VHDL para prototipação em um FPGA da família Cyclone II da Altera. / MPEG-4 Advanced Audio Coding is the chosen algorithm for the Brazilian Digital Television System (SBTVD), supporting the Low Complexity, High Efficiency version 1 and High Efficiency version 2 profiles. A detailed study of the algorithm is presented, ranging from psychoacoustics concepts like masking to a review of the AAC bitstream decoding process, always keeping in mind the SBTVD. A digital hardware architecture is proposed, in which the algorithm is split in two separate blocks, one of them containing the Filter Bank, considered the most demanding task. The other block is responsible for decoding the coded spectrum, which contains the second most demanding task of the system: the Huffman decoding. In the final part of this work the conversion of the proposed architecture into VHDL modules meant to be prototyped with an Altera Cyclone II FPGA is described.

O Sistema Brasileiro de Televisão Digital estabeleceu como padrão de codificação de áudio o algoritmo MPEG-4 Advanced Audio Coding, mais precisamente nos perfis Low Complexity, High Efficiency versão 1 e High Efficiency versão 2. O trabalho apresenta um estudo detalhado sobre o padrão, contendo desde alguns conceitos da psicoacústica como o mascaramento até a metodologia de decodificação do stream codificado, sempre voltado para o mercado do SBTVD. É proposta uma arquitetura em hardware para um decodificador compatível com o padrão MPEG-4 AAC LC. O decodificador é separado em dois grandes blocos mantendo em um deles o banco de filtros, considerado a parte mais custosa em termos de processamento. No bloco restante é realizada a decodificação do espectro, onde ocorre a decodificação dos códigos de Huffman, o segundo ponto crítico do algoritmo em termos de demandas computacionais. Por fim é descrita a implementação da arquitetura proposta em VHDL para prototipação em um FPGA da família Cyclone II da Altera. / MPEG-4 Advanced Audio Coding is the chosen algorithm for the Brazilian Digital Television System (SBTVD), supporting the Low Complexity, High Efficiency version 1 and High Efficiency version 2 profiles. A detailed study of the algorithm is presented, ranging from psychoacoustics concepts like masking to a review of the AAC bitstream decoding process, always keeping in mind the SBTVD. A digital hardware architecture is proposed, in which the algorithm is split in two separate blocks, one of them containing the Filter Bank, considered the most demanding task. The other block is responsible for decoding the coded spectrum, which contains the second most demanding task of the system: the Huffman decoding. In the final part of this work the conversion of the proposed architecture into VHDL modules meant to be prototyped with an Altera Cyclone II FPGA is described.

O Sistema Brasileiro de Televisão Digital estabeleceu como padrão de codificação de áudio o algoritmo MPEG-4 Advanced Audio Coding, mais precisamente nos perfis Low Complexity, High Efficiency versão 1 e High Efficiency versão 2. O trabalho apresenta um estudo detalhado sobre o padrão, contendo desde alguns conceitos da psicoacústica como o mascaramento até a metodologia de decodificação do stream codificado, sempre voltado para o mercado do SBTVD. É proposta uma arquitetura em hardware para um decodificador compatível com o padrão MPEG-4 AAC LC. O decodificador é separado em dois grandes blocos mantendo em um deles o banco de filtros, considerado a parte mais custosa em termos de processamento. No bloco restante é realizada a decodificação do espectro, onde ocorre a decodificação dos códigos de Huffman, o segundo ponto crítico do algoritmo em termos de demandas computacionais. Por fim é descrita a implementação da arquitetura proposta em VHDL para prototipação em um FPGA da família Cyclone II da Altera. / MPEG-4 Advanced Audio Coding is the chosen algorithm for the Brazilian Digital Television System (SBTVD), supporting the Low Complexity, High Efficiency version 1 and High Efficiency version 2 profiles. A detailed study of the algorithm is presented, ranging from psychoacoustics concepts like masking to a review of the AAC bitstream decoding process, always keeping in mind the SBTVD. A digital hardware architecture is proposed, in which the algorithm is split in two separate blocks, one of them containing the Filter Bank, considered the most demanding task. The other block is responsible for decoding the coded spectrum, which contains the second most demanding task of the system: the Huffman decoding. In the final part of this work the conversion of the proposed architecture into VHDL modules meant to be prototyped with an Altera Cyclone II FPGA is described.

No description available.

There is a growing population of individuals using Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) in need of evidence-based intervention from highly qualified personnel. However, not all speech pathology programs offer AAC coursework and/or practicum opportunities, and practicing speech-language pathologists (SLPs) report low levels of confidence and expertise in working with individuals using AAC. Therefore, there is a need to develop more innovative pre-professional training programs to better equip the next generation of SLPs with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide high-quality, evidence-based AAC interventions. Telepractice is emerging as an inventive way to provide both direct and indirect intervention services, and could theoretically be used to support pre-professional training by providing clinicians the opportunity to engage in direct services with individuals using AAC concurrently while receiving supervision from a skilled mentor. A thorough review of the literature revealed limited information and data regarding tele-AAC for direct and indirect service delivery. This investigation examined the feasibility and effectiveness of utilizing telepractice to train pre-professional clinicians regarding AAC interventions while in the context of service delivery both on-site and via telepractice. A single-subject, multiple baseline design was employed to examine the impact of real-time supervisory guidance offered via telepractice to pre-professional clinicians (Active Consultation) on the performance of the clinicians and the clients in each service delivery condition. Data was gathered on the number of target language acts modeled by the clinicians and generated by the clients when Active Consultation was provided. The results supported the use of telepractice for supervision, and as a service delivery method for AAC users.

The use of chemically compatible nano and fine particle colloidal consolidants is a new development within the field of cultural heritage conservation and applied most widely so far to the historic built environment. The ability to introduce a significantly higher quantity of chemically compatible consolidant to a substrate in fewer treatments with the possibility for greater penetration and fewer possible side-effects compared to more established consolidants is a significant advantage. This fundamental scientific study examines the effects of a colloidal calcium hydroxide (nanolime) consolidant on medieval and quarried limestone and autoclaved aerated concrete and the efficacy of a colloidal hydroxyapatite treatment on archaeological human bone. Both calcium hydroxide and hydroxyapatite were synthesised. Characterisation of both compounds was performed by X-ray diffraction spectroscopy and particle morphology was confirmed by electron microscopy. Particle size was determined by laser diffraction and particle tracking analysis techniques, used together to study these particle systems for the first time, and electron microscopy. The location of particles within treated substrates was established by electron and optical microscopy whilst effects on water transport were determined by imbibition experiments and numerical modelling. For the first time a modified sharp front model was applied to [particle-material]-material composites to aid the understanding of water transport in such materials. Mechanical testing was used to identify differences in material strength depending on treatment layer thickness and mercury intrusion porosimetry suggested extent of pore blocking. It was found that non-classical effects occur in the calcium hydroxide system synthesised in this study and that particle stability can be influenced by reagent concentration. For the first time material sorptivity properties, modality and pore size distribution of Lincoln stone and archaeological bone are reported. The application of a nanolime consolidant to autoclaved aerated concrete allowed the nature of the particle transport through a highly complex material to be determined, showing that the particle concentration decreases with increasing penetration depth. Shallow nanolime particle penetration into limestone appeared ineffective on compressive strength. In a novel study the prospects of a hydroxyapatite consolidant treatment for bone were also evaluated, finding the results to be inconclusive in this small study. For all consolidants a small reduction in material water sorptivity after treatment demonstrated the permeable nature of the treatment layer and suggests the avoidance of damage mechanisms due to highly restricted water transport. Knowledge of the efficacy and location of treatment particles and their affect on water movement, particularly in weathered material, within limestones and archaeological bone is important and was determined for all materials used in this study. This work adds to the understanding of such treatments and their capabilities and the nature of the porous materials used herein.

Acutely ill patients, across the age continuum, often present with complex communication needs (CCN) due to motor, sensory, cognitive and linguistic barriers they may experience during their hospital encounter. While hospital administrators recognize the importance of improving communication among the healthcare team members to increase quality and safety measures, few have focused on improving the patient-provider communication process, especially for patients with CCN. Recent Joint Commission standards mandates hospitals and healthcare providers improve communication for patients with CCN across all points of the care continuum. The study investigated the effectiveness of AAC training protocols for acute care nurses and ancillary healthcare providers using an on-line instructional medium for clinical skills teaching. The study design allowed for the measurement of learning following exposure to the tutorial and the analysis of possible clinical skill application. The current study invited a total of 377 nurses and graduate students to participate. Eight-three participated in the study and were divided randomly into two groups. Seventeen (20.5%) were assigned to in the control group, and 66 (79.5%) participants were into the test group. Both groups were directed to complete a pre-test measure. This was followed by exposure to the tutorial for the test group. The groups then were instructed to complete a post-test measure. For all participants in the test condition, the mean difference score (post-pre) was 19.2. The average pre-test score was 60.8 with a standard deviation of 12.4 while the average post-test score was 80.1 with a standard deviation of 11.3. This difference was significant (p

Tunable nanostructures have many important uses in thin film applications. Tunability can be achieved by creating a film that has features that respond to external stimuli, such as temperature, humidity, or pH. However, the response can vary greatly between a confined and unconfined case. In the case of confined materials, this response can be greatly reduced, even completely suppressed, which indicates that separate studies must be conducted on confined states in order to better understand their use for real applications. Microgels have been previously shown to have exceptional responsive properties that depend on their chemical structure and synthesis. Unlike solid thin hydrogel films that respond on the order of hours, microgels arrange on a surface with no external force and create a highly porous layer which responds rapidly, on the order of minutes, to outside stimuli. These properties make microgels a promising candidate for use in tunable thin films. Although the responsive properties of microgels have been extensively studied in solution and unconfined films, this is not indicative of conditions that would most likely have the microgels placed between two stiffer layers of material. Microgels have been shown to respond to glucose concentration, temperature, pH, and light. One well-studied microgel is poly-N-isopropylacrylamide copolymerized with Acrylic Acid (pNIPAM-co-AAC). These microgels use the thermal response of pNIPAM combined with the pH sensitivity of pAAC to create a dually-responsive material. To study the effects of confinement on pNIPAM-co-AAC microgels, we encapsulated these particles within bi-layers of poly(allylamine hydrochloride)-poly(sodium 4-styrenesulfonate) (PAH-PSS) in order to simulate their response within a polyelectrolyte material. Our samples were prepared with a method called tilt-drying, which creates a microgel concentration gradient. This allowed us to study both the confinement caused by the multi-layered film as well as the effects of microgels on each other. Our results have shown that the change in particle height is unaffected by the concentration of the film, but the thermal response of pNIPAM-co-AAC microgels is significantly suppressed by the encapsulation of microgels into nanoscale layers.