Anthropogenic activities have increased nitrogen (N) emissions. However, higher N deposition is associated with negative fallouts in ecosystems, highlighting the necessity to define its critical load (CLO). Lichens, with their lack of roots, stomata, and cuticles, are helpful air pollution indicators and can be used to establish N CLO. Several studies report epiphytic lichens’ reaction to N deposition, but few have also focused on their recovery. In this study, I reproduced a deposition gradient to investigate epiphytic lichen biomass response to long-term N deposition. As such, whole trees were fertilized with 0.6, 6, 12.5, 25, or 50 kg N/ha/year from 2006 to 2012. In 2012, after six years of irrigation, Hypogymnia species and A. sarmentosa had altered biomass, and based on those results, a CLO below 6 kg N/ha/year is recommended for epiphytic lichens in the boreal forest. I also investigated the recovery of epiphytic lichens nine years after the simulated N deposition ceased. In 2021, a high increase in lichen biomass was recorded, suggesting that lichen growth rate is faster than previously assumed by other studies. However, biomass recovery was lower in high N treatments in Hypogymnia sp., Bryoria sp., and A. sarmentosa, suggesting those species recall the historical treatments possibly due to retained impairments. Since differences among treatments increased in the nine years after the simulated N deposition ceased, my results indicate that short-term negative effects of N deposition can have long-lasting effects on the epiphytic lichen community. Thus, I stress the importance of considering the recovery capability of different species during CLO determination to avoid underestimating the impact of N deposition.

The influence of the hanger configuration in the arch and deck bending moments under asymmetric loads is widely used nowadays for improved designs of arch bridges. In this work, by means of a parametric study, those hanger configurations that most efficiently increase both the natural frequencies and buckling factors are identified, simultaneously evaluating the dynamic and static performance of timber arch footbridges. A parametric FEM model allows to evaluate the performance of vertical, Nielsen, fan and network hanger configurations together with combinations of them among others for a three-hinge timber arch. The impact of other relevant design choices such as the number of hinges in the arch or the arch slenderness ratio is jointly addressed allowing for design recommendations. The results show a convergence of the natural frequencies regardless of the configuration of the hangers when increasing the number of them. Moreover, the performance of the studied hanger configurations is improved by introducing inclined hangers significantly increasing natural frequencies and buckling factors of the system. This highlights the importance of the stabilizing horizontal reaction appearing at the deck hanger anchor points and thereby improving the bending moment distribution at the arch. Furthermore, the analyses show that the combination of Nielsen and vertical hangers achieves both the largest natural frequency and buckling factor for a reasonable number of hangers. This contrasts with the low sensitivity of the static and dynamic performance that the vertical hanger configuration shows in relation to changes in the number of hangers, arch rise or arch stiffness among others. Additionally, an important consideration when designing three hinge arch bridges is found to be to prevent a local buckling mode from appearing at the crown of the arch. This can also be done by the right choice of the number and configuration of hangers, as has been shown in the thesis. The results produced in this work can be used to guide engineers towards designing arch bridges with higher static capacity and better dynamic performance while reducing at the same time the material consumption. Furthermore, the findings of the work open up the way towards optimization of arch bridge structures.

No description available.

Ce sujet est d’actualité suite à une évolution rapide des types de conception de structures élancées utilisées dans les installations provisoires. C’est seulement depuis une vingtaine d’années que ces structures sont préfabriquées en cadres multidirectionnels (de sections tubulaires en acier ou en aluminium). Ces structures sont légères et leur stabilité réside seulement dans les raideurs internes au niveau des files de montants et au niveau horizontal par les planchers ainsi que dans les liaisons avec l’ouvrage. Ce travail concerne l’étude des instabilités (flambement-déversement) en tenant compte de différents types d’imperfections. De nouvelles courbes de flambement ainsi que les facteurs d’imperfection associés sont proposés dans cette thèse. Ces courbes sont obtenues en imposant une déformée initiale représentant les défauts géométriques et mécaniques (contraintes résiduelles). Les résultats expérimentaux confrontés avec les prévisions théoriques de l’Eurocode 3 montrent que les valeurs des imperfections figurant dans la littérature sont extrêmement exagérées. Les valeurs préconisées dans ce travail pourraient présenter un certain intérêt pour une modification éventuelle des courbes européennes de flambement pour ce type de structure. En ce qui concerne l’instabilité latérale, une méthodologie originale d’essais en vraie grandeur de poutres à treillis formés d’éléments tubulaires a été également mise au point. Le système de chargement à « roues libres » développé permet de libérer le point d’application de l’effort dès le début de l’instabilité. Cette technique conduit à des mesures plus précises du moment critique de déversement. / This subject becomes topical following a rapid evolution of design procedures for slender structures used widely in the temporary installations. Only through the last twenty years that these structures are prefabricated of multidirectional frames (steel or aluminium tubular sections). These structures are lightweight and their stability lies only in the internal stiffness at rows of posts and horizontally by the planking as well as the links with the building. This work concerns the study of instabilities (buckling - lateral torsional buckling) taking into account different types of imperfections. New buckling curves and the associated imperfection factors are proposed in this thesis. These curves are obtained by imposing an initial deformed representing the geometrical and mechanical defects (residual stress). The experimental results were confronted with theoretical predictions of Eurocode 3 which show that the values of the imperfections in the literature are extremely exaggerated. The values advocated in this work could be of interest for a possible adjustment of the European buckling curves for this type of structure. Regarding the lateral instability, an original methodology in real scale tests of trusses consist of tubular elements was also developed. The developed loading system of "free wheels" allows releasing the point of application of the force from the beginning of instability. This technique leads to more accurate measurements of the critical lateral torsional buckling moment.

No description available.

Power distribution systems have underwent a lot of significant changes in the last two decades. Wide-scale integration of Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) have made the distribution grid more resilient to abnormal conditions and severe weather induced outages. These DERs enhance the reliability of the system to bounce back from an abnormal situation rather quickly. However, the conventional notion of a radial system with unidirectional power flow does not hold true due to the addition of these DERs. Bidirectional power flow has challenged the conventional protection schemes in place. The most notable effects on the protection schemes can be seen in the field of islanding or Loss of Mains(LOM) detection and general fault identification and isolation. Adaptive protection schemes are needed to properly resolve these issues. Although, previous works in this field have dealt with this situation, a more comprehensive approach needs to be taken considering multiple topologies for developing adaptive protection schemes. The most common protective devices widely deployed in the distribution system such as overcurrent relays, reverse power relays at Point of Common Coupling(PCC), fuses, reclosers and feeder breakers need to studied in implementing these schemes. The work presented in this dissertation deals with simulation based and analytical approaches to tackle the issues of islanding and adaptive protection schemes. First we propose a multiprinciple passive islanding detection technique which relies on local PCC measurements, thus reducing the need of additional infrastructure and still ensuring limited Non Detection Zone (NDZ). The next step to islanding detection would be to sustain a islanded distribution system in order to reduce the restoration time and still supply power to critical loads. Such an approach to maintain generator load balance upon islanding detection is studied next by appropriate shedding of non-critical and low priority critical loads based upon voltage sensitivity analysis. Thereafter, adaptive protection schemes considering limited communication dependency is studied with properly assigning relay settings in directional overcurrent relays (DOCRs), which are one of the most widely deployed protective devices in distribution systems by catering to multiple topologies and contingencies. A simulation based technique is discussed first and then an analytical approach to solve the conventional optimal relay coordination problem using Mixed Integer Linear Programming (MILP) with the usage of multiple setting groups is studied. All these approaches make the distribution more robust and resilient to system faults and ensure proper fault identification and isolation, ensuring overall safety of system. / Doctor of Philosophy / With widespread integration of inverter-based distributed energy resources (DERs) in the distribution grid, the conventional protection and control schemes no longer hold valid. The necessity of an adaptive protection scheme increases as the DER penetration in the system increases. Apart from this, changes in system topology and variability in DER generation, also change the fault current availability in the system in real-time. Hence, the protection schemes should be able to adapt to these variations and modify their settings for proper selectivity and sensitivity towards faults in the system, especially in systems with high penetration of DERs. These protection schemes need to be modified in order to properly identify and isolate faults in the network as well as correctly identify Loss of Mains (LOM) or islanding phenomenon. Special attention is needed to plan the next course of action after the islanding occurrence. Additionally, the protective devices in distribution system should be utilized to their maximum capability to create an adaptive and smart protection system. This document elaborately explains the research work pertaining to these areas.

O treinamento físico resistido tem sido enfaticamente incentivado, proporcionando efeitos favoráveis na força e endurance muscular, na função cardiovascular, metabolismo e na redução do risco cardiovascular. No entanto, é escassa a literatura sobre os ajustes cardiovasculares, ventilatórios e metabólicos no exercício resistido na população idosa. Além disso, pouco é sabido sobre tais ajustes na carga crítica (CC), a qual demarcaria a transição do exercício moderado para o exercício intenso nesta modalidade de exercício. Dessa forma, os objetivos deste trabalho são: avaliar o comportamento das respostas cardiovasculares, respiratórias e metabólicas durante o exercício físico resistido (Leg Press 45º) em diferentes intensidades, bem como determinar a intensidade da CC e ainda nessa intensidade comparar as respostas da freqüência cardíaca (FC), pressão arterial sistólica (PAS), ventilação (VE), consumo de oxigênio (\'VO IND.2\'), produção de dióxido de carbono (\'VCO IND.2\'), quociente respiratório (QR), percepção subjetiva de esforço (PSE) e lactato sangüíneo ([Lac]) obtidas durante exercício entre dois grupos (jovens e idosos). Participaram deste estudo 28 indivíduos do sexo masculino, sendo 15 jovens e 13 idosos, aparentemente saudáveis, sendo que a média de idade dos jovens foi de 22,7 ± 2,5 anos, massa média de 77,6 ± 10,2 kg e estatura média de 180,0 ± 10,0 cm e nos idosos a média de idade foi de 68,6 ± 4,0 anos, massa média de 76,7 ± 7,5 kg e estatura média de 170,0 ± 1,0 cm, não etilistas, não tabagistas, e sem distúrbios cardiorrespiratórios, neurológicos, metabólicos e articulares. Durante todos os procedimentos foram monitoradas PA, FC e eletrocardiograma nas derivações MC5, DII e V2 modificadas, sendo que foram realizados: teste de 1RM em exercício resistido no Leg Press 45º; teste de esforço físico dinâmico resistido com diferentes percentuais de 1RM, testados de acordo para obtenção da carga crítica, pela regressão linear dos pontos apurados na construção do gráfico: carga X inverso do tempo (tempo = duração do exercício até a fadiga). Com relação ao tempo de execução e o número de repetições não houve diferenças entre os grupos (p = 0,25 e p = 0,49; respectivamente); para a FC e PAS, temos para o grupo jovem uma resposta exacerbada da FC comparada aos idosos durante exercício (p<0,0001), sendo que o comportamento da PAS revela-se de modo contrário, havendo assim uma resposta mais acentuado para o grupo idoso (p<0,0197). A [Lac] foi maior em jovens na intensidade da CC (p = 0,0014), bem como o valor de PSE (0,00021). Para os parâmetros ventilatórios (VE, \'VO IND.2\' e \'VCO IND.2\') temos maiores valores para o grupo jovem também na fase de exercício para diferentes intensidades, principalmente na CC (p<0,0001, para as três variáveis). Além disso, foi possível determinar a carga crítica para ambos os grupos, sendo que essa foi em torno de 38% 1RM (p = 0,22). Dessa forma, esse foi o primeiro estudo que avaliou e comparou as respostas fisiológicas entre jovens e idosos em diferentes intensidades da RM, no exercício de Leg Press 45º, assim como na CC. / The resistance training has been strongly encouraged, providing favorable effects on muscular strength and endurance, cardiovascular function, metabolism and cardiovascular risk reduction. However, there is little literature about the cardiovascular, ventilation and metabolic responses in resistance exercise in the elderly. Moreover, little is known about such adjustments in the critical load (CL), which indicates the transition of moderate to intense exercise in this type of exercise. Thus, the objectives of this study are: To evaluate the cardiovascular, respiratory and metabolic changes during resistance exercise (leg press 45º) at different intensities and to determine the intensity of the CL and even that intensity to compare the responses of heart rate (HR), systolic blood pressure (SBP), ventilation (VE), oxygen consumption (\'VO IND.2\'), production of carbon dioxide (\'VCO IND.2\'), respiratory quotient (RQ), perceived exertion (PSE) and blood lactate ([Lac]) obtained during exercise between two groups (young and old). Participated in this study 28 males, 15 young and 13 elderly, apparently healthy, with an average age of the young was 22.7 ± 2.5 years, mean weight 77.6 ± 10.2 kg and mean height of 180.0 ± 10.0 cm, and in the elderly the average age was 68.6 ± 4.0 years, mean weight 76.7 ± 7.5 kg and mean height of 170.0 ± 1.0 cm, non-alcoholic non-smoker, and without cardio-respiratory, neurological, metabolic and joints disorders. During all procedures were monitored BP, HR and ECG at MC5, DII and V2 modified, and were carried out: 1RM resistance exercise on the leg press at 45º; exercise stress test dynamic resistance with different percentages of 1RM tested agreement for obtaining the critical load, the linear regression of the points made during the construction of the graph: load X reverse of time (time = duration of exercise until fatigue). Regarding the execution time and number of repetitions no differences between the groups (p = 0.25 and p = 0.49, respectively) for the HR and SBP, we have exacerbated response of HR for a young group compared to elderly, during exercise (p < 0.0001), and the SBP appears to be so contrary, so there is more pronounced for the elderly group (p < 0.0197). The [Lac] was greater in young people in the CC intensity (p = 0.0014), as well as the value of PSE (0.00021). For the ventilatory parameters (VE, \'VO IND.2\' and \'VCO IND.2\') have higher values in the young group also during the exercise for different intensities, mainly in the CC (p < 0.0001 for the three variables). Furthermore, it was possible to determine the CL for both groups, and this was around 38% 1RM (p = 0.22). Thus, this was the first study that evaluated and compared the physiological responses between young and old in different intensities of 1RM in the exercise of Leg Press 45º, as in CL.

O treinamento físico resistido tem sido enfaticamente incentivado, proporcionando efeitos favoráveis na força e endurance muscular, na função cardiovascular, metabolismo e na redução do risco cardiovascular. No entanto, é escassa a literatura sobre os ajustes cardiovasculares, ventilatórios e metabólicos no exercício resistido na população idosa. Além disso, pouco é sabido sobre tais ajustes na carga crítica (CC), a qual demarcaria a transição do exercício moderado para o exercício intenso nesta modalidade de exercício. Dessa forma, os objetivos deste trabalho são: avaliar o comportamento das respostas cardiovasculares, respiratórias e metabólicas durante o exercício físico resistido (Leg Press 45º) em diferentes intensidades, bem como determinar a intensidade da CC e ainda nessa intensidade comparar as respostas da freqüência cardíaca (FC), pressão arterial sistólica (PAS), ventilação (VE), consumo de oxigênio (\'VO IND.2\'), produção de dióxido de carbono (\'VCO IND.2\'), quociente respiratório (QR), percepção subjetiva de esforço (PSE) e lactato sangüíneo ([Lac]) obtidas durante exercício entre dois grupos (jovens e idosos). Participaram deste estudo 28 indivíduos do sexo masculino, sendo 15 jovens e 13 idosos, aparentemente saudáveis, sendo que a média de idade dos jovens foi de 22,7 ± 2,5 anos, massa média de 77,6 ± 10,2 kg e estatura média de 180,0 ± 10,0 cm e nos idosos a média de idade foi de 68,6 ± 4,0 anos, massa média de 76,7 ± 7,5 kg e estatura média de 170,0 ± 1,0 cm, não etilistas, não tabagistas, e sem distúrbios cardiorrespiratórios, neurológicos, metabólicos e articulares. Durante todos os procedimentos foram monitoradas PA, FC e eletrocardiograma nas derivações MC5, DII e V2 modificadas, sendo que foram realizados: teste de 1RM em exercício resistido no Leg Press 45º; teste de esforço físico dinâmico resistido com diferentes percentuais de 1RM, testados de acordo para obtenção da carga crítica, pela regressão linear dos pontos apurados na construção do gráfico: carga X inverso do tempo (tempo = duração do exercício até a fadiga). Com relação ao tempo de execução e o número de repetições não houve diferenças entre os grupos (p = 0,25 e p = 0,49; respectivamente); para a FC e PAS, temos para o grupo jovem uma resposta exacerbada da FC comparada aos idosos durante exercício (p<0,0001), sendo que o comportamento da PAS revela-se de modo contrário, havendo assim uma resposta mais acentuado para o grupo idoso (p<0,0197). A [Lac] foi maior em jovens na intensidade da CC (p = 0,0014), bem como o valor de PSE (0,00021). Para os parâmetros ventilatórios (VE, \'VO IND.2\' e \'VCO IND.2\') temos maiores valores para o grupo jovem também na fase de exercício para diferentes intensidades, principalmente na CC (p<0,0001, para as três variáveis). Além disso, foi possível determinar a carga crítica para ambos os grupos, sendo que essa foi em torno de 38% 1RM (p = 0,22). Dessa forma, esse foi o primeiro estudo que avaliou e comparou as respostas fisiológicas entre jovens e idosos em diferentes intensidades da RM, no exercício de Leg Press 45º, assim como na CC. / The resistance training has been strongly encouraged, providing favorable effects on muscular strength and endurance, cardiovascular function, metabolism and cardiovascular risk reduction. However, there is little literature about the cardiovascular, ventilation and metabolic responses in resistance exercise in the elderly. Moreover, little is known about such adjustments in the critical load (CL), which indicates the transition of moderate to intense exercise in this type of exercise. Thus, the objectives of this study are: To evaluate the cardiovascular, respiratory and metabolic changes during resistance exercise (leg press 45º) at different intensities and to determine the intensity of the CL and even that intensity to compare the responses of heart rate (HR), systolic blood pressure (SBP), ventilation (VE), oxygen consumption (\'VO IND.2\'), production of carbon dioxide (\'VCO IND.2\'), respiratory quotient (RQ), perceived exertion (PSE) and blood lactate ([Lac]) obtained during exercise between two groups (young and old). Participated in this study 28 males, 15 young and 13 elderly, apparently healthy, with an average age of the young was 22.7 ± 2.5 years, mean weight 77.6 ± 10.2 kg and mean height of 180.0 ± 10.0 cm, and in the elderly the average age was 68.6 ± 4.0 years, mean weight 76.7 ± 7.5 kg and mean height of 170.0 ± 1.0 cm, non-alcoholic non-smoker, and without cardio-respiratory, neurological, metabolic and joints disorders. During all procedures were monitored BP, HR and ECG at MC5, DII and V2 modified, and were carried out: 1RM resistance exercise on the leg press at 45º; exercise stress test dynamic resistance with different percentages of 1RM tested agreement for obtaining the critical load, the linear regression of the points made during the construction of the graph: load X reverse of time (time = duration of exercise until fatigue). Regarding the execution time and number of repetitions no differences between the groups (p = 0.25 and p = 0.49, respectively) for the HR and SBP, we have exacerbated response of HR for a young group compared to elderly, during exercise (p < 0.0001), and the SBP appears to be so contrary, so there is more pronounced for the elderly group (p < 0.0197). The [Lac] was greater in young people in the CC intensity (p = 0.0014), as well as the value of PSE (0.00021). For the ventilatory parameters (VE, \'VO IND.2\' and \'VCO IND.2\') have higher values in the young group also during the exercise for different intensities, mainly in the CC (p < 0.0001 for the three variables). Furthermore, it was possible to determine the CL for both groups, and this was around 38% 1RM (p = 0.22). Thus, this was the first study that evaluated and compared the physiological responses between young and old in different intensities of 1RM in the exercise of Leg Press 45º, as in CL.

[pt] Funções Wavelet de suporte compacto têm sido recentemente aplicadas na resolução numérica de equações diferenciais com resultados bastante promissores. A partir do sucesso do uso das wavelets de Daubechies em diversos métodos como o de Galerkin, surgiram novas famílias de wavelets para a resolução de problemas específicos. Nesse contexto, vale destacar uma família de wavelets com características de funções interpoladoras chamadas Interpolets. Este trabalho tem como uma de suas contribuições a formulação de elementos finitos baseados em funções wavelet de Daubechies e interpolets de Deslauriers-Dubuc para sua utilização em problemas dinâmicos como a propagação de ondas em estruturas, além de problemas não-lineares como o cálculo de cargas críticas de flambagem para colunas e pórticos. A partir dessa formulação, o Método de Wavelet-Galerkin foi adaptado para a solução direta das equações diferenciais através de uma implementação que não depende da discretização do sistema em graus de liberdade (formulação sem-malha ou meshless). Este tipo de abordagem permite também explorar ao máximo as propriedades de multirresolução das wavelets. Diversos exemplos com descontinuidades e não-linearidades foram estudados com êxito. / [en] The use of compactly supported wavelet functions has become increasingly popular in the development of numerical solutions for differential equations. Daubechies wavelets have been successfully used as base functions in several schemes like the Galerkin Method. Meanwhile, Deslauriers and Dubuc developed a new wavelet family with interpolating characteristics called Interpolets. One important contribution presented in this work is the formulation of Finite Elements based in Daubechies wavelets and Deslauriers-Dubuc interpolets. Dynamic problems like wave propagation and structural stability problems were used as examples for the validation of the Finite Elements. The Wavelet-Galerkin Method has then been adapted for the direct solution of differential equations in a meshless formulation. This approach enables the use of a multiresolution analysis. Several examples with discontinuities and nonlinearities were studied successfully.

[pt] Nesta dissertação estuda-se a flambagem e o comportamento pós-crítico inicial de pórticos planos através da formulação de elementos finitos com graus de liberdade adicionais para posterior implementação no programa de análise FTOOL. Realizaram-se análises linearizadas para a determinação das cargas críticas clássicas e modos de flambagem de colunas com diferentes condições de contorno. Em um segundo momento, realizaram-se testes numéricos no sentido de prever a estabilidade do caminho pós-crítico (sensibilidade a imperfeições) de algumas estruturas cujos resultados analíticos são conhecidos. Finalmente, criaram- se alguns exemplos no FTOOL para comprovar a sua eficácia na obtenção de cargas críticas e avaliação do comportamento pós-crítico inicial de pórticos planos. Utilizou-se o pórtico de Roorda como exemplo para a detecção da sensibilidade a imperfeições, devido à sua simplicidade e ao conhecimento dos seus resultados analíticos. / [en] The buckling and post-buckling behavior of portal frames are studied by the formulation of finite elements with additional degrees of freedom in order to implement a new routine for obtaining critical loads in FTOOL, a structural analysis educational interactive system. Linearized analyses were performed in order to obtain critical loads and buckling modes for columns with different boundary conditions. Later, numerical tests were done in order to predict the stability of the post- critical path (sensitivity to imperfections) of some structures which analytical results are known. Finally, some examples were modeled in FTOOL to verify its accuracy in obtaining critical loads of portal frames. Roorda s frame was used as an example for the detection of the sensitivity to imperfections, based on its simplicity and knowledge of its analytical results.