<p>The object of this thesis is to apply scanning probemicroscopy (SPM) to the field of advanced powder processing.Measurement of interparticle surface forces at conditionsrelevant to ceramic processing has been performed together withthorough studies of powder friction.</p><p>Surface force measurements between silicon nitride andsilica surfaces in 1-bromonaphtalene and diiodomethane resultedin an attractive van der Waals force in both media for thesymmetric systems and a repulsive van der Waals force for theasymmetric systems. This agreed well with theoreticalpredictions from Lifshitz theory. Measurements in electrolytesolutions between silicon nitride surfaces with a varyingdegree of oxidation showed that silanol groups dominated theinteractions at a high degree of oxidation, whereas theinfluence of amine species became stronger after surfaceetching. Surface charge, surface potential and density ofsurface groups have been extracted from DLVO computer modellingof the experimental force curves. Surface force measurementshave been carried out using a nitrided silica sphere as acolloidal probe, representative for commercial silicon nitridepowders. Adsorption of poly(acrylic acid) above the isoelectricpoint generated a thin polymer layer of an essentially flatconformation.</p><p>Friction force measurements were attainable via novelcalibration procedures of both the lateral photodetectorresponse and the cantilever torsional spring constant.Combining the method for detector calibration with evaluationof static friction slopes simplified the choice of appropriatecontact mechanics theory to evaluate the friction measurements.Applying the method on friction measurements between ironsurfaces coated with commercial lubricants showed a substantialsurface deformation not seen from the friction force alone. Thenanorheological properties of silica surfaces coated with twodifferent stearic acids have been evaluated from friction forcemeasurements. Steady sliding motion was replaced by highlyregular stick-slip motion at a critical load and velocity. Thestick-slip motion was successfully described and fitted to aphenomenological model. The contact area evaluated fromMaugis-Dugdale theory revealed the contact diameter to be veryclose to the stick-slip periodicity.</p><p>Friction measurements were carried out between individualspray-dried ceramic granules as a function of binderconcentration and relative humidity. The hygroscopic nature ofthe binder resulted in a higher adhesion force but lowerfriction coefficient with increasing humidity. This effect wasascribed to softening of the binder and a lowering of the shearstrength of the binder rich surface layer on the granules.Comparison of the friction force between two granules and agranule and a hard metal surface confirmed that resistance toflow during the initial stages of powder pressing is dominatedby granule-wall friction and adhesion.</p><p>Keywords: Atomic force microscope, AFM, SPM, van der Waalsinteraction, DLVO-theory, surface forces, colloidal probe,force curve, friction, adhesion, stick-slip, cantilever,calibration, spring constant, silicon nitride, iron,silica.</p>

Στόχος της παρούσας διδακτορικής διατριβής είναι η μελέτη χρονικά μεταβαλλόμενων και ασταθών υπό συνθήκες ροών ιξωδοπλαστικών και ιξωδο-ελαστικών ρευστών λόγω της σημασίας που παρουσιάζουν τα υλικά αυτά σε διάφορες βιομηχανικές διεργασίες. Στα πλαίσια της εργασίας αυτής μελετήθηκε αρχικά το πρόβλημα της συμπίεσης ιξωδοπλαστικού ρευστού μεταξύ δύο δίσκων το οποίο είναι ένα βασικό πείραμα ρεολογικού χαρακτηρισμού μη Νευτωνικών υλικών. Η χρονικά μεταβαλλόμενη προσομοίωση επέτρεψε τον προσδιορισμό των σημαντικών διαφορών μεταξύ των δύο εκδοχών του συγκεκριμένου ρεολογικού πειράματος (δίσκοι κινούμενοι υπό σταθερή ταχύτητα ή υπό σταθερή δύναμη) που ήταν αδύνατος με τα προηγούμενα μοντέλα, ενώ παρουσιάζεται και πλήρης παραμετρική μελέτη της διεργασίας αυτής. Το υπόλοιπο μέρος της παρούσας εργασίας αφιερώθηκε στη μελέτη της διεργασίας εκβολής ιξωδοελαστικών υλικών η οποία συναντάται ευρέως στη βιομηχανία μορφοποίησης πολυμερών. Παρουσιάζεται μια πλήρης παραμετρική ανάλυση για την εκβολή ενός ιξωδοελαστικού ρευστού Phan-Tien & Tanner (PTT) από ένα δακτυλιοειδή αγωγό προκειμένου να εξετάσουμε την επίδραση της γεωμετρίας του αγωγού, και των ρεολογικών ιδιοτήτων του ρευστού. Επιπλέον ένα σημαντικό πρόβλημα που εμφανίζεται κατά την εκβολή από ένα κυλινδρικό, επίπεδο ή δακτυλιοειδή αγωγό είναι η εμφάνιση ασταθειών οι οποίες επηρεάζουν σημαντικά την ποιότητα του τελικού προϊόντος. Προκειμένου να διερευνηθεί ο μηχανισμός που προκαλεί την εμφάνιση αυτών των ασταθειών πραγματοποιήθηκε γραμμική ανάλυση ευστάθειας για τη αξονοσυμμετρική και καρτεσιανή δισδιάστατη ροή επικόλλησης-ολίσθησης (stick-slip flow) ενός ρευστού PTT. Γύρω από τη λύση μόνιμης κατάστασης πραγματοποιείται γραμμική ανάλυση ευστάθειας, και υπολογίζονται οι ιδιοτιμές του γενικευμένου προβλήματος με τη βοήθεια της μεθόδου Arnoldi. Έτσι προσδιορίζεται η επίδραση των ιδιοτήτων του υλικού στην ευστάθεια ή μη της ροής. / The purpose of this dissertation is to perform a study on time-dependent and conditionally unstable flows of viscoplastic and viscoelastic fluids because of their importance in various industrial processes. A typical experiment which is used widely for the rheological characterization of non-Newtonian fluids is squeeze flow which is the subject of the first chapter of this dissertation. The time-dependent simulation permitted the determination of the distinct differences between the two versions of this rheological experiment (disks moving with constant velocity or under constant force) which was impossible with the models used up to now, while a complete parametric analysis of this process is presented. The rest of this work focuses in the important problem of the extrusion process of a viscoelastic fluid, which is frequently encountered in the polymer industry. A complete parametric analysis is presented for the extrusion of a Phan-Thien Tanner (PTT) fluid from an annular die in order to examine the effect of the die geometry and the rheological properties of the fluid on this process. Moreover, it is widely known that during the extrusion from a cylindrical, planar or an annular die various flow instabilities may arise affecting significantly the quality of the final product. In order to investigate the mechanism, which causes the appearance of these instabilities, a linear stability analysis is performed for the cylindrical or planar stick-slip flow of a PTT fluid. The stability analysis is performed around the steady state solution and the eigenvalues of the generalized problem are calculated using the Arnoldi algorithm. With this method the effect of the various rheological properties of the fluid on the stability of the flow is determined.

This thesis deals with computational modeling of curve squeal noise phenomena which occurs during cornering tight curves by trams. Lateral creep between rail and wheel and slip-stick phenomena leads to self-excited vibrations of the wheel which, therefore, emits unpleasant high-pitched noise. Two FEM models in frequency domain are carried out. First model is based on prestressed modal analysis. Due to unsymmetric stiffness matrix, unstable eigenvalues can occur. It is assumed that self-excited vibrations occurs on frequencies corresponding to that eigenvalues. Second model uses harmonic response analysis. It examines vibrations of the wheel excited by lateral creep force acting in contact region. This force is obtained externally by simple time-domain model. Results from harmonic response are used consequently for noise radiation computation.

The aim of this work was to establish a comprehensive processing pipeline of cervical spinal cord HARDI dMRI data and T2-weighted anatomical MRI images in high-resolution. In the research part we provide description of anatomical data processing, theoretical background of dMRI, description of current approaches to 3D anisotropic diffusion estimation as well as current imaging methods of spinal cord axonal bundles. As one of the first in the world, we are investigating multiple-direction diffusion models for human in-vivo spinal cord white matter minority bundles imaging. We designed our own processing pipeline utilizing Spinal Cord Toolbox (SCT), FSL, in-house developer scripts and TORQUE-based batch system for grid computation, tested on real data from cervical spinal cord area between segments C4-C6 from 26 healthy volunteers. Designed processing pipeline with one non-automatic step, works from pre-processing to parcelation of selected spinal cord structures based on co-registration with anatomical spinal cord template for 25 subjects. One person data includes motion artifacts for which the proces failed. There are visible waves in sagittal images of some subjects caused probably by blood-vessel pulsing. Local quantification metrics of spinal cord anatomy (fractional anisotropy – FA, fractional volumes of first – f1 and second – f2 direction of anisotropic diffusion) from different parts (white matter, gray matter, cortico-spinal tract) and from different population groups (men vs. women), were extracted from dMRI data. As we expected, FA maps show visible decreases in areas of gray matter. We also detected second diffusion dirrection in slices, where the spinal roots come out. In some areas, fractional volume of second diffusion direction reaches up to 40% of the total component of the dMRI signal. All mentioned parameters probability density functions for all mentioned groups are non-normal distributions. Between male and female groups there were no significant distribution differences for f1 and f2 volumes. The distribution of FA values between men and women is statistically different. Unfortunatelly, there is a significant inter-subject variability in results, which has much higher dispersion than differences between different group distributions. Despite the inter-subject variability, this work significantly extends the knowledge about data acquisiton capabilities and MRI and dMRI data from cervical spinal cord image processing. This work also lays down foundations for utilization of the imaging method in future and planned clinical research, where it will be possible to test the alteration of the spinal cord anatomy on the minor secondary bundles separately.

No description available.

No description available.

An experimental evaluation of the mixed-mode fracture behavior of bonded composite joints is presented. Commonly used experimental techniques for characterizing the mode I, mixed-mode I/II, mode II, and mode III fracture behavior have been employed for the purpose of developing a fracture envelope to be utilized in the automotive design process. These techniques make use of such test geometries as the double cantilever beam (DCB), asymmetric double cantilever beam (ADCB), single-leg bend (SLB), end-loaded split (ELS), and split cantilever beam (SCB) specimens. Symmetric versions of the DCB, SLB, and ELS specimens produced mode mixities of 0°, 41°, and 90° respectively, while the testing of ADCB specimens allowed for mode mixities of 18°, 31°. Pronounced stick-slip behavior was observed for all specimen test geometries under both quasi-static and dynamic loading conditions. Due to the nature of the adhesive studied, a limited number of data points were obtained under mode I loading conditions. A significant increase in the number of measurable crack initiation events was observed for mixed-mode I/II loading conditions, where stick slip behavior was less pronounced. Additionally, a comparison of the measured fracture energies obtained under mixed-mode I/II loading conditions reveals that the addition of a small mode II component results in a decrease in the mode I fracture energy by roughly 50%, as the crack was driven to the interface between the adhesive layer and composite adherends. Furthermore, the propensity of debonds to propagate into the woven composite laminate adherends under mode II loading conditions limited the number of crack initiation points that could be obtained to one or two usable data points per specimen. A limited number of experimental tests using the SCB specimen for mode III fracture characterization, combined with a numerical analysis via finite element analysis, revealed a significant mode II contribution toward the specimen edges. Similarly, FE analyses on full bond width and half bond width SCB specimens was conducted, and results indicate that by inducing a bond width reduction of 50%, the mode II contribution is greatly decreased across the entire width of the specified crack front. To provide a means for comparison to results obtained using the standard DCB specimen, an alternative driven wedge test specimen geometry was analyzed, as this geometry provided a significant increase in the number of measurable data points under mode I loading conditions. A three-dimensional finite element analysis was conducted to establish ratios of simple beam theory results to those obtained via FEA, GSBT/GFEA, were of particular interest, as these ratios were used to establish correction factors corresponding to specific crack lengths to be used in correcting results obtained from an experimental study utilizing a driven wedge technique. Corrected results show good agreement with results obtained from traditional mode I double cantilever beam tests. Finally, bulk adhesive experiments were conducted on compact tension specimens to establish a correlation between adhesively bonded composite joint and bulk adhesive fracture behavior under mode I loading conditions. Measured fracture energy values were shown to gradually drop across a range of applied loading rates, similar to the rate-dependent behavior observed with both the DCB and driven wedge specimens. Application of the time-temperature superposition principle was explored to determine whether or not such techniques were suitable for predicting the fracture behavior of the adhesive studied herein. Good correlation was established between the fracture energy values measured and the value of tan d obtained from dynamic mechanical analysis tests conducted at corresponding reduced test rates. / Master of Science

Die Verbindung von hoch entwickelten Nanomaterialien mit fluoreszenzbasierten Technologien hat sich zu einem aufstrebenden Forschungsbereich entwickelt. Nichtsdestotrotz ist bis heute der Schritt von einem organischen Indikatormolekül zum anwendbaren Sensorsystem ein komplexer Prozess. Diese Arbeit zielte darauf ab, sensorische Materialien verschiedener chemischer Natur für diverse Analyten zu entwickeln, zu charakterisieren und zu etablieren. Hierbei wurden zunächst pH sensitive Fluoreszenzfarbstoffe entwickelt und in dünnen Membranen immobilisiert. Der Teststreifen ermöglicht die Beurteilung von pH-Änderungen mit dem Auge. Darüber hinaus wurde gezeigt, wie diese Farbstoffe auch in eine wasserlösliche Form überführt werden können. Damit konnten lokale pH-Änderungen an der Wachstumsfront von Silikat-Biomorphs detektiert werden. Auch partikuläre Systeme stellten sich als geeignete Materialien heraus. Es konnte gezeigt werden, wie die Silikat-Matrix von Partikeln zu verbesserten Eigenschaften für Farbstoffe führt. Mittels farbstoffbeladener Partikel konnte in einem Lateral-Flow-Assay ein schneller Nachweis von TATP etabliert werden. Ein anderer Ansatz verfolgte das Ziel des sensitiven Nachweises von Quecksilberionen in Wasser. In einem anderen System konnten Silikat-Nanopartikeln so funktionalisiert werden, dass ein sensitiver und selektiver Nachweis von Schwermetallionen und Anionen über ein Quencher-Displacement-Assay gelang. Zusätzlich wurde die einzigartige Oberfläche von Zellulosepartikeln mithilfe eines neu entwickelten Fluoreszenzfarbstoffs untersucht. Die untersuchten Materialien und Strategien zeigen, wie leicht innovative Moleküle für potentielle sensorische Systeme im wässrigen Medium auf Basis von fluoreszierenden Partikeln und dünnen Schichten geschaffen werden können. Das Verhalten der hergestellten Materialien wurde über spektroskopische Methoden evaluiert und dabei, wenn möglich, die Parameter Sensitivität, Selektivität und Ansprechzeit beurteilt. / The combination of fluorescence and nanomaterials has developed into an emerging research area. Nonetheless until now the step from an organic sensory molecule to a final sensor format is a complex endeavor. This thesis aimed at the preparation of particulate and thin-film based platforms for various analytes through combining the features of an appropriate host material with outstanding properties of dyes concomitant with sensitive fluorescence detection techniques. In particular, pH sensitive fluorescent probes were sterically immobilized into a thin membrane. The dip-stick allows the assessment upon change in pH with the eye. Especially a probe working at high basic pH range was converted into a water-soluble analogue and was directly applied at the growth front of silica biomorphs to detect local pH changes. But also particulate structures are suitable host materials. It is shown how the silica matrix of nanoparticles lead to improved optical properties for embedded dyes. The interactions of silica and fluorescent dyes within the pores of mesoporous particles were exploited to develop an actual sensor format based detection of TATP. In another approach it was possible to detect mercury ions in water. Heavy metal ions were also successfully detected in a quencher displacement assay involving receptor-dye functionalized silica nanoparticles. The impact of the unique surface properties of cellulose microparticles was shown by a fluorescent dye which allows an assessment of the surface functional groups and microenvironment through the reactivity and its changes in the optical properties. The performance of the prepared materials were evaluated mostly by spectroscopic methods and if possible assessed in terms of sensitivity, selectivity and response time. The newly developed and investigated materials based on fluorescent particulate and thin-films show the facile application of innovative sensor probes for potentially sensing devices.

This study aimed to provide evidence on knowledge of attitudes toward standard precautions (SPs) and its practice of Healthcare Workers (HCWs) in government and private hospitals in Botswana. It utilised descriptive cross-sectional methodology. A range of significant findings were revealed. Good practice of SPs was noted more amongst the HCWs in government than in private hospitals. Knowledge of SPs amongst HCWs in government hospital was significantly and positively correlated to good practice of SPs. Registered Nurses (RNs) had better knowledge of SPs than HealthcareAssistants (HCAs).There was no significant difference between RNs and HCAs practice of SPS and attitudes toward the same. No significant difference in the knowledge, attitudes and practice of SPs was noted between General Practitioners (GPs) and RNs. No significant difference in the knowledge, attitudes and practice of SPs was observed between GPs and HCAs. The study findings have implications for the application of SPs in practice / Health Studies / M.A. (Public Health)

The Bayesian nonparametric inference requires the construction of priors on infinite dimensional spaces such as the space of cumulative distribution functions and the space of cumulative hazard functions. Well-known priors on the space of cumulative distribution functions are the Dirichlet process, the two-parameter Poisson-Dirichlet process and the beta-Stacy process. On the other hand, the beta process is a popular prior on the space of cumulative hazard functions. This thesis is divided into three parts. In the first part, we tackle the problem of sampling from the above mentioned processes. Sampling from these processes plays a crucial role in many applications in Bayesian nonparametric inference. However, having exact samples from these processes is impossible. The existing algorithms are either slow or very complex and may be difficult to apply for many users. We derive new approximation techniques for simulating the above processes. These new approximations provide simple, yet efficient, procedures for simulating these important processes. We compare the efficiency of the new approximations to several other well-known approximations and demonstrate a significant improvement. In the second part, we develop explicit expressions for calculating the Kolmogorov, Levy and Cramer-von Mises distances between the Dirichlet process and its base measure. The derived expressions of each distance are used to select the concentration parameter of a Dirichlet process. We also propose a Bayesain goodness of fit test for simple and composite hypotheses for non-censored and censored observations. Illustrative examples and simulation results are included. Finally, we describe the relationship between the frequentist and Bayesian nonparametric statistics. We show that, when the concentration parameter is large, the two-parameter Poisson-Dirichlet process and its corresponding quantile process share many asymptotic pr operties with the frequentist empirical process and the frequentist quantile process. Some of these properties are the functional central limit theorem, the strong law of large numbers and the Glivenko-Cantelli theorem.