This thesis contains an overview of physical principles concerning thermography and infra-red sensing, and a specification of a measuring instrument in a measurement system. Next, there are some particular examples of IR sensing applications. In the second part there is a thermal camera market research including individual manufacturers and models with their attributes and prices. There is a closer view of the thermal camera used for this thesis (Guide EasIR-4). In the end of the thesis there are some drafts of computer vision subject tasks (or practices), including workplace designs and solutions, and three task suggestions for bachelor or diploma theses including solution verifications.

Goal of my master´s thesis is examination of non-invasive blood glucose measurement methods, and designing of device for non-invasive blood glucose reading. The introductory chapter of thesis contains description of know different methods for blood glucose measurement, mainly Near Infra-Red region (NIR) measurement with spectroscopy methods. This project describes pathology of Diabetes Mellitus, specifies how it is divided, and looks also on human metabolism. The theoretical part contains exploration of blood glucose measurement methods. Thesis continues with system scheme design for non/invasive glucose measurement device, based on present knowledge. Major principle of device is measuring with Infra-Red laser, bifurcate optic fiber and photodiode. Design of printed circuit board is also present. Document contains also designs of software diagrams for calibration and processing program written in C# language. Communication between device and computer is made via USB. Microcontroller with C language program is part of designed device. It is used to send measured values into PC and also receives data from computer. This data determines blood glucose concentration and their thresholds.

Formaldehyde-based adhesives have been reported to be detrimental to health. Petrochemical-based adhesives are non-renewable, limited and costly. Therefore, the improvement of environmental-friendly adhesive from natural agricultural products has awakened noteworthy attention. A novel adhesive for wood application was successfully prepared with enhanced shear strength and water resistance. The Fourier transmform infrared spectra showed the surface functionalities of the functionalized carbon nanotubes (FCNTs) and soy protein isolate nanocomposite adhesive. The attachment of carboxylic functional group on the surface of the carbon nanotubes (CNTs) after purification contributed to the effective dispersion of the CNTs in the nanocomposite adhesive. Hence, enhanced properties of FCNTs were successfully transferred into the SPI/CNTs nanocomposite adhesive. These unique functionalities on FCNTs however, improved the mechanical properties of the adhesive. The shear strength and water resistance of SPI/FCNTs was higher than that of the SPI/CNTs. SEM images showed the homogenous dispersion of CNTs in the SPI/CNTs nanocomposite adhesive. The carbon nanotubes were distributed uniformly in the soy protein adhesive with no noticeable clusters at relatively reduced fractions of CNTs as shown in the SEM images, which resulted into better adhesion on wood surface. Mechanical (shear) mixing and ultrasonication with 30 minutes of shear mixing both showed an improved dispersion of CNTs in the soy protein matrix. However, ultrasonication method of dispersion showed higher tensile shear strength and water resistance than in mechanical (shear) mixing method. Thermogravimetric analysis of the samples also showed that the CNTs incorporated increases the thermal stability of the nanocomposite adhesive at higher loading fraction. Incorporation of CNTs into soy protein isolate adhesive improved both the shear strength and water resistance of the adhesive prepared at a relatively reduced concentration of 0.3%.The result showed that tensile shear strength of SPI/FCNTs adhesive was 0.8 MPa and 7.25MPa at dry and wet state respectively, while SPI/CNTs adhesive had 6.91 MPa and 5.48MPa at dry and wet state respectively. There was over 100% increase in shear strength both at dry and wet state compared to the pure SPI adhesive. The 19% decrease in value of the new adhesive developed compared to the minimum value of ≥10MPa of European standard for interior wood application may be attributed to the presence of metallic particles remaining after purification of CNTs. The presence of metallic particles will prevent the proper penetration of the adhesive into the wood substrate. The type of wood used in this study as well as the processing parameters could also result into lower value compared to the value of European standard. Therefore, optimization of the processing parameter as well as the conversion of carboxylic acid group on the surface of the CNTs into acyl chloride group may be employed in future investigation. However, the preparation of new nanocomposite adhesive from soy protein isolate will replace the formaldehyde and petrochemical adhesive in the market and be of useful application in the wood industry. / Civil and Chemical Engineering / M. Tech. (Chemical Engineering)

Nous avons étudiés des fils quantiques dopés de semi-conducteurs gravés par spectroscopie de diffusion Raman. Nous avons observés les excitations du gaz d'électrons. Celles-ci présentent des règles de sélection différentes de celles établies pour les systèmes bi-dimensionnels. Nous avons montré théoriquement qu'elles proviennent de la modification de la structure du champ électromagnétique local provoquée par la géométrie particulière des fils gravés. Pour cela nous avons dû calculer le champ local et l'introduire dans la section efficace de diffusion Raman pour en déduire les règles de sélection de toutes les excitations. Cela a permis de déterminer sans équivoque la nature des excitations qui sont des plasmons. Aucune excitations à une particule ni fluctuations de densité de spin n'a été observées. Nous avons étudié l'évolution continue des dispersions de ces plasmons lorsque la largeur du fil est réduite de 1 micromètre à 30 nm. Jusqu'à 60 nm, celles-ci sont en très bon accord avec les résultats d'un modèle hydrodynamique. Au dessous de 60 nm, la comparaison avec un modèle RPA s'impose. Le plasmon intra-bande dispersif est observé jusqu'à 45 nm, largeur en dessous de laquelle les spectres Raman sont dominés par des excitations localisées qui nécessitent une analyse ultérieure pour en déterminer clairement leur nature. Nous montrons à l'aide du modèle RPA que nous avons atteint la limite quantique pour un fil de largeur 55 nm. Une gamme étroite de fils dont les largeurs sont comprises entre 55 nm à 45 nm permet donc l'étude de gaz strictement unidimensionnel.<br />Nous avons cherché à déterminer la contribution de la forte illumination dans les conclusions précédentes. Nous avons utilisé pour cela la spectroscopie de magnéto-transmission infra-rouge qui ne modifie pas les conditions d'équilibre du gaz d'électrons. Une largeur critique de 130 nm a été extraite, en dessous de laquelle nous n'avons plus aucun signe de la présence d'électrons libres. La comparaison des mesures Raman et infra-rouge a permis l'établissement et la validation d'un modèle microscopique du potentiel de confinement présent dans les fils. Enfin nous avons fabriqués des échantillons de géométries plus complexes. L'observation et l'analyse par diffusion Raman des plasmons dans ces fils a montré que nous pouvions contrôler la géométrie du potentiel confinant les électrons et a mis en évidence des effets nouveaux tels que le repliement et le confinement de plasmons unidimensionnels.

Pour fixer en parallèle des milliers de biomolécules (ADN, ARN, protéines, etc.) à la surface des puces à ADN ou àprotéines, il faudrait choisir parmi une multitude de méthodes, selon la biomolécule à fixer et la nature du support, elle-mêmeconditionnée par la méthode de détection utilisée. Jusque-là, l’immobilisation de biomolécules sur une puce en utilisantla microfluidique continue présentait l’avantage d’un greffage en mode dynamique. Dans ce mode, les biomolécules sontcontinuellement transportées, via des microcanaux, à proximité de la puce. La volonté continue d’augmenter le nombredes zones immobilisées nécessite l’emploi de la microfluidique discrète pour cette fonction biologique. En effet, en modespotting (simple dépôt de gouttes contenant les biomolécules) le nombre de zones immobilisées est uniquement limité parle volume de liquide minimum pouvant être déposé. Cependant, en choisissant cette méthode fluidique, il fallait, jusque là,renoncer à une réaction en mode dynamique : le greffage s’effectue ainsi en mode passif. Ces travaux de thèse présententune méthode pour créer une dynamique à l’intérieure des gouttes porteuses des biomolécules durant l’opération de greffagemoléculaire. Nous avons choisi d’utiliser un générateur de vibration de basse fréquence permettant d’induire simultanémentdes écoulements dans plusieurs gouttes. De la conception, la réalisation et la caractérisation des générateurs de vibration àla caractérisation et la modélisation de l’écoulement induit par ce dispositif dans le liquide, ou encore à la caractérisation del’opération biologique visée, nous démontrons l’efficacité des vibrations basses fréquences dans ce domaine. / Development of Lab-On-Chip devices is expected to dramatically change biochemical analyses, allowing notable increaseof processing quality and throughput provided the induced chemical reactions are well controlled. In this work, weinvestigate the impact of local acoustic mixing to promote or accelerate such biochemical reactions, such as antibodygrafting on activated surfaces. To do that, we propose an acoustic micromixer using low frequency vibration that generatesa parallel mixing in droplet matrix. The present study details on one hand the conception, realization and characterizationof the micromixer. On the other hand, it concerns the characterization and modelisation of the generated vibration interactionwith droplet.We prove the efficiency of low frequency vibration for drop mixing and its impact on biological reactions

Dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) have typically been produced using organic liquids such as acetonitrile as the electrolyte solvent. In real world situations water can permeate into the cell through sealing materials and is also likely to be introduced during the fabrication process. This is a problem as the introduction of water into cells optimized to use an organic solvent tends to be detrimental to cell performance. In this work DSSCs which are optimized to use water as the main electrolyte solvent are produced and characterized. Optimization of aqueous DSSCs resulted in cells with efficiencies up to 3.5% being produced. In terms of characterization, it is generally seen in this work that aqueous DSSCs produce a lower photocurrent but similar photovoltage compared to DSSCs made using acetonitrile and reasons for this are examined in detail. The decreased ability of the aqueous electrolyte to wet the nanoporous TiO2 compared to an acetonitrile electrolyte is found to be a key difficulty and several possible solutions to this problem are examined. By measuring the photocurrent output of aqueous cells as a function of xy position it can be seen that there is some dye dissolution near to the electrolyte filling holes. This is thought to be linked to pH and the effect of 4-tert-butylpyridine and may also decrease the photocurrent. It is found that there is little difference between the two types of cells in terms of the conduction band position and the reaction of electrons in the semiconductor with triiodide in the electrolyte, explaining the similarity in photovoltage. By altering the pH of the electrolyte in an aqueous cell it is found to be possible to change the TiO2 conduction band position in the DSSC. This has a significant effect on the open circuit voltage and short circuit current of the cell, though the pH range available is limited by the fact that dye desorbs at high pH values.

Les composés à commutation électronique constituent une large famille de systèmes particulièrement prometteuse, notamment pour le stockage de l’information à l’échelle moléculaire. Parmi ces composés, les analogues du bleu de Prusse cobalt-fer (ABP AxCoFe) sont des polymères inorganiques formés d’enchaînements Co-N≡C-Fe pouvant présenter deux états électroniques CoII(HS)-N≡C-FeIII(BS) et CoIII(BS)-N≡C-FeII(BS) (HS : haut spin ; BS : bas spin) aux propriétés structurales et électroniques bien distinctes. La transition électronique entre ces deux états peut être contrôlée de manière réversible par une grande variété de paramètres chimique (insertion de cations alcalins) et physiques (température, pression, irradiation). Ces propriétés de photo-commutation sont particulièrement intéressantes pour le développement de mémoires optiques à l’échelle moléculaire.Afin de comprendre les propriétés électroniques des ABP AxCoFe, nous nous sommes intéressés à l’interaction entre les centres métalliques via le pont cyanure dans l’enchaînement Co-N≡C-Fe, aussi bien sur un plan expérimental (mise en œuvre de techniques d’analyse reposant sur l’utilisation du rayonnement synchrotron) que théorique (modélisation ab initio de type post-Hartree-Fock). Nous avons également étudié la nature de l’interaction, démontrée expérimentalement, entre les cations alcalins et le réseau bimétallique formé par les enchaînements Co-N≡C-Fe. Finalement, la pertinence du modèle à deux états, habituellement utilisé pour rendre compte des propriétés électroniques des systèmes commutables, est discutée, avec la mise en évidence de multistabilités au sein des ABP AxCoFe. Ce travail propose ainsi une étude la plus complète possible des phénomènes électroniques rencontrés dans ces systèmes. / Electronically switchable compounds constitute a wide family of very promising systems, especially in the field of data storage at a molecular scale. Amongst these compounds, cobalt-iron Prussian blue analogues (AxCoFe PBAs) are inorganic polymers based on Co-N≡C-Fe linkages that may exhibit two CoII(HS)-N≡C-FeIII(LS) and CoIII(LS)-N≡C-FeII(LS) (HS: high spin; LS: low spin) electronic states with very different structural and electronic properties. Electronic transition in between these two states can be reversibly controlled by a large variety of both chemical (insertion of alkali cations) and physical (temperature, pressure, irradiation) parameters. These photo switching properties are extremely appealing for the development of optical memory devices at the molecular scale.In order to understand the electronic properties of AxCoFe PBAs, the interaction occurring between the metallic centres through the cyanide bridge in the Co-N≡C-Fe linkages was investigated both at an experimental (use of synchrotron-radiation-based analytic techniques) and a theoretical (post-Hartree-Fock ab initio modelling) levels. The nature of the experimentally-demonstrated interaction between the alkali cations and the bimetallic network, made of the Co-N≡C-Fe linkages, was also studied. Finally, the relevance of the two-state model, usually invoked to account for the electronic properties of switchable systems, is discussed, as multistabilities are evidenced in PBAs. This work therefore offers study of the electronic phenomena occurring in such systems as comprehensive as possible.

Lanthanide elements display many remarkable and exciting properties which explain their widespread use in a number of very important biomedical tools like efficient MRI contrast agents or luminescent probes for highly sensitive assays of bioanalytes amongst other fields of application. In this context, the aim of the present work was to prepare and characterize lanthanide complexes of two ligands that feature a linear or a macrocyclic chelating unit compactly grafted onto a 1,10-phenanthroline derived moiety (phenDTPA and PhenHDO3A). The ditopic nature of the ligands allows the selective incorporation of a d6 metal ion and a lanthanide one in close proximity. The resulting rigid heterobimetallic supramolecular species show useful properties and constitute potential MRI contrast agents or new luminescent compounds depending on the type of the lanthanide and transition metal ions employed: for example, the selfassembly process of gadolinium(III) chelates around an iron(II) ion brings a remarkable increase of their relaxivity, a key parameter for use in MRI. On the other hand, association of a ruthenium and and a near infrared emitting 4f ion like ytterbium(III) gives mixed d-f structures able to harvest visible light and convert it into near infra-red signal. Visible light luminescent pH probes were also obtained with Eu3+ or Tb3+ phenHDO3A complexes.

Formaldehyde-based adhesives have been reported to be detrimental to health. Petrochemical-based adhesives are non-renewable, limited and costly. Therefore, the improvement of environmental-friendly adhesive from natural agricultural products has awakened noteworthy attention. A novel adhesive for wood application was successfully prepared with enhanced shear strength and water resistance. The Fourier transmform infrared spectra showed the surface functionalities of the functionalized carbon nanotubes (FCNTs) and soy protein isolate nanocomposite adhesive. The attachment of carboxylic functional group on the surface of the carbon nanotubes (CNTs) after purification contributed to the effective dispersion of the CNTs in the nanocomposite adhesive. Hence, enhanced properties of FCNTs were successfully transferred into the SPI/CNTs nanocomposite adhesive. These unique functionalities on FCNTs however, improved the mechanical properties of the adhesive. The shear strength and water resistance of SPI/FCNTs was higher than that of the SPI/CNTs. SEM images showed the homogenous dispersion of CNTs in the SPI/CNTs nanocomposite adhesive. The carbon nanotubes were distributed uniformly in the soy protein adhesive with no noticeable clusters at relatively reduced fractions of CNTs as shown in the SEM images, which resulted into better adhesion on wood surface. Mechanical (shear) mixing and ultrasonication with 30 minutes of shear mixing both showed an improved dispersion of CNTs in the soy protein matrix. However, ultrasonication method of dispersion showed higher tensile shear strength and water resistance than in mechanical (shear) mixing method. Thermogravimetric analysis of the samples also showed that the CNTs incorporated increases the thermal stability of the nanocomposite adhesive at higher loading fraction. Incorporation of CNTs into soy protein isolate adhesive improved both the shear strength and water resistance of the adhesive prepared at a relatively reduced concentration of 0.3%.The result showed that tensile shear strength of SPI/FCNTs adhesive was 0.8 MPa and 7.25MPa at dry and wet state respectively, while SPI/CNTs adhesive had 6.91 MPa and 5.48MPa at dry and wet state respectively. There was over 100% increase in shear strength both at dry and wet state compared to the pure SPI adhesive. The 19% decrease in value of the new adhesive developed compared to the minimum value of ≥10MPa of European standard for interior wood application may be attributed to the presence of metallic particles remaining after purification of CNTs. The presence of metallic particles will prevent the proper penetration of the adhesive into the wood substrate. The type of wood used in this study as well as the processing parameters could also result into lower value compared to the value of European standard. Therefore, optimization of the processing parameter as well as the conversion of carboxylic acid group on the surface of the CNTs into acyl chloride group may be employed in future investigation. However, the preparation of new nanocomposite adhesive from soy protein isolate will replace the formaldehyde and petrochemical adhesive in the market and be of useful application in the wood industry. / Civil and Chemical Engineering / M. Tech. (Chemical Engineering)

Submitted by Aelson Maciera (aelsoncm@terra.com.br) on 2017-05-15T19:57:24Z No. of bitstreams: 1 TeseCOF.pdf: 3178869 bytes, checksum: cfad2da3f19b56d42e09c4a472158572 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Ronildo Prado (bco.producao.intelectual@gmail.com) on 2018-02-01T10:55:05Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 TeseCOF.pdf: 3178869 bytes, checksum: cfad2da3f19b56d42e09c4a472158572 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Ronildo Prado (bco.producao.intelectual@gmail.com) on 2018-02-01T10:55:19Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 TeseCOF.pdf: 3178869 bytes, checksum: cfad2da3f19b56d42e09c4a472158572 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2018-02-01T11:06:54Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 TeseCOF.pdf: 3178869 bytes, checksum: cfad2da3f19b56d42e09c4a472158572 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2016-06-24 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) / Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) / Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) is responsible for quality of life reduction due its negative impact in the physical exercise capacity. The impairment of cardiopulmonary fitness and lower values in oxygen uptake in exercise tests has been associated with factors related with diabetes complications. Phototherapy is a resource largely utilized due it action in biological systems and it may be adjuvant to exercise to improve muscular efficiency and increase aerobic capacity. Thus, the question if this resource may be benefit to populations with DM. Therefore, we proposed a study protocol randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled to evaluate the acute effect of light emitting diode (LED) in cardiorespiratory and hemodynamic adjustments of moderate exercise in cycloergometer, as well as, in lactate and glucose levels pre and post intervention and after exercise in men aged between 45 and 64 years, with DM and health. Then, two studies were performed. In the study 1 it was evaluated the acute effect of phototherapy (LED-150J) in two groups: DM group (DMG) and health group (HG) (n=16 and n=9, respectively). The groups were paired by age and body mass index. The LED reduced significantly the glucose levels in DMG after exercise and do not affect the lactate levels, cardiorespiratory and hemodynamic adjustments of aerobic exercise in both groups. Our results suggest that LED in combination with moderate exercise decrease acutely the glucose levels in adult subjects with DM. The study 2 aimed evaluate the acute effect of two different doses of phototherapy. Participated in this study two groups of men with DM: LED-150J (n=16) and LED-300J (n=17). The LED-150J reduced the levels of glucose after exercise. The LED-300J increased the lactate levels after exercise in effective session compared with placebo. Any doses changed the cardiorespiratory and hemodynamic adjustments. This study demonstrated that the phototherapy with LED using the 300J dose did not improved the parameters studied and the 150J dose improved the glycaemia and should be used in combination with other therapies for the hyperglycemia management in individuals with DM. The general conclusion of this thesis is that our findings suggest that phototherapy associated with moderate physical exercise have therapeutic potential to control glycaemia in DM, however, further studies should be conducted investigating the dose window and dose-response capable to change acutely the cardiopulmonary and hemodynamic adjustments and lactate levels. / O diabetes mellitus tipo 2 (DM) é responsável por redução significativa na qualidade de vida devido ao seu impacto negativo na capacidade de realização de exercícios físicos. A diminuição do condicionamento cardiopulmonar e os menores valores de consumo de oxigênio pico em testes de exercício têm sido associados com múltiplos fatores envolvidos nas complicações do diabetes. A fototerapia é um recurso que tem sido utilizado devido sua ação nos sistemas biológicos, podendo ser um coadjuvante do exercício na melhora da eficiência do trabalho muscular e aumento da capacidade aeróbia. Por isso, levantou-se a questão de que tal recurso poderia beneficiar populações com DM. Assim, foi proposto um protocolo experimental aleatorizado e duplo-cego visando avaliar o efeito agudo da fototerapia com diodos emissores de luz (LED) nos ajustes cardiorrespiratórios e hemodinâmicos ao exercício moderado em cicloergômetro, bem como nas concentrações de lactato e glicose sanguíneas pré e pós intervenção e após o exercício físico em homens com DM e saudáveis, com idade entre 45 e 64 anos. A partir deste protocolo dois estudos foram realizados. No estudo 1 foi avaliado o efeito agudo da fototerapia (LED-150J) em dois grupos: grupo com DM (GDM, n=16) e grupo saudável (GS, n=9). Os grupos foram pareados por idade e índice de massa corpórea. O LED reduziu significativamente as concentrações de glicose no GDM após o exercício em cicloergômetro e não afetou os níveis de lactato e os ajustes cardiorrespiratórios e hemodinâmicos em ambos os grupos. Nossos resultados sugerem que o LED em combinação com o exercício moderado reduz de forma aguda os níveis de glicose em homens adultos com DM. No estudo 2 objetivou-se avaliar o efeito agudo de duas diferentes doses de fototerapia. Participaram desse estudo dois grupos de homens com DM: LED-150J (n=16) e LED-300J (n=17). O LED-150J reduziu as concentrações de glicose após o exercício físico e o LED-300J aumentou os níveis de lactato após o protocolo de exercício na fototerapia efetiva em comparação com a fototerapia placebo. Nenhuma das dosagens avaliadas modificou significativamente os ajustes cardiopulmonares e hemodinâmicos avaliados. Este estudo mostrou que a fototerapia por meio de LED na dosagem de 300J não causou melhora nos parâmetros estudados enquanto a dosagem de 150J melhorou a glicemia, podendo ser utilizada como recurso adjuvante no controle da hiperglicemia em indivíduos com DM. Como conclusão geral, nossos achados sugerem que a fototerapia associada ao exercício moderado tem potencial terapêutico no controle da glicemia do DM, no entanto, mais estudos são necessários para estabelecer a janela terapêutica e a dose-resposta capaz de modificar de forma aguda os ajustes cardiopulmonares e hemodinâmicos, assim como os níveis de lactato. / FAPESP: 2013/08183-7 / FAPESP: 2015/20512-1 / FAPESP: BEPE 2013/07953-3