Various techniques in microscopy are based on point-wise acquisition, which provides advantages in acquiring sectioned images, for example in confocal or two-photon microscopy. The advantages come along with the need to perform three-dimensional scanning, which is often realized by mechanical movement achieved by stage-scanning or piezo-based scanning in the axial direction. Lateral scanning often employs galvo-mirrors, leading to a reflective setup and hence to a folded beam path. In this paper, we introduce a fully refractive microscope capable of three-dimensional scanning, which employs the combination of an adaptive lens, an adaptive prism, and a tailored telecentric f-theta objective. Our results show that this microscope is capable to perform flexible three-dimensional scanning, with low scan-induced aberrations, at a uniform resolution over a large tuning range of X = Y = 6300 µm and Z = 480 µm with only transmissive components. We demonstrate the capabilities at the example of volumetric measurements on the transgenic fluorescence of the thyroid of a zebrafish embryo and mixed pollen grains. This is the first step towards flexible aberration-free volumetric smart microscopy of three-dimensional samples like embryos and organoids, which could be exploited for the demands in both lateral and axial dimensions in biomedical samples without compromising image quality

Esta tese envolveu o estudo da dinâmica molecular em copolímeros em bloco compostos de poli(metacrilato de metila) (PMMA), poli(ácido acrílico) (PAA) e Poli(acrilato de chumbo) (PAPb) por técnicas de Ressonância Magnética Nuclear e de análise térmica (DSC e DMTA). Estes copolímeros em bloco foram sintetizados visando a obtenção de compostos para serem utilizados, tanto como lentes oftálmicas com maiores índices de refração, como materiais dedicados à proteção radiológica, sendo estas duas propriedades de emprego individual ou integrado. Para o estudo destes materiais, as amostras foram confeccionadas com várias composições, incluindo aquelas nas formas puras contendo apenas um bloco, resultantes da combinação de dois blocos, e as triblocos, com diferentes quantidades relativas de PAPb, variando de 1 a 40%. Para o caso do PMMA, a dinâmica molecular é bem conhecida, sendo caracterizada por uma relaxação β, que envolve mais especificamente movimentos de seus ramos laterais e que ocorre dentro de um amplo intervalo de temperatura centrado em torno da ambiente, e pela transição vítrea, que envolve, predominantemente, movimentos da cadeia principal que ocorrem para temperaturas em torno de 100oC. Devido à extensão destes dois eventos em grandes intervalos de temperatura, eles acabam se superpondo já em temperaturas abaixo de 100oC. O fato da relaxação β ocorrer para o PMMA em torno da temperatura ambiente, confere-lhe uma de suas características mais importantes, não ser quebradiço. Porém, devido à presença do grupo hidroxila no PAA, que permite a ocorrência de ligações de hidrogênio entre os diferentes ramos laterais, a relaxação β é suprimida neste material, tornando-o quebradiço e não adequado para as aplicações desejadas. No caso do copolímero tribloco, espera-se que o PAPb também possa interferir na característica mecânica final do material, em função de sua participação na dinâmica molecular do copolímero. Para este estudo foram preparadas várias amostras com diferentes quantidades relativas de PMMA, PAA e PAPb, de modo entendermos a dinâmica molecular destes materiais, individual e coletivamente, afim de selecionar os mais indicados para as aplicações tecnológicas almejadas. Para o estudo destas amostras, utilizamos tanto técnicas de análise térmica (DSC e DMTA), que fornecem, de forma relativamente rápida, dados importantes sobre a dinâmica macroscópica, quanto métodos básicos e avançados de RMN no estado sólido, que propiciam informações mais detalhadas sobre a dinâmica molecular. Estes estudos indicaram que a presença do PAA, obrigatória na rota de síntese utilizada para a inserção do PAPb, é um elemento indesejável no produto final, pois ele sempre atua na supressão da relaxação β. Adicionalmente, os dados obtidos indicaram que o PAPb, em grandes quantidades, também age na supressão desta relaxação. Embora a proposição destes novos materiais para a área oftálmica não ser muito adequada, já que a quantidade de PAPb necessária para a obtenção de amostras com bons índices de refração deve ser grande (bem acima de 5%, quando elas tornam-se quebradiças), as amostras com pequenos conteúdos de PAPb (até 5%) permitiram uma redução de até 50% dos raios-x incidentes. Finalmente, os estudos realizados por técnicas que observam detalhes da dinâmica molecular, tanto em níveis macroscópicos (DSC e DMTA), quanto moleculares (RMN), ofereceram excelentes informações básicas tanto sobre a mobilidade dos diferentes ramos que compõem os copolímeros em bloco, quanto a interação/miscibilidade entre os diferentes blocos, que afeta também a dinâmica global do sistema. / This thesis involved the study of molecular dynamics in triblock copolymers consisting of poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), poly (acrylic acid) (PAA) and Poly (lead acrylate) (PAPb) by solid-state Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) and thermal analyses (DSC and DMTA). These block copolymers were synthesized in order to obtain materials not only presenting higher refractive index but also offering good radiological protection, which are useful for individual and combined applications. For the study of these materials, the samples were prepared with various compositions, including those in pure form containing only a block, resulting from the combination of two blocks, and the triblock with different relative amounts of PAPb, ranging from 1 to 40%. In the case of PMMA, the molecular dynamics is well known, characterized by a β relaxation, which involves more specifically the ester side-group dynamics occurring within a broad temperature range centered around the room temperature, and the glass transition, predominantly involving the main chain dynamics that occur for temperatures around 100oC. Due to large extension of these two dynamical events in wide temperature ranges, they merge at temperatures below 100oC. The fact that the β relaxation occurs for the PMMA around the room temperature, confers to it one of its most important features, toughness. However, due to the presence of the hydroxyl group in PAA, which allows the occurrence of hydrogen links between different branches, the β relaxation in this material is strongly suppressed, making it brittle and not suitable for the desired applications. In the case of the triblock copolymer, it is also expected that PAPb may also interfere with the mechanical properties of the final material due to its involvement in the full molecular dynamics of the copolymer. For this study, several samples were prepared with different relative amounts of PMMA, PAA and PAPb, in order to understand the molecular dynamics of these materials, individually and collectively, and select the most suitable ones for the desired technological applications. To characterize and study these samples, we employed thermal analyses (DSC and DMTA), which give quick and important data on the macroscopic dynamics, and basic and advanced solid-state NMR methods, which provide more detailed information about he molecular dynamics. These studies indicated that PAA, necessary along the synthesis route used for the insertion of PAPb in the triblock copolymers, is an undesirable element in the final product, because it is always acting on the suppression of β relaxation. Although the proposition of these new materials for the ophthalmic area is not very appropriate, since the amount of PAPb necessary to obtain good refraction indexes would be necessarily large (over 5%, when they become brittle), the samples with small amounts of PAPb (up to 5%, when they present good mechanical properties) allowed a significant reduction of about 50% of the incident x-rays. Finally, using solid-state NMR methods, including modern Exchange experiments and thermal analyses (DSC and DMTA), it was possible to understand in detail the individual and cooperative motions of the main chain and side groups. The most import result obtained indicate that, despite being important inserting PAPB and PAA in the block copolymer for improving the desired optical and x-ray shielding properties, the presence of these blocks tend to suppress the β relaxation, reducing thesample mechanical properties.

Os elementos ópticos difrativos representam um mercado em franco crescimento, da ordem de bilhões de dólares. Seu uso ostensivo está nos microeletrônicos, sistemas de iluminação, telecomunicações, equipamentos de segurança e outros. Por isso, esta tese teve como objetivo realizar investigação pública profunda no assunto. Insertos de cobre eletrolítico foram usados por proporcionar excelente acabamento superficial quando usinados com ferramenta de diamante monocristalino obtendo valores de Ra = 10,2 nm, Rq = 13,56 e Rt = 363,06 µm e para o aço inoxidável polido os resultados foram de Ra = 7,02 nm, Rq = 9,05 nm e Rt = 225,19 nm. As réplicas foram construídas em PMMA - DH ECL P com transmitância da luz avaliada em aproximadamente 90% em todo o espectro visível e infravermelho. Foram produzidos sete tipos de microelementos ópticos difrativos, baseados na geometria de Fresnel e nos arranjos de microlentes esféricas. Foi necessário desenvolver o código computacional denominado LF2010 para auxiliar a construção do projeto das microlentes anesféricas de Fresnel e calcular sua modulação de fase. Quatro processos determinísticos na fabricação dos µEODs foram usados: torneamento de ultraprecisão com ferramenta de diamante, microforjamento, microfresamento e a combinação dos dois últimos. O método estocástico de polimento foi usado para gerar acabamento óptico e compará-lo ao torneamento com SPDT. As análises metrológicas qualitativas e dimensionais foram conduzidas com o uso do MEV e da perfilometria óptica. No torneamento de ultraprecisão com ferramenta de diamante foi comprovada a presença do fenômeno conhecido como \"stick slip\" nos degraus da zona de Fresnel, corrigidos alterando-se o projeto. Para os arranjos de empacotamento completo os valores da rugosidade foram mais elevados em função da interatividade das lentes adjacentes do conjunto com \'fi\' = 100%, chegando até mesmo a causar microfraturas na estrutura das microlentes. Após sucessivos processos de calibragem, foram manufaturadas as réplicas pelas técnicas de termomoldagem e moldagem por injeção. Os resultados de replicação das microlentes mostraram que a razão de aspecto e a relação superfície/volume influenciaram significativamente na fidelidade de replicação das microlentes, sendo constatado que as lentes de Fresnel com altura variável possuem maior volume em relação às de altura constante e, consequentemente, melhor fidelidade na replicação. Na termomoldagem, as variações nas dimensões das cristas foram de nanômetros e a fidelidade no processo foi de aproximadamente 100% para todas as zonas de Fresnel. Nesta técnica, porém, os tempos de ciclos são até 40 vezes maiores que os da moldagem por injeção. As investigações paraxiais de FTM para a microlente de Fresnel com altura variável convexa foram de 85,2 % para 25 lp/mm, 67,5% para 50 lp/mm e 71,2% para 75 lp/mm. A simulação por elementos finitos foi usada para auxiliar nos estudos conferindo a sensibilidade do método de cálculo numérico do simulador nas escalas macroscópicas e microscópicas. No final, investigado o desgaste da aresta de corte da ferramenta, verificou-se o desgaste de flanco e a formação da APC, constituída de partículas do cavaco de cobre com formação lamelar. Conclui-se que é possível reproduzir diversos tipos de µEODs com métodos de produção em massa da moldagem por injeção tomando-se cuidado com as variáveis do processo, geometria da peça e propriedades físicas e químicas do material a ser replicado. / Diffractive optical elements represent a fast growing market, in order of billions dollars. Its use is employed in microelectronics, illumination systems, telecommunications, security devices, and others. For this reason, this thesis aimed to make depth public research in the subject. Electrolytic copper inserts were used for providing excellent surface finish when machined with monocrystalline diamond tool getting values of Ra = 10,2 nm, Rq = 13,56 e Rt = 363,06 µm, for the polished stainless steel the results were Ra = 7,02 nm, Rq = 9,05 nm e Rt = 225,19 nm. The replicas were built in PMMA - DH ECL P with light transmittance approximately 90% for visible and infrared spectrum. Seven types of diffractive optical microelements were produced, based in Fresnel geometry and spherical microlens array. For this, it was necessary to develop the computer code called LF2010 to support the construction design of aspheric Fresnel microlenses and calculate its phase transformation function. Four deterministic manufacturing processes of µDOEs were used: ultraprecision diamond turning, microforging, micromilling and the combination of the two last. Stochastic method of polishing was used to obtain mirror surface roughness and compare to SPDT. The qualitative analysis and dimensional metrology were conducted using MEV and optical profiling system respectively. In ultraprecision diamond turning has proved the presence of the phenomenon known as stick slip on the steps of Fresnel zone that was corrected by changing the design. For complete packaging arrays the roughness values were higher due the interaction of adjacent lenses of set with \'fi\' = 100% have even cause microfractures in the structure of microlenses. After successive calibration procedures in the manufacture of copper inserts, replicas were fabricated by techniques of hot emboss and injection molding. The results of microlenses replication showed that the aspect ratio and surface/volume ratio affected the fidelity replication of microlenses, and had been noted that the Fresnel lenses with variable height have higher volume in relation to constant height and consequently better fidelity in replication. Hot emboss process show little variations in the dimensions of the crests, in order of few nanometers, resulting a fidelity approximately 100% for all zones of Fresnel, however the cycle\'s technique are up to 40 times higher than injection molding. The paraxial FTM analysis shows 85,2% for 25 lp/mm, 67,5% for 50 lp/mm and 71,2% for 75 lp/mm to convex Fresnel microlens with variable height. Finite element analysis was used to aid in the studies giving the sensitivity of numerical method adopted in terms of macroscale and microscale. In the end, the wear of edge cutting tool was investigated and found wear flank and formation of built up edge that was made up of chip particles of copper, witch were formed continuously with segmented structure lamellar. Hence, after numerous studies and analysis we can conclude that it is possible to construct µDOEs by means of mass production methods of injection molding taking care of process variables, part geometry and physical and chemical properties of material being replicated.

Os elementos ópticos difrativos representam um mercado em franco crescimento, da ordem de bilhões de dólares. Seu uso ostensivo está nos microeletrônicos, sistemas de iluminação, telecomunicações, equipamentos de segurança e outros. Por isso, esta tese teve como objetivo realizar investigação pública profunda no assunto. Insertos de cobre eletrolítico foram usados por proporcionar excelente acabamento superficial quando usinados com ferramenta de diamante monocristalino obtendo valores de Ra = 10,2 nm, Rq = 13,56 e Rt = 363,06 µm e para o aço inoxidável polido os resultados foram de Ra = 7,02 nm, Rq = 9,05 nm e Rt = 225,19 nm. As réplicas foram construídas em PMMA - DH ECL P com transmitância da luz avaliada em aproximadamente 90% em todo o espectro visível e infravermelho. Foram produzidos sete tipos de microelementos ópticos difrativos, baseados na geometria de Fresnel e nos arranjos de microlentes esféricas. Foi necessário desenvolver o código computacional denominado LF2010 para auxiliar a construção do projeto das microlentes anesféricas de Fresnel e calcular sua modulação de fase. Quatro processos determinísticos na fabricação dos µEODs foram usados: torneamento de ultraprecisão com ferramenta de diamante, microforjamento, microfresamento e a combinação dos dois últimos. O método estocástico de polimento foi usado para gerar acabamento óptico e compará-lo ao torneamento com SPDT. As análises metrológicas qualitativas e dimensionais foram conduzidas com o uso do MEV e da perfilometria óptica. No torneamento de ultraprecisão com ferramenta de diamante foi comprovada a presença do fenômeno conhecido como \"stick slip\" nos degraus da zona de Fresnel, corrigidos alterando-se o projeto. Para os arranjos de empacotamento completo os valores da rugosidade foram mais elevados em função da interatividade das lentes adjacentes do conjunto com \'fi\' = 100%, chegando até mesmo a causar microfraturas na estrutura das microlentes. Após sucessivos processos de calibragem, foram manufaturadas as réplicas pelas técnicas de termomoldagem e moldagem por injeção. Os resultados de replicação das microlentes mostraram que a razão de aspecto e a relação superfície/volume influenciaram significativamente na fidelidade de replicação das microlentes, sendo constatado que as lentes de Fresnel com altura variável possuem maior volume em relação às de altura constante e, consequentemente, melhor fidelidade na replicação. Na termomoldagem, as variações nas dimensões das cristas foram de nanômetros e a fidelidade no processo foi de aproximadamente 100% para todas as zonas de Fresnel. Nesta técnica, porém, os tempos de ciclos são até 40 vezes maiores que os da moldagem por injeção. As investigações paraxiais de FTM para a microlente de Fresnel com altura variável convexa foram de 85,2 % para 25 lp/mm, 67,5% para 50 lp/mm e 71,2% para 75 lp/mm. A simulação por elementos finitos foi usada para auxiliar nos estudos conferindo a sensibilidade do método de cálculo numérico do simulador nas escalas macroscópicas e microscópicas. No final, investigado o desgaste da aresta de corte da ferramenta, verificou-se o desgaste de flanco e a formação da APC, constituída de partículas do cavaco de cobre com formação lamelar. Conclui-se que é possível reproduzir diversos tipos de µEODs com métodos de produção em massa da moldagem por injeção tomando-se cuidado com as variáveis do processo, geometria da peça e propriedades físicas e químicas do material a ser replicado. / Diffractive optical elements represent a fast growing market, in order of billions dollars. Its use is employed in microelectronics, illumination systems, telecommunications, security devices, and others. For this reason, this thesis aimed to make depth public research in the subject. Electrolytic copper inserts were used for providing excellent surface finish when machined with monocrystalline diamond tool getting values of Ra = 10,2 nm, Rq = 13,56 e Rt = 363,06 µm, for the polished stainless steel the results were Ra = 7,02 nm, Rq = 9,05 nm e Rt = 225,19 nm. The replicas were built in PMMA - DH ECL P with light transmittance approximately 90% for visible and infrared spectrum. Seven types of diffractive optical microelements were produced, based in Fresnel geometry and spherical microlens array. For this, it was necessary to develop the computer code called LF2010 to support the construction design of aspheric Fresnel microlenses and calculate its phase transformation function. Four deterministic manufacturing processes of µDOEs were used: ultraprecision diamond turning, microforging, micromilling and the combination of the two last. Stochastic method of polishing was used to obtain mirror surface roughness and compare to SPDT. The qualitative analysis and dimensional metrology were conducted using MEV and optical profiling system respectively. In ultraprecision diamond turning has proved the presence of the phenomenon known as stick slip on the steps of Fresnel zone that was corrected by changing the design. For complete packaging arrays the roughness values were higher due the interaction of adjacent lenses of set with \'fi\' = 100% have even cause microfractures in the structure of microlenses. After successive calibration procedures in the manufacture of copper inserts, replicas were fabricated by techniques of hot emboss and injection molding. The results of microlenses replication showed that the aspect ratio and surface/volume ratio affected the fidelity replication of microlenses, and had been noted that the Fresnel lenses with variable height have higher volume in relation to constant height and consequently better fidelity in replication. Hot emboss process show little variations in the dimensions of the crests, in order of few nanometers, resulting a fidelity approximately 100% for all zones of Fresnel, however the cycle\'s technique are up to 40 times higher than injection molding. The paraxial FTM analysis shows 85,2% for 25 lp/mm, 67,5% for 50 lp/mm and 71,2% for 75 lp/mm to convex Fresnel microlens with variable height. Finite element analysis was used to aid in the studies giving the sensitivity of numerical method adopted in terms of macroscale and microscale. In the end, the wear of edge cutting tool was investigated and found wear flank and formation of built up edge that was made up of chip particles of copper, witch were formed continuously with segmented structure lamellar. Hence, after numerous studies and analysis we can conclude that it is possible to construct µDOEs by means of mass production methods of injection molding taking care of process variables, part geometry and physical and chemical properties of material being replicated.

Information visualization is an important research field concerned with making sense and inferring knowledge from data collections. Graph visualizations are specific techniques for data representation relevant in diverse application domains among them biology, software-engineering, and business finance. These data visualizations benefit from the display space provided by novel interactive large display environments. However, these environments also cause new challenges and result in new requirements regarding the need for interaction beyond the desktop and according redesign of analysis tools. This thesis focuses on interactive magic lenses, specialized locally applied tools that temporarily manipulate the visualization. These may include magnification of focus regions but also more graph-specific functions such as pulling in neighboring nodes or locally reducing edge clutter. Up to now, these lenses have mostly been used as single-user, single-purpose tools operated by mouse and keyboard. This dissertation presents the extension of magic lenses both in terms of function as well as interaction for large vertical displays. In particular, this thesis contributes several natural interaction designs with magic lenses for the exploration of graph data in node-link visualizations using diverse interaction modalities. This development incorporates flexible switches between lens functions, adjustment of individual lens properties and function parameters, as well as the combination of lenses. It proposes interaction techniques for fluent multi-touch manipulation of lenses, controlling lenses using mobile devices in front of large displays, and a novel concept of body-controlled magic lenses. Functional extensions in addition to these interaction techniques convert the lenses to user-configurable, personal territories with use of alternative interaction styles. To create the foundation for this extension, the dissertation incorporates a comprehensive design space of magic lenses, their function, parameters, and interactions. Additionally, it provides a discussion on increased embodiment in tool and controller design, contributing insights into user position and movement in front of large vertical displays as a result of empirical investigations and evaluations. / Informationsvisualisierung ist ein wichtiges Forschungsfeld, das das Analysieren von Daten unterstützt. Graph-Visualisierungen sind dabei eine spezielle Variante der Datenrepräsentation, deren Nutzen in vielerlei Anwendungsfällen zum Einsatz kommt, u.a. in der Biologie, Softwareentwicklung und Finanzwirtschaft. Diese Datendarstellungen profitieren besonders von großen Displays in neuen Displayumgebungen. Jedoch bringen diese Umgebungen auch neue Herausforderungen mit sich und stellen Anforderungen an Nutzerschnittstellen jenseits der traditionellen Ansätze, die dadurch auch Anpassungen von Analysewerkzeugen erfordern. Diese Dissertation befasst sich mit interaktiven „Magischen Linsen“, spezielle lokal-angewandte Werkzeuge, die temporär die Visualisierung zur Analyse manipulieren. Dabei existieren zum Beispiel Vergrößerungslinsen, aber auch Graph-spezifische Manipulationen, wie das Anziehen von Nachbarknoten oder das Reduzieren von Kantenüberlappungen im lokalen Bereich. Bisher wurden diese Linsen vor allem als Werkzeug für einzelne Nutzer mit sehr spezialisiertem Effekt eingesetzt und per Maus und Tastatur bedient. Die vorliegende Doktorarbeit präsentiert die Erweiterung dieser magischen Linsen, sowohl in Bezug auf die Funktionalität als auch für die Interaktion an großen, vertikalen Displays. Insbesondere trägt diese Dissertation dazu bei, die Exploration von Graphen mit magischen Linsen durch natürliche Interaktion mit unterschiedlichen Modalitäten zu unterstützen. Dabei werden flexible Änderungen der Linsenfunktion, Anpassungen von individuellen Linseneigenschaften und Funktionsparametern, sowie die Kombination unterschiedlicher Linsen ermöglicht. Es werden Interaktionstechniken für die natürliche Manipulation der Linsen durch Multitouch-Interaktion, sowie das Kontrollieren von Linsen durch Mobilgeräte vor einer Displaywand vorgestellt. Außerdem wurde ein neuartiges Konzept körpergesteuerter magischer Linsen entwickelt. Funktionale Erweiterungen in Kombination mit diesen Interaktionskonzepten machen die Linse zu einem vom Nutzer einstellbaren, persönlichen Arbeitsbereich, der zudem alternative Interaktionsstile erlaubt. Als Grundlage für diese Erweiterungen stellt die Dissertation eine umfangreiche analytische Kategorisierung bisheriger Forschungsarbeiten zu magischen Linsen vor, in der Funktionen, Parameter und Interaktion mit Linsen eingeordnet werden. Zusätzlich macht die Arbeit Vor- und Nachteile körpernaher Interaktion für Werkzeuge bzw. ihre Steuerung zum Thema und diskutiert dabei Nutzerposition und -bewegung an großen Displaywänden belegt durch empirische Nutzerstudien.

Made available in DSpace on 2014-12-17T15:15:03Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 RoseCS.pdf: 2067725 bytes, checksum: e198ed9a88482d8df2676d67728edee7 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2007-05-23 / Coordena??o de Aperfei?oamento de Pessoal de N?vel Superior / The recent observational advances of Astronomy and a more consistent theoretical framework turned Cosmology in one of the most exciting frontiers of contemporary science. In this thesis, homogeneous and inhomogeneous Universe models containing dark matter and different kinds of dark energy are confronted with recent observational data. Initially, we analyze constraints from the existence of old high redshift objects, Supernovas type Ia and the gas mass fraction of galaxy clusters for 2 distinct classes of homogeneous and isotropic models: decaying vacuum and X(z)CDM cosmologies. By considering the quasar APM 08279+5255 at z = 3.91 with age between 2-3 Gyr, we obtain 0,2 < OM < 0,4 while for the j3 parameter which quantifies the contribution of A( t) is restricted to the intervalO, 07 < j3 < 0,32 thereby implying that the minimal age of the Universe amounts to 13.4 Gyr. A lower limit to the quasar formation redshift (zJ > 5,11) was also obtained. Our analyzes including flat, closed and hyperbolic models show that there is no an age crisis for this kind of decaying A( t) scenario. Tests from SN e Ia and gas mass fraction data were realized for flat X(z)CDM models. For an equation of state, ?J(z) = ?Jo + ?JIZ, the best fit is ?Jo = -1,25, ?Jl = 1,3 and OM = 0,26, whereas for models with ?J(z) = ?Jo+?Jlz/(l+z), we obtain?Jo = -1,4, ?Jl = 2,57 and OM = 0,26. In another line of development, we have discussed the influence of the observed inhomogeneities by considering the Zeldovich-Kantowski-DyerRoeder (ZKDR) angular diameter distance. By applying the statistical X2 method to a sample of angular diameter for compact radio sources, the best fit to the cosmological parameters for XCDM models are OM = O, 26,?J = -1,03 and a = 0,9, where ?J and a are the equation of state and the smoothness parameters, respectively. Such results are compatible with a phantom energy component (?J < -1). The possible bidimensional spaces associated to the plane (a , OM) were restricted by using data from SNe Ia and gas mass fraction of galaxy clusters. For Supernovas the parameters are restricted to the interval 0,32 < OM < 0,5(20") and 0,32 < a < 1,0(20"), while to the gas mass fraction we find 0,18 < OM < 0,32(20") with alI alIowed values of a. For a joint analysis involving Supernovas and gas mass fraction data we obtained 0,18 < OM < 0,38(20"). In general grounds, the present study suggests that the influence of the cosmological inhomogeneities in the matter distribution need to be considered with more detail in the analyses of the observational tests. Further, the analytical treatment based on the ZKDR distance may give non-negligible corrections to the so-calIed background tests of FRW type cosmologies / Os recentes avan?os observacionais da Astronomia e um arcabou?o te?rico cada vez mais consistente, transformaram a Cosmologia numa das mais excitantes ?reas da ci?ncia contempor?nea. Nesta tese, modelos homog?neos e inomog?neos contendo mat?ria escura e diferentes tipos de energia escura s?o confrontados com dados observacionais recentes. Inicialmente, analisamos os v?nculos oriundos da exist?ncia de objetos velhos em altos redshifts, Supernovas do tipo Ia e fra??o de massa do g?s em aglomerados de gal?xias para 2 classes distintas de modelos homog?neos: decaimento do v?cuo e X(z)CDM. Considerando o quasar APM 08279 + 5255, em z = 3, 91 e idade entre 2 - 3 bilh?es de anos, obtemos 0,2 < &#937;M < 0,4 enquanto o par?metro (3, quantificando a contribui??o de A(t), est? restrito ao intervalo 0,07 < &#946; < 0,32; implicando numa idade m?nima para o universo de 13,4 bilh?es de anos. Um limite inferior para o redshift de forma??o do quasar (zf > 5,11) foi tamb?m obtido. Nossas an?lises, incluindo modelos planos, fechados e hiperb?licos, mostram que n?o existe uma crise de idade para esses cen?rios com A(t). Os testes com dados de SNe Ia e fra??o de massa do g?s foram realizados com modelos do tipo X(z)CDM plano. Para uma equa??o de estado, w(z) = Wo+WIZ, obtemos como melhor ajuste Wo = -1,25, WI = 1,3 e &#937;M = 0,26, enquanto nos models com w(z) = wo+wlz/(l+z), o melhor ajuste ? Wo = -1,4, WI = 2,57 e OM = 0,26. Em outra linha de desenvolvimento, discutimos as influ?ncias das inomogeneidades observadas considerando a dist?ncia de di?metro angular proposta por Zeldovich-Kantowski-Dyer-Roeder (ZKDR). Aplicando o m?todo estat?stico X2 para uma amostra de dados de di?metros angulares de fontes de r?dio compactas, o melhor ajuste para os par?metros cosmol?gicos nos modelos XCDM foram 11M = 0,26, ?) = -1,03 e a = 0,9, onde ?) e a s?o os par?metros da equa??o de estado e de aglomeramento, respectivamente. Esses resultados s?o compat?veis com uma componente do tipo energia fantasma (phantom energy, ?) < -1). Os poss?veis espa?os bidimensionais associados ao plano (a , 11M) foram tamb?m restritos utilizando dados de SN e Ia e fra??o de massa do g?s em aglomerados de gal?xias. No teste de Supernovas os par?metros de interesse est?o restritos aos intervalos 0,32 < 11M < 0,5(20') e 0,32 < a < 1,0(20'), enquanto para fra??o de massa do g?s temos 0,18 < 11M < 0,32(20') e todos os valores de a s?o permitidos. Na an?lise conjunta envolvendo supernovas e fra??o de massa do g?s foi obtido 0,18 < 11M < 0,38(20'). Em linhas gerais, o presente estudo sugere que a influ?ncia das inomogeneidades cosmol?gicas na distribui??o de mat?ria precisam ser consideradas com mais detalhe ao se analisar os testes cosmol?gicos. Al?m disso, o tratamento anal?tico baseado na dist?ncia ZKDR pode fornecer corre??es importantes para os chamados testes de background em cosmologias do tipo FRW

Esta tese envolveu o estudo da dinâmica molecular em copolímeros em bloco compostos de poli(metacrilato de metila) (PMMA), poli(ácido acrílico) (PAA) e Poli(acrilato de chumbo) (PAPb) por técnicas de Ressonância Magnética Nuclear e de análise térmica (DSC e DMTA). Estes copolímeros em bloco foram sintetizados visando a obtenção de compostos para serem utilizados, tanto como lentes oftálmicas com maiores índices de refração, como materiais dedicados à proteção radiológica, sendo estas duas propriedades de emprego individual ou integrado. Para o estudo destes materiais, as amostras foram confeccionadas com várias composições, incluindo aquelas nas formas puras contendo apenas um bloco, resultantes da combinação de dois blocos, e as triblocos, com diferentes quantidades relativas de PAPb, variando de 1 a 40%. Para o caso do PMMA, a dinâmica molecular é bem conhecida, sendo caracterizada por uma relaxação &beta;, que envolve mais especificamente movimentos de seus ramos laterais e que ocorre dentro de um amplo intervalo de temperatura centrado em torno da ambiente, e pela transição vítrea, que envolve, predominantemente, movimentos da cadeia principal que ocorrem para temperaturas em torno de 100oC. Devido à extensão destes dois eventos em grandes intervalos de temperatura, eles acabam se superpondo já em temperaturas abaixo de 100oC. O fato da relaxação &beta; ocorrer para o PMMA em torno da temperatura ambiente, confere-lhe uma de suas características mais importantes, não ser quebradiço. Porém, devido à presença do grupo hidroxila no PAA, que permite a ocorrência de ligações de hidrogênio entre os diferentes ramos laterais, a relaxação &beta; é suprimida neste material, tornando-o quebradiço e não adequado para as aplicações desejadas. No caso do copolímero tribloco, espera-se que o PAPb também possa interferir na característica mecânica final do material, em função de sua participação na dinâmica molecular do copolímero. Para este estudo foram preparadas várias amostras com diferentes quantidades relativas de PMMA, PAA e PAPb, de modo entendermos a dinâmica molecular destes materiais, individual e coletivamente, afim de selecionar os mais indicados para as aplicações tecnológicas almejadas. Para o estudo destas amostras, utilizamos tanto técnicas de análise térmica (DSC e DMTA), que fornecem, de forma relativamente rápida, dados importantes sobre a dinâmica macroscópica, quanto métodos básicos e avançados de RMN no estado sólido, que propiciam informações mais detalhadas sobre a dinâmica molecular. Estes estudos indicaram que a presença do PAA, obrigatória na rota de síntese utilizada para a inserção do PAPb, é um elemento indesejável no produto final, pois ele sempre atua na supressão da relaxação &beta;. Adicionalmente, os dados obtidos indicaram que o PAPb, em grandes quantidades, também age na supressão desta relaxação. Embora a proposição destes novos materiais para a área oftálmica não ser muito adequada, já que a quantidade de PAPb necessária para a obtenção de amostras com bons índices de refração deve ser grande (bem acima de 5%, quando elas tornam-se quebradiças), as amostras com pequenos conteúdos de PAPb (até 5%) permitiram uma redução de até 50% dos raios-x incidentes. Finalmente, os estudos realizados por técnicas que observam detalhes da dinâmica molecular, tanto em níveis macroscópicos (DSC e DMTA), quanto moleculares (RMN), ofereceram excelentes informações básicas tanto sobre a mobilidade dos diferentes ramos que compõem os copolímeros em bloco, quanto a interação/miscibilidade entre os diferentes blocos, que afeta também a dinâmica global do sistema. / This thesis involved the study of molecular dynamics in triblock copolymers consisting of poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), poly (acrylic acid) (PAA) and Poly (lead acrylate) (PAPb) by solid-state Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) and thermal analyses (DSC and DMTA). These block copolymers were synthesized in order to obtain materials not only presenting higher refractive index but also offering good radiological protection, which are useful for individual and combined applications. For the study of these materials, the samples were prepared with various compositions, including those in pure form containing only a block, resulting from the combination of two blocks, and the triblock with different relative amounts of PAPb, ranging from 1 to 40%. In the case of PMMA, the molecular dynamics is well known, characterized by a &beta; relaxation, which involves more specifically the ester side-group dynamics occurring within a broad temperature range centered around the room temperature, and the glass transition, predominantly involving the main chain dynamics that occur for temperatures around 100oC. Due to large extension of these two dynamical events in wide temperature ranges, they merge at temperatures below 100oC. The fact that the &beta; relaxation occurs for the PMMA around the room temperature, confers to it one of its most important features, toughness. However, due to the presence of the hydroxyl group in PAA, which allows the occurrence of hydrogen links between different branches, the &beta; relaxation in this material is strongly suppressed, making it brittle and not suitable for the desired applications. In the case of the triblock copolymer, it is also expected that PAPb may also interfere with the mechanical properties of the final material due to its involvement in the full molecular dynamics of the copolymer. For this study, several samples were prepared with different relative amounts of PMMA, PAA and PAPb, in order to understand the molecular dynamics of these materials, individually and collectively, and select the most suitable ones for the desired technological applications. To characterize and study these samples, we employed thermal analyses (DSC and DMTA), which give quick and important data on the macroscopic dynamics, and basic and advanced solid-state NMR methods, which provide more detailed information about he molecular dynamics. These studies indicated that PAA, necessary along the synthesis route used for the insertion of PAPb in the triblock copolymers, is an undesirable element in the final product, because it is always acting on the suppression of &beta; relaxation. Although the proposition of these new materials for the ophthalmic area is not very appropriate, since the amount of PAPb necessary to obtain good refraction indexes would be necessarily large (over 5%, when they become brittle), the samples with small amounts of PAPb (up to 5%, when they present good mechanical properties) allowed a significant reduction of about 50% of the incident x-rays. Finally, using solid-state NMR methods, including modern Exchange experiments and thermal analyses (DSC and DMTA), it was possible to understand in detail the individual and cooperative motions of the main chain and side groups. The most import result obtained indicate that, despite being important inserting PAPB and PAA in the block copolymer for improving the desired optical and x-ray shielding properties, the presence of these blocks tend to suppress the &beta; relaxation, reducing thesample mechanical properties.

Information visualization is an important research field concerned with making sense and inferring knowledge from data collections. Graph visualizations are specific techniques for data representation relevant in diverse application domains among them biology, software-engineering, and business finance. These data visualizations benefit from the display space provided by novel interactive large display environments. However, these environments also cause new challenges and result in new requirements regarding the need for interaction beyond the desktop and according redesign of analysis tools. This thesis focuses on interactive magic lenses, specialized locally applied tools that temporarily manipulate the visualization. These may include magnification of focus regions but also more graph-specific functions such as pulling in neighboring nodes or locally reducing edge clutter. Up to now, these lenses have mostly been used as single-user, single-purpose tools operated by mouse and keyboard. This dissertation presents the extension of magic lenses both in terms of function as well as interaction for large vertical displays. In particular, this thesis contributes several natural interaction designs with magic lenses for the exploration of graph data in node-link visualizations using diverse interaction modalities. This development incorporates flexible switches between lens functions, adjustment of individual lens properties and function parameters, as well as the combination of lenses. It proposes interaction techniques for fluent multi-touch manipulation of lenses, controlling lenses using mobile devices in front of large displays, and a novel concept of body-controlled magic lenses. Functional extensions in addition to these interaction techniques convert the lenses to user-configurable, personal territories with use of alternative interaction styles. To create the foundation for this extension, the dissertation incorporates a comprehensive design space of magic lenses, their function, parameters, and interactions. Additionally, it provides a discussion on increased embodiment in tool and controller design, contributing insights into user position and movement in front of large vertical displays as a result of empirical investigations and evaluations. / Informationsvisualisierung ist ein wichtiges Forschungsfeld, das das Analysieren von Daten unterstützt. Graph-Visualisierungen sind dabei eine spezielle Variante der Datenrepräsentation, deren Nutzen in vielerlei Anwendungsfällen zum Einsatz kommt, u.a. in der Biologie, Softwareentwicklung und Finanzwirtschaft. Diese Datendarstellungen profitieren besonders von großen Displays in neuen Displayumgebungen. Jedoch bringen diese Umgebungen auch neue Herausforderungen mit sich und stellen Anforderungen an Nutzerschnittstellen jenseits der traditionellen Ansätze, die dadurch auch Anpassungen von Analysewerkzeugen erfordern. Diese Dissertation befasst sich mit interaktiven „Magischen Linsen“, spezielle lokal-angewandte Werkzeuge, die temporär die Visualisierung zur Analyse manipulieren. Dabei existieren zum Beispiel Vergrößerungslinsen, aber auch Graph-spezifische Manipulationen, wie das Anziehen von Nachbarknoten oder das Reduzieren von Kantenüberlappungen im lokalen Bereich. Bisher wurden diese Linsen vor allem als Werkzeug für einzelne Nutzer mit sehr spezialisiertem Effekt eingesetzt und per Maus und Tastatur bedient. Die vorliegende Doktorarbeit präsentiert die Erweiterung dieser magischen Linsen, sowohl in Bezug auf die Funktionalität als auch für die Interaktion an großen, vertikalen Displays. Insbesondere trägt diese Dissertation dazu bei, die Exploration von Graphen mit magischen Linsen durch natürliche Interaktion mit unterschiedlichen Modalitäten zu unterstützen. Dabei werden flexible Änderungen der Linsenfunktion, Anpassungen von individuellen Linseneigenschaften und Funktionsparametern, sowie die Kombination unterschiedlicher Linsen ermöglicht. Es werden Interaktionstechniken für die natürliche Manipulation der Linsen durch Multitouch-Interaktion, sowie das Kontrollieren von Linsen durch Mobilgeräte vor einer Displaywand vorgestellt. Außerdem wurde ein neuartiges Konzept körpergesteuerter magischer Linsen entwickelt. Funktionale Erweiterungen in Kombination mit diesen Interaktionskonzepten machen die Linse zu einem vom Nutzer einstellbaren, persönlichen Arbeitsbereich, der zudem alternative Interaktionsstile erlaubt. Als Grundlage für diese Erweiterungen stellt die Dissertation eine umfangreiche analytische Kategorisierung bisheriger Forschungsarbeiten zu magischen Linsen vor, in der Funktionen, Parameter und Interaktion mit Linsen eingeordnet werden. Zusätzlich macht die Arbeit Vor- und Nachteile körpernaher Interaktion für Werkzeuge bzw. ihre Steuerung zum Thema und diskutiert dabei Nutzerposition und -bewegung an großen Displaywänden belegt durch empirische Nutzerstudien.

This diploma thesis deals with the issue of the effect of freezing on soils in subgrades of road structures. The theoretical part compares methods of determining the frost susceptibility of soils used in selected countries of the European Union and the Czech Republic. It also explains the principle of frost heave in subgrade layers. The aim of the practical part is to compare the direct and indirect method of determining frost susceptibility in the Czech Republic and the California bearing ration CBR or the immediate bearing ratio IBI.

Destruction of road constructions due to the frost is in locations with temperatures under the zero a problem which leads to permanent deformation. The theoretical part of this thesis deals with the freezing process of the pavement and its subgrade. It presents methods for determining the rate of frost susceptibility in both the Czech Republic and abroad. Describes the materials used in the subgrade of roads and their suitability in terms of frost susceptibility. The thesis closely examines the fly-ashes, their properties and possibilities of using in the construction industry. The practical part of the thesis focuses on the performance of direct laboratory frost heave tests, immediate bearing index tests, California bearing ratio tests and cyclic load triaxial tests to determine the modulus of elasticity. Tests are carried out on the soil, the soil mixtures with certain percentages of fly ash from different sources at the same soil treated with lime. Then the results are compared and dependence between the measured characteristics of materials is created.