Thesis (M.A.)--University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 2004. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 106-112). Also available online (PDF file) by a subscription to the set or by purchasing the individual file.

Thèse (M.Sc.)--Université Laval, 2004. / Bibliogr. Publié aussi en version électronique.

Thesis (M.A.)--University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 2004. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 106-112).

Thesis (M.S.)--Eastern Michigan University, 2002. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 43-45).

Made available in DSpace on 2014-06-11T19:28:58Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2005-12-06Bitstream added on 2014-06-13T20:58:51Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 archangelo_cm_me_araca.pdf: 2727002 bytes, checksum: 70ce356e1f90c64c2cd8afe4655ae354 (MD5) / Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP) / Em função da adoção de hipóteses simplificadoras nos estudos através do método dos elementos finitos (MEF), os dados sobre a menor solicitação das estruturas de suporte na associação da prótese parcial removível de extremidade livre (PPREL) com um implante osseointegrado são inconclusivos. Assim, foi objetivo do presente estudo avaliar, através do MEF bidimensional, a distribuição interna das tensões nas estruturas de suporte da PPREL associada a um implante osseointegrado, em função da reprodução homogênea e não-homogênea do ligamento periodontal (LP). Para isso, 6 modelos (M) foram criados no programa AutoCAD 2005 (Autodesk Inc.; USA), representando: MA - hemiarco contendo somente o dente 33 e o rebordo desdentado para distal; MB - semelhante ao A, com uma PPREL substituindo os dentes ausentes; MC - semelhante ao B, com um implante (Sistema Bränemark - 3,75 mm x 10,0 mm) na região retromolar suportando a base da prótese; MD, ME e MF semelhantes aos modelos A, B e C, respectivamente, com exceção do LP, que foi modelado de forma não-homogênea, com a representação de 4 conjuntos de fibras: fibras da crista, horizontais, oblíquas e apicais. Após isso, os modelos foram exportados para o programa de elementos finitos ANSYS 8.0, e carregados com forças estritamente verticais de 50N em cada ponta de cúspide, fracionadas em 5 pontos de 10N. Os mapas gerais de tensões evidenciaram máxima e mínima concentração de tensões de (em MPa): MA (58,976 e 0,0045); MB (77,863 e 0,0551); MC (207,195 e 0,0057); MD (110,33 e 0,0137); ME (191,36 e 0,0044) e MF (326,60 e 0,0076), com deslocamento máximo de (mm): MA (0,0631); MB (0,1263); MC (0,1142); MD (0,2709); ME (0,1960) e MF (0,2019). / The application of many hypotheses in a finite element analysis (FEA) has been critical to obtain precise results in the removable partial denture treatment associated with an osseointegrated implant. In view of that, the purpose of the present study was to evaluated, through 2-D finite element analysis, the stress distribution in the support structures of a free-end saddle removable partial denture (RPD) associated with an osseointegrated implant, in function of the homogenous and non-homogenous condition for the periodontal ligament. For this, 6 models (M) were created in the AutoCAD software (Autodesk Inc.; USA), representing: MA - hemiarch contain only the natural tooth (33) and edentulous space in the posterior region; MB - similar to MA, with an RPD replacing the absent teeth; MC - similar to MB, with an osseointegrated implant (Branemark System - 3.75 x 10.00 mm) positioned in a posterior region in order to support the RPD base; MD, ME and MF - identical to MA, MB and MC, respectively; however, in these models, the periodontal ligament was considered an non-homogenous structure by the incorporation of four fibers groups in a sagital plane: alveolar crest fibers, horizontals, oblique, and apical fibers. After this, the models were exported to the finite element program (ANSYS 8.0) and loaded with verticals forces (50N) in each cusp. The results showed maximum and minimum stress (MPa): MA (58.976 and 0.0045); MB (77.863 and 0.0551); MC (207.195 and 0.0057); MD (110.33 and 0.0137); ME (191.36 and 0.0044) and MF (326.60 and 0.0076). The maximum displacement (mm) was: MA (0.0631); MB (0.1263); MC (0.1142); MD (0.2709); ME (0.2019) and MF (0.2019). (Complete abstract click eletronic address below)

Thermoacoustic instability is of fundamental and applied interest in both scientific research and practical applications. This study aims to explore several very important sub-aspects in this field and contribute to a better understanding of thermoacoustic instability as encountered in typical gas turbines and rocket engines. Atomization has been recognized as a key mechanism in driving applied thermoacoustic instability. In this regard, this study mainly focuses on the atomization process relevant for delineation of thermoacoustic instability, contributing to a comprehensive understanding of the effect of acoustics on primary and secondary atomization. Firstly, a tree-based adaptive solver and VOF method are employed to simulate the jet primary atomization. The code is validated by theoretical, numerical and experimental results to demonstrate its capability and accuracy in terms of atomization in both low-speed and high-speed regime. Perturbation frequency and amplitude have shown to affect the atomization significantly. Besides, the effect of acoustic forcing on liquid ligament has also been numerically investigated. A volume source term is introduced to extend the solver to model the compressible effects in the presence of acoustic forcing. The influence of acoustic wave number, amplitude and frequency has been examined in detail. In terms of modelling the thermoacoustic instability, bifurcation analysis is carried out for a time-delayed thermoacoustic system using the Method of Line approach. Good predictions have been obtained to capture the nonlinear behaviors inherent in the system. Moreover, model-based simulation and control of thermoacoustic instability have been conducted. A low-order wave-based network model for acoustics is coupled with nonlinear flame describing function to predict the nonlinear instability characteristics in both frequency and time domain. Furthermore, active feedback control is implemented. Two different controllers have been designed to eliminate the thermoacoustic instability to an acceptably low level and may be employed in a practical manner.

Background: Historically the identification of ACL injuries upon initial presentation is low and considerable diagnostic delays have been reported. However, specific evidence on the individual elements of, and factors which influence delay, is lacking. Aims: The overarching aim was to provide a comprehensive picture of delay to diagnosis and specialist consultation, including factors which influence delay. An additional aim was to determine whether the approach to examining acute knee injuries varied as a consequence of varying patient presentation or experience of the assessing clinician. Methods: Study 1: Cross -sectional survey. Study 2: Non-participant direct observation methodology. Results: Data from 194 patients were analysed in the survey. Only 15.5% of patients were given a correct diagnosis of ACL rupture at the initial consultation. Median delay to diagnosis was 67.5 days (IQR= 15 to 178 days) and specialist consultation 108 days (IQR= 38 to 292 days). The factors most influential on delay were whether a follow-up appointment was arranged after attending A&E, whether the site of attendance operated an acute knee clinic and whether MRI was performed. The direct observation study showed wide variation in approach to injury assessment. Specialist clinicians performed the most comprehensive examination. A&E clinicians were more likely to assess for bony, neurovascular and gross tendon injuries as opposed to ligamentous or meniscal injury. Conclusions: The diagnostic rate of ACL injury at initial presentation remains low. Considerable delays to diagnosis and specialist consultation are apparent following ACL injury, the majority of which is attributable to health system delay.

The aim of this study was to determine the differences of freshwater pearl mussels (Margaritifera margaritifera) originated from two geographically isolated areas according to morphological parameters and the age of dead freshwater pearl mussel Data were collected from four localities, i. e. from the two areas (Šumava: Blanice, Zlatý potok and Aš area: Bystřina and Rokytnice). The average length of shells was 95.8 mm, thickness 27.9 mm, height 43.4 mm. The ligament was eroded from 57 % and index (ration between thickness and length x 50) was on average 32 %. Thickness of the shells and the percentage of eroded ligament differed between the two areas. Both of these parameters were higher in Aš area. Other morphological parameters (length and height of the shells and the above mentioned index) were similar in both areas. Assessment of age according to the growth lines in the ligament was significantly higher than the evaluation using growth lines on the surface of the shells. Mean age of freshwater pearl mussels determined using growth lines in the ligament was 36 years old and on the surface of the shells was 30 years old. Age according to the growth lines in the ligament better correlated with the length of the shell than percentage of eroded ligament. Age of dead freshwater pearl mussel was comparable in both areas, however differed between localities. Rokytnice proved to be the most suitable habitat for freshwater pearl mussels according to the age estimation.

Exercícios em cadeia cinética aberta e fechada tem sido propostos para a reabilitação no pós operatório de reconstrução do ligamento cruzado anterior. Não há consenso na literatura sobre qual o tipo de exercício é mais apropriado e ao mesmo tempo seguro, não pondo em risco o procedimento cirúrgico. O propósito deste estudo foi verificar os efeitos da utilização de protocolos de reabilitação em cadeia cinética aberta e fechada de indivíduos em pós operatório de reconstrução do ligamento cruzado anterior, através de respostas comportamentais verificadas por indicadores biomecânicos. A amostra experimental foi constituída de trinta indivíduos, divididos em três grupos amostrais independentes: (CON) dez indivíduos normais que não sofreram nenhum tipo de intervenção; (CCF) dez pacientes submetidos ao programa de reabilitação em cadeia cinética fechada e (CCA) dez pacientes submetidos ao programa de reabilitação em cadeia cinética aberta. Os testes para avaliar os parâmetros biomecânicos selecionados foram realizados em duas etapas: avaliação clínica (deslocamento tibial anterior e escore de Lysholm) e avaliação da marcha (análise dinâmica, cinemática e eletromiográfica). O tratamento foi realizados três vezes por semana, durante doze semanas. Os pacientes foram submetidos a três testes; o primeiro no pré-operatório; o segundo após quatro semanas da cirurgia e o terceiro após quatro meses de cirurgia. O grupo controle realizou apenas um teste e não foi submetido a nenhum tipo de tratamento. Para a análise do deslocamento tibial anterior foi utilizado o aparelho KT1000. A análise da marcha foi realizada através da esteira rolante Gaitway Kistler, a análise da atividade eletromiográfica através do sistema Bagnoli 8, composta de eletrodos de superfície e a análise da variação angular do joelho através do eletrogoniômetro Elgon-Burns. Os dados foram registrados, armazenados, processados e analisados estatisticamente, levando-se em consideração o nível de significância de 0,05. As variáveis relativas à força de reação do solo foram analisadas através da determinação de componentes principais. O deslocamento tibial anterior diminuiu ao final do tratamento e o escore de Lysholm aumentou em ambos os grupos, sem diferença significativa entre eles. Das variáveis analisadas relativas à marcha o tempo de apoio simples, as taxas de crescimento para os picos da força vertical, a deflexão da força mínima, a força mínima e o segundo pico parecem-nos serem as variáveis mais sensíveis para identificar diferenças na forma de andar em função do protocolo de reabilitação. Ao analisar a amplitude de movimento percebe-se que esta variável é sensível a mudanças expressivas na variação angular do joelho, como ocorreram no teste após quatro semanas de pós-operatório. Pela análise descritiva, diferenças angulares menores devem ser analisadas através dos ângulos em momentos específicos da marcha. Em relação à atividade elétrica muscular o M.bíceps femoral foi o que apresentou maior variação na sua atividade. E os valores de simetria demonstram que o grupo cadeia cinética aberta foi o que apresentou maiores diferenças entre as pernas no teste após quatro semanas de cirurgia, o que demonstra maior instabilidade no andar. O presente estudo permite concluir que as alterações da marcha são mais expressivas um mês após a cirurgia do que no período pré-operatório. O escore de Lysholm, os componentes principais das variáveis relativas a força de reação do solo e a variação angular do joelho indicam que os exercícios em cadeia cinética fechada são mais eficientes para a recuperação da marcha do que os de cadeia cinética aberta. No entanto, os dois tipos de exercícios propiciam melhora dos parâmetros da marcha e parecem ser eficientes na recuperação da marcha dos pacientes submetidos à reconstrução do ligamento cruzado anterior. O período de quatro meses de reabilitação assegura uma marcha sem riscos para o paciente, mas ainda distinta da característica da marcha de indivíduos não acometidos pela lesão. / Open kinetic chain and closed kinetic chain exercises have been proposed for rehabilitation protocol in the reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament. There is no consensus in the literature regarding which exercise is more appropriate and at the same time safe without putting in risk the surgical procedure. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the results of the open kinetic chain and closed kinetic chain protocols in the rehabilitation of those individuals that were subject to the reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament based on biomechanical indicatives. The sample was made of thirty individuals, divided in three independent groups: (CON) ten normal individuals that were not submitted to the surgical intervention; (CCF) ten patients submitted to the closed kinetic chain rehabilitation program, and (CCA) ten patients submitted to the open kinetic chain rehabilitation program. Tests to evaluate the desired biomechanical parameters had been carried out through two stages: clinical evaluation (anterior tibial displacement and Lysholm`s score) as well as gait evaluation (dynamic, kinematic and electromyografic analysis). The treatment was carried out three times per week, during twelve weeks. Each patient had been evaluated in three occasions: before the surgery; four weeks after the surgery; and four months after the surgery. The group control was submitted to only one evaluation test and no treatment at all. KT1000 equipament was used for evaluating the tibial displacement. The gait analysis was carried out through the Gaitway Kistler treadmill; the electromyography analysis was evaluated through the System Bagnoli 8 composed of surface electrodes and the analysis of the angular variation of the knee through Elgon-Burns electrogoniometer. Data had been collected and analyzed considering the 0,05 significance level. The ground reaction force variable had been analyzed through of the determination of main components. The anterior tibial displacement diminished at the end of the treatment and the Lysholm`s score increased in both groups without significant difference between them. From the analyzed variables regarding gait, the time of simple support, the taxes of growth for peaks of the vertical force, the deflection of the minimum force, the minimum force and as the peak, seem to be the most sensible variables to identify gait differences due to the rehabilitation protocol. Upon analyzing the amplitude of movement it was noticed that this variable was sensible to huge changes in the angular variation, as those observed after four weeks from the surgery. By the descriptive analysis, lesser angular differences must be analyzed through the angles at specific moments of the gait. Regarding the muscular activity the femoral biceps femoris (long head) presented greater variation in its activity. And, the symmetry values demonstrate that the open kinetic chain group presented greater differences between both legs in the test four weeks after the surgery, demonstrating greater instability in walking. The current study permit to conclude that the variations in the gait are higher in one month after the surgery than in the pre-surgery period. The Lysholm`s score, the ground reaction force, variable the main components and the angular variation of the knee indicates that the exercises in closed kinetic chain are more efficient than opened kinetic chain for recovering the gait. However, the two exercises improved the parameters of gait and seem to be efficient in recovering the gait pattern of patients submitted to the anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Although the four months period of rehabilitation is enough to reinstate a harmless gait pattern to patients, it is still not sufficient to return the patients` gait standards to those of individuals without injury.

Exercícios em cadeia cinética aberta e cadeia cinética fechada tem sido propostos para a reabilitação no pós operatório de reconstrução do ligamento cruzado anterior. Não há consenso na literatura de qual o tipo de exercício é mais apropriado e ao mesmo tempo seguro, não pondo em risco o procedimento cirúrgico. O propósito deste estudo foi verificar os efeitos de programas de exercícios em cadeia cinética aberta e fechada em relação ao deslocamento tibial anterior, perimetria da coxa e torque muscular dos extensores e flexores do joelho de indivíduos em pós operatório de reconstrução do ligamento cruzado anterior e de indivíduos normais. Vinte e seis sujeitos (idade: 18-50 anos; sexo: masculino e feminino) foram divididos em quatro grupos. Dez indivíduos submetidos à cirurgia de reconstrução do ligamento cruzado anterior foram divididos em dois grupos (n=5): um para programa de reabilitação em cadeia cinética aberta e o outro em cadeia cinética fechada. Os outros dezesseis indivíduos sem lesão de ligamento cruzado anterior foram divididos (n=8) da mesma forma que os grupos anteriores. Para a análise do deslocamento tibial anterior foi realizado o teste de Lachman, através do Stryker Knee Laxity Tester. A medida da perimetria da coxa foi realizada a 5cm, 10cm, 15cm e 20cm acima da borda superior da patela. O torque produzido pelos extensores e flexores do joelho foram determinados através do dinamômetro isocinético CYBEX Norm. Todos os grupos realizaram três sessões por semana de exercícios em cadeia cinética aberta ou fechada conforme o seu grupo correspondente, durante 12 (doze) semanas. Os resultados obtidos dos dados do teste quando foram comparados aos dados do reteste mostraram que: (1) no deslocamento tibial anterior não houve diferença significativa em nenhum dos grupos estudados; (2) na perimetria os grupos de ligamento cruzado anterior normal não apresentaram diferenças significativas nos seus valores e nos grupos de pós operatório de ligamento cruzado anteior houve aumento significativo em algumas medidas, mas só no grupo de cadeia cinética fechada que se evidenciou o efeito do treinamento; (3) todos os grupos, com exceção do ligamento cruzado anterior normal em cadeia cinética aberta apresentaram diferenças significativas para o torque dos extensores e flexores do joelho. Ao comparar os efeitos dos exercícios em cadeia cinética aberta com os em cadeia cinética fechada não encontrou-se diferenças significativas entre os grupos. Os resultados desta investigação sugerem que os efeitos produzidos pelos exercícios em cadeia cinética aberta e em cadeia cinética fechada são similares para as três variáveis estudadas. / Open kinetic chain and closed kinetic chain exercise have been proposed for the rehabilitation after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. There is no agreement in the literature, however, which method produces better results. The purpose of this study was to verify the effects of exercise programs using these two methods, specifically with respect to the anterior tibial displacement, thigh perimeter and the torque of the knee extensor and flexor muscles of healthy subjects and patients with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Twenty six subjects (age: 18-50; gender: male and female) were assigned to into four groups. Ten subjects had anteior cruciate ligament reconstruction (patient group) and were divided in two groups (n = 5): one for the open kinetic chain rehabilitation program, and one for the closed kinetic chain program. The remaining sixteen subjects (healthy group) were assigned (n = 8) to the same groups as the patients. Anterior tibial displacement was assessed using a the Stryker Knee Laxity Tester; trofism was measured by means of limb circunference at four distinct levels and the knee extensor and flexor moments were obtained with the Cybex NORM isokinetic dynamometer. All groups performed three sessions per week of open or closed kinetic chain exercise, for 12 weeks. The results obtained when the data recorded for the test were compared with the data obtained for the retest showed: (1) no significant difference for the anteior tibial displacement, for all groups; (2) no significant difference for trofism for the healthy group for both open and closed kinetic chain. For the two groups of patients significant differences were observed in some measurements, although the effects of training were observed only for the closed kinetic chain; (3) all but the open kinetic chain, healthy groups, showed significant differences for the torque of the knee extensor and flexor muscles. When the results obtained for the open kinetic chain were compared with the results obtained for the closed kinetic chain no significant differences were found. The findings of this investigation suggest the effects produced by open kinetic chain and closed kinetic chain are similar for the three variables studied.