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Introduction: Untreated obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) has deleterious effects on one's overall health. Recent literature suggests that craniofacial abnormalities, as noted on a lateral cephalometric radiograph (ceph) or clinically by the presence of a posterior crossbite, may be associated with OSA. Literature also suggests that if abnormal ceph measurements are noted or if a patient presents with a posterior crossbite, then further questioning about that patients sleep habits and snoring should be addressed. The primary purpose of this study is to explore any possible associations between ceph measurements, and/or presence of a posterior crossbite with OSA, as determined by the Berlin sleep questionnaire, in the orthodontic population. The second purpose of this research is to outline a part 2 follow-up study through administration of an at home sleep test, the Nox-T3 sleep monitor, to further validate presence of OSA. The overall goal is to see if the combined data from the Berlin score, the clinical presence or absence of a posterior crossbite, and standard orthodontic ceph measurements can increase the predictive value of patients in the orthodontic office who might be suffering from obstructive sleep apnea. Methods: A total of 85 consecutive subjects who were already undergoing records in 5 private practice orthodontic offices around the greater Philadelphia area were recruited for voluntary participation in the study. A Berlin questionnaire, lateral ceph, and any noted presence of a posterior crossbite were collected on all subjects. 12 ceph measurements (SNA, SNB, ANB, Co-A, Co-Gn, A-Na perp, Pg-Na perp, SN-MP, FH-MP, Ba-SN, Wits, and MP-Hyoid) were traced by a second year orthodontic resident. 5 subjects were then selected using a random numbers table and given the Nox-T3 sleep monitor for self-administration to record their sleep for one night. Statistical analyses were run using SAS version 9.2 to evaluate any associations. Results: A total of 76 subjects completed data collection, whereas 9 subjects either failed to report their height, and/or weight, and/or failed to complete the Berlin questionnaire in its entirety thus excluding them from the study. A total of 11, or 14% of subjects scored high on the Berlin, meaning a high risk of suffering from OSA. Of all ceph measurements, the only one that showed a statistically significant association with the high Berlin score was MP-Hyoid (p=0.0033). BMI alone was not found to be associated with the Berlin score (p=0.3712). Presence of a posterior crossbite also did not show any correlation with the Berlin score (p= 0.1000). Conclusions: 1) BMI was not found to be associated with the Berlin score among the orthodontic subject population. 2) MP-hyoid was found to be associated with the Berlin score, at a high level of statistical significance. 3) All other cephalometric measurements, including SNA, SNB, ANB, Co-A, Co-Gn, A-Na perp, Pg-Na perp, SN-MP, FH-MP, Ba-SN, and Wits, failed to show any statistically significant correlation to the Berlin score. 4) Posterior crossbite was not found to be associated with the Berlin Score among the orthodontic subject population. Key words: Obstructive sleep apnea, Berlin sleep questionnaire, cephalometric, posterior crossbite, Nox-T3 sleep monitor, orthodontic population / Oral Biology

The purpose of this thesis is to examine applications of thermal and laser-based methods to monitor airborne particulates in underground coal mines. Specifically, coal and mixed mineral mine dust, as well as, diesel particulate matter (DPM). These particulates have historically, and continue to have, significant health impacts on underground miners. Chapters 1 and 2 of this thesis concentrate on using a novel method of thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) to characterize respirable coal and mixed mineral mine dust and presents the results of this method being applied to samples collected in Appalachia coal mines. Appalachia has been a geographic "hotspot" for the rise in occupational lung disease amongst underground coal miners, which began in 1990's after decades of steady decline. This has led researchers to propose there could be something unique about the respirable dust composition in Appalachia coal mines, which resulted in the surge of lung disease cases; however, the knowledge base regarding the actual composition of respirable coal mine dust is limited. The results of this thesis show that most of the mass fraction of respirable Appalachia coal mine dust is not coal, but rather carbonates and non-carbonate minerals (i.e. silica and silicates). These findings are significant as many researchers now suspect silica and silicates to be the true culprit in the occupational lung disease of coal miners. DPM presents an additional occupational health hazard to underground coal miners where diesel equipment is used and is difficult to monitor due to its complex nature. In underground metal/non-metal mines, airborne DPM is regulated and monitored using carbon surrogates. However, due to the potential interference from coal-sourced carbon, DPM in coal mines is monitored only by taking samples at the tailpipe of each piece of equipment. This thesis aims to investigate the potential for a laser-based instrument, the FLIR Airtec, to be used in underground coal mines. In particular, what effect the coal dust will have on the instrument, as it measures DPM by way of elemental carbon (EC). The results of this study show that while the Airtec will not over-estimate coal-sourced EC, there could be some sampling artifacts associated with its operation in coal mines, which may inhibit its effectiveness. / Master of Science / The purpose of this thesis is to examine applications of thermal and laser-based methods to monitor airborne particulates in underground coal mines. Airborne particulates such as, coal dust, silica and other mixed mineral dust, and diesel particulate matter (DPM) have historically, and continue to this day, to have health impacts on underground coal miners. Characterizing and monitoring the composition and concentration of these particulates is crucial from a health and safety engineering approach. Chapters 1 and 2 of this thesis concentrate on using a novel method of thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) to get the mass fraction composition of respirable coal mine dust, while Chapter 3 examines potential interferences with using a DPM monitor in underground coal mines (e.g. it is currently only used in underground metal/non-metal mines). The results of Chapters 1 and 2 indicate that the majority of the mass fraction of respirable coal mine dust is actually not coal, but rather carbonate and non-carbonate minerals (i.e. silica and silicates). This is significant from a health and safety viewpoint as many researchers now suspect silica and silicates may be the true culprits in the occupational lung disease which still plagues underground coal miners to this day. The results of Chapter 3 show that while the DPM monitor in the study could potentially be used to monitor DPM in an underground coal mine, there could be some operational issues presented by airborne coal dust, which would not be present in an underground metal/non-metal mine.

Female endurance runners are at high risk for low energy availability (LEA). Preliminary evidence suggests that fasting blood glucose (BG) concentration decreases in response to short-term energy deficiency (low energy availability). BG monitoring tools, such as continuous glucose monitors (CGM), could be used as an early detection device for LEA risk in athletes. PURPOSE: Characterize changes in BG over the course of five days in experimentally-induced LEA in female runners. METHODS: Recreational runners completed a 5-day experimental condition of LEA (15 kcal/kg FFM/d) achieved by a combination of dietary restriction and treadmill running at 65% VO2max. BG concentration was monitored every 15 min across the five experimental days using a CGM (Freestyle Libre Pro, Abbott), which assesses BG from interstitial glucose concentration. Glucose data from the 5-day condition were analyzed to obtain average 24- h BG, fasting BG, BG during sleep, "time in target" BG range (TIT), "time above target" range (TAT), "time below target" range (TBT), as well as glycemic variability using MAGE (mean of amplitude of glucose excursions) and MODD (mean of daily differences). 70 to 120 mg/dL was set as the target range. Data was analyzed using repeated measures analysis of variance; post hoc comparisons were performed using paired t-tests. RESULTS: Contrary to our hypothesis, our results suggest that five days of experimentally-induced LEA in female runners progressively increased 24- h BG and TIT while simultaneously altering patterns of fasting and sleeping BG. Average glucose concentration and TIT significantly increased from day one to day five (P=0.024 and P=0.03, respectively). Fasting and sleeping BG followed the same trends and significantly decreased from day one to day three (P=0.04 and P=0.002, respectively), followed by an increase by day five that was similar to day one. There was not a significant time-effect for MAGE, MODD, TBT, TBT, and glycemic variability (P>0.05). These changes are likely due to alterations in glucose production versus utilization that are driven by decreased insulin and/or increased BG counterregulatory hormones. This study is the first to characterize glycemia during short-term experimentally-induced LEA in female endurance runners using a CGM; emphasizing the potential ability of CGMs to gain insight on BG patterns during conditions of LEA. / Master of Science / Female long-distance runners are at high risk for a lack of proper fueling due to inadequate energy intake compared to the volume they exercise (e.g. low energy availability). Previous studies have found that fasting blood sugar (BS) concentration decreases in response to a short-term bout of low energy availability. BS monitoring tools, such as continuous glucose monitors (CGM), could be used as a tool to detect this risk in athletes. PURPOSE: Characterize changes in BS over the course of five days in experimentally induced low energy availability in female runners. METHODS: Recreational runners completed a 5-d experimental condition of low energy (15 kcal/kg FFM/d) achieved by a combination of dietary restriction and daily treadmill running at 65% of their maximum performance capacity (e.g. VO2max) BS concentration was monitored every 15 min across the five experimental days using a CGM (Freestyle Libre Pro, Abbott). Glucose data from the 5-d condition were analyzed to obtain average 24- h BS, average BS during sleep, fasting BS, "time in target" (TIT), "time above target" (TAT), "time below target" (TBT), the glycemic variability (GV) as percent coefficient of variation, and swings in BS levels (e.g. glycemic variability) using calculations for mean of amplitude of glucose excursions (MAGE), mean of daily differences (MODD). Data was analyzed using repeated measures analysis of variance; post hoc comparisons were performed using paired t-tests. Data was summarized as a mean ± standard deviation. The significance level was set a priori at P<0.05. All statistical analysis was conducted using IBM® SPSS® Statistical software (Version 28.0.2.2, IBM Corporation, NY, USA). RESULTS: Our results suggest that five days of experimentally-induced LEA in female runners progressively increases TIT and 24- h BS while simultaneously altering patterns of fasting and sleeping BS. Average glucose concentration and TIT significantly increased from day one to day five (P=0.025 and P=0.03, respectively). Fasting and sleeping BS significantly decreased from day one to day three (P=0.024 and P=0.002, respectively) and had the same trends. The concentrations of both fell from day one to day three, followed by an increase by day five that were like those of day one. Additionally, there was not a significant time-effect for MAGE, MODD, TBT, TBT, and glycemic variability all had an insignificant time-effect (P>0.05). These changes are likely due to alterations in glucose production compared to glucose use that are driven by changes in the hormones that regulate blood sugar. This study is the first to characterize BS changes during short-term experimentally-induced LEA in female endurance runners using a CGM; emphasizing the potential usefulness of CGMs to gain further insight on BS patterns during conditions of LEA.

Work related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD) remain the focus of research efforts as costs associated with these disorders range from 13 to 54 billion dollars annually. WMSDs associated with the back and neck compromise almost 27% of all reported WMSDs. Approximately 1/3 of visual display terminal (VDT) operators report back and neck pain annually (BLS, 1998). Physical risk factors of VDTs associated with low back and neck WMSDs include static work postures and workstation design. The objectives of this study were to assess the effects of monitor height, chair type and their interaction on task performance, back/neck electromyography (EMG), perceived discomfort, and number of posture shifts. Both monitor height and chair type were assessed using two levels (high and low). Participants, four male and four female college age students, performed two data entry tasks using a standard keyboard and monitor and a fully adjustable bi-level table. In addition to the experimenter defined workstation configurations, participants were allowed to adjust their workstation to their preferred settings. Analysis of variance was performed to assess differences in task performance, perceived level of discomfort, number of posture shifts, and EMG data associated with various combinations of monitor height and chair type. Correlation analysis was performed to assess the relationship between participant's perceived discomfort and measured muscle activity to help determine if these two measurements could be used interchangeably to assess workstation design. No effect of workstation configuration (monitor height/chair type) was found for the majority of dependent variables. An exception was that configuration of low monitor, high chair, and their interaction generated significantly more muscle activity for the low back. User preferred settings were not found to differ significantly from those investigated with respect to muscle activity, perceived discomfort, posture shifts, and performance. Additionally, it was found the participants chose to position the iii workstation according to guidelines suggested in the literature for reducing WMSD discomfort. Task effects were found for performance, posture shifts, and perceived level of discomfort. Higher levels of performance and posture shifts for the neck were associated with the typing task, as opposed to the math task. Higher levels of neck discomfort, posture shifts of the feet and posture shifts of the back were associated with the math task. Correlation analysis provided evidence that perceived discomfort reported by participants and muscle activity for job tasks may not be related. Observed muscle activity for the tasks investigated in this study was low and in some instances, close to resting activity. Due to low levels of EMG, participants may not have been cognizant of their back and neck muscle activity, offering an explanation for why participants experience a cumulative effect of workstation design and seated postures, but linking particular causal factors to the development of LBP and NP is difficult. The findings of this study suggest that there are no gross physical differences between the chair types or monitor heights as defined in this study. Other factors (such as user preferences, job task demands, specific chair parameters, etc.) may significantly effect chair selection. This study found that task was a significant effect for the majority of dependent variables, and therefore may need to be a major factor driving workstation design. Workstation configuration will help determine the type of static posture assumed at a workstation, but the "discomfort or number of posture shifts" associated with that workstation and posture might be more a result of the job task requirements. / Master of Science

Continuous personal dust monitors (CPDMs) are widely used to monitor respirable coal mine dust (RCMD) to reduce miners' exposures, but they are unable to directly assess respirable crystalline silica (RCS) concentrations, which are linked to the recent rise of respiratory diseases among coal miners. This incompatibility is due to the composition of the CPDM's internal filter stub. The stub consists of a fibrous borosilicate filter attached to a polypropylene (PP) backing and a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) binder, which interferes with standard analytical techniques. This study developed a method for indirect analysis of dust collected on the CPDM filter stub using portable direct-on-filter Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopy (DOF-FTIR) to rapidly quantify quartz, the primary analyte of silica in coal mines. The research consisted of four studies that developed and evaluated a three-step process for dust recovery, deposition, and analysis. These studies investigated techniques for separating dust from the CPDM filter media, compared mechanisms for dust deposition onto various substrates, and assessed the ability of FTIR and scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX) to analyze the mineral characteristics of recovered dust. The resulting method involves submerging CPDM filter stubs in 5 mL of isopropyl alcohol (IPA) and shaking them for 1 minute, followed by deposition of the dust onto a 25-mm polyvinyl chloride (PVC) filter using a syringe-based system. The PVC filter was then scanned at four 8-mm offset locations at 90° intervals from the center. Evaluating this method using field and lab-generated CPDM filter stubs revealed low dust recovery from the stubs. It was also observed that results tended to underpredict the quartz mass as the total sample mass increased. Though adjustments for recovery can be made using a scale and the method can be limited to lower mass samples, more efforts can be made to investigate better dust recovery and improve quartz determination of the samples to increase confidence in the method. / Doctor of Philosophy / To reduce respiratory diseases among coal miners, US regulation requires dust sampling in underground coal mines to monitor the total respirable coal mine dust (RCMD) concentration miners are exposed to using a specific device, the continuous personal dust monitor (CPDM). However, the CPDM cannot be used to directly differentiate the characteristics of the dust, particularly silica, which is particularly hazardous. To do this, a method to indirectly analyze the dust collected on the CPDM's internal filter stub has been evaluated using a three-step method to recover the dust, deposit the dust onto a different filter type, and then analyze the dust using a spectrometer to determine the silica mass. Four studies were performed to develop the full method. These studies investigated how dust can be recovered from filters, how to deposit dust onto another filter, and how to then analyze the dust to determine its characteristics. This was done using multiple methods to determine the optimum three-step method to quantify the silica mass in the recovered dust. The studies ultimately developed a method involving submerging the CPDM filter stub in 5 mL of isopropyl alcohol (IPA) and shaking it for 1 minute to dislodge the dust. Then, the recovered dust was deposited on a 25-mm polyvinyl chloride (PVC) filter using a syringe. After deposition, the PVC filter was finally scanned at four 8-mm offset locations at 90° intervals from the center of the filter. These scans were then used to determine the silica mass. After testing this three-step method on field and lab-generated CPDM filter stubs, results showed low dust recovery from the stubs. It was also observed that results tended to underpredict the silica mass as the total RCMD mass increased. Although the dust left behind on the filter can be determined using a scale and the method can be limited to samples with smaller masses to avoid underpredicting the quartz mass, more work can be done to improve dust recovery, improve the silica determination, and put more confidence in the method.

Embedded systems have become pervasive and increasingly complex, especially in modern applications such as self-driving vehicles, where safety requires both accurate functionality and real-time guarantees. However, the complexity and the integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms in autonomous systems challenge conventional test-based verification methods. Given the continuous evolution and deployment of these systems, verification must keep pace to ensure their reliability and safety. Runtime verification is a promising approach for validating system behaviors during execution using monitors derived from formal system specifications. The adoption of runtime monitoring has historically been limited to experts, primarily due to the esoteric formal notations and verification processes. To overcome this barrier, this dissertation presents GROOT, a novel methodology and framework designed to automate synthesis of hardware and/or software monitors from pseudo- English statements. The automatic steps include translating English properties to formalisms, converting the formalisms into monitor automata, and formally verifying the monitors. GROOT addresses the distinction between functional and timing requirements inherent in real-time embedded systems by providing distinct pseudo-English languages and synthesis flows. This dual approach allows customized verification processes for each category. To make the monitor structure simple, monitor inputs and responses are handled in separate external modules, allowing formal analysis methods to be used. The synthesized monitors can assist system development and be retained in fielded systems. Their lightweight nature enables the deployment of multiple monitors, each focusing on specific circumstances independently and concurrently. Monitor implementations can range from sequential software to parallel hardware, allowing for flexibility in meeting various system constraints. By eliminating the need for manual code generation and verification, GROOT allows practitioners to synthesize monitors without requiring a formal methods background. / Doctor of Philosophy / An embedded system is a computer system that is embedded into a device to perform specific tasks. These systems are designed to function within the device they are built into and are often found in everyday technologies such as cars, household appliances and medical devices. They are programmed to carry out particular functions or operations automatically, without needing human intervention. These systems rely on precise timing and flawless functionality to operate safely and efficiently. However, ensuring that they work as intended, especially as they grow more complex and interconnected, presents significant hurdles. Traditional methods of verifying embedded systems rely on manual testing, which can be time-consuming and prone to errors. To address this issue, this dissertation introduces GROOT, a novel methodology and framework designed to automate the process of monitoring these systems in real-time. GROOT simplifies this complex task by automatically generating monitors from simple English statements. These monitors act as vigilant watchdogs, continuously checking whether the system behaves as intended and responds appropriately to its environment. This automation makes the verification process more efficient and less error-prone. This framework handles both functional requirements (ensuring the system performs its intended tasks) and timing requirements (ensuring tasks are completed within specific time frames). GROOT also offers flexibility in how monitors are implemented, allowing them to be tailored to specific hardware or software configurations. This flexibility allows GROOT's monitors to adapt to various applications, from small-scale prototypes to large-scale deployments.

For precise measurement of new TeV-scale physics and precision studies of the Higgs Boson, a new lepton collider is required. To enable meaningful analysis, a centre of mass energy of 500GeV and luminosity of 10³⁴cm^-2s^-1 is needed. The planned 31km long International Linear Collider is capable of meeting these targets, requiring a final emittance of 10 micro-radians horizontally and 35nmrad vertically. To achieve these demanding emittance values, the accelerator components in the main linacs must be aligned against an accurately mapped network of reference markers along the entire tunnel. An automated system could map this tunnel network quickly, accurately, safely and repeatedly; the Linear Collider Alignment and Survey (LiCAS) Rapid Tunnel Reference Surveyor (RTRS) is a working prototype of such a system. The LiCAS RTRS is a train of measurement units that accurately locate regularly spaced retro-reflector markers using Frequency Scanning Interferometry (FSI). The unit locations with respect to each other are precisely reconstructed using a Laser Straightness Monitor (LSM) and tilt sensor system, along with a system of internal FSI lines. The design, commissioning, practical usage, calibration, and reconstruction performance of the LSM is addressed in this work. The commissioned RTRS is described and the properties of the LSM components are investigated in detail. A method of finding the position of laser beam spots on the LSM cameras is developed, along with a process of combining individual spot positions into a more robust measurement compatible with the data from other sub-systems. Laser beam propagation along the LSM is modelled and a robust method of reconstructing CCD beam spot position measurements into positions and orientations of the LSM units is described. A method of calibrating LSM units using an external witness system is presented, along with a way of using the overdetermined nature of the LSM to improve calibration constant errors by including data taken from unwitnessed runs. The reconstruction uncertainty, inclusive of both statistical and systematic effects, of the LSM system is found to be of 5.8 microns × 5.3 microns in lateral translations and 27.6 microradians × 34.1 microradians in rotations perpendicular to the beam, with an uncertainty of 51.1 microradians in rotations around the beam coming from a tilt-sensor arrangement.

Les particules d'aérosol sont importantes en raison de leurs impacts directs et indirects sur le climat. Dans la couche limite (CL), ces particules ont une durée de vie relativement courte en raison de leur élimination fréquente par dépôt humide. En revanche, lorsque les aérosols sont transportés dans la troposphère libre (TL), leur durée de vie dans l'atmosphère augmente de manière significative, ce qui les rend représentatifs de vastes zones spatiales. Dans le cadre de ces travaux de thèse, nous avons utilisé une combinaison de mesures in situ effectuées à la station PUY (Puy de Dôme, 45 ° 46 'N, 2 ° 57'E, 1465 m d'altitude), ainsi que des profils LIDAR obtenus depuis Clermont-Ferrand pour identifier les conditions de TL et caractériser davantage les propriétés physiques et chimiques des aérosols dans cette zone de l'atmosphère peu documentée. Dans un premier temps, une combinaison de quatre critères a été utilisée pour déterminer le positionnement de la station PUY en TL ou en CL. Les résultats montrent que la station est située en CL avec des fréquences allant de 50% en hiver à 97% en été. Cette classification a ensuite été utilisée pour évaluer, sur un an de mesures, les différences qui existent entre la TL et la CL en termes de caractéristiques physique (distribution en taille) et chimique (fraction non réfractaire) de l’aérosol, et vis-à-vis des concentrations en carbone suie (BC). Sur la base de cette ségrégation, nous avons observé pour la plupart des saisons que les concentrations en particules des modes Aitken et accumulation ainsi que la concentration en BC sont plus élevées dans la CL que dans la TL. Cette observation est cohérente avec le fait que la majorité des sources d’aérosol sont situées dans la CL. Au contraire, des concentrations plus élevées en particules dans les modes Aitken et accumulation (notamment organiques) et en BC sont observées en TL au printemps. Ces aérosols organiques ont été identifiés comme étant âgés / moins âgés ; ils coïncident avec la présence de fortes concentrations en sulfate et en BC et sont probablement originaires de processus de combustion de biomasse, à la suite desquels ils sont directement injectés en TL sous l’effet d’une convection thermique intense. Aucune différence significative entre les concentrations de CL et de TL n'a été observée pour les particules du mode nucléation, et ce quelle que soit la saison, ce qui suggère une source supplémentaire continue de particules du mode nucléation dans la TL en hiver et en automne. Les concentrations en particules du mode grossier sont en revanche plus élevées dans la TL que dans la CL pour toutes les saisons, et en particulier en été. Cela indique un transport longue distance efficace des grosses particules dans la TL depuis des sources lointaines (marines et désertiques), probablement favorisé par les vitesses de vent accrues dans la TL par rapport à la CL. Nous avons ensuite calculé les rétro-trajectoires des masses d'air que nous avons combinées aux estimations de hauteur de couche limite du modèle ECMWF ERA-Interim pour estimer le temps passé par les masses d’air dans la TL depuis leur dernier contact avec la CL, et pour évaluer l'impact de ce paramètre sur les propriétés des aérosols. Nous avons observé que même après 75 heures sans aucun contact avec la CL, les aérosols de la TL conservent les propriétés spécifiques du type de masse d'air auquel ils appartiennent. Ce manuscrit présente également une étude des mesures simultanées au PUY et à une station urbaine à basse altitude, AtmoAura. Les résultats montrent que lorsque le PUY est en TL, les concentrations des PM1 (particules de diamètre inférieur à 1 µm) sont plus faibles au PUY qu’à AtmoAura, ce qui confirme notre classification. Lorsque le PUY est en CL, la composition en aérosol est similaire pour les deux sites, ce qui a permis de quantifier la contribution de la pollution urbaine locale issue de la ville de Clermont-Ferrand. / Aerosol particles are important due to their direct and indirect impacts on climate. Within the planetary boundary layer (BL), these particles have a relatively short lifetime due to their frequent removal process by wet deposition. When aerosols are transported into the free troposphere (FT), their atmospheric lifetime increases significantly, making them representative of large spatial areas. In this work, we use a combination of in situ measurements performed at the high altitude PUY (Puy de Dôme, 45°46’ N, 2°57’E, 1465 m asl) station, together with LIDAR profiles at Clermont-Ferrand for characterizing FT conditions, and further characterize the physical and chemical properties of aerosol in this poorly documented area of the atmosphere. First, a combination of four criteria was used to identify whether the PUY station lies within the FT or within the BL. Results show that the PUY station is located in BL with frequencies ranging from 50% during the winter, up to 97% during the summer. Then, the classification is applied to a year-long dataset of particle size distribution and NR-PM1 data’s to study the differences in particle physical and chemical characteristics and BC concentrations between the FT and the BL. Based on this segregation, we observed higher concentrations in the BL compared to FT for BC, Aitken and accumulation mode particle concentrations for most seasons, as expected from larger sources originating from the surface. However, BC, Aitken mode, accumulation mode and organic aerosols concentrations were higher in the FT compared to BL during spring. These organic aerosols were identified as aged/less aged, and were correlated with sulphate and BC and we suspect that the higher concentrations of particles observed in the FT compared to BL during spring originate from direct injection of BB aerosols in the FT through strong heat convection. No significant difference between the BL and the FT concentrations was observed for the nucleation mode particles for all seasons, suggesting a continuous additional source of nucleation mode particles in the FT during winter and autumn. Coarse mode particle concentrations were found higher in the FT than in the BL for all seasons and especially during summer. This indicates an efficient long-range transport of large particles in the FT from distant sources (marine and desert) due to higher wind speeds in the FT compared to BL. For FT air masses, we used 204-h air mass back-trajectories combined with boundary layer height estimations from ECMWF ERA-Interim to assess the time they spent in the FT since their last contact with the BL and to evaluate the impact of this parameter on the aerosol properties. We observed that even after 75 h without any contact with the BL, FT aerosols preserve specific properties of their air mass type. This manuscript is also presenting a study of simultaneous measurements at PUY and an urban low altitude station AtmoAura. Results show that when the PUY is influenced by FT air masses, the PM1 species are lower at the PUY compared to AtmoAura confirming our classification. When the PUY is predicted to lay within the BL, the aerosol composition was similar among the two sites for several species, which allowed for a quantification of the local urban pollution contribution for the species enhanced within the city of Clermont-Ferrand.

Made available in DSpace on 2015-05-14T12:36:54Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 arquivototal.pdf: 2004014 bytes, checksum: 3d8ca87826ca89996bb9c71a82501746 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2010-03-04 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / In this work, we present the development of an embedded system prototyping with soft-core Nios II and FPGA for a holter monitor that implements data compression, using the PPM Algorithm, and simulate ECG signals through the implementation of the Fourier series. Through a holter monitor, cardiologists can obtain ECG signals, serving as the basis for the perception of symptoms and activities of patients. These signals are captured and recorded by monitors in periods greater than or equal to 24 hours, requiring large storage size to store them, therefore increasing cost of the monitor. Using the PPM algorithm, a monitor holter can considerably reduce the size of the signals stored, thus reducing storage space and cost of device, addition to allow rapid transmission of the data. Integrating the ECG signal simulator to the device, is possible to generate samples of ECG via the embedded system, saving time and eliminating difficulties in obtaining signals, compared with the capture of real ECG signals by invasive and noninvasive methods. It enables the analysis and study of normal and abnormal ECGs. An embedded system on programmable chip (SOPC) was prototyped with a development kit containing peripherals and FPGA chip compatible with the Nios II. Architecture soft-core was set to compact operating system and software modules have been successfully developed, ported and validated on this platform. / Neste trabalho, é apresentado o desenvolvimento de um sistema embarcado com prototipagem em FPGA contendo instanciação do processador soft-core Nios II (SOPC System on a Programmable Chip), para um monitor holter que implementa compressão de dados, utilizando o algoritmo PPM, e simula sinais ECG através da implementação das Séries de Fourier. Através de um monitor holter, cardiologistas podem obter sinais ECG, que servem de base para a percepção de sintomas e atividades em pacientes, captados e armazenados pelos monitores em períodos maiores ou iguais a 24 horas, requisitando grandes espaços de armazenamento, aumentando, assim, o custo deste monitor. Utilizando o PPM, o dispositivo desenvolvido poderá reduzir consideravelmente a quantidade de dados armazenados, reduzindo, portanto, o espaço de armazenamento e o custo do dispositivo, permitindo ainda a rápida transmissão dos dados. Integrando o simulador de sinais ECG ao dispositivo, possibilita-se a geração de amostras de sinais eletrocardiográficos através do sistema embarcado, economizando tempo e eliminando dificuldades na obtenção de sinais, em comparação com a captação real de sinais ECG através de métodos invasivos e nãoinvasivos. O mesmo permite a análise e o estudo de sinais ECG normais e anormais. Um sistema embarcado em chip programável (SOPC) foi prototipado com uma placa contendo periféricos e uma pastilha FPGA dotada de compatibilidade com o Nios II; a arquitetura do soft-core foi configurada em sistema operacional compacto e módulos de software foram exitosamente desenvolvidos, portados e validados sobre essa plataforma.