Creatine is nitrogen-containing organic acid which naturally occurs in the human body. The aim of this work was to determine the optimal dose of creatine in combination with vitamin C and magnesium for male respondents aged 18-26 years. They were divided into two groups differing in the creatine dosage. Group 1 took smaller dose of creatine (3 g per day) and group 2 higher dose of creatine (10 g per day). Both groups took both magnesium and vitamin C at constant doses throughout the study. The effects of significantly different dose of creatine in the individual groups were compared with each other in terms of the performance of individuals in the powerlifting, the anthropological changes and the overal metabolism of the intakes. In all disciplines of powerlifting, group 1 recorded higher average weight gains, which were not found to be statistically significant at a significance level of alpha 0,05. Anthropological changes were measured using the InBody 160 and a diagnostic measuring tape. In both cases, group 1 recorded better results than group 2, but these results were not statistically significant at a significance level of alpha 0,05. The total metabolism of the accepted dietary supplements was investigated through analytical methods. The urine of each respondent was regularly collected and subsequently analyzed during the research. Determination of creatinine, a creatine waste product, was performed by UV-VIS spectrophotometry using the Jaffe reaction. Vitamin C was analyzed by RP-HPLC. Magnesium was determined by the ICP-OES method. After creatine suplemantion of 3 per day, group 1 showed a slight increase in creatinine in the urine, but still in the physiological range. At the significance level alpha 0,05 there was no statistically significant difference. Group 2 showed an increase above the physiological limit which was already a statistically significant difference. Overall, creatine supplementation of 3 g per day has been found as a sufficient intake of creatine needed to build up muscle mass, increase energy metabolism and overall physical performance. The metabolization itself works very well and within the physiological values.

Under high irradiation, a fourth state of matter named plasma can be obtained. Plasmas emit electromagnetic radiation that can be recorded in the form of spectra for spectroscopic elemental analysis. With the advent of lasers in the 1960s, spectroscopists realized that lasers could be used simultaneously as a source of energy and excitation to create plasmas. The use of a laser to ignite a plasma subsequently led to laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS), an optical emission spectroscopy capable of analyzing samples in various states (solids, liquids, gases) with minimal sample preparation, rapid feedback, and endowed with in situ capability. In this dissertation, studies of LIBS for multi-elemental analysis and geological applications are reported. LIBS was applied to cosmetic powders for elemental analysis, screening and classification based on the raw material used. Principal component analysis (PCA) and internal standardization were used. The intensity ratios of Mg/Si and Fe/Si observed in talcum powder show that these two ratios could be used as indicators of the potential presence of asbestos. The feasibility of LIBS for the analysis of gasification slags was investigated and results compared with those of inductively-coupled plasma−optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). The limits of detection for Al, Ca, Fe, Si and V were determined. The matrix effect was studied using an internal standard and PLS-R. Apart from V, prediction results were closed to those of ICP-OES with accuracy within 10%. Elemental characterization of outcrop geological samples from the Marcellus Shale Formation was also carried out. The matrix effect was substantially reduced. The limits of detection obtained for Si, Al, Ti, Mg, Ca and C were determined. The relative errors of LIBS measurements are in the range of 1.7 to 12.6%. Gate delay and laser pulse energy, have been investigated in view of quantitative analysis of variation of trace elements in a high-pressure environment. Optimization of these parameters permits obtaining underwater plasma emission of calcium with quantitative results on the order of 30 ppm within a certain limit of increased pressure. Monitoring the variation of the trace elements can predict changes in the chemical composition in carbon sequestration reservoir.

<p>As the small satellite market has grown from a niche of the space economy to a full commercial force,  microthrusters remain an area of significant growth in the space industry as new technologies mature. The \textit{Film-Evaporation Microelectricalmechanical Tunable Array} (FEMTA) is one such device. FEMTA is \textit{microelectricalmechanical system} (MEMS) device that harnesses the microcapillary action of water and vacuum boiling to generate thrust. The water propellant is not chemically altered at all by the process; it is simply evaporated. This technology has been tested in relevant laboratory environments, and a suborbital flight opportunity in 2023 as a payload on a Blue Origin New Shepard rocket  will grant FEMTA a demonstration in a space environment. The flight will provide 150 seconds of weightlessness at the zenith of the suborbital flight path before the booster returns to land. During weightlessness, the experiment will be exposed to the ambient environment allowing for a full capability test of the thruster. The experiment is meant to demonstrate the propellant management system for FEMTA in 0G and measure the thrust produced by a FEMTA thruster.</p> <p><br></p> <p>The propellant management system portion of the experiment consists of an oversized version of the subsystem intended for use in the thruster. The propellant management system uses a hydrofluoroether to inflate a diaphragm to ensure constant wetting of the propellant tank exit and nozzle inlet. The experiment will take tank pressure data and flow sensor data to understand the system's behavior. The system is duplicated for redundancy and to double the possible data. This system requires further testing before being prepared for launch, vibrational testing, thermal testing, and vacuum testing. </p> <p><br></p> <p>The 0G thrust experiment and plume analysis portion of the experiment consists of numerical modeling and a novel thrust measurement approach. \textit{Direct Simulation Monte Carlo} (DSMC) is being applied to understand the pressure, density, and temperature distributions of the plume of water vapor produced by the FEMTA thruster. The FEMTA nozzle environment is challenging to simulate with computational fluid dynamics  or DSMC due to chaotic transient effects and because both the continuum and molecular regimes must be considered. The current analysis consisted of a two-dimensional model and investigated the effect of meniscus location and contact angle on thrust generated.</p> <p><br></p> <p>It is not possible to use traditional thrust measurement devices (sensitive torsional thrust stands or microsensors intended for use on small satellites) for microthrusters on a rocket booster. Two  novel approaches for performing thrust measurement in the range of 100 microNewtons have been investigated. The first approach ionizes the FEMTA thruster plume and analyzes the plasma by optical emission spectroscopy. The theory states that the relative intensity of a given wavelength observed correlates to the density of the species in the plasma. The density of water would be directly correlated to the thrust generated by FEMTA during the experiment, as more water is evaporated as thrust is increased. This method is no longer being considered for the suborbital experiment but did yield promising results. </p> <p><br></p> <p>The second approach employs a d'Arsonval meter, a photo-interrupt, and an Arduino controller. The d'Arsonval meter consists of a stationary permanent magnet with a moving coil and a pointer. Increasing the voltage in the coil causes a torque on the system due to the magnetic field induced by the permanent magnet. This torque causes a deflection of the pointer that is proportional to the voltage applied. The flag of the sensor will be placed in the path of the gas jet from the thruster. The force caused by the jet pressure will move the flag. An Arduino controller will vary the voltage to hold the flag in place. As the mass flow rate increases, the reaction force required to hold the flag in place will increase. This sensor can be calibrated using an analog cold gas system that passes various gases (air nitrogen, argon, etc.) through an orifice nozzle at mass flow rates that are set by a mass flow rate controller. DSMC analysis has been performed to understand the flow field and flow properties and how they directly relate to the force experienced by the flag sensor. </p> <p>An undergraduate course has supported parts of the work described in this dissertation. This course has applied the Vertically Integrated Projects approach to project-based learning. This method and its results were analyzed and lessons learned as well as a blueprint for future application of this method to other small satellite projects are discussed.</p>

L'objectif de cette thèse est de fournir une meilleure compréhension des différents phénomènes physiques liés aux microplasmas/microdécharges. Pour cela, des matrices de microréacteurs sur silicium ont été étudiées. De nombreuses configurations ont été construites de manière à analyser l’influence de chaque paramètre physique sur le fonctionnement de ces dispositifs. Le présent travail porte sur l'élaboration et la caractérisation de dispositifs micro-décharge à base de silicium. Dans ce travail de thèse, les régimes de courant continu (DC) et de courant alternatif (AC) sont étudiés en utilisant des configurations de décharges différentes. Pour la fabrication de ces réacteurs, nous sommes partis de wafers de Silicium que nous avons structurés et traités en salle blanche. La technologie de fabrication utilisée est compatible avec les méthodes de fabrication de dispositifs CMOS. Les microréacteurs sont constitués d’électrodes de nickel et de silicium séparés par une couche diélectrique de SiO2 de 6 μm d’épaisseur. L’épaisseur du diélectrique est ici beaucoup plus faible que celle des microréacteurs étudiés jusqu’à présent. Les dispositifs sont constitués de cavités de 25 à 150 microns de diamètre. Les essais de microdécharge ont été effectués dans des gaz inertes à une pression comprise entre 100 et 1000 Torrs. Nous avons d’abord étudié les phénomènes d’allumage et d’extinction à partir de microdispositifs monocavité en alumine. Puis, nous avons étudié le fonctionnement en DC/AC de microréacteurs en silicium comportant un nombre de cavité compris entre 1 et1024. Les caractéristiques des microdécharges ont été étudiées grâce à des mesures électriques, des mesures de spectroscopie d'émission optique (OES), de spectroscopie d’absorption à diode laser (DLAS) et de spectroscopie d'émission optique résolue en temps (PROES). Ces différents diagnostics nous ont permis de mettre en évidence les phénomènes d’allumage, d’extinction, d’instabilité et les mécanismes de défaillance de nos microdispositifs. Ce travail de thèse a permis de tester les performances et les limites technologiques des matrices de microdécharges sur silicium. Une attention particulière a été portée sur leur durée de vie. / The objective of this thesis is to provide a better understanding of various physical phenomena related to microplasmas/microdischarges. For this purpose, arrays of microreactors on silicon were studied. Different array configurations were fabricated to analyse the influence of each parameter on the physical operation of these devices. The present work focuses on the development and characterisation of micro-discharge devices based on silicon. In this thesis, direct current (DC) and alternating current (AC) regimes are studied using different discharge configurations. For the fabrication of these reactors, Silicon wafers are structured and processed in a cleanroom. Fabrication technology used is compatible with the CMOS technology. The microreactors are fabricated with nickel and silicon electrodes, separated by a dielectric layer of SiO2 with a thickness of 6 μm. The thickness of the dielectric is much lower here than the microreactors studied so far. The devices consist of cavities with 25 to 150 μm in diameter. Experiments of the microdischarges are performed in inert gases at a pressure between 100 and 1000 Torr. We first studied the phenomena of ignition and extinction for the microdevices based on alumina. Then, we studied the microreactors based on silicon containing 1 to 1024 cavities under DC and AC regimes. Characteristics of microdischarges were studied by electrical measurements, measurements of optical emission spectroscopy (OES), laser diode absorption spectroscopy (DLAS) and phase resolved optical emission spectroscopy (PROES). These diagnostics allowed us to investigate the phenomena of ignition, extinction, instability and failure mechanisms of the microplasma devices. This thesis work allowed testing the performance and technological limitations of the silicon based microdischarge arrays. Particular attention was paid to their life time.

Arthropod hemocyanin and phenoloxidase are members of a group of proteins called the Type-3 copper oxygen-binding proteins, both possessing a highly conserved oxygen-binding site containing two copper atoms each coordinated by three histidine residues (Decker and Tuczek, 2000). Despite similarities in their active site, these proteins have very different physiological functions. Phenoloxidase possesses both tyrosinase and o-diphenoloxidase activity, and is predominantly involved in reactions which protect insects from infection (Kopàcek et al., 1995). Hemocyanin is a large multi-subunit protein with a primary function as a respiratory protein, reversibly binding and transporting molecular O2 (Decker and Rimke, 1998; Decker and Tuczek, 2000). Recently, it has been demonstrated in vitro that arthropod hemocyanin possesses an inducible phenoloxidase activity when incubated with denaturants, detergents, phospholipids or proteolytic enzymes. This activity appears to be restricted to only a few subunit types, and it has been hypothesised that it may be accompanied by conformational change which opens the active site increasing access for larger phenolic substrates (Decker and Jaenicke, 2004; Decker et al., 2001; Decker and Tuczek, 2000). This possibly suggests a dual role of hemocyanin in arthropods. The presented thesis deals with two distinct aims. The first was to isolate and sequence a phenoloxidase gene from the insect Spodoptera littoralis (Egyptian Cottonleaf Worm). Despite efforts, progress was hindered by a number of experimental problems which are outlined within the relevant chapters. The second aim was to characterise the mode of SDS induced phenoloxidase activity in arthropod hemocyanin from the ancient chelicerates Limulus polyphemus (horseshoe crab) and Eurypelma californicum (tarantula) and the more modern chelicerate Pandinus imperator (scorpion), using a number of biophysical techniques. The results indicated that the SDS induced phenoloxidase activity is associated with localised tertiary and secondary conformational changes in hemocyanin, most likely in the vicinity of the dicopper centre, thus enhancing access for larger phenolic substrates. Experiments indicate that copper remains associated with the protein during these structural changes; however the nature of the association is unclear. SDS concentrations approximating the CMC appeared critical in causing the necessary structural changes required for a significant increase in the detectable phenoloxidase activity to be exhibited.

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior - CAPES / In this work, four methods were developed for analysis of feed for dogs and cats using atomic spectrometry techniques. Initially, the multivariate optimization of sample digestion procedure was employed in wet feed for dogs and cats and then the simultaneous determination of macroelements (Ca, K, Mg and P), microelements (Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn) and trace elements (Al, B, Ba and Sr) was carried out by optical emission spectrometry with inductively coupled plasma (ICP OES). The results of the elements concentrations in the samples were in agreement with the values provided and regulated by Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply (Ministério da Agricultura, Pecuária e Abastecimento - MAPA) and American Association of Official Food Control Officials (AAFCO). Limits of detections (LoD) ranged between 0.1 μg g-1 (Ba, Mg and Sr) and 15.0 μg g-1 (P) and limits of quantification (LoQ) between 0.3 μg g-1 (Ba, Mg and Sr) and 49.9 μg g-1 (P). In the second part of the work two analytical methods were optimized for Co and Cr determination in wet food (sachets and cans) for dogs and cats using direct sample analysis (SS) and detection by high resolution continuum source graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (HR-CS GF AAS). Pyrolysis temperatures were 1500 ° C and 1400 ° C for Cr and Co determination, respectively. Atomization temperatures of 2500 ° C for Cr, and 2400 ° C for Co with chemical modifiers were adopted. The optimized method for Co and Cr determination in wet feed was fast, precise and accurate and contributes to the concept of “Green Chemistry”. The results obtained for concentrations of Cr and Co were not compared to any official rule, since there is no regulation for these elements. The LoD's obtained for Cr and Co were 0.01 and 0.05 ug g-1, respectively, and LoQ's obtained were 0.03 to 0.17 ug g-1 for Cr and Co, respectively. Finally, in the third part of the work, an analytical method for determination of Zn in dry feed for dogs and cats using energy dispersive Xray fluorescence spectrometry (EDXRF) was developed. Sample were prepared as pressed pellets. The concentration of Zn in seven dry feed samples for dogs and cats were determinate. The results were statistically compared to the values found by the analytical method by ICP OES. Additionally, paired t-test between concentrations of Zn by EDXRF and ICP OES was applied. The LoD e LoQ obtained for Zn determination were 0.1 e 0.4 mg kg-1, respectively. The independent methods were not significantly different at a 95% confidence level. In our work, the analytical methods proposed were efficient, fast and reliable for the determination of macroelements (Ca, Mg, K and P), microelements (Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn) and trace elements (Al, B, Ba, Co, Cr and Sr) in feeds for dogs and cats using atomic spectrometry techniques. This work was financially supported through the project Universal notice nº 014/2013 approved by CNPq, registered process nº 482416 / 2013-0. / Neste trabalho, foram desenvolvidos quatro métodos para análise de rações de cães e gatos, usando técnicas de espectrometria atômica. Primeiramente, foi empregada a otimização multivariada do procedimento de digestão da amostra para determinação simultânea de macroelementos (Ca, K, Mg e P), microelementos (Cu, Fe, Mn e Zn) e elementos traço (Al, B, Ba e Sr) em rações úmidas de cães e gatos, utilizando a espectrometria de emissão óptica com plasma acoplado indutivamente (ICP OES). Os resultados das concentrações dos elementos nas rações dos animais mostraram-se de acordo com os valores fornecidos e regulamentados pelo Ministério da Agricultura, Pecuária e Abastecimento (MAPA) e pela Associação Americana de Controle Oficial dos Alimentos (AAFCO). Os LoD’s variaram entre 0,1 μg g-1 (Ba, Mg e Sr) e 15,0 μg g-1 (P) e os LoQ’s variaram entre 0,3 μg g-1 (Ba, Mg e Sr) e 49,9 μg g-1 (P). Na segunda parte do trabalho, foram otimizados dois métodos analíticos para determinação de Co e Cr em rações úmidas (sachês e enlatadas) para cães e gatos utilizando análise direta de sólidos (SS) e detecção por espectrometria de absorção atômica de alta resolução com fonte contínua e atomização em forno de grafite (HR-CS GF AAS). Foram estabelecidas temperaturas de pirólise de 1500°C e de 1400°C para a determinação de Cr e Co respectivamente, e temperaturas de atomização de 2500°C para Cr e de 2400°C para Co, sem o uso de modificadores químicos. Os métodos otimizados foram rápidos, precisos e exatos, além de contribuir com a concepção da Química Verde. Os resultados obtidos para as concentrações de Cr e Co não foram comparados com nenhuma norma, uma vez que estes elementos não são regulamentados. Os LoD’s obtidos para Cr e Co foram de 0,01 e 0,05 μg g-1 respectivamente, já os LoQ’s obtidos para Cr e Co foram de 0,03 a 0,17 μg g-1 respectivamente. Por fim, na terceira parte do trabalho, foi desenvolvido um método analítico para determinação de Zn em rações secas destinadas à alimentação de cães e gatos empregando a espectrometria de fluorescência de raios-X com energia dispersiva (EDXRF). As amostras foram preparadas na forma de pastilhas prensadas e a concentração de Zn, determinada em sete rações secas de cães e gatos. Os resultados obtidos foram estatisticamente comparados com os valores encontrados através de um método analítico estabelecido por ICP OES, em que foi aplicado o teste t pareado entre as concentrações de Zn por EDXRF e ICP OES. Os LoD e LoQ obtidos na determinação de Zn através do método foram de 0,1 e 0,4 mg kg-1 respectivamente. Os métodos independentes não apresentaram diferença significativa para um nível de confiança de 95%. Em nosso trabalho, os métodos analíticos propostos foram eficientes, rápidos, e confiáveis para a determinação de macroelementos (Ca, Mg, K e P), microelementos (Cu, Fe, Mn e Zn) e elementos traço (Al, B, Ba, Co, Cr e Sr) em rações de cães e gatos, usando técnicas espectroanalíticas. Este trabalho teve o auxílio financeiro do projeto Universal Edital 014/2013 aprovado pelo CNPq, registrado sob processo nº 482416/2013-0.

The topic of this work is the monitoring of the effect of zinc on the hydration process in Portland mixed cement (specifically with the addition of finely ground granulated blast-furnace slag, high temperature fly ash and fluidized bed combustion filter ash). How much zinc and at what time it remains in the pore solution during hydration. Activation energy of a mixture of cement with zinc in the form of soluble salts (Zn(NO3)2.6H2O and ZnCl2) and insoluble oxide (ZnO) by isothermal calorimetry was also investigated. The XRF method has shown composition during hydration. The zinc retardation effect was investigated by isothermal calorimetry and activation energy was calculated using this method. The XRF and ICP-OES methods were used to measure the zinc content of the pore solution. And the amount of portlandite was monitored by the DTA and XRF method.

Bohemian garnets have been known as a jewellery stone for many centuries. There is still a lot of interest in them, however, the reserves in traditional locations are getting smaller. That is why search for alternative source of similar garnets in gem quality started. Shavaryn Tsaram deposit in Mongolia is considered as one of the potential sources. Pyrope samples from eight Bohemian localities of two areas (České středohoří [The Central Bohemian Uplands] and Podkrkonoší [The Giant Mountains]) and from Shavaryn Tsaram deposit in Mongolia were analysed using electron microprobe, LA-ICP-MS, ICP-OES, Mössbauer spectroscopy and x-ray powder diffraction. The data were compared with the conclusion that the Mongolian garnets from Shavaryn Tsaram deposit are so different from the Bohemian ones that it will not be possible to use them as a gem material of similar qualities. Bohemian garnet can be characterised as a red garnet with refraction index 1.747 (+/- 0.001) with dominant pyrope component of the average composition Py78Alm17Gr5 and Cr2O3 content above 1 wt.%. The data were also evaluated from two classification schemes point of view. The schemes by Schulze (2003) and Grütter (2004) are used in determining source materials and in diamond prospection. According to them source rocks of Bohemian garnets...

Cette thèse porte sur l'étude de micro-plasmas froids à la pression atmosphérique générés à partir de différents réacteurs des configurations basées sur le principe des Décharges à Barrière Diélectrique (DBD) et alimentés par des générateurs de tension impulsionnelle et sinusoïdale. Les plasmas sont formés dans des gaz nobles tels que l'hélium et l'argon (gaz vecteurs), et également dans des mélanges réalisés avec des gaz moléculaires tels que l'azote et l'oxygène afin de produire des Espèces Réactives de l’Azote et de l’Oxygène (ERA, ERO). La (ré)activité chimique du plasma est ainsi supposée être accrue, permettant le traitement de matériaux inertes ou vivants pour diverses applications (fonctionnalisation de surfaces, inactivation de cellules, régénération de tissus vivants, etc.). La caractérisation des plasmas étudiés est réalisée en enregistrant les aspects électriques et optiques en fonction des paramètres élémentaires, comme l’amplitude et la fréquence de la tension, le débit du gaz, la configuration des électrodes, et le rapport cyclique dans le cas du régime pulsé. Ainsi, la (ré)activité chimique des plasmas est évaluée tandis que au même temps les mécanismes de la génération des plasmas et les façons de l’optimisation de la chimie sont dévoilées. Finalement, nous examinons l'efficacité du plasma dans le domaine biomédical en traitant divers systèmes biologiques (bactéries, liposomes, cellules) sans effets thermiques. / The present PhD thesis is devoted to the study of atmospheric pressure cold micro-plasmas produced in different Dielectric Barrier Discharge (DBD) reactors which are driven by pulsed or sinusoidal high voltages. Noble gases such as helium and argon are used as carrier gases, whereas admixtures with nitrogen and oxygen are studied as well. The formation of Reactive Nitrogen and Oxygen Species (RNS, ROS) is thus achieved, and the possibility of improving the chemical (re)activity of the plasmas is demonstrated. This is of interest in the treatment of inert or living materials (e.g. surface functionalization, cell inactivation, living tissue regeneration, etc.). Plasmas are characterized by recording electrical and optical features as a function of principal operational parameters, including voltage amplitude and frequency, gas flow rate, electrode configuration, and voltage duty cycle in the case of pulsed waveform. The physico-chemical (re)activity of the plasmas is thus evaluated, while at the same time mechanisms on the plasma generation and paths for chemistry optimization are unveiled. Finally, the efficiency of the plasma in relation to biomedical applications is tested by treating different biological systems (bacteria, liposomes, cells) while preventing any thermal effect.