Title : Kinesio taping in treatment and prevention of thumb overload in outpatient physiotherapy Purposes : The main purpose of this thesis was to evaluate a degree of pain decrease in thumb joint after kinesio tape application. The differences in grip strength were concurrently evaluated to objectify previous results. Hand dynamometer was used to support this claim. Methods : Data for the experiment were obtained by use of hand dynamometer measurement and record of a pain degree according to chosen pain scale. Each person was measured right before defined strain and immediately after it (daily work in outpatient therapy according to therapist's working shift). Each therapist was asked to record a degree of actual pain following the instructions during strain. All the results were processed and statistically analyzed. Results : The results show that kinesio tape is successful in decreasing of thumb joint pain. This was confirmed both during and after the strain. At the same time kinesio tape prevents decreasing of the grip strength. Keywords : Thumb, thumb joint, kinesio taping of a thumb, dynamometry, pain decrease of a thumb, overloading of a thumb

Le travail présenté ici a pour but d’évaluer l’influence de surcharges incidentelles sur le comportement en fatigue de tôles en acier soudées par points et destinées à une application automobile. Une campagne d’essais expérimentale sur éprouvettes a permis d’établir les courbes effort – durée de vie de trois nuances d’acier soudées par point et soumis à des sollicitations de traction-cisaillement soit à amplitude constante (courbe de référence), soit avec des sollicitations incidentelles survenant à raison d’un cycle de surcharge pour 100 cycles appliqués. Les éprouvettes utilisées sont constituées de deux rectangles de tôle assemblés par un point soudé réalisé par un soudage par résistance. Deux rapports de surcharge, 1,4 et 2,3, sont testés et analysés. L’ensemble des cycles de tous les chargements présente le rapport de charge de 0,1 (traction ondulée). Pour deux nuances d’acier, les surcharges périodiques sont bénéfiques à la tenue en fatigue, ils permettent d’augmenter sensiblement la durée de vie. Pour la troisième nuance d’acier en revanche, l’effet enregistré est un affaissement très marqué des propriétés de fatigue. Deux types de ruine par fatigue sont observés, l’un par fissuration des tôles au droit du congé de raccordement du noyau fondu du point soudé sur la tôle, du côté de la zone en traction. L’autre se traduit par un cisaillement du noyau fondu dans le plan de sa section droite minimale et ne se produit qu’à haut niveau d’effort appliqué. Ces calculs par Eléments finis ont mis en évidence des états de contraintes multiaxiaux, principalement de traction et de cisaillement dans les zones expérimentales d’amorçage et de fissuration des éprouvettes. Il est observé de façon très claire une prépondérance de la contrainte de traction là où s’amorce la fissure de fatigue conduisant à la ruine de l’éprouvette par fissuration complète d’une des deux tôles, et une prépondérance tout aussi évidente de la contrainte de cisaillement dans la section minimale du noyau fondu du point soudé où se produit dans certains cas la rupture du point soudé par cisaillement. Les calculs effectués corroborent donc très bien les observations expérimentales. L’utilisation de nouvelles lois d’endommagement basées sur un cumul non linéaire du dommage, dont une qui a été proposée au laboratoire, conduit à une prévision des durées de vie en bon accord avec l’expérimentation alors que la loi de Miner demeure pour sa part très éloignée des résultats expérimentaux. / The objective of this work is to evaluate the influence of incidental overloads on the fatigue behavior of steel plates welded by points and aimed for automobile application. An experimental test campaign on specimens had allowed the establishment of effort curves – life cycle of three types of steel welded by points and subjected to tensile-shear efforts under constant amplitude (reference curve), and with incidental overloads happening once (overloaded cycle) for 100 applied cycles. Specimens used in the test are made of two rectangle plates joined by a welded point and done by resistance welding. Two overloads ratio, 1,4 and 2,3 were tested and analyzed. The overall overloading cycle presents the ratio of 0,1 (undulated tensile effort). For two out of three steel types, the periodicals overloading are benefit in term of fatigue resisting, their life duration has been slightly improved. The third steel type has in contrary showed observable deterioration of fatigue properties.Two types of ruin by fatigue have been observed. The first one shows cracking of plates on the right axle journal fillet of the melted nucleus of the welded point on the plate, in the tensile zone side. The second is showed by a shearing of the melted nucleus in the plan of its minimal right “section” and this happens at a high level of applied effort. Calculation done using Finite Elements method has evidently showed states of multiaxial stresses essentially tensile stress and shearing stress in the experimental areas of starting and cracking of specimens. It is clearly observed a mainly dominant tensile stress where the fatigue cracking starts leading to the ruin of the specimen by the complete cracking of one of the two plates, and also evidently a mainly dominant shearing stress in the minimal section of the melted nucleus of welded point, where in some case the rupture by shearing of the welded point is observed. The calculations done are then in total agreement with the experimental observations. The use of new damage laws, which one has been proposed in the laboratory based on a nonlinear cumulating of damage, leads to a forecasting of life duration in accordance with experimentation while the Miner law results stays far away from the experimental results.

Nesse estudo, procurou-se investigar a influência do aumento de carga orgânica em um ASBR operado a 30ºC, agitado mecanicamente e contendo microrganismos imobilizados em suporte inerte. Para tal, foi aplicado um carregamento orgânico volumétrico variando de 1,5 a 6,0 g DQO/L.dia, alimentando-se um reator construído em acrílico (5,4 L) com 2 L de água residuária sintética com concentrações de 500 a 2000 mg DQO/L com fontes de carboidrato/proteína/lipídio, em bateladas de 8 a 12 h. O sistema apresentou eficiências de remoção de material orgânico entre 73% e 88% para as condições estudadas. Entretanto, quando o reator foi alimentado com uma concentração de 2000 mg DQO/L em bateladas de 8 h, verificou-se o acúmulo de ácidos voláteis totais, refletindo na redução da eficiência de remoção de material orgânico para 55%, para amostras filtradas. Os perfis dinâmicos ao longo da batelada permitiram concluir que, para a condição com o mesmo carregamento orgânico, porém com concentrações afluentes e tempos de ciclo diferentes, a produção inicial de ácidos voláteis totais foi mais acentuada para o caso de alimentação com maior concentração. Para condições com concentrações afluentes iguais, o tempo a mais para o ciclo foi fundamental para obter-se efluente de melhor qualidade em termos de remoção de matéria orgânica. / The current study investigated the effect of increasing organic load in an ASBR operated at 30ºC with mechanical stirring and containing immobilized on inert support. Accordingly, volumetric organic loading rates ranging from 1.5 to 6.0 g COD/L.day were used by feeding an acrylic reactor (5.4 L) with 2 L of influent at concentrations of 500 to 2000 mg COD/L from wastewater containing carbohydrates, proteins and lipids in 8 and 12 h batches. Organic matter removal efficiencies between 73% and 88% were observed under the conditions investigated. However, when the reactor was fed at a concentration of 2000 mg COD/L in 8 h batches, accumulation of total volatile acids was detected, leading to a reduction in organic matter removal efficiency as low as 55% for filtered samples. The dynamic batches profiles allowed to conclude that for the same organic loading rates and different concentration influent and cycle times, the initial production of total volatile acids showed to be more pronounced for better quality effluent in terms of organic matter removal.

Mit Hilfe der Technik des Automatischen Differenzierens (AD) lassen sich für Funktionen, die als Programmquellcode gegeben sind, Ableitungsinformationen rechentechnisch effizient und mit geringem Aufwand für den Nutzer bereitstellen. Eine Variante der Implementierung von AD basiert auf der Überladung von Operatoren und Funktionen, die von vielen modernen Programmiersprachen ermöglicht wird. Durch Ausnutzung des Konzepts der Überladung wird eine interne Funktions-Repräsentation (Tape) generiert, die anschließend für die Ableitungsberechnung herangezogen wird. In der Dissertation werden neue Techniken erarbeitet, die eine effizientere Tape-Erstellung und die parallele Tape-Auswertung ermöglichen. Anhand von Laufzeituntersuchungen für numerische Beispiele werden die Möglichkeiten der neuen Techniken verdeutlicht. / Using the technique of Automatic Differentiation (AD), derivative information can be computed efficiently for any function that is given as source code in a supported programming languages. One basic implementation strategy is based on the concept of operator overloading that is available for many programming languages. Due the overloading of operators, an internal representation of the function can be generated at runtime. This so-called tape can then be used for computing derivatives. In the thesis, new techniques are introduced that allow a more efficient tape creation and the parallel evaluation of tapes. Advantages of the new techniques are demonstrated by means of runtime analyses for numerical examples.

The intricate concepts of ad-hoc polymorphism and overloading permeate the field of programming languages despite their somewhat nebulous definitions. With the perspective afforded by the state of the art, object-oriented Fortress programming language, this thesis presents a contemporary account of ad-hoc polymorphism and overloading in theory and in practice. Common language constructs are reinterpreted with a new emphasis on overloading as a key facility. Furthermore, concrete problems with overloading in Fortress, encountered during the author's experience in the development of the language, are presented with an emphasis on the ad hoc nature of their solutions. / text

Nesse estudo, procurou-se investigar a influência do aumento de carga orgânica em um ASBR operado a 30ºC, agitado mecanicamente e contendo microrganismos imobilizados em suporte inerte. Para tal, foi aplicado um carregamento orgânico volumétrico variando de 1,5 a 6,0 g DQO/L.dia, alimentando-se um reator construído em acrílico (5,4 L) com 2 L de água residuária sintética com concentrações de 500 a 2000 mg DQO/L com fontes de carboidrato/proteína/lipídio, em bateladas de 8 a 12 h. O sistema apresentou eficiências de remoção de material orgânico entre 73% e 88% para as condições estudadas. Entretanto, quando o reator foi alimentado com uma concentração de 2000 mg DQO/L em bateladas de 8 h, verificou-se o acúmulo de ácidos voláteis totais, refletindo na redução da eficiência de remoção de material orgânico para 55%, para amostras filtradas. Os perfis dinâmicos ao longo da batelada permitiram concluir que, para a condição com o mesmo carregamento orgânico, porém com concentrações afluentes e tempos de ciclo diferentes, a produção inicial de ácidos voláteis totais foi mais acentuada para o caso de alimentação com maior concentração. Para condições com concentrações afluentes iguais, o tempo a mais para o ciclo foi fundamental para obter-se efluente de melhor qualidade em termos de remoção de matéria orgânica. / The current study investigated the effect of increasing organic load in an ASBR operated at 30ºC with mechanical stirring and containing immobilized on inert support. Accordingly, volumetric organic loading rates ranging from 1.5 to 6.0 g COD/L.day were used by feeding an acrylic reactor (5.4 L) with 2 L of influent at concentrations of 500 to 2000 mg COD/L from wastewater containing carbohydrates, proteins and lipids in 8 and 12 h batches. Organic matter removal efficiencies between 73% and 88% were observed under the conditions investigated. However, when the reactor was fed at a concentration of 2000 mg COD/L in 8 h batches, accumulation of total volatile acids was detected, leading to a reduction in organic matter removal efficiency as low as 55% for filtered samples. The dynamic batches profiles allowed to conclude that for the same organic loading rates and different concentration influent and cycle times, the initial production of total volatile acids showed to be more pronounced for better quality effluent in terms of organic matter removal.

Increasing amounts of solar power connected to the low-voltage network will adversely affect the performance of the network. The two impacts that will most often set the limit are overvoltage with the customers and overloading the distribution transformer. In this work, alternative methods have been studied for determining when a transformer is overloaded, to allow more solar power to be connected to the low-voltage network, i.e., increasing the hosting capacity for solar power.A limit-based method on the highest temperature inside the transformer (the hotspot temperature) and a method based on the loss-of-life of the transformer insulation due to hotspot temperatures above the design temperature are those alternative methods in this study. These methods are known as "dynamic transformer rating", a technology proposed in the literature but with very little practical experience in distribution networks.Two models were developed and implemented in MATLAB: a thermal model of the transformer calculating the hotspot temperature for a given time series of loading and ambient temperature; and a model for the loss-of-life of the winding insulation for given time series of the hotspot temperature. These models have been applied to existing distribution networks: measured consumption patterns with high time resolution (10-minute time step) for nine different distribution transformers for 1.5 years (network operator); measured ambient temperature (SMHI); and solar-power production calculated from satellite measurements (Renewables Ninja).For these nine distribution transformers, the time series of the hotspot temperature and the loss-of-life over the 1.5 years have been calculated for different values of the solar power installed capacity on the low-voltage side of the distribution transformer. The resulting time series are used to estimate the hosting capacity for solar power of a 200 kVA transformer. Using the existing design methods, the hosting capacity is 200 kW. Once that value is reached, the further connection of solar power should be stopped until a larger transformer is available. According to IEC design methods, the hosting capacity is about 270 kW using a limit to the hotspot temperature. This value somewhat depends on the loading patterns of the transformer before the connection of solar power. Once that value is reached, the further connection should again be stopped. Even for installed capacity exceeding 270 kW, the loss of life of the transformer insulation is still small and acceptable. This allows for further connection of PV without the immediate need to replace the transformer. Even values up to 350 or 400 kW may be acceptable, but a limit based on loss-of-life will require a detailed risk analysis as the pre-solar loading of the transformer is shown to play an important role.This work has shown that dynamic transformer rating allows more solar power to be connected to a distribution network than using classical rating methods without unacceptable risk for transformer loss-of-life.

Mit Hilfe der Technik des Automatischen Differenzierens (AD) lassen sich für Funktionen, die als Programmquellcode gegeben sind, Ableitungsinformationen rechentechnisch effizient und mit geringem Aufwand für den Nutzer bereitstellen. Eine Variante der Implementierung von AD basiert auf der Überladung von Operatoren und Funktionen, die von vielen modernen Programmiersprachen ermöglicht wird. Durch Ausnutzung des Konzepts der Überladung wird eine interne Funktions-Repräsentation (Tape) generiert, die anschließend für die Ableitungsberechnung herangezogen wird. In der Dissertation werden neue Techniken erarbeitet, die eine effizientere Tape-Erstellung und die parallele Tape-Auswertung ermöglichen. Anhand von Laufzeituntersuchungen für numerische Beispiele werden die Möglichkeiten der neuen Techniken verdeutlicht. / Using the technique of Automatic Differentiation (AD), derivative information can be computed efficiently for any function that is given as source code in a supported programming languages. One basic implementation strategy is based on the concept of operator overloading that is available for many programming languages. Due the overloading of operators, an internal representation of the function can be generated at runtime. This so-called tape can then be used for computing derivatives. In the thesis, new techniques are introduced that allow a more efficient tape creation and the parallel evaluation of tapes. Advantages of the new techniques are demonstrated by means of runtime analyses for numerical examples.

External post-tensioning is an attractive technique for strengthening reinforced concrete structures because of its ability to actively control stresses and deflections, speed of installation, minimum interruption for the existing structure, and ease of inspection under service conditions. However, external prestressing implies exposing the tendons to the environment outside the concrete section, which may lead to corrosion in steel tendons. Therefore, the interest in using fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) tendons, which are corrosion resistant, has increased. The present work investigated, experimentally and analytically, the flexural performance of reinforced concrete beams strengthened with externally post-tensioned Carbon FRP (CFRP) tendons, under monotonic and fatigue loadings. Initially, tensile fatigue tests were carried out on CFRP tendon-anchor assemblies to assess their response under repeated cyclic loads, before implementing them in the beam tests. New wedge-type anchors (Waterloo anchors) were used in gripping the CFRP specimens. The assemblies exhibited excellent fatigue performance with no premature failure occurring at the anchorage zone. The fatigue tests suggested a fatigue limit of a stress range of 10% of the tendon ultimate capacity (approximately 216 MPa). Monotonic and fatigue experiments on twenty-eight beams (152x254x3500 mm) were then undertaken. Test parameters included the tendon profile (straight and double draped), the initial loading condition of the beam prior to post-tensioning (in-service and overloading), the partial prestressing ratio (0.36 and 0.46), and the load ranges applied to the beam during the fatigue life (39% to 76% of the yield load). The CFRP tendons were post-tensioned at 40% of their ultimate capacity. The monotonic tests of the post-tensioned beams suggested that overloading the beam prior to post-tensioning increased the beam deflections and the strains developed in the steel reinforcing bars at any stage of loading. However, overloading had no significant effect on the yield load of the strengthened beam and the mode of failure at ultimate. It also had no discernable effect on the increase in the tendon stress at yielding. The maximum increase in the CFRP stress at yield load was approximately 20% of the initial post-tensioning stress, for the in-service and overloaded beams. A very good performance of the strengthened beams was observed under fatigue loading. The fatigue life of the beams was mainly governed by the fatigue fracture of the internal steel reinforcing bars at a flexural crack location. Fracture of the bars occurred at the root of a rib where high stress concentration was likely to occur. No evidence of wear or stress concentration were observed at the deviated points of the CFRP tendons due to fatigue. The enhancement in the fatigue life of the strengthened beams was noticeable at all load ranges applied. Post-tensioning considerably decreased the stresses in the steel reinforcing bars and, consequently, increased the fatigue life of the beams. The increase in the fatigue life was slightly affected by the loading history of the beams. At the same load range applied to the beam, increasing the amount of the steel reinforcing bars for the same post-tensioning level decreased the stress range in the bars and significantly increased the fatigue life of the strengthened beams. In the analytical study, a monotonic model that predicts the non-linear flexural response of the CFRP post-tensioned beams was developed and implemented into a computer program. The model takes into account the loading history of the strengthened beams prior to post-tensioning (in-service and overloading). Good agreement was obtained between the measured and the predicted monotonic results. A strain-life based fatigue model was proposed to predict the fatigue life of the CFRP post-tensioned beams. The model takes into consideration the stress-strain history at the stress raisers in the steel bars. It accounts for the inelastic deformation occurring at the ribs during cycling and the resulting changes in the local mean stresses induced. Good agreement between the experimental and predicted fatigue results was observed. A step-by-step fatigue design approach is proposed for the CFRP externally post-tensioned beams. General conclusions of the study and recommendations of future work are given.

Title: The CVS method as a diagnostic of the cardiovascular system Objective: The aim of this thesis is to introduce the CVS (cardiovascular system) method as a potential diagnostic method to detect the overloading of the heart muscle, and thereby increased susceptibility to subsequent myocardial infarction and hypertension. Method: This thesis presents a data analysis on different groups of people, which were provided to us during the development of the CVS method. These were several groups of healthy individuals (athletes) and three groups of patients suffering from problems with the cardiovascular system (colaps conditions, obesity and hypertension). The groups were measured for their values of the heart rate and blood pressure at rest and during exercise on a bicycle ergometer. Subsequently the energy required to pump blood to the heart muscle and climbing speed pulse pressure depending on the heart rate was evaluated. Results: The CVS method shows differences in the energy consumption of the heart muscle in various groups of people. The results showed that at the same level of exercise the load of the heart muscle is higher by patients than by athletes. Considering the samples that we had available, the CVS method proved its diagnostic value when evaluating the overall effectiveness of the...