This thesis discusses the results of experimental tests on two post-tensioned timber core-walls, tested under bi-directional quasi-static seismic loading. The half-scale two-storey test specimens included a stair with half-flight landings. Multi-storey timber structures are becoming increasingly desirable for architects and building owners due to their aesthetic and environmental benefits. In addition, there is increasing public pressure to have low damage structural systems with minimal business interruption after a moderate to severe seismic event. Timber has been used extensively for low-rise residential structures in the past, but has been utilised much less for multi-storey structures, traditionally limited to residential type building layouts which use light timber framing and include many walls to form a lateral load resisting system. This is undesirable for multi-storey commercial buildings which need large open spaces providing building owners with versatility in their desired floor plan. The use of Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) panels for multi-storey timber buildings is gaining popularity throughout the world, especially for residential construction. Previous experimental testing has been done on the in-plane behaviour of single and coupled post-tensioned timber walls at the University of Canterbury and elsewhere. However, there has been very little research done on the 3D behaviour of timber walls that are orthogonal to each other and no research to date into post-tensioned CLT walls. The “high seismic option” consisted of full height post-tensioned CLT walls coupled with energy dissipating U-shaped Flexural Plates (UFPs) attached at the vertical joints between coupled wall panels and between wall panels and the steel corner columns. An alternative “low seismic option” consisted of post-tensioned CLT panels connected by screws, to provide a semi-rigid connection, allowing relative movement between the panels, producing some level of frictional energy dissipation.

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is associated with seizures, visual disturbances, headache, and altered mental status. Given its presentation, the diagnosis can be mistaken for other severe conditions. Palliative medicine consultants should be aware of PRES and be prepared to counsel families on the treatment and prognosis of this syndrome.

This thesis deals with the Czech Presidency of the Council of the European Union in the first half of 2009 in terms of energy and energy security. In the introductory theoretical part the notion of "energy security" is defined and the chapter analyzes energy in the EU primary law too, including jurisdiction of the issue to a particular Union's institutions. In the practical part of the thesis the priorities of the EU in energy and energy security are described and steps that CZ PRES made to increase EU energy security are analyzed. Particular emphasis is placed on the gas crisis and the general supply of gas, which played during the Czech Presidency a significant role. Final chapters focus on the shift in the EU's energy security during the forthcoming Swedish and the Spanish Presidency.

The environmentally friendly and high performance multi-storey LVL timber system developed at the University of Canterbury (UC) consisting of post-tensioned frames and shear walls is referred to as the Pres-Lam system. It is possible that this structural system has the ability to increase productivity and reduce construction costs when compared with concrete and steel construction materials. As the Pres-Lam system is a new technology, the actual construction time and cost are still unknown. The outcome of this research will add value to the construction industry and encourage the industry to consider the Pres-Lam system for future projects. Previous research has shown that construction using this type of structural system is feasible for multi-storey buildings. In case study (1), this research revisited the research done for the actual Biological Sciences building under construction at the University of Canterbury based on the latest information available from the UC timber research team. This research compared the construction time and cost of three virtual buildings (Pres-Lam, Concrete and Steel) for Case Study (1). The research has been able to optimise the performance of the Pres-Lam system having increased open spaces with large column spacing. The proposed fully prefabricated double “T” timber concrete composite (TCC) floor system was used and found to reduce construction time. This has also shown that the LVL components in the Pres-lam system can be fully prefabricated at a factory. In case study (1), the predicted estimated construction time for the structural system was 60 working days (12 weeks) as compared to the concrete structure which required 83 working days. In the construction time analysis only the construction time of the structural building portion was compared instead of the overall construction time of the building project. The construction cost estimation for the concrete, steel and optimised Pres-Lam overall buildings including claddings and architectural fittings were produced and compared. The construction cost analysis concluded that the construction cost of the Pres-Lam building has been estimated to be only 3.3% more than the steel building and 4.6 % more than the concrete building. In case study (2), this research evaluated the deconstructability of the Pres-Lam system and found that the Pres-Lam system was potentially a very sustainable building material where 90% of the deconstructed materials can be recycled and reused to construct a new office building at the University of Canterbury. The reconstruction time of the STIC office building has been predicted to be 15 weeks and the estimated cost for the reconstruction to be $260,118. This will be used for future construction planning, monitoring and control.

In recent years the public expectation of what is acceptable in seismic resisting construction has changed significantly. Engineers today live under demands which are far more intensive than their historical counterparts and recent seismic events have shown that preserving life is no longer sufficient, and a preservation of livelihood is now the minimum. This means that after a major seismic event a building should not only be intact but be usable with no or minimal post-quake intervention. In addition to this already high expectation these demands must be met in a green and sustainable fashion with minimal (or even negative) environmental impact. This doctoral project looks to further advance the research into a new and innovative method of timber construction which satisfies (and exceeds) these demands. In response to these higher expectations recent developments in the field of seismic design have led to the development of damage control design philosophies and innovative seismic resistant systems. Jointed ductile connections for precast concrete structures have been implemented and successfully validated. One of these systems, referred to as the hybrid system, combines the use of unbonded post-tensioned tendons with grouted longitudinal mild steel bars or any other form of dissipation reinforcing device. During the controlled rocking of the system under seismic loading the post-tensioning provides desirable recentering properties, while the devices allow adequate energy dissipation from the system as well as increased moment resistance at column bases and beam-column connections. The hybrid concept is material independent and in 2004 an extensive campaign was begun to investigate the performance of the hybrid system when applied to large engineered timber members. Numerous small and large scale tests on both subassemblies and full buildings were performed showing that post-tensioned timber meets the seismic resilience demands now imposed by society. Recently this technology has also been applied in practice with over ten structures now using post-tensioned timber walls or frames, or a combination of the two, in New Zealand. In-spite of the extensive research effort and the acceptance and adoption in practice of post-tensioned timber as a structural system, significant work was still required in the review and refinement of both the system itself and the analytical and numerical methods used to predict and analyse structural performance. The objectives of this research were to review and refine comprehension of the static and dynamic response, analytical and numerical modelling, and design of post-tensioned timber frames under lateral loading. In order to do this a three phase experimental testing campaign was devised and performed including quasi-static testing of an angle dissipative reinforcing device, quasi-static testing of a full-scale beam-column joint and the mono-directional dynamic testing of a 2/3rd scale three storey frame. All testing used glue laminated timber, which had not been previously used in post-tensioned timber structures. Insight gained from the experimental testing was used to analyse and refine existing analytical modelling techniques. These techniques were split into two categories: 1) modelling of the local behaviour of a post-tensioned timber beam-column joint, with particular focus on stiffness and energy dissipation capacity, and 2) evaluation of the seismic demand (in the form of design base shear) on post-tensioned timber frames looking at current Force Based (FBD) and Displacement Based (DBD) design methods. This analysis led to the development of recommended alterations in the existing beam-column joint analytical procedure enabling the procedure to provide better prediction of initial and post-yield stiffness. Analysis of the FBD and DBD procedures showed that both methods are capable of providing accurate prediction of seismic demand provided correct assumptions are made regarding system ductility and damping characteristics. Recommendations have been made on how designers can ensure that assumptions are either sufficiently accurate in the beginning of a design or require minimal iteration to be performed. Current numerical modelling techniques have also been compared against the quasi-static and dynamic testing results providing confidence in their accuracy when applied to post-tensioned timber frames. Modelling techniques were also extended to the widely used SAP2000 modelling programme which had not been previously used in post-tensioned timber research. Although many observations and conclusions were made, a common theme continued throughout this research. This was the importance of the deep understanding of displacements within a post-tensioned timber frame and the impact of these displacements on frame performance. Displacements occur throughout a frame in dissipative reinforcing devices, in the connection of these devices, in beams, columns and joint panels as well as at the interfaces between members. When these displacements are allowed for through proper design excellent seismic performance, possible using this innovative system, is obtained.

<p>Embedded systems are used in many technical products of today. The tendency also points to the fact that they are in many ways becoming more and more complex as technology advances. Systems like advanced avionics, air bags, ABS brakes or any real-time embedded system requires reliability, correctness and timeliness. This puts hard pressure on designers, analyzers and developers. The need for high performance and non failing systems has therefore led to a growing interest in modeling and verification of component-based embedded systems in order to reduce costs and simplify design and development. The solution proposed by the Embedded Systems Lab at Linköping University is the modeling language PRES+, Petri Net based Representation for Embedded Systems.</p><p>PRES+ models are then translated into timed automata, TA, which is used by the UPPAAL verification tool. To be able to verify timing properties the translated TA model must be instrumented with certain timers, called clocks. These clocks must be reset in a manner reflected by the property to be verified.</p><p>This thesis will provide a solution to the problem and also give the reader necessary information in order to understand the theoretical background needed. The thesis will also show the reader the importance of modeling and time verification in the development of embedded systems. A simple example is used to describe and visualize the benefit regarding real-time embedded systems as well as the importance of the ability to verify these systems.</p><p>The conclusion drawn stresses the fact that high development costs, possible gain of human lives and the problems in developing complex systems only emphasize the need for easy to handle and intuitive verification methods.</p>

Embedded systems are used in many technical products of today. The tendency also points to the fact that they are in many ways becoming more and more complex as technology advances. Systems like advanced avionics, air bags, ABS brakes or any real-time embedded system requires reliability, correctness and timeliness. This puts hard pressure on designers, analyzers and developers. The need for high performance and non failing systems has therefore led to a growing interest in modeling and verification of component-based embedded systems in order to reduce costs and simplify design and development. The solution proposed by the Embedded Systems Lab at Linköping University is the modeling language PRES+, Petri Net based Representation for Embedded Systems. PRES+ models are then translated into timed automata, TA, which is used by the UPPAAL verification tool. To be able to verify timing properties the translated TA model must be instrumented with certain timers, called clocks. These clocks must be reset in a manner reflected by the property to be verified. This thesis will provide a solution to the problem and also give the reader necessary information in order to understand the theoretical background needed. The thesis will also show the reader the importance of modeling and time verification in the development of embedded systems. A simple example is used to describe and visualize the benefit regarding real-time embedded systems as well as the importance of the ability to verify these systems. The conclusion drawn stresses the fact that high development costs, possible gain of human lives and the problems in developing complex systems only emphasize the need for easy to handle and intuitive verification methods.

Preeclampsia and eclampsia are among the most common causes of maternal and fetal mortality and morbidity worldwide. There are no reliable means to predict eclampsia or cerebral edema in women with preeclampsia and knowledge of the brain involvement in preeclampsia is still limited. S100B and neuron specific enolase (NSE) are two cerebral biomarkers of glial- and neuronal origin respectively. They are used as predictors for neurological outcome after traumatic brain injuries and cardiac arrest but have not yet been investigated in preeclampsia. This thesis is based on one longitudinal cohort study of pregnant women (n=469, Paper I and III), one cross sectional study of women with preeclampsia and women with normal pregnancies (n=53 and 58 respectively, Paper II and IV) and one experimental animal study of eclampsia (Paper V). In Paper I and III, plasma concentrations of S100B and NSE were investigated throughout pregnancy in women developing preeclampsia (n=16) and in women with normal pregnancies (n=36) in a nested case control study. Plasma concentrations were increased in women developing preeclampsia in gestational week 33 and 37 for S100B and in gestational week 37 for NSE compared to women with normal pregnancies. In Paper II and IV, increased plasma concentrations of S100B and NSE were confirmed among women with preeclampsia compared to women with normal pregnancies. Furthermore, increased plasma concentrations of S100B correlated to visual disturbances among women with preeclampsia (Paper II) and plasma concentrations of S100B and NSE remained increased among women with preeclampsia one year after delivery (Paper IV). In Paper V, an experimental rat model of preeclampsia and eclampsia demonstrated increased serum concentrations of S100B after seizures in normal pregnancy (n=5) and a tendency towards increased plasma concentrations of S100B in preeclampsia (n=5) compared to normal pregnancy (n=5) without seizures. Furthermore, after seizures, animals with magnesium sulphate treatment demonstrated increased serum concentrations of S100B and NSE compared to no treatment. In conclusion; plasma concentrations of S100B and NSE are increased in preeclampsia during late pregnancy and postpartum and S100B correlates to visual disturbances in women with preeclampsia. The findings are partly confirmed in an animal model of eclampsia.

This thesis tries to discuss the consignation prayer (formula) of the West Syrian PRES as seen in the Nomocanon chapter 4.8 in relation to manuscripts before and after the time period of the Nomocanon. Liturgical and theological significances of the consignation prayer is also explored through this thesis. An inductive historical-critical method is applied for this study, with the help of the underlying theory that the Nomocanon of BarHebraeus has contributed to a liturgical centralisation within the West-Syrian tradition in relation to the consignation prayer of the PRES. The oldest manuscripts used in this study are dated to the 10th century and the recent ones to the 20th century, thus analysing and studying the liturgical development of the West-Syrian PRES’s consignation prayer.

Made available in DSpace on 2015-04-14T14:48:06Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 431566.pdf: 160457 bytes, checksum: 71d7b35fb12ced06d730df4725a8223c (MD5) Previous issue date: 2011-03-29 / A disserta??o trata de uma an?lise comparativa e hist?rica da popula??o carcer?ria de Porto Alegre no distanciar de um s?culo. O objetivo do trabalho est? circunscrito aos dados averiguados no per?odo de 1907 a 1918, correspondentes ? antiga Casa de Corre??o de Porto Alegre, e aos indicadores do Pres?dio Central de Porto Alegre, relativos a novembro de 2010. O estudo proposto tenta observar as principais caracter?sticas da popula??o prisional nos dois momentos hist?ricos distintos, a fim de apontar, por meio de uma abordagem criminol?gica e refletiva da confronta??o de dados, aproxima??es ou distanciamentos verificados nesse embate, bem como buscar desvendar que influ?ncias ou inger?ncias podem ser extra?das da an?lise de dados ajustada aos contextos hist?rico-sociais. Para tanto, inicialmente, a disserta??o realiza o estudo do panorama hist?rico e jur?dico do Rio Grande do Sul no in?cio do s?culo XX; aponta, tamb?m, as influ?ncias dogm?ticas externas e os discursos criminol?gicos dominantes na ?poca. Ap?s, o trabalho realiza um breve estudo sobre o surgimento da pris?o; este estudo permite melhor examinar a Casa de Corre??o de Porto Alegre e o ingresso de presos em meados do in?cio do s?culo XX. Em seguida, este ensaio faz um exame do contexto social e pol?tico do Rio Grande do Sul contempor?neo, bem como do atual panorama jur?dico; enfim, analisa os dados sobre a popula??o prisional do Pres?dio Central de Porto Alegre. Ao final, a disserta??o compara os dados da Casa de Corre??o (1907- 1918) e do Pres?dio Central (2010) e faz uma an?lise criminol?gica de cem anos de encarceramento no Rio Grande do Sul.