Yes / This study presents a compact broadband wide-slot antenna with broadband left-hand circular polarization compatible with both LTE 42 and LTE 43 standards of 5G mid-band applications. The proposed antenna is fabricated on an FR4 dielectric substrate with overall dimensions of , where is the free space wavelength at the resonant frequency of the antenna. The antenna ground plane is etched to form a square radiating slot with a pair of rectangular ground stubs that are diagonally placed inside the slot. On the other side of the antenna, the feed line is loaded by horizontal and vertical stubs to improve the coupling between the feed line and the square slot. To generate a circular polarization, the feeding stubs cooperate with the pair of rectangular ground stubs to excite the radiating slot of the antenna at two different feeding points whose currents have approximately equal amplitude and 90o phase shift. The measured impedance bandwidth (BW) of the proposed wide-slot antenna is 16.2% (580 MHz along the band 3.3-3.88 GHz), while the observed axial ratio bandwidth (ARBW) is 12.2% (440 MHz in the 3.4-3.84 GHz band). The measured gain values are found to be larger than 2.5 dB along both standards of the 5G mid-band applications. / This work was supported in part by the U.K. Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) under Grant EP/E022936/1, and in part by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Programme under Grant H2020-MSCA-ITN-2016 SECRET-722424.

In dieser Dissertation wird eine umfassende Untersuchung von Perowskit-Tintenformulierungen für die Herstellung von hocheffizienten MAPbI3- und FAPbI3-Bauelementen durchgeführt. Darüber hinaus schlagen wir einen kombinatorischen Slot-Die-Beschichtungsansatz für das Screening und die Herstellung von Perowskit-Zusammensetzungen vor. Diese Ergebnisse zeigen, dass die Slot-Die-Beschichtung eine vielversprechende Technik für die Hochskalierung von Metallhalogenid-Perowskit-Dünnschichten ist. / This dissertation gives a comprehensive investigation into perovskite ink formulations for the fabrication of highly efficient MAPbI3 and FAPbI3 devices. Additionally, we propose a combinatorial slot-die coating approach for screening and fabricating perovskite compositions. These results demonstrate that slot-die coating is a promising technique for the upscaling of metal-halide perovskite thin-films.

Yes / This study proposes a compact design of frequency-reconfigurable antenna array for fifth generation (5G) cellular networks. Eight compact discrete- fed slot antennas are placed on the top portion of a mobile phone printedcircuit- board (PCB) to form a beam-steerable array. The frequency response of the antenna can be reconfigured to operate at either 28 GHz or 38 GHz, two of the candidate frequency bands for millimeter-wave (MM-Wave) 5G communications. The reconfigurability function of the proposed design can be achieved by implementing and biasing a pair of diodes across each T-shaped slot antenna element. Rogers RT 5880 with thickness of 0.508 mm and properties of ε = 2.2 and δ = 0.0009 has been used as the antenna substrate. The antenna element is very compact in size with a good end-fire radiation pattern in the frequency bands of interest. The proposed beam-steerable array provides very good 3D coverage. The simulation results show that the proposed design provides some good characteristics fitting the need of the 5G cellular communications. / Innovation programme under grant agreement H2020-MSCA-ITN-2016 SECRET-722424, UK Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) under grant EP/E022936/1

Self-ligating brackets, including molar buccal tubes, have gained popularity in recent decades. The primary advantage of using self-ligating systems has been based on the claim that they provide reduced friction and therefore reduced sliding resistance of the arch wire contained within their respective slots.1 This form of reduced friction and sliding resistance has been proposed to require less force and therefore produce more physiologic tooth movements.7-9 Limited scientific evidence is currently available to establish quality control of these products. The purpose of this study is to use Micro Computed Tomography (MicroCT) to analyze self-ligating molar tubes manufactured by different companies. Methods used here provide a novel way for measuring the accuracy and quality of these materials. This study has provided a highly innovative approach that had not been previously accomplished. Forty self-ligating lower left first mandibular molar samples were obtained from four different companies. Five samples from each company were randomly selected and scanned using MicroCT to determine the internal slot lumen of each tube for analysis of precision volumetric measurements. Additionally, qualitative analysis of the lumen of each tube was investigated for the presence of any internal slot defects or imperfections. Results showed that the volumetric slot measurements of all samples were highly statistically significant (P<0.001) and were found to be oversized compared to what is claimed by their respective companies. Qualitative analysis of all samples illustrated varying defects contained within their respective internal slot lumens. Notable defects included notched, beveled and irregular corners, as well as the presence of some bulbous metal projections. Based upon the results obtained in this study, it was determined that the investigated self-ligating buccal tubes, produced by all the companies tested, were oversized and had various internal slot defects. The potential clinical significance of these dimensional inaccuracies may include an increased amount of friction and a lack of torque control during tooth movement. / Oral Biology

Yes / A frequency tunable planar inverted F antenna (PIFA) is presented for use in the following bands: DCS, PCS, and UMTS. Initially, the tuning was achieved by placing a lumped capacitor, with values in the range of 1.5 to 4 pF, along the slot of the radiator. The final tuning circuit uses a varactor diode, and discrete lumped elements are fully integrated with the antenna. The antenna prototype is tunable over from 1850 MHz to 2200 MHz, with an associated volume of 21×13.5×5 mm3, making it suitable for potential integration in a commercial handset or mobile user terminal.

The objective of this study was to determine whether improvements could be made to increase the capture distance of traditional local exhaust ventilation (LEV) hoods by designing a circular slotted-hood. The criterion of success for this study was to achieve increases in capture velocity at an upstream distance equal to the diameter of the hood (11 inches). By increasing capture velocity further from the face, contaminant capture could take place at distances more convenient to the circular slotted-hood operator while maintaining adequate suction. This was to be achieved by the addition of two slots and a flange to a traditional conical hood opening. Three plates were designed to change the geometry of a plain conical hood (slot area: 0.1334, 0.0963 and 0.0694 ft2). They were tested at different airflow rates (243, 347, 467, 647, 897 cubic feet per minute) for a set number of distances from the hood face using a thermal anemometer. Three-dimensional maps of performance were created for visual comparisons, and t-tests were conducted to analyze performance by comparison of velocity at any point upstream of the hood. Velocity contours illustrated that two of the three designs had greater capture velocities compared to the standalone conical hood, and paired t-tests confirmed the significance (p<0.05). Each of the new designs failed to significantly increase capture distance further than 11 inches from the hood. However, increased velocities occurred near the hood opening (within 5 inches). These modest improvements for the largest slot design increases operating pressures by approximately 0.1" wg @ 250 cfm but 1.1" wg @ 650 cfm. Implementing these new designs would increase capture velocities close to the hood, although this advantage is offset by the cost it would require to compensate for the pressure loss incurred.

In this thesis, a cavity-backed slot antenna array is designed for relatively wide instantaneous bandwidth, high gain and low sidelobes. The array consists of four, rectangular, slot elements, arranged side-by-side in a linear array and developed around 5GHz. Two feed points, at opposing sides of the printed array, each excite two of the slot elements through a series feed. This bidirectional feed presents symmetry to the design and prevents the tendency of beam-drift versus frequency as is common with many series-fed arrays. While being fed in-phase, the array will maintain boresight at broadside over the entire operating bandwidth. Also, the additional port allows for the potential introduction of a phase offset and, therefore, beam tilt. Finally, the printed array is designed to function within a quarter-wave, metallic cavity to achieve unidirectional radiation and improve gain.

Foi estudada a degradação do pentaclorofenol (PCP) em reator aneróbio horizontal de leito fixo (RAHLF) de volume de 2000 mL. O reator foi inoculado com microrganismos oriundos de reatores aneróbios não previamente adaptados a PCP. Atividade microbiana foi monitorada através de técnicas clássicas na presença do organoclorado na faixa de 2,0 a 13 mg/L de PCP. O reator apresentou eficiência de 97% na remoção de DQO e completo desaparecimento do composto de PCP em todas as concentrações testadas. A fração orgânica foi consumida totalmente na primeira terça parte do reator de acordo com os valores determinados de ácidos voláteis, DQD e PCP. Não foi verificada inibição da atividade de culturas microbianas. Os exames microscópicos, fluorescência e varredura, permitiram verificar o predomínio de microrganismos pertencentes ao Domínio Archea. As técnicas moleculares PCR, ARDRA e hibridação slot-blot confirmaram o predomínio do Domínio Archaea e possibilitaram a verificação de alterações na diversidade das populações após adição de 2 mg PCP/L. Conclui-se que o reator sem prévia adaptação do inóculo foi eficiente para o tratamento do PCP, e os microrganismos relacionados às Archaea metanogênicas acetocláticas podem estar envolvidas na degradação deste composto. / The degradation of pentachlorophenol (PCP) was studied in a 2000 mL. Horizontal Anaerobic Immobilized System (HAIS). The reactor was inoculated with microorganisms obtained from an anaerobic reactor without previous adaptation to the PCP. The microbial activity was evaluated by using classic techniques in order to . monitor its behavior during the HAIS fed with a range of PCP between 2.0 to 13 mg/L. The reactor presented 97% of efficiency in the removal of COD and complete decrease of PCP in alI concentrations tested. The total consumption of organic fraction took place mainly in the first third part of the reactor according the values of volatile fatty acids, COD and PCP obtained. Microbial inhibition was not verified in during HAIS operation. Microscopic examinations allowed certifying the Archaea Domain predominance according the morphologies observed. The molecular techniques polimerase chain reaction (PCR), ARDRA and slot-blot hibridation confirmed the predominance of Archaea Domain and alIowed verifying some changes in the population\'s diversity under additions of 2mg PCP/L. The efficiency of PCP decreased in the anaerobic reactor was related to the presence of Archaea Domain, especially the acetoclastic methanogens, whose where probably involved with the organochlorine compound degradation.

Foi estudada a degradação do pentaclorofenol (PCP) em reator aneróbio horizontal de leito fixo (RAHLF) de volume de 2000 mL. O reator foi inoculado com microrganismos oriundos de reatores aneróbios não previamente adaptados a PCP. Atividade microbiana foi monitorada através de técnicas clássicas na presença do organoclorado na faixa de 2,0 a 13 mg/L de PCP. O reator apresentou eficiência de 97% na remoção de DQO e completo desaparecimento do composto de PCP em todas as concentrações testadas. A fração orgânica foi consumida totalmente na primeira terça parte do reator de acordo com os valores determinados de ácidos voláteis, DQD e PCP. Não foi verificada inibição da atividade de culturas microbianas. Os exames microscópicos, fluorescência e varredura, permitiram verificar o predomínio de microrganismos pertencentes ao Domínio Archea. As técnicas moleculares PCR, ARDRA e hibridação slot-blot confirmaram o predomínio do Domínio Archaea e possibilitaram a verificação de alterações na diversidade das populações após adição de 2 mg PCP/L. Conclui-se que o reator sem prévia adaptação do inóculo foi eficiente para o tratamento do PCP, e os microrganismos relacionados às Archaea metanogênicas acetocláticas podem estar envolvidas na degradação deste composto. / The degradation of pentachlorophenol (PCP) was studied in a 2000 mL. Horizontal Anaerobic Immobilized System (HAIS). The reactor was inoculated with microorganisms obtained from an anaerobic reactor without previous adaptation to the PCP. The microbial activity was evaluated by using classic techniques in order to . monitor its behavior during the HAIS fed with a range of PCP between 2.0 to 13 mg/L. The reactor presented 97% of efficiency in the removal of COD and complete decrease of PCP in alI concentrations tested. The total consumption of organic fraction took place mainly in the first third part of the reactor according the values of volatile fatty acids, COD and PCP obtained. Microbial inhibition was not verified in during HAIS operation. Microscopic examinations allowed certifying the Archaea Domain predominance according the morphologies observed. The molecular techniques polimerase chain reaction (PCR), ARDRA and slot-blot hibridation confirmed the predominance of Archaea Domain and alIowed verifying some changes in the population\'s diversity under additions of 2mg PCP/L. The efficiency of PCP decreased in the anaerobic reactor was related to the presence of Archaea Domain, especially the acetoclastic methanogens, whose where probably involved with the organochlorine compound degradation.

No description available.