This study investigated the utility of using a neurodynamic test, the Slump test by itself and with qualifiers to identify neuropathic pain (NeP). The study utilized a control group and a low back pain group. The low back pain group was pre-diagnosed as NeP or non neuropathic pain (NNP) by an experienced clinician using an accepted diagnostic examination. A slump test was performed recording knee ROM, pain location and verbal pain descriptors followed by Quantitative Sensory Testing (QST). Various versions of the slump test were compared to the pre test diagnosis. Sensitivity, specificity and likelihood ratios were calculated. The conventional slump test was shown to be a sensitive and moderately specific screening test for NeP. Including whether pain extended below the knee dramatically increased specificity. QST revealed localized cold sensation hyposensitivity, widespread cold pain hyposensitivity and suggestions of increased thresholds of pressure pain levels.

This study investigated the utility of using a neurodynamic test, the Slump test by itself and with qualifiers to identify neuropathic pain (NeP). The study utilized a control group and a low back pain group. The low back pain group was pre-diagnosed as NeP or non neuropathic pain (NNP) by an experienced clinician using an accepted diagnostic examination. A slump test was performed recording knee ROM, pain location and verbal pain descriptors followed by Quantitative Sensory Testing (QST). Various versions of the slump test were compared to the pre test diagnosis. Sensitivity, specificity and likelihood ratios were calculated. The conventional slump test was shown to be a sensitive and moderately specific screening test for NeP. Including whether pain extended below the knee dramatically increased specificity. QST revealed localized cold sensation hyposensitivity, widespread cold pain hyposensitivity and suggestions of increased thresholds of pressure pain levels.

This work is a research on the topic of reactive nanoparticles and their agitation into the solder paste, which it also describes. It describes in detail the properties of each solder alloys. It explains the creation of intermetallic layers in the soldering process and examines their structure. It also focuses on the evaluation and methodology of testing the properties of solder pastes. In the practical part, individual tests are performed with PF606 and PF610 solder paste.

Orientador: Geraldo de Freitas Maciel / Resumo: O ensaio de abatimento de tronco de cone, desenvolvido inicialmente como ferramenta de controle de qualidade para avaliar a consistência de materiais cimentícios e com grande aplicação no setor da construção civil, tem sido cada vez mais empregado para análise de materiais de diferentes setores, seja da indústria do petróleo, da mineração e mesmo de alimentos. O interesse de diferentes setores industriais pela medida do abatimento deve-se a esta possibilitar uma ferramenta de controle de qualidade de materiais e ainda fornecer um mecanismo simples e fácil para a determinação de um importante parâmetro reológico, a tensão limite de escoamento. Nesse contexto, esta dissertação de mestrado apresenta o desenvolvimento de um aparato experimental capaz de realizar, de forma automatizada, o ensaio de abatimento de tronco de cone (comumente conhecido por slump test), desde o levantamento do cone de Abrams até a medição do abatimento. A partir do equipamento desenvolvido, três abordagens são realizadas e discutidas ao longo desta dissertação, tendo como materiais avaliados os géis de carbopol (fluido teste reologicamente representativo de lamas), lamas, argamassas e concretos. A primeira abordagem diz respeito a funcionalidade e operacionalidade do aparato automatizado de slump test. A segunda abordagem apresenta modelos empíricos de determinação da tensão limite de escoamento e viscosidade aparente, a partir da medida mais rigorosa de abatimento e outras informações fornecidas pelo a... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: The slump test was, initially, developed as a quality control tool for evaluating the consistency of cement-based materials, with many applications in civil engineering, it has been used for the analysis of materials in different sections of petrol industries, mining, and even food industries. The interest of these different industrial sections in the slump is due to its possible role as quality control tool of materials, providing an easy and simple mechanism for the determination of an important rheological parameter: the yield stress. In this context, this dissertation presents the development of an experimental apparatus capable of obtaining, in such automated way, the slump test, since the lifting of the Abrams cone to the obtaining of the slump. From the apparatus, three approaches are presented and discussed in this text, showing the results for the evaluation of materials such as carbopol gel (a rheological representative fluid of mud), mud, concrete and mortar. The first approach deals with the functionality of the automated apparatus for slump test. The second approach presents empiric models for the determination of yield stress and apparent viscosity, from the slump and further information obtained by the automated apparatus. The third and last approach presents the numerical simulation and validation of the slump test by the use of FLUENT software, considering the Non-Newtonian property (Herschel-Bulkley’s fluid) of the tested materials, and the trial of the mode... (Complete abstract click electronic access below) / Mestre

Master‘s thesis focuses on concrete combined with polypropylen fibres produced commercially, fibres without surface modifications and fibres modificated by plasma. Most important topic of the thesis is experimental verification of influence of plasma modificated fibres on attributes of fresh concrete and physical-mechanical attributes of solidified concrete. Based on the results of the tests perfomed on examin units compares results and anylyses applicability of different fibre surface modifications.