Thesis (M.S.)--Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, 2005. / Typescript (photocopy).

Thesis (M.S.)--Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, 2005. / Typescript (photocopy).

Drug facilitated assault (DFA) is an increasing problem in the UK. The crime often occurs through the surreptitious administration of a drug into a victims drink, rendering the victim unable to resist the assault. The detection of these drugs in a biological specimen from the victim is one of the most challenging facets of forensic chemistry. Drug concentrations can be very low, as often only a single dose is administered, and the pharmacodynamics of commonly employed drugs further hinders the testing process. The research presented in this work shows the development of several new assays for the detection of flunitrazepam, gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) and ethyl glucuronide (EtG) in a variety of biological matrices. New methods of drug testing in blood and urine are demonstrated, as well as interesting developments in the field of hair testing. Using hair to detect drug exposure allows a much wider window of detection than the more traditional matrices of blood and urine. New methods are presented in this work using gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (GCMS/MS) to detect drugs in hair. Validation data is presented along with the results of authentic DFA testing. All aspects of the drug testing procedure have been evaluated, from new extraction techniques utilising water instead of solvents, to novel clean up stages involving the unique combination of SFE and SPME. Several confirmation techniques are explored including single quadrupole, triple quadrupole and ion trap mass spectrometry. In addition to developing assays for DFA cases, the versatility of this type of analytical chemistry is explored in two population studies. The first study evaluates alcohol consumption between two groups; drugs users and non drug users in medico-legal cases. There is an anecdotal belief amongst drug clinic staff that alcohol use is lower in drugs users than it is in non drug users. This study presents the first scientific confirmation of this belief through EtG (an alcohol metabolite) testing in hair of the two groups. The second study investigates whether there is a correlation between EtG and cocaethylene (a metabolite of cocaine only produced in the presence of alcohol) in cocaine users. Results f this study suggest that there is no positive correlation between the two compounds. The research presented in this thesis aims to further the analytical science surrounding FA investigation and provide accurate, sensitive and reliable methodology for drug esting in blood, urine and hair.

Made available in DSpace on 2014-07-29T15:03:32Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 dissertacaoDanilo.pdf: 2147690 bytes, checksum: c918dd24c275d43fcca4fc1283e857a6 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2008-10-03 / Even though the different sizes of cylindrical specimens for tests in concrete are standardized to get the simple compressive strength and the modulus of elasticity, this factor is not usually studied in most researches. So, the goal of this thesis was to evaluate the influence of the size of the specimens in the initial tangent modulus of elasticity (Eci) and in the compressive strength (fc), correlate the values of fc and Eci, and compare the values of modulus of elasticity that were estimated by the equations proposed by the Brazilian code (NBR 6118/2003) and by the American norm (ACI 318/2002). Concretes with three levels of strength were used after 28 days: 25MPa, 30MPa and 40MPa. They were all proportionally mixed with materials of the region and supplied by only one concrete batching plant of Goiânia GO. The tests of compressive strength and initial tangent modulus of elasticity were done in cylindrical specimens of 100 x 200 mm and 150 x 300 mm after 28 days. The samples were collected during the delivery of the concrete in the construction sites. For each truck, ten specimens were molded, five of 100 x 200 mm and five of 150 x 300 mm. Of the 600 specimens that were molded, 240 tests of compressive strength and 360 tests of modulus of elasticity were done. The cure was in a tank with water saturated with limestone. After the tests were done, the statistical analysis of the results was done. The variance analysis (ANOVA) indicated that the size of the specimen exerts influence only on the results of the initial tangent modulus of elasticity (Eci). There is a tendency for the specimens of 100 x 200 mm to show greater results for the modulus of elasticity of the concrete than the specimens of 150 x 300 mm. In the compressive strength, only the level of strength significantly exerted influence on the results. It was also observed that the NBR 6118/2003 overestimates the values of modulus of elasticity of the researched concretes and the results are better adequate to the model proposed by the ACI 318/02. / Apesar dos parâmetros de ensaios, como o tamanho do corpo de prova, influenciarem nos resultados do módulo de deformação e da resistência a compressão, normalmente esse fator não é estudado na maioria das pesquisas. Assim, esta dissertação objetivou avaliar a influência do tamanho dos corpos de prova no módulo de deformação tangente inicial (Eci), e na resistência a compressão (fc), correlacionar os valores de fc e Eci e comparar os valores de módulo de deformação alcançados com os valores estimados pelas equações propostas pela norma brasileira (NBR 6118/2003) e pelo amaericana (ACI 318/2002). Utilizaram-se concretos com três níveis de resistência aos 28 dias: 25MPa, 30MPa e 40Mpa, todos dosados com materiais da região e fornecidos por uma mesma central de concreto de Goiânia - GO. Os ensaios de resistência à compressão e de módulo de deformação tangente inicial foram realizados em corpos de prova cilíndricos de 100 x 200 mm e 150 x 300 mm aos 28 dias. As amostras foram coletadas durante a entrega do concreto nas obras. A cada caminhão, eram moldados dez corpos de prova, cinco de 100 x 200 mm e cinco de 150 x 300 mm. Foram moldados 600 corpos de prova, onde realizaram-se 240 ensaios de resistência à compressão e 360 de módulo de deformação. A cura foi em tanque com água saturada com cal. Após a realização dos ensaios, fez-se a análise estatística dos resultados obtidos. A análise de variância (ANOVA) indicou que o tamanho do corpo de prova exerce influência apenas nos resultados do módulo de deformação tangente inicial (Eci). Houve uma tendência dos corpos de prova de 100 x 200 mm apresentarem maiores resultados para o módulo de deformação do concreto que os corpos de prova 150 x 300 mm. Na resistência à compressão, como já era esperado, apenas a classe de resistência influenciou significativamente nos resultados. Observou-se também que a NBR-6118/2003 superestima os valores de módulo de deformação dos concretos estudados e que os resultados obtidos se adequam melhor ao modelo proposto pelo ACI318/02.

Cette étude présente la caractérisation du comportement mécanique et la tenue en fatigue d’un composite thermoplastique à matrice PEEK renforcée en fibres de carbone courtes pour des applications aéronautiques. La première partie présente la description des matériaux étudiés ainsi que la mise en place d’un protocole de caractérisation de la microstructure. Il est alors mis en avant la nécessité de générer des éprouvettes de caractérisation simples en introduisant le concept d’éprouvettes amincies. Dans un second temps, la méthode d’auto-échauffement en régime transitoire est appliquée en concluant sur l’influence de différents paramètres sur le bilan énergétique tels que la microstructure ou le grade du matériau étudié. La troisième partie présente l’établissement d’une loi de comportement phénoménologique avec une prise en compte locale de l’anisotropie par des approches micromécaniques classiques. Les simulations mécanique et énergétique donnent des résultats corrélant très bien avec l’expérimentale pour une distribution d’orientation proche de 0° et des résultats moins convaincants pour une distribution d’orientation proche de 90°. La dernière partie présente l’utilisation d’un protocole de caractérisation rapide basé sur les essais d’auto-échauffement. Cette approche, validée pour les différents matériaux étudiés, permet de prédire la courbe d’endurance en fatigue déterministe avec une seule éprouvette et en une demi-journée d’essais. Il est également mis en évidence qu’un critère énergétique à deux paramètres est indépendant de la distribution d’orientation, et qu’il est possible de discriminer rapidement en fatigue les différents matériaux étudiés. / This study deals with characterization of the mechanical behavior and the fatigue lifetime of a short carbon fibers reinforced PEEKmatrix thermoplastic composite. The first part presents the description of the materials studied and the implementation of the characterization of the microstructure. It’s then emphasized the need to generate simple characterization samples by introducing the concept of thin specimens. In a second step, the heat build-up protocol is applied on the studied materials. It is then highligthed the influence on the energetic assessment of various parameters as the microstructure or the choice of material. The third part presents the etablishment of a phenomenological law of behavior with a local consideration of anisotropy using conventional micromechanical approaches. The mechanical and energetic simulations give resultats correlating very well with the experimental ones for a distribution of orientation close to 0°. The last part presents the use of the heat build-up technique to predict the fatigue lifetime. This approach uses an energetic criterion with two parameters and is able to predict the deterministic fatigue curve with one sample, in half a day. It is then shown the capability to catch the influence of the variations of matrix grade and fibers content on the fatigue properties and validates the use of the technique for fastmaterials screening.

The practice of obtaining blood as part of the placement of a new peripheral venous access device (p-VAD) is a frequent practice in the emergency department (ED). Of the concerns related to this practice is the possibility of laboratory specimen rejection due to p-VAD catheter size, use of the wrong collection device, and the absence of a standardized collection process. The objective of this study, therefore, was to examine the effect of the use of evidence-based venipuncture and p-VAD blood collection protocols on the rejection rate of blood specimens drawn by staff in the adult areas of an urban academic medical center ED. A convenience sample of 28 ED nurses and 39 ED technicians (51.94% of all eligible ED employees) consented to using these evidence based protocols when they collected blood from adult ED patients. Blood specimen rejections rates were measured for four consecutive weeks prior to and at weeks 1-4, 5-8, 9-12, and 1-12 after the evidence-based blood collection practices training intervention. Laboratory analysis of all specimens was automated with rejection results provided in the form of computerized reports. There was a significant decrease in the 12-week rejection rates for two of the three ED adult care areas, with the overall ED adult area rejection rate significantly decreased from 3.19% to 2.38% (X2at Df1, p < .05). The most common reasons for rejection were hemolysis (65.39%) and clotting (10.68%) followed by specimen mis-labeling, tube missing, insufficient quantity for testing, incorrect packaging, specimen contamination or dilution, and label missing, Though the use of theses evidence based blood collection protocols significantly decreased the overall rejection rate, the high percent of rejections due to hemolysis may further be reduced by having all ED staff use these protocols, and by exploring other collection techniques in the literature that have been found to significantly decrease rejection rates.

Residual state of stress in structural materials affect positively or negatively behaviour of component parts. The goal of this scope is not to deal with possible process of creating residual stresses neither about elimination of residual stress, but is focused how to determine magnitude of residual stress by hole-drilling method. We need to know magnitude and direction (angular orientation) of principal stresses to determine how residual state of stress affects behaviour of specimen. The most widely used modern technique for measuring residual stresses is hole-drilling strain-gage method. Hole-drilling method is in scope of this paper and is restricted only for measuring uniform residual stresses of steel specimens with finite dimensions. Structural, linear, elastic and isotropic material model is used with material properties =0,3 and E=2,1[10]^5 MPa. For correct application of this method we need to determine calibration coefficients “a“ and “b“ first. These coefficients are used to determine magnitude and direction of residual stresses in specific depth and diameter of drilled hole for materials with finite dimensions. Geometry and shape of model is simply represented by block with planar faces. Note that numerical determination of calibration coefficients is useful only for one type of strain gauge rosette RY 61 S. Main goals of this thesis are motivation and request to clearly report effectiveness, accuracy and applicability of calibration coefficients in relation to thickness of specimen, dimensions of drilled hole, condition of “through” or “blind” hole and number of drilled increments. High quality and accuracy of created numerical model is necessary too. Numerical simulation of residual stresses by MKP needs to be done to obtain requested results. All results are presented by 3D, 2D graphs and tables and compared with analytical results or results from other authors. Although is this publication focused on numerical modeling using FEM, hole-drilling method has many significant restrictions. The most substantial of them is influence of eccentricity of drilled hole, creation of stress concentration near drilled area and subsequent plastification, influence of geometrical inaccuracy of hole, etc. All these aspects have significant influence of determining calibration coefficients and can not be included into numerical simulation. These problems are closely discussed in background research. All obtained results should be helpful for practical use of calculated calibration coefficients to determine uniform residual stresses of specimens with various thickness and drilled hole. All these results are also applicable only for one type of strain gauge rosette, which is RY 61 S.

Im Rahmen umfangreicher experimenteller Untersuchungen wurden die Bruchspannungen für Textilbeton unter einaxialer, einsinniger Zugbelastung ermittelt. Im Ergebnis liegen variierende Daten vor, die auf eine nichtdeterministische (unscharfe) Bruchspannung hinweisen. Die Versuchsergebnisse stellen eine moderate Datenbasis für eine statistische Auswertung und Quantifikation der Unschärfe dar. Zur Berücksichtigung der unscharfen Bruchspannung bei der Bemessung mittels einfacher Handrechnungen muss ein deterministischer Sicherheitsabstand eingeführt werden. Der Sicherheitsabstand wird in den derzeit gültigen Normen mit Teilsicherheitsbeiwerten festgelegt, die ein ebenso normativ vorgegebenes Sicherheitsniveau gewährleisten sollten. In diesem Kontext werden im Beitrag auf der Basis von Zuverlässigkeitsbetrachtungen ermittelte Teilsicherheitsbeiwerte für Textilbeton mit AR-Glas- und Carbon-Bewehrung vorgeschlagen. / In the framework of a comprehensive experimental program the ultimate strength of textile reinforced concrete has been determined under consideration of uniaxial tensile load. In result varying data are available which indicate a non-deterministic (uncertain) strength. The experimental results provide a moderate basis for statistical evaluations and the quantification of uncertainty. Furthermore, manual calculation in structural design requires a certain safety distance. For this task, partial safety factors have been defined and incorporated in the design codes to ensure a predefined safety level. In this context, this paper gives suggestions for the definition of partial safety factors for textile reinforced concrete with AR glass and carbon reinforcement.

The overall objective of this study was to develop an optimised Ultra-High-Performance Concrete (UHPC) matrix based on the modified Andreasen and Andersen optimum particle packing model by using available South African materials. The focus of this study was to determine the optimum combined fibre and superplasticiser content for UHPC by using a response surface design. The UHPC was appropriately designed, produced and tested. Various changes in mechanical properties resulting from different combinations of steel fibre and superplasticiser contents was investigated. The flowability, density and mechanical properties of the designed UHPC were measured and analysed. Both the fibre and superplasticiser content play a significant role in the flowability of the fresh concrete. The addition of fibres significantly improved the strength of the concrete. The results show that the superplasticiser content can be increased if a more workable mix is required without decreasing the strength significantly. The statistical analysis of the response surface methodology confirms that the designed models can be used to navigate the design space defined by the Central Composite Design. The optimum combined fibre and superplasticiser content depend on the required mechanical properties and cost. Using the modified Andreasen and Andersen particle packing model and surface response design methodology, it is possible to efficiently produce a dense Ultra-High-Performance Fibre Reinforced Concrete (UHPFRC) with a relatively low binder amount, low fibre content and good workability. The effect of heat curing on the mechanical properties was investigated. It was concluded that heat curing is not recommended when considering the long-term strength development. The estimated strength development of concrete obtained by using the fib Model Code 2010 (2013) does not incorporate the detrimental effect of high curing temperatures on long-term strength and therefore overestimate the long-term strengths. The strength estimates for both early and long-term ages can be improved by considering this effect in the strength development functions obtained from fib Model Code 2010 (2013). The effect of specimen size on the compressive and flexural tensile strength of UHPFRC members were established. It was found that the specimen size has a significant effect on the measured cube compressive strength. Smaller beam specimens showed higher ductility compared to those of the larger beam specimens. The crack width decreased as the beam’s depth decreased. A lower variability was experienced in the beams with limited depth (< 45 mm). Further testing is required to determine whether a span-to-depth ratio of 10 would yield optimum results. The utilisation of by-products, such as undensified silica fume and fly ash, as cement replacement materials makes UHPFRC sustainable, leading to a reduced life-cycle cost. The calculated Embodied Energy per unit strength (EE/unit strength) and Embodied Carbon per unit strength (EC/unit strength) values for the UHPFRC mixture yield lower values compared to that of the 30 MPa concrete mixture, indicating that UHPFRC can be used to reduce the environmental footprint of the concrete industry. The inverse analysis method used was successful in providing an improved simplified stress-strain response for the UHPFRC. The analysis provided valuable information into the stress-strain, load-deflection and moment-curvature responses of the UHPFRC. Standard material test results were used to theoretically calculate moment-curvature responses and were then compared to the experimental results obtained. The study demonstrated that it is possible to efficiently produce a dense and workable UHPFRC with relatively low binder amount and low fibre content. This can result in more cost-effective UHPFRC, thus improving the practical application thereof. / Dissertation (MEng)--University of Pretoria, 2020. / Civil Engineering / MEng (Structural engineering) / Unrestricted

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