Thesis advisor: Peter Clote / In addition to the well-characterized messenger RNA, transfer RNA and ribosomal RNA, many new classes of noncoding RNA(ncRNA) have been discovered in the past few years. ncRNA has been shown to play important roles in multiple regulation and development processes. The increasing needs for RNA structural analysis software provide great opportunities on computational biologists. In this thesis I present three highly non-trivial RNA parametric structural analysis algorithms: 1) RNAhairpin and RNAmultiloop, which calculate parition functions with respect to hairpin number, multiloop number and multiloop order, 2) RNAshapeEval, which is based upon partition function calculation with respect to a fixed abstract shape, and 3) RNAprofileZ, which calculates the expected partition function and ensemble free energy given an RNA position weight matrix.I also describe the application of these software in biological problems, including evaluating purine riboswitch aptamer full alignment sequences to adopt their consensus shape, building hairpin and multiloop profiles for certain Rfam families, tRNA and pseudoknotted RNA secondary structure predictions. These algorithms hold the promise to be useful in a broad range of biological problems such as structural motifs search, ncRNA gene finders, canonical and pseudoknotted secondary structure predictions. / Thesis (MS) — Boston College, 2010. / Submitted to: Boston College. Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. / Discipline: Biology.

Essa dissertação consiste de uma revisão dos resultados clássicos sobre a termodinâmica de buracos negros bem como de uma análise crítica das extensões recentes da relação entre a termodinâmica e a dinâmica gravitacional e suas implicações. / This dissertation consists of a revision of the classical results concerning the thermodynamics of black holes as well as a critical analysis of the recent extensions of the relationship between thermodynamics and the gravitational dynamics and its implications.

Orientador: Edson Denis Leonel / Banca: Paulo César Rech / Banca: Dario Antonio Donatti / Banca: / Resumo: Neste trabalho investigamos algumas propriedades dinâmicas para um ensemble de partículas no modelo bouncer dissipativo. O modelo consiste de uma partícula clássica (ou um ensemble delas), sob ação de um campo gravitacional constante, colidindo contra uma parede que oscila no tempo. As equações que descrevem o modelo completo abrangem dois tipos de colisões: (i) diretas e; (ii) as indiretas. Existe ainda uma versão simplificada do modelo que é equivalente ao Mapa Padrão de Chirikov. Este por sua vez exibe uma transição de caos local para caos global quando o parâmetro ε atinge um valor crítico. O modelo conservativo preserva área no espaço de fases e pode exibir crescimento ilimitado de energia, fenômeno conhecido como Aceleração de Fermi. O fenômeno é suprimido através da introdução de dissipação via colisões inelásticas. A transição entre crescimento ilimitado e limitado de energia é descrita através de hipóteses de escala. Estas conduzem a uma função homogênea generalizada que fornece duas leis de escala, validadas através dos expoentes críticos. A expressão analítica da velocidade quadrática média das partículas nos leva ao cálculo dos mesmos expoentes da transição, obtidos de forma independente das simulações. Uma sobreposição de curvas Vrms vs. n valida os expoentes críticos obtidos. A conexão do modelo bouncer com a Termodinâmica é obtida através do desenvolvimento de uma expressão para a Entropia, em concordância com o 3o Postulado da Termodinâmica / Abstract: In this work we investigate some dynamical properties for an ensemble of particles in a dissipative bouncer model. The model consists of a classical particle (or an ensemble of them) colliding against a wall that oscillates as function of the time, under the action of a constant gravitational field. The equations that describe the complete model include two types of collisions: (i) direct and; (ii) indirect. There is a simplified version of the model which is equivalent to Chirikov's standard map. The map shows a transition from local to global chaos when the parameter " reaches a critical value. The conservative model preserves the phase space area and, depending on the initial conditions as well as control parameter, can show unlimited growth of energy, a phenomenon known as Fermi acceleration. The phenomenon is suppressed by introducing dissipation via inelastic collisions. The transition between unlimited and limited growth of energy is described by scaling hypothesis. Such scaling leads to a generalized homogeneous function that provides two scaling laws, validated by well defined critical exponents. The analytical expression of the mean square velocity of particles leads to the calculation of these exponents of the transition, obtained independently of the simulations. An overlap of the curves Vrms vs. n validates the critical exponents obtained. The connection of the bouncer model with Thermodynamics is obtained by developing an expression for the Entropy, in agreement with the 3rd Postulate of Thermodynamics / Mestre

Comprehensive evaluation of changes in streamflow extremes and characteristics due to climate change and variability is the main focus of this study. Available streamflow data at several gaging stations in least anthropologically affected watersheds of the Southeastern Gulf-Atlantic Region, were used for this analysis. To evaluate influences due to climate change, nonparametric trend tests were applied to annual and monthly extremes, while considering seasonality, along with changes in streamflow characteristics. To understand climate variability influences, streamflow data is partitioned in to cool and warm phases of four oceanic and atmospheric oscillations known to have an effect on hydroloclimatology of the region: El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO), Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO); Atlantic Multi-decadal Oscillation (AMO); and North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO). Generally, results showed decreasing trends in overall streamflow extremes, as well as spatially varying, temporally non-uniform influences of climate variability on streamflow extremes and characteristics. / Includes bibliography. / Thesis (M.S.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2016. / FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection

One of the major causes of structural repairs worldwide is the corrosion of reinforced concrete structures, such as residential buildings and piers, which are exposed to harsh marine environments. This investigation aims to provide experimental evidence of the fire resistance of corroded high strength reinforced concrete. For this, 14 reinforced concrete beams of three different concrete mix designs (different strengths) were prepared along with concrete cylinders for compression strength testing (ASTM C39). After proper moist curing, all beams were corroded, in two phases, with impressed current, then “crack scored ”for corrosion evaluation, after which half were exposed to fire, also in two phases, following the ASTM E-119-12 time-temperature curve, using a gas kiln. The fire damage was evaluated and compared between phases by using Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity technology. Finally, all specimens were tested for flexural strength by using the third-point loading method (ASTM C78) and the effects of fire on the corroded beams were analyzed according to the level of corrosion. / Includes bibliography. / Thesis (M.S.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2014. / FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection

A introdução de uma nova expressão matemática para a entropia permite construir novos ensembles na Teoria das Matrizes Aleatórias. Neste trabalho, apresenta-se uma estrutura geral para construção de todos os possíveis ensemble. Portanto, os elementos das matrizes podem ser números reais, complexos ou mesmo quaternions. O principio da entropia (não-extensiva) máxima e o Cálculo Variacional são usados para realizar essa façanha. Esta tese está comprometida com a construção do Ensemble Ortogonal Generalizado, cujas matrizes aleatórias são simétricas e seus elementos são os números reais, especificamente. As distribuições das matrizes, as distribuições de um elemento da matriz e as estatísticas espectrais são obtidas, estudadas e os resultados apresentados. / The introduction of a new mathematical expression for the entropy allows the construction of new ensembles in Random Matrices Theory. A general structure is presented to the construction of all possible ensembles. Therefore the matrix\'s elements can be real numbers, complex numbers or even quaternions. The generalized of the maximum entropy (nonextensive) principle and the variational calculus are to use to realize this achievement. This thesis concerned with the construction of the Generalized Orthogonal Ensemble, whose random matrices are symetric and its elements are real numbers. The matrix distribuit ion, the distribuition of an element of the matrix and the spectrum statistical were to obtained, studied and the results presented.

Cada vez mais a gestão de projetos está presente no dia-a-dia das grandes organizações principalmente visando à redução das perdas por não conformidade na gestão de seus projetos e à conseqüente maximização dos lucros das empresas. Problemas como estes levam à definição de medidas relacionadas ao sucesso e às perdas financeiras dos projetos, modelos de análise e principalmente de estudos de melhorias para redução destas perdas, com definição inclusive de quais os fatores críticos que tornam os projetos bem sucedidos. Esta dissertação propõe uma modelagem para a medida da eficiência da gestão de projetos por meio de uma analogia entre a teoria Termodinâmica e os processos do ciclo de vida de um projeto, caracterizados pelas suas atividades, fases e subprojetos. Entende-se o conceito de eficiência como a divisão entre o custo planejado de um projeto ou processo do mesmo e o custo real ocorrido, ou seja, o grau de sucesso do gerenciamento de um projeto, medido financeiramente. O modelo proposto relaciona os modelos e equações termodinâmicas, principalmente com referência às medidas de eficiência térmica em uma turbina, com os processos de um projeto. Modelam-se então para cada atividade, fase ou subprojeto um processo, equações análogas, descritas com as variáveis da metodologia de gerenciamento do valor agregado, que permitem o cálculo das perdas no processo estudado e principalmente da eficiência da atividade, fase ou subprojeto. Identificaram-se três grupos que influem na eficiência como fatores de \'geração de entropia\', analogamente à Termodinâmica: complexidade, incerteza e maturidade da organização. Estudos de caso mostram a fundamentação do modelo proposto, e a relação entre os fatores críticos de sucesso propostos e a eficiência dos projetos estudados. / More and more the project management is inside the international corporations, mainly due to their needs of reducing the non conformance costs generated by their projects and maximizing their profits. Those problems lead to the need of determination of measures related to project success, project\'s losses, analysis\' models and studies concerning losses reduction, including the definition of the critical factors for project\'s success. This dissertation proposes a model capable of measuring the project management efficiency through an analogy between the Thermodynamics and the project\'s life cycle processes, presented by their activities, phases and subprojects. The efficiency concept is defined by the comparison between the planned costs and the actual costs in a project, or in other words, the level of financial success of the project management. The analogy correlates the models and equations from the Thermodynamics, specially the ones referring to the efficiency in a turbine with the project\'s processes. So, for every activity, phase or subproject, the equations and models are described using the earned value management methodology, allowing the calculation of the process\' losses and especially the process\' efficiency. Three groups of factors that act as \'entropy generators\' were identified, according to the analogy: complexity, uncertainty and organizational maturity. Case studies showed that the analogy proposed is well based, as well as the relation between the three success factors and the project efficiency.

Lee Joy Yan Agatha. / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 1999. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves [112]-114). / Text in English; abstracts in English and Chinese. / Lee Joy Yan Agatha. / Abstract --- p.ii / Acknowledgement --- p.iii / Contents --- p.iv / List of Figures --- p.viii / List of Tables --- p.xii / Chapter Chapter 1. --- Introduction --- p.1 / Chapter Chapter 2. --- The Transfer Integral Equation Method --- p.3 / Chapter 2.1 --- The System --- p.3 / Chapter 2.1.1 --- The Hamiltonian --- p.4 / Chapter 2.1.2 --- The length parameter --- p.5 / Chapter 2.1.3 --- The temperature parameter --- p.5 / Chapter 2.2 --- The Transfer Integral Equation --- p.6 / Chapter 2.2.1 --- The partition function --- p.6 / Chapter 2.2.2 --- The transfer integral equation --- p.6 / Chapter 2.2.3 --- The pseudo-Schrodinger equation approximation --- p.7 / Chapter 2.2.4 --- Distribution function of the displacements --- p.9 / Chapter 2.3 --- The Thermodynamics --- p.10 / Chapter 2.3.1 --- Internal energy and heat capacity --- p.10 / Chapter 2.3.2 --- Displacement fluctuation --- p.12 / Chapter 2.3.3 --- Displacement correlation function --- p.12 / Chapter Chapter 3. --- The Φ4 Chain --- p.14 / Chapter 3.1 --- Soliton In The Chain --- p.15 / Chapter 3.1.1 --- Kink soliton and antikink soliton --- p.15 / Chapter 3.1.2 --- Energy of a static kink --- p.18 / Chapter 3.2 --- Low Temperature WKB Approximation for the Φ4 Chain --- p.20 / Chapter 3.2.1 --- The ground state energy ε0 and tunneling-splitting contribution --- p.20 / Chapter 3.2.2 --- First order WKB approximation of ΨRo( φ) --- p.22 / Chapter 3.2.3 --- Second order WKB wavefunction ΨRo( φ)） --- p.26 / Chapter 3.2.4 --- Third order WKB wavefunction for ΨRo( φ) --- p.27 / Chapter 3.3 --- Thermodynamics --- p.28 / Chapter 3.3.1 --- Ground state energy ε0 and wavefunction Ψo( φ) --- p.28 / Chapter 3.3.2 --- Internal energy and heat capacity --- p.33 / Chapter 3.3.3 --- Displacement correlation function --- p.36 / Chapter Chapter 4. --- Other Nonlinear Klein-Gordon Models --- p.42 / Chapter 4.1 --- The φ8 Chain --- p.42 / Chapter 4.1.1 --- The potential --- p.42 / Chapter 4.1.2 --- The ground state energy εo and wavefunction Ψo( φ) --- p.44 / Chapter 4.1.3 --- Internal energy and heat capacity --- p.49 / Chapter 4.1.4 --- Displacement correlation function cyy(n) --- p.51 / Chapter 4.2 --- The Gaussian-Double-Well Chains --- p.53 / Chapter 4.2.1 --- The potential --- p.53 / Chapter 4.2.2 --- The ground state energy εo and wavefunction ψo --- p.55 / Chapter 4.2.3 --- Internal energy and heat capacity --- p.58 / Chapter 4.2.4 --- Displacement correlation function cyy(n) --- p.59 / Chapter 4.3 --- Comparison Between Different NKG Models --- p.61 / Chapter 4.3.1 --- The potentials --- p.61 / Chapter 4.3.2 --- Ground state energy εo and wavefunction ψo(ψ) --- p.65 / Chapter 4.3.3 --- Internal energy and heat capacity --- p.68 / Chapter 4.3.4 --- Displacement fluctuation --- p.70 / Chapter 4.3.5 --- Displacement correlation function cyy(n) --- p.71 / Chapter 4.4 --- Linear Response of a NKG Chain to a Static Perturbing Field --- p.75 / Chapter 4.4.1 --- The external perturbing field --- p.75 / Chapter 4.4.2 --- The linear response --- p.75 / Chapter 4.4.3 --- Linear response of an array of weakly coupled NKG chains --- p.80 / Chapter Chapter 5. --- Quantum Corrections --- p.86 / Chapter 5.1 --- The Effective Potential --- p.86 / Chapter 5.1.1 --- The smearing parameter --- p.86 / Chapter 5.1.2 --- The effective potential --- p.88 / Chapter 5.2 --- Quantum Corrections on Thermodynamics --- p.90 / Chapter 5.2.1 --- The ground state energy εo and wavefunction ψo(ψ) --- p.90 / Chapter 5.2.2 --- The heat capacity --- p.94 / Chapter 5.2.3 --- Displacement correlation function and displacement fluctuation --- p.97 / Chapter Chapter 6. --- Conclusion --- p.103 / Appendix A. Infinite-Square-Well Basis Diagonalization --- p.105 / Appendix B. Oscillator Basis Diagonalization --- p.110 / Bibliography --- p.112

"A series of one dimensional horizontal infiltration experiments were performed to investigate the predictive capabilities of the Kao and Hunt model. By modifying pristine laboratory apparatus, a reasonable range of soil temperatures was achieved. Experiments were run at approximately 5°C, 20°C, and 35°C. Distilled water was used as an infiltrating liquid and silica powder was used as soil. The infiltrating liquid was dispensed into the column at zero pressure head. The results of the experiments show that the model is adaptable to a range of temperature conditions by modifying terms for the liquid effects of the model, viscosity and surface tension. Experimental data and model predictions differed by 30 percent at most. Although the change in the rate of infiltration across the range of temperatures is perceivable, it is small in comparison to the effects caused by heterogeneity encountered in nature. "

Thesis (M.S.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Chemical Engineering, 1982. / MICROFICHE COPY AVAILABLE IN ARCHIVES AND SCIENCE / Bibliography: leaves 63-64. / by Karen Marie Klincewicz. / M.S.