O comportamento reológico de suspensões concentradas heterogêneas como concretos e argamassas possui influência direta na energia requerida e na produtividade durante o processamento e aplicação destes materiais, além de ser um fator determinante na obtenção de um produto final qualidade. De um modo geral pode-se dizer que a fluidez destas suspensões está diretamente relacionada à facilidade de movimentação das partículas, logo pode-se inferir que a redução dos fenômenos atrito é um fator determinante para o bom desempenho destas suspensões durante o fluxo. Deste modo, este trabalho buscou por meio de modelos ideais de esferas e silicone líquido avaliar a influência do coeficiente de atrito dos agregados e da viscosidade da matriz no comportamento reológico de suspensões concentradas. O coeficiente de atrito de agregados esféricos com diferentes granulometrias foi determinado experimentalmente através do ensaio de cisalhamento direto, também conhecido como shear box, e o comportamento reológico de suspensões compostas por estes agregados e silicones líquidos de diferentes viscosidades foram avaliadas por meio do ensaio de squeeze flow. Os resultados revelam que a distribuição granulométrica possui um influência no coeficiente de atrito dos agregados e que esta propriedades está relacionada a área e ao tipo de contato entre as partículas. Entretanto, para o tipo de fluxo e para as velocidades as suspensões, não houve uma relação direta entre o coeficiente dos agregados e a viscosidade da suspensão. Além disto, apesar de alterar o comportamento reológico das suspensões a viscosidade da matriz não apresentou uma relação direta com viscosidade da suspensão, o que em partes ser explicados pela provável ocorrência de um fluxo não homogêneo das suspensões nas condições aqui estudadas. / The rheological behavior of concentrated suspensions like concrete and mortars plays an important hole during their processing and application, and also has a great influence on the final product quality. The flowability of these suspensions is directly related to the ease of particle motion in the system, therefore reduction of friction phenomena contributes for a good flow behavior. The aim of this work was to determine the influences of aggregates friction coefficient and the liquid viscosity of the fluid matrix on the rheological behavior of concentrated suspensions. The friction coefficient of glass spheres with different particle size distributions were determined by shear box tests, while the rheological behavior of concentrated suspensions composed by these glass spheres and silicone oils was evaluated by squeeze flow tests. Results revealed that the particle size distribution influences the coefficient of friction, and this property is determined by the type and the area of contact between the particles. However, for the kind of flow and the speed used in the experiments, there was no relation between friction coefficient and the suspension viscosity. Additionally, matrix viscosity has an impact on the rheological behavior of the system, but no clear relation was identified, which may be caused by the occurrence of heterogeneous flow under the applied experimental conditions.

Protein aggregation, oligomer and fibril formation is one of the dominant characteristics in the pathogenesis of a number of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Inhibition of toxic oligomer and fibril formation is one of the approaches to find potential drug candidates for AD. Additionally, early diagnosis of these amyloid species can provide mechanistic understanding of protein aggregation and thus can pave the way for preventing the onset of AD. The aim of this dissertation was 1) to explore the effects of charged cholesterol derivatives on the aggregation kinetic behavior of Amyloid-β40 (Aβ40), 2) to probe Aβ40 oligomer and amyloid formation in vitro using gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), and 3) to monitor the kinetic effect of various natural product molecules on Aβ40 aggregation in vitro. In the first chapter, a general introduction about AD as an amyloidogenic disease, amyloid cascade hypothesis, and the manipulation of Aβ peptides aggregation kinetics using different approaches was presented. In the second chapter, we studied the effects of oppositely charged cholesterol derivatives on the aggregation kinetics of Aβ. In the third chapter, we developed a gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) assay to probe Aβ40 oligomers and amyloid formation. In chapter IV, we monitored the effects of various small molecules on the aggregation kinetics of Aβ40. In chapter V, we discussed the methods and experimental details. / Includes bibliography. / Dissertation (Ph.D.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2018. / FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection

In their natural environments microorganisms exist predominantly in aggregates and biofilms. The ability of bacteria to form aggregates is associated with the biosynthesis of polymers such as polysaccharides. In this study the physical mechanisms underlying bacterial aggregation by extracellular polysaccharides are investigated by utilising the bacterium Sinorhizobium meliloti. S. meliloti biosynthesises an extracellular polysaccharide called succinoglycan, which is well characterised in terms of its structure and biosynthesis. A range of previously constructed succinoglycan biosynthesis mutants were screened for altered aggregation. An S. meliloti exoS mutant (a gain of function mutation that results in a constitutively active two component regulator called ExoS) overproduces succinoglycan and has enhanced aggregation compared to the parent strain, Rm1021. The aggregates settle to the bottom of the culture vessel resulting in loss of turbidity of the cultures and phase separation. Microscopic observation showed that succinoglycan did not appear to be attached to the aggregates, which formed ordered structures of laterally aligned cells. By addition of purified succinoglycan it was found that the critical concentration of polymer required to induce aggregation and phase separation of the cultures decreased with increasing cell concentration. These observations suggest that aggregation of S. meliloti cultures in the presence of succinoglycan is driven by macromolecular crowding, otherwise known as depletion attraction. Depletion attraction can drive the ordered arrangement and aggregation of colloidal particles in the presence of polymers. Aggregation of the particles increases the volume available to the polymers, maximising their entropy and the entropy of the system. Addition of succinoglycan to stationary phase Escherichia coli cultures and polystyrene colloids also resulted in aggregation consistent with depletion attraction. Furthermore alternative polymers such as the bacterial extracellular polysaccharide xanthan produced by Xanthomonas campestris can result in aggregation of bacteria by depletion attraction. Depletion attraction may therefore be a ubiquitous force driving aggregation of crowded dispersions of bacteria and polymers. The second part of the thesis focuses on how depletion driven aggregation can lead to surface-associated biofilm formation. Imaging of the sediment formed by the exoS mutant showed that the structure formed at the base of the culture vessel leads to development of an ordered structure composed of interlinked aggregates. The role of succinoglycan in surface attachment is complex and varies with culture conditions. Depletion attraction may facilitate interaction with a surface but alternative factors may then play a role in anchoring the cells to the surface. Under certain conditions the cells may produce factors which allow binding of the cells to a surface independently of succinoglycan. This study has demonstrated for the first time that an extracellular polysaccharide produced by bacteria can result in aggregation via depletion attraction which may be an under explored mechanism by which aggregation of bacteria can occur.

Made available in DSpace on 2017-07-25T19:31:04Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Ariane Lentice de Paula.pdf: 1722376 bytes, checksum: c8624e6fac60c0feeda5de3290e79f6b (MD5) Previous issue date: 2017-03-28 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / The water dispersible clay study contributes to monitoring possible improvements or deteriorations in soilstructure. This work aimed to evaluate water dispersible clay in Oxissols after a long time no tillage. The experiment was carried out at "Capão da Onça" School Farm, belonging to State University of Ponta Grossa-UEPG. A toposequence was identified in the area, and divided into three parts: upper third (UT), middle third (MT) Lower third (LT). In each toposequence, three systematic sampling was carried out, with a regular mesh of 5x4 m implantation, with 20 demarcated points, a meter distanced each other. The soil samples were collected with a metal cylinderin the superficial layer (0,00-0,05 m). The indicators of soil structural stability, readily dispersible clay (RDC), mechanically dispersed clay (MDC) and water dispersible clay (WDC) were determined. For RDC determination, the turbidimetry method was used. For MDC determination, the same procedure was followed for RDC, however, a longer sample shaking time was used. The WDC determination used the similar methodology for granulometric analysis determination, without chemical dispersant use. The RDC, MDC and WDC levels were correlated with physical and chemical soil attributes. The RDC showed correlation with clay, sand, P, K+, Ca2+ and Mg2+. MDC showed correlation with clay, sand, K+ and Mg2+, while WDC showed correlation only with Ca2+. The third toposequence components presented almost in RDC levels, and there was no difference between them. In these areas, when there is a brief increase in energy inputs, it was observed that the dispersion was approximately two or three times higher, when RDC and MDC levels are compared. However, MDC levels didn‟t differ in the proportions in the samples. When soil samples were subjected to high energy inputs, as in WDC case, the dispersion increased approximately fifteen times. These results suggest that, under field conditions, dispersion clay in these soil samples maybe primarily due to the effect external mechanical forces. It was concluded that these soils presented low clay dispersion. However, the dispersion can increase significantly if they are subjected to high energy inputs, for example the intense machine‟s traffic. / O estudo de argila dispersa em água contribui para o monitoramento de possíveis melhorias ou deteriorações na estrutura do solo. Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar argila dispersa em água em Latossolo após longo tempo de plantio direto. O experimento foi realizado na Fazenda Escola “Capão da Onça” pertencente a Universidade Estadual de Ponta Grossa-UEPG. Na área foi identificada uma topossequência quefoi dividida em três partes: Terço Superior (TS), Terço Médio (TM) e Terço Inferior (TI). Em cada terço realizou-se amostragem sistemática, com a implantação de uma malha regular de 5x4m, com 20 pontos demarcados, distanciados a cada metro. As amostras de solo foram coletadas na camada superficial (0,00–0,05 m), com auxílio de um cilindro metálico. Os indicadores de estabilidade estrutural do solo, argila prontamente dispersa em água (APDA), argila mecanicamente dispersa em água (AMDA) e argila dispersa em água (ADA) foram determinados. Para a determinação da APDA utilizou-se o método da turbidimetria. Para a determinação da AMDA seguiu-se o mesmo procedimento da APDA, com tempo maior para a agitação das amostras. A determinação da ADA utilizou a metodologia semelhante para a determinação da análise granulométrica, sem uso de dispersante químico.Os teores de APDA, AMDA e ADA foram correlacionados com atributos físicos e químicos do solo. A APDA apresentou correlação com a argila, areia, P, K+, Ca2+ e Mg2+. A AMDA apresentou correlação com argila, areia, K+ e Mg2+ enquanto que a ADA apresentou correlação apenas com o Ca2+. Os terços componentes da topossequência apresentaram teores quase nulos de APDA, não havendo diferença entre eles. Nestas áreas, quando se teve um breve aumento nas entradas de energia, observou-se que a dispersão foi aproximadamente duas a três vezes mais elevada, quando se compara os teores de APDA e AMDA. Contudo, os teores de AMDA não diferiram nas proporções amostradas. Quando se submeteu as amostras de solo a altas entradas de energias, como no caso da ADA, a dispersão aumentou aproximadamente quinze vezes. Estes resultados sugerem que, sob condições de campo, a dispersão de argila nestas amostras de solo, podem ser primeiramente advindas do efeito de forças mecânicas externas. Conclui-se que estes solos apresentam baixa dispersão de argila. No entanto, a dispersão pode aumentar significativamente se os mesmos forem submetidos a altas entradas de energias, a exemplo do intenso tráfego de máquinas.

In 1987, Congress authorized a 5 year $150 million dollar research program called the Strategic Highway Research Program (SHRP). SHRP was divided into four major areas, including the asphalt research program. The asphalt research program was divided into six major research contracts, one such contract, SHRP-003A was called Performance Related Testing and Measuring of Asphalt Aggregate Interaction and Mixtures. Oregon State University performed the portion of this contract related to the development and validation of accelerated test procedures for aging, low temperature cracking, and moisture sensitivity of asphalt-aggreagte mixtures. This thesis contains five independent papers that discuss elements of the development, validation, and or implementation of these accelerated test procedures. In the first paper, the relationship between field performance and laboratory aging properties of asphalt-aggregate mixtures is discussed, including the relative importance of asphalt binder and aggregate type on the amount of aging experience. Based on this work recommended aging procedures are presented to simulate different environmental conditions and pavement age. The second paper makes use of the large body of resilient modulus data conducted as part of the SHRP research effort to compare data obtain in the diametral and the triaxial mode. It is not possible to give a relationship between triaxial and diametral resilient modulus, without describing specimen geometry and other test conditions. The third paper discusses the effect of aging on the thermal cracking properties of asphalt-aggregate mixtures. The temperature at which aging occurs affects the way cold temperature fracture properties change with time. Low temperatures result in quenching of the aging process, while high temperatures result in continued aging. The fourth paper discusses work conducted in association with the Oregon Department of Transportation to extend the environmental conditioning system (ECS) test procedure for moisture assessment to open graded mixtures. Comparison in the ECS of mixtures with and without anti-strip agents added indicates that they don't always decrease moisture damage potential. The final paper presents a discussion of asphalt chemistry and its relationship to asphalt-aggregate mixture performance. Using the SHRP asphalt model, aging and low temperature performance data collected at Oregon State University is explained. / Graduation date: 1995

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Washington, 2006. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 191-196).

Thesis (M.A. in applied economics)--Washington State University, May 2007. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 71-73).

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Hong Kong, 2005. / Title proper from title frame. Also available in printed format.

Aggregate strength, gradation, and shape play a vital role in controlling asphalt mixture performance. Many studies have demonstrated the effects of these factors on asphalt mixture performance in terms of resistance to fatigue cracking and rutting. This study introduces numerical and analytical approaches supported with imaging techniques for studying the interrelated effects of aggregate strength, gradation, and shape on resistance of asphalt mixtures to fracture. The numerical approach relies on the discrete element method (DEM). The main advantage of this approach is the ability to account for the interaction between the internal structure distribution and aggregate properties in the analysis of asphalt mixture response and performance. The analytical approach combines aggregate strength variability and internal force distribution in an asphalt mixture to predict the probability of aggregate fracture. The numerical and analytical approaches were calibrated and verified using laboratory tests on various aggregate types and mixtures. Consequently these approaches were used to: (1) determine the resistance of various mixture types with different aggregate properties to fracture, (2) study the effects of aggregate strength variability on fracture, (3) quantify the influence of blending different types of aggregate on mixture strength, (4) develop a mathematical expression for calculating the probability of aggregate fracture within asphalt mixture, and (5) relate cracking patterns (cohesive: aggregate - aggregate and matrix - matrix, and adhesive: aggregate - matrix) in an asphalt mixture to internal structure distribution and aggregate properties. The results of this dissertation established numerical and analytical techniques that are useful for developing a virtual testing environment of asphalt mixtures. Such a virtual testing environment would be capable of relating the microscopic response of asphalt mixtures to the properties of the mixture constituents and internal structure distribution. The virtual testing environment would be an inexpensive mean to evaluate the influence of changing different material and design factors on the mixture response.

Particles in Saturn’s main rings range in size from dust to even kilometer-sized objects. Their size distribution is thought to be a result of competing accretion and fragmentation processes. While growth is naturally limited in tidal environments, frequent collisions among these objects may contribute to both accretion and fragmentation. As ring particles are primarily made of water ice attractive surface forces like adhesion could significantly influence these processes, finally determining the resulting size distribution. Here, we derive analytic expressions for the specific self-energy Q and related specific break-up energy Q⋆ of aggregates. These expressions can be used for any aggregate type composed of monomeric constituents. We compare these expressions to numerical experiments where we create aggregates of various types including: regular packings like the face-centered cubic (fcc), Ballistic Particle Cluster Aggregates (BPCA), and modified BPCAs including e.g. different constituent size distributions. We show that accounting for attractive surface forces such as adhesion a simple approach is able to: a) generally account for the size dependence of the specific break-up energy for fragmentation to occur reported in the literature, namely the division into “strength” and “gravity” regimes, and b) estimate the maximum aggregate size in a collisional ensemble to be on the order of a few meters, consistent with the maximum aggregate size observed in Saturn’s rings of about 10m. / Die Ringe des Saturns bestehen aus Myriaden von Teilchen, deren Größe von Mikrometern (Staub) bis hin zu Hunderten von Metern reicht. Die Ringteilchen bestehen hauptsächlich aus Eis, wobei attraktive Oberflächenkräfte wie Adhäsion und Gravitation zur Bildung von Aggregaten führen kann. Das Wachstum der Aggregate wird durch die Wirkung der Gezeitenkräfte und auch durch Kollisionen der Ringteilchen untereinander auf natürliche Weise begrenzt. Die Kollisionen der Ringteilchen führen zu Akkretion und Fragmentation, welche die resultierende Größenverteilung der Agglomerate schließlich bestimmen. In dieser Arbeit wurden Ausdrücke für die spezifische Eigenenergie Q der Aggregate und der in Relation stehenden spezifischen Fragmentationsenergie Q* analytisch hergeleitet. Diese Ausdrücke können für alle aus monomeren Teilchen bestehenden Agglomerate verwendet werden. Die analytisch gewonnenen Ergebnisse wurden mit numerischen Experimenten verglichen. In den numerischen Experimenten wurden verschiedene Agglomerattypen erzeugt: (i) Agglomerate mit kubischem Kristallsystem, (ii) ballistische Teilchenaggregate und (iii) modifiziert ballistische Teilchenaggregate. Für die ballistischen Teilchenaggregate wurden verschiedene Größenverteilungen der Konstituenten verwendet. Als Ergebnis lassen sich die erzeugten Aggregate gemäß ihrer Größe in zwei Gruppen einteilen. Während die kleinen Aggregate hauptsächlich durch die Kontaktkräfte (Adhäsion) zusammengehalten werden, dominiert bei großen Aggregaten (größer als einige Meter) die Gravitationskraft. D.h. wächst aus kleinen Teilchen ein Aggregat, so wird dieses zunächst durch die haftenden Kontakte zwischen den Teilchen zusammengehalten. Wächst das Agglomerat über eine bestimmte Größe, so ist es die Eigengravitation, die den Körper zusammenhält. Damit kann die maximale Gesamtgröße der Aggregate im Kollisionsensemble abgeschätzt werden. Der so bestimmte Wert von einigen Metern stimmt mit der aus Beobachtungen berechneten maximalen Größe der Ringteilchen von rund 10 Metern gut überein.