No description available.

Traditional excess Gibbs energy models in terms of temperature, pressure, and concentration become progressively less effective in describing the thermodynamics of aqueous solutions at temperatures above 300 ¢ªC, and are totally inadequate in the critical region of water. This deficiency is due to the strong ion association and the large property fluctuations (such as density) with small variations in pressure, temperature, and solute concentration around the critical point of water. In this work, a speciation-based model has been developed to describe the thermodynamic properties of aqueous sodium chloride solutions in the critical region of water. The anomalous fluctuation problem is avoided by adopting a residual Helmholtz energy approach in terms of temperature, density, and solute concentration. Partial ion dissociation is accounted for by including an isochoric equilibrium constant equation and a mean spherical approximation in the present model. The present model includes such classical interactions or effects as hard-sphere interactions, dipole-dipole interactions, ion dissociation effects, long-range ion-ion interactions, and a non-classical perturbation term. The related parameters that account for these effects were regressed to fit the measured values in the critical region of water. Densities, compressibility factors, apparent molar volumes, heats of dilution, and apparent isobaric molar heat capacities were used to test the validity of the model. The predicted values in this work agree well with the literature data over a wide range of temperatures (350 to 400 ¢ªC), pressures (17.5 to 40 MPa), and sodium chloride concentrations (0 to 5 mol/kg). Comparisons with other models are also included in this work. This model can be used to predict speciation, solute dissociation reaction, and many other comprehensive properties in aqueous sodium chloride solutions at near-critical conditions.

Par rapport à un fluide Newtonien, les suspensions denses de particules présentent des propriétés rhéologiques différentes. Des comportements rhéofluidifiants ou rhéoépaississants liés à des phénomènes de migration de particules peuvent apparaitre. Pour des suspensions, le taux de cisaillement, la concentration et la taille des particules ont une grande influence sur ce comportement rhéologique (Denn et Morris 2014). Pour observer l'influence de ces facteurs, l'un des meilleurs moyens est de disposer d’un système simple dans lequel tous les facteurs mentionnés ci-dessus sont bien contrôlés. Ceci peut être réalisé par le développement d'une plate-forme expérimentale, sur laquelle les comportements d'écoulement de suspension (profil de vitesse et concentration locale de particules) à des vitesses de cisaillement et des concentrations de particules bien contrôlées peuvent être étudiés. Dans l'étude actuelle, 4 tâches ont été réalisées :1) Le développement d'une nouvelle formulation pour la préparation d’une suspension adaptée en indice de réfraction et en densité basée sur des particules de PMMA. 2) Le développement d'un dispositif expérimental consacré à l'étude des flux de suspension dense sous une large gamme de taux de cisaillement constant. 3) La caractérisation des profils de vitesse des flux de suspension dense sous un dispositif cône-plan utilisant des techniques de micro-PIV. 4) Une mesure préliminaire de la concentration locale de particules de la suspension sous écoulement cône-plan en utilisant des méthodes de traitement d'image. / Compared to general Newtonian fluids, highly concentrated mixtures of particles and fluid, so called dense suspensions, have different rheological properties and fluid dynamic behaviors. Such as, shear-thinning or shear-thickening effect, and apparent slip and particle migration behaviors under certain shear flow conditions. These properties are related to the application of suspension flow in real systems, for example, the blood.For suspensions, shear rate, particle concentration and particle size have a big influence of on their rheological behaviors (Denn and Morris 2014). To observe the influence of these factors, one of the best ways is to start the research from a simple case in which all the above mentioned factors are well controlled. This can be realized by developing such an experimental platform, on which the suspension flow behaviors (velocity profile and local particle concentration) at different shear rates and particle concentrations can be investigated.In the current study, 4 tasks were achieved:1) The development of a new recipe for the preparation of density and refractive index matched suspension with PMMA particles. 2) The development of an experimental set-up devoted to the investigation of dense suspension flow under a large range of constant shear rate. 3) The characterization of the velocity profiles of dense suspension flows under a cone-plate device by using micro-PIV techniques.4) A preliminary measurement of the local particle concentration of the suspension flow by using image processing techniques.

Après avoir identifié l’emploi du genre masculin en français et l’utilisation du mot « homme » comme « dispositifs de désinformation », une recherche-action, menée pendant 10 ans dans une optique de déontologie journalistique sur le moyen d’informer à propos des femmes comme des hommes, en utilisant la langue française, m’a conduite à adopter une marque graphique qui donne forme au genre commun, du point de vue morphosyntaxique. C’est le point médian unique nommé « point de l’altérité (·)» pour son potentiel de reconnaissance de la diversité humaine. Le compte-rendu de cette recherche et sa poursuite en sciences de l’information et de la communication m’ont permis d’élaborer des procédures d’analyses issues de la linguistique fonctionnelle et de la grammaire classique dans ce que j’ai nommé le champ de la « francographie ». L’analyse d’une affiche Tisséo (transport en commun toulousain) a servi de matrice méthodologique pour déployer des mesures de genre en utilisant les notions de féminin /masculin/ hors genre (ex : adverbes, prépositions…), genre arbitraire (ex : une chaise, un tabouret, une personne…) / genre motivé (ex : un ou une instit, un ou une prof…) et genre apparent (ex : instituteur, institutrice, avocat, avocate…) / genre non apparent (ex : journaliste, architecte, notaire…). Enfin, des propositions didactiques sont présentées comme pratique de « transmutation des valeurs ». / After having identified the use of the masculine gender in the French language and the use of the word "man" as "a tool of disinformation", I conducted a research-action, during 10 years, within an optic of journalistic ethics, on the means used in the French language to inform about women as well as men, which led me to adopt a graphic mark (·) the single median dot, named 'dot of otherness' for its potential recognition of human diversity, so as to signify a common gender identification. This research’s review and its continuation within information and communication sciences have enabled me to develop functional linguistic and classical grammar analytical procedures within the scope of what I define as «francography». I used the analysis of a Tisséo poster (Toulouse public transportation) as a methodological matrix, to develop and display parity measures using the notions of feminine / masculine / outbound genre, arbitrary / semantically motivated and apparent / non apparent gender (read the above examples in French language). Finally didactical proposals are presented as a new way of "transmutation of values".

No description available.

Cette thèse a pour objet la modélisation de systèmes multi-proies–prédateurs. Elle s’intéresse particulièrement à l’influence du comportement d’un prédateur sur les interactions indirectes entre ses proies, i.e. l’effet de l’ajout d’une proie sur la densité des autres. La théorie classique prédit l’occurrence d’effets indirects négatifs entre les proies, ou compétition apparente, résultant de l’interaction avec un prédateur commun ; des résultats plus récents identifient certains mécanismes à même d’atténuer ces effets négatifs. Nos travaux revisitent les hypothèses autour de ces mécanismes dans des systèmes composés de deux proies et de leur prédateur commun. Après avoir fixé le cadre écologique en rappelant les principaux types d’interactions directes et indirectes, nous introduisons les modèles proies-prédateurs classiques. Les travaux se concentrent ensuite sur une famille de modèles présentant de la densité-dépendance négative chez les prédateurs couplés à différentes modélisations du comportement des prédateurs lorsqu’ils sont confrontés à plusieurs types de proies. Nous montrons notamment que les interactions entre ces mécanismes peuvent inverser la compétition apparente et, contre intuitivement, accroître la densité des proies par l’intermédiaire d’un prédateur commun. Nos résultats trouvent pour partie application en lutte biologique, où il est courant de chercher à favoriser les auxiliaires en aménageant leur environnement (apport de nourriture alternative, refuge, ...). Ils suggèrent que de telles pratiques peuvent se révéler contre-productives, le contrôle des ravageurs pouvant être affaibli du fait d’une distraction de leurs prédateurs. / This thesis deals with multi-prey–predators modeling. It is particularly focused on the influence of the behavior of a predator on indirect interactions between its prey, i.e, the effect of the addition of a prey on the other prey. Classical theory predicts the occurrence of negative indirect effects between prey, or apparent competition, resulting from the interaction with a common predator. More recent results identify mechanisms that mitigate these negative effects. Our work revisits the assumptions about these mechanisms in systems composed of two prey and their common predator. After setting the ecological framework by recalling the main types of direct and indirect interactions, we introduce classical predator-prey models. The work then focuses on a family of models with predator negative density-dependence coupled with different models of predator behavior when faced with different types of prey. We show that the interactions between these mechanisms can reverse apparent competition and counter-intuitively, increase prey density through their common predator. Our results are relevant to biological control programs, where a common practice aims at fostering biological control agents by providing them with alternative food or shelters. Our theory suggests that such practices may be counter-productive, pest control being disrupted by a predator distraction effect.

Master of Science / Department of Civil Engineering / Kyle Riding / Concrete is the most widely used construction material. Concrete strength and durability develop from a series of exothermic reactions involving water called hydration. Long-term durability and performance of concrete is very much dependent on the early hydration behavior of cementitious materials. This study examined the effects of curing temperature and access to moisture on the early age reaction rate of cementitious materials, and methods for quantifying these effects. Apparent activation energy (Ea) relates the effects of temperature on the cement hydration reaction. There are various methods and calculation techniques for estimating Ea that result in greatly varying values. Cement paste and mortar are often used to calculate Ea and used later for concrete. Ea values were calculated using cement mortar and paste by isothermal calorimetry and showed excellent correlation. This validates the use of Ea based on cement paste in modeling concrete behavior. Ea values were also calculated by chemical shrinkage and it showed potential for use in calculating Ea. Cementitious materials need free water to be available for hydration to continue. Curing with either waxy curing compounds or ponded water are common practices. The thickness of distilled water, lime-saturated water, and cement pore water used as a curing method affects the rate of hydration. Water-cementitious material ratio (w/cm) and sample depth affect the performance of water curing, with low w/cm being the most significant. Partial replacement of sand by fine lightweight aggregate also improves the hydration of cementitious material much more than conventional water ponding. Curing compounds showed improvements in cement hydration compared to uncured samples.

Condition monitoring (CM) of electrical equipment is an important field in electrical engineering and a considerable amount of research is dedicated to this field. Power cables are one of the most important parts of any electrical network and the variety of techniques available for CM of electrical cables is therefore no surprise. Electrical cables are exposed to operational and environmental stressors which will cause degradation of the insulation material. The degradation will continue to the point where the cable fails. Blackouts caused by failing cables will have an effect on the safety, efficiency and production of an electrical network. It is therefore important to constantly monitor the condition of electrical cables, in order to prevent the premature failure of cables. The research presented in this dissertation sets out to investigate CM techniques for power cables and to design and implement a basic cable CM technique based on the principles of partial discharge (PD) measurements. A comprehensive literature study introduces the fundamental concepts regarding the CM of power cables. The basic construction of electrical cables, as well as the variety of different types is researched in order to lay a foundation for the research that follow. CM techniques for electrical equipment are investigated, with the emphasis on techniques used on cables. Conducted research led to the decision to focus on CM by means of PD measurements. PD as a phenomenon is investigated to be able to better understand the origins and effects of discharge activity. From there the focus shifts to the available techniques for monitoring the condition of electrical cables by means of PD measurements. The research conducted in the literature study chapter forms the basis from which the rest of the study is conducted. Simulation models were used to study PD characteristics. The models are derived from engineering and mathematical principles and are based on the well-known three-capacitor model of PD. The simulations were performed in order to study the effects of discharge activity. The designed simulation models allows for a variety of PD characteristics to be studied. The simulations were performed in the MATLAB® Simulink® environment. The research conducted in the dissertation was used to design an elementary CM technique which can be used to detect the presence of PD within electrical cables. The designed CM technique was used for the practical measurement of PD data. MATLAB® programs were designed in order to analyse the PD data in both the time- and frequency-domain. The analysis of the measured data revealed PD characteristics of the test specimen used for the measurements. The designed CM is used for the detection of PD activity within electrical cables and in combination with other techniques, may be used for complete CM of electrical cables. The experimental setup which was used to take practical PD measurements adds another dimension to the work presented in this dissertation. / MIng (Electrical and Electronic Engineering), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015

Condition monitoring (CM) of electrical equipment is an important field in electrical engineering and a considerable amount of research is dedicated to this field. Power cables are one of the most important parts of any electrical network and the variety of techniques available for CM of electrical cables is therefore no surprise. Electrical cables are exposed to operational and environmental stressors which will cause degradation of the insulation material. The degradation will continue to the point where the cable fails. Blackouts caused by failing cables will have an effect on the safety, efficiency and production of an electrical network. It is therefore important to constantly monitor the condition of electrical cables, in order to prevent the premature failure of cables. The research presented in this dissertation sets out to investigate CM techniques for power cables and to design and implement a basic cable CM technique based on the principles of partial discharge (PD) measurements. A comprehensive literature study introduces the fundamental concepts regarding the CM of power cables. The basic construction of electrical cables, as well as the variety of different types is researched in order to lay a foundation for the research that follow. CM techniques for electrical equipment are investigated, with the emphasis on techniques used on cables. Conducted research led to the decision to focus on CM by means of PD measurements. PD as a phenomenon is investigated to be able to better understand the origins and effects of discharge activity. From there the focus shifts to the available techniques for monitoring the condition of electrical cables by means of PD measurements. The research conducted in the literature study chapter forms the basis from which the rest of the study is conducted. Simulation models were used to study PD characteristics. The models are derived from engineering and mathematical principles and are based on the well-known three-capacitor model of PD. The simulations were performed in order to study the effects of discharge activity. The designed simulation models allows for a variety of PD characteristics to be studied. The simulations were performed in the MATLAB® Simulink® environment. The research conducted in the dissertation was used to design an elementary CM technique which can be used to detect the presence of PD within electrical cables. The designed CM technique was used for the practical measurement of PD data. MATLAB® programs were designed in order to analyse the PD data in both the time- and frequency-domain. The analysis of the measured data revealed PD characteristics of the test specimen used for the measurements. The designed CM is used for the detection of PD activity within electrical cables and in combination with other techniques, may be used for complete CM of electrical cables. The experimental setup which was used to take practical PD measurements adds another dimension to the work presented in this dissertation. / MIng (Electrical and Electronic Engineering), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015

Cancer is one of the major causes of worldwide mortality. Imaging plays a vital role in the staging, follow-up, and evaluation of therapeutic response in cancer patients. Whole-body (WB) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), as a non-ionizing imaging technique, is a promising procedure to assess tumor spreading in a single examination. New MRI technological developments now enable the application of diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) of the entire body. DWI reflects the random motion of water molecules and provides functional information of body tissues. DWI can be quantified with the use of the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC). The aim of this dissertation was to demonstrate the value of WB MRI including DWI in cancer patients. WB MRI including DWI, 18F-NaF PET/CT, and bone scintigraphy was performed on 49 patients with newly diagnosed, high-risk prostate cancer, for the purpose of detecting bone metastases. WB DWI showed higher specificity, but lower sensitivity compared to 18F-NaF PET/CT. In addition, WB MRI including DWI, and CT of the chest and abdomen was performed in 23 patients with malignant melanoma. We concluded that WB MRI could not completely supplant CT for the staging of malignant melanoma, especially with respect to the detection of lesions in the chest region. In this study, WB MRI and DWI were able to detect more bone lesions compared to CT, and showed several lesions outside the CT field of view, reinforcing the advantage of whole-body examination. WB MRI, including DWI, was performed in 71 patients with testicular cancer. This modality demonstrated its feasibility for use in the follow-up of such patients. WB MRI, including DWI, and 18F-FDG PET-CT, were carried out in 50 patients with malignant lymphoma. Both these imaging modalities proved to be promising approaches for predicting clinical outcomes and discriminating between different subtypes of lymphomas. In conclusion, WB MRI, including DWI, is an evolving technique that is continuing to undergo technical refinement. Standardization of image acquisition and analysis will be invaluable, allowing for more accurate comparison between studies, and widespread application of this technique in clinical practice. Both WB MRI, including DWI and PET/CT, have their particular strengths and weaknesses in the evaluation of metastatic disease. DWI and PET/CT are different functional techniques, so that combinations of these techniques may provide complementary and more comprehensive information of tumor tissue.