In recent years y-y angular correlations have been very useful in confirming the spins of excited nuclear states. Angular correlation techniques have also been employed to study the electric and magnetic character of excited nuclear states. With these things in mind, it was decided to design, construct, and test a precision angular correlation table.

The "many fragments curse," a special case of the segment length curse, occurs in den- drochronology when time series are broken into fragments, either because of missing part of a sample (e.g., a rot pocket) or when a section of ring growth cannot be crossdated (e.g., a section with extremely suppressed growth and/or many rings absent). We exorcise this curse by inserting values to connect fragments of measurements. This technique permits fitting a single detrending curve to the connected series and thus preserves the low-frequency variance contained in the entire series. Inserted values are discarded after detrending and do not otherwise affect calculations of final corn- posite chronologies. As an example from junipers sampled at a site in Qinghai Province, China, 66 of 117 increment cores have nondatable sections of wood and one core has a gap of rotten wood between dated fragments. After connecting fragments by inserting values and then detrending, the chronology constructed from connected fragments has stronger century to multicentury scale variation than the chronology constructed from separate fragments. This approach is adapted to the library of computer programs developed for dendrochronological research under the auspices of the International Tree-Ring Data Bank.

Made available in DSpace on 2014-06-11T19:31:34Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2005-02-02Bitstream added on 2014-06-13T20:22:25Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 dalpai_a_dr_botfca.pdf: 1486803 bytes, checksum: b52df39020b92a64e3e55443e73fcbef (MD5) / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) / Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP) / No presente trabalho é apresentado um modelo de correção anisotrópico para radiação difusa medida com anel de sombreamento Melo-Escobedo (ME) em função do índice de claridade (razão da radiação global pela extraterrestre). São propostos ainda dois modelos estatísticos da fração difusa isotrópica ( ) e anisotrópica ( ) em função do índice de claridade na estimativa das irradiações horária, diária e mensal. A base de dados das radiações global, direta na incidência e difusa medida pelo anel de sombreamento ME utilizada compreende o período de 1996 a 2002 monitorada pelo Laboratório de Radiometria Solar da UNESP/Botucatu/SP. O modelo de correção anisotrópico, obtido a partir das irradiâncias difusa medida pelo anel de sombreamento Melo-Escobedo (raio 40cm e largura 10cm) e medida pelo método da diferença (referência), considerou três intervalos discretos de por meio de três equações: (0 < < 0,30 - nublado); (0,30 < < 0,65 - parcialmente nublado); e (0,65 < < 1 - aberto). O modelo anisotrópico foi validado comparando-se a irradiância difusa anisotrópica estimada com a irradiância difusa de referência numa base de dados independente, mostrando bons resultados conforme os indicativos estatísticos MBE(%) = 0,25%, 0,51% e -0,38% e RMSE(%)= 5,78%, 9,83% e 12,93% para as coberturas de céu nublado, parcialmente nublado e aberto, respectivamente.... / The present work presents an anisotropic correction model as a function of the clearness index (global/extraterrestrian radiation) for the diffuse radiation measurements with the Melo-Escobedo (ME) shadowring. Two statistical estimate models for the isotropic ( ) and anisotropic ( ) diffuse fraction as a function of clearness index are also proposed to estimate the hourly, daily and monthly diffuse irradiations. The global, diffuse measured by the shadowring ME and the direct radiations measurements were provided by the Laboratory of Solar Radiometry of UNESP/Botucatu/SP in the period from 1996 to 2002. The anisotropic correction model, obtained from the comparison between the diffuse irradiance measured by the Melo-Escobedo shadowring (radius of 40cm and width of 10cm) and the diffuse irradiance measured by the difference method (reference), considered three discreet intervals, with three equations: (0 < <0,30 - cloudy); (0,30 < <0,65 - partially cloudy); and (0,65 < <1 - clear). The anisotropic correction model was validated through the comparison of the anisotropic diffuse irradiance and the reference diffuse irradiance with an independent database, showing good results according to the statistical indicators MBE (%) = 0,25%, 0,51% and -0,38% and RMSE (%) = 5,78%, 9,83% and 12,93% for cloudy, partially cloudy and clear skies, respectively. The anisotropic correction model showed to be dependent of the shadowring dimensions, and for a same radius-width relationship, the smaller radius (20cm) and width (5cm) shadowring needed smaller numeric correction than the larger ray (40cm) and width (10cm) one. The anisotropic correction model was applied in the diffuse irradiance measurements obtained with a 5 minutes frequency automated operating system. The algorithm calculated hourly, daily and monthly anisotropic diffuse irradiations and compared to the ones from the reference diffuse ...(Complete abstract, access undermentioned eletronic address).

The equilibrium theory of island biogeography provides a useful model for understanding patterns of species richness on island systems and analogous fragmented terrestrial habitats. However, like all models, it is limited in its ability to explain island species richness patterns when nutrients move across ecosystem boundaries. Recently, enhancements to the theory have been proposed, including the subsidized island biogeography hypothesis. This hypothesis suggests that nutrient subsidies from the marine environment may impact the productivity and diversity of small islands. Sea wrack (dead, shore-cast seaweed) is a recognized vector of marine-nutrient subsidies to islands in regions of low in situ productivity, but little is known about the mechanisms surrounding sea wrack accumulation in productive, temperate environments. In this research I explore the spatial and temporal distribution of sea wrack on islands along British Columbia’s temperate Central Coast. Through an observational study I investigate three broad factors that could affect sea wrack deposition: climatic patterns, physical characteristics of shorelines, and the amount of nearby donor habitat. I surveyed sea wrack biomass and species composition, as well as the biogeographical characteristics of shorelines across 455 sites on 101 islands. I returned to a subset of sites on a bi-monthly basis to document temporal changes in wrack biomass and species composition. My results demonstrate that sea wrack accumulations were present at sites that were not composed of rock substrate, and that had wide, wave protected shorelines and high amounts of nearby donor ecosystem habitat. Additionally, sea wrack biomass and species composition was ubiquitous throughout all seasons. These results suggest that sea wrack can be considered a press subsidy as it is a consistent vector of nutrients to beaches along the Central Coast. Ecological research on macrophytes, macroalgae and sea wrack often requires the conversion of wet biomass to dry, to create consistency across investigations. This is a laborious process. Here, I present the results of wet-dry calibrations for 12 common macrophyte and macroalgae species collected from the Northeast Pacific Ocean. Future investigators can use the correction factors derived from these results for estimating dry biomass, reducing the need to conduct wet-dry calibrations for each new macrophyte, macroalgae, or sea wrack study. / Graduate

In this thesis, we propose novel optimization and spatial queueing models that expand the currently existing methods by allowing multiple servers to be located at the same station and multiple servers to be dispatched to a single call. In particular, a mixed integer linear programming (MILP) model is introduced that determines how to locate and dispatch ambulances such that the coverage level is maximized. The model allows multiple servers to be located at the same station and balances the workload among them while maintaining contiguous first priority response districts. We also propose an extension to the approximate Hypercube queueing model by allowing multi-server dispatches. Computational results suggest that both models are effective in optimizing and analyzing the emergency systems. We also introduce the M[G]/M/s/s queueing model as an extension to the M/M/s/s model which allows for multiple servers to be assigned to a single customer.

Orientador: João Franscisco Escobedo / Banca: Luiz Roberto Angelocci / Banca: Paulo Ademar Martins Leal / Banca: Roberto Vicente Calheiros / Banca: Augusto José Pereira Filho / Resumo: No presente trabalho é apresentado um modelo de correção anisotrópico para radiação difusa medida com anel de sombreamento Melo-Escobedo (ME) em função do índice de claridade (razão da radiação global pela extraterrestre). São propostos ainda dois modelos estatísticos da fração difusa isotrópica ( ) e anisotrópica ( ) em função do índice de claridade na estimativa das irradiações horária, diária e mensal. A base de dados das radiações global, direta na incidência e difusa medida pelo anel de sombreamento ME utilizada compreende o período de 1996 a 2002 monitorada pelo Laboratório de Radiometria Solar da UNESP/Botucatu/SP. O modelo de correção anisotrópico, obtido a partir das irradiâncias difusa medida pelo anel de sombreamento Melo-Escobedo (raio 40cm e largura 10cm) e medida pelo método da diferença (referência), considerou três intervalos discretos de por meio de três equações: (0 < < 0,30 - nublado); (0,30 < < 0,65 - parcialmente nublado); e (0,65 < < 1 - aberto). O modelo anisotrópico foi validado comparando-se a irradiância difusa anisotrópica estimada com a irradiância difusa de referência numa base de dados independente, mostrando bons resultados conforme os indicativos estatísticos MBE(%) = 0,25%, 0,51% e -0,38% e RMSE(%)= 5,78%, 9,83% e 12,93% para as coberturas de céu nublado, parcialmente nublado e aberto, respectivamente...(Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo). / Abstract: The present work presents an anisotropic correction model as a function of the clearness index (global/extraterrestrian radiation) for the diffuse radiation measurements with the Melo-Escobedo (ME) shadowring. Two statistical estimate models for the isotropic ( ) and anisotropic ( ) diffuse fraction as a function of clearness index are also proposed to estimate the hourly, daily and monthly diffuse irradiations. The global, diffuse measured by the shadowring ME and the direct radiations measurements were provided by the Laboratory of Solar Radiometry of UNESP/Botucatu/SP in the period from 1996 to 2002. The anisotropic correction model, obtained from the comparison between the diffuse irradiance measured by the Melo-Escobedo shadowring (radius of 40cm and width of 10cm) and the diffuse irradiance measured by the difference method (reference), considered three discreet intervals, with three equations: (0 < <0,30 - cloudy); (0,30 < <0,65 - partially cloudy); and (0,65 < <1 - clear). The anisotropic correction model was validated through the comparison of the anisotropic diffuse irradiance and the reference diffuse irradiance with an independent database, showing good results according to the statistical indicators MBE (%) = 0,25%, 0,51% and -0,38% and RMSE (%) = 5,78%, 9,83% and 12,93% for cloudy, partially cloudy and clear skies, respectively. The anisotropic correction model showed to be dependent of the shadowring dimensions, and for a same radius-width relationship, the smaller radius (20cm) and width (5cm) shadowring needed smaller numeric correction than the larger ray (40cm) and width (10cm) one. The anisotropic correction model was applied in the diffuse irradiance measurements obtained with a 5 minutes frequency automated operating system. The algorithm calculated hourly, daily and monthly anisotropic diffuse irradiations and compared to the ones from the reference diffuse ...(Complete abstract, access undermentioned eletronic address). / Doutor

The primary aim of this research was to develop a method for determining the true uniaxial tensile strength of concrete by conducting a series of cylinder splitting, modulus of rupture (MOR) and cylinder/cube compression tests. The main objectives were: • Critically reviewing previous published research in order to identify gaps in current knowledge and understanding, including theoretical and methodological contributions to the true uniaxial tensile strength of concrete. In order to maintain consistency and increase the reliability of the proposed methods, it is essential to review the literature to provide additional data points in order to add additional depth, breathe and rigor to Senussi's investigation (2004). • The design of self compacting concrete (SCC), normal strength concrete (NSC) and high strength concrete (HSC) mixes and undertaking lab-based experimental works for mixing, casting, curing and testing of specimens in order to establish new empirical evidence and data. • Analysing the data, presenting the results, and investigating the application of validity methods as stated by Lin and Raoof (1999) and Senussi (2004). • To draw conclusions including comparison with previous research and literature, including the proposal of new correction factors and recommendations for future research. 29 batches of NSC, 137 batches of HSC, 44 batches of fly ash SCC and 47 batches of GGBS SCC were cast and their hardened and fresh properties were measured. Hardened properties measured included: cylinder splitting strength, MOR, cylinder compressive strength and cube compressive strength. A variety of rheological tests were also applied to characterise the fresh properties of the SCC mixes, including: slump flow, T50, L-box, V-funnel, J-ring and sieve stability. Cylinders were also visually checked after splitting for segregation. The tensile strength of concrete has traditionally been expressed in terms of its compressive strength (e.g. ft = c x c f ). Based on this premise, extensive laboratory testing was conducted to evaluate the tensile strength of the concretes, including the direct tension test and the indirect cylinder splitting and MOR tests. These tests however, do not provide sufficiently accurate results for the true uniaxial tensile strength, due to the results being based upon different test methods. This shortcoming has been overcome by recently developed methods reported by Lin and Raoof (1999) and Senussi (2004) who proposed simple correction factors for the application to the cylinder splitting and MOR test results, with the final outcome providing practically reasonable estimates of the true uniaxial tensile strength of concrete, covering a wide range of concrete compressive strengths 12.57 ≤ fc ≤ 93.82 MPa, as well as a wide range of aggregate types. The current investigation has covered a wide range of ages at testing, from 3 to 91 days. Test data from other sources has also been applied for ages up to 365 days, with the test results reported relating to a variety of mix designs. NSC, SCC and HSC data from the current investigation has shown an encouraging correlation with the previously reported results, hence providing additional wider and deeper empirical evidence for the validity of the recommended correction factors. The results have also demonstrated that the type (size, texture and strength) of aggregate has a negligible effect on the recommended correction factors. The concrete age at testing was demonstrated to have a potentially significant effect on the recommended correction factors. Altering the cement type can also have a significant effect on the hardened properties measured and demonstrated practically noticeable variations on the recommended correction factors. The correction factors proved to be valid regarding the effects of incorporating various blended cements in the HSC and SCC. The NSC, HSC and SCC showed an encouraging correlation with previously reported results, providing additional support, depth, breadth and rigor for the validity of the correction factors recommended.

No description available.

<p>The purpose of this thesis is to explore the angular response to dose of the MatriXX Evolution, manufactured by IBA Dosimetry, a 2-dimensional ion chamber array used for patient specific quality assurance of advanced radiotherapy techniques such as IMRT and VMAT. Investigations were made to characterize the angular response of the MatriXX and describe any differences from the Philips Pinnacle³ Treatment Planning System (TPS) used at the Juravinski Cancer Centre.</p> <p>A comparison was made between the gantry angle dependent correction factors supplied by the manufacturer and those derived by measurement. Gantry angle dependent correction factors were derived, with the MatriXX under 5cm polystyrene build-up and without any build-up, for the 5 x 5 cm², 10 x 10 cm² and 20 x 20 cm² field sizes.</p> <p>For gantry angles ranging from 320^o to 40^o the maximum difference between the derived gantry angle dependent correction factors and those provided by the manufacturer is 1.5%, at a gantry angle of 320^o, a 5 x 5 cm² field and without build-up. The differences for the 10 x 10 cm² and 20 x 20 cm² fields within this gantry angle range are less than 1%. Between gantry angles of 50^o and 130^o the largest difference is 4.9% at 100^o, for the 5 x 5 cm²field without build-up. The other field sizes show similar differences; 4.7% at gantry angle of 120^o for 10 x 10 cm² with build-up and 4.0% at a gantry angle of 80^o without build-up. Between gantry angles of 140^o to 220^o the greatest discrepancy is for the 5 x 5 cm² field with build-up, a difference of 3.0%. The 10 x 10 cm² has a maximum difference of 2.4% at gantry angles of 180^o and 200^o, both when the MatriXX has build-up. The maximum discrepancy for gantry angle dependent correction factors for the 20 x 20 cm² fields is at a gantry angle of 140^o, when the MatriXX has build-up. Between the gantry angles of 230^o to 310^o the largest discrepancy occurs between the derived gantry angle dependent correction factors and those supplied by the manufacturer. For the 5 x 5 cm², 10 x 10 cm² and 20 x 20 cm² fields respectively the largest differences are 5.9%, 4.5% and 4.9%. All three occur when there is no build-up.</p> / Master of Science (MSc)

Accurate dosimetry is a fundamental requirement for the safe and efficient use of radiation in medical applications. International Codes of Practice, such as IAEA TRS-398 (2000) for radiotherapy beams and IAEA TRS-457 (2007) for diagnostic radiology beams, provide the necessary formulation for reference and relative dosimetry and the data required for their implementation. Research in recent years has highlighted the shortage of such data for radiotherapy small photon beams and for surface dose estimations in diagnostic and interventional radiology, leading to significant dosimetric errors that in some instances have jeopardized patient’s safety and treatment efficiency. The aim of this thesis is to investigate and determine key data for the reference and relative dosimetry of radiotherapy and radiodiagnostics beams. For that purpose the Monte Carlo system PENELOPE has been used to simulate the transport of radiation in different media and a number of experimental determinations have also been made. A review of the key data for radiotherapy beams published after the release of IAEA TRS-398 was conducted, and in some cases the considerable differences found were questioned under the criterion of data consistency throughout the dosimetry chain (from standards laboratories to the user). A modified concept of output factor, defined in a new international formalism for the dosimetry of small photon beams, requires corrections to dosimeter readings for the dose determination in small beams used clinically. In this work, output correction factors were determined, for Varian Clinac 6 MV photon beams and Leksell Gamma Knife Perfexion 60Co gamma-ray beams, for a large number of small field detectors, including air and liquid ionization chambers, shielded and unshielded silicon diodes and diamond detectors, all of which were simulated by Monte Carlo with great detail. Backscatter factors and ratios of mass energy-absorption coefficients required for surface (skin) determinations in diagnostic and interventional radiology applications were also determined, as well as their extension to account for non-standard phantom thicknesses and materials. A database of these quantities was created for a broad range of monoenergetic photon beams and computer codes developed to convolve the data with clinical spectra, thus enabling the determination of key data for arbitrary beam qualities. Data presented in this thesis has been contributed to the IAEA international dosimetry recommendations for small radiotherapy beams and for diagnostic radiology in paediatric patients. / <p>At the time of the doctoral defense, the following paper was unpublished and had a status as follows: Paper 6: Manuscript.</p>