The ASME AG-1 Code specifies minimum rated airflow based on standard cubic feet per minute (SCFM) for axial high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters and actual cubic feet per minute (ACFM) for radial HEPA filters. This study illustrates the variation in filter efficiency of axial HEPA filters subjected to ACFM and SCFM flow conditions. The filter test matrix consists of axial HEPA filters rated at 1,000 and 1,500 CFM with varying filter pack types. Each filter is subjected to pressures from 14.70 psi to 11.25 psi, temperatures of 70°F to 170°F, and relative humidities of 50% to 90%. Evaluation of the effects of designating ACFM or SCFM are based upon the filter efficiencies of generated Dioctyl Phthalate (DOP) particles at a diameter of 0.3 micrometers. A correlation model is developed to convert filter efficiency and pressure drop at elevated conditions to those of standard pressure, relative humidity, and temperature.

This graduation theses bring some drafts of methodical papers in the connection with the evacuation of the people, decontamination station and activities when decontamination of people and equipment. To further Explore the places which are intended for decontamination in the emergency planning zones from the point of view of the ACR in locations for the nuclear power plant Temelín.

Les méthodes de stérilisation à basse température prennent une importance croissante pour la décontamination de matériaux thermosensibles utilisés dans les appareils exposés aux risques microbiologiques tels que les endoscopes dans les hôpitaux, les emballages dans l'industrie agroalimentaire, ou les équipements soumis aux agents microbiologiques de guerre dans les zones de conflits. Les méthodes de stérilisation standards non-thermiques souffrent de limitations liées à leur toxicité, leurs coûts élevés, leurs faibles compatibilités avec les matériaux, et/ou leurs longs cycles de stérilisation (quelques heures). Une approche alternative consiste à utiliser des plasmas hors équilibre à pression atmosphérique produits par décharges électriques. Les plasmas permettent des cycles de stérilisation pluscourts car les surfaces traitées sont exposées à de nombreux agents biocides, notamment à du rayonnement, à des espèces réactives oxygénées et azotées (RONS), et à des espèces chargées. Cependant, à pression atmosphérique, le volume du plasma est généralement faible. Les traitements en post-décharge permettent d'augmenter la surface de traitement, tout en réduisant la dégradation du matériau par les espèces chargées. Dans la post-décharge, les principaux agents biocides sont les RONS. L'objectif de cette thèse est d'étudier la production et le transport des RONS générés par des décharges pulsées non-thermiques dans l'air et l'azote à pression atmosphérique au moyen de diagnositcs de spectroscopie d'absorption UV et mid-IR (QCLAS), de fluorescence / Low-temperature sterilization methods are of increasing importance for the decontamination of heat-sensitive materials in devices exposed to biohazards, such as endoscopes in hospitals, containers in the food industry, or contaminated equipment in areas exposed to war acts. Standard non-thermal sterilization methods suffer from limitations related to their toxicity, high cost, low material compatibility, and/or long sterilization cycles (several hours). An alternative approach consists in using atmospheric pressure nonequilibrium plasmas produced by electric discharges. Plasmas provide shorter sterilization cycles because they combine various biocidal agents including radiation,reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS), and charged species. However, at atmospheric pressure the plasma volume is usually small. Post-discharge treatment allows to increase the treated surface area, and in addition to reduce surface degradation by charged species. In post-discharge treatment, the main biocidal agents are the RONS. The objective of this thesis is to study the production and transport of RONS generated by non-thermal pulsed discharges in nitrogen and air at atmospheric pressure by means of UV and mid-IR (QCLAS) absorption spectroscopy, planar laser induced fluorescence (PLIF), and absolute emission spectroscopy.

There are two nuclear power plants in the Czech Republic for which measures to protect the population are proposed in the case of a radiation accident. This diploma thesis deals with one of them by decontamination of persons and techniques in the emergency planning zone. The theoretical part of the diploma thesis focuses mainly on knowledge and concepts in the field of ionizing radiation, radiation protection and emergency planning. The main objective was to analyze, compare and evaluate the existing and newly introduced decontamination means of persons and equipment of the Fire Rescue Service of the Czech Republic and the Army of the Czech Republic. For this purpose, eight decontamination devices have been selected for use in a radiation accident. One of the partial objectives is also to compare the decontamination methods and procedures of both components. The quantitative processing of the parameters studied was used to compare, and a multi-criteria decision-making method was used to obtain the results, using the scoring method. In order to obtain data and information, searches of available publications, methodological sheets and instructions for decontamination equipment were carried out. All information has been consulted with chemical experts from the Fire Brigade of the Czech Republic and chemical units of the Army of the Czech Republic. The results of the comparison showed that the decontamination facilities of the members of the Fire Rescue Service of the Czech Republic are more suitable for use in the radiation accident. Their main advantages are a more effective solution for wound decontamination and a system for capturing and collecting contaminated water. However, the Army of the Czech Republic would be able to do the same work after the partial modifications. The decontamination equipment for solving the radiation accident is constantly being refined. An example is the Portable Frame Gamma Detector. This allows you to speed up the decontamination process and saves the forces and resources deployed to deal with an emergency.

Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited. / Considering the ever-rising threat of terrorist attack and disruption of the economy and of daily activity, the potential strength of a radiological dispersion device must be evaluated. A "dirty bomb" is a weapon in the terrorist arsenal that is highly effective in creating chaos, panic and disruption. All of the immediate deaths caused by a "dirty bomb" are due to blast effects, however the public association with radiation and nuclear devices is one of fear and hyperbole. The individuals and agencies that respond to this type of event will have the greatest impact on the general public. By looking at case studies and potential scenarios or exercises the first responder can appreciate the nature of radiation as well as its impact on response. The goal of this paper is to provide first responders with basic information on nuclear physics and expose relevant issues in responding to a radiological dispersion device. An understandable link between nuclear physics and radiation response does exist. / Ensign, United States Navy

O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar o efeito protetivo da adição de biomassa de Saccharomyces cerevisiae (SC) residual, obtida da fermentação alcoólica de cana e cerveja contra a passagem de aflatoxina M1 para o leite. Para tanto, foi realizado ensaio preliminar in vitro de remoção de AFB1 em solução tampão fosfato pelas diferentes fontes de biomassa de SC (levedura de cana-de-açúcar seca e inativada, LCSI; levedura autolizada, LA; parede celular, PC; e co-produto de cervejaria parcialmente desidratado, CCPD), em temperatura ambiente pelos tempos de contato de 05, 10, 20 e 30 min. O ensaio in vivo foi realizado por meio de 20 vacas multíparas da raça holandesa que foram selecionadas em estágio médio de lactação. O delineamento experimental consistiu em dez tratamentos, um controle negativo, um controle positivo e dois tratamentos (com e sem inclusão de AFB1) para cada uma das quatro diferentes fontes de SC, durante um período de 10 dias para avaliar a produção e a composição do leite, escore de condição corporal e bioquímica sérica. A análise de amostras de leite para quantificação de AFM1 foi realizada empregando-se coluna de imunoafinidade para purificação associada a CLAE acoplada a espectrômetro de massa triplo quadrupolo. O valor do limite de quantificação de AFM1 foi 0,5 µg kg-1. Amostras de ração foram analisadas para quantificação de AFB1 por meio de coluna de imunoafinidade para purificação associada a CLAE. O valor do limite de quantificação de AFB1 foi de 0,5 µg.kg-1. Através do estudo in vitro foi possível observar que a viabilidade celular não é pré requisito para adsorção e que o tempo de incubação não interfere na capacidade de adsorção de AFB1. No estudo in vivo, não foi observado efeito da AFB1 e nem das diferentes fontes de biomassa de SC sobre o escore de condição corporal, produção e composição do leite. A bioquímica sérica (AST, ALT e PT) avaliada foi similar entre os grupos não intoxicados e intoxicado com AFB1. Os tratamentos LA e PC apresentaram maior capacidade de adsorção de AFB1 em vacas leiteiras previamente intoxicadas. / The aim of this study was to evaluate the protective effect of adding residual biomass of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (SC), obtained from the fermentation of sugarcane and beer against aflatoxin M1 passage into milk. Therefore, preliminary in vitro test of AFB1 removal in phosphate buffer solution by SC different biomass sources (inactive dry yeast sugarcane, IDYS, autolyzed yeast, AY; cell wall, CW and co- brewery partially dehydrated product, CBPDP) at room temperature for contact times of 05, 10, 20 and 30 min was performed. The in vivo assays were performed using 20 multiparous Holstein cows that were selected in mid lactation stage. The experimental design consisted of ten treatments, a negative control, a positive control and two treatments (with and without inclusion of AFB1) for each of four different sources of SC, over a period of 10 days to evaluate the milk yield and composition, body condition score and serum biochemistry. Milk sample analysis for quantification of AFM1 were carried out using an immunoaffinity column for purification associated with HPLC coupled to triple quadrupole mass spectrometer. The limit of quantification for AFM1 was 0.5 µg. kg-1. Feed samples were analyzed for AFB1 quantification by immunoaffinity purification column associated with HPLC. The limit of quantification for AFB1 was 0.5 µg.kg-1. For in vitro study it was observed that the cell viability is not prerequisite for adsorption and the incubation time does not interfere with AFB1 adsorption capacity. For in vivo study, there was no effect of AFB1 nor the different SC biomass sources on body condition score, milk yield and composition. There was no significant difference between the originated AFB1 levels from food samples in different days of the experimental period. Serum biochemical (AST, ALT, TP) evaluated was similar between the control group and intoxicated with AFB1. The AY and CW treatments had higher adsorption capacity in dairy cows previously intoxicated.

O uso de implantes osseointegrados vem crescendo nas últimas décadas e, juntamente com eles, suas complicações. A periimplantite se apresenta como uma infecção bacteriana que afeta os tecidos moles e duros ao redor do implante, promovendo perda da osseointegração. Assim, o objetivo primário deste estudo foi analisar a efetividade da remoção de bactérias, através do software ImageJ, aderidas às superfícies de titânio por diferentes agentes químicos condicionantes, por meio de análise em microscopia eletrônica de varredura (MEV). Juntamente foi analisado a alteração da rugosidade de superfície após a utilização dos agentes. Foi realizado estudo in vitro, no qual 70 covers (protótipos de implantes) passaram por preparo das superfícies para adequação do meio à cultura bacteriana, fixação das bactérias; e em seguida, foram divididos em 7 grupos (n=10), de acordo com o tratamento: AF180 aplicação de ácido fosfórico (AF) por 180 segundos; AF90- AF por 90 segundos; EDTA180 EDTA por 180 segundos; EDTA90 EDTA por 90 segundos; AC180 ácido cítrico por 180 segundos; AC90 AC por 90 segundos; Controle RAR. A análise comparativa do grau de contaminação bacteriana observado antes e depois do tratamento entre os diferentes grupos foi realizada por meio do teste não paramétrico de Kruskal-Wallis; e as alterações da rugosidade superficial foram analisadas por meio do teste ANOVA a dois critérios, pós-teste de Dunnett. Através desta metodologia, este trabalho sugere que o tratamento de superfícies de titânio contaminadas por meio do emprego de solução em gel de EDTA a 24% por 90 e 180 segundos e ácido cítrico a 50% por 180 segundos é efetiva para remoção de A. atinomycetencomitans. Além disso, o tratamento por meio de EDTA por 90 e 180 segundos promove alteração significativa dos parâmetros de rugosidade superficial, especialmente quando comparado aos grupos controle e AF180, indicando que este tratamento pode resultar em subtração ácida adicional. / The use of dental implants has grown in recent decades and, with them, their complications. The periimplantitis is presented as a bacterial infection that affects the soft and hard tissue around the implant, promoting loss of osseointegration. Thus, the primary objective of this study was to analyze the effectiveness of removal of bacteria tby means of the ImageJ software, adhered to the titanium surfaces by different chemical conditions, through analysis in scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The change of surface roughness was also analyzed after using the chemical agents. An in vitro study in which 70 covers (implant prototypes) was prepared for the bacteria culture, fixation of the bacterias; and then they were divided into 7 groups (n = 10), according to the surface treatment: AF180- application of phosphoric acid (FA) for 180 seconds; AF90- AF for 90 seconds; EDTA180 - EDTA for 180 seconds; EDTA90 - EDTA for 90 seconds; AC180 - citric acid for 180 seconds; AC90 -AC for 90 seconds; Control - RAR. The comparative analysis of the degree of bacterial contamination was performed using Kruskal-Wallis non parametric test; and changes of surface roughness were analyzed by ANOVA two criteria, post-test Dunnett. Through this method, this work suggests that treatment of titanium contaminated surfaces by means of EDTA gel solution employing 24% for 90 and 180 seconds and citric acid 50% for 180 seconds is effective for removing A. atinomycetencomitans. Moreover, treatment using EDTA for 90 to 180 seconds promotes significant change of surface roughness parameters, especially when compared to control groups and AF180, indicating that this treatment can result in additional acidic subtraction.

O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar in vitro a influência do tratamento de superfícies radiculares na adesão e proliferação de fibroblastos gengivais e de ligamento periodontal humano em fragmentos radiculares de dentes humanos extraídos por razões periodontais. Todos os fragmentos receberam raspagem e alisamento radicular (RAR), e em seguida aleatoriamente divididos em grupos, de acordo com a substância utilizada no tratamento de superfície (n= 15/grupo): ácido fosfórico 37% aplicado por 90s (AF90) ou 180s (AF180) (RAR); EDTA 24% aplicado por 90s (EDTA90) ou 180s (EDTA180); ácido cítrico pH 1.0 a 10% aplicado por 90s (AC90) ou 180s (AC180); ácido cítrico pH 1.0 a 10% associado à tetraciclina 50% por 90s (ACTC90) ou 180s (ACTC180); tetraciclina hidroclorídrica (50mg/ml) aplicada por 90s (TC90) ou 180s (TC180). O grupo controle foi composto por fragmentos tratados por meio de RAR seguido de lavagem em soro fisiológico. Após a realização dos tratamentos, os espécimes (n=3/grupo) foram preparados para análise em MEV com o objetivo de avaliar a descontaminação das superfícies radiculares por meio dos índices de rugosidade superficial (IRS), cálculo residual (ICR), perda de substância dentária (IPSD), presença de restos teciduais (IPRT), remoção de smear layer (IRSL), abertura dos túbulos dentinário (ATD) e smear layer remanescente (SLR) em fotomicrografias em aumentos de 500x e 1000x. Em 6 espécimes de cada grupo, foram plaqueados 104 fibroblastos gengivais (FGH-1), e em outros 6, 104 fibroblastos de ligamento periodontal humano (FLP-1). Após 24h foram fixados 6 espécimes por grupo (n=3/grupo) e após 48h os outros 6 espécimes (n=3/grupo), para análise em microscópio eletrônico de varredura. Para determinar a adesão e proliferação celular, o número de células aderidas à superfície nos dois períodos de avaliação foi determinado em triplicatas por um examinador independente A comparação entre os grupos foi realizada pelo método Kruskal-Wallis complementado pelo teste de Dunn para variáveis não lineares, e por meio de análise de variância múltipla (ANOVA) complementado pelo teste de Tukey para as variáveis lineares. A comparação entre os pares nos períodos de 24 e 48 horas foi realizada por meio do método ANOVA pósteste Sidak para variáveis lineares, e Kruskal Wallis pós-teste Dunn para variáveis não lineares. Foi adotado nível de significância de 5% em todos os testes. Não houve diferença estatisticamente significante para IRS, IPSD, IPRT, IRSL, ATD e SLR. Houve maior quantidade de cálculo residual nos grupos TC90 (3,66 ± 0,57; mediana = 4) e AF180 (3,66 ± 0,57; mediana = 4), enquanto que o grupo AC90 (1,33 ± 0,57; mediana = 1) mostrou quantidade significativamente menor de cálculo residual. Encontrou-se uma adesão significativamente maior de células FGH-1, no grupo EDTA180 (170 ± 77,99) no período de 24 horas, e maior efeito proliferativo (48 horas) no grupo TC90 (172,90 ± 65,38). Para células FLP-1, observou-se uma adesão significativamente maior no grupo ACTC90 (74,67 ± 98,84) no período de 24 horas e maior efeito proliferativo (48 horas) no grupo AC90 (173,8 ± 139,6). A partir dos resultados obtidos, sugere-se que a substância a ser utilizada para o condicionamento das superfícies radiculares seja escolhida de acordo com os objetivos do tratamento periodontal: quando se objetiva a formação de nova inserção conjuntiva o uso do EDTA ou AF por 180s ou da tetraciclina por 90s; para regeneração dos tecidos periodontais, sugere-se o uso de AC por 90s. / The aim of this study was to evaluate in vitro the influence of root surface conditioning on adhesion and proliferation of gingival and periodontal ligament fibroblasts on human root fragments of teeth extracted for periodontal reasons. Fragments received scaling and root planning (SRP), and were then randomly allocated into groups according to the substance used for root surface treatment (n= 15/grupo): phosphoric acid 37% applied for 90s (PA90) or 180s (PA180); EDTA 24% applied for 90s (EDTA90) or 180s (EDTA180); 10% citric acid pH 1.0 applied for 90s (CA90) or 180s (CA180); 10% citric acid pH 1.0 associated to tetracycline HCL 50% applied for 90s (CATC90) or 180s (CATC180); tetracycline hydrocloride (50mg/ml) applied for 90s (TC90) or 180s (TC180). Control group was composed by SRP treated root fragments, followed by saline solution washing. After treatment completion, specimens (n=3/grupo) were prepared for scanning electronmicroscopy (SEM) analysis, aiming at evaluation of its surfaces according to the following indexes: superficial roughness (SR); residual calculus (RC); loss of tooth substance (LT); tissue residual (TS), smear layer removal (SLR), dentin tubules opening (DTO) and smear layer residual (SLR) in photomicrographs on 500x and 1000x magnifications. In 6 specimens of each group 104 gingival fibroblasts (HGF-1) were plated; and over another 6 specimens, 104 periodontal ligament fibroblasts (PLF-1). After MEV evaluation, the number of cells adhered to the root surfaces over 24h and 48h were assessed by a calibrated examiner in triplicates. Groups comparison were analyzed through Kruskal-Wallis post-test Dunn for comparisons for non-linear variables, and ANOVA post-test Tuckey for linear variables. Comparison between pairs over 24 and 48 hours was accessed through Kruskal-Wallis post-test Dunn for non-linear variables, and ANOVA post-test Sidak for linear variables. Significance level of 5% was adopted in all tests. There was no statistical difference for SR, LT, TS, SLR, DTO and SLR. Although there was higher amounts of residual calculus on groups TC90 (3,66 ± 0,57; median = 4) and FA180 (3,66 ± 0,57; median = 4) while group CA90 (1,33 ± 0,57; median = 1) showed statistically less residual calculus. A singnificantlly higher HGF-1 cell count was found on EDTA180 (170 ± 77,99) on 24-hour period and a higher proliferative effect (48 hours) on group TTC90 (172,90 ± 65,38). A significantly higher cell adhesion for (PLF-1) was found on group ACTC90 (74,67 ± 98,84) at 24-hour assessment, and higher proliferative effect (48 hours) for AC90 (173,8 ± 139,6). From the data here exposed, it is suggested that the substance election for root surface conditioning should be based on the treatment primary goal: when a new connective tissue adhesion is aimed, EDTA or PA for 180s or TTC for 90s should be chosen; on the other hand, for periodontal regeneration, CA for 90s should be the best option.

Nanostructured molybdenum trioxide (MoO3) was synthesized and used as a precursor in a comparative study, along with commercial MoO3, to synthesize molybdenum dioxide (MoO2) nanoparticles. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images revealed the particles to be approximately 30-50 nm in diameter. X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed MoO3 was fully reduced to MoO2 in all cases. Time dependent experiments showed that within two hours no traces of MoO3 are present. All of the experiments showed the materials were excellent absorbent materials, as well as photocatalysts. Both MoO2 materials performed almost exactly the same, with both samples being able to remove 100% of the methylene blue (MB) in one minute with light, and in two minutes without light. The morphology of MoO2 was controlled in a comparative study by varying the concentration of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) present during the hydrothermal reaction. As the concentration of CTAB increased, the morphology of the material changed from nanoparticles, to nanospheres, to microspheres, to hollow microspheres, and finally a highly agglomerated version of microspheres and particles combined, as confirmed by SEM images. A formation mechanism for the formation of the various sized spheres was proposed with a combination of aggregation and Ostwald ripening. XRD confirmed that all of the MoO3 was reduced to MoO2, along with no residual peaks from the CTAB that was present during the reaction. Upon trying to mix some of the materials into the MB solutions, it became obvious that some of the materials were hydrophobic. The decontamination results once again showed that the synthesized MoO2 materials were not only photocatalysts, but adsorbents as well. Samples synthesized with 0.1-5 mM CTAB were able to remove 100% of the MB in 10 minutes or less. Samples synthesized with 10 mM CTAB were able to remove 54.4% and 35% of the MB in 10 minutes, with and without light, respectively. Samples synthesized with 15 mM CTAB were able to remove 29.4% and 26.3% of the MB in 10 minutes, with and without light, respectively. The apparent decrease in decontamination performance was proposed to be caused by surface morphology induced hydrophobicity. A mechanism to describe why the hydrophobic particles were still able to decontaminate the water was proposed to be caused by coming into direct contact with the magnetic stirrer as the water level dropped due to sample collection. MoO2 nanoparticles were successfully synthesized onto a copper substrate, in a single step, via a hydrothermal synthesis technique. It is believed to be the first report of such a synthesis method. XRD confirmed all of the MoO3 had been reduced to MoO2, and also confirmed that no other compounds had formed between the molybdenum and copper. SEM images of the MoO2 coated copper substrate showed uniform nanoparticles ranging from 30-50 nm. The MoO2 coated copper substrate was able to decontaminate 57.5% of the MB from water in 10 minutes without exposure to light, while it was able to decontaminate 71.7% of the MB from water in 10 minutes with exposure to light.

Graduation date: 1998