The Virginia Tech Transportation Institute is recognized for being a pioneer in naturalistic driving studies. These studies determine driving behavior, and its correlation to safety critical events, by equipping participant's vehicles with data acquisition systems and recording them for a period of time. The driver's habits and responses to certain scenarios and events are analyzed to determine trends and opportunities to improve overall driver safety. One of these studies installed strain gauges on the front and rear brake levers of motorcycles to record the frequency and magnitude of brake presses. The recorded data was sampled at 10 hertz and had a significant amount of noise introduced from temperature and electromagnetic interference. This thesis proposes a peak detection algorithm, written in MATLAB, that can parallel process the 40,000 trips recorded in this naturalistic driving study. This algorithm uses an iterative LOWESS regression to eliminate the offset from zero when the strain gauge is not stressed, as well as a cumulative sum and statistical concepts to separate brake activations from the rest of the noisy signal. This algorithm was verified by comparing its brake activation detection to brake activations that were manually identified through video reduction. The algorithm had difficulty in accurately identifying activations in files where the amplitude of the noise was close to the amplitude of the brake activations, but this only described 2% of the sampled data. For the rest of the files, the peak detection algorithm had an accuracy of over 90%. / Master of Science

Measuring V02peak is an important health assessment used to indicate cardiorespiratory fitness, prescribe exercise, and diagnose heart abnormalities (2,12). Utilizing the muscles of the upper body, the new StairMaster kayak ergometer is ideal for measuring V02peak on people with lower extremity disorders and those whose occupational or recreational activities rely primarily on the muscles of the upper body (16). Twenty-four healthy college-aged (17-31 years) males and females were screened, gave informed consent, and received orientation to experimental procedures prior to participation in the study. Subjects performed two maximal exercise bouts on the kayak incremental protocol and one on the treadmill incremental protocol. Pearson's r correlation estimated the stability-reliability coefficient of the kayak protocol to be 0.84. Pearson's r correlation estimated the relationship of the kayak protocol to the treadmill protocol to be 0.69. Given performance on the kayak ergometer, the predictive equation for treadmill performance was Y = 11.2605 + 1.02748X (r = 0.48). Body mass index and forearm circumference were found to be adequate predictors of kayak performance using the equation 45.2 - 1.60 BMI + 1.03 Forearm (~ 0.49). Although the kayak incremental protocol demonstrates adequate test-retest reliability for measuring V02peak, it has only a fair relationship to the gold standard of uphill treadmill running. The kayak incremental protocol, therefore, is generally best suited for those who, due to lower extremity complications, are unable to perform traditional modes of testing, or for those whose occupational or recreational activity is dominated by the upper body. / Master of Science

The use of high-powered electrical energy systems requires an efficient and capable means to move electrical energy from one location to another while reducing energy losses. This paper describes the design and construction process of a high-powered busbar system that is to be implemented in pulsed-power applications. In order to obtain a robust system capable of handling in excess of 25kJ, both mechanical and electrical analyses were performed to verify a capable design. The following methodology describes how the Lorentz force was balanced with mechanical forces during the design process and then validated after construction was completed using the fundamental Maxwell equations and computer simulations. Main focuses include handling of EMF, high current density concentrations, and overall mechanical stability of the system and how these effects determine the physical design and implementation. In the end, a repeatable methodology is presented in the form of a design process that can be implemented in any system given the design criteria. / Master of Science

The origin of fractures in plutons has been ascribed to differential stress resulting from regional tectonics, magmatic emplacement, crystallization, and cooling. The evolution of stress, and hence the evolution of fractures in plutons, controls the timing and spatial distribution of fluid flow and alteration. Quantitative data on fracture orientation, density, vein width, and alteration systematically obtained from the 70-m.y.-old Diamond Joe stock, west-central Arizona, were used to determine the evolution of stress and fractures within the stock during its crystallization. The dome-shaped chamber of the predominantly quartz monzonite stock is 8 km in diameter. Regional east-northeast compression produced the north-northwest crustal dilation necessary for the ascent and emplacement of the stock. Two-dimensional models using analytic solutions for stress in elastic media indicate that the prominent radial fractures within the stock developed in response to magma pressure, contraction, and regional stress. Most fractures formed by tensile failure during cooling, although magma pressure led to shear failure near the center. Deflection of radial fractures away from the east-northeast axis of the pluton at increasing distances from the center indicates north-northwest and east-northeast orientation of regional maximum and minimum principal stress, respectively, during crystallization. Apparently, north-northwest-trending uplift in the vicinity of the pluton led to a shallow local reversal of principal stress after magma emplacement. Theoretical strain estimates show a correlation with high fracture densities and abundant alteration along the north-northwest axis and the pluton margins. Zones of fracture selvage K-feldspar+quartz, muscovite+K-feldspar+quartz, and muscovite+chlorite+quartz alteration are concentric about the center of the stock and extend a short distance into the surrounding host rocks. Younger sericite+K-feldspar, argillic, and carbonate alteration occurs locally. Mineral equilibria and fluid inclusion data indicate low hydrothermal temperatures ( < 150°C) near the center of the stock and higher temperatures (200°C-400°C) near the margins. Apparently, fractures continued to open and fill as cooling proceeded within the center of the stock, whereas fluid circulation ceased at higher temperatures near the margins.

Pulse (fluid) pressure modulator was constructed for comprehensive gas chromatography. Optimal conditions of its connection to the gas chromatograph with a flame ionization detector were found for the analysis of selected mixture of volatile solvents. Pressure interdependences in the system and relations between dimensions of modulator capillaries and columns have been evaluated with respect to the length of the modulation period and pulse duration. Two non-polar columns (15 m × 0.25 mm DB-5MS, 10 m × 0.15 mm CP-Sil 5 CB) of the same stationary phase were tested to compare the separation efficiency in the first dimension and the DB-5MS column was selected. The Supelcowax 10 columns of the lengths 1, 2 and 3 m were compared in the second dimension. It was found that using of 3 m length column lead to the extension of analysis time, however the increase in separation efficiency in the second dimension was very evident. The experimental measurements have shown that the selected parameters for the evaluation of the separation efficiency (the peak capacity and total resolution product) were inappropriate. Gasoline, kerosene and diesel fuel were analyzed as examples of real samples. Amount of added ethanol as a biofuel additive was determined in the gasoline sample. Pulse pressure modulator was modified...

Dresdens Energieversorgung ist zu über 80% von Öl und Gas abhängig. Über ein Drittel davon kommt aus Russland. Die hohe Energieabhängigkeit gilt es angesichts politischer Krisen sowie angesichts Peak Oil und Peak Gas zu überdenken. Dresden braucht eine erweiterte Energiestrategie.

Dans le cadre d’une analyse longitudinale centrée sur l’Ile-de-France, nous abordons la question du Peak Car, hypothèse de recherche selon laquelle le plafonnement de l’usage automobile dans de nombreux pays développés pourrait être le signe d’un repli de long terme de la mobilité automobile.En utilisant les données des EGT et du panel Parc Auto depuis les années 1970, on constate que le plafonnement du kilométrage des ménages apparait dès le début des années 1990 suivie d’une baisse continue à partir de 2000, et même actuellement dans un contexte de prix bas des carburants.Face au débat sur le Peak Car, nous montrons que si le prix des carburants a joué un rôle important sur le retournement de tendance, d’autres facteurs multidimensionnels influencent. C’est le cas de la forte baisse de la mobilité des jeunes, qui s’étend aux classes d’âges plus avancés, prémisses d’un changement d’usage à venir. Certains moteurs de la croissance sont aussi en voie d’achèvement et pourraient venir renforcer le Peak Car : rapprochement de la mobilité homme/femme, fin de la hausse de la mobilité des retraités et de la diffusion sociale de la voiture. La décorrélation de l’effet du revenu, synonyme d’une saturation du besoin de mobilité, s’opère aussi sur la motorisation. Le rapprochement du comportement entre groupes de revenu pourrait venir renforcer ce phénomène.Enfin, le rôle des opinions reste incertain. La conscience écologique ne semble pas jouer sur les comportements et si l’image de l’automobile a évolué, elle conserve son attrait utilitaire, symbole d’indépendance et de liberté et demeure un objet essentiel dans les déplacements limitant le report vers d’autres modes. / As part of a longitudinal analysis focused on the Ile-de-France region, we approach the question of Peak Car, a research hypothesis that the cap on car use in many developed countries could be the sign of a long-term decline in automobile mobility.Using the data from the EGT and the Auto since the 1970s, we note that the limit on household mileage appeared in the early 1990s, followed by a continuous decline from 2000, and even now in the context of cheap fuel prices.In view of the Peak Car debate, we show that while fuel prices have played an important role in the reversal trend, other multidimensional factors are influencing. This is the case of the sharp decline in youth mobility. It also extends to the older age classes and could be the premise of a future change of use. Some engines of growth are also nearing completion and could reinforce the Peak Car: mobility between men and women is merging, the end of the increase in the mobility of retirees and the end social diffusion of the car. The decorrelation of the effect of income, synonymous with a saturation of the need for mobility, also takes place on motorisation. The merger of behaviour among income groups may reinforce this phenomenon.Finally, the role of opinion remains uncertain. Ecological consciousness does not seem to play on behaviour. And if the image of the automobile has evolved, it retains its useful appeal, symbol of independence and freedom and remains an essential object for trips limiting the transfer to others modes.

We determined whether aging diminishes bone blood flow and impairs endothelium‐dependent vasodilation. Femoral perfusion was lower in old animals, as well as endothelium‐dependent vasodilation and NO bioavailability. These effects could contribute to old age—related bone loss and the increased risk of fracture. Introduction: Aging has been shown to diminish bone blood flow in rats and humans. The purpose of this study was to determine whether blood flow to regions of the femur perfused primarily through the principal nutrient artery (PNA) are diminished with aging and whether this putative reduction in flow is associated with impaired endothelium‐dependent vasodilation. Materials and Methods: Blood flow was measured in conscious young adult (4–6 mo old) and aged (24–26 mo old) male Fischer‐344 rats using radiolabeled microspheres. Endothelium‐dependent vasodilation of the PNA was assessed in vitro using acetylcholine (ACh), whereas the contribution of the NO synthase (NOS) and cyclooxygenase (COX) signaling pathways to endothelium‐dependent vasodilation was determined using the NOS and COX inhibitors L‐NAME and indomethacin, respectively. Results: Femoral blood flow in the aged rats was 21% and 28% lower in the proximal and distal metaphyses, respectively, and 45% lower in the diaphyseal marrow. Endothelium‐dependent vasodilation was reduced with old age (young: 83 ± 6% maximal relaxation; aged: 62 ± 5% maximal relaxation), whereas endothelium‐independent vasodilation (sodium nitroprusside) was unaffected by age. The reduction in endothelium‐dependent vasodilation was mediated through impairment of the NOS signaling pathway, which resulted in lower NO bioavailability (young: 168 ± 56 nM; aged: 50 ± 7 nM). Conclusions: These data show that reductions in metaphyseal bone and diaphyseal marrow perfusion with old age are associated with diminished endothelium‐dependent vasodilation through an impairment of the NOS mechanism. Such age‐related changes in bone perfusion and vascular NO signaling could impact clinical bone loss, increase risk of fracture, and impair fracture healing in the elderly.

Currently, whole-body vibration is being used to promote enhanced performance. Many coaches and athletes believe that it can acutely enhance explosive performance and power output. However, the scientific literature is unclear as to whether this enhancement occurs. The purpose of this study was to examine the acute effects of whole-body vibration on static jump performance, including jump height, peak force, rate of force development, and peak power. Fourteen recreationally active individuals (5 females, 9 males) participated in three separate randomized treatment sessions. Treatment 1 consisted of no vibration while treatment 2 and treatment 3 incorporated whole-body vibration. The whole-body vibration protocol consisted of three 30-s bouts of vibration performed at 30 Hz and low amplitude ( 3 mm) with a 30-s rest between bouts. Treatment 1 was identical in duration to both treatments 2 and 3, but did not contain any vibration. Five minutes after each treatment, the participants performed the static jump protocols. Two (data averaged) non-weighted static jumps and two 20 kg weighted jumps were performed. Treatments 1 vs. 2, 1 vs. 3, and 2 vs. 3 were calculated for each variable at both 0 kg and 20 kg. Jump height, peak force, rate of force development, and peak power were analysed using a one-way analysis of variance with repeated measures. The intra-class correlations comparing the two trials of each jump for each of the three treatments were ≥0.92. Compared with the no-vibration condition, jump height showed a non-significant increase as a result of whole-body vibration for both unweighted and weighted jumps; peak force, rate of force development, and peak power were not statistically different. The results indicate that whole-body vibration has no effect on jump height, peak force, rate of force development or peak power during static jumping.

京都大学 / 0048 / 新制・課程博士 / 博士(理学) / 甲第22259号 / 理博第4573号 / 新制||理||1657(附属図書館) / 京都大学大学院理学研究科地球惑星科学専攻 / (主査)教授 James Mori, 教授 久家 慶子, 教授 岩田 知孝 / 学位規則第4条第1項該当 / Doctor of Science / Kyoto University / DGAM