A estrutura da florencita foi refinada pelo método de mínimos quadrados, utilizando dados experimentais obtidos através do método de Debye-Scherrer. A coleta dos dados das intensidades integradas foi feita através da leitura do difratograma de pó por um microdensitômetro óptico automático, e empregando métodos de análise numérica para fazer a integração da função (2&#952,Y), tabelada a pontos eqüidistantes. Foram observados 14 picos de difração e as reflexões que se superpunham contribuindo para as intensidades dos picos foram identificadas e suas contribuições levadas em conta através de seus fatores de multiplicidade. O refinamento foi feito com o programa POWLS (Powder Least Squares) e inicialmente foram fornecidos os parâmetros posicionais dos átomos da Goyazita, que é isomorfa com a florencita. As intensidades observadas foram corrigidas pelos fatores de Lorentz-polarização e adsorção. O índice de discordância R atingido para os 14 picos de difração observados foi de 0.097. A fórmula molecular da florencita é CeAl3(PO4)2(OH)6. O composto cristaliza no sistema hexagonal com parâmetros de rede ao=6.96Å co=16.33Å &#945= &#946 = 90° &#947=120° V=685.07&#1973. O grupo espacial é R3m com Z=3 e densidade calculada igual a 3.67g.cm-3. / The crystal structure of the florencita was refined by least squares using experimental data obtained with the Debye-Scherrer method. An automatic optical microdensitometer was used for the data collection from powder difractogram and numerical analysis methods for the integration of the function (2&#952,Y) which is tabulated at equidistant points. 14 diffraction peaks were observed, reflections which superpose contributing to the same peak were identified and their contributions were taken in account using multiplicity factors. The program POWLS (Powder Least Squares) was used for the refinement and initially the positional parameters of the atoms of the Goyazite, which is isomorfous with the florencita were used. Intensities were corrected for the Lorentz, polarization and absorption factors. The final R factor for the 14 peaks was of 0.097. The molecular formula of the florencitais CeAl3(PO4)2(OH)6. It crystallizes in the hexagonal system, space group R3m with cell ao=6.96Å co=16.33Å &#945= &#946 = 90° &#947=120° V=685.07&#1973.

Alicerçado em trabalhos contidos na literatura internacional sobre a implicação dos micoplasmas nas aIterações do trato geniturinário e sobretudo nas chamadas \"falhas da reprodução\", o presente estudo teve como objetivo, além da introdução de uma tecnologia de pesquisa desses microrganismos acessível ao laboratório clínico de rotina diagnóstica, também determinar as taxas de colonização de Mycoplasma hominis e de Ureaplasma urealyticum em gestantes pertencentes a uma classe de baixo nível sócio-econômico. Estas gestantes, em número de 74 (setenta e quatro), foram divididas em dois grupos: um grupo de 37 (trinta e sete) gestantes que possuía histórico anterior de alterações perigestacionais como: abortos, natimortos, prematuros, etc., e que constituíram o Grupo de Risco; e o outro constituído de 37 (trinta e sete) gestantes com gestações anteriores normais, Grupo Controle. Utilizando-se os materiais e métodos adaptados às condições de nosso meio, foram encontrados os seguintes resultados: a proporção de micoplasmas isolada foi de 94,6% no grupo de risco e de 81,2% no grupo controle. Do grupo de risco, Ureaplasma urealyticum foi isolado de vlnte e um pacientes (56,8%), Mycoplasma hominis de dois (5,4%) e ambos foram encontrados em seis pacientes (16,2%). No grupo controle, Ureaplasma urealyticum foi encontrado em 18 pacientes (48,6%), Mycoplasma hominis não foi isolado de nehuma (0,0%), enquanto que a associação Ureaplasma urealyticum e Mycoplasma hominis foi observado em seis casos (16,2%). Foi ainda verificado que onze (30,5%) gestações terminaram anormalmente no grupo de risco, sendo quatro (11,1%) de pacientes que não possuíam quaisquer alterações clínicas que as justificassem. No grupo controle, nenhuma alteração foi verificada entre os casos notificados. A análise estatística, dos resultados, permitiu verificar que não houve diferenças significantes entre os grupos estudados. / Abstracts Not Available

Neste trabalho nós produzimos um plasma neutro ultrafrio de 85Rb através da fotoionização dos átomos aprisionados em uma armadilha magneto-óptica. Medimos o número de partículas que evaporam do plasma no momento de sua criação usando a técnica de tempo-de-vôo. A partir disto realizamos o estudo da taxa de evaporação com relação a energia cinética inicial do elétron fornecida ao sistema, onde para isto criamos o plasma com diferentes comprimentos de onda do laser de fotoinização. Nossos resultados indicam que conforme fornecemos mais energia ao sistema mais partículas evaporam e constatamos que está de acordo com a literatura. Interpretamos o resultado com um modelo analítico que considera a distribuição de energia de Maxwell-Boltzmann e encontramos a temperatura do plasma com relação a temperatura inicial dos elétrons / In this work we produced an ultracold neutral plasma of 85Rb formed by the photoionization of laser-cooled atoms. We measured the number of particles evaporated from the plasma in the moment of its formation using the time-of-flight technique. After this, we studied the evaporation rate as a function of the initial electron kinetic energy, for this we created the plasma at different wavelengths of the photoinization laser. Our results indicate that as we supplied more energy to the system more particles evaporate and we verified that it is in agreement with the literature. We interpreted the result with an analytic model that considers the Maxwell-Boltzmann energy distribution and we found the plasma temperature as a function initial electron temperature

Os resíduos de fármacos presentes em matrizes ambientais têm sido foco em pesquisas no mundo todo. Este tema tem sido bastante discutido devido ao fato de que fármacos são freqüentemente encontrados em efluentes de estações de tratamento de esgotos (ETE´s), águas de abastecimento público e em outras matrizes ambientais, tais como solos, sedimentos e águas naturais em concentrações na faixa de µg L-1 e ng L-1. A grande preocupação da presença de resíduos de fármacos na água são os potenciais efeitos adversos para a saúde humana, animal e de organismos aquáticos. Neste trabalho estudou-se o diclofenaco sódico, por ser um dos antiinflamatórios mais prescritos pelos médicos. O método utilizado para a extração do diclofenaco sódico de amostras de efluentes domésticos da ETE de Araraquara-SP foi à extração em fase sólida, e subseqüentemente a determinação por cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência com detector UV. O método foi validado e a recuperação foi de 94-105%. Constatou-se a presença do diclofenaco sódico nas amostras do efluente doméstico da cidade de Araraquara-SP antes e após o tratamento e as concentrações foram 2,12 e 3,52 µg L-1 na coleta feita em março e 18,0 e 22,0µg L-1 na coleta feita em setembro. / The pharmacos residues that are present in the environmental matrices has been a focus of research all over the world. This subject has been discussed because the fact that pharmacos are frequently found in effluents of sewage treatment plants (STPs), public water supply and in others environmental matrices, such as the soil, sediments and water springs in concentrations between µg L-1 and ng L-1. The biggest concern of pharmacos residues in the water are the adverse effects for the human health and the other species too. So, in this research the sodium diclofenac was studied for being the most prescribed anti-inflammatory by the doctors. The method used for the extraction of the sodium diclofenac of samples from the domestic effluent at STP-Araraquara (SP) was the extraction in solid phase, and subsequently the determination by liquid chromatography of high efficiency with UV detector. The method was validated and the recovery was of 94 to 105%. The results of the research have shown the presence of sodium diclofenac in the samples of Araraquara\'s domestic effluent before and after the treatment and the concentrations were 2,12 and 3,52 µg L-1 in the collection made in March and 18,0 and 22,0µg L-1 in the collection made in September.

Made available in DSpace on 2015-04-22T22:14:05Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Dissertacao Final Giane Zupellari.pdf: 1538567 bytes, checksum: 99734d4093e76fed6d05c37113c7903d (MD5) Previous issue date: 2008-08-01 / Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado do Amazonas / Human rotavirus constitutes one of the most important causes of diarrheic disease in children less than five years in the whole world. With the objective of verifying the occurrence of genotypes of human rotavirus in children of 1 the 36 months residents in the city of Manaus in Amazon, had been analyzed during the years from 2004 to 2006, a total of 607 the feces diarrheic samples that had been collected of children attended hospital of children in the city of Manaus. This analyzes was carried through by the detention of the viral genome through the techniques of EGPA (electrophoresis in gel of polyacrylamide), and RT-PCR (reaction in chain of polymerases associated to the reaction of reversal transcriptase). Through the EGPA method can be observed a positivity of 25% of the human rotavirus samples. All of the positive samples for rotavirus had been genotyped by the method of RT-PCR with use of specific primers for genotypes G (G1, G2, G3, G4 and G9) and genotypes P (P[8], P[4], P[6], P[9] and P[10]). By the genotyping, it was detected genotype G in 30,7% of the positive samples for rotavirus, with predominance of the G2 genotypes (17%), followed of G1 (14.9%) and G9 (10.6%) and genotype P in 44,7% of the positive samples for rotavirus, with predominance of genotypes P[8] in 66,2% of samples and P[4] in 13,2% of the samples. The combinations of genotypes G and P had been responsible for 53,3% of the positive samples for rotavirus, being that P[8]G1 and P[4]G2 had been found with 12,5% and 10% consecutively, followed of P[8]G3 (5%). Other combinations as P[4]G1, P[8]G9 and P[10]G1 had been also found in less expressive numbers. It was observed that 38.3% of the positive samples for genotype G and 11.7% of the positive samples for genotype P had not presented characteristics for none of searched genotypes G and P. The number positive samples for human rotavirus, as well as for genotypes G and genotypes P had been similar in such a way in children of the masculine sex, how much in children of the feminine sex, being that these samples had predominated in children less than 18 months. The positive samples for human rotavirus, as well as for genotypes G and genotype P had been found in every month of the years of had lasted the study. The east zone of the city of Manaus was where they had been found the biggest number of positive samples for rotavirus, as well as for genotype G and genotype P. The children with positive samples for rotavirus had presented on average of 10 episodes of diarrhea for child per day with predominance for the feces of liquid aspect (86.2%), this profile also was observed in the children with positive samples for genotypes G and genotypes P. With exception of the hyperthermia, other signals and characteristic symptoms of the diarrheic disease for rotavirus as vomit, dehydration and abdominal pain, had been presents in the biggest parcel of the children with positive samples in such a way for human rotavirus as for genotype G, as for genotype P. The high number of samples that had not been tipadas with use of specific primers for genotypes G and P, suggest the circulation of uncommon genotypes in the region, however so that this situation is defined, new studies of the epidemiological molecular of rotavirus circulating in Manaus, Amazon, must be developed, enclosed specific primers also for detention of rotavirus of animal origin. / Os rotavírus humano constituem uma das mais importantes causas de doença diarréica em crianças menores de cinco anos em todo o mundo. Com o objetivo de verificar a ocorrência de genótipos de rotavírus humano em crianças de 1 a 36 meses residentes no município de Manaus no Amazonas, foram analisadas durante os anos de 2004 a 2006, um total de 607 amostras de fezes diarréica que foram coletadas de crianças atendidas em prontos socorros infantis do município de Manaus. Esta análise foi realizada pela detecção do genoma viral através das técnicas de EGPA (eletroforese em gel de poliacrilamida) e RT-PCR (reação de polimerase em cadeia com transcriptase reversa). Através do método de EGPA pode-se observar uma positividade de 25% das amostras para rotavírus humano. Todas as amostras positivas para rotavírus foram genotipadas pelo método de RT-PCR com utilização de primers específicos para os genótipos G (G1, G2, G3, G4 e G9) e genótipos P (P[8], P[4], P[6], P[9] e P[10]). Pela genotipagem foi detectado o genótipo G em 30,7% das amostras positivas para rotavírus, com predominância dos genótipos G2 (17%), seguidos de G1 (14,9%) e G9 (10,6%) e o genótipo P em 44,7% das amostras positivas para os rotavírus, com predominância dos genótipos P[8] em 66,2% das amostras e P[4] em 13,2% das amostras. As combinações dos genótipos G e P foram responsáveis por 53,3% das amostras positivas para rotavírus, sendo que P[8]G1 e P[4]G2 foram as mais encontradas com 12,5% e 10% consecutivamente, seguidas de P[8]G3 (5%). Outras combinações como P[4]G1, P[8]G9 e P[10]G1 também foram encontradas em números menos expressivos. Foi observado que 38,3% das amostras positivas para o genótipo G e 11,7% das amostras positivas para o genótipo P não apresentaram características para nenhum dos genótipos G e P pesquisados. O número amostras positivas para rotavírus humano, bem como para os genótipos G e para os genótipos P foram semelhantes tanto em crianças do sexo masculino, quanto em crianças do sexo feminino, sendo que estas amostras predominaram em crianças menores de 18 meses. As amostras positivas para rotavírus humano, assim como para os genótipos G e para o genótipo P foram encontradas em todos os meses do estudo. A zona leste da cidade de Manaus foi onde foram encontradas o maior número de amostras positivas para rotavírus, assim como para o genótipo G e para o genótipo P. As crianças com amostras positivas para rotavírus apresentaram em média de 10 episódios de diarréia por criança por dia com predominância para os fezes de aspecto líquido (86,2%). Este perfil também foi observado nas crianças com amostras positivas para os genótipos G e para os genótipos P. Com exceção da hipertermia, outros sinais e sintomas característicos da doença diarréica por rotavírus como vômito, desidratação e dor abdominal, estiveram presentes na maior parcela das crianças com amostras positivas para os rotavírus humano, para o genótipo G e para o genótipo P. O número elevado de amostras que não foram tipadas com utilização de primers específicos para os genótipos G e P sugerem a circulação de genótipos incomuns na região, porém para que esta situação seja definida, novos estudos da epidemiologia molecular dos rotavírus circulantes em Manaus, Amazonas, devem ser desenvolvidos, incluindo inclusive primers específicos para detecção de rotavírus de origem animal.

In this dissertation, we investigate the macroscopic magnetic properties of bulk high-temperature superconductors (HTS) containing an array of artificial holes in view of enhancing their performances. The study involves a numerical modelling part and an experimental characterization part. In each part, novel concepts are highlighted and detailed. In particular, we develop a three-dimensional finite-element method (FEM) for calculating the magnetic field penetration in HTS where a single time-step is used in the case of a linearly varying applied magnetic field, and we probe the magnetic field in the volume of drilled samples with the help of microcoils inserted inside the holes. The thesis starts with an introductory chapter that describes the general concept of high-temperature superconductivity and particularly draws the attention on the interests and on the synthesis of drilled structures. Then, we detail the modelling tools that are used for evaluating the magnetic properties of drilled samples. Three models are taken into account: (1) the numerical Bean model which is a generalization of the Bean model for arbitrary cross sections where the samples are assumed to have an infinite height; (2) a 2D finite element model implemented in the open source solver GetDP for samples with an infinite height and assuming a power law relationship, that is characterized by a critical exponent n, between the electric field, E, and the current density, J; (3) a 3D finite element model with the same equations as those of model (2), but where these are solved in a three-dimensional sample with a finite height. For large values of n, both FEM models use the properties of a slow magnetic diffusion to reduce the number of time steps. In particular, the trapped flux can be calculated with only two time-steps: during the first step, the applied magnetic flux density is increased with a constant sweep rate to a maximum value, it then decreases to zero with the same sweep rate during the second step. The models are first used in simple geometries where they are compared to other available techniques. These are next applied to drilled samples. A systematic numerical study of the influence of the holes on the magnetic properties of the sample is reported. A single hole perturbs the critical current flow over an extended region that is bounded by a discontinuity line, where the direction of the current density changes abruptly. In samples with several holes and a given critical current density, we demonstrate that the trapped magnetic flux is maximized when the centre of each hole is positioned on one of the discontinuity lines produced by the neighbouring holes. For a cylindrical sample, we construct a polar triangular hole pattern that exploits this principle; in such a lattice, the trapped field is 20% higher than in a squared lattice, for which the holes do not lie on discontinuity lines. These results are experimentally validated. Two parallelepipedic samples are drilled with two different hole lattices. The trapped magnetic flux density of these samples is characterized by a Hall probe mapping before and after drilling holes. The sample in which the holes are aligned on the discontinuity lines exhibits the smallest magnetization drop that results from the hole drilling. Then, we resort to a novel experimental technique using microcoils inside the holes to characterize the local magnetic properties in the volume of drilled samples. In a given hole, three different penetration regimes can be observed when the sample is subjected to an AC magnetic field: (i) the shielded regime, where no magnetic flux threads the hole; (ii) the gradual penetration regime, where the amplitude of the magnetic field scales with the applied field; and (iii) the flux concentration regime, where the magnetic field exceeds that of the applied field. A comparison of the measurements with simple models assuming an infinite height shows that the holes may serve as a return path for the demagnetizing field lines. In the case of a pulsed field excitation, that measurement technique also allows us to estimate the trapped magnetic flux density in the volume of the sample and compare it with that on the surfaces. Moreover, the penetration of a magnetic pulse from hole to hole is described in the median plane and on the surface and the differences of penetration speeds are explained. Finally, we investigate the magnetic properties of drilled samples whose holes are filled with a ferromagnetic powder. To this aim, we use experimental techniques (Hall probe mapping techniques, together with measurements of the volume magnetization and of the levitation force between the HTS sample and a permanent magnet) and a numerical model (3D FEM) to characterize the modification of the magnetic properties resulting from the impregnation of the holes with AISI 410 ferromagnetic powder. Numerical results support the experimental observations and give clues to understand the mutual interaction between the HTS sample and the ferromagnetic powder inserted in its holes. In particular, the Hall probe mappings of the distribution of the trapped flux above the non-impregnated and impregnated samples reveal an increase of trapped flux after impregnation that is confirmed by simulations.

In case of a release of radioactive nuclides into the environment it is necessary to  have reliable methods to estimate the potential effect on people and the ecosystem. In this context the total activity deposited, the elemental composition and the depth distribution are of importance. An efficient in situ method to estimate the average contamination over larger areas using high purity germanium (HPGe) detectors has been developed. The method combines simulation of photon transport with measured detector properties. The total activity of 137Cs determined from gamma-ray spectra recorded in situ are compared to results from soil sampling. Another in situ method has been developed to determine the depth distribution of a radionuclide contamination, using an array of small detectors inserted into the ground, as an alternative to the standard procedure of soil sampling. The possibility to use cadmium telluride (CdTe) detectors as well as lanthanum bromide (LaBr3) detectors has been investigated. As a demonstration of the developed method the small-scale variation of the activity distributions in an area covering 350 m2 have been measured and is compared to results obtained by other methods. / At the time of the doctoral defense, the following paper was unpublished and had a status as follows: Paper 4: Submitted.

There are many factors which contribute to fatigue failure in HMA. While studies have been made with respect to binder aging, little has been done to investigate the effect of aging on the fatigue failure of asphalt mixtures. The lack of an effective and efficient method of testing field samples has contributed to this deficiency. This study focused on the development of a method for preparing and testing field samples in direct tension. This methodology was then be employed in combination with the VEC and RDT* tests to investigate several factors that affect fatigue in HMA. Particular emphasis was placed on the role of aging in the fatigue process. A method of testing field samples in direct tension was successfully developed. Results from the VEC and RDT* tests performed on several field samples collected from across the state of Texas were analyzed. US 277 field sample results were compared to laboratory mixed and compacted (LMLC) sample results as well as results obtained from extracted binder testing. Findings show that oxidative aging has an impact on the stiffness and performance of HMA. Chip seal surface treatments can extend the life of the pavement, but their affects are found primarily at the surface. Two additional field sites were tested, analyzed, and compared to LMLC results. These comparisons verified the effects of aging and show that a relationship between LMLC samples and field samples can be developed. Modulus values for one month of artificial aging of LMLC samples is equivalent to 10.5 months of aging in the field. Finally, 21 Texas sites used for the study were analyzed and a multivariate linear regression was performed to determine the factors that play the most significant role in the aging process. A linear regression model was constructed to determine the number of loads to failure from fatigue cracking due, primarily, to aging.

No description available.

A new ensemble method for cluster analysis is introduced, which can be interpreted in two different ways: As complexity-reducing preprocessing stage for hierarchical clustering and as combination procedure for several partitioning results. The basic idea is to locate and combine structurally stable cluster centers and/or prototypes. Random effects of the training set are reduced by repeatedly training on resampled sets (bootstrap samples). We discuss the algorithm both from a more theoretical and an applied point of view and demonstrate it on several data sets. (author's abstract) / Series: Working Papers SFB "Adaptive Information Systems and Modelling in Economics and Management Science"