Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Impact parameters'

Includes bibliographical references<br>This study aims to address the lack of data on the link between BMI and infertility in the South African population by describing the prevalence of male overweight and obesity in a group of men undergoing infertility investigation, as well as assessing any semen analysis abnormalities in these groups. It also aims to describe how well men can predict their BMI category and determine whether weight loss would be an acceptable part of infertility management in overweight or obese male partners. Beliefs surrounding healthy weight and fertility will also be addressed.

Facial Recognition Systems är något som har blivit populärt de senaste åren, speciellt efter den 11 september 2001. Möjligheten att kunna över-vaka personer som rör sig i olika miljöer har varit av intresse för bland annat regeringar, till exempel USA:s regering. Eftersom det finns mängder med olika typer av undersökningar och alla försöker göra så bra matchningar som möjligt av personer mot databaser, fast de utförs på olika sätt, är det intressant att se om det finns någon parameter som har en större påverkan på resultaten, oavsett om undersökningen görs med 2D, 3D eller en kombination av metoderna. Det finns många olika faktorer och parametrar som påverkar matchningsprocenten därför skall denna littera-turstudie försöka lokalisera och se om det finns någon parameter som har en större påverkan på matchningsprocenten. Det visar sig att två parametrar har en större påverkan än övriga parametrar. De är antalet bilder av varje objekt som finns att matcha i databasen och kvaliteten på indata vilket innebär kontrast och upplösning samt hur kompletta ansiktena är.<br>Facial Recognition Systems is something that has become popular in recent years, especially after 11 September 2001. The ability to monitor people that are moving in different environments has been of interest to particular governments, for instance the US government. Since there are a lot of different types of surveys, though performed in different ways, all trying to do the best matches of people to databases as possible, it is interesting to see if there is any parameter that has a major impact on the result. Whether the survey is done with 2D, 3D or a combination of methods, there are many different factors and parameters that affect the matching percentage. Therefore this study tries to locate and see if there is any parameter that has a greater impact on the matching percentage. It appears that two of the parameters have a greater effect on the result, than the others. These are the number of images of a test subject in the database and the quality of the input data. The quality is defined by contrast and resolution as well as how complete the faces are.

There is a large body of empirical evidence that nature delivers benefits to people. In the face of progressive urbanisation, urban nature and its design are becoming increasingly important. At the same time, climate change endangers biological diversity and consequently ecosystem functioning. Thus, for urban landscape planners who consider both ecosystem health and residential well-being, it is attractive to simultaneously increase plant diversity and the recreational value of urban nature. The present dissertation investigates the role of tree parameters for perception, preference, and recreation and elucidates how findings can contribute to human and ecosystem health in cities. In a first study, the following tree parameters were identified to be relevant to perception: Conifers versus deciduous trees, crown height to crown width ratio, crown size to trunk height ratio, and crown density. These results add to previous studies, as they are based on more realistic-looking images. Furthermore, the parameters are metric, were generated by study participants and represent a hierarchy. Two further studies demonstrated that the greater the crown relative to trunk height, the more pleasant and the more beautiful a tree is perceived and the denser a crown, the heavier and the more rugged a tree is perceived. Both parameters predict tree preference. This is consistent with theories and previous findings on landscape perception and adds more precise parameters for tree preference prediction to the literature. A fourth study revealed no effects of tree characteristics’ diversity in urban green spaces on how fascinating and coherent they are perceived. This suggests that species diversity in green spaces can be increased without reducing restorativeness. The identified tree parameters can be used to select various, similar-looking species to increase both human well-being and ecosystem health. Furthermore, the knowledge on the tree parameters’ semantic meaning can facilitate expert-lay communication. The preferred tree characteristics can be used to increase residential satisfaction. Finally, tree species diversity in urban green spaces can be increased without mitigating the recreational value<br>Die positiven Wirkungen von Natur auf den Menschen sind empirisch gut belegt. Angesichts steigender Urbanisierung wird Stadtnatur und ihre Gestaltung wichtiger. Gleichzeitig stellt der Klimawandel eine Bedrohung der biologischen Vielfalt und somit der ökosystemaren Funktionalität dar. Für urbane Landschaftsplanung, welche sowohl die ökosystemare Gesundheit als auch das Wohlbefinden der Stadtbewohner berücksichtigt, ist es daher attraktiv, zugleich die Pflanzenvielfalt und den Erholungswert von Stadtnatur zu erhöhen. Die vorliegende Dissertation untersucht die Rolle von Baumparametern bei der Wahrnehmung, Präferenz und Erholungswirksamkeit und erläutert, wie die Ergebnisse zur Gesundheit von Mensch und Natur in Städten beitragen können. In einer ersten Studie wurden die folgenden Baumparameter als wahrnehmungsrelevant identifiziert: Nadelbäume versus Laubbäume, Verhältnis von Kronenhöhe zu Kronenbreite, Verhältnis von Kronengröße zu Stammlänge und Kronendichte. Diese Ergebnisse ergänzen bisherige Literatur, da sie auf realistischer aussehenden Bildern basieren. Zudem sind die Parameter metrisch, wurden von Probanden generiert und bilden eine Hierarchie ab. Zwei weitere Studien zeigten, dass je größer die Krone im Verhältnis zur Stammlänge desto angenehmer und schöner wird ein Baum wahrgenommen und je dichter die Krone desto schwerer und robuster wird ein Baum empfunden. Beide Parameter sagen die Baumpräferenz vorher. Dies stimmt mit Theorien und bisherigen Studien zur Landschaftswahrnehmung überein und ergänzt die Forschung um präzisere Parameter zur Vorhersage von Baumpräferenz. Eine vierte Studie ergab, dass sich die Vielfalt an Baumeigenschaften in städtischen Grünräumen nicht darauf auswirkt, wie faszinierend und kohärent sie wahrgenommen werden. Dies legt nahe, dass die Artenvielfalt in Grünräumen erhöht werden kann ohne die Erholungswirkung negativ zu beeinflussen. Die Baumparameter können dazu verwendet werden, verschiedene, ähnlich aussehende Arten zur Pflanzung auszuwählen, um das menschliche Wohlbefinden sowie die ökosystemare Gesundheit zu erhöhen. Des Weiteren kann das Wissen um die semantischen Bedeutungen der Baumparameter die Experten-Laien-Kommunikation erleichtern. Beliebte Baummerkmale können dazu herangezogen werden, die Zufriedenheit von Stadtbewohnern zu erhöhen. Schließlich kann die Baumartenvielfalt in städtischen Grünräumen erhöht werden ohne den Erholungswert zu mindern

Epilepsy is one of the most common diseases that affect both dogs and humans and may be potentially threatening when not treated. The cause of idiopathic epilepsy remains unclear, but many factors have been identified as potential triggers for developing epilepsy. Nowadays many drugs are available for the treatment of epilepsy, but the cases of total remission are rare and there is no cure. Moreover, most of anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) induce side effects. This dissertation includes a literature review outlining the topic of idiopathic epilepsy, together with a preliminary, exploratory study with the objective of investigating possible alterations on blood parameters that might be induced by repeated seizures. Neuroinflammation may be a consequence of seizures, which possibly induces alterations on blood parameters. The results suggest that a status of inflammation is likely following seizures, however, further studies regarding the topic are necessary to achieve more clear and precise information; RESUMO: O IMPACTO DA EPILEPSIA IDIOPÁTICA CANINA NOS PARÂMETROS DE HEMOGRAMA Epilepsia é uma síndrome neurológica frequente em cães e humanos e que pode ser potencialmente fatal caso não seja devidamente tratada. A causa da epilepsia idiopática permanece desconhecida, porém vários fatores têm sido apontados como desencadeantes desta síndrome. Atualmente, várias drogas estão disponíveis para o tratamento da epilepsia, mas são raros os casos de total remissão e não existe cura. Além disso, estas drogas possuem vários efeitos secundários associados. A presente dissertação incluí uma revisão bibliográfica sobre a epilepsia idiopática em conjunto com um estudo preliminar e exploratório cujo principal objetivo foi investigar possíveis alterações nos parâmetros de hemograma que poderiam ser induzidos por convulsões recorrentes. A neuroinflamação pode ser um resultado de convulsões recorrentes e um estado inflamatório pode levar a alterações nos parâmetros de hemograma. Os resultados sugerem que a inflamação é provavelmente desencadeada após episódios convulsivos, porém, mais estudos relacionados com este tópico são necessários.

<p> The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of cognitive tasks on gait parameters in a collegiate athlete population. Forty-six current collegiate student-athletes from men&rsquo;s football, women&rsquo;s basketball, and women&rsquo;s volleyball participated in the study. Each participant completed five single task trials walking at a self-selected pace on a ten-meter walkway free of obstacles and other distractions and then completed five dual task trials of walking while completing a cognitive task of either counting backwards from 100 by 7s or spelling common five letter words backwards. Paired samples t-tests showed all gait parameters, including step count (<i> t</i>(45) = -13.301, <i>p</i> &lt; .001), gait cycle (<i> t</i>(45) = -14.710, <i>p</i> &lt; .001), cadence (<i> t</i>(45) = 12.132, <i>p</i> &lt; .001), nominal speed (<i> t</i>(45) = 18.229, <i>p</i> &lt; .001), peak medial lateral acceleration (<i>t</i>(45) = 2.948, <i>p</i> = .005), peak anterior acceleration (<i>t</i>(45) = 7.005, <i>p</i> &lt; .001), and postural sway (<i>t</i>(45) = 5.355, <i>p</i> &lt; .000) were statistically different, <i>p</i> &lt; .05, between the single and dual task trials. During the single task trials, participants walked faster, took less steps, and had higher acceleration and postural sway values than they did during the dual task trials. Normative reference values for these gait parameters were also determined for this specific population. </p>

Evidence is accumulating to support the effects of specific nutritional provision on both physical and mental performance, with implications to enhance performance. However, to date such investigations have been carried out independently. As deterioration to either physical or mental performance can have a negative impact on overall endurance performance, the purpose of this thesis was to investigate the combined effects of dietary manipulation on physiological and psychological parameters. At the outset, a qualitative study was conducted to explore the eating patterns and food choices of a group of endurance athletes, and to investigate attitudes towards nutritional management for performance enhancement. The analysis revealed higher order order themes of 'somatic complaints',' performance', 'trust',"'preferences' and 'routine'. It was found, for example, that food choices, especially those of more competitive athletes, were made in order to maximise performance where such choices were based on past experience and 'trial and error' rather than specialist advice. Interestingly the issue of 'trust' emerged which requires further investigation as reluctance to utilise nutritional advice may be a limiting factor when promoting the enhancement of performance. Laboratory experiments were then undertaken to investigate the effects of acute and chronic dietary manipulation on physiological and psychological parameters, A low glycaemic response (GR), generated via acute manipulations, was found to enhance cognition, improve mood and satisfy appetite when compared with a high GR. Following a chronic manipulation, the beneficial effects of a low GR were extended to include reduced heart rate and respiratory exchange ratio and lower ratings of perceived exertion during submaximal exercise. As the findings from the laboratory experiments confirmed benefits of a low GR, the results were extrapolated to a 'real world' setting.

The impacts of climate change in agriculture is a growing concern. The agricultural sector plays a significant role in North Dakota's (ND) economy, and spring wheat contributes most to the economy. This study focuses on assessing possible impacts of three climate variables on spring wheat yield in ND by building regression model. The trend of average minimum temperature, average maximum temperature, average precipitation and spring wheat yield was analyzed using Mann-Kendall test for 86 years. The study was conducted by dividing ND into 9 divisions. Increasing trend was noticed for 6 divisions for average minimum temperature and average precipitation during growing season. Northeast and Southeast division showed the strongest increasing trend for average minimum temperature and average precipitation, respectively. Eastcentral division had the most decreasing trend for average maximum temperature. Significant relationship was established between spring wheat yield and climatic parameters. The regression model was tested for forecasting accuracy.

Much research has been done in the fields of classifier performance evaluation and optimization. This work summarizes this research and tries to answer the question if algorithm parameter tuning has more impact on performance than the choice of algorithm. An alternative way of evaluation; a measure function is also demonstrated. This type of evaluation is compared with one of the most accepted methods; the cross-validation test. Experiments, described in this work, show that parameter tuning often has more impact on performance than the actual choice of algorithm and that the measure function could be a complement or an alternative to the standard cross-validation tests.

The transient dynamic analysis of constrained mechanical systems may require the solution of a mixed set of algebraic and differential equations of motion. The usual formulation of these equations is expressed in terms of the accelerations of the system components. A canonical form of the equations of motion in terms of the system velocities and the time derivative of the system momenta may be used instead. This is a natural form of the equations in which all the state variables are explicitly expressed, and have the same physical importance. The numerical solution obtained from the canonical equations shows more accuracy and stability, specifically for systems with large and fluctuating forces. For the mechanical systems that undergo an impact, the usual numerical solution of the equations of motion is not valid. Two different methods of analysis of impact problems are presented. In one method, the variations of the impulsive force during the contact period are directly added to the vector of forces in the canonical equations of motion. In the second method, based on the assumption of instantaneous nature of impact, a set of momentum balance-impulse equations is derived by explicitly integrating the canonical equations. These equations are solved at the time of impact for the jump in the system momenta right after impact. Necessary parameters are evaluated for the performance of the two methods of analysis. These parameters include the maximum relative indentation, the maximum contact force, and the coefficient of restitution. The parameters are determined for the collision between two bodies in a system with any general geometric or material properties. The influence of friction modeling in the magnitude and the direction of the total force at the contact surfaces is discussed. The dynamics of a vehicle collision is studied in order to illustrate the efficiency of obtaining a solution to the canonical equations, the simplicity of solving the momentum balance-impulse equations.

Falls and collisions are the most common types of events leading to sports-related concussions where impacts to the head play an important role on the onset of traumatic brain injury. Each event can be described by impact parameters that define the loading conditions on the head and brain and are necessary for accurate accident reconstruction employing physical impact tests, anthropometric headforms, and finite element (FE) modelling. It was the purpose of this research to describe the effects and interactions of impact velocity, compliance, mass and impact location on head acceleration and brain tissue strain measures associated with risk of concussions in sports. Impact parameters were varied to capture responses from no-injury up to concussive levels. Study one examined the effect of impact parameters on fall events simulated using a monorail drop tower. Impact mass was varied using three different headforms representing child, adolescent, and adult sizes measuring peak linear and angular acceleration and maximum principal strain. Regression analysis revealed that impact compliance was the most influential on peak linear and angular acceleration measures, meanwhile FE strain was most affected by changes in impact velocity. Smaller headforms tend to produce higher acceleration and strain values, supporting the need for age and size related mechanical definitions of risk. Study two examined the effect of impact parameters for collision events simulated using a multi-mass pendulum to represent common striking masses in sport measuring peak linear and angular acceleration and strain. Study three provided further insight into collision impacts by evaluating the distribution of peak strains in different brain lobes and the volume of the brain experiencing strains passed a critical level. Results show that compliance was similarly the most influential on peak head acceleration whereas peak strain and volume were most affected by impact velocity. Mass-velocity interactions had effects where a 9 kg mass had greater response than 15 kg, but similar to 21 kg. The temporal lobe consistently contained the highest strains with the rear boss non-centric impact location producing the largest values. Interacting impact parameters illustrate the challenges with predicting associated risk of concussion from head collisions in sport and supports the need to identify effective performance ranges of protective materials.

One of the important operational and in some cases, also strategic business decisions, is in respect of the investment of funds. Although there are a number of assets to invest in, two particular popular investment asset classes are land and/or property. Land however, is becoming a very scarce resource. It can be argued that many companies investing in the property sectors' main income is generated from the sale of land. A new way of gaining a sustainable income stream is followed. This is done by investing in different kinds of property development projects. One of the problems that companies face is to determine whether a property development project is a good investment, meaning that it will generate sustainable and acceptable profits in the long term. Companies evaluate prospective investment opportunities by assessing whether the expected return, adjusted for project risk, exceeds the company?s required return. Different impact parameters exist and were identified in the study. Valuation methods used in determining the overall feasibility were discussed and evaluated to see the impact on the property development project.<br>Thesis (M.B.A.)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

This project will be based in an objective and as well as subjective study related to Quality of Experience in a video conference application, appear.in. Indeed the study puts emphasis on finding possible correlations between Quality of Service parameters, that in the study are represented by some of the most meaningful network parameters, and contextual parameters with Quality of Experience. To achieve this the study was based in two different scenarios using two test environments. One is based on having an all free test and the other conducted in a created test-bad for monitoring and altering network parameters to see how user respond to the changes. Both scenarios were accompanied by a survey that provided useful information about the subjective perception of different individuals that took part in the testing phase.The project is divided in two phases where we set up the required environments for the test and then we process results to find correlation between the above mentioned parameters.In the end of the project all the results and the conclusions are presented providing a clearer view for what was done. The project itself might represent a good foundation to be used in the future for other studies related to video conferencing application.

Vitamin D is central in calcium turnover, and adequate levels are important for skeletal health. It is not clear how large contributions from food and sunlight are in Swedish primary care patients, considering the low radiation of UVB in Sweden and fortification of some foods, and whether differences exist between patients of immigrant and Swedish origin. Increasing incidence of osteoporosis-related fractures is a major global health problem. Genetic variations in metabolising enzymes and in the Vitamin D receptor (VDR) have also been shown to be of importance to the overall effect of vitamin D. Polymorphic variation in the gene CYP2R1 encoding the 25-hydroxylase has previously been reported to correlate with circulating levels of 25(OH)D3. Results of association studies between genetic variants of the VDR and muscle strength, as well as falls have been contradictory. The purposes of this thesis were to examine possible differences in plasma-25(OH)D3 levels and intake of vitamin D between Swedish and immigrant female primary care patients, to estimate what foods contribute the most, and to identify contributors to vitamin D status (Paper I-II). Furthermore, the relationship between polymorphisms in the CYP2R1 gene and levels of 25(OH)D3 as well as other biochemical parameters (parathyroid hormone, calcium, phosphate and fibroblast growth factor 23) of skeletal homeostasis, bone mineral density and incidence of fractures was investigated (Paper III). Also, the association between genetic variations in the gene for the vitamin D receptor and measures of muscle strength, physical performance and falls (Paper IV), was investigated by using data from a Swedish multicenter study of elderly men (MrOS). Most important results: Vitamin D deficiency was common, with significant difference between Swedish born and immigrant patients (Paper I). Food intake of vitamin D is associated with circulating vitamin D, but the factors most strongly affecting vitamin D levels were reported sun holiday and origin (Paper II). CYP2R1 polymorphisms are associated with circulating levels of 25(OH)D3 and bone mineral density (Paper III). VDR genetic variants do not appear to have a direct effect on muscle strength or physical performance and incidence of falls in elderly Swedish men (Paper IV).

Hydroentanglement is an important technique of bonding fibres to produce nonwovens using high velocity waterjets as the primary bonding tool. The work reported in this thesis addresses the gap in scientific knowledge and understanding, both theoretical and experimental, related to the impact forces and energy of the waterjets used in the hydroentanglement process. The current study focused on the impact forces and energy involved in, and the optimisation of, the hydroentanglement process. The results of the experimentally measured waterjet impact forces have been used to characterise the waterjets as well as to verify empirically the theoretical models currently available for explaining the mechanics of the hydroentanglement process. Since the process of supplying pressurised waterjets consumes a great deal of energy, the study of energy consumption and efficiency of the system has been critical. A method was proposed and used to determine the coefficients of velocity and water discharge of an industrial machine set-up, helping explain the mechanism of energy transfer during hydroentanglement and to concurrently optimise the process. Furthermore, a response surface experimental design was used to optimise the hydroentanglement of viscose and Polylactic acid (PLA) fibres into nonwovens. The selected Box-Behnken design, with four factors, namely the waterjet force, machine processing speed, input weight and fibre type, was employed to investigate the multivariate process factors and their interactive effects on physical and mechanical properties of nonwovens. Two sets of experiments, the later for validation, were performed to study the energy transfer efficiency. The results of the relative energy transfer to bond the fibrous web showed that it was possible to produce nonwovens using lower input energy without compromising the quality of the products. The optimum waterjet pressure and machine speed used to produce the Abstract nonwoven with the highest tensile strength for the least amount of energy supplied were identified.

During recent years, legislation regarding emissions and fuel consumption levels for the automotive industry has become increasingly comprehensive. In order for automotive manufacturers to reach the demands, engine friction needs to be reduced. The cylinder liner is considered to be one of the most critical engine components regarding friction and high demands are put their surface texture. No process has been found to create efficient cylinder liners as good as honing. Honing is an abrasive process, using three simultaneous movements of abrasive stones to remove material and create grooves. Since honing is an abrasive process, analytical prediction of the process outcome is difficult. In order to describe the process, empirical modeling has to be applied. The objective of this thesis is to, by using design of experiments, understand the honing process in the cylinder liner manufacturing at Scania CV AB and identify key parameters in the process control connected to surface roughness. Furthermore, the aim is to find an optimal setting of the machine to produce the demanded surface texture. Through screening experiments, five parameters were found to be the most significant in the process. These parameters were then further investigated in an optimization test. The results of this test showed that the plateau honing step was of main importance for the resulting surface texture. The factors with the largest impact were the honing force and number of strokes used in this operation. The results also suggested that the reciprocating speed influences the surface parameters and can be used to decrease the core roughness of the surface without affecting the valley depth negatively. Due to high correlation between surface parameters, compromises need to be made in order to find an optimal setting.

The build–up of 6Li and 3He, that is, the strong thermal neutron absorbers or the so called "neutron poisons", in the beryllium reflector changes the physical characteristics of the reactor, such as reactivity, neutron spectra, neutron flux level, power distribution, etc.; furthermore,gaseous isotopes such as 3H and 4He induce swelling and embrittlement of the reflector. The SAFARI–1 research reactor, operated by Necsa at Pelindaba in South Africa, uses a beryllium reflector on three sides of the core, consisting of 19 beryllium reflector elements in total. This MTR went critical in 1965, and the original beryllium reflectors are still used. The individual neutron irradiation history of each beryllium reflector element, as well as the impact of beryllium poisoning on reactor parameters, were never well known nor investigated before. Furthermore, in the OSCAR{3 code system used in predictive neutronic calculations for SAFARI–1, beryllium reflector burn–up is not accounted for; OSCAR models the beryllium reflector as a non–burnable, 100% pure material. As a result, the poisoning phenomenon is not accounted for. Furthermore, the criteria and hence the optimum replacement time of the reflector has never been developed. This study presents detailed calculations, using MCNP, FISPACT and the OSCAR{3 code system, to quantify the influence of impurities that were originally present in the fresh beryllium reflector, the beryllium reflector poisoning phenomenon, and further goes on to propose the reflector's replacement criteria based on the calculated fluence and predicted swelling. Comparisons to experimental low power flux measurements and effects of safety parameters are also established. The study concludes that, to improve the accuracy and reliability of the predictive OSCAR code calculations, beryllium re flector burn–up should undoubtedly be incorporated in the next releases of OSCAR. Based on this study, the inclusion of the beryllium reflector burn–up chains is planned for implementation in the currently tested OSCAR–4 code system. In addition to beryllium reflector poisoning, the replacement criteria of the reflector is developed. It is however crucial that experimental measurements on the contents of 3H and 4He be conducted and thus swelling of the reflector be quantifed. In this way the calculated results could be verified and a sound replacement criteria be developed. In the absence of experimental measurements on the beryllium reflector, the analysis and quantifcation of the calculated results is reserved for future studies.<br>Thesis (M.Sc. Engineering Sciences (Nuclear Engineering))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

Inter-site interference distribution acts as a basic limitation on how much performance a network service provider can achieve in an urban network scenario. There are many different ways of controlling this interference levels. One such method is tuning the antenna downtilt depending on the network situation. Antenna downtilt can also be seen as a powerful tool for load balancing in the network. This thesis work involves a study of the impact of the antenna downtilt in an urban environment, involving non-uniform user distribution. A realistic dual ray propagation model is used to model the path gain from the base station to a UE. Such a propagation model is used along with a directional antenna radiation pattern model to calculate the overall path gain from the base station to a UE. Under such modeling, the results of the simulations show that the antenna downtilt plays a crucial role in optimizing the network performance. The results show that the optimal antenna downtilt angle is not very sensitive to the location of the hotspot in the network. The results also show that the antenna downtilt sensitivity is very much dependent on the network scenario. The coupling between the antenna downtilt and the elevation half power beamwidth is also evaluated.

Background Even though more than 600 stroke treatments have been shown effective in preclinical studies, clinically proven treatment alternatives for cerebral infarction remain scarce. Amongst the reasons for the discrepancy may be methodological shortcomings, such as high mortality and outcome variability, in the preclinical studies. A common approach in animal stroke experiments is that A) focal cerebral ischemia is inflicted, B) some type of treatment is administered and C) the infarct sizes are assessed. However, within this paradigm, the researcher has to make numerous methodological decisions, including choosing rat strain and type of surgical procedure. Even though a few studies have attempted to address the questions experimentally, a lack of consensus regarding the optimal methodology remains. Methods We therefore meta-analyzed data from 502 control groups described in 346 articles to find out how rat strain, procedure for causing focal cerebral ischemia and the type of filament coating affected mortality and infarct size variability. Results The Wistar strain and intraluminal filament procedure using a silicone coated filament was found optimal in lowering infarct size variability. The direct and endothelin methods rendered lower mortality rate, whereas the embolus method increased it compared to the filament method. Conclusions The current article provides means for researchers to adjust their middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAo) protocols to minimize infarct size variability and mortality.<br><p>Funding Agencies|County Council of Ostergotland, Sweden||</p>

La interpretació en llengua de signes (ILS) és un dels principals serveis d’accessibilitat als mitjans audiovisuals, juntament amb l’àudiodescripció i la subtitulació. Tot i la seva rellevància, la recerca en aquest camp és incipient. Actualment, les organitzacions de radiotelevisió que ofereixen aquests serveis no compten encara amb guies de bones pràctiques basades en resultats empírics. Aquesta tesi té com a finalitat cobrir parcialment aquest buit de coneixement a partir de l’estudi dels paràmetres formals que afecten la llegibilitat de la ILS i la lectura dels diferents elements visuals de la composició de la pantalla televisiva. El marc conceptual d’aquesta recerca conjumina dos models complementaris sobre els drets dels usuaris de la LS: (1) el model inclusiu d’accessibilitat i (2) el doble estatus social d’aquest grup, com a persones amb una discapacitat sensorial i com a membres d’una comunitat lingüística minoritària. Aquesta tesi té dos objectius: d’una banda, (1) identificar els paràmetres formals d’inserció de la ILS i els seus efectes en l’accessibilitat als contingut televisats. De l’altra, (2) estudiar la recepció i el processament d’un documental interpretat a la LS emprant diferents dissenys. La investigació implementa mètodes mixtos seguint un disseny exploratori seqüencial que integra tres etapes: (1) un estudi inicial qualitatiu, (2) una etapa intermèdia de desenvolupament de l’instrument de mesura psicomètrica i (3) una etapa final amb l’estudi preeminent de naturalesa quantitativa. La primera fase es va dissenyar amb l’objectiu de recollir dades qualitatives de dos dels principals grups d’interès del servei d’ILS a la TV: (1) les intèrprets professionals i (2) els sords signants com a principals usuaris dels serveis d’accessibilitat. Els resultats d’aquesta primera fase de recerca suggereixen que la velocitat i la mida de la intèrpret a la pantalla són els paràmetres formals més importants pel que fa a la llegibilitat, mentre que la posició pot ser un dels paràmetres que condicionen la lectura dels diferents elements visuals de la pantalla. Aquests resultats varen constituir la base per al desenvolupament de les fases posteriors de recerca. L’etapa intermèdia tenia com a objectiu desenvolupar una eina de recollida de dades que pogués implementar un qüestionari accessible en LS i que constituís un instrument vàlid i fiable per avaluar el record visual d’informació en LS. L’etapa quantitativa final va incloure dos estudis experimentals: (1) la captura dels moviments oculars per estudiar els patrons de distribució de l’atenció visual dels signants sords a la pantalla de TV amb ILS incrustada i (2) les proves de record mitjançant qüestionaris de memòria per mesurar l’accessibilitat del contingut. A partir d’aquestes proves quantitatives de recepció, es pot concloure que, a l’hora de produir continguts audiovisuals accessibles que inclouen una finestra per a la ILS en un format televisiu de pantalla dividida, la mida en combinació amb la posició a la pantalla són factors importants a tenir en compte. Els resultats mostren que el format de pantalla òptim per a l’accessibilitat als contingut audiovisuals s’obté mitjançant la combinació d’una finestra de mida mitjana per a la ILS a l’esquerra de la pantalla. Tot i que la visualització de continguts televisius en LS és una tasca complexa que requereix atenció dividida, els resultats d’aquesta tesi mostren que implementar els paràmetres òptims pot tenir un impacte positiu en la llegibilitat i la lectura dels continguts i, en definitiva, sobre la usabilitat i l’accessibilitat global. Aquesta tesi constitueix un primer pas cap a la realització de futurs tests de recepció de la LS dins del camp de l’accessibilitat als mitjans i la traducció audiovisual.<br>La interpretación en lengua de signos (ILS) es uno de los principales servicios de accesibilidad a los medios audiovisuales, junto con la subtitulación y la audiodescripción. Pese a su relevancia, la investigación de los servicios en lengua de signos (LS) en el campo de la accesibilidad a los medios es incipiente. Actualmente, las radiotelevisiones que ofrecen este servicio no cuentan aún con guías de buenas prácticas basadas en resultados empíricos. Esta tesis doctoral tiene como finalidad cubrir parcialmente este vacío de conocimiento a partir del estudio de los parámetros formales que afectan a la legibilidad de la ILS y la lectura de los diferentes elementos visuales en pantalla televisiva. El marco conceptual de esta investigación combina dos modelos complementarios sobre los derechos de los sordos signantes: (1) el modelo inclusivo de accesibilidad y (2) el doble estatus social de este grupo, como personas con una discapacidad sensorial y como miembros de una comunidad lingüística minoritaria. Esta tesis tiene dos objetivos: por un lado, (1) identificar los parámetros formales de inserción de la ILS y sus efectos en la accesibilidad a contenidos televisados; por otro, (2) estudiar la recepción y el procesamiento de un documental con inserción de la ILS empleando diferentes diseños de pantalla. La investigación implementa métodos mixtos siguiendo un diseño exploratorio secuencial que integra tres fases: (1) un estudio inicial cualitativo, (2) una fase intermedia de desarrollo del instrumento de medida y (3) la ulterior fase principal cuantitativa con el estudio de recepción. La fase cualitativa fue diseñada para recoger datos exploratorios de los principales grupos de interés del servicio de ILS en la TV: (1) las intérpretes profesionales y (2) los sordos usuarios de la LS, como principales usuarios del servicio de accesibilidad. Los resultados sugieren que los parámetros formales más importantes en cuanto a legibilidad son la velocidad y el tamaño de la intérprete, mientras que la posición puede ser uno de los parámetros que condicionan la lectura de los diferentes elementos visuales de la pantalla. Estos resultados constituyeron la base para el desarrollo de las fases posteriores de investigación. La fase intermedia tenía como objetivo desarrollar una herramienta de recogida de datos que pudiera implementar un cuestionario accesible en LS y que constituyera un instrumento válido y fiable para evaluar el recuerdo visual de información en LS. La fase cuantitativa final incluyó dos estudios experimentales (1) la captación de los movimientos oculares para estudiar los patrones de exploración y distribución de la atención visual en la pantalla de TV con ILS y (2) las pruebas de memoria mediante cuestionarios de recuerdo visual y lingüístico del contenido. A partir de estas pruebas cuantitativas de recepción, se puede concluir que a la hora de producir contenidos audiovisuales accesibles que incluyen una ventana para la ILS en un formato televisivo de pantalla dividida, el tamaño en combinación con la posición en la pantalla son dos factores importantes a tener en cuenta. Los resultados muestran que el formato de pantalla óptimo para la accesibilidad se obtienen mediante la combinación de una ventana para la ILS de tamaño medio (1/4 del ancho de pantalla) a la izquierda de la pantalla. Aunque la visualización de contenidos televisivos en LS es una tarea compleja que requiere atención dividida, los resultados de esta tesis muestran que implementar los parámetros óptimos tiene un impacto positivo en la legibilidad y la lectura de los contenidos y, en definitiva, sobre la usabilidad y la accesibilidad. Esta tesis constituye un primer paso hacia la realización de futuros tests de recepción de la LS dentro del campo de la accesibilidad a los medios y la traducción audiovisual.<br>Sign language interpreting (SLI) is the third major media accessibility service along with audio description and subtitling. Although SLI first appeared on TV nearly seventy years ago, the field of media accessibility on SLI still lacks critical investigation on tested te- chniques to produce guidelines that can constitute best practice for both broadcasters and stakeholders. This PhD thesis has the purpose of partially filling this knowledge gap by studying the formal parameters that affect legibility and readability of the sign langua- ge on the screen. It is framed within two complementary conceptual models regarding deaf sign language users' rights: (1) the inclusive model of accessibility and (2) the dual category status, where deaf signers are regarded as both persons with a disability and as members of a minority language group, namely a Sign Language Community. This dissertation is exploratory in nature and has two aims: (1) to identify the SLI on-screen parameters and their relevance to content accessibility and SLI service usability and (2) to explore the reception and processing of different split screen composites including sign-interpreted content -combining two variables- by deaf sign language service users in a documentary film. Within a mixed methods research approach, an ins- trument-development variant of an exploratory sequential design was implemented in order to meet the research aims. The research consisted of three steps: (1) an initial quali- tative phase; (2) an intermediate instrument development phase and (3) a final prioritised quantitative phase. First, the qualitative phase was designed to collect open-ended information from two stakeholder groups: one including semi-structured interviews with professional sign lan- guage interpreters working on TV, the other including focus groups with deaf sign lan- guage participants that were TV access service users. The results suggest that the speed rate and size of the interpreter on the screen were the most important formal parametersaffecting legibility while position may be related to screen readability. These findings provided informed choices to develop the next research phases. The intermediate phase aimed to develop a data collection tool that could implement an accessible and reliable questionnaire to assess information recall in sign language. The final quantitative phase aimed to gather close-ended information on both users' behaviour and performance. It included two experimental studies, the first using eye-tracking techniques to analyse deaf signers visual attention allocation patterns on sign-interpreted TV and the second using recall tests to analyse content accessibility. From the quantitative reception tests, it can be concluded that size in combination with on-screen position are two important factors to consider when producing AV works including signing in a TV split screen design. The results show that the most balanced information content recall scores are obtained using a mid-sized interpreter's window screen in a left position displaying the scene screen on the right. From this finding, it can be concluded that this split screen composite format encompasses the optimal combination of features for the size and position para- meters to access broadcast documentary contents. Although watching audiovisual contents with signing services is a complex task requiring divided attention, the results from the user tests show that implementing the optimal pa- rameters can have a positive impact on the SLI service legibility and readability and, ulti- mately, on service usability and content accessibility. This novel methodology combining users' opinions and measuring their psychological responses in a controlled reception test will hopefully constitute a first step towards conducting future research in the field of SLI in media accessibility and audiovisual translation studies.

The background to this study relates to the policy of the Chinese government to encourage university graduates to become entrepreneurs as a means of addressing unemployment in China. Far less than the expected number of university graduates however engage in an entrepreneurial career which leads one to question the effectiveness of this policy initiative. A number of critical issues arise. First, although the government’s policy incentives may have a positive impact on the take-up of entrepreneurial careers, there is insufficient research to justify the kind of support currently being implemented by the Chinese government. Second, while some studies have shown that one’s social network is a significant attribute in the decision to become an entrepreneur, the empirical evidence is mixed. Other studies have shown that entrepreneurial cognition is a crucial antecedent to whether people choose to become entrepreneurs. Few studies however have examined the relationship between one’s social network and cognition, and their relationship to how entrepreneurial intentions are formed. In addressing these gaps, the thesis investigates how the characteristics of an individual’s social network affect the formation of his or her entrepreneurial intentions directly and via entrepreneurial cognition. The findings of this study contribute to the literature in three respects. The first contribution comes from the argument that one’s social network properties and in particular, one’s entrepreneurial social network, directly influence cognition during the formation of entrepreneurial intentions. The second contribution reveals alternative measures and hence explanations of entrepreneurship in relation to one’s social capital, one’s social network characteristics and other factors. The third contribution rests on the analytical approach, which uses the technics of structural equation modeling (SEM) to reveal the relationship between critical realism and conceptions. As the analysis show, SEM is an appropriate and effective approach to the confirmatory analysis. Essentially, it enables integrating knowledge and by drawing together parameter variables and latent variables, it offers concurrent understanding of the critical insight of the focal problem of why some people choose to be entrepreneurs.

Recent studies found that soil-atmosphere coupling features, through soil moisture, have been crucial to simulate well heat waves amplitude, duration and intensity. Moreover, it was found that soil moisture depletion both in Winter and Spring anticipates strong heat waves during the Summer. Irrigation in geophysical studies can be intended as an anthropogenic forcing to the soil-moisture, besides changes in land proprieties. In this study, the irrigation was add to a LAM hydrostatic model (BOLAM) and coupled with the soil. The response of the model to irrigation perturbation is analyzed during a dry Summer season. To identify a dry Summer, with overall positive temperature anomalies, an extensive climatological characterization of 2015 was done. The method included a statistical validation on the reference period distribution used to calculate the anomalies. Drought conditions were observed during Summer 2015 and previous seasons, both on the analyzed region and the Alps. Moreover July was characterized as an extreme event for the referred distribution. The numerical simulation consisted on the summer season of 2015 and two run: a control run (CTR), with the soil coupling and a perturbed run (IPR). The perturbation consists on a mask of land use created from the Cropland FAO dataset, where an irrigation water flux of 3 mm/day was applied from 6 A.M. to 9 A.M. every day. The results show that differences between CTR and IPR has a strong daily cycle. The main modifications are on the air masses proprieties, not on to the dynamics. However, changes in the circulation at the boundaries of the Po Valley are observed, and a diagnostic spatial correlation of variable differences shows that soil moisture perturbation explains well the variation observed in the 2 meters height temperature and in the latent heat fluxes.On the other hand, does not explain the spatial shift up and downslope observed during different periods of the day. Given the results, irrigation process affects the atmospheric proprieties on a larger scale than the irrigation, therefore it is important in daily forecast, particularly during hot and dry periods.

FundaÃÃo de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado do CearÃ<br>Objetivou-se com o presente estudo avaliar a biometria, parÃmetros sanguÃneos e hormonais de cordeiros Santa InÃs. Foram utilizados 30 cordeiros com peso vivo mÃdio inicial de 13,0  1,49 kg e aproximadamente 60 dias de idade para estimativa daglicose, colesterol, &#946;- hidroxibutirato, N- ureico, proteÃnas totais, albumina, globulina, cloreto, cÃlcio, fÃsforo, magnÃsio e os hormÃnios leptina, insulina e tiroxina (T4). Utilizou-se o delineamento inteiramente casualizado em esquema fatorial 3 x 3 x 2, que consistia detrÃs nÃveis de restriÃÃo alimentar (RA) (controle, 30% e 60%), trÃs perÃodos de coleta correspondente à idade dos animais (14, 18 e 23 semanas de idade) e duas classes sexuais (castrados e nÃo castrados). O sangue foi coletado por punÃÃo da veia jugular nos trÃs perÃodos de coleta. Para as medidas biomÃtricas utilizou-se o delineamento inteiramente casualizado em esquema fatorial 3 x 2, levando-se em consideraÃÃo os nÃveis de restriÃÃo e as classes sexuais. As medidas foram realizadas quinzenalmente durante todo perÃodo experimental.O hormÃnio Tiroxina nÃo foi influenciado pela idade, dieta ou classe sexual. Jà a leptina e a insulina aumentaram com a idade dos animais (P<0,01). As concentraÃÃes de glicose diminuÃram de acordo com o aumento do nÃvel de RA (P<0,001). As concentraÃÃes de BHB foram maiores à medida que se aumentou a restriÃÃo alimentar (P<0,001). O N-ureico foi influenciado pela idade e dieta experimental (P< 0,001) e houve interaÃÃo idade X classe sexual (P<0,01). As concentraÃÃes de colesterol total e proteÃnas totais nÃo foram influenciadas pelos tratamentos experimentais (P<0,05), entretanto a albumina e globulina foram influenciadas pela idade (P<0,001; P<0,01). As concentraÃÃes plasmÃticas de cloretos, cÃlcio, magnÃsio e fÃsforo variaram significativamente em funÃÃo da idade. Os animais submetidos à RA cresceram em ritmo mais lento, sendo que, a influencia negativa foi mais acentuada no R60 (60% de RA). No R30 (30% de RA), o ritmo de crescimento diminuÃdo foi mais perceptÃvel com 100 dias de idade no peso corporal (PC), com 130 dias no escore de condiÃÃo corporal (ECC) e perÃmetro torÃcico (PT), com 145 dias na altura de garupa (AG) e com 160 dias no comprimento de garupa (CG) e largura de peito (LP). A anÃlise da correlaÃÃo de Pearson mostra que as medidas biomÃtricas sÃo co-dependentes do nÃvel de alimentaÃÃo do animal, pois as correlaÃÃes foram altas e significativas nos animais controle (r= + 0,61 a 0,95). Conclui-se que os parÃmetros metabÃlicos foram influenciados mais pela idade do que pela dieta e que a restriÃÃo alimentar afeta o perfil metabÃlico e hormonal, em especial o &#946;-hidroxibutirato e a insulina. O escore de condiÃÃo corporal, peso corporal e largura de peito foram os parÃmetros mais sensivelmente influenciados pela RA.<br>The present study aimed to evaluate biometric measurements and blood and hormonal parameters of Santa Ines lambs. Thirty lambs with an average live weight of 13.0  1.49 kg and 60 days of age were used to estimate glucose, cholesterol, &#946;-hydroxybutyrate, urea N, total protein, albumin, globulin, chloride, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and leptin, insulin, and thyroxine (T4) hormones. Lambs were assigned to a randomized complete design in a 3 à 2 factorial arrangement consisting of three levels of food restriction (FR) (control, 30%, and 60%), three collection periods corresponding the age of the animals (14, 18, and 23 weeks of age), and two sex categories (castrated and uncastrated). Blood was collected by jugular venipuncture in the three collection periods. For biometric measurements, a randomized complete design in a 3 à 2 factorial arrangement was adopted, taking into account restriction levels and sex categories. Measurements were taken every two weeks throughout the experimental period. The hormone thyroxine was not influenced by age, diet, or sex category. Leptin and insulin increased with the animal age (P <0.01). Glucose concentrations decreased as the FR level were increased (P <0.001). &#946;-hydroxybutyrate concentrations increased as the food restriction was increased (P <0.001). Urea nitrogen was influenced by age and experimental diet (P <0.001), and there was an age à sex category interaction effect (P <0.01). Concentrations of total cholesterol and total proteins were not influenced by experimental treatments (P <0.05), but albumin and globulin were influenced by age (P <0.001, P <0.01). Plasma concentrations of chloride, calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus varied significantly according to age. Animals subjected to FR grew at a slower rate, and the negative influence was more pronounced at 60% FR. At 30% FR, the growth rate decline was more noticeable at 100 days of age for body weight (BW); at 130 days for body condition score (BCS) and chest girth (CG); at 145 days for rump height (RH); and at 160 days for rump length (RL) and breast width (BW). Pearson's correlation analysis showed biometric measurements are co-dependent on the feeding level because correlations were high and significant in control animals (r = 0.61 to 0.95). It is concluded that the metabolic parameters were more influenced by age than by diet, and food restriction affects the metabolic and hormonal profiles, in particular &#946;-hydroxybutyrate and insulin. Body condition score, body weight, and breast width were the most significantly affected by FR parameters.

Background: In humans, total body water volume and osmolality are tightly regulated by various homeostatic mechanisms, triggered by deviations in osmolality. Heat and exercise are two stressors, which in combination can cause dehydration, and an increase in fluid osmolality, contributing to health detriments, as well as deficits in aerobic exercise performance. However, it is unclear whether dehydration affects muscular strength. Deep-ocean mineral water has been shown to have benefits on various physiological and pathophysiological conditions, including aerobic performance and muscle strength. Objectives: The aims of this study were to examine any sex differences that may exist in response to dehydration of 3% of body mass, rehydration with various fluids, and the consequences of dehydration and rehydration on muscle power and hydration status. Design: We used a counterbalanced, crossover study design, in which subjects (n=17, 9 males vs 8 females) performed a dehydrating exercise protocol until achieving a 3% body mass loss, and then rehydrated with either deep-ocean mineral water (Deep), mountain spring water (Spring), or a carbohydrate-based sports drink (Sports). Subjects completed the protocol three times, with each subject receiving the rehydrating fluid in a different order to control for order effects. Saliva samples were collected throughout the protocol to measure osmolality, and muscle strength was measured by peak torque leg extension at baseline, post-exercise, and post-rehydration. Results: We found no differences between men and women in baseline or peak salivary osmolality, or in the exercise-induced increase in osmolality. Male subjects took less time to reach 3% body mass loss than females, and females demonstrated lower sweat rates than males. Salivary osmolality returned to baseline after rehydration, with the Deep group exhibiting a significantly more rapid return to baseline, for both sexes, compared to Sports and Spring. Males generated greater peak torque extension than females at baseline, while both males and females displayed a similar significant deficit in this measure following dehydration. Peak torque recovery post-rehydration was significantly affected by fluid designation and sex, and a significant difference was seen between the Deep and the Sports groups in females. Conclusions: Males reached 3% body mass loss faster than females, while dehydration resulted in increased salivary osmolality and muscle strength deficits similarly for males and females. Deep-ocean mineral water had a significant beneficial effect on hydration recovery, for both males and females, compared to the other fluids. Recovery of muscle strength after rehydration was affected by fluid and sex, with the main driver being females.

The need for an improved understanding of the influence of sample scale on the compressibility behaviour of fine-grained soils is crucial in many applications, such as roads, embankments and foundations. The effect of sample scale represents a challenge when obtaining engineering parameters in the laboratory compared to those obtained in the field. This research therefore aimed at contributing to existing knowledge through both experimental and numerical studies. The experimental study was completed via a series of consolidation tests on fully saturated fine-grained soil (i.e. kaolin clay) at various sample scales, which were subsequently explored analytically using the finite element software PLAXIS 2D. This type of clay was chosen as it is easily sourced and well known. A Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and X-Ray Diffractometer (XRD) were employed in studying the micro-structure of the soil. The Oedometer apparatus was used to obtain the combined effect of sample scale and initial moisture content on the compressibility parameters of kaolin clay. Compressibility parameters such as coefficient of consolidation (cv), compression index (cc) and coefficient of volume compressibility (mv) were also investigated in this study. Three different methods were used to obtain cv: Casagrande, Taylor’s and Inflection methods. The sample scales were divided into three categories: soil sample height, diameter and diameter to height (D/H) ratio scale. Particular attention was given to the D/H ratio effect on the compressibility parameters due to the frictionless boundary conditions, and sample diameter scale due to drainage path length. Based on the experimental data, Taylor’s method was considered more reliable in deriving cv as compared to the Casagrande and Inflection methods, due to the end of primary consolidation (EOP) observed at all sample scales. It was also observed that on average, sample scale has an effect on cv with a correlation factor of 0.451 and that friction was reduced by 35%. The effect of sample scale on cc and mv was found to be insignificant. The investigation also showed a correlation factor between the initial moisture content and cv of 0.546 and, 0.162 and 0.026 for cc and mv respectively. The new proposed model developed in PLAXIS 2D was found to show no significant difference with the laboratory data except where the calculated coefficient of permeability was used. A new proposed model was developed in PLAXIS to further study the effect of sample diameter scale on the behaviour of fine-grained soils.

HSLA-65 steel (6.4 mm thick) was friction stir welded at various welding speeds and spindle speeds. Varying weld parameters provided a range of heat inputs. Impact toughness was evaluated as a function of the different weld parameters and corresponding weld heat inputs. Charpy V-Notch (CVN) tests were conducted in parent material and at both the weld nugget centerline and heat-affected zone (HAZ) locations. The upper shelf CVN impact energy of the weld nugget was above that of the base metal for all weld parameters. The upper shelf impact toughness in the HAZ was largely unaffected by changing weld parameters. The nil-ductility transition (NDT) temperature in the weld nugget increased with increasing heat input. The toughness, with respect to the ductile-to-brittle transition, was negatively affected by the increase in heat input. The NDT temperature in the HAZ did not correlate with heat input. The microstructures and microhardness data were examined. Aspects of variation in the impact energy results were identified as the inhomogeneity of the weld microstructure and the placement of the V-notch. Weld nugget microstructures were more inhomogeneous than base metal. Hardness results showed varying values of hardness from the weld crown to the root, transversely across the weld, and longitudinally along the length. Variation due primarily to the inhomogeneity of the weld microstructure is compounded by the location of the V-notch.

On trouve peu d'études, dans la littérature, sur les tensioactifs (TA) catanioniques - formés d'une paire d'ions entre un TA anionique et un TA cationique - en milieu nonaqueux. Nous avons voulu rationaliser, dans ce travail, le comportement d'agr´egation de ce type de tensioactifs en les étudiant comparativement dans l'eau, dans le formamide, dans le glycérol et dans des mélanges de ces solvants polaires et cohésifs. Nous avons pour ce faire synthétis´e trois différents types de TA catanioniques (alcanoate d'alkylammonium, tétradécanoate de norbornène méthylène ammonium, alcanoate de N-alkylammonium-1-d´eoxy-D-glucitol). Les TA catanioniques ont la propriété de s'agréger en vésicules dans l'eau. Dans le cas des autres solvants ou mélanges des solvants, nous avons constat que le type d'agrégat que forment les TA catanioniques dépend de deux principaux facteurs : la constante diélectrique du solvant et le degré d'interaction entre les deux TA. En effet, le formamide ayant une constante diélectrique plus élevée que l'eau, il exerce une force dissociative sur la paire d'ions qui peut ainsi être séparée pour conduire `a un mélange de TA ioniques monocaténaires formant alors des micelles. D'autre part, une augmentation de l'effet hydrophobe, obtenu en utilisant des chaînes hydrophobes plus longues, renforce la paire d'ions et conduit `a la formation de vésicules dans le formamide pur. Par ailleurs, l'étude du système tétradécanoate de norbornène méthylène ammonium a également montré l'importance des interactions hydrophobes entre les têtes polaires, un autre facteur pouvant favoriser la formation de vésicules dans le formamide pur<br>In the literature, little work has been done on catanionic surfactants in non-aqueous solution. Catanionic surfactants are ion pairs composed of an anionic and a cationic surfactant. In the frame of this work, we wanted to rationalize the aggregation behavior of this surfactant type by studying them in water, in formamide, in glycerol and in some mixtures of these polar and cohesive solvents. For this issue, we synthesized three different types of catanionic surfactants (alkylammonium alkanoate, norbornene methyleneammonium tetradecanoate, N-alkylammonium-1-deoxy-D-glucitol alkanoate). Catanionic surfactants usually form vesicles in water. In the case of non-aqueous solvents and mixtures of solvents, we could observe that the type of aggregates formed with catanionic surfactants depends on two major factors: the dielectric constant of the solvent and the degree of interaction between the two surfactants. Effectively, formamide having a higher dielectric constant than water exerts a dissociative force on the ion pair. The ion pair can be separated leading to a mixture of monocatenar ionic surfactants, which then forms micelles. On the other hand, hydrophobic effects can be increased using longer hydrophobic chains, which reinforce the ion pair and lead to the formation of vesicles in pure formamide. Moreover, the study on the norbornene methyleneammonium tetradecanoate showed the importance of hydrophobic headgroup-headgroup interactions, an additional parameter which can favor vesicle formation in pure formamide

Dans le cadre de ma thèse, j’ai analysé les spectres de neuf étoiles Kepler obtenus avec les relevés de vitesse radiale (VR). Cela a permis la caractérisation de leur compagnons planétaires. J’ai analysé les spectres de 21 autres étoiles CoRoT et Kepler, probablement hôtes de naines M à faible masse. Cela a permis d’'élargir l'échantillon des étoiles à faible masse avec masse et rayon mesurés. J’ai calculé l’indice d’activité chromosphérique de 31 étoiles observées avec SOPHIE/OHP, en aidant l’étude des interactions étoile-planète. J’ai étudié le comportement de SOPHIE à bas signal à bruit (S/B). J’ai déterminé l’intervalle de S/B dans lequel un spectre stellaire est fiable pour la mesure des paramètres stellaires.Dans le cadre du consortium SOPHIE, j’ai suivi l’analyse complète du système Kepler-117. Ce système multi-planétaire montre variations des périodes orbitaux dues aux échanges dynamiques entre les planètes (TTV). Pour déterminer les paramètres du système, un approche spécifique a été développé pour l’ajustement simultané de transits, VR et TTV (Bruno et al. 2015).Finalement, je me suis intéressé à l’activité stellaire dans la photométrie de transit. J’ai impl ́ementé deux logiciels de modélisation de tâches stellaires dans un code MCMC, en ajoutant l’évolution des tâches dans l’un d’eux. J’ai appliqué les logiciels au Soleil, à CoRoT-7 et à CoRoT-2. J’ai amené un étude détaillé de la courbe de lumière de CoRoT-2, et exploré les effets des tâches dans les paramètres du transit (Bruno et al., en prep.). Avec la méthode FF’ (Aigrain et al. 2012), j’ai contribué à l’exploration du lien entre la signature des tâches de CoRoT-7 et dans la photométrie et dans les VR<br>During my PhD, I analyzed the spectra of nine Kepler stars obtained by radial velocity (RV) observations. This allowed the characterization of their planetary companions. I analyzed the spectra of twenty-one other CoRoT and Kepler stars, likely orbited by low-mass M dwarfs. This helped widening the sample of low-mass stars with measured mass and radius. I calculated the chromospheric activity indfex of thirty-one stars observed with SOPHIE/OHP, helping the study of star-planet interactions. I studied the behavior of SOPHIE in low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) regime. I determinhed the SNR range in which a stellar spectrum is reliable for the measure of the stellar parameters.Within the SOPHIE consortium, I followed the complete analysis of the Kepler-117 system. This multi-planetary system presents variations in the planetary orbital periods due to their mutual dynamical interacion (TTVs). To fit the system parameters, a specific fitting approach including TTV modeling was developed. We derived the system parameters by the simultaneous fit of transits, RVs, and TTVs (Bruno et al. 2015).Finally, I addressed the problem of stellar activity in transit photometry. I implemented two starspot modeling codes into an MCMC algorithm, adding spot evolution to oneof them. I applied the codes to the Sun, CoRoT-7, and CoRoT-2. I carried an extensive study on the light curve of CoRoT-2, and explored the effects of the spots on the transit parameters (Bruno et al., in prep.). With the FF’ method (Aigrain et al. 2012), I contributed to explore the connection between the photometric and RV signature of starspots in CoRoT-7

This research report analyses Uganda’s legal requirements on local content, particularly its impact on the rights of women to participate and obtain benefit from extractive industry activities. Regard is had to the fact that much of Africa’s non-renewable natural resources have not been applied to the benefit of its peoples. Resultantly, governments have developed legislation and other requirements to among others, attract foreign direct investment without unnecessarily disadvantaging the nationals. The discussion considers the situation in other common law countries – specifically Tanzania and South Africa – as well as the implications of obligations imposed on member countries by international treaties, agreements and frameworks. The research is anchored on the need to improve on the livelihood of women in extractive industries and thereby examines the implications of the law on their rights. The study then delves into a critical review of the effectiveness of the local content legal framework in Uganda and also draws lessons from Tanzania and South Africa for purposes of comparison. The study narrows the discussion to the problem of law and policy making which end up excluding and disadvantaging women. Recommendations made are intended to contribute to the body of knowledge in the extractives sector generally and on the local content stipulations and their impact on the rights of women specifically. Recommendations include; embracing gender inclusiveness and taking into account women’s views in policy and law making, balancing political rhetoric and agenda with the need to secure women’s participation, as well as setting specific quotas to be complied with by extractives companies are paramount. Further, encouragement of women to participate in extractive industry activities, development of more cohesive and gender inclusive policies as well as adoption of a strategy approach in extractive industry policy making. Also, eradication of archaic practices which exclude women from participating in and taking direct benefits in extractives activities. Much as the local content requirements in Uganda are designed to engender equality and equity, more still needs to be done to enhance women’s rights in the extractive industry.<br>Mini Dissertation (LLM)--University of Pretoria, 2019.<br>Public Law<br>LLM<br>Unrestricted

In this study the effects of different austempering times and temperatures on impact toughness, hardness and fracture toughness properties of 35NiCrMoV12.5 gun barrel steel are investigated. 300 &deg<br>C, 325 &deg<br>C and 350 &deg<br>C were chosen as austempering temperatures. Isothermal holding times at these temperatures were chosen as 1 minute, 10 minutes, 1 hour and 10 hours. It was found that, 350 &deg<br>C being an exception, austempering temperature and impact toughness has an inverse relationship and impact toughness increases as isothermal holding time increases. However this behavior is valid until some point. Prolonged transformation times causes toughness to decrease. Hardness measurements revealed that, as isothermal holding time increases, hardness decreases. In order to compare the mechanical properties obtained by austempering with that of conventional cooling and tempering, 400 &deg<br>C was chosen as the tempering temperature and applied to both charpy impact and fracture toughness specimens. It was found that conventional cooling and tempering produced tougher structures. Size of the fracture toughness specimens might have caused an undesired situation such as incomplete transformation to bainite. Optical and scanning electron microscopy was used in order to analyze the microstructures obtained after each treatment. It was observed that the majority of the morphologies occurred is lower bainite. On the other hand, martensitic structures were observed almost at every temperature.

Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) is showing great potential as an atomic analytical technique. With its ability to rapidly analyze all forms of matter, with little-to-no sample preparation, LIBS has many advantages over conventional atomic emission spectroscopy techniques. With the maturation of the technologies that make LIBS possible, there has been a growing movement to implement LIBS in portable analyzers for field applications. In particular, LIBS has long been considered the front-runner in the drive for stand-off detection of trace deposits of explosives. Thus there is a need for a better understanding of the relevant processes that are responsible for the LIBS signature and their relationships to the different system parameters that are helping to improve LIBS as a sensing technology. This study explores the use of LIBS as a method to detect random trace amounts of specific organic materials deposited on organic or non-metallic surfaces. This requirement forces the limitation of single-shot signal analysis. This study is both experimental and theoretical, with a sizeable component addressing data analysis using principal components analysis to reduce the dimensionality of the data, and quadratic discriminant analysis to classify the data. In addition, the alternative approach of 'target factor analysis' was employed to improve detection of organic residues on organic substrates. Finally, a new method of characterizing the laser-induced plasma of organics, which should lead to improved data collection and analysis, is introduced. The comparison between modeled and experimental measurements of plasma temperatures and electronic density is discussed in order to improve the present models of low-temperature laser induced plasmas.<br>ID: 029809549; System requirements: World Wide Web browser and PDF reader.; Mode of access: World Wide Web.; Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Central Florida, 2011.; Includes bibliographical references (p. 284-297).<br>Ph.D.<br>Doctorate<br>Physics<br>Sciences

This thesis argues that the laws of waqf in Iran lack modern relevance. Such laws have never been completely modernised, and the waqf system, no longer responsible for the delivery of public goods, still holds a vast array of properties and resources. Many of the ongoing socioeconomic and political disappointments of Iran, which, at the core, are the weakness of the country's private economic sector and its human capital deficiency, stand among the lasting consequences of the deficiency of resources which the institution of waqf has under its control. Traditional Islamic law laid the ground for the economic infrastructure of the Middle Eastern countries until the late 19th century. Among the institutions that contributed to shaping the economy of the region are the Islamic law of inheritance, which inhibited capital accumulation; the absence in Islamic law of the concept of a corporation and the consequent weaknesses of civil society; and the waqf, which locked vast resources into unproductive organisations for the delivery of social services. It is often argued that many of these obstacles to economic development were largely overcome through radical reforms initiated in the 19th century. However, the modern civil law of Iran has kept traditional Islamic law at the core of laws of waqf, and the process of modernisation of its laws remains incomplete.

Many measurements in cosmology depend on the use of integrated distances or time, but. galaxies evolving passively on a timescale much longer than their age difference allow us to determine the expansion rate H(z) solely as a function of the redshift-time derivative dz/dt. These model-independent "cosmic chronometers" can therefore be powerful discriminators for testing different cosmologies. In previous applications, the available sources strongly disfavored models (such as Lambda CDM) predicting a variable acceleration, preferring instead a steady expansion rate over the redshift range 0 less than or similar to z less than or similar to 2. A more recent catalog of 30 objects appears to suggest non-steady expansion. In this paper, we show that such a result is entirely due to the inclusion of a high, locally inferred value of the Hubble constant H-0 as an additional datum in a set of otherwise pure cosmic-chronometer measurements. This H-0, however, is not the same as the background Hubble constant if the local expansion rate is influenced by a Hubble Bubble. Used on their own, the cosmic chronometers completely reverse this conclusion, favoring instead a constant expansion rate out to z similar to 2.

There is now a general consensus among scientists on occurrences of more and intense climatic disasters, floods and droughts, everywhere in the future. To act sooner and smarter against these negative impacts, we must shift our focus in better understanding of the future climate change and possible implications of that to better manage our water resources. Certainly, there is a link between the future effects of climate change on water resources and trends of climatic variables. In this study, by using Mann-Kendall trend analysis method, it is concluded that from 1961 to 2010 only temperature has an upward trend, in all the seasons and yearly, in all the 16 studied stations from north, middle and south of Sweden. Furthermore, runoff simulated by HBV model shows increasing trend in summer and winter which is in partially agreement with the recorded one that discerns a growth in the mentioned seasons, as well as yearly. What is more, potential evapotranspiration estimated by FAO Penman-Monteith equation and actual one simulated by CoupModel reveal a rise in spring for the former and both spring and winter for the latter. Other meteorological variables do not show any significant trend, while intensive precipitation increased in winter and summer in the majority of the stations. Comparing the runoffs simulated by CoupModel and HBV model shows that HBV works better for three selected stations which can enforce the claim that HBV works better for smaller fields.

Research was initiated to examine the feasibility of removing the majority of 4-PCH from the XSBR latex employed in carpet manufacturing. The reduction of 4-PCH from such latices would lend insight into the control of certain carpet related illnesses.

Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited<br>This thesis focuses on the use of x-ray diffraction to measure residual stresses around welds in 5XXX series aluminum-alloys used in naval ship structures both in the laboratory and the field. Tensile residual stresses are commonly generated during welding and, in sensitized alloys, can cause stress corrosion cracking. Peening techniques, such as ultrasonic impact treatment (UIT), can mitigate and possibly reverse these tensile residual stresses. This research uses x-ray diffraction to measure residual stresses around welds in AA5456 after UIT, around welds in AA5083 installed on-board a U.S. naval combatant and in AA5083 after in situ surface preparation. In the AA5456, we examined the importance of UIT parameters such as peening amplitude and pin size. It was found that all combinations of UIT parameters produced significant compressive stress but that some combinations resulted in extensive subsurface intergranular cracking in the sensitized AA5456. Optimal UIT parameters for mitigating the production of subsurface cracking were determined. In the AA5083, we examined the effect of field-based in situ surface preparation on residual stress measurements. The use of a portable x-ray diffractometry system to experimentally measure the distribution of residual stresses in aluminum-alloy ship structures on U.S. Navy vessels has been successfully demonstrated.