This thesis deals with the preparation of chemically and/or enzymatically modified cellulose. This modification can be either irreversible or reversible. Irreversible modification is used to prepare cellulose derivatives as end products, whereas reversible modification is used to enhance solubility in the preparation of regenerated cellulose. The irreversible modification studied here was the preparation of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) using extended mercerization of a spruce dissolving pulp. More specifically the parameters studied were the effect of mercerization at different proportions of cellulose I and II in the dissolving pulp, the concentration of alkali, the temperature and the reaction time. The parameters evaluated were the degree of substitution, the filterability and the amount of gel obtained when the resulting CMC was dissolved in water. Molecular structures of CMC and its gel fractions were analysed by using NIR FT Raman spectroscopy. It was found that the alkali concentration in the mercerization stage had an extensive influence on the subsequent etherification reaction. FT Raman spectra of CMC samples and their gel fractions prepared with low NaOH concentrations (9%) in the mercerization stage indicated an incomplete transformation of cellulose to Na-cellulose before carboxymethylation to CMC. Low average DS values of the CMC, i.e. between 0.42 and 0.50 were obtained. Such CMC dissolved in water resulted in very thick and semi solid gum-like gels, probably due to an uneven distribution of substituents along the cellulose backbone. FT Raman spectra of CMC samples and their gel fractions mercerized at higher alkaline concentration, i.e. 18.25 and 27.5% in the mercerization stage, indicated on the other hand a complete transformation of cellulose to Na-cellulose before carboxymethylation to CMC. Higher average DS values of the CMC, i.e. between 0.88 and 1.05 were therefore obtained. When dissolved in water such CMC caused gel formation especially when prepared from dissolving pulp with a high fraction of cellulose II. The reversible modification studied was the dissolution of cellulose in NaOH/ZnO. Here the effect of enzyme pretreatment was investigated by using two mono-component enzymes; namely xylanase and endoglucanase, used in consecutive stages. It was found that although the crystallinity and the specific surface area of the dissolving pulp sustained minimal change during the enzymatic treatment; the solubility of pulp increased in a NaOH/ZnO solution from 29% for untreated pulp up to 81% for enzymatic pretreated pulp. / Baksidetext Cellulose can be chemically and/or enzymatically modified. Irreversible modification is used to prepare cellulose derivatives as end products, reversible modification to enhance solubility in the preparation of regenerated cellulose. The irreversible modification studied here was the preparation of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) using extended mercerization of a spruce dissolving pulp. More specifically the parameters studied were the effect of mercerization at different proportions of cellulose I and II in the dissolving pulp, the concentration of alkali, the temperature and the reaction time. It was found that the alkali concentration in the mercerization stage had an extensive influence on the subsequent etherification reaction. The content of cellulose II had little effect on degree of substitution (DS) at low NaOH concentration, but tended to decrease DS at higher NaOH concentration in both cases compared with cellulose I. It was also found that the content of cellulose II correlates with the gel formation obtained when the CMC is dissolved in water. The reversible modification studied was the dissolution of cellulose in NaOH/ZnO. Here the effect of enzyme pretreatment was investigated by using two mono-component enzymes; namely xylanase and endoglucanase, used in consecutive stages. It was found that the solubility of pulp increased in a NaOH/ZnO solution from 29% for untreated pulp up to 81% for enzymatic pretreated pulp.

Although the major functions of the lymphatic system are fairly well defined, its vasculature has yet to be well characterized in comparison to its blood vasculature counterpart. Recent advances in optical imaging techniques have allowed for more detailed and quantitative evaluations of lymph flow dynamics and mechanism. A rat tail is often used for investigations of lymph flow because of the simple geometry, superficial nature, and disease progression models of its collecting lymphatic vessels. In this study, a pressure cuff system was fabricated and coupled with an existing functional near infrared (NIR) imaging system to measure the overall pumping pressure of the lymphatic vessels of a rat tail. In addition to adapting the system for use on rodents, previous systems used for measuring lymphatic pumping pressure in humans were improved upon in several ways. The system defined here utilizes closed-loop feedback control of pressure application at smaller, more precise intervals. Using this device, a significant difference in lymphatic vessel pumping pressure was detected between a control case and a treatment case in which a vasoactive substance with a nitric oxide donor (GTNO ointment) was applied to the tail. Although it is known that nitric oxide plays a crucial physiologic role in propagation of flow through lymphatic vessels, this study has quantified its significant pharmacological reduction of pumping pressure for the first time.

This thesis presents a number of studies, where a multivariate approach was taken to construct models that predict wood species and thermo mechanical pulp brightness from roundwood of Norway spruce and Scots pine. The first and second studies produced multivariate prediction models for wood species from the bark of spruce and pine. These models can be used for wood species classification and would replace the manual log assessment that takes place today. Principal Component Analysis, PCA, and Partial least squares projections to Latent Structures, PLS, were used to predict the wood species from multivariate measurements recorded from the bark of spruce and pine. Two different kinds of measurements were employed, near-infrared spectroscopy and digital imaging. Both methods showed that it was possible to predict the wood species with a high accuracy. The third and fourth studies of the thesis are related to the wood storage of roundwood and the deterioration of wood that occurs during the storage. The third study used an experimental design with five storage factors that provided different conditions for the analysed wood. The experimental design made it possible to identify the factors and the interaction between factors, which were important for the ISO brightness of peroxide and dithionite bleached thermo mechanical pulp, TMP. The final study of the thesis used NIR spectroscopy for predicting the ISO brightness of bleached TMP. Spectra recorded from stored wood were used to construct PLS prediction models.

A new Laser Induced Fluorescence Capillary Zone Electrophoresis (LIF-CZE) bioassay to detect and study the catalytic activity of the sulfur assimilating enzyme commonly found in E. coli species; alkanesulfonate monooxygenase (EC 1.14.14.5) is described for the first time. This technique enables the possibility for direct injection onto a capillary for detection without the need for pre-concentration of sample and with minimal sample preparative steps prior to analysis. In this bioassay, a group of Fischer based cyanine dyes and two Oxazine (Nile red) derivatives were designed for further optimization as key Vis-NIR fluorescent substrate. In developing this technique, the test dyes were first assessed for their photophysical properties, based on four criteria; (1) photostable (2) solvatochromism (3) binding affinity towards both the monooxygenase active site and serum albumin and (4) chemical stability in strong electric field strength. Applying key dye characterization procedures including; molar absorptivity determination, quantum yield determination, photostability, solvatochromism and protein interaction studies it was determined that the Fischer indolium cyanine dyes were most suitable for the method development. The data revealed that under the test conditions, reduced flavin, the oxidative monooxygenase catalytically specifically converts the alkylsulfonate substituted cyanine dyes to the corresponding aldehyde. This new bioassay has proven to be quick, portable, sensitive, reliable and the exhibit the possibility of ‘on-the-spot’ detection; advantages not readily realized with other commonly applied techniques such as PCR, SPR, ELISA and GC used to study bacterial sulfur assimilation processes. In addition, recent literature results proposed by other research groups developing similar techniques showed strong reliance on GC analyses. Those assays involve the use of low molecular weight straight chain non-emissive alkanesulfonate substrates. Once enzyme catalysis occurs the aldehyde is formed becomes rather volatile and requires complex and tedious headspace sampling for GC analyses. This feature limits the in vitro applicability and eliminated the possibility in vivo development. Our goal is to further develop, optimize and present this CZE based bioassay as a suitable alternative to the current trends in the field while creating a more robust and sensitive in vitro monooxygenase detection method with the possibilities of in vivo application.

Poor water quality is a global health concern affecting one billion people around the world. It is important to monitor water sources in order to maintain the quality of our drinking water and to avoid disease outbreaks. Targeting Escherichia coli as a faecal indicator is a widely used procedure, but the current methods are time consuming and not adequate to prevent spreading of faecal influence.   This Master thesis demonstrates the development of a near infrared fluorescence flow cytometer sensor system targeting Escherichia coli, using fluorescently labeled chicken IgY antibodies. The near infrared light was chosen to avoid fluorescence from blue-green algae that are present in the water source.   The hardware was developed with a 785  nm laser line to detect Alexa Fluor 790 labeled antibodies, using a photomultiplier tube or two different CMOS cameras. The antibodies were labeled using a commercial labeling kit, and evaluated using antibody binding assays and the developed hardware.   The IgY antibodies were successfully labeled with Alexa Fluor 790 and the function was maintained after the labeling process. The result demonstrates the principles of the sensor system and how it solved to the problem with fluorescence from blue-green algae. An aperture was used to overcome the suboptimal laser and filter setup, and to increase the sensitivity of the system. However, only a small fraction of the cells could be detected, due to challenges with the focal depth and loss of sensitivity in the photomultiplier tube at near infrared wavelengths. Further development is required to create a working product.

Thesis (MSc Food Sc)--University of Stellenbosch, 2011. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Near infrared hyperspectral imaging (NIR HSI) in conjunction with multivariate image analysis was evaluated for the detection of millet and buckwheat flour in ground black pepper. Additionally, midinfrared (MIR) spectroscopy was used for the quantification of millet and buckwheat flour in ground black pepper. These techniques were applied as they allow non-destructive, invasive and rapid analysis. Black pepper and adulterant (either millet or buckwheat flour) mixtures were made in 5% (w/w) increments spanning the range 0-100% (w/w). The mixtures were transferred to eppendorf tube holders and imaged with a sisuChema short wave infrared (SWIR) pushbroom imaging system across the spectral range of 1000–2498 nm. Principal component analysis (PCA) was applied to pseudo-absorbance images for the removal of unwanted data (e.g. background, shading effects and bad pixels). PCA was subsequently applied to the ‘cleaned’ data. An adulterant concentration related gradient was observed in principal component one (PC1) and a difference between black pepper adulterated with buckwheat and millet was noted in PC4. Four absorption peaks (1461, 2241, 2303 and 2347 nm) were identified in the loading line plot of PC1 that are associated with protein and oil. The loading line plot of PC4 revealed absorption peaks at 1955, 1999, 2136 and 2303 nm, that are related to protein and oil. Partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) was applied to NIR HSI images for discrimination between black pepper adulterated with varying amounts of adulterant (millet or buckwheat). The model created with millet adulterated black pepper samples had a classification accuracy of 77%; a classification accuracy of 70% was obtained for the buckwheat adulterated black pepper samples. An average spectrum was calculated for each sample in the NIR HSI images and the resultant spectra were used for the quantification of adulterant (millet or buckwheat) in ground black pepper. All samples were also analysed using an attenuated total reflectance (ATR) Fourier transform (FT) – infrared (IR) instrument and MIR spectra were collected between 576 and 3999 cm-1. PLS regression was employed. NIR based predictions (r2 = 0.99, RMSEP = 3.02% (w/w), PLS factor = 4) were more accurate than MIR based predictions (r2 = 0.56, RMSEP = 19.94% (w/w), PLS factors = 7). Preprocessed NIR spectra revealed adulterant specific absorption bands (1743, 2112 and 2167 nm) whereas preprocessed MIR spectra revealed a buckwheat specific signal at 1574 cm-1. NIR HSI has great promise for both the qualitative and quantitative analysis of powdered food products. Our study signals the beginning of incorporating hyperspectral imaging in the analysis of powdered food substances and results can be improved with advances in instrumental development and better sample preparation. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die gebruik van naby infrarooi hiperspektrale beelding (NIR HB) tesame met veelvoudige beeldanalise is ondersoek vir die opsporing van stysel-verwante produkte (giers en bokwiet) in gemaalde swart pepper. Middel-infrarooi (MIR) spektroskopie is addisioneel gebruik vir die kwantifisering van hierdie stysel-verwante produkte in swart pepper. Albei hierdie tegnieke is toegepas aangesien dit deurdringend van aard is en dit bied nie-destruktiewe sowel as spoedige analise. Swart pepper en vervalsingsmiddel (giers of bokwiet) mengsels is uitgevoer in 5% (m/m) inkremente tussen 0 en 100% (m/m). Eppendorfbuishouers is met die mengsels gevul en hiperspektrale beelde is verkry deur die gebruik van ‘n sisuChema SWIR (kortgolf infrarooi) kamera met ‘n spektrale reikwydte van 1000–2498 nm. Hoofkomponent-analise (HK) is toegepas op pseudo-absorbansie beelde vir die verwydering van ongewenste data (bv. agtergrond, skadu en dooie piksels). Hoofkomponent-analise is vervolgens toegepas op die ‘skoon’ data. Hoofkomponent (HK) een (HK1) het die aanwesigheid van ‘n vervalsingsmiddel konsentrasie verwante gradient getoon terwyl HK4 ‘n verskil getoon het tussen swart pepper vervals met giers en bokwiet. Vier absorpsiepieke (1461, 2241, 2303 en 2347 nm) was geïdentifiseer binne die HK lading stip van HK1 wat met proteïen en olie geassosieer kon word. Die HK lading stip van HK4 het absorpsipieke by 1955, 1999, 2136 en 2303 nm aangedui wat verband hou met proteïen en olie. Parsiële kleinste waarde diskriminant-analise (PKW-DA) is toegepas op die hiperspektrale beelde vir die moontlike onderskeiding tussen swart pepper vervals met verskeie hoeveelhede vervalsingsmiddel (giers of bokwiet). ‘n Klassifikasie koers van 77% is verkry vir die model ontwikkel met giers vervalsde swart pepper terwyl die model ontwikkel met bokwiet vervalsde swarte pepper ‘n klassifikasie koers van 70% bereik het. ‘n Gemiddelde spektrum is bereken vir elke monster in die hiperspektrale beelde en die resulterende spektra is gebruik vir die kwantifisering van vervalsingsmiddels (giers of bokwiet) in gemaalde swart pepper. ‘n ATR FT-IR instrument met spektrale reikwydte van 576-3999 cm-1 is additioneel gebruik vir die analise van alle monsters. Parsiële kleinste waarde regressie is gebruik vir kwantifikasie doeleindes. NIR gebasseerde voorspellings (r2 = 0.99, RMSEP = 3.02% (m/m), PLS faktore = 4) was meer akkuraat as die MIR gebasseerde voorspellings (r2 = 0.56, RMSEP = 19.94% (m/m), PLS faktore = 7). Vooraf behandelde NIR spektra het vervalsingsmiddel verwante absorpsiepieke (1743, 2112 en 2167 nm) aangetoon terwyl vooraf behandelde MIR spektra ‘n bokwiet verwante absorpsiepiek by 1574 cm-1 aangedui het. NIR HB toon goeie potensiaal vir beide kwalitatiewe en kwantitatiewe analise van gepoeierde voedsel produkte. Ons studie kan gesien word as die begin van die inkorporasie van hiperspektrale beelding in die analise van gepoeierde voedsel material en verbeterde resulte kan verkry word deur die vordering in instrumentasie ontwikkeling en verbeterde monstervoorbereiding.

A grande maioria da população mundial está crescentemente exposta à radiação eletromagnética proveniente de fontes que muitas vezes estão localizadas nas proximidades do corpo. A radiação eletromagnética é considerada um agente possivelmente cancerígeno para as pessoas, classificação 2B indicada pela Organização Mundial da Saúde-OMS (WHO/IARC, 2011). Devido às preocupações em relação aos riscos associados a esta exposição existem normas que recomendam os valores máximos de exposição permitidos (ICNIRP, 1998; FCC, 2001). A correta avaliação das doses de radiação é, portanto, relevante. Este trabalho tem a finalidade de avaliar o impacto dos resultados do cálculo da dose da Taxa de Absorção Específica (SAR) em usuários expostos a radiação por tablets operando na faixa de radiocomunicações Wi-fi. Os três modelos existentes de cabeça humana utilizados serão um manequim homogêneo SAM phantom e dois modelos de cabeça realistas heterogêneos: um adulto masculino e uma criança masculina. Será também utilizado nas simulações um modelo masculino de criança que foi desenvolvido através de imagens de tomografia computadorizada (TC) pelo processo de segmentação feito no software AMIRA. Será utilizado um modelo genérico de tablet. Os parâmetros dosimétricos usados para simulação da SAR serão computados pelo software SEMCAD X que é baseado no Método das Diferenças Finitas no Domínio do Tempo (FDTD). Será criado também um código do Método FDTD através do software MATLAB que servirá para a escolha dos parâmetros do SEMCAD X. A distância entre o tablet e os modelos de cabeças varia de 50 mm a 300 mm. Os resultados da SAR serão comparados com os limites de exposição recomendados pelas normas internacionais. Também serão simuladas diferentes posições da antena no tablet. Da análise dos resultados foi constatado que os valores de SAR são muito baixos e todos os resultados ficaram dentro dos limites do psSAR recomendados pela FCC de 1,6 W/kg em cada 1 g de tecido e de 2 W/kg em cada 10 g de tecido estabelecidos pela ICNIRP. Comparando os valores de SAR do modelo SAM com o modelo DUKE, o modelo SAM se mostra conservador, porém quando a comparação é feita com as crianças o SAM deixa de ser conservador. / The vast majority of the world population is increasingly exposed to electromagnetic radiation from sources which are often located near to the body. Electromagnetic radiation is considered a possible carcinogen for people, classification 2B indicated by the World Health Organization-WHO (WHO/IARC, 2011). Due to concerns regarding the risks associated with this exposition there are regulations suggesting maximum allowed exposure values (ICNIRP, 1998; FCC, 2001). The correct evaluation of radiation doses is therefore relevant. This work aims to assess the impact of the results of the calculation of Specific Absorption Rate dose (SAR) in users exposed to radiation from tablets operating in the Wi-fi band. The three existing models of human head used are a homogeneous dummy SAM phantom and two heterogeneous realistic head models: a male adult and a male child. It will also be used in the simulations a male child model which was developed from computed tomography (CT) imaging using the AMIRA software for the segmentation process. A generic model of tablet is used. Dosimetric parameters used for simulation of the SAR are computed using the SEMCAD X software which is based on the Finite Difference Method in Time Domain (FDTD). A FDTD code was developed using the MATLAB software in order to help to choose the input SEMCAD X parameters. The distances between the tablet and the head of the models varies from 50 mm to 300 mm. SAR results are compared with the exposure limits recommended by international standards. Different antenna positions on the tablet are simulated too. Examining the results it was found that the SAR values are very low and all results are within the psSAR limits recommended by FCC (1,6 W/kg averaged over 1 g of tissue) and by ICNIRP (2 W/kg in 10 g of tissue). Comparing the SAR in the SAM model with the SAR in the DUKE model, the SAM model shows to be conservative. However, when compared with the children, the SAM is not conservative.

Made available in DSpace on 2015-05-14T13:21:06Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 arquivototal.pdf: 1844293 bytes, checksum: 0e84f52f0411baa501886d3c448e0d2f (MD5) Previous issue date: 2011-04-29 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior - CAPES / This work evaluates the use of overtone regions (NIR) for the classification and determination of biodiesel content in diesel/biodiesel blends adulterated with vegetable oil. For this purpose, NIR spectra were obtained using three different optical paths: 1.0 mm (9000-4000 cm-1); 10 mm (9000-6300 cm-1) e 50 mm (7500-6300 cm-1). Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA) with the Successive Projections Algorithm (SPA) were employed to build screening models to identify adulteration of diesel/biodiesel blends with vegetable oils. The multivariate calibration models (Partial Least Square - PLS, Partial Least Square with significant regression coefficients selected by Jack-Knife algorithm - PLS/JK and Multiple Regression Linear with variable selection by Successive Projections Algorithm - MLR/SPA) were developed to determine the biodiesel content. The results showed that the overtone regions with the classification strategy LDA/SPA can be used in preliminary studies to detect adulteration of diesel/biodiesel blends with vegetable oil. This strategy showed positive results for classifying, with a correct classification rate of 86% for the optical paths of 10 mm and 50 mm. In addition, the work demonstrated the potential of overtone regions with MLR/SPA regression strategy to determine biodiesel content in diesel/biodiesel blends, in the range from 0.0% to 10.0%v/v, considering the possible presence of raw oil as a contaminant. This strategy is simple, fast and uses a fewer number of spectral variables. Considering this, the overtone regions can be usefull to develop low cost instruments for the quality control of diesel/biodiesel blends, considering the lower cost of optical components for this spectral region. / Neste trabalho foi avaliado o uso da região espectral de sobretons (NIR) para classificação e determinação do teor de biodiesel em misturas diesel/biodiesel adulteradas com óleo vegetal (in natura). Para tanto, foram utilizados espectros NIR registrados em diferentes caminhos ópticos: 1,0 (9000-4000 cm-1), 10 (9000-6300 cm-1) e 50 mm (7500-6300 cm-1). A Análise de Componentes Principais (PCA) e a Análise Discriminante Linear com seleção de variáveis pelo Algoritmo das Projeções Sucessivas (LDA/SPA) foram utilizadas na identificação de adulteração de misturas diesel/biodiesel com óleo vegetal. Os modelos de calibração multivariada (Regressão por Mínimos Quadrados Parciais - PLS, Regressão por Mínimos Quadrados Parciais com coeficientes de regressão selecionados pelo algoritmo Jack-Knife - PLS/JK e Regressão Linear Múltipla com seleção de variáveis pelo Algoritmo das Projeções Sucessivas - MLR/SPA) foram desenvolvidos para determinação do teor de biodiesel. Os resultados obtidos demonstraram que a região espectral de sobretons aliada à estratégia de classificação LDA/SPA pode ser utilizada em estudos preliminares para detecção de adulteração de misturas diesel/biodiesel por óleos vegetais in natura, visto que apresentou bons resultados de classificação, com índice de acerto de 86% para os caminhos ópticos de 10 mm e 50 mm. Além disso, foi demonstrada a aplicabilidade da região de sobretons associada à estratégia de regressão MLR/SPA para determinação do teor de biodiesel em misturas diesel/biodiesel na presença de óleos vegetais in natura, na faixa de 0,0 a 10,0% v/v. Tal estratégia é simples, rápida e utiliza poucas variáveis espectrais. Neste contexto, a região espectral de sobretons pode ser útil na construção de instrumentos de baixo custo para controle de qualidade de misturas diesel/biodiesel, considerando-se o menor custo dos componentes ópticos para essa região espectral.

A grande maioria da população mundial está crescentemente exposta à radiação eletromagnética proveniente de fontes que muitas vezes estão localizadas nas proximidades do corpo. A radiação eletromagnética é considerada um agente possivelmente cancerígeno para as pessoas, classificação 2B indicada pela Organização Mundial da Saúde-OMS (WHO/IARC, 2011). Devido às preocupações em relação aos riscos associados a esta exposição existem normas que recomendam os valores máximos de exposição permitidos (ICNIRP, 1998; FCC, 2001). A correta avaliação das doses de radiação é, portanto, relevante. Este trabalho tem a finalidade de avaliar o impacto dos resultados do cálculo da dose da Taxa de Absorção Específica (SAR) em usuários expostos a radiação por tablets operando na faixa de radiocomunicações Wi-fi. Os três modelos existentes de cabeça humana utilizados serão um manequim homogêneo SAM phantom e dois modelos de cabeça realistas heterogêneos: um adulto masculino e uma criança masculina. Será também utilizado nas simulações um modelo masculino de criança que foi desenvolvido através de imagens de tomografia computadorizada (TC) pelo processo de segmentação feito no software AMIRA. Será utilizado um modelo genérico de tablet. Os parâmetros dosimétricos usados para simulação da SAR serão computados pelo software SEMCAD X que é baseado no Método das Diferenças Finitas no Domínio do Tempo (FDTD). Será criado também um código do Método FDTD através do software MATLAB que servirá para a escolha dos parâmetros do SEMCAD X. A distância entre o tablet e os modelos de cabeças varia de 50 mm a 300 mm. Os resultados da SAR serão comparados com os limites de exposição recomendados pelas normas internacionais. Também serão simuladas diferentes posições da antena no tablet. Da análise dos resultados foi constatado que os valores de SAR são muito baixos e todos os resultados ficaram dentro dos limites do psSAR recomendados pela FCC de 1,6 W/kg em cada 1 g de tecido e de 2 W/kg em cada 10 g de tecido estabelecidos pela ICNIRP. Comparando os valores de SAR do modelo SAM com o modelo DUKE, o modelo SAM se mostra conservador, porém quando a comparação é feita com as crianças o SAM deixa de ser conservador. / The vast majority of the world population is increasingly exposed to electromagnetic radiation from sources which are often located near to the body. Electromagnetic radiation is considered a possible carcinogen for people, classification 2B indicated by the World Health Organization-WHO (WHO/IARC, 2011). Due to concerns regarding the risks associated with this exposition there are regulations suggesting maximum allowed exposure values (ICNIRP, 1998; FCC, 2001). The correct evaluation of radiation doses is therefore relevant. This work aims to assess the impact of the results of the calculation of Specific Absorption Rate dose (SAR) in users exposed to radiation from tablets operating in the Wi-fi band. The three existing models of human head used are a homogeneous dummy SAM phantom and two heterogeneous realistic head models: a male adult and a male child. It will also be used in the simulations a male child model which was developed from computed tomography (CT) imaging using the AMIRA software for the segmentation process. A generic model of tablet is used. Dosimetric parameters used for simulation of the SAR are computed using the SEMCAD X software which is based on the Finite Difference Method in Time Domain (FDTD). A FDTD code was developed using the MATLAB software in order to help to choose the input SEMCAD X parameters. The distances between the tablet and the head of the models varies from 50 mm to 300 mm. SAR results are compared with the exposure limits recommended by international standards. Different antenna positions on the tablet are simulated too. Examining the results it was found that the SAR values are very low and all results are within the psSAR limits recommended by FCC (1,6 W/kg averaged over 1 g of tissue) and by ICNIRP (2 W/kg in 10 g of tissue). Comparing the SAR in the SAM model with the SAR in the DUKE model, the SAM model shows to be conservative. However, when compared with the children, the SAM is not conservative.

Orientadores: Celio Pasquini, Mario Cesar Ugulino de Araujo / Tese (doutorado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Instituto de Quimica / Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-09T13:24:36Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 DantasFilho_HeronidesAdonias_D.pdf: 2337564 bytes, checksum: b5a44bf3eec3ce95ab683c5b2621b012 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2007 / Resumo: Neste trabalho foram desenvolvidas e aplicadas técnicas de seleção de amostras e de variáveis espectrais para calibração multivariada a partir do Algoritmo das Projeções Sucessivas (APS). Também foi utilizada a transformada wavelet para resolver problemas de redução de ruído associado a dados de espectroscopia NIR (Infravermelho Próximo), na construção de modelos de calibração multivariada baseados em Regressão Linear Múltipla (MLR) para estimativa de parâmetros de qualidade de óleo diesel combustível e também de madeira de eucalipto. Os espectros NIR de transmitância para óleo diesel e de reflectância para madeira de eucalipto foram registrados empregando-se um equipamento NIR-Bomem com detector de Arseneto de Gálio e Índio. Para a aplicação em óleo diesel, foram estudadas as regiões espectrais: 850 - 1.100 nm, 1.100 - 1.570 nm e 1.570 - 2.500 nm. Para as amostras de madeira de eucalipto foi empregada a região de 1.100 - 2.500 nm. Os resultados do uso de técnicas de seleção de variáveis e amostras por MLR comprovaram sua simplicidade frente os modelos de regressão por mínimos quadrados parciais (PLS) que empregam toda a região espectral e transformação em variáveis latentes e são mais complexos de interpretar. O emprego de seleção de amostras demonstrou ainda a possibilidade de procedimentos de recalibrações e transferência de calibração que utilizam um número reduzido de amostras, sem a perda significativa da capacidade preditiva dos modelos MLR. O uso de filtragem wavelet também teve sua eficiência comprovada tanto no contexto da calibração multivariada quanto na filtragem de espectros NIR a partir de varreduras individuais. Na maioria dos casos de que trata esta tese e por conseqüência das técnicas quimiométricas empregadas, melhorias quanto à minimização do erro (RMSEP) associado à quantificação dos parâmetros de qualidade, bem como redução do tempo empregado na aquisição de varreduras de espectros NIR foram as principais contribuições fornecidas / Abstract: This work describes two techniques for spectral variable and sample selection based on the Successive Projections Algorithm (SPA), aiming the construction of multivariate regression models. Also, the wavelet transform was employed to solve problems related to noise reduction associated with spectroscopic data in the near infrared spectral region (NIR), and employed in the construction of multivariate calibration models based in Linear Multiple Regression (LMR) to estimate the quality parameters of diesel fuel and eucalyptus wood. The NIR transmission spectra for diesel samples and the reflectance spectra obtained for wood samples were acquired by using a NIR-Bomen equipment with AsGaIn detector. For application in diesel, the following spectral regions have been investigated: 850 - 1100 nm, 1100 - 1570 nm and 1570 - 2500 nm. For wood samples the spectral region employed was from 1100 - 2500 nm. The results obtained by using the variable selection techniques and LMR demonstrate their simplicity when compared with its counterpart Partial Least Square (PLS) which employs full spectral region and latent variables, being, therefore, more difficult to be interpreted. The use of wavelet filtering also demonstrates its efficiency both for multivariate calibration and NIR spectral data filtering. In most of the cases approached in this work, and inconsequence for the chemometric techniques employed, improvements in the error (RMSEP) associated with the quality parameters as well a decrease in the analysis time were the main achievements of this work / Doutorado / Quimica Analitica / Doutor em Ciências