Les tourbières ombrotrophes, ou bogs sont particulièrement vulnérables à l’augmentation de la déposition atmosphérique d’azote. Cet apport d’un nutriment normalement limitant altère la capacité des tourbières à accumuler le carbone (C), en plus de mener à des changements de leur composition végétale. L’imagerie spectrale est une approche prometteuse puisqu’elle rend possible la détection des espèces végétales et de certaines caractéristiques chimiques des plantes, à distance. Toutefois, l’ampleur des différences spectrales intra- et interespèces n’est pas encore connue. Nous avons évalué la façon dont la chimie, la structure et la signature spectrale des feuilles changent chez Chamaedaphne calyculata, Kalmia angustifolia, Rhododendron groenlandicum et Eriophorum vaginatum, dans trois tourbières du sud du Québec et de l’Ontario, incluant une tourbière où se déroule une expérience de fertilisation à long terme. Nous avons mesuré des changements dans les traits fonctionnels dus aux différences dans la quantité d’azote disponible dans les sites. Toutefois, la déposition atmosphérique d’azote a eu relativement peu d’effet sur les spectres foliaires ; les variations spectrales les plus importantes étaient entre les espèces. En fait, nous avons trouvé que les quatre espèces ont un spectre caractéristique, une signature spectrale permettant leur identification au moyen d’analyses discriminantes des moindres carrés partiels (PLSDA). De plus, nous avons réussi à prédire plusieurs traits fonctionnels (l’azote, le carbone ; et la proportion d’eau et de matière sèche) avec moins de 10 % d’erreur grâce à des régressions des moindres carrés partiels (PLSR) des données spectrales. Notre étude fournit de nouvelles preuves que les variations intraspécifiques, causées en partie par des variations environnementales considérables, sont perceptibles dans les spectres foliaires. Toutefois, les variations intraspécifiques n’affectent pas l’identification des espèces ou la prédiction des traits. Nous démontrons que les spectres foliaires comprennent des informations sur les espèces et leurs traits fonctionnels, confirmant le potentiel de la spectroscopie pour le suivi des tourbières. / Abstract Bogs, as nutrient-poor ecosystems, are particularly sensitive to atmospheric nitrogen (N) deposition. Nitrogen deposition alters bog plant community composition and can limit their ability to sequester carbon (C). Spectroscopy is a promising approach for studying how N deposition affects bogs because of its ability to remotely determine changes in plant species composition in the long term as well as shorter-term changes in foliar chemistry. However, there is limited knowledge on the extent to which bog plants differ in their foliar spectral properties, how N deposition might affect those properties, and whether subtle inter- or intraspecific changes in foliar traits can be spectrally detected. Using an integrating sphere fitted to a field spectrometer, we measured spectral properties of leaves from the four most common vascular plant species (Chamaedaphne calyculata, Kalmia angustifolia, Rhododendron groenlandicum and Eriophorum vaginatum) in three bogs in southern Québec and Ontario, Canada, exposed to different atmospheric N deposition levels, including one subjected to a 18 years N fertilization experiment. We also measured chemical and morphological properties of those leaves. We found detectable intraspecific changes in leaf structural traits and chemistry (namely chlorophyll b and N concentrations) with increasing N deposition and identified spectral regions that helped distinguish the site-specific populations within each species. Most of the variation in leaf spectral, chemical and morphological properties was among species. As such, species had distinct spectral foliar signatures, allowing us to identify them with high accuracy with partial least squares discriminant analyses (PLSDA). Predictions of foliar traits from spectra using partial least squares regression (PLSR) were generally accurate, particularly for the concentrations of N and C, soluble C, leaf water, and dry matter content (<10% RMSEP). However, these multi-species PLSR models were not accurate within species, where the range of values was narrow. To improve the detection of short-term intraspecific changes in functional traits, models should be trained with more species-specific data. Our field study showing clear differences in foliar spectra and traits among species, and some within-species differences due to N deposition, suggest that spectroscopy is a promising approach for assessing long-term vegetation changes in bogs subject to atmospheric pollution.

La littérature sur le stress au travail considère souvent que les personnes dépourvues de soutien social tendent à avoir un taux de stress plus élevé. Si cette vision est confirmée empiriquement, elle a toutefois une portée limitée : elle ne tient pas toujours compte de l’inégalité d’accès au soutien, inégalité qui affecte la perception de ce soutien. Pourquoi certains salariés ont plus de facilité à accéder au soutien social ? Qu’est-ce qui fait que l’aide est plus disponible et plus variée pour une personne plutôt que pour une autre ? Ces interrogations nous amènent à situer le soutien social perçu, et plus précisément le soutien des collègues perçu, dans un modèle théorique plus large nourri par la théorie des réseaux sociaux. A l’aide d’un modèle explicatif, l’objectif de notre recherche est d’étudier l’impact du positionnement de l’individu dans le réseau social sur le stress au travail perçu. Les hypothèses de recherche ont été testées en utilisant les techniques de régression en moindres carrés partiels pour estimer les équations structurelles. A partir de données de type « réseau complet » collectées auprès d’une entreprise de services de taille moyenne (N=343), nous avons montré que la force des liens favorise l’accès au soutien des collègues et, par conséquent, réduit le stress professionnel. Les résultats indiquent que le soutien des collègues est médiateur total dans cette relation, et que le lien direct entre la force des liens et le stress perçu n’est pas établi. De plus, nous avons confirmé l’ambivalence des bridging ties (liens vers des personnes de départements différents) : ils influencent négativement la perception du soutien social (qui réduit le stress), mais ont aussi un effet négatif direct sur le stress au travail. En soulignant le rôle des relations informelles comme antécédent au soutien social, nous avons contribué à fournir un outil analytique susceptible d’être mis en œuvre dans la sphère managériale. / The literature on workplace stress often considers that people who lack social support tend to have higher levels of perceived stress. This is empirically confirmed, but it is not always taken into account and offers limited scope. Indeed, why do some employees have more access to social support? What renders support more available and more varied from one person to the other? These questions allow us to situate perceived social support, and more accurately the perceived support of colleagues, in a larger theoretical model, enhanced by social network theory. Through an explanatory model, the objective of this research is to explore the role of the positioning of the individual in the social network on perceived workplace stress. Based on a “complete network” data in a medium-sized IT services company, we used partial least squares to test our hypothesis (N = 343). The strength of ties affects stress through social support, such that people with stronger ties perceive more support and ultimately exhibit less stress. However, the direct link between strength and stress is not established. Bridging ties (supportive ties to other departments) negatively influence social support (a situation which increases stress) but also have a direct negative effect on stress. By stressing the role of social relationships as an antecedent of social support and stress, our results offer new potential managerial actions within organizations

A associação dos métodos cinéticos de análises e dos sistemas de análises em fluxo foi demonstrada em relação à determinação espectrofotométrica de ferro e vanádio em ligas Fe-V O método se baseia na influência de Fe2+ e VO2+ na taxa de oxidação de iodeto por dicromato sob condições ácidas; por esta razão o emprego do redutor de Jones foi necessário. Um sistema de análises por injeção em fluxo (FIA) e um sistema multi-impulsão foram dimensionados e avaliados. Em ambos os sistemas, a solução da amostra era inserida no fluxo transportador / reagente iodeto, e a solução de dicromato era adicionada por confluência. Sucessivas medidas eram realizadas durante a passagem da zona de amostra processada pelo detector, cada uma relacionada a uma diferente condição para o desenvolvimento da reação. O tratamento dos dados envolveu calibração multivariada, particularmente o algorítmo PLS. O sistema FIA se mostrou pouco adequado para as determinações multi-paramétricas, uma vez que os elementos de fluído resultantes da natureza de escoamento laminar não continham informações cinéticas suficientes para compor as etapas de modelagem. Por outro lado, MPFS mostrou que a natureza do fluxo pulsado resulta em melhorias nas figuras de mérito devido ao movimento caótico dos elementos de fluído. O sistema proposto é simples e robusto, capaz de analisar 50 amostras por hora, significando em um consumo de 48 mg KI por determinação. A duas primeiras variáveis latentes contém ca 94 % da informação analítica, mostrando que a dimensionalidade dupla intrínsica ao conjunto de dados. Os resultados se apresentaram concordantes com aqueles obtidos por espectrometria de emissão optica com plasma induzido em argônio. / Differential kinetic analysis can be implemented in a flow system analyser, and this was demonstrated in designing an improved spectrophotometric catalytic determination of iron and vanadium in Fe-V alloys. The method relied on the influence of Fe2+ and VO2+ on the rate of the iodide oxidation by Cr2O7 under acidic conditions; therefore the Jones reductor was needed. To this end, a flow injection system (FIA) and a multi-pumping flow system (MPFS) were dimensioned and evaluated. In both systems, the alloy solution was inserted into an acidic KI solution that acted also as carrier stream, and a dichromate solution was added by confluence. Successive measurements were performed during sample passage through the detector, each one related to a different yet reproducible condition for reaction development. Data treatment involved multivariate calibration by the PLS algorithm. The FIA system was less recommended for multi-parametric determination, as the laminar flow regimen could not provide suitable kinetic information. On the other hand, a MPFS demonstrated that pulsed flow led to enhance figures of merit due to chaotic movement of its fluid elements. The proposed MPFS system is very simple and rugged, allowing 50 samples to be run per hour, meaning 48 mg KI per determination. The first two latent variables carry ca 94 % of the analytical information, pointing out that the intrinsic dimensionality of the data set is two. Results are in agreement with inductively coupled argon plasma – optical emission spectrometry.

Thesis submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree Master of Technology Chemistry in the Faculty of (Science) Supervisor: Professor T.N. van der Walt Bellville campus Date submitted: October 2011 / It is important to quantify polymeric components in a coating because they greatly influence the performance of a coating. The difficulty associated with analysis of polymers by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis’s is that colinearities arise from similar or overlapping spectral features. A quantitative FTIR method with attenuated total reflectance coupled to multivariate/ chemometric analysis is presented. It allows for simultaneous quantification of 3 polymeric components; a rheology modifier, organic opacifier and styrene acrylic binder, with no prior extraction or separation from the paint. The factor based methods partial least squares (PLS) and principle component regression (PCR) permit colinearities by decomposing the spectral data into smaller matrices with principle scores and loading vectors. For model building spectral information from calibrators and validation samples at different analysis regions were incorporated. PCR and PLS were used to inspect the variation within the sample set. The PLS algorithms were found to predict the polymeric components the best. The concentrations of the polymeric components in a coating were predicted with the calibration model. Three PLS models each with different analysis regions yielded a coefficient of correlation R2 close to 1 for each of the components. The root mean square error of calibration (RMSEC) and root mean square error of prediction (RMSEP) was less than 5%. The best out-put was obtained where spectral features of water was included (Trial 3). The prediction residual values for the three models ranged from 2 to -2 and 10 to -10. The method allows paint samples to be analysed in pure form and opens many opportunities for other coating components to be analysed in the same way.

Análise cinética diferencial explora diferenças em taxas reacionais entre os analitos e um sistema reacional comum; etapas de separação prévia dos analitos podem então ser prescindidas. Sistemas de análise por injeção em fluxo (FIA) se afiguram como uma ferramenta importante para métodos envolvendo essa estratégia, pois permitem um controle preciso da dispersão de reagentes / amostras e da temporização. O objetivo deste trabalho foi então explorar estes dois aspectos favoráveis visando a determinação simultânea de cobre e de níquel, a partir de suas reações com o reagente cromogênico 5-Br-PADAP. Três alíquotas de amostra eram simultaneamente inseridas, por meio de um injetor proporcional, no fluxo transportador reagente (5-Br-PADAP 75 mg L-1 + sistema tampão 0,5 mol L-1 em ácido acético / acetato, pH 4,7) de um sistema FIA em linha única. Durante o transporte em direção ao detector, as zonas estabelecidas se coalesciam, originando uma zona complexa que era monitorada a 562 nm. Os valores locais máximos e mínimos da função concentração / tempo obtida eram considerados para calibração multivariada utilizando a ferramenta quimiométrica PLS-2 (partial least squares - 2). A concentração do reagente, a capacidade tampão, a temperatura, a vazão, os comprimentos do percurso analítico e das alças de amostragem, bem como a distância inicial entre as zonas de amostra estabelecidas foram avaliados para construção dos modelos matemáticos. Estes foram criados a partir de 24 soluções-padrão mistas de Cu2+ e Ni2+ (0,00-1,60 mg L-1 em HNO3 a 0,1% v/v). Duas variáveis latentes foram suficientes para capturar > 98 % das variâncias inerentes ao conjunto de dados e erros médios das previsões (RMSEP) foram estimados em 0,025 e 0,071 mg L-1 para Cu e Ni, salientando a boa precisão do modelo de calibração. O sistema proposto apresenta boas figuras de mérito: fisicamente estável, quando mantido em operação por quatro horas ininterruptas, consumo de 314 \'mü\'g 5-Br-PADAP por amostra, frequência analítica de 33 amostras por hora (165 dados, 66 determinações) e erros nas leituras em sinais de absorbância tipicamente < 5%. Entretanto, verificou-se a inexatidão das previsões efetuadas pelo modelo proposto, quando comparadas aos resultados obtidos por ICP OES. A partir deste fato, tornam-se necessários maiores estudos referentes a este tipo de matriz, bem como de técnicas de mascaramento dos possíveis interferentes presentes / Differential kinetic analysis exploits the differences in reaction rates between the analytes and a common reactant system; prior steps of analyte separation can then be waived. Flow-injection systems (FIA) are considered as an important tool for methods involving such a strategy because they allow precise control of sample / reagent dispersion and timing. The aim of this work was then to exploit these two favorable aspects for the simultaneous determination of copper and nickel using the 5-Br-PADAP chromogenic reagent. Three sample aliquots were simultaneously inserted by means of a proportional injector into reagent carrier stream (75 mg L-1 5-Br-PADAP + 0.5 mol L-1 acetic acid / acetate, pH 4.7) of a single-line FIA system. During transport towards detection, the established zones coalesce themselves, resulting in a complex zone that was monitored at 562 nm. The local maximum and minimum values of the concentration / time obtained function were considered for multivariate calibration using the PLS-2 (partial least squares - 2) chemometric tool. The reagent concentration, buffering capacity, temperature, flow rate and lengths of the analytical path, sampling loops and initial distance between plugs were established and evaluated for the construction of mathematical models. To this end, 24 Cu2+ and Ni2+ (0.00 - 1.60 mg L-1, also 0.1% v/v HNO3) mixed standard solutions were used. Two latent variables were enough to capture > 98% of the variance inherent in the data set and average prediction errors (RMSEP) were estimated as 0.025 and 0.071 mg L-1 for Cu and Ni, emphasizing the good precision the calibration model. The proposed system presents good figures of merit: physical stability when kept in operation for four uninterrupted hours, consumption of 314 \'mü\'g 5-Br-PADAP per sample, sample throughput of 33 h-1 (165 data, 66 determinations) and error readings in absorbance signals typically <5%. However, inaccuracy of the predictions made by the proposed model when compared to results obtained by ICP OES was noted. Thus, further studies involving this type of matrix, as well as masking techniques of potential interferences present, are recommended

En Analyse Sensorielle, les préférences des consommateurs sont généralement modélisées en fonction de données sensorielles par les méthodes de cartographie des préférences. L'objectif de cette thèse est de modéliser les préférences des consommateurs en intégrant, en plus des données sensorielles, de nouvelles variables relatives à leur perception des produits. Nous appellerons ces variables les dimensions subjectives. Elles recouvrent des dimensions pragmatiques liées à l'utilisation du produit et des dimensions plus symboliques telles que l'esthétisme, la modernité, l'originalité…Les problématiques relatives aux dimensions subjectives ont d'abord été étudiées lors d'une étude exploratoire sur des tasses à café. L'ensemble du travail a ensuite été réalisé sur 11 sièges de voitures. Dans un premier temps, des entretiens qualitatifs ont été réalisés auprès de 16 consommateurs d'une part et de 2 designers d'autre part. Ces entretiens ont permis d'identifier les dimensions subjectives caractéristiques des sièges. Une évaluation quantitative des dimensions subjectives et des préférences a ensuite été réalisée par 110 consommateurs. Enfin, les sièges ont été caractérisés sensoriellement par des experts. Les préférences des consommateurs ont été modélisées en fonction des données sensorielles et des dimensions subjectives par des modèles d'équations structurelles à variables latentes, plus précisément par Partial Least Square Path Modeling. Quatre modèles, fondés sur les groupes de préférences, ont été mis en place. Selon le groupe étudié, la contribution des deux jeux de données diffère et quatre profils de clients sont identifiés. D'un point de vue méthodologique, ce travail fournit des éléments de réponse sur l'intérêt des dimensions subjectives pour la modélisation des préférences. L'ensemble de la démarche est en cours d'application sur un produit alimentaire : le chocolat. / In Sensory Science, preference mapping is used to explain consumers' preferences with sensory data. This PhD aims to integrate not only sensory data but also new variables that are related to consumers' perception of the product in the modelling of consumers' preferences. These variables are labelled as subjective dimensions. They address the pragmatic dimensions that cover the context of use of the products and more symbolic dimensions, such as aesthetics, modernity, originality…An exploratory study based on coffee cups was a first mean to approach the issues related to subjective dimensions. Then, all the work was done on a study of 11 car seats. The first step consisted in qualitative interviews of 16 consumers and of 2 designers. These interviews allowed identifying the subjective dimensions that characterize car seats. 110 consumers then performed a quantitative evaluation of their preferences and subjective dimensions. Finally, the seats were characterized by experts with sensory descriptors. The consumers' preferences were modelled according to both sensory data and subjective dimensions, using structural equations: the Partial Least Square Path Modeling. Four models based on preferences clustering were established. The contribution of two kinds of data differed according to the considered cluster, which led to the identification of four customer profiles. From a methodological point of view, this work provides first elements about the benefit of subjective dimensions in preference modelling. The methodology is being implemented on a food product: chocolate.

Análise cinética diferencial explora diferenças em taxas reacionais entre os analitos e um sistema reacional comum; etapas de separação prévia dos analitos podem então ser prescindidas. Sistemas de análise por injeção em fluxo (FIA) se afiguram como uma ferramenta importante para métodos envolvendo essa estratégia, pois permitem um controle preciso da dispersão de reagentes / amostras e da temporização. O objetivo deste trabalho foi então explorar estes dois aspectos favoráveis visando a determinação simultânea de cobre e de níquel, a partir de suas reações com o reagente cromogênico 5-Br-PADAP. Três alíquotas de amostra eram simultaneamente inseridas, por meio de um injetor proporcional, no fluxo transportador reagente (5-Br-PADAP 75 mg L-1 + sistema tampão 0,5 mol L-1 em ácido acético / acetato, pH 4,7) de um sistema FIA em linha única. Durante o transporte em direção ao detector, as zonas estabelecidas se coalesciam, originando uma zona complexa que era monitorada a 562 nm. Os valores locais máximos e mínimos da função concentração / tempo obtida eram considerados para calibração multivariada utilizando a ferramenta quimiométrica PLS-2 (partial least squares - 2). A concentração do reagente, a capacidade tampão, a temperatura, a vazão, os comprimentos do percurso analítico e das alças de amostragem, bem como a distância inicial entre as zonas de amostra estabelecidas foram avaliados para construção dos modelos matemáticos. Estes foram criados a partir de 24 soluções-padrão mistas de Cu2+ e Ni2+ (0,00-1,60 mg L-1 em HNO3 a 0,1% v/v). Duas variáveis latentes foram suficientes para capturar > 98 % das variâncias inerentes ao conjunto de dados e erros médios das previsões (RMSEP) foram estimados em 0,025 e 0,071 mg L-1 para Cu e Ni, salientando a boa precisão do modelo de calibração. O sistema proposto apresenta boas figuras de mérito: fisicamente estável, quando mantido em operação por quatro horas ininterruptas, consumo de 314 \'mü\'g 5-Br-PADAP por amostra, frequência analítica de 33 amostras por hora (165 dados, 66 determinações) e erros nas leituras em sinais de absorbância tipicamente < 5%. Entretanto, verificou-se a inexatidão das previsões efetuadas pelo modelo proposto, quando comparadas aos resultados obtidos por ICP OES. A partir deste fato, tornam-se necessários maiores estudos referentes a este tipo de matriz, bem como de técnicas de mascaramento dos possíveis interferentes presentes / Differential kinetic analysis exploits the differences in reaction rates between the analytes and a common reactant system; prior steps of analyte separation can then be waived. Flow-injection systems (FIA) are considered as an important tool for methods involving such a strategy because they allow precise control of sample / reagent dispersion and timing. The aim of this work was then to exploit these two favorable aspects for the simultaneous determination of copper and nickel using the 5-Br-PADAP chromogenic reagent. Three sample aliquots were simultaneously inserted by means of a proportional injector into reagent carrier stream (75 mg L-1 5-Br-PADAP + 0.5 mol L-1 acetic acid / acetate, pH 4.7) of a single-line FIA system. During transport towards detection, the established zones coalesce themselves, resulting in a complex zone that was monitored at 562 nm. The local maximum and minimum values of the concentration / time obtained function were considered for multivariate calibration using the PLS-2 (partial least squares - 2) chemometric tool. The reagent concentration, buffering capacity, temperature, flow rate and lengths of the analytical path, sampling loops and initial distance between plugs were established and evaluated for the construction of mathematical models. To this end, 24 Cu2+ and Ni2+ (0.00 - 1.60 mg L-1, also 0.1% v/v HNO3) mixed standard solutions were used. Two latent variables were enough to capture > 98% of the variance inherent in the data set and average prediction errors (RMSEP) were estimated as 0.025 and 0.071 mg L-1 for Cu and Ni, emphasizing the good precision the calibration model. The proposed system presents good figures of merit: physical stability when kept in operation for four uninterrupted hours, consumption of 314 \'mü\'g 5-Br-PADAP per sample, sample throughput of 33 h-1 (165 data, 66 determinations) and error readings in absorbance signals typically <5%. However, inaccuracy of the predictions made by the proposed model when compared to results obtained by ICP OES was noted. Thus, further studies involving this type of matrix, as well as masking techniques of potential interferences present, are recommended

O presente trabalho pretende entender a dinâmica do gerenciamento de projetos no IPEN. Para tal, decidiu-se pela pesquisa junto a literatura acadêmica de modelos que pudessem servir de base e que após modificações e ajustes pudessem refletir a realidade dos projetos de Institutos Públicos Pesquisa & Desenvolvimento. Após tratamento estatístico dos dados algumas hipóteses foram validadas e demonstraram sua influência positiva no desempenho do gerenciamento do projeto, tais como a influência das pessoas que compõem as equipes, o efeito da liderança, dentre outras. O modelo, inclusive mostrou-se válido para explicar quais fatores são relevantes para o sucesso dos projetos. Um das principais objetivos, foi exatamente o uso de modelo de avaliação de gestão projetos, que fossem passíveis de validação estatística, e não utilizar um dos disponíveis no mercado, tais como P3M3 e OPM3, para que houvesse um controle e confirmação estatística dos resultados. Outro objetivo foi utilizar um modelo cujas assertivas refletissem a natureza dos projetos de Pesquisa & Desenvolvimento gerenciados pelos pesquisadores do IPEN. Aliás, as referidas assertivas foram formuladas, e enviadas via pesquisa web, e respondidas por praticamente uma centena de profissionais do IPEN, envolvidos com projetos de P&D. A presente dissertação, acrescida das recomendações, ao final, tem como proposta servir de contribuição para os trabalhos desenvolvidos pelo Escritório de Projetos do IPEN. O modelo de avaliação, contido neste trabalho, pode ser aplicado em outras Instituições de P&D brasileiras, para que avaliem a forma e a maneira como gerenciam os seus respectivos projetos. / This paper aims to understand the dynamics involved in the project management at IPEN. To reach this goal, the method chosen was research along with academic literature of models that could serve as a base that after modifications and adjustments could reflect the reality of projects from the Public Institute of Research & Development. After undergoing statistical treatment of the data, some hypotheses were validated and showed positive influence on the project management performance, such as the influence of people who make up the teams, the leadership effect, among others. In fact, the model was found to be valid in explaining which factors are relevant for the success of the projects. One of the main goals was exactly the use of the project management evaluation model, submitted to statistical validation and not to use one available on the market, such as the P3M3 and OPM3, in order to assure the statistical control and confirmation of the results. Another goal was to use a model whose statements reflected the nature of the Research & Development project managed by researchers at IPEN. In fact, the aforementioned statements were formulated and sent via a web survey and answered by almost one hundred IPEN professionals who work on R&D projects. The following dissertation, along with the recommendations at the end, was included to serve as contribution to work developed by the IPEN Project Offices. The evaluation model included in this paper can be applied in other R&D organizations in Brazil, to evaluate the way their projects are managed.

<p>The present thesis proposes new methods for obtaining objective and accurate diagnoses in modern healthcare. Non-invasive techniques have been used to examine or diagnose three different medical conditions, namely neuropathy among diabetics, radiotherapy induced erythema (skin redness) among breast cancer patients and diagnoses of cutaneous malignant melanoma. The techniques used were Near-InfraRed spectroscopy (NIR), Multi Frequency Bio Impedance Analysis of whole body (MFBIA-body), Laser Doppler Imaging (LDI) and Digital Colour Photography (DCP).</p><p>The neuropathy for diabetics was studied in papers I and II. The first study was performed on diabetics and control subjects of both genders. A separation was seen between males and females and therefore the data had to be divided in order to obtain good models. NIR spectroscopy was shown to be a viable technique for measuring neuropathy once the division according to gender was made. The second study on diabetics, where MFBIA-body was added to the analysis, was performed on males exclusively. Principal component analysis showed that healthy reference subjects tend to separate from diabetics. Also, diabetics with severe neuropathy separate from persons less affected.</p><p>The preliminary study presented in paper III was performed on breast cancer patients in order to investigate if NIR, LDI and DCP were able to detect radiotherapy induced erythema. The promising results in the preliminary study motivated a new and larger study. This study, presented in papers IV and V, intended to investigate the measurement techniques further but also to examine the effect that two different skin lotions, Essex and Aloe vera have on the development of erythema. The Wilcoxon signed rank sum test showed that DCP and NIR could detect erythema, which is developed during one week of radiation treatment. LDI was able to detect erythema developed during two weeks of treatment. None of the techniques could detect any differences between the two lotions regarding the development of erythema.</p><p>The use of NIR to diagnose cutaneous malignant melanoma is presented as unpublished results in this thesis. This study gave promising but inconclusive results. NIR could be of interest for future development of instrumentation for diagnosis of skin cancer.</p>

<p> </p><p>The today quarry planning at Klinthagen is rough, which provides an opportunity to introduce new exciting methods to improve the quarry gain and efficiency. Nordkalk AB, active at Klinthagen, wishes to start a new quarry at a nearby location. To exploit future quarries in an efficient manner and ensure production quality, multivariate statistics may help gather important information.</p><p>In this thesis the possibilities of the multivariate statistical approaches of Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Partial Least Squares (PLS) regression were evaluated on the Klinthagen bore data. PCA data were spatially interpolated by Kriging, which also was evaluated and compared to IDW interpolation.</p><p>Principal component analysis supplied an overview of the variables relations, but also visualised the problems involved when linking geophysical data to geochemical data and the inaccuracy introduced by lacking data quality.</p><p>The PLS regression further emphasised the geochemical-geophysical problems, but also showed good precision when applied to strictly geochemical data.</p><p>Spatial interpolation by Kriging did not result in significantly better approximations than the less complex control interpolation by IDW.</p><p>In order to improve the information content of the data when modelled by PCA, a more discrete sampling method would be advisable. The data quality may cause trouble, though with sample technique of today it was considered to be of less consequence.</p><p>Faced with a single geophysical component to be predicted from chemical variables further geophysical data need to complement existing data to achieve satisfying PLS models.</p><p>The stratified rock composure caused trouble when spatially interpolated. Further investigations should be performed to develop more suitable interpolation techniques.</p>