Dissertation (LLM)--University of Pretoria, 2014. / gm2015 / Centre for Human Rights / LLM / Unrestricted

Grâce à la définition sensorielle conceptuelle des vins de réserve de Champagne, nous avons pu caractériser les notes aromatiques développées lors d’un vieillissement qualitatif. L’intensité du sous-bois, truffe, fruits frais, fruits confits, tabac, grillé, torréfié, fumé, épicé, viennoiserie, miellé, beurré/lacté, fruits à coques et pétrolé a été évaluée dans 51 vins de réserve monovariétaux de chardonnay, pinot noir et meunier âgés de 1 à 28 ans. Une convergence sensorielle était soulignée et supposait des déterminants moléculaires communs du vieillissement.Par une approche moléculaire ciblée, le di-méthyl-sulfure (DMS), la tabanone, le 3-méthylbutanoate d’éthyle, 2-méthylbutanoate d’éthyle, l’acétate de butyle, le 5-méthylfurfural, le 2-acétylfuran, le 2-acétylthophène, le 2-méthylpyrazine, le 2-acéthyl-3-methylpyrazine, le 2-ethylthiazole et le thiazole ont montré des teneurs qui s’accumulaient dans les vins au cours du vieillissement.L’analyse conceptuelle du potentiel de vieillissement des vins de réserve a été décryptée afin de développer une nouvelle méthode d’analyse sensorielle illustrée permettant de l’évaluer. Les acides aminés libres et le potentiel en DMS proposaient des précurseurs en lien avec le potentiel des vins à vieillir.La méthode de fractionnement de l'extrait de 31 vins de réserve a permis, d’un point de vue sensoriel, une décomposition des notes aromatiques typiques de ces vins. L’identification de composés par GC-O et GC-MS présents dans les fractions a mis en évidence la présence du cyclotène et l’isophorone. L’analyse sensorielle des fractions a apportée de nombreuses pistes pour enrichir la liste des composés odorants du vieillissement. / The study of the conceptual sensory definition of Champagne reserve wines revealed the characterisation of the aromatic notes developed during the qualitative aging of these wines. The aromatic intensity of undergrowth, truffle, fresh fruits, jummy fruits, tobacco, toasted, roasted , smoked, spicy, pastries, honey, butter / milk, nuts and petrol notes was evaluated in 51 single-varietal reserve wines of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Miller aged from 1 to 28 years. A sensory convergence was highlighted, suggesting common molecular determinants of aging.A molecular study, targeting specific classes of aromatic compounds, demonstrated that levels of dimethyl sulphide, tabanone, ethyl 3-methylbutanoate, ethyl 2-methylbutanoate, butyl acetate, 5-methylfurfural, 2-acetylfuran, 2-acetylthophene, 2-methylpyrazine, 2-acetyl-3-methylpyrazine, 2-ethylthiazole and thiazole increase during aging.The conceptual analysis of the aging potential of reserve wines has been decrypted in order to develop a new illustrated sensory analysis method allowing its evaluation. The free amino acids and the potential in DMS may also be indicators of the aging potential of wines.The fractionation method of 31 Champagne reserve wines extract resulted, from a sensory point of view, in an aromatic notes decomposition, typical of these wines. The composition of the involved fractions was then studied by instrumental methods revealing the identification of two molecular markers; cyclotene and isophorone. The sensory analysis of the fractions opened up new perspectives, suggesting the existence of other compounds involved to qualitative aging of these wines.

We present the results of flight simulator experiments (60 runs) with randomly selected airline pilots under realistic operational conditions and discuss them in light of current fuel regulations and potential fuel starvation. The experiments were conducted to assess flight crew performance in handling complex technical malfunctions including decision-making in fourth-generation jet aircraft. Our analysis shows that the current fuel requirements of the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) are not sufficient to guarantee the safety target of the Advisory Council for Aviation Research and Innovation in Europe (ACARE), which is less than one accident in 10 million flights. To comply with this safety target, we recommend increasing the Final Reserve Fuel from 30 min to 45 min for jet aircraft. The minimum dispatched fuel upon landing should be at least 1 h.

Cognitive impairment is common in multiple sclerosis (MS), with as many as 70% of patients with MS affected. Individuals with MS who experience cognitive deficits are less likely to be employed, and may have more difficulty performing independent activities of daily living. Most commonly, deficits are observed in processing speed, complex attention, and memory. Because lesion location varies widely among individuals, no clear pattern of cognitive dysfunction in MS has emerged. However, a number of risk and protective factors may influence the likelihood of individuals to develop and/or express dysfunction, though the contribution of each to specific domains of cognition has not been fully explored. Recently, support for the cognitive reserve hypothesis (i.e., enriching life experiences protect against cognitive decline despite disease burden) has emerged in the MS literature. The current study investigated the contributions of cognitive reserve to learning and memory functioning in MS and the interaction of cognitive reserve variables and risk factors known to impact cognitive functioning in individuals with MS. Finding revealed cognitive reserve protects against decline in the domains of processing speed and complex attention. Furthermore, indirect protective effects of cognitive reserve through these domains were observed for verbal learning and memory. Finally, in line with previous literature, cognitive dysfunction predicted employment status of the current sample. Clinical implications and future directions for intervention efforts are discussed.

Lors du vieillissement sain, et malgré une augmentation de la fréquence d’apparition du manque du mot, les personnes âgées manifestent une préservation des performances de dénomination orale d’objets (DO), suggérant la mise en place de stratégies efficaces de récupération et de sélection de l’information lexicale. Dans ce travail de thèse, nous avons utilisé une approche méthodologique multimodale afin d’évaluer la nature de ces stratégies. Nous nous sommes plus spécifiquement intéressés aux mécanismes de réorganisation cérébrale ainsi qu’aux activités sociales comme facteur de réserve cognitive. Ce travail de thèse se décompose en cinq études et aborde une perspective homogène (effet de l’âge) et hétérogène (effet des performances) du vieillissement. Nos résultats mettent en évidence l’existence de différents mécanismes de compensation associés au vieillissement sain. Tout d’abord, nous observons que les personnes âgées sont plus lentes que les jeunes adultes lors de la DO, mais obtiennent un taux de précision similaire. D’après la perspective homogène, le maintien des performances de DO s’expliquerait par le recrutement d’une stratégie de nature sémantique. Au niveau cérébral, nous observons une augmentation de l’asymétrie intra-hémisphérique gauche des régions temporo-pariétales chez les personnes âgées, ainsi qu’un transfert de la connectivité normalement observée du gyrus frontal inférieur (GFI) gauche avec le gyrus temporal latéral au gyrus temporal médial gauche. D’après la perspective hétérogène, le maintien des performances de DO s’expliquerait par l’utilisation d’une stratégie de nature exécutive, reflétée par une réduction de l’asymétrie inter-hémisphérique frontale chez les personnes âgées dont les temps de réponse de DO sont courts. Par ailleurs, nous proposons que l’encodage lexico-phonologique module également le taux de précision de DO, via la connectivité effective entre le GFI gauche et le gyrus temporal supérieur gauche. Enfin, nous observons une relation significative entre la fréquence de participation aux activités sociales, notamment collectives, et les performances de DO. Cette relation est partiellement médiée au niveau cérébral par l’activité du gyrus frontal supérieur médian gauche, via un mécanisme de réserve neurale. Sur la base de nos résultats, nous proposons un modèle neurocognitif des stratégies de récupération et de sélection de l’information lexicale, utilisant une approche multimodale et plurifactorielle du vieillissement sain. / Despite increased difficulties to find words in the daily life, older adults show preserved object naming performances when compared to younger ones. This suggests a supplementary recruitment of compensatory strategies in order to retrieve and select words. In this research work, we have used a multimodal methodological approach to evaluate the nature of these strategies, by using an object naming task. Specifically, we have evaluated these strategies in terms of mechanisms of cerebral reorganization. We were also interested to know how these strategies are modulated by the frequency of social activities, considered as a factor of cognitive reserve. This thesis work is composed of five studies performed under a homogeneous (effect of age) and a heterogeneous (effect of performance) perspective. Based on results, we suggest that aging is associated with multiple compensatory mechanisms to maintain a correct level of performance. Specifically, according to the homogeneous perspective, we consider that preserved object naming performances in older adults might be explained by the use of a semantic strategy. Indeed, in older compared to younger adults and at a cerebral level, we observed increased left hemispheric asymmetry with significant recruitment of the temporo-parietal regions. In addition, the inferior frontal gyrus (IFG) that is connected to the lateral temporal cortex in younger adults, seems to “switch” its connectivity toward the left medial temporal gyrus in older adults. In addition, according to the heterogeneous perspective, preserved object naming performances in older adults can be also explained by the use of an executive strategy, reflected by reduced inter-hemispheric asymmetry of frontal regions, specifically in more performant older adults (with shorter response latencies). Furthermore, we suggest that lexico-phonological processes mediate naming accuracy as reflected by the increased connectivity from the left IFG to the left superior temporal gyrus. A final result that we report in this work indicates that the frequency of participation to group social activities correlates to naming performance in older adults. This relation is partially mediated by the left superior medial frontal gyrus and is assimilated to a neural reserve mechanism. Overall, based on our findings, we propose a neurocognitive model of lexical retrieval and selection strategies in normal aging, based on a multimodal dataset and a multifactorial approach.

The Quaternary Paleoecological Analysis of the Soos National Nature Reserve The aim of this proposed diploma thesis is to describe the structure of diatom communities in the diatomite deposits of the Soos National Nature Reserve and compare the finding of this thesis with those of older publications. Another aim was to reconstruct the history of the basin trough with the outputs of diatom analysis accomplished in the 3,4 m long sediment profile. The similarity of diatom communites in individual diatomite types was also tested. Key words: subfossil diatoms, Soos National Nature Reserve, paleolimnology, Late Glacial, Holocene

Orientador: Liliane Santos de Camargos / Resumo: O manganês é um micronutriente que se enquadra no critério de essencialidade das plantas, no entanto sua presença altera o teor de outros nutrientes como o fósforo, quando aplicado em solo. A leguminosa herbácea tropical Stizolobium aterrimum Piper & Tracy (Mucuna-preta) é uma planta constantemente utilizada em sistema de cultura consorciada para conservação de matéria orgânica, por conta de sua biomassa. Desta forma, o trabalho visa a utilização dessa leguminosa como tolerante e com potencial fitorremediador para a retirada de manganês em concentrações tóxicas do solo. Portanto. foi avaliado seu crescimento e metabolismo em solos com concentrações tóxicas de manganês, analisando massa fresca, seca, indicadores de estresse oxidante, parâmetros da fotossíntese e metabólitos (aminoácidos, açucares solúveis totais, clorofila, ureídeos, proteína, nitrato e amônia), índice de tolerância e quantificação de manganês nos tecidos. Os dados foram avaliados por análise de variância e Soctt-Knott a 5% de probabilidade, utilizando o software SISVAR®. S aterrimum, consegue germinar em solos com altas concentrações de manganês; produz grande quantidade de biomassa seca e fresca mesmo em doses potencialmente tóxicas de manganês, não apresenta indicadores de estresse oxidativo; S. aterrimum é uma planta tolerante e com potencial de fitorremdiador para manganês. / Abstract: Manganese is a micronutrient that meets the criteria of essentiality of plants, however its presence changes the content of other nutrients such as phosphorus, when applied to soil. The tropical herbaceous legume Stizolobium aterrimum Piper & Tracy (Mucuna-preta) is a plant constantly used in a intercropping system for the conservation of organic matter, due to its biomass. Thus, the work aims to use this legume as a tolerant and with phytoremediation potential for the removal of manganese in toxic concentrations of the soil. Therefore. its growth and metabolism in soils with toxic concentrations of manganese was evaluated, analyzing fresh, dry mass, oxidative stress indicators, photosynthesis parameters and metabolites (amino acids, total soluble sugars, chlorophyll, ureides, protein, nitrate and ammonia), tolerance and quantification of manganese in tissues. The data were evaluated by analysis of variance and Soctt-Knott at 5% probability, using the SISVAR® software. S aterrimum, can germinate in soil with high concentrations of manganese; it produces a large amount of dry and fresh biomass even in potentially toxic doses of manganese, it does not show oxidative stress indicators; S. aterrimum is a tolerant plant with potential for phytoremediation for manganese. / Mestre

The systematic implementation of intermittent energy production sources has made the energy system more volatile and unpredictable than ever before. This development increases the importance of balancing services, in particular the primary control. However, the current research that has been conducted on the primary regulation products is limited. Specifically, the factors that drive the variation in availability and price of the primary control are unknown and the procurement is in some aspects based on perception rather than quantitative analysis. This study has investigated which these factors are and their relative significance on the availability and price of the primary control product called Frequency Containment Reserve for Normal Operation – FCR-N. The study was conducted according to methods with both qualitative and quantitative aspects to cover the complex nature of the problem from different views. The study was done in collaboration with Fortum POT at their office to gain insight and support from a market actor. Given the research questions, the result from this study is threefold. Firstly, the factors that affect the FCR-N availability have been identified and other factors have been categorised as insignificant. Secondly, the factors’ relative significances are stated to show their dependency with the FCR-N product. Lastly, an outlier case study showed how extreme situations changes the conditions for the FCR-N procurement. It has been concluded that the FCR-N price for normal operation on the Nordic electricity market can be generalised successfully through the identified parameters. It is also shown that deviations from normal operations have the possibility to create deviations in the FCR-N availability, indicating that these hours of extreme values need additional analysis in order to fully understand the available capacity. However, the significance of the researched parameters will be an indication in analysis of both the normal case and during deviations as these are the most important measures for the FCR-N availability and price.

No description available.

Naturreservat är en form av områdesskydd som kan användas för att ge värdefulla naturområden ett långsiktigt skydd. När ett naturreservat bildas är tanken att det ska finnas kvar mycket länge och att upphäva ett reservat kräver väldigt starka skäl. Naturreservat är den vanligaste formen av naturskydd i Sverige. Antalet reservat och den totala skyddade ytan har stigit mycket under de senaste årtiondena och anledningen till detta är att man inom miljö- och naturvårdspolitiken har satt upp tydliga mål som ska uppfyllas samt att lagstiftningen som finns är praktiskt tillämpbar. Att bilda ett naturreservat är en process med många steg. Syftet med denna uppsats är att utreda denna bildandeprocess, och jämföra tillvägagångssättet hos kommunerna och hos länsstyrelsen. Denna jämförelse begränsar sig till Stockholms län och reservat som vunnit laga kraft under de senaste tre åren. I undersökningen har skillnader i reservatens storlek, utformning, syften samt tidsåtgång noterats. De kommunala reservaten som ingår i undersökningen är större än länsstyrelsens. De kommunala reservaten är också mer spridda i sin utformning och har flikigare gränser. Tidsåtgången för en bildandeprocess varierar, naturreservaten som har bildats under de senaste tre åren i Stockholms län har tagit från drygt 1 år till 18,5 år att bilda. För de reservat som ingår i undersökningen har länsstyrelsens reservat i genomsnitt tagit längre tid att bilda än vad kommunernas reservat har tagit. Naturreservat kan bildas på fastigheter som ägs av andra än staten, då kan värdering och förhandling om marken bli ett tidskrävande moment. Tidsåtgången kan därför påverkas kraftigt av vem som äger marken som man ska bilda naturreservat på. En annan faktor för tiden det tar att bilda ett reservat är resursbrist, detta har framgått tydligast för reservaten bildade av länsstyrelsen där flera av reservatsärendena legat vilande under någon period på grund av personalbrist. / Establishing nature reserves is a long-term way of protecting valuable environments. A nature reserve is meant to last for a very long time and revoking one takes strong and valid reasons. Nature reserves are the most occurring type of nature protection in Sweden. The amount of reserves and the areal of protected estates have been increasing for the latest decades, due to clear goals and programs from the political field and a practically applicable legislature. The creating of a nature reserve is a multistep procedure. The purpose with this thesis is to investigate this procedure and to compare the method used by the municipalities and by the County Administrative Board. This comparison is limited to reserves that have won legal force during the past three years. In the comparison we have seen differences in the reserves size, shape, purposes and timescale. The nature reserves constituted by municipalities are larger than those created by the County Administrative Board. They are also more fragmented and uneven when it comes to shape and boundaries. The time that passes during the process can vary, for example the reserves in our review have taken from just over 1 year to 18.5 years to finish. The average timespan for the making of the nature reserves has been larger in the County Administrative Boards reserves than in the municipalities’. Nature reserves can be constituted on estates owned by others than the Government. When that is the case, valuing the property and negotiating with the owner may take a lot of time. The timescale can thus be largely influenced by who owns the land that is to be protected. Another factor of the timescale is lack of assets. This is most clear with the County Administrative Board, where several matters have been resting some time during the procedure, due to shortage of human resources.