M.Sc. (Zoology) / Please refer to full text to view abstract

M.Sc. / The tigerfish, Hydrocynus vittatus member of the Alestidae, are ferocious and fierce predators capable of consuming prey up to 40% of their size. In South Africa H. vittatus can be found in the major east-flowing rivers from the Limpopo River to the Phongolo River flowing into the Pongolapoort Dam making up the southernmost population. The Pongolapoort Dam also known as Lake Jozini is located in the high-rainfall subtropical region of northern KwaZulu-Natal. The Pongolapoort Dam wall was completed in 1973 to make it the fifth largest dam in South Africa with a total surface area of 2 445.9 x 106 m2. It was primarily built for the irrigation of sugar-cane in the surrounding regions. The Fish Health Assessment Index is used as a quantitative index that identifies morphological alterations and assigns them a score for statistical comparison. The main purpose of the macroscopic Fish Health Assessment Index is to detect gross changes in the health of fish populations through necropsy early enough for remedial actions to be put into place. Histopathology is used as an important diagnostic tool for detecting infectious and non-infectious diseases and can therefore be used to assess the health of fish populations by analysing selected target organs. Catch and release (C&R) angling has become a very widely promoted conservation tool as sport angling continues to increase. Anglers release their fish under the assumption that the fish will survive; however, the end results have been shown to vary greatly, from death of the fish to sub-lethal end points such as exhaustive exercise, injury and/or air exposure which will affect the fitness of the fish. The first aim of the study was to determine the health status of H. vittatus and C. gariepinus from the Pongolapoort Dam by means of a histology-based fish health assessment protocol applied to a total of 45 H. vittatus specimens collected in February 2009 (n = 30) and July 2009 (n = 15) and a total of 19 C. gariepinus specimens collected in October 2009 (n = 10) and April 2010 (n = 9). In the H. vittatus specimens DDT was found in the axial muscle; the concentrations of these in February 2009 (5 403.9 ng∙g-1 lipid) and July 2009 (5 537.4 ng∙g-1 lipid). The Mean Index values showed that the Kidney Index (IK), Gill Index (IG) and Fish Index (IFISH) were higher in fish from the February survey while the Liver Index (IL) was higher in those collected during July. Liver alterations identified included intercellular oedema, granular degeneration, vacuolation, nuclear pleomorphism and lymphocyte infiltration. Kidney alterations included dilation of the glomerulus capillaries, vacuolation and hyaline droplet degeneration. Gill alterations identified included telangiectasia and hyperplasia of the secondary lamella, congestion, and rupture of pillar cells.

ABSTRACT There are various factors that affect the success and outcome of root canal treatment.  The aim of the study is to thoroughly investigate the prognosis of endodontic treated by general dental practitioners in the region of Västerbotten, Sweden, and try to identify factors that are related to an unsuccessful root canal treatment. Our hypothesis is about prognosis for teeth, which are treated by a general dentist, is worse than the teeth, which are treated by specialists, and dental students.  Total 210 patients were included in our study. Of those 100 were excluded due to lack of documentation. We analysed these factors, aseptic treatment e.g. rubber dam, quality of root filling length, coronal restoration, and radiograph after 4 years.  In our study, rubber dam was used only in 64 teeth (58 %) throughout whole treatment and only in 27 teeth (22 %) have seen that root filling follow the standard criteria. Twenty-two teeth (20 %) have received coronal restoration and only 21 teeth (19 %) had radiograph after 4 years, six teeth (5 %) had retreatment and 5 teeth (4 %) have been extracted. Lack of documentation was another striking finding which made it difficult for our study to extract complete information.  In conclusion, we identified some factors, which can be improved.   Inadequate documentation.   Deficiencies in pre-treatment diagnostics.   Aseptic treatment e.g. rubber dam   Failure in follow-up documentation of treated teeth   Quality of root filing. / Enodontics

[pt] Itaipu Binacional é uma usina hidrelétrica localizada no Rio Paraná, entre Brasil e Paraguai. A barragem que forma o reservatório é composta por estruturas de concreto, enrocamento e terra. Após o enchimento do reservatório, em 1984, o nível do lago se manteve com variação média de 1,5 m, entre as cotas 219 m e 220,5 m, cotas de operação da usina, apenas em poucas ocasiões foi reduzido abaixo da cota 219 m. Entre os anos de 2012 e 2015, devido à crise hídrica no sudeste do país, Itaipu passou a operar de maneira atípica a fim de suprir a queda na produção energética de outras usinas, isso fez com que a variação do nível do reservatório aumentasse para 4 m e permanecesse mais tempo em cotas abaixo do nível normal. Nesse mesmo período a instrumentação apontou um recalque de aproximadamente 5 cm em um trecho da Barragem de Terra da Margem Esquerda (BTME). Esse recalque está abaixo dos limites previstos, porém foi considerado atípico já que, desde a construção, os recalques medidos variam de 1 a 2 cm. Neste trabalho foram realizadas simulações para análises de fluxo, estabilidade e recalques no referido trecho, considerando a variação do nível do reservatório no período atípico. As análises permitiram observar o comportamento das poropressões no maciço compactado e fundação, determinar os fatores de segurança críticos para o período nos taludes de montante e jusante e em que momento eles acontecem. As simulações também mostraram que o recalque detectado pela instrumentação não é atribuído ao adensamento primário devido à variação do nível do reservatório. / [en] Itaipu Binacional is a hydroelectric plant located on the Parana River,between Brazil and Paraguay. The dam that forms the reservoir is made up of concrete, rock and earth-filled structures. After the reservoir was filled in 1984, the level of the lake remained with an average variation of 1,5 m, between 219 m and 220,5 m (the operating elevation of the plant). The reduction below elevation 219 m only happened in very few occasions. Between the years of 2012 and 2015, due to the water crisis in the southeast of the country, Itaipu began to operate in an unprecedented manner, in order to compensate for the decrease in other energy production plants. Such operation not only caused the reservoir variation level to increase to 4 m, but also made the water level remain below the average readings. In the same period, the instrumentation indicated, in a specific region, a 5 cm settlement of the Left Earth Dam. This fact was considered atypical, because, since the construction, the measured recharges had varied 1 or 2 cm at most. In this work, flow, stability and recharge simulations were performed to analyze the abovementioned region considering the variation of the reservoir level in this uncharacteristic period. With these analyzes it was possible to observe how the porepressures behave in the dam and foundation; what the critical safety factors for the period in the upstream and downstream slopes are; and when they occur. The simulations also showed that the settlement detected by the instrumentation isn t attributed to consolidation due to the variation of the reservoir level.

Dispersive soils are prevalent in many areas of South Africa and the presence of these soils has not only posed a problem in earth dam construction but has led to problems with a number of road projects. The use of dispersive soils in roadway embankments and structures can lead to serious engineering problems if the soils are not accurately identified before use and appropriate mitigation measures taken. Although the causes and consequences of soil dispersion are well understood, the consistent and positive identification of dispersive soils still remains a problem. Many identification methods have been proposed but none has been completely successful. The current tests used for identification include the pinhole, double hydrometer, crumb and chemical tests, which are generally used in combination to obtain the most reliable outcome. These laboratory tests, however, have not always been entirely consistent, either when used in combination or individually, and it is possible that the reason lies in the actual testing procedures. Recent investigations have shown that in many cases the identification and classification problems appear to be related to inconsistencies in the test methods and testing protocols. This has been highlighted recently at various conferences and presentations in South Africa, with a recommendation that the problem be investigated fully. The main objective of this project was thus to carry out a detailed investigation into the current methods used for the testing and identification of dispersive soils. The test methods were thoroughly analysed and shortcomings identified. The differences in results and interpretation resulting from different test techniques are examined and solutions to overcome the problems proposed. A further objective of this study is the assessment of the interpretation of results obtained from dispersive soil chemical analysis. A pilot study was first carried out, which recognized deficiencies in the identification process resulting from problems with the test methods. The pilot study allowed for the identification of these shortcomings in the test methods and their modification. The modified methods were used in the full study to obtain more consistent and reliable results. The study found the pinhole test as well as the Gerber and Harmse (1987) ESP versus CEC chart to be highly unreliable. The double hydrometer and crumb tests are good indicators of dispersivity if carried out accurately and repeatably using a standard test method. The chemical analysis of the soils should be carried out using the standard methods employed by the Soil Science Society of South Africa. Final rating systems were also found to be unreliable since they put a great deal of weight on the poorly reproducible pinhole test. Emphasis is thus put on the test methods being as simple and unambiguous as possible to promote repeatability and reproducibility of the results. Recommendations are finally made proposing a suite of tests as well as a decision process which should be followed when faced with a potentially dispersive soil. This investigation was aimed solely at the evaluation of test protocols and not the suitability or specification of limits for any rating systems. This should now be assessed using the standard test methods proposed in this thesis. / Dissertation (MSc)--University of Pretoria, 2013. / gm2014 / Geology / unrestricted

MSc. (Zoology) / The Albasini Dam was used as a reference site outside the DDT (1, 1, 1-trichloro-2, 2-bis (p-chlorophenyl) ethane) - sprayed area in a previous survey conducted from 2006 to 2008. DDT, endocrine disrupting chemicals and inorganic chemicals were detected in the dam. A histological analysis of fish from the dam showed histological alterations in heart, liver, gills, and gonads. Therefore, it was necessary to follow up the health status of the dam by monitoring the levels of organic and inorganic chemicals and their effects on fish. The aim of the present study was to determine the health status of three freshwater fish species, Clarias gariepinus, Oreochromis mossambicus, and Coptodon (Tilapia) rendalli from the Albasini Dam, using fish histology as a biomonitoring tool. In total, 18 fish were sampled using gill nets; these included Clarias gariepinus (n=5); Coptodon (Tilapia) rendalli (n=4) and Oreochromis mossambicus (n=9). The histology-based fish health assessment included a standard fish necropsy; a calculation of blood parameters (haematocrit, leukocrit and total plasma protein); somatic indices and the condition factor and a qualitative and semi-quantitative histological assessment of five target organs: liver, heart, gills, kidney and gonads. Water, sediment and fish muscles samples were collected and analysed for inorganic chemicals and organic chemicals. Inorganic chemicals were analysed by means of Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) and Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optic Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES). Organic chemicals in water and fish muscles were analysed using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). Nutrients and physical parameters of water were also measured...

Ph.D. / Members of Cichlidogyrus are monogenean ectoparasites occurring on the gill filaments of mainly cichlid fishes. An overview of the taxonomic background of the genus and motivation for the study is provided. In this study, existing information on their distribution is organised in a comprehensive table which includes 85 species, their taxonomic authors, hosts and localities from which they have been recorded. Representatives of this genus occur mainly in Africa, but have been found on cichlids as far as Mexico. Host specificity of members of the group is discussed. During the present investigation specimens of the genus Cichlidogyrus were found parasitising Pseudocrenilabrus philander philander, in the Padda Dam in Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa. Specimens were examined and identified as Cichlidogyrus philander, previously described from the same host, from Lake Kariba, in Zimbabwe. The morphology was studied utilizing light – and scanning electron microscopy. Specimens were stained with Horen‟s trichrome and photographed. Furthermore 100 whole mounted specimens, which were fixed and mounted in glycerine-ammonium-picrate, were measured. Larval specimens, and mature individuals with eggs in situ, were examined. The investigation of the ecology entailed monthly surveys during which a total of 245 fish specimens were collected with the aid of hand nets, over a period of 14 months (from March 2006 to June 2007). The fish were transported to the laboratory and killed by severing the spinal cord. Gills of specimens of P. p. philander (111), Gambusia affinis (105), Tilapia sparmanii (28) and one (1) 2 specimen of Cyprinus carpio were inspected, for the presence of monogeneans, with the aid of a dissection microscope. Only members of P. p. philander were parasitised by C. philander, indicating strict host specificity. The number of specimens varied from 0 to 184 per fish. The highest mean intensity of 91.6 occurred in the winter month of June 2007, although no significant correlation between season and the occurrence of this parasite was recorded. The prevalence was 100 % for ten of the fifteen surveys and no preference for host sex was recorded. The intensity of the infection correlates positively to the total length of the host, i.e. larger hosts harbour more worms. A positive correlation between condition factor and the total number of worms was found, indicating that more parasites are found on fish with a normal condition factor. No significant difference occurred between the numbers of parasites collected from gill arches on the left or right sides of fish. Statistical analysis of data showed that parasites disperse across the four gill arches with a higher proportion of parasites on the third and second gill arch. The highest proportion of the collected parasites occurred on the dorsal regions and on the distal ends of the gill filaments. Water quality variables do not significantly correlate to the prevalence, abundance or mean intensity of this parasite. This is the first ecological study conducted on specimens of C. philander, worldwide.

[pt] O aproveitamento hidroelétrico de Laúca, está localizado no km 307,5, do rio Kwanza (medido a partir de sua foz), cerca de 47 km a jusante do AHE Capanda, próximo à localidade de N hangueYa Pepe, na província do Kwanza Norte – Angola. A obra teve início no final de 2012 e terminará em 2017. Normalmente, as fundações de barragens são obras projetadas na superfície do globo e apoiadas sobre as rochas, e em muitas dessas rochas encontram-se fraturadas que geram algumas descontinuidades, ocasionando valores elevados da permeabilidade nas fundações de barragens. Esta dissertação tem como principal objetivo avaliar as condições de estanqueidade das fundações do aproveitamento hidrelétrico de Laúca. Esta avaliação foi feita a partir dos resultados de ensaios de perda d água sob pressão e interpretada através da teoria dos ensaios de Maurice Lugeon, que são realizados em maciços rochosos através de furos de sondagens em diferentes estágios. Estes ensaios têm como finalidade indicar os valores da permeabilidade e do comportamento desses maciços, em relação à percolação d água através das descontinuidades. Através da teoria de Lugeon, pode-se definir o tipo de escoamento, comportamento do preenchimento nas fraturas e fissuras que indiquem valor representativo da permeabilidade do maciço, que, por sua vez, orientará uma tomada de decisão sobre a necessidade de se adotar alguma intervenção, bem como a adoção de um programa de tratamento das fundações da barragem. / [en] The Laúca Dam is located at km 307.5 of the Kwanza River (measured from its mouth), about 47 km downstream from Capanda Hydroelectric Project, near the village of Ya N hangue Pepe in the province of Kwanza Norte - Angola. Usually dam foundations are designed and constructed along the eroded channel rivers and supported on the rocks, and many of these rocks are fractured, and generate some discontinuities with a high degree of hydraulic conductivity of the dam foundations .This dissertation aims to assess and to evaluate the seepage conditions throughout the foundations of hydroelectric Laúca. This evaluation is normally made using the tests of loss of water with pressure and interpreted using the proposal of Maurice Lugeon, i.e., the well-known in the practice of dam engineering as the Lugeon test. This test is performed in rock masses through boreholes and different stages, aims to determine the hydraulic conductivity and the behavior of the fractured rock mass, taking into the consideration the water flow through the discontinuities and fractures. Using the Lugeon set of results, it can be estimated important engineering characteristics such as: the volume and the type of flow and representatives values of the equivalent mass of the hydraulic conductivity. All this information is useful to establish the grouting procedure and also to verify the performance of the treatment carried out to reduce leakage through the dam foundation.

Today mines produce metals which are used for everyday products by people worldwide. When metals are produced, waste products known as tailings are generated. These tailings are commonly stored in impoundments, surrounded by embankment dams. The demands from the society are constantly increasing regarding the quality and safety of dams. One step in development towards a better control regarding safety and quality of tailing dams, could be to compact the beach. Today there is a lack of methods to easy check the dry densities over large areas for a compacted material. Since these dams can be large structures with embankment lengths of several kilometers, it is necessary to be able to check the density with a fast method. In this thesis it was investigated if the dry density, and correspondingly the compaction, can be checked with a Dynamic Cone Penetrometer (DCP). In the thesis the dry density of tailings was compared with penetration rate of the DCP. A laboratory setup was made with a test box filled with tailings provided by Boliden AB from the Aitik mine. Six different box tests were performed, each test with different compaction. From the tests a trend was observed, for which the tailings increased in density as the DCP indexes showed an increased resistance. A relationship between DCP index and dry densities was found. Though a relationship was found, it is important to emphasize that the tests were carried out in an environment that was easy to control. One test with high water content showed that water was influencing the DCP index results. Therefore it was concluded that if the DCP will be used in field, the water content also has to be checked.

Tsunamis are among the most terrifying and complex physical phenomena potentially affecting almost all coastal regions of the Earth. Tsunami waves propagate in the ocean over thousands of kilometres away from their generating source at considerable speeds. Among several other tsunamis that occurred during the past decade, the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami and the 2011 Tohoku Tsunami in Japan, considered to be the deadliest and costliest natural disasters in the history of mankind, respectively, have hit wide stretches of densely populated coastal areas. During these major events, severe destruction of inland structures resulted from the action of extreme hydrodynamic forces induced by tsunami flooding. Subsequent field surveys in which researchers from the University of Ottawa participated ultimately revealed that, in contrast to seismic forces, such hydrodynamic forces are not taken into proper consideration when designing buildings for tsunami prone areas. In view of these limitations, a novel interdisciplinary hydraulic-structural engineering research program was initiated at the University of Ottawa, in cooperation with the Canadian Hydraulic Centre of the National Research Council, to help develop guidelines for the sound design of nearshore structures located in such areas. The present study aims to simulate the physical laboratory experiments performed within the aforementioned research program using a single-phase three-dimensional weakly compressible Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH) numerical model. These experiments consist in the violent impact of rapidly advancing tsunami-like hydraulic bores with individual slender structural elements. Such bores are emulated based on the classic dam-break problem. The quantitatively compared measurements include the time-history of the net base horizontal force and of the pressure distribution acting on columns of square and circular cross-sections, as well as flow characteristics such as bore-front velocity and water surface elevation. Good agreement was obtained. Results show that the magnitude and duration of the impulsive force at initial bore impact depend on the degree of entrapped air in the bore-front. The latter was found to increase considerably if the bed of the experimental flume is covered with a thin water layer of even just a few millimetres. In order to avoid large fluctuations in the pressure field and to obtain accurate simulations of the hydrodynamic forces, a Riemann solver-based formulation of the SPH method is utilized. However, this formulation induces excessive numerical diffusion, as sudden and large water surface deformations, such as splashing at initial bore impact, are less accurately reproduced. To investigate this particular issue, the small-scale physical experiment of Kleefsman et al. (2005) is also considered and modeled. Lastly, taking full advantage of the validated numerical model to better understand the underlying flow dynamics, the influence of the experimental test geometry and of the bed condition (i.e. dry vs. wet) is investigated. Numerical results show that when a bore propagates over a wet bed, its front is both deeper and steeper and it also has a lower velocity compared to when it propagates over a dry bed. These differences significantly affect the pressure distributions and resulting hydrodynamic forces acting on impacted structures.