Niobium and rare earth elements (REE) are considered as strategic metals in industrialised countries, and are mainly derived from carbonatite-related deposits. Indicator mineral methods for carbonatites using of portable XRF and Quantitative Evaluation of Materials by Scanning Electron Microscopy (QEMSCAN®), shows promise in exploration for Nb and REE. Portable XRF analysis of stream sediments from the Aley, Lonnie, and Wicheeda carbonatites identified 125-250 μm as the ideal size fraction for indicator mineral studies. QEMSCAN® provides (with no additional processing) detection and characterisation of indicator minerals (when found in high concentrations) from carbonatite deposits. Preconcentration by Mozley C800 separator is recommended for sediment samples with low concentrations of indicator minerals. Discrimination diagrams for pyrochlore supergroup and columbite-tantalite series minerals show that minerals from carbonatites occupy the pyrochlore field and extend slightly into the betafite field. Columbite-tantalite series minerals from carbonatites have Mn/(Mn+Fe) atomic ratios ≤0.25 and Ta/(Ta+Nb) ≤0.20. The compositional fields for pyrochlore supergroup and colubmite-tanatlite series minerals from different deposit types partially overlap. / Graduate / 0996 / 0411 / 0372

Bush tea (Athrixia phylicoides DC.) is a herbal beverage and medicinal plant indigenous to South Africa. A trial was conducted to determine the effect of micronutrients on the plant growth and quality of bush tea. The trial was laid out in a completely randomized block design with five replicates. Treatments consisted of single applications of Zinc (Zn), Copper (Cu), Boron (Bo), Iron (Fe) and Magnesium (Mg) at three levels (50ml/l, 100ml/l and 150ml/l) and a combination of all micronutrients. A control treatment with no spray was also included. Leaf analysis was conducted using Varian Liberty series II instrument. Total polyphenols were determined using the Folin Ciocalteau method and tannins were determined using Vanillin HCl method. Bush tea samples (one leaf per sample) were analysed using head space solid phase micro-extraction gas chromatography (HS-SPME-GC-MS). Results of this study demonstrated that application of micronutrients increased the total polyphenols, tannins and total flavonoids in bush tea, with most of the increase in total polyphenols (77.5-93.7 mg/g) occurring in combination B + Zn + Fe + Cu + Mg treatment, increase in tannins (87.3-99.5 mg/g) occurring in copper treatment and increase in total flavonoids (164.6-176.6 mg/g) occurring in mixture (B + Zn + Fe + Cu + Mg) treatment. Results also show a significant increase in the quality and plant growth of bush tea. Five major compounds were identified (>80% identification probability) namely alpha-pinene, beta-pinene, myrcene, beta-caryophyllene and caryophyllene oxide. Linear relationship between percentage leaf tissues and treatments levels of micronutrients in bush tea was also observed. Boron and copper treatments showed strong linear correlation with a positive relationship between treatments levels and leaf percentage. Therefore, for improved total polyphenols content in bush tea leaves, a combination of (B + Zn + Fe + Cu + Mg) is recommended. Tannin content in bush tea leaves were significantly increased at Cu50 ml/l, Cu100 ml/l and Cu150 ml/l. For improved total flavonoids content in bush tea leaves, a combination of foliar spray of (B + Zn + Fe + Cu + Mg) is recommended. The LC-MS observations from the study showed no significant qualitative difference between control and micronutrient treatments with these treatments showing similar number of peaks. There was a significant quantitative difference between control and where magnesium peaks applied at adequate rates at (50 ml/l and 100 ml/l) and combination of (B + Zn + Fe + Cu + Mg) applied at (10 ml/l and 20 ml/l) / Agriculture, Animal Health and Human Ecology / M. Sc. (Agriculture)

BACKGROUND: Comparative evolutionary analysis of whole genomes requires not only accurate annotation of gene space, but also proper annotation of the repetitive fraction which is often the largest component of most if not all genomes larger than 50 kb in size. RESULTS: Here we present the Rice TE database (RiTE-db) - a genus-wide collection of transposable elements and repeated sequences across 11 diploid species of the genus Oryza and the closely-related out-group Leersia perrieri. The database consists of more than 170,000 entries divided into three main types: (i) a classified and curated set of publicly-available repeated sequences, (ii) a set of consensus assemblies of highly-repetitive sequences obtained from genome sequencing surveys of 12 species; and (iii) a set of full-length TEs, identified and extracted from 12 whole genome assemblies. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first report of a repeat dataset that spans the majority of repeat variability within an entire genus, and one that includes complete elements as well as unassembled repeats. The database allows sequence browsing, downloading, and similarity searches. Because of the strategy adopted, the RiTE-db opens a new path to unprecedented direct comparative studies that span the entire nuclear repeat content of 15 million years of Oryza diversity.

Finite Element Method (FEM) is a powerful numerical tool which, combined with the fast development of Computer Science in the lastdecades, had made possible to perform mechanical analysis of a widerange of bodies and boundary conditions. However, the complexity of some cases may turn the calculationprocess too slow and sometimes even unaffordable for most computers. This work aims to simplify an intricate system of layers withdifferent geometries and material properties by approximating itthrough a homogeneous material, with unique mechanical parameters.Besides the Finite Element analysis, a theoretical model is created, in order to understand the basis of the problem, and, as a firstapproach, check whether the assumptions made in the FEM model areacceptable or not. This work intends to make a small contribution to the understandingof the mechanical behaviour of the Vasa vessel, which will eventuallylead to the design of a new support structure for the ship. The preservation of the Vasa is a priority for the Swedish Property Board, as it is one of the main monuments of Sweden.

We present a calculation of vector and axial-vector form factors for each of the octet hyperon semi-leptonic transition matrix elements by using the techniques of lattice QCD where simulations were performed with Nf = 2 + 1 flavours of dynamical O(a)-improved Wilson fermions. We also study the electromagnetic form factors, axial charges and other properties of octet baryons. Errors due to extrapolation to zero transferred momentum are reduced by applying a twist to the boundary conditions on the lattice. Our form factor results compare favourably with experiment and other lattice QCD determinations. By considering an expansion about the SU(3)-flavour symmetric limit we seek to investigate and quantify the symmetry breaking effects in these matrix elements due to the mass splitting between the strange and light quarks. We find good agreement with the Ademollo-Gatto theorem for the vector form factor, a measurable amount of breaking in the axial-vector form factor and significant effects in the weak magnetism form factor. Knowledge of the parameterisation of SU(3)-flavour symmetry breaking allows for a series of constrained fits to be made to the form factor results which are used to arrive at a 'baryonic' estimation of the Cabibbo-Kobayashi-Maskawa matrix element |Vus|.

A disadvantage with battery powered circuits is the fact that the battery sometimes can run out of power. If a button that can generate energy by applying mechanical work to it was applied instead of batteries, is it possible to enable a transmitter to stay active long enough to transmit data which can later by received and decoded? This thesis contains a study, in which how to effectively send data wirelessly between a transmitter and receiver module, without the use of any batteries or external power sources, only an energy harvesting push button is constructed and evaluated. There will also be a theoretical comparison between different transmission formats and which is more suitable for a task such as this.

A nitrogen-cooled and an argon-cooled hydrogen flame have been used for the determination of sulfur containing species in solids by molecular emission cavity analysis (MECA). The argon-cooled flame is much more sensitive for the determination of SO₄²⁻. In a solid mixture containing S₈, S²⁻, SO₃²⁻, and SO₄²⁻, the presence of one or more of these sulfur containing species can be determined with the argon-cooled flame. The nitrogen-cooled flame can be useful, for example, in the determination of a mixture of S₈ and SO₃²⁻ in a solid matrix. All these sulfur containing species can be quantitatively determined in the argon-cooled flame in the concentration range from about 10 ppm to 5000 ppm. The variation from 10 percent to 30 percent in the reproducibility of these measurements has been attributed to the non-homogeneity of the solid materials and the small sizes required. Sulfur dioxide has been used for the reduction of ammoniacal copper(II) solutions to solutions containing various copper(I) compounds. These copper(I) compounds can be reduced further to copper metal by varying the solution conditions. The mechanisms of the reactions involved must be understood before they can be successfully used for the large scale production of copper. Porth et al.'s method was followed for the synthesis of Cu(I) intermediates. Several compounds were isolated and their compositions determined. The changes in the relative concentrations of Cu(I) and Cu(II) are also important for unraveling the kinetics and mechanisms of these reactions. A simple spectrophotometric method using 2,9-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline was developed to monitor the Cu(I) concentration in solution. The sensitivity of the method is sufficient to determine 10⁻⁵ M Cu(I) in the presence of Cu(II); SO₂, however, interferes with the method. Other possible methods including the use of a mixture of EDTA and 2,9-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline were also examined. Evidence is presented for the formation of a ternary complex of copper(I), 2-9-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline, and EDTA. The possibility of using a mixture of Cu(II) and 2,9-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline to determine SO₂ was tested. Oxygen was found to interfere with this method.

Structural engineering is facing an extraordinarily challenging era. These challenges are driven by the increasing expectations of modern society to provide low-cost, architecturally appealing structures which can withstand large earthquakes. However, being able to avoid collapse in a large earthquake is no longer enough. A building must now be able to withstand a major seismic event with negligible damage so that it is immediately occupiable following such an event. As recent earthquakes have shown, the economic consequences of not achieving this level of performance are not acceptable. Technological solutions for low-damage structural systems are emerging. However, the goal of developing a low-damage building requires improving the performance of both the structural skeleton and the non-structural components. These non-structural components include items such as the claddings, partitions, ceilings and contents. Previous research has shown that damage to such items contributes a disproportionate amount to the overall economic losses in an earthquake. One such non-structural element that has a history of poor performance is the external cladding system, and this forms the focus of this research. Cladding systems are invariably complicated and provide a number of architectural functions. Therefore, it is important than when seeking to improve their seismic performance that these functions are not neglected. The seismic vulnerability of cladding systems are determined in this research through a desktop background study, literature review, and postearthquake reconnaissance survey of their performance in the 2010 – 2011 Canterbury earthquake sequence. This study identified that precast concrete claddings present a significant life-safety risk to pedestrians, and that the effect they have upon the primary structure is not well understood. The main objective of this research is consequently to better understand the performance of precast concrete cladding systems in earthquakes. This is achieved through an experimental campaign and numerical modelling of a range of precast concrete cladding systems. The experimental campaign consists of uni-directional, quasi static cyclic earthquake simulation on a test frame which represents a single-storey, single-bay portion of a reinforced concrete building. The test frame is clad with various precast concrete cladding panel configurations. A major focus is placed upon the influence the connection between the cladding panel and structural frame has upon seismic performance. A combination of experimental component testing, finite element modelling and analytical derivation is used to develop cladding models of the cladding systems investigated. The cyclic responses of the models are compared with the experimental data to evaluate their accuracy and validity. The comparison shows that the cladding models developed provide an excellent representation of real-world cladding behaviour. The cladding models are subsequently applied to a ten-storey case-study building. The expected seismic performance is examined with and without the cladding taken into consideration. The numerical analyses of the case-study building include modal analyses, nonlinear adaptive pushover analyses, and non-linear dynamic seismic response (time history) analyses to different levels of seismic hazard. The clad frame models are compared to the bare frame model to investigate the effect the cladding has upon the structural behaviour. Both the structural performance and cladding performance are also assessed using qualitative damage states. The results show a poor performance of precast concrete cladding systems is expected when traditional connection typologies are used. This result confirms the misalignment of structural and cladding damage observed in recent earthquake events. Consequently, this research explores the potential of an innovative cladding connection. The outcomes from this research shows that the innovative cladding connection proposed here is able to achieve low-damage performance whilst also being cost comparable to a traditional cladding connection. It is also theoretically possible that the connection can provide a positive value to the seismic performance of the structure by adding addition strength, stiffness and damping. Finally, the losses associated with both the traditional and innovative cladding systems are compared in terms of tangible outcomes, namely: repair costs, repair time and casualties. The results confirm that the use of innovative cladding technology can substantially reduce the overall losses that result from cladding damage.

Italian loadwords in Libyan Arabic have not received the attention and concern they deserve despite their number, high frequency, and wide use by all Libyans at all levels for more than one and a half centuries. This study attempts to record as many Italian loanwords in Libyan Arabic as possible as reported by the Libyan students and their spouses in the United States, to establish a linguistic criterion for the identification of these loanwords in Libyan Arabic, to determine the semantic adaptations they have undergone, and to verify their recognition and use by the students and their spouses. A list of 1000 words suspected to be Italian loanwords were collected through direct observation of Libyan speech, including my own as a native speaker of the dialect, by use of informants and intensive reading. The words were then checked against their possible native models in Italian through the use of Italian dictionaries and consultation with native Italian speakers, most of whom are linguists or language teachers. The list was reduced to 682 words, which were used in the questionnaire sent to 290 Libyan students and their spouses in the United States. From the 148 replies to the questionnaire, it is found that on the average 75% of the respondents know all the 684 words and 58% of them use them. About 82% of the loanwords have literary or colloquial Arabic equivalents. About 55% had presumably entered Libyan Arabic or Libyan Arabic speakers were exposed to them during the 1911-1970 period, which marks the Italian occupation of Libya, 5% between 1832-1910, and 5% between 1970-1985. About 93% of the Italian loanwords are nouns, 7% adjectives, 1% verbs, 0.8% adverbs, and 0.5% interjections. Meanings of most of the loanwords are more pervasive in Italian than in Libyan Arabic. It was also found that most of the loanwords had adopted Arabic grammatical rules for tense formation and inflection for number or gender.

This study was designed to examine the influence of Cu deficiency on the binding, uptake, and degradation of apolipoprotein E-free high density lipoproteins (apo E-free HDL) in cultured rat hepatic parenchymal cells. The binding of apo E-free HDL during time course studies was slightly but significantly increased in cells derived from Cu-deficient rats. In saturation studies, the amount of surface-bound apo E-free HDL appeared to be saturable, although no difference was observed between Cu-deficient and adequate animals. The amount of total and specific cell-associated uptake of apo E-free HDL was significantly increased in hepatic parenchymal cells of Cu-deficient animals. The present data suggest that hepatic uptake of the HDL protein moiety may be increased in rats fed a diet deficient in copper.