Généralement les modèles QSPR ne sont utilisés que pour prédire des propriétés des corps purs. Dans cette thèse nous avons développé une approche QSPR permettant de prédire des propriétés non additives de mélanges binaires, plus précisément leur caractère azéotropique/zéotropique. Pour parvenir à ce résultat, plusieurs types de modèles quantitatifs et qualitatifs ont été développés. L’approche est originale pour deux raisons. Premièrement, peu de travaux de recherche ont été publiés sur des mélanges dont les propriétés sont non-additives. Deuxièmement, plusieurs nouveaux aspects méthodologiques ont été introduits dans ce travail. Tout d'abord des descripteurs "spéciaux", capables de décrire des mélanges ont été proposés. De plus, un protocole robuste d'obtention et de validation des modèles a été utilisé, et un domaine d'applicabilité des modèles fiable a été proposé. La méthodologie développée pendant cette thèse démontre la fiabilité d'un nouveau concept – les modèles QSPR pour les mélanges. Elle est comparable à d'autres méthodes classiques, quoique n'utilisant qu'un faible nombre de données en comparaison. / Generally, QSPR models are limited to individual compounds. In this thesis we have developed a QSPR approach to predict non-additive properties of binary mixtures, more explicitly their azeotropic behavior. To achieve this, several types of quantitative and qualitative models have been developed. This approach is original for two reasons. First, little research has been published on mixtures whose properties are no additive. Second, several new methodological aspects have been introduced in this work. First of all "special" descriptors able to describe mixtures have been proposed. In addition, a robust protocol for obtaining and validating models was used, and a reliable models applicability domain was proposed. The methodology developed during this thesis demonstrates the consistency of a new concept - the QSPR models for mixtures. It is comparable to other conventional methods, though using only limited data.

The aim of the thesis is to compare the design of large pools in the plan of joint facilities of the KoPÚ municipality of Valtrovice with the proposal of small pools (my proposal) and zero variation. Assessing their positive and negative aspects and evaluating the most optimal proposal. The territory is located in the Natura 2000 system, as EVL Valtrovický luh, so nature conservation interests is very important. Another objective was the creation of a project of the pool, which is enclosed in the form of project documentation. The most suitable solution of the three variants seems to be a variant of small pools, especially in terms of protection of nature and landscape, increasing biodiversity and preserving the original loose tree vegetation. The variation of the large pools was assessed as inappropriate especially from point of view the protection of nature, ecology and technical parameters of the design. Zero variant does not suit the territorial plan and the interests of the municipality that proposes to establish a wetland here.

Patterning, morphogenesis, and cell divisions are distinct processes during development yet are concurrent and likely highly integrated. However, it has been challenging to investigate them as a whole. Recent advances in imaging and labeling tools make it possible to observe live tissues with high coverage and resolution. In this dissertation work, we developed a novel imaging platform that allowed us to fully capture the early neural tube formation process in live zebrafish embryos at cellular resolution. Importantly, these datasets allow us to reliably track single neural progenitors. These tracks carry information on the history of cell movement, shape change, division, and gene expression all together. By comparing tracks of different progenitor fates, we found they show a spatially noisy response to Sonic hedgehog (Shh) and become specified in a positionally mixed manner, in surprising contrast to the "French Flag" morphogen patterning model. Both cell movement and division contribute to cell mixing. In addition, we decoupled the temporal and genetic regulatory network (GRN) noises in Shh interpretation using tracks that carry both Shh signaling and cell fate reporters. Our tracks suggest that, after specification, progenitors undergo sorting to self-assemble a sharp pattern. Consistent with this hypothesis, we found ectopically induced progenitors move to correct locations. Furthermore, we show that proper adhesion is required for cell sorting to happen (Chapters 2 and 3). In the cleavage stage embryos, the cells on the surface undergo shape changes followed by lineage separation and differentiation. We quantitatively measured this morphogenesis process and tracked cell divisions. By applying a mathematical model we uncover a predictive, and perhaps general link between cell division orientation, mechanical interaction, and the morphogenetic behavior of the whole surface layer (Chapter 4). Finally, we discuss the concepts and tools of cell tracking including a multi-color cell labeling method we developed by modifying the "Brainbow" system (Chapter 5). Together this dissertation showcases the importance and promise of live observation based, quantitative and integrated analysis in our understanding of complex multi-cellular developmental processes.

Généralement les modèles QSPR ne sont utilisés que pour prédire des propriétés des corps purs. Dans cette thèse nous avons développé une approche QSPR permettant de prédire des propriétés non additives de mélanges binaires, plus précisément leur caractère azéotropique/zéotropique. Pour parvenir à ce résultat, plusieurs types de modèles quantitatifs et qualitatifs ont été développés. L'approche est originale pour deux raisons. Premièrement, peu de travaux de recherche ont été publiés sur des mélanges dont les propriétés sont non-additives. Deuxièmement, plusieurs nouveaux aspects méthodologiques ont été introduits dans ce travail. Tout d'abord des descripteurs "spéciaux", capables de décrire des mélanges ont été proposés. De plus, un protocole robuste d'obtention et de validation des modèles a été utilisé, et un domaine d'applicabilité des modèles fiable a été proposé. La méthodologie développée pendant cette thèse démontre la fiabilité d'un nouveau concept - les modèles QSPR pour les mélanges. Elle est comparable à d'autres méthodes classiques, quoique n'utilisant qu'un faible nombre de données en comparaison.

Recognition of prior learning, better known as RPL, was introduced to training institutions in South Africa after the fall of Apartheid. The objective of RPL was to redress inequalities brought about by Apartheid when disadvantaged groups had less access to training opportunities. RPL was introduced with a combination of associated training and education initiatives such as the National Qualification Framework and the South African Qualifications Authority, all directed for a similar purpose. The South African Nursing Council agreed with the principles of RPL and published a policy document aimed to guide nurse educators to enhance RPL implementation in South African nursing education institutions. Despite the support from accessible legislative and regulatory documentation, RPL is implemented insufficiently in nursing education institutions. The lack of RPL implementation was also identified by the researcher in the Limpopo College of Nursing. This College of Nursing can be described as a symbol of post-Apartheid re-integration whereby nursing colleges centralised into one administrative management office with campuses, satellite campuses and over 120 nurse educators. The research question asked was what are nurse educators’ perceptions of the implementation of RPL in nursing colleges in Limpopo Province? The aim was to support nurse educators to enhance the implementation of RPL in nursing colleges in Limpopo Province. A qualitative, phenomenological, explorative, descriptive and contextual research design was followed. Seven (n=7) individual, in-depth, unstructured interviews were conducted with nurse educators employed at the X Campus and Y Satellite Campus of the Limpopo College of Nursing. Transcribed interviews were analysed and resulted in three main themes and nine sub-themes. Firstly, the participants voiced their agreement that RPL should be implemented and identified specific benefits and challenges thereof. Secondly, there should be a RPL assessment package that should be open and transparent, be able to assess academic performance against college standards and should minimise inequalities. The third main theme was the need for enhanced awareness of RPL implementation in nursing colleges. Nurse educators lack knowledge about RPL and should therefore be more awareness thereof. In addition RPL should be promoted as a beneficial mechanism to the learning process. These results were discussed with a literature integration and in the majority of results literature confirmed these findings. Conclusion statements were formulated from the research results and served as the basis for the formulation of recommendations to support nurse educators with the implementation of RPL in nursing colleges in Limpopo Province. The recommendations were directed to firstly the policy makers in nursing education; secondly to the nursing education institutions and thirdly to the nurse educators. Areas for further research were listed. Strategies to enhance trustworthiness and the adherence of ethical considerations were supported throughout this study. / MCur, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

Recognition of prior learning, better known as RPL, was introduced to training institutions in South Africa after the fall of Apartheid. The objective of RPL was to redress inequalities brought about by Apartheid when disadvantaged groups had less access to training opportunities. RPL was introduced with a combination of associated training and education initiatives such as the National Qualification Framework and the South African Qualifications Authority, all directed for a similar purpose. The South African Nursing Council agreed with the principles of RPL and published a policy document aimed to guide nurse educators to enhance RPL implementation in South African nursing education institutions. Despite the support from accessible legislative and regulatory documentation, RPL is implemented insufficiently in nursing education institutions. The lack of RPL implementation was also identified by the researcher in the Limpopo College of Nursing. This College of Nursing can be described as a symbol of post-Apartheid re-integration whereby nursing colleges centralised into one administrative management office with campuses, satellite campuses and over 120 nurse educators. The research question asked was what are nurse educators’ perceptions of the implementation of RPL in nursing colleges in Limpopo Province? The aim was to support nurse educators to enhance the implementation of RPL in nursing colleges in Limpopo Province. A qualitative, phenomenological, explorative, descriptive and contextual research design was followed. Seven (n=7) individual, in-depth, unstructured interviews were conducted with nurse educators employed at the X Campus and Y Satellite Campus of the Limpopo College of Nursing. Transcribed interviews were analysed and resulted in three main themes and nine sub-themes. Firstly, the participants voiced their agreement that RPL should be implemented and identified specific benefits and challenges thereof. Secondly, there should be a RPL assessment package that should be open and transparent, be able to assess academic performance against college standards and should minimise inequalities. The third main theme was the need for enhanced awareness of RPL implementation in nursing colleges. Nurse educators lack knowledge about RPL and should therefore be more awareness thereof. In addition RPL should be promoted as a beneficial mechanism to the learning process. These results were discussed with a literature integration and in the majority of results literature confirmed these findings. Conclusion statements were formulated from the research results and served as the basis for the formulation of recommendations to support nurse educators with the implementation of RPL in nursing colleges in Limpopo Province. The recommendations were directed to firstly the policy makers in nursing education; secondly to the nursing education institutions and thirdly to the nurse educators. Areas for further research were listed. Strategies to enhance trustworthiness and the adherence of ethical considerations were supported throughout this study. / MCur, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014