Trichoderma atroviride SC1 (SC1) was isolated from hazelnut wood and it is effective in the biocontrol of soil-borne pathogens. However, its effectiveness decreases as its population declines in the soil over time. To improve its persistency in the soil, lignocellulosic materials (wood pellets) were tested to be used as carriers to sustain the population of SC1 and facilitate its incorporation into the soil. A method was developed to coat wood pellets of fir, beech, and chestnut with a conidial suspension to reach a preset concentration (i.e. 10^4, 10^5, and 10^6 cfu/ g of wood). The growth of SC1 on each type of wood was compared. Chestnut pellets were excluded from further experiments because they had low counts of colony-forming units (cfu) of SC1. Beech pellets were preferred over fir pellets for showing more suitable physicochemical characteristics for soil application. In addition, for the same wood type, increased initial coating concentrations did not impact the final colony counts of SC1 and no significant difference was observed between the counts of 10^4, 10^5, and 10^6 cfu/g of wood at the end of the experiment. The addition of small quantities of nitrogen increased the final cfu on all types of wood pellets. The growth of SC1 on beech pellets was then tested by adding cheap nitrogen sources namely, soy flour, soy protein isolates, and proteins that originated from animal wastes. The best results were obtained with soy protein isolates (1 g/L) and the population of SC1 reached 10^9 cfu/ g of beech wood. Finally, this carrier of coated beech pellets with soy protein isolates was tested in the soil under controlled conditions, in an experimental greenhouse at 25°C and 60% of soil humidity. The pellets were coated to reach a final concentration of 5×10^5 cfu/ g of beech and 10 g of beech coated pellets were mixed with 1 kg of soil in plastic pots to reach the final concentration of 5×10^3 cfu/ g of soil. The carrier increased the bacterial richness and diversity of the soil and decreased the fungal ones. The total Trichoderma population persisted in the first month and then declined after three months with competition from other bacteria such as Massilia spp. and fungi such as Stachybotrys spp. and Mortierella spp.

Advanced drug delivery systems have shown immense success through nanotechnology which overcomes the challenges posed by large sized particles such as poor solubility, bioavailability, absorption, and target-specific delivery. This study focuses on nano sizing by application of microreactor technology and nanoparticles to obtain polymeric particulate with a selection of model drugs for inhalation drug delivery routes. The development of nanoparticles of two challenging compounds in terms of solubility and permeability, namely Ibuprofen (IBU) and Salmeterol (SAL), was conducted using a continuous, controlled, and scalable system offered by microfluidic reactor with the incorporation of anti-solvent approach. The research explores the potential of this technology to enhance absorption rate and hence bioavailability of IBU via oral route, and SAL via inhalation. IBU, an anti-inflammatory drug, is classified as BCS Class II drug with low solubility and high permeability. SAL is a selective long acting β2-agonist which is co-dispensed along with a short-acting β2-agonist for quick relief of acute bronchoconstriction due to its long onset of action. This lack of the ‘kick’ effect in SAL can be attributed to its relatively higher lipophilicity which causes a delay in the diffusion to the β2 receptors on the smooth muscles. It is therefore feasible to assume that increasing the dissolution and/or diffusion rate of SAL in the interstitial fluids would reduce the delay between administration and the onset of action of this drug which would be beneficial to patients. Process and formulation parameters were investigated to optimize the production and stability of nano particles of both drugs using Y shaped microfluidic reactors. IBU results show that the smaller the angle between the two inlets were the smaller the particle size achieved. Moreover, the particle size increased with increasing the concentration of IBU solution. The effect of the polymer mixture ratio (PVP/HPMC) on the initial particle size was not clear though. The smallest particle size (113 nm) was achieved using 10° Y shaped chip with IBU concentration of 1 mg/mL and a polymer mixture of 0.3% w/v PVP and 0.5% w/v HPMC. Using a polymer mixture of 0.5% w/v of each polymer though yielded a better PDI (140nm and PDI of 0.5). Same observations were noted when the syringe pumps were replaced with a non-pulsatile pressure pump. Particle size though dropped significantly to 33nm. Stability data showed that all systems were practically stable regardless of the process or formulation parameters. In addition, a considerable 2.5 fold increase in dissolution rate was observed in the first 20 minutes when compared to the raw material. The optimized parameters were applied to SAL to produce nanocrystals with best result (59 nm) were obtained using 50µg/mL Salmeterol with microfluidics inlet angle 10° with non-pulse syringe pump. The stabilizing mixture was PVP 0.8% w/v and Tween 80 at a concentration of 0.02%. This approach offered a basis for the generation of nano sized SAL particles with higher fine particle fraction and better deposition in NGI than currently marketed formulations, thus providing a more efficient drug dose delivery and lung deposition.

No description available.

The purpose of this study is to examine the Swedish parliamentary debate on socioeconomicsegregation over two time periods: between 1995-2000 and 2016-2021. Considering thatsocioeconomic segregation has been on the rise in Sweden over the past three decades, thisstudy attempts to analyze how the Swedish parliament has discussed this particular issue.Using frame analysis, this study provides an overview of what frames are prevalent during theparliamentary debate over the course of each period. Essentially, this paper explores howsocioeconomic segregation has been conceptualized, particularly how the problem has beendefined, what the underlying causes are, what remedies are proposed, and what moraljudgments are made by political actors. As parliamentary debates frequently seem to revolvearound a struggle over who should get priority for a particular problem definition, this studyalso takes a further look at the framing strategies used by political actors in parliamentarydebates. As demonstrated in the results, there may have been a change in discourse over timeas political actors have to a greater extent moved away from an emancipatory frame in favorof a broader perspective on the segregation problem with housing policy measures as thecornerstone. In addition to showing which frames were advocated by which actor, analyzingframe construction through language to uncover who wins the hearing for their problempicture, results in a far more extensive and deepened understanding of power, politics andinterests.

When modeling interest rates, using strong formulations of underlying differential equations is prone to bad numerical approximations and high computational costs, due to close to non-smoothness in the probability density function of the interest rate. To circumvent these problems, a weak formulation of the Fokker–Planck equation using Gaussian radial basis functions is suggested. This approach is used in a parameter estimation process for two interest rate models: the Vasicek model and the Cox–Ingersoll–Ross model. In this thesis, such an approach is shown to yield good numerical approximations at low computational costs.

<p dir="ltr">A novel computational electromagnetic (CEM) solver using potential-based formulations and discrete exterior calculus (DEC) is proposed. The proposed solver consists of two parts: the DEC A-Phi solver and the DEC F-Psi solver. A and Phi are the magnetic vector potential and electric scalar potential of the electromagnetic (EM) field, respectively; F and Psi are the electric vector potential and magnetic scalar potential, respectively. The two solvers are dual to each other, and most research is carried out with respect to the DEC A-Phi solver.</p><p dir="ltr">Systematical approach for constructing the DEC A-Phi matrix equations is provided in this thesis, including the construction of incidence matrices, Hodge star operators and different boundary conditions. The DEC A-Phi solver is proved to be broadband stable from DC to optics, while classical CEM solvers suffer from stability issues at low frequencies (also known as the low-frequency breakdown). The proposed solver is ideal for broadband and multi-scale analysis, which is of great importance in modern industry.</p><p dir="ltr">To empower the proposed solver with the ability to solve industry problems with large number of unknowns, iterative solvers are preferred. The error-minimization mechanism buried in iterative solvers allows user to control the effect of numerical error accumulation to the solution vector. Proper preconditioners are almost always needed to accelerate the convergence of iterative solvers in large scale problems. In this thesis, preconditioning schemes for the proposed solver are studied.</p><p dir="ltr">In the DEC A-Phi solver, current sources can be applied easily, but it is difficult to implement voltage sources. To incorporate voltage sources in the potential-based solver, the DEC F-Psi solver is proposed. The DEC A-Phi and F-Psi solvers are dual formulations to each other, and the construction of the F-Psi solver can be generalized from the A-Phi solver straightforward.</p>

This study is a policy investigation of community radio broadcasting in Zambia. The emergence of this tier of broadcasting can be traced to the 1990s, following the country's policy of politico-economic liberalisation. The state broadcasting system had hitherto reigned supreme. Based upon a focused synthesis of a range of historical, political, policy, regulatory and other factors, within the context of participatory development communication, this study proposes a normative policy model for community radio broadcasting in Zambia. To begin with, the study focuses on the historical factors that have influenced the development of community radio broadcasting in the country, particularly in the period before and after 1991. This historical analysis establishes the fact that the shape that community radio broadcasting has assumed in Zambia is largely reflective of the state-centric policy-making regime. This policy-making regime is itself a legacy of British colonialism. Next, the study offers a conceptual framework of community radio broadcasting. It analyses several theoretical antecedents upon which the conceptual edifice of community radio broadcasting would seem to be built. In particular, the study explores the contributions of media effects and normative media theories towards the conceptual underpinnings of community radio broadcasting. Furthermore, as an attempt at establishing some empirical referents for developing a community radio broadcasting policy for Zambia, the study delves into a comparative analysis of trends in broadcast policy and regulatory practices throughout the world, with a special focus on Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa and Australia. This comparative policy analysis reveals differentiated levels of sophistication of policy-cum-regulatory models relating to community radio broadcasting. This provides a wealth of chequered experiences for Zambia to learn from. To further substantiate the case for a policy model, the study examines selected community radio initiatives in Zambia. Finally, based upon this focused synthesis, the study proposes a normative policy model for community radio broadcasting in Zambia. The policy proposal, informed by the assumptions of the group and organised anarchy models of policy-making, seeks to promote community radio broadcasting in terms of its vision, regulatory structures, funding, training, facilities, technology, production of local content and research. / Communication Science / D. Litt. et Phil.

Within the last decade research on climate change strategies and adaptive capacity emerged as the debate about climate change was intensified with the publishing of the Third Assessment Report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change in 2001. That companies are facing risks and opportunities is not new and the awareness to address these issues is growing. However, there is still need for research in the field of corporate strategic response to climate change. Recently, research focused on resilience management to address climate change. Resilience management is about being able to experience changes and remain stable getting back into the same situation before the change happen. On the contrary to resilience management adaptive capacity is about the ability to be able to adapt to uncertain and unexpected events on the long term. This includes long-term changes. This work argues that companies should think about their adaptive capacity as climate change induces short and long-term changes. Adding this dimension to the strategic planning companies need to think of how they can improve their adaptive capacity. This work investigates research in both issues adaptive capacity and climate change research and in their relation. Applying a systematic literature review this study conducted 60 references which are examined by a qualitative-quantitative analysis and answers the following questions: What is the current scientific view of adaptive capacity within strategic management literature? What are determinants of adaptive capacity? How can adaptive capacity be linked to climate change strategy and is it even antecedent to climate change strategies? The findings of this research indicate that adaptive capacity and climate change strategies exhibit a link but it cannot be proved whether adaptive capacity is antecedent. Furthermore, the term adaptive capacity is merely discussed within strategic management literature and if it is discussed and examined, several concepts and theories are applied to explain determinants of adaptive capacity. Several concepts such as dynamic capabilities, organizational learning capability, organizational learning, organizational change capacity, flexibility and more could be identified as concepts enhancing adaptive capacity. This works provides an overview of related concepts and theories.

Thesis (MCur)--Stellenbosch University, 2000. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The traditional management practice of the unit manager has changed dramatically in the past decade. She is responsible to supply nursing services in an environment which is characterized by smaller operational budgets, rapid developments and changes in every sphere. The researcher has identified deficiencies in the management process of the unit manager. This led to the evaluation of the management activities of the unit manager in a selected group of hospitals. A quantitative, non-experimental, descriptive approach was followed with a questionnaire survey as research design. Standards were set and the management activities were evaluated against these standards. The main findings were: • The unit manager was not 100% involved in her comprehensive management task • The unit manager did not have the necessary training to empower her to manage effectively. The researcher recommends that the unit manager should be empowered by inservice education programmes but should also follow the formal management programmes at a recognized tertiary education institution. Keywords: Unit management / Standard formulation / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die tradisionele bestuurspraktyk van die eenheidsbestuurder het oor die afgelope dekade dramaties verander. Sy is verantwoordelik vir die verskaffing van verpleegdienste in 'n omgewing wat gekenmerk word deur kleiner operasionele begrotings, vinnige vooruitgang en veranderinge op alle gebiede, Die navorser het leemtes in die bestuursproses van die eenheidsbestuurder geïdentifiseer. Dit het gelei tot die evaluering van die bestuursaktiwiteite van die eenheidsbestuurder in 'n geselekteerde groep hospitale. 'n Kwantitatiewe, nie-eksperimentele beskrywende navorsingsbenadering is gebruik met 'n vraelysopname as navorsingsontwerp. Standaarde is gestel waarteen die bestuursaktiwiteite geëvalueer is. Die belangrikste bevindinge was dat: • Die eenheidsbestuurder nie 100% betrokke was by haar omvangryke bestuurstaak nie • Die eenheidsbestuurder nie oor die nodige opleiding beskik wat haar bemagtig om hierdie bestuurstaak effektief te verrig nie. Die navorser beveel aan dat die eenheidsbestuurder bemagtig moet word deur middel van indiensopleidingsprogramme maar ook deur formele bestuursopleiding aan 'n erkende tersiêre opvoedkundige intansie moet te volg. Sleutelwoorde: Eenheidsbestuur/standaard formulering

La structure alvéolaire et la fermeté de la mie des produits céréaliers de cuisson sont deux facteurs de qualité que la profession cherche à maîtriser. Dans ce contexte, des outils d'aide à la décision proposant, notamment, l'apport des paramètres de composition et du procédé intervenant dans la construction de la structure alvéolaire seraient utiles. Une série de « pains de mie enrichis », contenant les composants de base du pain (farine, eau, sel, levure) plus du saccharose et de l'huile de colza, a été fabriquée. Les gammes de concentration en eau, huile et saccharose, respectivement 50-60%, 2-20% et 0-15% (p/p base farine) ont été choisies de manière à fabriquer des produits de masse volumique réaliste par rapport aux produits du commerce (0,25-0,36 g/cm3) et de structures alvéolaires variées : mies fines ou grossières, homogènes ou hétérogènes. Les produits ont été caractérisés à toutes les étapes de leur fabrication en utilisant différentes techniques permettant l'observation de la structure et l'étude des propriétés rhéologiques et thermiques du produit. Ces techniques ont été choisies en fonction de l'échelle souhaitée et des propriétés à caractériser. Parmi elles, la microscopie, la rhéologie, l'analyse calorimétrique différentielle, l'analyse d'images, l'analyse sensorielle. En sélectionnant, à chaque étape de fabrication les paramètres pertinents et indépendants, et en analysant, ensuite, les corrélations toutes étapes confondues, il apparaît, notamment, que, pour la gamme de compositions étudiées dans ce travail, la masse volumique du produit alvéolaire dépend essentiellement de la viscosité et du caractère rhéofluidifiant de la pâte. La finesse de la mie est corrélée à la valeur de tan δ mesurée à l'issue du gonflement des grains d'amidon, et une fois que le réseau de gluten a thermocoagulé. L'hétérogénéité de la mie semble liée au niveau du caractère rhéodurcissant de la pâte en fin de fermentation. L'étude systématique de l'effet composition (farine, huile et saccharose) permet également de proposer des pistes de choix de compositions permettant l'obtention de structures alvéolaires souhaitées.