Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Western Sydney, 2007. / "A thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the award of the degree of Doctor of Philosophy from University of Western Sydney, College of Arts, Centre for Cultural Research." Includes bibliography.

Thesis (Ph.D.)(Metallurgical Engineering)--University of Pretoria, 2005. / Includes summary. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (M.S.)--Montana State University--Bozeman, 2007. / Typescript. Chairperson, Graduate Committee: William P. Inskeep. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 86-94).

Made available in DSpace on 2014-10-09T12:23:37Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 / Made available in DSpace on 2014-10-09T13:57:34Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 00924.pdf: 5800947 bytes, checksum: d79137f558fdee495698823e4962c631 (MD5) / Tese (Doutoramento) / IEA/T / Instituto de Fisica, Universidade de Sao Paulo - IF/USP

Submitted by Ana Hilda Fonseca (anahilda@ufba.br) on 2016-09-01T17:47:47Z No. of bitstreams: 1 DISSERTAÇÃO MAURO GUIDA _13 DE MAIO 2010_.pdf: 1593820 bytes, checksum: 35963c297acc7147945a9ce785d68035 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Vanessa Reis (vanessa.jamile@ufba.br) on 2016-09-02T16:33:20Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 DISSERTAÇÃO MAURO GUIDA _13 DE MAIO 2010_.pdf: 1593820 bytes, checksum: 35963c297acc7147945a9ce785d68035 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2016-09-02T16:33:20Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 DISSERTAÇÃO MAURO GUIDA _13 DE MAIO 2010_.pdf: 1593820 bytes, checksum: 35963c297acc7147945a9ce785d68035 (MD5) / Capes / A própolis é um produto apícola, originário de vegetais utilizado na medicina popular e na indústria de alimentos. Tem composição mineral complexa e dependente do tipo de abelha e tipo de vegetação da região onde é produzida. Neste trabalho foram propostas estratégias analíticas visando quantificar os elementos Al, Ba, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, P, Pb, V e Zn presentes nas 51 amostras de própolis “in natura”, produzidas em apiários instalados no Estado da Bahia. Foram investigados dois procedimentos para decomposição das amostras e os digeridos foram usados para determinação dos analitos por espectrometria de emissão óptica com plasma indutivamente acoplado (ICP OES) e espectrometria de absorção atômica de alta resolução utilizando fonte continua (HR-CS FAAS). Os procedimentos de decomposição investigados empregando aquecimento condutivo ou assistido por radiação microondas, mostraram-se eficientes com recuperações na faixa de 94-105%. O procedimento empregando forno de microondas com cavidade apresenta como vantagens menor tempo de análise, resultados precisos e baixos limites de detecção. Foram testados dois sistemas para introdução das amostras: nebulizador concêntrico seaspray-câmara de nebulização ciclônica (SP) e nebulizador com ranhuras em V e câmara de nebulização Sturman Masters (VG). Aplicando o teste t pareado ao nível de confiança de 95% não houve diferença significativa nas concentrações obtidas pelos dois sistemas, mas as sensibilidades alcançadas, para todos os elementos estudados, foram aproximadamente 50% melhores para o sistema SP quando comparadas com os valores obtidos quando se utilizou o sistema VG em condições robustas do ICP OES. As determinações mostraram ausência de efeito da matriz e desvio padrão relativo (RSD) inferior a 10%. A exatidão do método foi avaliada usando materiais de referência certificados NIST 1515, folhas de maçã e NIST 1570ª, folhas de espinafre e aplicando o teste t pareado ao nível de 95% não foram verificadas diferenças significativas nas concentrações obtidas. Todas as amostras apresentaram elevadas concentrações de Ca e K. Maiores teores de Cr foram obtidos para amostras de Pojuca. Utilizou-se PCA para classificar a própolis produzida na Bahia e os resultados mostraram que há tendência a formação de uma classe formada por amostras de própolis do litoral e outra classe formada por própolis do interior do estado. / Propolis is a bee product, originating from plants used in folk medicine and food industry. The mineral composition of propolis is complex and dependent on the type of bee and type of vegetation in the region where it is produced. In this work, analytical strategies were proposed to quantify the elements Al, Ba, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, P, Pb, and Zn present in 51 samples of fresh propolis. All samples were produced in apiaries installed in the State of Bahia. Two procedures for pre-treatment of sample were Investigated to determination of analytes by optical emission spectrometry of inductively coupled plasma (ICP OES) and atomic absorption spectrometry high-resolution continuous source (HR-CS FAAS). The decomposition procedures of samples using conductive heating or microwave assisted heating, proved to be efficient with recoveries in the range of 94- 105%. The procedure using cavity microwave oven with closed vessels has the advantages of shorter time of analysis, more accurate results and lower limits of detection. We tested two systems for introduction of samples: Seaspray concentric nebulizer-cyclonic chamber and V- groove nebulizer-spray chamber Sturman Masters. Applying the paired t test at 95% confidence level there was no significant difference in concentrations obtained by both systems, but the sensitivity for all elements investigated were 50% better in SP system compared with the VG system using ICP OES under robust conditions. Matrix effects did not occur and RSDs generally lower than 10% were obtained. The accuracy of the method was evaluated using certified reference materials NIST 1515 apple leaves and NIST 1570a, spinach leaves and applying the paired t test at 95% confidence level there was not observed significant difference in concentrations obtained both CRMs. All the samples showed high concentration of Ca and K. Higher content of Cr was obtained for samples collected at Pojuca. Using PCA to classify the propolis produced in Bahia the results showed that there is a tendency to form a class consisting of propolis samples from the coast, and another class formed of propolis originated inland.

This thesis reviews heavy mineral separation techniques for red-bed heavy mineral provenance studies. It demonstrates the effectiveness of automated mineralogy for mineral comparisons and targeted mineral analysis, resulting in new provenance history conclusions for the Permo-Triassic of SW England. The methodology was developed to remove iron-oxide coatings from grains and provide optimal separation of heavy mineral concentrates in comparison to hydroseparation and panning. Step-wise methodology iterations were validated at each stage using the QEMSCAN (Quantitative Evaluation of Minerals by SCANing electron microscopy). The QEMSCAN works in a similar way to the SEM (scanning electron microscope) and electron-microprobe. Four EDS (energy dispersive spectroscopy) detectors measured X-rays, secondary electrons and back-scattered electrons from the sample. The software allocated these to defined geochemical SIP (species identification protocol) categories. The SIP was back-validated using the electron-microprobe, XRD (X-ray diffraction), microscopy and SEM. QEMSCAN was the primary analysis technique. The results included false colour mineral maps and semi-quantitative statistics for the SIP categories. This enabled targeted mineral analysis with supporting techniques. The methodology was applied to the Permo-Triassic of SW England. The QEMSCAN was able to pick up small scale and large scale heavy mineral provenance trends. Case study 1 showed regional heavy mineral trends and allowed lithological correlation of outliers. Case study 2 used heavy minerals to confirm contemporaneous structural evolution and the base of the Upper Permian in South Devon. Case study 3 allowed a re-evaluation of the base Triassic. Case study 4 targeted biotite minerals at Corbyn's Head. Case study 5 reviewed local vertical and horizontal trends in comparison to regional trends. This has significant oil and gas exploration implications as it gives confidence in correlating deposits over 10s km and can be applied to North Sea barren red-beds. Finally, some mineral firsts, including rammelsbergite and a topaz rhyolite were identified.

Orientador: Arthur Bernardes Cecílio Filho / Banca: Hilário Júnior de Almeida / Banca: André Rodrigues dos Reis / Resumo: O selênio (Se) é um micronutriente essencial aos seres humanos e animais, entretanto verifica-se frequentemente alimentos pobres neste micronutriente, fato este, explicado principalmente pelo seu baixo teor nos solos. Uma dieta deficiente neste mineral resulta na maior suscetibilidade a uma série de doenças, dentre elas câncer, hipertireoidismo e doenças cardíacas. Nesse contexto, a biofortificação de alimentos é uma alternativa promissora para a inserção do Se na alimentação humana. Assim, objetivou-se avaliar o efeito de doses de Se no crescimento, produção e biofortificação da rúcula. Plantas de rúcula foram cultivadas em ambiente protegido no sistema hidropônico. Foram avaliadas sete concentrações de Se (0, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 e 60 µmol L-1), utilizando-se o selenato de sódio como fonte de Se. O número de folhas, área foliar, altura, massa fresca e seca da parte aérea, massa seca da raiz e produtividade foram influenciados pelas concentrações de Se. Os melhores resultados foram obtidos entre as concentrações 20 a 29 µmol L-1 de Se. Os teores de enxofre (S) e potássio (K) aumentaram linearmente com incremento no fornecimento de Se. Constatou-se a biofortificação agronômica da rúcula, pois o aumento da concentração de Se na solução nutritiva resultou em aumento no teor deste elemento na planta. Os tratamentos com o fornecimento de Se na solução nutritiva proporcionaram rúculas com teores que variaram de 598,96 a 1437,56 µg kg-1 de Se, em relação às plantas cultivadas em solu... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: Selenium (Se) is an essential micronutrient for humans and animals. However, food often presents low content of this micronutrient, which is resulted mainly due to the low content of Se in the soil. The insufficient consumption of this mineral can increase the susceptibility to several diseases, including cancer, hyperthyroidism and heart disease. In this context, the biofortification of food is a promising alternative for Se insertion into the human diet. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of Se doses on the growth, production, and biofortification of rocket plants. Rocket plants were grown in a protected environment in the hydroponic system. Seven concentrations of Se (0,10, 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60 μmol L-1) were evaluated. Sodium selenate was used as a source of Se. The number of leaves, leaf area, height, fresh and dry shoot mass, root dry mass and productivity were influenced by the concentrations of Se. The best results were obtained between the concentrations 20 to 29 μmol L-1 of Se. With the supply of Se was possibly observed a linear increase in the sulfur (S) and potassium (K) contents. Agronomic biofortification of rocket plants was verified since the increase of the Se concentration in the nutritive solution resulted in an increase in the content of this element in the plant. Treatments with the supply of Se in the nutrient solution provided rocket plants ranging from 598.96 to 1437.56 μg kg-1 of Se, in relation to plants grown in nutrient soluti... (Complete abstract click electronic access below) / Mestre

Previous research has suggested a role for nutrients in several aspects of psychological functioning. Based on this research the present thesis explored the role of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins and minerals in cognition, mood and the perception of food. Divided into three sections, the first section of the thesis used qualitative methods to explore factors that affected food choice and the decision to consume a healthy diet (i.e. a diet high in omega-3, vitamins and minerals). In addition, factors that affected supplement use, specifically the factors that affected the use of omega-3 fatty acid, vitamin and mineral supplements were explored. From the data, two models were developed: one depicting factors that influenced food choice and healthy eating, and one depicting factors that influenced supplement use. After the examination of the factors that affected food choice, healthy eating and the consumption of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins and minerals, the importance of these nutrients in psychological health and cognition was explored in a double-blind, randomized controlled trial. Specifically the second section explored the effect of vitamins, minerals, and/or omega-3 fatty acids in mild psychiatric symptoms, stress, aggression, impulsivity, fatigue, hostility, anxiety, confusion, confidence, reaction time, memory and vigilance. A positive response was found to DHA with regard to aggression and response inhibition; in addition there was a trend for those taking only DHA to report feeling more clearheaded the taking of vitamins/minerals alone resulted in feeling more clearheaded. Supplementation with vitamins and minerals was found to significantly reduce stress. With the General Health Questionnaire the difference between the placebo and vitamins/minerals groups approached statistical significance. There was no effect of omega-3, vitamins and minerals of any cognitive domain (memory, reaction time and vigilance). Although it was concluded that on occasions either vitamins/minerals or DHA when tested alone had a positive effect on mood, stress and mild psychiatric symptoms, there was no synergistic interaction; rather on occasions the interaction between these supplements had negative consequences. The third section explored the role of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins and minerals in the perception of food, specifically the effects of enrichment, health claim and gender on three variables involved in consumer behaviour: the perceived healthiness, the desirability of supplementation and the likelihood of purchase of foods. The main findings were that i) health claims increased the perceived healthiness of unhealthy foods; ii) the likelihood of purchase increased mostly after the enrichment of healthy foods (which is consistent with some findings but not others), iii) males were more likely to purchase healthy, high protein products than females. Besides these findings there was no consistent effect of enrichment, health claim or gender on the 3 facets of consumer behaviour, suggesting that the effects on the 3 consumer variables should be considered individually. In addition, when examining the role of gender males and females should be considered separately.

Master of Science / Department of Animal Sciences and Industry / Karol E. Fike / Trace mineral supplementation is necessary for proper reproductive success. Little research has evaluated the effect of an injectable trace mineral product, in conjunction with a dietary mineral supplementation program, on reproduction. This thesis includes two separate studies evaluating the use of an injectable trace mineral product, in addition to a dietary mineral program, on the reproductive success of yearling bulls and heifers. In the first study, we hypothesized that when dietary trace mineral needs are met, administration of an injectable trace mineral product to developing beef bulls would cause a short-term increase in circulating trace mineral concentrations, but not alter semen quality nor ability to pass a breeding soundness examination. Trace mineral treatment did not affect scrotal circumferences and BW of bulls throughout the trial (P [equal to or greater than] 0.20). Trace Mineral bulls had greater (P [equal to or less than] 0.0001) trace mineral concentrations at 8 h post-treatment than Control bulls. Semen trace mineral concentrations on d 42 and 91 were similar (P [equal to or greater than] 0.52) between treatments. Sperm parameters improved (P [equal to or less than] 0.003) from d 42 to 91, but did not differ (P [equal to or greater than] 0.06) between treatments. A similar (P = 0.94) percentage of Trace Mineral (67%) and Control (68%) bulls passed a BSE 91 d post-treatment. In the present study, supplemental trace mineral injection was successful at raising circulating trace mineral levels, but did not alter semen trace mineral levels nor improve semen quality. In the second study we hypothesized that when dietary trace mineral needs are met, the use of an injectable trace mineral product in developing heifers would not affect pregnancy rates at single service fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI). Trace Mineral heifers had greater (P = 0.02) pregnancy rates (51.28%) than Control heifers (25.58%). The percentage of Trace Mineral (30.77%) and Control heifers (47.50%) that displayed estrous behavior prior to FTAI as indicated by a red estrous detection patch was not different (P = 0.13) between treatments. In the present study, despite dietary trace mineral requirements being met, use of an injectable trace mineral injection improved pregnancy rates following FTAI, but did not affect estrous behavior.

Master of Agribusiness / Department of Agricultural Economics / Daniel M. O'Brien / In the manufacturing process one decision that is common to all industries is the sourcing of intermediate goods used in production. The decision to make internally verses to outsource can affect a firm's comparative advantage and increased company profits. This project deals with sourcing trace minerals used in the production of feed for the commercial production of food animals in the United States. From looking at the sources of minerals to the industry to the current market structure of the trace mineral production industry in the U.S. the question is asked whether trace minerals can be sourced differently for the client to gain this advantage. The specific objective of this research project is to determine whether it is more profitable either to purchase or manufacture trace mineral blends for use in feed ration formulations for a number of plants owned by a representative livestock feed company in western Kansas. The company has several feed plants in operation in the central Great Plains region. Does the company have enough volume of trace mineral usage to enable it to profitably produce its own mineral blends at one of its feed plants? If trace minerals can be profitably produced by the company, it will lead to a decrease in feed production cost for all of its plants. It is possible that this study will show that there is a large enough degree of consolidation in the U.S. mineral blending industry that there is little or no "room" or opportunity available in the competitive raw ingredient market to increase margin by self-producing trace minerals verses outsourcing. The rationale behind this perspective is that the supply of trace mineral blends is controlled tightly by a few existing suppliers / manufacturers who have enough market power and the subsequent ability to limit the entry of new firms. The raw ingredients required to produce these blends could not be purchased economically enough to realize any cost savings in the trace mineral production process.