The fully Bayesian estimation via the use of Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) techniques has become popular for estimating item response theory (IRT) models. The current development of MCMC includes two major algorithms: Gibbs sampling and the No-U-Turn sampler (NUTS). While the former has been used with fitting various IRT models, the latter is relatively new, calling for the research to compare it with other algorithms. The purpose of the present study is to evaluate the performances of these two emerging MCMC algorithms in estimating two two-parameter logistic (2PL) IRT models, namely, the 2PL unidimensional model and the 2PL multi-unidimensional model under various test situations. Through investigating the accuracy and bias in estimating the model parameters given different test lengths, sample sizes, prior specifications, and/or correlations for these models, the key motivation is to provide researchers and practitioners with general guidelines when it comes to estimating a UIRT model and a multi-unidimensional IRT model. The results from the present study suggest that NUTS is equally effective as Gibbs sampling at parameter estimation under most conditions for the 2PL IRT models. Findings also shed light on the use of the two MCMC algorithms with more complex IRT models.

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The work contained herein is in pursuance of the Development of the SMART aircraft bolt. Failure of the bolt in the aircraft wing is taken for granted in the project, and the consequent repairs are presently very costly. The SMART material investigated in this work is the TRIP steel, and any reference to SMART material, in this work, shall at all time mean TRIP steel. Investigation of the stresses pertaining to bolts in general is carried out, based on the bolt theories and using the finite element analysis. An optimal bolt based on impact resistance only has also been suggested. Metallurgical behaviour of materials similar to TRIP materials is also investigated, including a section dedicated only to TRIP steels. Therefore, the work contained herein acts as a good base for further research. / Thesis (M.Sc.Eng.)-University of Natal, Durban, 2002.

The thesis describes a detailed analysis of the Regional Operational Programme NUTS II Southwest. Theoretical part of the thesis introduces to readers with issues of Regional and Structural policy of the European Union and the Czech Republic. The practical part describes the characteristic of the cohesion region NUTS II Southwest and evaluation of the SWOT analysis of the teritorry, that assesses conformity of individual priority axes of the programme and the needs of the region. The thesis also monitors the first three rounds of calls approved the Regional Operational Programme NUTS II Southwest, their focus, the structure of the interest of applicants for support and gradual achievement of the indicators. The analysis results are at the end of the thesis set out proposals to future direction of calls and the types of activities supported in 2015.

A sobrevivência de duas cepas de Lactobacillus paracasei (LBC81 e ELBAL) coencapsulados com frutooligossacarídeos (FOS) em alginato de cálcio revestidos ou não com gelatina foram avaliados em pH 1,5, na presença de 1% e 2% de sais biliares e armazenamento a 4°C. O rendimento da microencapsulação e o tamanho das microcápsulas foram avaliados. O tamanho das microcápsulas não revestidas com gelatina variou entre 1,5 e 1,7 mm e as revestidas apresentaram variação entre 1,8 e 2,0 mm. O rendimento da microencapsulação foi de 59% a 73%. Os probióticos microencapsulados foram resistentes ao baixo pH, à presença de sais biliares e ao armazenamento em baixas temperaturas durante 35 dias, apresentando viabilidade acima de 8,0 Log UFC/mL. As células livres não resistiram nas mesmas condições. Lactobacillus paracasei (LBC81) microencapsulados com 1,5% de FOS revestidos com gelatina foram capazes de fermentar os extratos hidrossolúveis de castanha do Brasil e baru, separadamente. Os extratos hidrossolúveis fermentados apresentaram características desejáveis de pH (5,5) e concentração de ácido lático (1,4%), dentro dos padrões exigidos para esse tipo de bebida durante a fermentação e após 21 dias armazenamento. A população de células durante e após o armazenamento sob refrigeração foi de 9,5 Log UFC/mL, acima do recomendado pela Organização das Nações Unidas para Alimentação e Agricultura (FAO) para causar benefícios à saúde do consumidor. Os extratos podem ser utilizados comercialmente para produção de novas bebidas funcionais. Este é o primeiro estudo em que foram utilizados probióticos microencapsulados para o desenvolvimento de bebidas à base de oleaginosas. / The survival of two strains of Lactobacillus paracasei (LBC81 and ELBAL) coencapsulated with fructooligosaccharides (FOS) in calcium alginate coated with or without gelatin were evaluated at pH 1.5, in the presence of 1% and 2% of bile salts and storage at 4°C. The yield of the microencapsulation and the size of the microcapsules were evaluated. The size of the gelatin uncoated microcapsules varied among 1.5 and 1.7 mm and those coated presented variation among 1.8 and 2.0 mm. The yield of the microencapsulation was 59% to 73%. Microencapsulated probiotics were resistant to low pH, presence of bile salts and to low temperatures storage, presenting cell viability above 8,0 Log CFU/mL for 35 days, and free cells did not resist under the same conditions. Lactobacillus paracasei (LBC81) microencapsulated with 1.5% FOS coated with gelatin were able to ferment water soluble extracts of Brazil nuts and baru, separately. The fermented water soluble extracts presented desirable characteristics of pH (5,5) and lactic acid concentration (1,4%) within the standards required for this type of beverage during fermentation and after 21 days of storage. The cell population during and after the refrigerated storage was 9,5 Log UFC/mL, above that recommended by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to cause consumer health benefits. The extracts can be used commercially for the production of new functional beverages. This is the first study in which microencapsulated probiotics have been used for the development of oleaginous based beverages.

This diploma work deals with durability of projects co-financed by the European Union. The term is explained and used in real project. First part is about the problem of regional politics of Czech Republic and shared regional politics of EU and ways of supports in which contains many different structural funds. The main goal of this part is focused on Regional operational program NUTS II Jihozápad, a grant applications from this program, requisites and feedback control, which is connected with durability. The second part is about real project named Reconstruction local communications Dražice. There is this conclusion: structural fund achieved the goal such is realisation of project which could not be proceed without this help. The insufficient of resources was the main reason for application. There are also many benefits arise from the project.

This diploma thesis deals with the regional development financing through the Structural Funds of European Union. More specificaly it deals with the evaluation of drawing funds during the implementation of the ROP NUTS II Jihozapad programme in the programming period 2007 - 2013. The thesis is devided into two parts - theoretical and practical. The first, theoretical part defines the basic terms of regional policy, such as region, regional development and regional policy. The second, practical part of the thesis is focused on the definition of the ROP NUTS II Jihozapad programme, analysis of the region, its objectives and on the fullfilment of the monitoring indicators.

Theoretical part of the diploma thesis (review) is focused on historical development of the Common Agricultural Policy (reforms from the years 1999 and 2003 are emphasized) and on the comparison of the agri-environment schemes (AES) of the Czech Republic, Slovak Republic, and Austria. The aim of the review was to summarize the processes, which led to the recent form of AES. In practical part of the thesis measures, which support maintaining and increasing of populations of ground game and birdlife, i.e. measures Catch Crops, Rich Seed Habitat (Biobelt), and Bird Area on Grasslands were evaluated. Data from Paying Agency SZIF were used. The study covers both, the (shortened) programming period 2004-2006 and the programming period 2007 {--} 2013 (years 2004 {--} 2008). Thesis is focused on region NUTS II Southeast. The following indicators were analysed: interest of the farmers in the selected AES measures, area on which the measures were carried out and amount of the financial support spent to support individual measures. Finally, steps to optimize the use of financial resources are suggested. Catch Crops are used as a measure on arable land. The highest interest of the farmers in Catch Crops was observed in the year 2004, when the largest number of the farmers entered this measure. The interest was decreasing in the following years (especially in the years 2007 and 2008, when the endowment was lowered). Catch Crops cover 6 {--} 8 % of the arable land of the region and the area has been increasing in time. Biobelt is only sporadically used measure (probably because of the underestimation of the costs), but interest in it (albeit low) has been increasing during the whole period. Measure Bird Area on Grasslands is restricted to nesting areas of Corncrake (Crex crex) and Waders (Charadrii). In NUTS III South Bohemian Region, the measure was applied on approximately 27 % of the area where it potentially can be used during the whole observed period. In NUTS III Plzeň Region, the area increased from 26% in the years 2004 {--} 2006 to 60 % in the years 2007 and 2008.

<p dir="ltr">This thesis explores consumers' knowledge, perceptions, and handling practices of tree nuts through needs assessments to collect data for the development of tree nut food safety education materials.</p>

4 pp. / Managing salts in Southwestern pecan orchards can be a major challenge for growers, due to limited soil permeability and/or low-quality irrigation water.