Through the years, there has been a great deal of archaeological research focused on the earliest farming cultures of Europe (i.e. Early Neolithic). However, little effort has been expended to uncover the type and nature of daily activities performed within Early Neolithic dwellings, particularly in the Balkans. This thesis conducts a spatial analysis of the Early Neolithic pit house levels of the Foeni-Salaş site in southeast Romania, in the northern half of the Balkans, to determine the kinds and locations of activities that occurred in these pit houses. Characteristic Early Neolithic dwellings in the northern Balkans are pit houses. The data are analyzed using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology in an attempt to identify non-random patterns that will indicate how the pit house inhabitants used their space. Both visual and statistical (Nearest Neighbor) techniques are used to identify spatial patterns. Spreadsheet data are incorporated into the map database in order to compare and contrast the results from the two techniques of analysis. Map data provides precise artefact locations, while spreadsheet data yield more generalized quad centroid information. Unlike the mapped data, the spreadsheet data also included artefacts recovered in sieves. Utilizing both data types gave a more complexand fuller understanding of how space was used at Foeni-Salaş. The results show that different types of activity areas are present within each of the pit houses. Comparison of interior to exterior artifact distributions demonstrates that most activities take place within pit house. Some of the activities present include weaving, food preparation, butchering, hide processing, pottery making, ritual, and other activities related to the running of households. It was found that these activities are placed in specific locations relative to features within the pit house and the physical structure of the pit house itself. This research adds to the growing body of archaeological research that implements GIS to answer questions and solve problems related to the spatial dimension of human behaviour.

The purpose of this practicum is to develop a dynamic and flexible site plan and management strategy which allows Terwillegar Park, in Edmonton, Alberta, to evolve into a place rich in species biodiversity and of high ecological function; that challenges public perception of nature in the city while fostering environmental appreciation and stewardship; and which celebrates its unique identity within the North Saskatchewan River Valley. A review of the pertinent City of Edmonton municipal development plan, environmental goals/policy, parks planning and recreation planning documents are completed, as they apply to the long term planning and development of Terwillegar Park. The implied objectives derived from these documents will then be combined with a qualitative inventory and analysis, and ultimately reconciled through a site plan design and management strategy.

Tyrimo aktualumas: Moksleiviui besimokančiam bendrojo lavinimo mokykloje profesijos pasirinkimas yra labai svarbus ir sudėtingas uždavinys. Dažnai jaunuoliai nežino kokią profesiją pasirinkti. Tikslingam pasirinkimui reikalinga profesinio informavimo pagalba. Šiai pagalbai suteikti mokyklose yra įkurti profesinio informavimo taškai (PIT). Labai svarbu, kad profesinio informavimo taškai veiktų efektyviai, nes nuo to priklauso ar jaunuoliai gebės priimti racionalų profesijos pasirinkimo sprendimą. Siekiant gerinti profesinio informavimo kokybę, vykdomi projektai. Strateginiai dokumentai numato karjeros projektavimo, tarp jų ir ugdymo karjerai paslaugas kreipti taip, kad jos prisidėtų prie visą gyvenimą trunkančių mokymosi ir karjeros kompetencijų ugdymo, integruoto į mokymo ir studijų programas. Šiuo metu vykdomas projektas ,,Ugdymo karjerai ir stebėsenos modelių sukūrimas ir plėtra bendrajame lavinime ir profesiniame mokyme“, kuriuo siekiama modernizuoti ir pagerinti profesinio informavimo kokybę. Tad aktualu išsiaiškinti apie šiuo metu profesinio informavimo taškų vykdomą praktinę veiklą, ar vykdomi projektai siekant gerinti profesinio informavimo kokybę duoda naudos. Tyrimo objektas: Profesinio informavimo taškų veikla ugdant mokinius karjerai Tyrimo tikslas: Remiantis mokslinės literatūros, dokumentų analize bei profesijos patarėjų atsakymų duomenimis išanalizuoti profesinio informavimo taškų veiklos kryptis, ugdant mokinius karjerai. Tyrimo metodai: pedagoginės... [toliau žr. visą tekstą] / Relevance of the research: Selection of a profession for a pupil studying in a general education school is a very important and complex task. Very often young people do not know what profession to choose. Professional information assistance is required for the expedient choice. In order to provide this assistance, professional information points (PIP) were established in schools. It is very important that professional information points operate efficiently since from them depends whether young people will be able to take a rational professional choice decision. In order to improve the quality of professional information, projects have been implemented. It is provided for by strategic documents that career projecting, including services related to career development, are directed in such a way that they contribute to development of life-learning and career competences integrated to teaching and study programs. Currently, project “Elaboration and development of education for career and observation in general education and professional training” has been carried out with which it is striven to modernize and improve the quality of professional information. Therefore, it is relevant to ascertain any practical activities carried out by professional information points, whether the projects being implemented give any benefit when improving the quality of professional information. Object of the research: Activities of professional information points when educating pupils for their... [to full text]

This study presents the dewatering assessment of a marl quarry with the future pit lake level predictions. The objectives of the study were / (1) to determine the dewatering requirements that would allow for the continuation of the quarrying operations in the deeper parts of the quarry, (2) to design an optimum dewatering system compatible with the site hydrogeological conditions and quarrying plans, (3) to assess the environmental impacts of dewatering on the local water (surface and ground water) resources and users, and (4) to predict the future pit lake level and flooding period for different meteorological conditions. To these ends, previous investigation reports and maps have been compiled and reviewed and field investigations have been conducted. During the field investigations pumping and observation wells were drilled and installed. After installation, in situ tests were conducted to determine aquifer parameters. It was found that properties of the material is conducive to the dewatering activities that will be necessary for the deepening of the open pit of the marl quarry. A groundwater model was developed based on the field data gathered. According to this model dewatering trenches will be needed to dewater the pit. The model predicted that operating these dewatering trenches would create an elongated cone of depression that will sufficiently lower the groundwater table so that quarrying operations can proceed. Lowering of the water table may produce a negative impact on groundwater resources within the aerial extent of the cone of depression. This potentially negative impact was investigated with model simulations and has been found that the impact to the resources would be negligible. Three scenarios were evaluated as possible dewatering discharge disposal solutions. The preferred scenario included the discharge of this water to the stream, which is flowing on the western side of the quarry. The pit will start to fill with water immediately after the dewatering operations stopped. In order to predict the pit lake flooding period and final lake elevation, pit lake hydrologic model was developed. The simulations predict that the final pit lake elevation would be at 991 m. The pit lake will rise to this level at approximately 72 years after closure.

Acacia holosericea A. Cunn. Ex G. Don (Velvet Leaf Wattle, Family Mimosaceae) is indigenous to Australia and holds promise as a novel cut foliage crop due to its silvery green silky phyllodes. Insufficient water uptake, possibly due to low stem hydraulic conductivity (Kh), is potentially responsible for early wilting and desiccation of phyllodes and limiting vase life. This study aimed to characterize the anatomy of stem xylem conduits and determine cation (K+ and Ca2+) mediated stem Kh. Differential localization of Ca2+ in xylem vessels and the effects of KCl and CaCl2 salts as cation contributors in vase solutions were also evaluated for their effects on cut foliage longevity. Anatomical characteristics of stem xylem conduits were studied using light, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Tracheids and vessels with simple perforation plates were the principal water conducting cells. SEM and TEM revealed bordered vestured intervessel pits in xylem conduits. Vestures were branched and coralloid-like structures. Xylem conduit lengths were assessed by ink perfusion. The majority of conduits (89%) were short (1 to 5 cm), and only ~ 2% were long (15 to 16 cm). Mean conduit diameter was 77 ± 0.9 µm, with 29% of conduits in the range 70 to 80 µm. Effects of S-carvone (0, 0.318, and 0.636 mM), a monoterpene inhibitor of wound-healing enzyme inhibitor found in caraway (Carum carvi) and dill (Anethum graveoleus) seeds, on several native Australian, non-proteaceous cut flower and foliage species including A. holosericea (Mimosaceae), Baeckea frutescens (Myrtaceae), Chamelaucium uncinatum cv. ‘Mullering Brook’ (Myrtaceae), and the non-native Chrysanthemum sp. cv. ‘Dark Splendid Reagan’ (Asteraceae) were examined. As comparator treatments regular recutting of stem ends and use of standard tap water (STW: 0.7 mM CaCl2, 1.5 mM NaHCO3, and 0.05 mM CuSO4 in vases) were tested. S-Carvone treatments significantly (P≤0.05) extended the vase life of B. frutescens and C. uncinatum, constituting the first report of positive S-carvone effects on the vase life of Myrtaceous species. S-Carvone at 0.318 and 0.636 mM did not have antibacterial effects against Bacillus cereus (the main vase solution microbe) either in vitro or in the vase solution. Regular recutting of stem ends consistently improved all vase life parameters [viz. relative fresh weight (RFW), solution uptake, and vase life] in the three native species examined. STW had a positive effect on RFW and solution uptake only for A. holosericea cut foliage. Effects of di- and monovalent cations (Ca2+ as CaCl2 and K+ as KCl) on stem Kh of cut stem segments were studied. Abundance of Ca2+ on pit membranes versus xylem lumen wall surfaces was investigated using a novel low vacuum (LV) SEM plus energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) microanalysis technique. Both salts (0.1, 1, 10, and 100 mM KCl or CaCl2) did not significantly increase stem Kh compared to the corresponding deionised (DI) water controls (experiment 1). Highest increase in Kh was with KCl and CaCl2 at 10 and 1 mM, respectively. Increases in Kh with 100 mM KCl and CaCl2 were significant over DI water (experiment 2) for long (10 and 20 cm) and short (2 and 5 cm) stem segments, respectively. Increases in Kh of 1.2- and 2.4-fold for 100 mM KCl over DI water were found with increasing stem length from 2 to 20 cm. Kh decreased as stem segment length increased from 5 to 20 cm. However, contrasting results were found with 100 mM CaCl2, where ΔKh was larger in shorter (2 cm) than longer (20 cm) segments. To prevent dislocation of ions and distortion damage to the specimens, stem pieces were first LV freeze-dried, and then carbon-coated, viewed under SEM, and analysed for elemental composition and distribution by EDX. However, the method could not identify specific calcium peaks in xylem vessels perhaps because background signals were too high, and tissue topography interfered with signal detection. Effects of KCl and CaCl2 on vase life were also tested. RFW, solution uptake, and vase life were higher with 10 mM KCl and CaCl2 in the vase solution than with 0, 1, and 100 mM. STW had a significant (P≤0.05) positive effect on RFW and solution uptake rate when tested against deionised water, 10 mM KCl and 10 mM CaCl2. Different combinations of 0.05 mM CuSO4, 10 mM CaCl2, and 10 mM KCl were also tested as vase solutions. A significant positive effect on RFW and vase life was obtained with CuSO4 alone, CaCl2 alone, and CuSO4 plus KCl. Only CuSO4 and CaCl2 gave a significant positive effect on solution uptake rate. None of the eight treatments tested showed a consistent effect on stomatal conductance or stem Kh. Overall, the research revealed that tracheids and vessels with simple perforation plates and bordered vestured intervessel pits are the principal water conducting cells in A. holosericea. LV-SEM-EDX technique was unable to assess the spatial distribution of Ca2+ on xylem vessels, but this was the first attempt to apply this technique. Also, this is the first report on the extension of vase life of B. frutescens and C. uncinatum (Myrtaceous species) using S-carvone. In vase solutions, 0.05 mM CuSO4, 10 mM KCl plus 0.05 mM CuSO4 and 10 mM CaCl2 should have positive influences on the water balance of A. holosericea cut foliage stems.

Failure mechanisms in large scale open pit slopes are more complex than could be considered through conventional slope design methods. Pit slope behaviour must be predicted accurately, because for very deep open pits, a small change of slope angle can have serious technical and economic consequences. Failure of hard rock slopes often involves both failure along naturally existing weakness planes and failure of intact rock. Without an advanced understanding of combined rock slope failure mechanisms, the validity of commonly applied methods of large scale slope analysis is questionable. The problem was investigated by means of a toolbox approach, in which a wide range of slope stability analysis methods were used and compared to address specific problems arising during slope design optimisation of the Cadia Hill Open Pit, NSW. In particular, numerical modelling is an advanced tool to obtain insight into potential failure mechanisms and to assist the slope design process. The distinct element method was employed to simulate complex rock slope failure, including fracture extension, progressive step-path failure and brittle failure propagation, which were previously often considered unimportant or too difficult to model. A new, failure-scale-dependent concept for the categorisation of slope failures with six categories ranging from 0 (stable) to 5 (overall slope failure) was suggested to assist risk-based slope design. Parametric slope modelling was conducted to determine the interrelationship between proposed categories and critical slope/discontinuity parameters. Initiation and progression of complex slope failure were simulated and described, which resulted in an advanced understanding of combined slope failure mechanisms and the important role of rock bridges in large scale slope stability. A graphical presentation of the suggested slope failure categories demonstrated their interrelationship to varied slope/discontinuity parameters. Although large scale slope analyses will always involve data-limited systems, this investigation shows that comprehensive, conceptual modelling of slope failure mechanisms can deliver a significantly improved insight into slope behaviour, so that associated slope failure risks can be judged with more confidence. The consideration of combined slope failure mechanisms in the analysis of large scale open pit slopes is essential if slope behaviour is to be realistically modelled.

Thesis (M.S.)--West Virginia University, 1999. / Title from document title page. Document formatted into pages; contains vii, 69 p. : ill. Vita. Includes abstract. Includes bibliographical references (p. 56-60).

The intention of this study is to investigate the human/animal-relation as a power relation in Sara Lidman’s novel The Tar Pit (Tjärdalen, 1953). With regard to the contemporary theory of posthumanism and its critique of the centrality of “the human” in the humanities, the aim is to seek and produce more-than-anthropocentric knowledge. Using queer and feministic theoretical concepts concerning dichotomy and hierarchy voiced by Yvonne Hirdman, Val Plumwood, Greta Gaard and Ann-Sofie Lönngren, this study gets to grips with anthropocentrism as a structure of power. In literary scholarship animals are often expected to serve as metaphors, and thus, the possibility of animals signifying “actual” animals tend to be overlooked. This study’s objective is therefore, using a text interpretation modelled by Eve Kosofsky Sedgewick and a method proposed by Ann-Sofie Lönngren, to focus on the surface of the text. In the analysis of The Tar Pit it appears that animals is attributed “low status” in relation to the human and that the humans ascribe animals with instrumental value. The power relation between humans and animals in the novel is based on the split between “the human” and “the animal”, and also the notion that humans constitute the norm and are hierarchically superior. Furthermore the analysis show that transgressive activity between categories “human” and “animal” is illustrated as something wrong and the concept of “the animal” and “animality” is displayed as an imperative function in telling the story of The Tar Pit. Finally the analysis depicts examples of animal acts of resistance against the prevalent order of things.

Orientador: Cláudio Luiz Carvalho / Banca: Haroldo Naoyuki Nagashima / Banca: Isaias Gonzaga de Oliveira / Resumo: Com o surgimento da supercondutividade as pesquisas envolvendo aplicações desta, em especial no transporte de energia, obtiveram um avanço promissor ao longo dos anos. Assim, este trabalho objetivou a fabricação de fios supercondutores utilizando o método Powder-In-Tube (PIT), no qual foi inserido dentro de um tubo de prata o pó da cerâmica supercondutora do sistema BSCCO. Estudos preliminares foram feitos em pastilhas feitas com o mesmo material supercondutor e após alguns resultados foram confeccionados os fios supercondutores. Medidas de caracterização foram feitas dentre elas a difratometria de raios-X, medidas elétricas pelo método de quatro pontas e microscopia do tipo (FEG-MEV) equipado com EDS para determinar a morfologia e composição química dos elementos na amostra. Os resultados de difratometria de raios-X apresentaram a formação das fases desejadas do sistema BSCCO de diferentes concentrações dentre elas as fases Bi-2212 Bi- 2223 e Bi-2234 contidas nas amostras sintetizadas. As medidas elétricas detectaram uma queda abrupta na resistência elétrica dos fios mostrando a faixa de transição supercondutora das amostras estudadas. As medidas de densidade de corrente com base no critério de corrente de 1μV/cm, utilizadas nos fios confeccionados, foram obtidos valores da ordem de 1,30 - 3,90 (KA/m2). Nas imagens de microscopia vale ressaltar uma melhora na interação entre os grãos supercondutores nas amostras submetidas a um maior tempo de sinterização e também foi possível verificar e analisar através da extrusão a compactação do pó cerâmico dentro do tubo de prata. O EDS detectou a composição química dos elementos nas amostras bem como a concentração das fases em determinadas regiões analisadas / Abstract: With the emergence of superconductivity research involving applications of this, particularly in the transport of energy, had a promising advance over the years. This study aims to manufacture superconducting wires using the method Powder-In-Tube (PIT), which was inserted inside a tube of silver powder of superconducting ceramic BSCCO system. Preliminary studies were done on pellets made with the same superconducting material, and after some results were prepared the superconducting wires. Characterization measurements were made among them the X-ray diffraction, electrical measurements by the method of four points and type of microscopy (FEG-SEM) equipped with EDX to determine the morphology and chemical composition of the elements in the sample. The results of X-ray diffraction showed the formation of the desired phases for this type of superconductor, ie the BSCCO system between them was possible to determine the Bi-2212 phase, Bi-2223 and Bi-2234 contained in the synthesized samples. The electrical measurements have detected a sudden drop in electrical resistance of the wires showing the range of superconducting transition with good accuracy. It was possible to perform the calculation of current density in the wires made based on a criterion of 1 μV/cm were obtained and values of around 1,30- 3,90 (KA/m2). The values are consistent with the specifications of the samples and within the limits of our research. In microscopy images is noteworthy improvement in the interaction between the superconducting grains in samples submitted to a higher sintering time and it was possible to verify and analyze the compaction of ceramic powder into silver tube through the extrusion process. The EDX detected the chemical composition of the elements in the samples in a qualitative way / Mestre

As evidências mostram uma redução ou eliminação significativa na quantidade de bactérias viáveis sob selantes e restaurações e consequente diminuição na progressão da cárie quando as bactérias se encontram separadas do meio bucal. O objetivo deste ensaio clínico controlado randomizado foi avaliar a eficácia de duas estratégias de tratamentos: 1) selamento de lesões de cárie oclusal e 2) tratamento restaurador convencional com remoção total da dentina cariada em dentes permanentes. A amostra foi constituída de 52 dentes com lesões de cárie na superfície oclusal (pré-molares e/ou molares) de 47 pacientes com idade entre 8 a 43 anos. Todas as lesões de cárie apresentaram necessidade de tratamento restaurador de acordo com os seguintes critérios: presença de cavidade e impossibilidade de controle do biofilme. A profundidade máxima das lesões foi até a metade externa de dentina avaliada através de radiografias interproximais. Os dentes foram divididos aleatoriamente em um grupo teste - tratamento selante, ou grupo controle - tratamento restaurador convencional. Dados iniciais referentes à experiência de cárie (CPOD) e índice de sangramento gengival (ISG) foram avaliados. Radiografias interproximais foram realizadas após 12 meses para avaliar a integridade das restaurações e a zona radiolúcida (ZR) sob os selantes/restaurações. Os desfechos analisados foram o desempenho clínico dos tratamentos selante e restauração e a prevalência de regressão, inativação e progressão da cárie com exames radiográficos. A presença de dentina terciária também foi observada. Os dados foram avaliados por meio do teste exato de Fisher. Um total de 26 selantes e 26 restaurações foram realizadas. Não houve diferença entre os grupos quanto às características iniciais - idade, sexo, CPOD e ISG. Após um ano, foram avaliados 49 dentes, apresentando taxas de sucesso de 95,8% e 100% nos grupos selante e restauração convencional, respectivamente (p>0,05). Houve uma falha em um dos tratamentos (perda total no grupo selante) observada durante o estudo. A avaliação radiográfica (progressão, inativação, regressão e presença de dentina terciária) não demonstrou diferença entre os grupos. Nenhum dos dentes apresentou progressão de cárie; a regressão foi observada em apenas um caso (grupo do selante) e a presença de dentina terciária foi encontrada em 12,5% da amostra (5 selantes e 1 restauração). Selantes podem ser utilizados como tratamento terapêutico para lesões de cárie incipientes em dentes permanentes, uma vez que impedem a progressão das lesões de cárie, preservando a estrutura do dente, quando comparado ao tratamento restaurador convencional. / There is a significant decrease in the number of viable microorganisms under sealants and restorations and a consequent decrease in caries progression when bacteria are separated from the oral environment. The aim of this randomized controlled clinical trial was to evaluate the efficacy of two treatments strategies: 1) sealing of carious lesions and 2) operative restorative treatment of occlusal carious lesions in permanent teeth. The sample consisted of 52 carious posterior teeth (premolars and molars) from 47 patients aged 8 - 43 years. In all lesions restorative treatment was necessary according to the following current strategies: presence of cavity and impossibility to perform biofilm control. The maximum depth of lesions was halfway through the dentine assessed by bitewing radiograph. The teeth were randomly assigned to test group – sealant treatment or control group - conventional restorative treatment. Baseline caries experience (DMFT) and gingival bleeding index (GBI) was assessed. Bitewing radiographs were performed after 12 months to evaluate the integrity of the restorations and the radiolucent zone (ZR) beneath the sealants/restorations. Outcomes were defined as clinical performance of sealant and restoration and the prevalence of regression, inactivation and progression of carious lesion by radiographic examinations. Presence of tertiary dentine was also evaluated. The data were submitted to Fisher`s exact test. A total of 26 sealants and 26 restorations were performed. There were no differences between the two groups regarding baseline characteristics – age, gender, DMFT and GBI. After one year, 49 evaluations had been performed, showing 95.8% and 100% of success rates in test and control group respectively (p>0.05). There was one therapeutic failure (total loss in the sealant group) observed during the study. No difference in the radiographic evaluation (progression, inactivation, regression and tertiary dentin deposition) was observed between the groups (p>0.05). No teeth showed caries progression; regression was observed in only one case (sealant group) and tertiary dentin was founded in 12.5% of the sample (5 sealants and 1 restoration). Sealants can be used as a therapeutic treatment for incipient carious lesions in permanent teeth, since they prevent the progression of carious lesions, while preserving tooth structure when compared to conventional restorative treatment.