Nesta dissertaçao foram estudadas as reações de aminólise de benzoatos por dodecilamina (DA), propionato de dodecilamôrtio (DAP) e suas misturas em ciclohexano. Foram usados os ésteres do tipo X-Ø-CO2-Ø-NO2 (X=NO2,CH3O,CH3,H e Cl) e NO2-Ø-CO2-Ø-Y (Y=CH3 , H, Cl e CN). A aminólise de ésteres por DA é de segunda ordem em amina e está associada com entropias de ativação altamente negativas e pequenas eutalpias de ativação. A reação é muito mais sensível à natureza do grupo abandonador que da acila. Na reaçao com DAP micelar mostrou-se claramente que o grupo carboxilato de detergente atua com base geral e não como nucleófilo. A reação é de segunda ordem em DAP e apresentou as mais altas entropias de ativação. O valor de ρ de Hammett era maior quando se variou o grupo Y, mostrando que a reação, como com DA, é mais sensível à natureza do grupo fugitivo. O valor da razão ρY/ρX mostrou que o grupo abandonador é o íon fenóxido p-substituido. Uma prova adicional deste fato, foi obtida dos resultados de aminólise em presença de água solubilizada. O DAP micelar aumentou a velocidade de aminólise por DA, por fatôres desde 132 vêzes (Cl/NO2) até 311 vêzes (NO2/NO2 ). A aminólise de ésteres por DA+DAP apresentou parâmetros de ativação, cujos valores são intermediários àqueles para as reações com DA e com DAP respectivamente. Os valores de ρ de Hammett foram similares aqueles obtidos para a reação com DAP somente. Baseados nos resultados previamente reportados, foram sugeridos esquemas para as reações. Eles envolvem a formação de intermediários tetraédricos (aniônicos para as reações com DA e com DAP e zwitteriônicos para a aminólise por DAP), cujo colapso é determinante da velocidade. / In this thesis the aminolysis of benzoate esters by dodecylamine (DA), dodecylammonium propionate (DAP) and their mixtures in cyclohexane was studied. The esters used were X-ØCO2ØNO2 (X=NO2CH3O,CH3,H e Cl) and NO2ØCO2ØY (Y=CH3,H,Cl e CN). Ester aminolysis by DA is second order in the amine and is associated with a highly negative entropies and small euthalpies of activation. The reaction is much more sensitive to the nature of the leaving group than that of the acyl one. In the reaction with micellar DAP it was clearly showed that the carboxylate group of the surfact and is acting as a general base, not as a nucleophile. The reaction was found to be second order in the surfactant and showed the highest entropies of activation. The Hammett ρ value was larger when was varied, showing that the reaction, like that with DA, is more sensitive to the nature of the leaving group. From the ratio ρY/ρX it was shown that the leaving group is the P-substituted phenoxide ion. Additional proof for this was reached from the results of aminolysis in the presence of solubilized water. Micellar DAP enhance the rate of aminolysis by DA by factors ranging from 132 times (Cl/NO2) to 311 times (NO2/ NO2). Ester aminolysis by DA+DAP has activation parameters which are intermediate between those for the reactions with DA, and with DAP, respectively. The Hammett ρ values were similar to those obtained for the reaction with DAP alone. Based on the previous data schemes for the reactions were suggested. They involve the formation of tetrahedral intermediates (anions for the reaction with DA and with DA+DAP, and zwitterion for the aminolysis by DAP) whose collapse are rate limiting.

Desenvolvemos um modelo na forma de um mapeamento bidimensional simplético (conservativo) para estudar a evolução das linhas de campo magnético de um plasma confinado no interior de um tokamak. Na primeira parte, consideramos dois perfis estudados na literatura para a densidade de corrente no plasma: um monotônico e um não-monotônico, que dão origem a diferentes perfis analíticos do fator de segurança. Nas simulações, consideramos inicialmente o sistema no equilíbrio, onde observamos, nas seções de Poincaré, apenas linhas invariantes. Em seguida, adicionamos uma perturbação (corrente externa), onde observamos cadeias de ilhas e caos no sistema. Na segunda parte consideramos um perfil também não-monotônico, mas com uma região na qual a densidade de corrente no plasma torna-se negativa, estudo ainda em aberto na literatura, que causa uma divergência no perfil do fator de segurança. Mesmo considerando o sistema apenas no equilíbrio, surgiram cadeias de ilhas muito pequenas em torno de curvas sem shear e caos localizado no sistema, característica não verificada para os outros perfis estudados no equilíbrio. Variando parâmetros relacionados à expressão da densidade de corrente, conseguimos controlar o aparecimento de regiões com cadeias de ilhas em torno de curvas sem shear e regiões caóticas. Para comprovar os resultados, aplicamos o perfil considerado a um outro mapa simplético da literatura (tokamap). Na parte final, consideramos a configuração do perfil do fator de segurança na forma de um divertor. Nessa configuração também temos uma divergência na expressão do perfil do fator de segurança. Observamos características similares (cadeias de ilhas em torno de curvas sem shear e caos) quando consideramos o perfil não-monotônico com densidade de corrente reversa. / We develop a symplectic (conservative) bidimensional map to study the evolution of magnetic field lines of a confined plasma in a tokamak. First, we considered two profiles for the plasma current density, studied in the literature: monotonic and non-monotonic, which give rise to different profiles for the poloidal magnetic field and different analytical profiles for the safety factor. In our simulations, we consider the system initially at equilibrium, where we observe, in Poincaré sections, only invariant lines. Then, we add a perturbation (external current), where we observe island chains and chaos in the system. In the second part, we consider a non-monotonic profile, but with a region which the current density becomes negative, which causes a divergence in the safety factor profile. Even considering only the sistem at equilibrium, very small island chains appeared around the shearless curves, and localized chaos. This feature was not observed for the other profiles at equilibrium. We can control the appearance of the regions with island chaind around the shearless curves and chaotic regions, by variation of parameters related to the density current expression. To comprove our results, we aplly the same profile to the other symplectic map. Finally, we consider a safety factor profile in a divertor configuration. We also have a divergence on in the safety factor profile. We observe similar features (island chains around shearless curves and localized chaos) when we consider a non-monotonic safety factor profile with a reversed density current.

Um método de cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência por fase reversa (RP-HPLC) para análise qualitativa e quantitativa do hormônio folículo estimulante humano íntegro (hFSH), foi estabelecido e validado quanto à exatidão, precisão e sensibilidade. O FSH humano é um hormônio glicoprotéico dimérico largamente utilizado em medicina reprodutiva tanto para diagnóstico quanto para terapia. A metodologia desenvolvida preserva a integridade da proteína, permitindo a análise da forma heterodimérica intacta, e não somente de suas subunidades, como é normalmente obtida na maioria das condições geralmente empregadas. Esta técnica foi também utilizada para a comparação da hidrofobicidade relativa de preparações de hFSH hipofisária, urinária e derivadas de células de ovário de hamster chinês (CHO) bem como de outros dois hormônios glicoprotéicos, sintetizados na hipófise anterior: hormônio humano estimulante da tireóide (hTSH) e hormônio luteinizante humano (hLH). O menos hidrofóbico dos três hormônios analisados foi o hFSH, seguido do hTSH e do hLH. Uma diferença significativa (p<0,005) foi observada entre o tempo de retenção (tR) das preparações hipofisária e recombinante de hFSH, refletindo diferenças estruturais nas suas cadeias de carboidratos. Duas isoformas principais foram detectadas no hFSH urinário, incluindo uma forma que foi significativamente diferente (p<0,005) das preparações hipofisária e recombinante. Foram demonstradas linearidade da curva dose-resposta (r=0,9965, n=15) para esta metodologia de RP-HPLC, bem como uma precisão inter-ensaio, cujo coeficiente de variação é menor que 4%, para a quantificação de diferentes preparações de hFSH e uma sensibilidade da ordem de 40 ng. Foram também analisados o comportamento cromatográfico e a hidrofobicidade relativa das subunidades individuais das preparações recombinantes e hipofisária de hFSH. Além disso, a exata massa molecular das subunidades individuais de hFSH e do heterodímero foram simultaneamente determinadas por espectrometria de massa MALDI-TOF. A presente metodologia representa, em nossa opinião, uma ferramenta essencial para a caracterização e controle de qualidade deste hormônio, que ainda não consta das principais farmacopéias. / A reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) method for the qualitative and quantitative analysis of intact human follicle-stimulating hormone (hFSH) was established and validated for accuracy, precision and sensitivity. Human FSH is a dimeric glycoprotein hormone widely used as a diagnostic analyte and as therapeutic product in reproductive medicine. The technique developed preserves the protein integrity, allowing the analysis of the intact heterodimeric form rather than just of its subunits, as it is the case for the majority of the conditions currently employed. This methodology has also been employed for comparing the relative hydrophobicity of pituitary, urinary and two Chinese hamster ovary (CHO)-derived hFSH preparations, as well as of two other related glycoprotein hormones of the anterior pituitary: human thyroid-stimulating hormone (hTSH) and human luteinizing hormone (hLH). The least hydrophobic of the three glycohormones analyzed was hFSH, followed by hTSH and hLH. A significant difference (p<0.005) was observed in tR between the pituitary and recombinant hFSH preparations, reflecting structural differences in their carbohydrate moieties. Two main isoforms were detected in urinary hFSH, including a form which was significantly different (p<0.005) for the pituitary and recombinant preparations. The linearity of the dose-response curve (r = 0.9965, n = 15) for this RP-HPLC methodology, as well as an inter-assay precision with relative standard deviation less than 4% for the quantification of different hFSH preparations and a sensitivity of the order of 40 ng, were demonstrated. The chromatographic behavior and relative hydrophobicity of the individual subunits of the pituitary and recombinant preparations were also analyzed. Furthermore, the accurate molecular mass of the individual hFSH subunits and of the heterodimer were simultaneously determined by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectral analysis (MALDI-TOF-MS). The present methodology represents, in our opinion, an essential tool for characterization and quality control of this hormone that is not yet described in the main pharmacopoeias.

Trabecular bone is a porous composite material which consists of a mineral phase (mainly hydroxyapatite), organic phase (mostly type I collagen) and water assembled into a complex, hierarchical structure. In biomechanical modelling, its mechanical response to loads is generally assumed to be instantaneous, i.e. it is treated as a time-independent material. It is, however, recognised that the response of trabecular bone to loads is time-dependent. Study of this time-dependent behaviour is important in several contexts such as: to understand energy dissipation ability of bone; to understand the age-related non-traumatic fractures; to predict implant loosening due to cyclic loading; to understand progressive vertebral deformity; and for pre-clinical evaluation of total joint replacement. To investigate time-dependent behaviour, bovine trabecular bone samples were subjected to compressive loading, creep, unloading and recovery at multiple load levels (corresponding to apparent strain of 2,000-25,000 με). The results show that: the time-dependent behaviour of trabecular bone comprises of both recoverable and irrecoverable strains; the strain response is nonlinearly related to applied load levels; and the response is associated with bone volume fraction. It was found that bone with low porosity demonstrates elastic stiffening followed by elastic softening, while elastic softening is demonstrated by porous bone at relatively low loads. Linear, nonlinear viscoelastic and nonlinear viscoelastic-viscoplastic constitutive models were developed to predict trabecular bone's time-dependent behaviour. Nonlinear viscoelastic constitutive model was found to predict the recovery behaviour well, while nonlinear viscoelastic-viscoplastic model predicts the full creep-recovery behaviour reasonably well. Depending on the requirements all these models can be used to incorporate time-dependent behaviour in finite element models. To evaluate the contribution of the key constituents of trabecular bone and its microstructure, tests were conducted on demineralised and deproteinised samples. Reversed cyclic loading experiments (tension to compression) were conducted on demineralised trabecular bone samples. It was found that demineralised bone exhibits asymmetric mechanical response - elastic stiffening in tension and softening in compression. This tension to compression transition was found to be smooth. Tensile multiple-load-creep-unload-recovery experiments on demineralised trabecular samples show irrecoverable strain (or residual strain) even at the low stress levels. Demineralised trabecular bone samples demonstrate elastic stiffening with increasing load levels in tension, and their time-dependent behaviour is nonlinear with respect to applied loads . Nonlinear viscoelastic constitutive model was developed which can predict its recovery behaviour well. Experiments on deproteinised samples showed that their modulus and strength are reasonably well related to bone volume fraction. The study considers an application of time-dependent behaviour of trabecular bone. Time-dependent properties are assigned to trabecular bone in a bone-screw system, in which the screw is subjected to cyclic loading. It is found that separation between bone and the screw at the interface can increase with increasing number of cycles which can accentuate loosening. The relative larger deformation occurs when this system to be loaded at the higher loading frequency. The deformation at the bone-screw interface is related to trabecular bone's bone volume fraction; screws in a more porous bone are at a higher risk of loosening.

A combinação entre o delapril (DEL), um inibidor da enzima conversora de angiotensina e o manidipino (MAN), um antagonista dos canais de cálcio, produz um efeito anti-hipertensivo sinérgico, podendo ser considerado um ótimo tratamento para pacientes com hipertensão essencial leve e moderada. No presente trabalho foram desenvolvidos e validados métodos cromatográfico e eletroforético para avaliação simultânea de DEL e MAN em produto farmacêutico. As análises por cromatografia líquida em fase reversa (CL-FR) foram executadas utilizando coluna C8 (250 mm x 4,6 mm), mantida a 35 oC. A fase móvel foi constituída por acetonitrila e solução de trietilamina 0,3%, pH 3,0 (55:45; v/v), eluída na vazão de 1,2 mL/min com detecção a 220 nm. Paralelamente, desenvolveu-se método por eletroforese capilar, utilizando modo de separação por cromatografia eletrocinética micelar (MEKC) e ácido salicílico como padrão interno. Foi utilizado capilar de sílica fundida (comprimento efetivo de 72 cm) mantido a 35 °C, com solução eletrolítica composta de tampão borato 50 mM e dodecil sulfato de sódio (SDS) 5 mM, pH 9,0. Voltagem de 25 kV foi aplicada e a injeção foi de 50 mbar durante 5 s, com detecção a 208 nm. A especificidade e a capacidade dos métodos serem indicativos de estabilidade foram demonstradas através de estudos de degradação forçada dos fármacos e pela não interferência dos excipientes nas análises. Além disso, o desenho experimental Plackett-Burman foi utilizado para a avaliação da robustez, observando-se resultados adequados para ambos métodos. Os procedimentos foram validados de acordo com guias aceitos internacionalmente, observando-se resultados em uma faixa aceitável. Os métodos propostos foram aplicados com sucesso na determinação quantitativa simultânea de DEL e MAN em comprimidos, não havendo diferença significativa dos resultados (P>0,05), contribuindo, portanto, para aprimorar o controle da qualidade, assegurando a eficácia terapêutica. / The combination of delapril (DEL), an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor and manidipine (MAN), an antagonist of calcium channels, produces a synergic antihypertensive effect and may be regarded as an optimal antihypertensive drug treatment in mild to moderate essential hypertensive patients. The chromatographic and eletrophoretic methods for the simultaneous evaluation of DEL and MAN in pharmaceutical product were developed and validated in the present work. The reversed-phase liquid chromatography (RP-LC) method was carried out on a C8 column (250 mm x 4.6 mm i.d., 5 μm), maintained at 35 ºC. The mobile-phase consisted of acetonitrile and a solution of triethylamine 0.3% pH 3.0 (55:45; v/v), running at a flow rate of 1.2 mL/min, with detection at 220 nm. The capillary electrophoresis method was developed using the micellar electrokinetic chromatography (MEKC) as the separation mode, and salicylic acid as internal standard. The analysis were performed on a fused-silica capillary (effective length of 72 cm) maintained at 35 °C, with 50 mM of borate buffer and 5 mM of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) at pH 9.0 as background electrolyte. The separation was achieved at 25 kV applied voltage and the injection was performed at 50 mbar for 5 s, with detection at 208 nm. The specificity and stability-indicating capability of the methods were demonstrated through forced degradation studies, which also show that there is no interference of the excipients in the analysis. Moreover, the Plackett- Burman experimental design was used for robustness evaluation, giving acceptable results for both methods. The procedures were validated according to Internationals guidelines, giving results within the acceptable range. Therefore, the proposed methods were successfully applied for the simultaneous quantitative analysis of DEL and MAN in the tablet dosage form, showing non-significant difference (P>0.05), contributing to improve the quality control and to assure the therapeutic efficacy.

Um método de cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência por fase reversa (RP-HPLC) para análise qualitativa e quantitativa do hormônio folículo estimulante humano íntegro (hFSH), foi estabelecido e validado quanto à exatidão, precisão e sensibilidade. O FSH humano é um hormônio glicoprotéico dimérico largamente utilizado em medicina reprodutiva tanto para diagnóstico quanto para terapia. A metodologia desenvolvida preserva a integridade da proteína, permitindo a análise da forma heterodimérica intacta, e não somente de suas subunidades, como é normalmente obtida na maioria das condições geralmente empregadas. Esta técnica foi também utilizada para a comparação da hidrofobicidade relativa de preparações de hFSH hipofisária, urinária e derivadas de células de ovário de hamster chinês (CHO) bem como de outros dois hormônios glicoprotéicos, sintetizados na hipófise anterior: hormônio humano estimulante da tireóide (hTSH) e hormônio luteinizante humano (hLH). O menos hidrofóbico dos três hormônios analisados foi o hFSH, seguido do hTSH e do hLH. Uma diferença significativa (p<0,005) foi observada entre o tempo de retenção (tR) das preparações hipofisária e recombinante de hFSH, refletindo diferenças estruturais nas suas cadeias de carboidratos. Duas isoformas principais foram detectadas no hFSH urinário, incluindo uma forma que foi significativamente diferente (p<0,005) das preparações hipofisária e recombinante. Foram demonstradas linearidade da curva dose-resposta (r=0,9965, n=15) para esta metodologia de RP-HPLC, bem como uma precisão inter-ensaio, cujo coeficiente de variação é menor que 4%, para a quantificação de diferentes preparações de hFSH e uma sensibilidade da ordem de 40 ng. Foram também analisados o comportamento cromatográfico e a hidrofobicidade relativa das subunidades individuais das preparações recombinantes e hipofisária de hFSH. Além disso, a exata massa molecular das subunidades individuais de hFSH e do heterodímero foram simultaneamente determinadas por espectrometria de massa MALDI-TOF. A presente metodologia representa, em nossa opinião, uma ferramenta essencial para a caracterização e controle de qualidade deste hormônio, que ainda não consta das principais farmacopéias. / A reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) method for the qualitative and quantitative analysis of intact human follicle-stimulating hormone (hFSH) was established and validated for accuracy, precision and sensitivity. Human FSH is a dimeric glycoprotein hormone widely used as a diagnostic analyte and as therapeutic product in reproductive medicine. The technique developed preserves the protein integrity, allowing the analysis of the intact heterodimeric form rather than just of its subunits, as it is the case for the majority of the conditions currently employed. This methodology has also been employed for comparing the relative hydrophobicity of pituitary, urinary and two Chinese hamster ovary (CHO)-derived hFSH preparations, as well as of two other related glycoprotein hormones of the anterior pituitary: human thyroid-stimulating hormone (hTSH) and human luteinizing hormone (hLH). The least hydrophobic of the three glycohormones analyzed was hFSH, followed by hTSH and hLH. A significant difference (p<0.005) was observed in tR between the pituitary and recombinant hFSH preparations, reflecting structural differences in their carbohydrate moieties. Two main isoforms were detected in urinary hFSH, including a form which was significantly different (p<0.005) for the pituitary and recombinant preparations. The linearity of the dose-response curve (r = 0.9965, n = 15) for this RP-HPLC methodology, as well as an inter-assay precision with relative standard deviation less than 4% for the quantification of different hFSH preparations and a sensitivity of the order of 40 ng, were demonstrated. The chromatographic behavior and relative hydrophobicity of the individual subunits of the pituitary and recombinant preparations were also analyzed. Furthermore, the accurate molecular mass of the individual hFSH subunits and of the heterodimer were simultaneously determined by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectral analysis (MALDI-TOF-MS). The present methodology represents, in our opinion, an essential tool for characterization and quality control of this hormone that is not yet described in the main pharmacopoeias.

In today's Swedish preschool and elementary school all children are entitled to an inclusive education, where they receive the support and are presented with the educational challenges they are perceived to be in need of. To meet the needs and preconditions of all children, the educational mission of teachers today involves the apply of special educational tools, such as for example the use of visual support. The aim of this study is to analyse teachers experiences of visual support and the results they have experienced from using visual support in the learning environment. The study involves a preschool and an elementary school in a municipality in Sweden, and is based on interviews with three preschool teachers, three elementary school teachers, the headmaster of the preschool, and the headmaster of the elementary school. The results have been analyzed using sociocultural theory and a relational perspective on special education. The overall results show that teachers have used visual support for the children as a group, combined if necessary with visual support for individual children. Furthermore the results show that the use of visual support originates from a necessity to address pedagogical dilemmas and problems that have arisen within the learning environment. Both the headmasters and the teachers describe that the use of visual support has been beneficial for improving the learning environment for all of the children as well as the working environment for the teachers. In accordance with sociocultural theory and a relational perspective on special education, visual support has been used by the teachers participating in this study, as a tool to promote inclusion of all children, and as means of adapting the learning environment according to difficulties children experience within that context. The results of this study confirms that the use of visual support for children as a group can be considered a good example of what Jensen (2017) describes as reversed inclusion, meaning that the learning environment is adapted on a group level to meet the needs and preconditions of children in need of special support.

This project describes various aspects of the breeding ecology and behaviour of the brown falcon Falco berigora, a common but poorly study Australian raptor. In particular it examines (a) the main influences on reproductive success; (b) tests predictions of theories proposed to explain the evolution and maintenance of sexual size dimorphism (RSD; females the larger sex) in raptors; and (c) investigates sex allocation patterns in the light of current sex ratio and parental investment theory. The study was conducted between July 1999 and June 2002 approximately 35 km southwest of Melbourne, at the Western Treatment Plant (WTP), Werribee (38°0’S 144°34’E) and surrounds, a total area of approximately 150 km2.¶ · In all plumage and bare part colouration of 160 free-flying falcons was described. The majority of variation in these characters could be attributed to distinct age and/or sex differences as opposed to previously described colour ‘morphs’.¶ · Nestling chronology and development is described and formulae based on wing length derived for determining nestling age. An accurate field-based test for determining nestling sex at banding age is also presented.¶ · Strong sex role differentiation was apparent during breeding; typical of falcons females performed most parental duties whilst males predominantly hunted for their brood and partner. Based on observations of marked individuals, both sexes of brown falcons aggressively defended mutual territories throughout the year, with just 10% of each sex changing territories during the entire study period. Males performed territorial displays more frequently than females, the latter rarely displaying alone.¶ · The diet of the population as a whole was very broad, but within pairs both sexes predominantly specialised on either lagomorphs, small ground prey (e.g. house mice Mus musculus), small birds, large birds or reptiles, according to availability.¶ · Reproductive parameters such as clutch size and the duration of parental care were constant across all years, however marked annual differences in brood size and the proportion of pairs breeding were evident.¶ · Age was an important influence upon reproductive success and survival, with immature birds inferior to adults in both areas. However, interannual differences were by far the most influential factor on breeding success and female survival. Heavy rain downpours were implicated as the main determinant of reproductive success and adult female mortality in a population largely devoid of predation or human interference.¶ · Female-female competition for territorial vacancies was intense; larger adult females were more likely to be recruited and once breeding fledged more offspring. In contrast, male recruitment and breeding success was unrelated to either body size or condition indices, although smaller immature males were more likely to survive to the next breeding season. This directional selection is consistent only with the predictions of the intrasexual competition hypothesis.¶ · Despite marked RSD (males c. 75% of female body mass), throughout the nestling phase female nestlings did not require greater quantities of food than their male siblings. However, female parents fed their last-hatched sons but not daughters, resulting in the complete mortality of all last-hatched female offspring in focal nests. Given last-hatched nestlings suffered markedly reduced growth rates and female, but not male, body size is important in determining recruitment patterns, the biased allocation amongst last-hatched offspring is likely to reflect differing benefits associated with investing in small members of each sex, consistent with broad-scale Trivers-Willard effects. Recruitment patterns support this, with surviving last-hatched females, in contrast to males, unable to gain recruitment into the breeding population upon their return to the study site.¶ Thus selection appears to act at the nestling, immature and adult stages to maintain RSD in the focal population. Larger females were favoured in the nestling phase, at recruitment and once breeding had greater reproductive success. In contrast, selection favoured a reduction or maintenance of immature male size as smaller birds had a greater chance of survival in the year following recruitment than their larger counterparts; thereafter male size was unimportant. Together, this directional selection favouring increased female competitive ability is consistent only with the predictions of the intrasexual competition hypothesis, which appears the most probable in explaining the maintenance and perhaps evolution of RSD in raptors.

It is relatively straightforward to establish equilibrium inmagnetically confined plasmas, but the plasma is frequentlysucceptible to a variety of instabilities that are driven bythe free energy in the magnetic field or in the pressuregradient. These unstable modes exhibit effects that affect theparticle, momentum and heat confinement properties of theconfiguration. Studies of the dynamics of several of the mostimportant modes are the subject of this thesis. The studies arecarried out on plasmas in the reversed field pinch (RFP)configuration. One phenomenon commonly observed in RFPs is mode walllocking. The localized nature of these phase- and wall lockedstructures results in localized power loads on the wall whichare detrimental for confinement. A detailed study of the walllocked mode phenomenon is performed based on magneticmeasurements from three RFP devices. The two possiblemechanisms for wall locking are investigated. Locking as aresult of tearing modes interacting with a static field errorand locking due to the presence of a non-ideal boundary. Thecharacteristics of the wall locked mode are qualitativelysimilar in a device with a conducting shell system (TPE-RX)compared to a device with a resistive shell (Extrap T2). Atheoretical model is used for evaluating the threshold valuesfor wall locking due to eddy currents in the vacuum vessel inthese devices. A good correlation with experiment is observedfor the conducting shell device. The possibility of succesfully sustaining discharges in aresistive shell RFP is introduced in the recently rebuiltdevice Extrap T2R. Fast spontaneous mode rotation is observed,resulting in low magnetic fluctuations, low loop voltage andimproved confinement. Wall locking is rarely observed. The lowtearingmode amplitudes allow for the theoretically predictedinternal nonresonant on-axis resistive wall modes to beobserved. These modes have not previously been distinguisheddue to the formation of wall locked modes. The internal andexternal nonresonant resistive wall modes grow on the timescale of the shell penetration time. These growth rates dependon the RFP equilibrium. The internal nonresonant resistive wallmodes dominate in Extrap T2R, especially for shallow reverseddischarges. The external nonresonant modes grow solely in deepreversal discharges. <b>Keywords</b>Nuclear fusion, reversed field pinch, resistiveinstabilities, wall locked modes, tearing modes, resistiveshell modes, field errors, EXTRAP-T2, EXTRAP-T2R, TPE-RX

Over the past decade, fusion research has showed the potential of being a main candidate for energy production for future generations. Further advances in improved fusion performance are therefore vital. This thesis focuses on advanced fusion plasma scenarios and their diagnostic requirements. In particular the design of a motional Stark effect (MSE) diagnostic at the MAST spherical tokamak and the analysis of magneto-hydrodynamic mode feedback control and pulsed poloidal current drive (PPCD) at the reversed field pinch (RFP) experiment EXTRAP T2R are discussed. The MSE diagnostic is important for the determination of the plasma current profile, information that is necessary for studies in advanced confinement scenarios like reversed shear profiles or current holes. The MAST MSE system has two channels and selects the spectral components using 1Å FWHM interference filters. The diagnostic has been commissioned during the fall of 2006 and the results show the feasibility of the technique with rms-noise ~0.5° using a time resolution of 1 ms. Investigations of mirror labyrinths for the future ITER MSE diagnostic highlight the need for careful calibration considerations. Feedback control and PPCD are techniques for improved confinement. Feedback control dramatically decreases impurity influx at the end of discharges while transport in the bulk plasma is largely unaffected. During PPCD the transport is seen to decrease and it is demonstrated that PPCD and feedback control can be employed simultaneously. New and innovative techniques for fusion spectroscopy are furthermore described. This includes the use of correlations in line integrated signals to determine ion emission profiles in poloidally symmetric environments. Good agreement with other diagnostic methods is obtained. The assessment of electron temperature profiles using measured differences between Thomson scattering and vacuum ultra-violet spectroscopy is also shown. / QC 20100907