El efecto multipactor de ruptura en RF ha sido objeto de numerosos estudios desde hace más de 80 años, a partir del desarrollo de los primeros aceleradores de partículas en la primera mitad del siglo XX. A mediados de ese siglo, con el desarrollo de fuentes de alta potencia para aplicaciones radar y la llegada de los satélites artificiales, la investigación del multipactor cobró una considerable relevancia, al convertirse este fenómeno en un riesgo determinante para costosos proyectos comerciales. Las guías de onda con secciones rectas canónicas, como las rectangulares o las coaxiales, han sido tradicionalmente las más utilizadas en dispositivos de microondas. Sus principales ventajas son que sus campos electromagnéticos pueden resolverse analíticamente, lo que permite su aplicación directa en diseños complejos, y la simplicidad de su fabricación. Pero las capacidades de computación y las prestaciones de los algoritmos se han multiplicado con los años, lo que ha permitido ampliar el espectro de posibles topologías a geometrías casi arbitrarias, ofreciendo al diseñador una mayor libertad creativa. En todo caso, gran parte de los dispositivos de microondas actuales siguen confiando en la madurez y fiabilidad de las tecnologías de guía de onda tradicionales, que no requieren una inversión adicional en equipos de fabricación. La supresión del efecto multipactor es la motivación para arriesgarse a probar topologías de guía de onda innovadoras, como la guía en forma de cuña. Es en este contexto donde este trabajo de doctorado pretende ofrecer una contribuci'on. En primer lugar, se ha desarrollado un modelo numérico para predecir el efecto multipactor de ruptura en guías de onda huecas en forma de cuña. Esta herramienta ha permitido la identificación de criterios óptimos de diseño. Así mismo, se ha adaptado un método de síntesis de filtros paso-banda en guía rectangular para poder realizar un diseño similar pero basado en la nueva topología. Como culminación, las estructuras diseñadas se han fabricado y medido, con el fin de comprobar sus prestaciones electromagnéticas y su sensibilidad al efecto multipactor. Se ha registrado además una patente para proteger estos nuevos filtros. En resumen, el trabajo ha abarcado el ciclo de actividades relacionadas con el desarrollo industrial completo de un dispositivo pasivo de microondas: investigación básica, análisis, diseño, fabricación y calificación con medidas en el laboratorio. Estas medidas han comprobado la mejora prevista en los umbrales de multipactor de los filtros de microondas con topología en forma de cu¿na, y han confirmado que pueden ofrecer respuestas en frecuencia similares a aquellas de filtros basados en una guía de onda rectangular equivalente. Las implicaciones de los resultados han sido evaluadas a fondo y resumidas en este documento. Como observación final, se ha intentado redactar esta investigación de manera que refleje el proceso natural de aprendizaje, mostrando los aciertos y errores experimentados en el camino, todos los cuales han conducido al resultado final. Este reto no hubiera sido posible sin el apoyo y compromiso de varios profesionales de diferentes centros de investigación e industrias europeas (Universidad Politécnica de Valencia, Universidad de Valencia, Agencia Espacial Europea, Thales Alenia Espacio Espa¿na, Technische Universit¿at Darmstadt, 'Ecole Polythecnique F'ed'erale de Lausanne, Tesat, Aurora Software and Testing y Val Space Consortium), a los cuales estoy agradecido. / The multipactor RF breakdown effect has been object of numerous studies for over 80 years, since the development of the first particle accelerators in the beginning of the 20th century. Around the middle of that century, with the development of high power sources for radar applications and with the emergence of the artificial satellites, a new impulse was given to the multipactor research, since it became a risk for expensive commercial projects. Traditionally, waveguides with canonical cross sections, like rectangular or coaxial ones, have been the building blocks of most microwave devices. Their main advantages are that their electromagnetic fields can be solved analytically, enabling their direct application in complex designs, as well as their manufacturing simplicity. But over the years the computation capabilities and algorithms have continuously evolved, which has broadened the spectrum of possible topologies to almost arbitrary geometries, offering the designer more room for creativity. However, most of the current microwave devices still trust on the mature canonical waveguide technologies, which do not require an additional investment in manufacturing equipment. The suppression of the multipactor effect is the motivation for considering an innovative waveguide topology, like the wedge-shaped waveguide. It is within this context where this PhD work aims to offer a contribution. On the one hand, a numerical model for predicting the multipactor breakdown effect in wedge-shaped hollow waveguides has been developed. This tool has aided in the derivation of optimised design criteria. On the other hand, a bandpass filter synthesis method for rectangular waveguide has been adapted in order to calculate a similar design based on the new topology. As a culmination, the designed structures have been manufactured and tested, in order to verify their electromagnetic performance and their multipactor sensibility. A patent was also filed to protect these new filters. In short, this work has comprised the cycle of activities related to the whole industrial development of a passive microwave device: basic research, analysis, design, manufacturing and qualification through testing. These measurements have verified the predicted improvement in the multipactor thresholds of microwave filters with wedge-shaped topology, and have confirmed that they can offer similar frequency responses to the equivalent rectangular waveguide ones. The implications of the results have been thoroughly evaluated and summarised in this document. As a final remark, this research document has been drafted to reflect the natural learning process, and to show the rights and wrongs experienced in the way, which all have led to the final result. Such an endeavour would not have been possible without the support and commitment of several professionals from different European research centres and industries (Universidad Polit'ecnica de Valencia, Universidad de Valencia, European Space Agency, Thales Alenia Espacio Spain, Technische Universit¿at Darmstadt, 'Ecole Polythecnique F'ed'erale de Lausanne, Tesat, Aurora Software and Testing and Val Space Consortium), for which I am grateful. / Hueso González, J. (2013). Analysis of wedge-shaped waveguides and design of multipactor-resistant microwave bandpass filters. Análisis de guías de onda en forma de cuña y diseño de filtros de microondas paso-banda resistentes al efecto multipactor [Tesis doctoral]. Editorial Universitat Politècnica de València. https://doi.org/10.4995/Thesis/10251/33750

Metallpniktide und -chalkogenide erfahren zunehmend mehr Aufmerksamkeit in Chemie und Festkörperphysik. Dieses Interesse liegt unter anderem in der ungewöhnlichen Strukturchemie der Verbindungen begründet. In den Pniktogen(Pn)- bzw. Chalkogen(Q)-reichen Verbindungen dieser Systeme ist besonders häufig die Bildung der jeweiligen Oligo- oder Polyanionen bzw. Moleküle zu beobachten. Einerseits können die homoatomaren Pn–Pn- bzw. Q–Q-Bindungen zur Ausbildung niederdimensionaler Strukturmotive mit anisotropen Eigenschaften, wie bspw. Supraleitung und Metall-Halbleiter-Übergänge, führen; andererseits ergeben sich aus dem sterischen Raumanspruch der Struktureinheiten in Kombination mit den hohen Koordinationszahlen schwerer Übergangs- oder Actinoidmetalle komplexe Strukturen. Die Pn- bzw. Q-Atome treten häufig gemischtvalent auf, was zusammen mit den beschriebenen Strukturmerkmalen die enorme Variabilität und Anpassungsfähigkeit dieser Stoffsysteme widerspiegelt. Im Rahmen des ersten Teils der vorliegenden Dissertation wurde die potentielle Oligoanionenbildung in den bisher als quadratisch-planar beschriebenen Phosphidschichten von Actinoidphosphidtelluriden diskutiert. Über eine chemische Transportreaktion mit Iod ist es gelungen Kristalle des Uranphosphidtellurids UPTe und des verwandten, bisher unbekannten Diuranphosphidditelluridoxids U2PTe2O zu züchten und die Kristallstrukturen durch Einkristallröntgendiffraktometrie aufzuklären. Die Strukturen beider Verbindungen können durch eine Abfolge von [U2P2]- und [Te2]-Schichten, bzw. [U2P2]-, [U2O2]- und [Te2]-Schichten entlang [001] beschrieben werden. Die Phosphoratome in den [U2P2]-Abschnitten bilden eine Schicht parallel ausgerichteter P2-Anionen. Die Zusammenlagerung der Phosphoratome sowie die geordnete Ausrichtung der Hanteln bedingt eine Symmetriereduktion der ursprünglich tetragonal angenommenen Struktur mit fehlgeordneten Phosphoratomen hin zu einem Strukturmodell in der monoklinen Raumgruppe I11m. Bindungsanalysen im Realraum mit Hilfe des Elektronen-Lokalisierbarkeits-Indikator (ELI D) ergaben für UPTe in der monoklin verzerrten Struktur ein zusätzliches Doppelmaximum auf der gedachten Linie zwischen den Phosphoratomen P1 und P2, welches als homoatomare P–P-Bindungen interpretiert werden kann. Zudem konnte über eine Festkörpersynthese die ternäre Verbindung Thoriumphosphidtellurid ThPTe erhalten werden, deren Pulverröntgendaten ein zu UPTe analoges Strukturbild zeigt. Wenngleich die Fehlordnung in der Phosphorschicht von ThPTe experimentell nicht aufgelöst werden konnte, war es durch Raman-Spektroskopie möglich, die Existenz der P2 Hanteln sowohl in ThPTe als auch in UPTe zu belegen. Beide isotype Verbindungen können in ionischer Grenzschreibweise als A4+ + ½ P24– + Te2– (A = Th, U) formuliert werden. Im zweiten Teil der vorliegenden Dissertation wurde die vielfältige Strukturchemie neuer Selen-Halogenid-Komplexe des Iridiums insbesondere hinsichtlich ihrer Oligoselenidliganden sowie koordinativ gebundener Selenmoleküle dargelegt. Durch die Aktivierung von elementarem Iridium in Selentetrahalogenid-Schmelzen konnten erstmalig Verbindungen im System Ir–Se–Br dargestellt und die Strukturvielfalt im System Ir–Se–Cl signifikant erweitert werden. Die synthetisierten ein- bis achtkernigen Iridium(III)-Komplexe zeichnen sich durch eine bemerkenswerte Diversität ihrer Liganden aus, die von Halogenidionen, Selenmono- und Selendihalogenid-Einheiten über zyklische Selenmoleküle bis zu Oligoselenidketten reicht. Die variablen Verknüpfungsmoden dieser Liganden erweitern zusätzlich das Spektrum möglicher Komplexformen und -größen. Die kleinsten, dargestellten ternären Iridiumkomplexe a-fac-[IrBr3(SeBr2)3], m-fac-[IrBr3(SeBr2)3] und mer-[IrBr3(SeBr2)3] besitzen ausschließlich endständige Selendibromid- und Bromidliganden, die sich in ihrer Konfiguration unterscheiden. In den isotypen, zweikernigen Iridiumkomplexen [Se9(IrX3)2] (X = Cl, Br, Cl/Br) wird ein ungeladener, unter den Allotropen des Selens unbekannter Se9-Ring in Kronen-Konformation durch zwei IrX3-Moleküle stabilisiert. Der cyclo-Nonaselenligand ist der erste seiner Art, der mittels Röntgenbeugung am Einkristall charakterisiert werden konnte. Se9(IrCl1.66(1)Br1.34(1))2 repräsentiert zudem die erste quaternäre Verbindung in den Systemen M–Se–Cl–Br (M = Platinmetalle). Die ringförmigen, vier- und sechskernigen Komplexe [Ir4Se10Br16] sowie [Ir6Se8Cl30] und [Ir6Se6Cl30] zählen zu den größten Ringstrukturen unter den Chalkogen-Halogeniden der Platinmetalle. Ihre intramolekulare Verknüpfung wird unter anderem durch µ-verbrückende X–-Anionen und sehr seltene (SeX)–-Einheiten realisiert. Die verwandten [Ir6Se8Cl30]- und [Ir6Se6Cl30]-Ringe können als molekularer Ausschnitt der aus [IrCl6/2]-Oktaedern bestehenden Honigwabenstruktur von alpha-IrCl3 beschrieben werden. Die achtkernigen Iridiumkomplexe [Ir8Se28Br14] und [Ir8Se40Br10] bilden über die sechsfach-verbrückenden Se22–-Hanteln und die vierfach-verbrückenden Se42–-Ketten sehr große, ellipsoide Moleküle aus, die stark einem Ausschnitt aus der Netzwerkstruktur von Ir3Se8 ähneln. Beide Komplexe unterscheiden sich lediglich in ihren apikal koordinierenden Liganden: SeBr2-Einheiten im Fall von [Ir8Se28Br14] und ungeladene Heptaselenringe im Fall von [Ir8Se40Br10]. Die Se7-Moleküle repräsentieren ihrerseits die ersten cyclo-Heptaseleneinheiten in Boot-Konformation. An den [Ir8Se28Br14] Komplex koordinieren über Wasserstoffbrückenbindungen zusätzlich zwei Wassermoleküle. Die räumliche Anordnung der Moleküle im Festkörper von Ir8Se28Br14·2H2O stellt eine hervorragende Näherung der dichtesten Ellipsoidpackung dar.

Dans cette thèse, on vise deux types d'applications de l’antenne à résonateur diélectrique (DRA): 1) La réalisation d’un élément rayonnant pour un réseau phasé embarqué sur un véhicule terrestre ou un avion. Cet élément de base requiert une couverture en élévation supérieure à celle des éléments imprimés pour permettre une poursuite typique comprise entre ±70°. La couverture dans un cône large est assurée avec une bonne pureté de polarisation circulaire en alimentant l’antenne à travers deux ouvertures à fente en H orthogonales parfaitement découplées en bande X. 2) La deuxième structure est destinée à la diversité d’antennes dans le contexte des réseaux corporels embarqués ou Body Area Network (BAN). L’antenne à diversité combine une antenne fente en boucle avec un DRA ce qui permet dans un espace compact de réaliser des diagrammes de type “broadside” et “endfire” respectivement. Les alimentations considérées sont de 2 types; Soit purement planaire (microruban et coplanaire) soit mixte en combinant une alimentation coaxiale et une alimentation coplanaire. Caractéristiques principales des antennes à résonateur diélectrique (DRA): Pour répondre aux attentes des utilisateurs en termes de débit, les systèmes de communication sans fils se tournent vers des fréquences de plus en plus élevées. La conséquence de cette montée en fréquence est notamment l’augmentation des pertes au niveau des éléments conducteurs et donc une diminution de l’efficacité globale des systèmes de communication. Dans ces circonstances, les DRA offre de meilleurs résultats par rapport à d'autres familles d'antennes à base d’éléments métalliques. De plus, les DRA offrent des pertes diélectriques négligeables, elles sont peu sensibles aux variations de température et s’intègrent facilement sur des technologies de fabrication planaires / Technologies such as direct broad cast satellite system (DBSS), Geosynchronous Earth Orbit (GEO) and Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite communications , global positioning system (GPS), high accuracy airborne navigation system and a large variety of radar systems demand for high level of antenna performance. Similar is the requirement for upcoming land based wireless systems such as cellular and indoor communication systems that is needed some more specific and additional features added to the antenna to compensate for the deficiencies encountered in system's performance. Though metallic antennas are capable enough to fulfil all the operational requirements, however at very high frequencies and under hostile temperature conditions they are constrained to face certain limitations. To avoid these constraints the performance of Dielectric Resonator Antennas (DRAs) is evaluated and their new applications are proposed. In the thesis, two types of antenna applications are sought :-First is for tracking and satellite applications that needs a larger aperture coverage in elevation plane. This coverage is realized with a good CP purity by proposing two ports dual linearly polarized DRA working at X-band. The DRA is excited by two orthogonal H-shaped aperture slots yielding two orthogonal polarizations in the broadside direction. A common impedance bandwidth of 5.9% and input port isolation of -35 dB are obtained. The broadside radiation patterns are found to be highly symmetric and stable with cross polarization levels -15dB or better over the entire matching frequency band. The maximum measured gain is found to be 2.5dBi at 8.4 GHz.- The 2nd type of antenna is a dual pattern diversity antenna to be used in the Body Area Network (BAN) context. This antenna combines a slot loop and DRA yielding broadside and end-fire radiation patterns respectively. Based upon the feeding techniques, the DG antenna is further divided into two categories one with planar feeds and the other with non-planar feeds (slot loop excited by planar CPW but DRA excited by vertical monopole) .Both types are successfully designed and measured upon body when configured into different propagation scenarios. The non-planar feeds antenna allows wider common impedance bandwidths than the planar feeds (4.95% vs 1.5%).In both cases, a maximum value of DG=9.5dB was achieved when diversity performance tests were carried out in rich fading environments. This value is close to the one (10 dB) theoretically reached in a pure Rayleigh environment and was obtained with efficiencies of 70% and 85% for the slot loop and the DRA respectively. Therefore, we conclude that these antennas could be used on the shoulders or the chest of professional clothes (firemen, policemen, soldier) where full planar integration is not a key issue but where the communication must be efficient in harsh environments and for various gestures, positions and scenarios

The effects of metastable tetragonal zirconia on the properties of Ordinary Portland Cement were observed during which the effect of crystallite size pH on the preparation solution, precursor salt, and the presence of co-precipitates, Fe(OH)3, SnO2 and SiO2 on the crystallization temperature, enthalpy and crystal structure, immediately following the crystallization exothermic burst phenomenon in ZrO2 were measured. Thermal analysis and x-ray methods were used to determine crystallite sizes and structures immediately following the exothermic burst. Comparisons were made for zirconias prepared from oxychloride, chloride and nitrate solutions. The existence of tetrameric hydroxidecontaining ions in oxychloride precursor is used to rationalise low values of crystallization enthalpy. The position of the crystallization temperature, Tmax was not dependent on crystallite size alone but also on the pH at which the gel was made, the surface pH after washing, and the presence of diluent oxides. Enthalpy v r1/2 and Tmax v (diluent vol)1/3 relationships indicate that surface coverage effects dominate a surface nucleated phenomenon. The data established for ZrO2 systems was used to develop tetragonal-ZrO2-SnO2 powders capable of improving the mechanical properties of Ordinary Portland Cement discs. The ZrO2-OPC discs were prepared by powder mixing, water hydration and uniaxial pressing. Vicat needle tests showed that tetragonal-ZrO2 increases the initial setting rate. Microscopy indicated that porosity distribution changes near to ZrO2 particles. Zirconia has also been introduced into OPC discs by vacuum infiltration methods developed for solutions and colloidal suspensions. Comparisons between OPC discs and the OPCtetragonal ZrO2 composites have been made on the basis of diametral compression strength, Young’s modulus, hardness and toughness (K1c), as estimated by the cracked indentation method. Bell-shaped curves are found for the way the mechanical properties are changed as a function of Zirconia content.

Neste trabalho consideramos três tópicos principais. Nos dois primeiros generalizamos alguns dos resultados clássicos da Teoria da Confiabilidade na otimização dos procedimentos de burn-in e de políticas de garantia, respectivamente, sob o modelo de tempo de vida geral, quando um sistema coerente é observado ao nível de seus componentes, e estendemos os conceitos de intensidade de falha na forma de banheira e do modelo de falha geral através da definiçâo de processos progressivamente mensuráveis sob a pré-t-história completa dos componentes do sistema. Uma regra de parada monótona é usada na metodologia de otimizaçâo proposta. No terceiro tópico modelamos os custos de garantia descontados por reparo mínimo de um sistema coerente ao nível de seus componentes, propomos o estimador martingal do custo esperado para um período de garantia fixado e provamos as suas propriedades assintóticas mediante o Teorema do Limite Central para Martingais. / In this work we consider three main topics. In the first two, we generalize some classical results on Reliability Theory related to the optimization in burn-in procedures and warranty policies, using the general lifetime model of a coherent system observed on the component level and extending the definitions of bathtub shaped failure rate and general failure model to progressively measurable processes under the complete pre-t-history. A monotone stopping rule is applied within the proposed methodology. In the third topic, we define the discounted warranty cost process for a coherent system minimally repaired on the component level and we propose a martingale estimator to the expected warranty cost for a fixed period and setting its asymptotic properties by means of Martingale Central Limit Theorem.

Neste trabalho consideramos três tópicos principais. Nos dois primeiros generalizamos alguns dos resultados clássicos da Teoria da Confiabilidade na otimização dos procedimentos de burn-in e de políticas de garantia, respectivamente, sob o modelo de tempo de vida geral, quando um sistema coerente é observado ao nível de seus componentes, e estendemos os conceitos de intensidade de falha na forma de banheira e do modelo de falha geral através da definiçâo de processos progressivamente mensuráveis sob a pré-t-história completa dos componentes do sistema. Uma regra de parada monótona é usada na metodologia de otimizaçâo proposta. No terceiro tópico modelamos os custos de garantia descontados por reparo mínimo de um sistema coerente ao nível de seus componentes, propomos o estimador martingal do custo esperado para um período de garantia fixado e provamos as suas propriedades assintóticas mediante o Teorema do Limite Central para Martingais. / In this work we consider three main topics. In the first two, we generalize some classical results on Reliability Theory related to the optimization in burn-in procedures and warranty policies, using the general lifetime model of a coherent system observed on the component level and extending the definitions of bathtub shaped failure rate and general failure model to progressively measurable processes under the complete pre-t-history. A monotone stopping rule is applied within the proposed methodology. In the third topic, we define the discounted warranty cost process for a coherent system minimally repaired on the component level and we propose a martingale estimator to the expected warranty cost for a fixed period and setting its asymptotic properties by means of Martingale Central Limit Theorem.

L'hématopoïèse regroupe les phénomènes menant à la formation des composantes<br />cellulaires du sang. Au cours de ce processus, des cellules précurseurs vont proliférer et se<br />différencier dans les multiples types cellulaires spécialisés. Le développement du système<br />hématopoïétique de la Drosophile et des vertébrés présente de nombreuses similitudes aussi bien<br />au niveau fonctionnel et ontogénique qu'au niveau des gènes qui régulent la formation des<br />cellules sanguines. Chez la Drosophile, au stade embryonnaire, les précurseurs<br />hématopoïétiques, les prohémocytes, vont générer deux types de cellules sanguines, les<br />plasmatocytes et les cellules à cristaux. Nous avons entrepris de caractériser les mécanismes de<br />régulation de l'hématopoïèse embryonnaire chez la Drosophile.<br />Dans un premier temps, nous avons analysé la fonction et le mode d'action du facteur de<br />transcriptions de type GATA Serpent (Srp) au cours de ce processus. Nous avons mis en<br />évidence que le gène serpent code pour deux isoformes qui ont des activités différentielles au<br />cours de ce processus. D'autre part, nous avons montré que l'activité de Srp au cours de<br />l'hématopoïèse est modulée par recrutement de cofacteurs. Ainsi, nous avons montré que Srp est<br />capable de recruter U-Shaped, un cofacteur de type FOG (Friend Of GATA), mais aussi, de<br />former un complexe fonctionnel avec le facteur de transcription de type RUNX, Lozenge. La<br />caractérisation des isoformes de Srp et la mise en évidence de l'interaction de ce facteur GATA<br />avec différents partenaires a permis de mettre en évidence la versatilité des fonctions de srp au<br />cours de l'hématopoïèse.<br />Dans un second temps, nous avons entrepris de caractériser in vivo l'étape de ségrégation<br />des deux populations, plasmatocytes et cellules à cristaux. Nous avons mis en évidence que la<br />ségrégation de ces deux lignages à partir d'une population de prohémocytes bipotents est un<br />processus très dynamique, contrôlé par un mécanisme original en deux étapes. Cette régulation<br />qui fait intervenir les facteurs de transcription lignage-spécifiques Lozenge et Glial-Cell-<br />Missing (Gcm) et Gcm2, contrôle précocement la détermination des précurseurs et tardivement<br />le maintient de l'identité de ces cellules dans les phases de différenciation en cellules à cristaux<br />versus plasmatocytes. De manière intéressante, nous avons montré que la régulation de la<br />ségrégation, ne repose pas sur un antagonisme réciproque entre les facteurs de transcription<br />lignage-spécifiques. Ce mécanisme qui contrôle l'acquisition d'un destin cellulaire diffère donc<br />des processus de régulation de l'hématopoïèse mis en évidence chez les mammifères.

Synthetic and degradable polymers are an attractive choicein many areas, since it is possible to control the way in whichthey are manufactured; more specifically, pathways tomanipulate the architecture, the mechanical properties and thedegradation times have been identified. In this work,L-lactide, 1,5-dioxepan-2-one and ε-caprolactone were usedas monomers to synthesize polymers with different architecturesby ring-opening polymerization. By using novel initiators,triblock copolymers, functionalized linear macromonomers andstar-shaped aliphatic polyesters with well-defined structureshave been synthesized. To synthesize triblock copolymers,cyclic germanium initiators were studied. The polymerizationproceeded in a controlled manner although the reaction rateswere low. To introduce functionality into the polymer backbone,functionalized cyclic tin alkoxides were prepared and used asinitiators. During the insertion-coordination polymerization,the initiator fragment consisting mainly of a double bond wasincorporated into the polymer backbone. The double bond wasalso successfully epoxidized and this gave unique possibilitiesof synthesizing graft polymers with precise spacing. Themacromonomer technique is a very effective method for producingwell-defined graft polymers. Spirocyclic tin initiators weresynthesized and used to construct star-shaped polymers. Thestar-shaped polymers were subsequently crosslinked in apolycondensation reaction. These crosslinked structures swelledin water, and swelling tests showed that by changing thestructure of the hydrogel network, the degree of swelling canbe altered. A first evaluation of the surface characteristicsof the linear triblock copolymers was also performed. AFManalysis of the heat-treated surfaces revealed nanometer-scalefibers and tests showed that keratinocytes were able to growand proliferate on these surfaces. / QC 20100602

Grave X was found in 1952 during construction work in Tuna in Badelunda parish, in the province of Västmanland. Objects from this 3rd Century grave were dispersed and the stone grave covering and cist-like wooden burial chamber were cut almost in half as a result of the construction work that unearthed it. The purpose of this dissertation is to create a better understanding of Tuna in Badelunda and to place Grave X and the person buried there in context. Due to my interest in Grave X and the person in this grave, the scope of the study is limited to Tuna during the Late Roman Iron Age. What kind of place may Tuna in Badelunda have been during that time? Which kinds of knowledge may the person in Grave X have possessed and what roles may this person have had in local society? How may this person have acted in Tuna in Badelunda in particular? Why was this person buried in the specific type of structure that was Grave X? To answer these questions, ancient monuments and phenomena in the Tuna area, objects from the grave and construction details of the grave are discussed. Specifically, I examine the name Tuna, stone enclosures, hillforts of Bejby borg-character and travel routes, beads, golden rings in the shape of snakes, vessels and serving utensils, and the stone grave covering and cist-like chamber. Since Grave X was partly ruined when discovered, comparisons are made to about 20 similar graves from other parts of Scandinavia in order to get an idea of what may have been lost from Grave X. A performative-constructive gender perspective is of importance in this dissertation, as well as the concept of creolization. The kinds of knowledge and the societal roles the person in Grave X may have had can be summarized in five categories or contexts of action: production within the (social-political) economy of the farm, ritual performances, physical communication, textile production, and oral performances with the telling of stories and relating of memories. Possible personal strategies in relation to the activities the person in question was involved in are seen as important. One way this dissertation takes up this subject is through the discussion of the role the person may have had in greetings and farewells in the yard of the farm (Sw. tun, gårdsplan). Greetings and farewells were probably of importance, and Tuna is discussed as a crossroads. This means that although a local perspective is advocated in this dissertation, Tuna may not be seen as an isolated community, but rather as a small place that to a great extent partook in the larger world. This can also be seen in Grave X; when the person in this grave was buried, the living made choices that both expressed local traditions and made reference to far-away places. In contrast to the surrounding graves, the person in Grave X was not cremated. One of many possible reasons may have been a desire to emphasize the person’s personality and gender as well as roles in society. / <p>Auktoriserad namnform i LIBRIS: Fernstål, Charlotte, 1974-</p>

The pseudospin symmetry concept is investigated by solving the Dirac equation for the exactly solvable potentials such as pseudoharmonic potential, Mie-type potential, Woods-Saxon potential and Hulth&eacute / n plus ring-shaped potential with any spin-orbit coupling term $kappa$. Nikiforov-Uvarov Method, Asymptotic Iteration Method and functional analysis method are used in the calculations. The energy eigenvalue equations of the Dirac particles are found and the corresponding radial wave functions are presented in terms of special functions. We look for the contribution of the ring-shaped potential to the energy spectra of the Dirac particles. Particular cases of the potentials are also discussed. By considering some particular cases, our results are reduced to the well-known ones presented in the literature. In addition, by taking equal mixture of scalar and vector potentials together with tensor potential, solutions of the Dirac equation are found and then the energy splitting between the two states in the pseudospin doublets is investigated. We indicate that degeneracy between members of pseudospin doublet is removed by tensor interactions. Effects of the potential parameters on the pseudospin doublet splitting are also studied. Radial nodes structure of the Dirac spinor are presented.