Magister Scientiae Dentium - MSc(Dent) / Introduction: Dental caries has one the highest incidences in children and the host’s diet may be a major factor in determining susceptibility to the disease. A proposed tool to screen and identify high risk individuals uses a bitter compound 6-n-propylthiouracil (PROP). The goal of this screening tool is to identify mothers and children who are Non-tasters (those who cannot taste PROP) and to educate them about their possible affinity towards sugar substances and its harmful effects on oral and general health. It is suggested that Non-taster children could be prioritized when providing preventative dental treatment. Aim: To validate the use of PROP as a screening tool for determining high caries risk individuals by identifying the taster status of mothers and children, their preference towards sugar, and its impact on their caries status. Methodology: 75 mother/ child pairs were recruited to participate in this study. Caries experience, sugar preference and taster status were determined for all the subjects. Comparisons were made between mothers and their children to find a possible association. Results: Caries experience was greater in individuals who were Non-tasters when compared to Super-tasters. A significant association between taster status and DMFT score was established (p<0.000). A significant association between taster status and sugar preference was established (p<0.000). A positive correlation with regard to taster status, sugar preference and caries experience was observed in mother/child pairs. Conclusion: Similarities in the mother's and child’s PROP taster status and its association with sugar preference allows such a screening test to identify individuals who are at high risk of developing dental caries. Early identification of mothers who are Non-tasters may allow the introduction of early intervention strategies and assist in the early detection of potentially high-risk children, especially in environments where resources are limited.

O objetivo principal deste projeto foi o estudo das propriedades ópticas de estruturas semicondutoras do tipo super-redes, formadas a partir da heteroestrutura de GaAs/AlAs, crescida através da técnica de Epitaxia por Feixe Molecular. No trabalho apresentamos estudos feitos em super-redes do tipo (GaAs)n/(AlAs)n, crescidas em substratos semi-isolantes e orientados nas direções (100) e (nl1) com n=1,2,3,5,7 e nas polaridades A e B. Para cada periodicidade (n x n), as estruturas foram crescidas simultaneamente num mesmo porta amostra e sob as mesmas condições. As amostras foram estudadas através das técnicas de fotoluminescência a baixa temperatura e em função da temperatura. São apresentados também resultados preliminares de um estudo feito com a técnica de fotoluminescência de excitação. A técnica de difração de elétrons de alta energia foi utilizada durante o crescimento epitaxial para aferição da periodicidade da estrutura. A eficiência quântica, a posição do pico de luminescência estão fortemente correlacionados com a direção de crescimento. As medidas de fotoluminescência em função da temperatura mostram também um decréscimo anômalo da largura de linha. A partir dos resultados ópticos foi proposta a formação de microestruturas de mais baixa diemnsionalidade nos poços, formadas por flutuações nas interfaces (microrugosidades), e originárias do modo de crescimento adotado (sem interrupção nas interfaces). O comportamento óptico observado é semelhante ao de estruturas de mais baixa dimensionalidade (pontos quânticos). Este efeito é acentuado nas direções (311) e (21l), devido a própria morfologia da superfície / The main objective of this work was the study of the optical properties of semiconductors superlattices, formed by the (GaAs)n,/(AlAs)n, heterostructure, and grown by technique of Molecular Beam Epitaxy. In the work, we presented studies in (GaAs)n/(AlAs)n, superlattices, grown on semi-insulating substrates oriented in planes (100) and (n11) with n=l, 2, 3, 5, 7 and in the polarities A and B. For each periodicity (n x n), the structures were simultaneously grown in a same sample holder, and under the same conditions. The samples were studied by the photoluminescence techniques at low temperature and in function of the temperature. Preliminares results of a study done with the technique of excitation photoluminescence are also presented. The technique of high energy eletron difraction was used during the epitaxial growth for the monitoring of the periodicity of the structure. The quantum efficiency and the positions of the luminescence peak are strongly correlated with the growth direction. The photoluminescence measures in function of the temperature also show an anomalous decrease in linewidth. The analyses of the optical results shown the possibility of low dimension microstructures formation in the wells, due to the interfaces fluctuations, and related with the growth mode (without interruption at the interface). The observed optical behavior is similar to the observed in the structures of lower dimensionality (quantum dots). This effect is accentuated in the plans (311) and (211), due to the morphology of the surface

Orientador: Leila Trevisan Braz / Resumo: A melancieira é uma hortaliça amplamente cultivada no Brasil, sendo consumida por todas as classes sociais. A enxertia vem sendo utilizada para esta cultura em muitos países e os benefícios são no controle de doenças, principalmente as de solo; na maior absorção de nutrientes, melhor eficiência no uso da água, aumento da tolerância a temperaturas extremas, aumento da tolerância à salinidade e ao encharcamento, proporcionando, assim, melhor produtividade e qualidade dos frutos. Diante do exposto, foi avaliado o desempenho de três porta-enxertos (‘Strong Tosa’, ‘Super Shintosa’ e ‘Carnivor’) para a melancia ‘Manchester’. Os experimentos foram conduzidos em 2016, na cidade de Holambra-SP, e, em 2017, nas cidades de Itápolis--SP e Holambra-SP. Em cada experimento, foi utilizado o delineamento em blocos casualizados, com cinco tratamentos e quatro repetições. Foram avaliadas as características de desenvolvimento da planta, produção e qualidade do fruto para todos os experimentos, além de teores de nutrientes da parte aérea e do fruto, nos experimentos realizados em Holambra-SP. A partir dos dados obtidos, foram realizadas análises estatísticas individuais e conjunta dos anos, e as médias foram comparadas pelo teste de Tukey, a 5% de significância. As análises estatísticas foram realizadas utilizando o software R. Resultados mostraram que ‘Manchester’ sem enxertia, obteve maior produtividade, além de possuir menor custo da muda. A enxertia aumentou a firmeza da polpa do fruto que p... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: Watermelon is a vegetable widely cultivated in Brazil, being consumed by all social classes. Grafting has been used for this crop in many countries and the benefits are soil-borne disease control, greater nutrient uptake, better efficiency in water use, increased tolerance to extreme temperatures, increased tolerance to salinity and flooding. Thus providing better yield and fruit quality. Considering the above, the performance of three rootstocks ('Strong Tosa', 'Super Shintosa' and 'Carnivor') with ‘Manchester’ F1 watermelon were evaluated. Experiments were grown in 2016 in the city of Holambra-SP and in 2017 in the cities of Itápolis-SP and Holambra-SP. Each experiment used a randomized complete block design with five treatments and four replications. Plant development, production and fruit quality traits were evaluated for all experiments, as well as nutrient content of the plant and fruit in the experiments carried out in Holambra-SP. From the data obtained, individual and conjoint statistical analyzes of the years were performed and the averages were compared by the Tukey test at the 5% level of significance. Statistical analyzes were carried out using software R. Results showed that the un-grafted ‘Manchester’ F1 obtained a higher yield plus had the lower transplant cost. Grafting increased the flesh firmness, which can be a benefit during the transport of the fruit. Plant development, fruit production and quality traits, were not generally affected by the use of grafti... (Complete abstract click electronic access below) / Doutor

Super-Dwarf wheat plants were grown in simulation growth chambers under 12 treatments with three photoperiods (18 h, 21 h, 24 h) and four carbon-dioxide levels (360, 1200, 3000, and 7000 11mol/mol). Carbon-dioxide concentrations affected flower initiation rates of Super-Dwarf wheat. The optimum C02level for flower initiation and development was 1200molμ•mol-1. Super-optimum C01 levels delayed flower initiation, but did not decrease final flower bud number per head. Longer photoperiods not only accelerated flower initiation rates, but also decreased deleterious effects of super-optimum C02. Flower bud size and head length at the same developmental stage were larger under longer photoperiods. But final flower bud number was not affected by photoperiod. Stomatal densities on the abaxial surface were more sensitive to the variation of photoperiod and C02 level than those on the adaxial surface for Super-Dwarf wheat. Stomatal density did not significantly change on the adaxial surface, but was significantly decreased on the abaxial surface under longer photoperiods and higher C02 levels at 27 day after planting (DAP). Cell-walls of both stem and leaf tissues did not significantly change with variation of photoperiod and carbon-dioxide levels at either seedling stage or mature stage. McDowell fixative was suitable for long-term storage of plant tissue for use in light microscopy. When stored up to 180 d, there was no significant change in leaf thickness, shape and size of mesophyll cells, and shape of chloroplasts for wheat leaves under the light microscope.

Fluid flow mechanisms in a large naturally fractured heterogeneous carbonate reservoir were investigated in this manuscript. A very thin layer with high permeability that produces the majority of production from specific wells and is deemed the Super-K Zone was investigated. It is known that these zones are connected to naturally occurring fractures. Fluid flow in naturally fractured reservoirs is a very difficult mechanism to understand. To accomplish this mission, the Super-K Zone and fractures were treated as two systems. Reservoir management practices and decisions should be very carefully reviewed and executed in this dual continuum reservoir based on the results of this work. Studying this dual media flow behavior is vital for better future completion strategies and for enhanced reservoir management decisions. The reservoir geology, Super-K identification and natural fractures literature were reviewed. To understand how fluid flows in such a dual continuum reservoir, a dual permeability simulation model has been studied. Some geological and production iv data were used; however, due to unavailability of some critical values of the natural fractures, the model was assumed hypothetical. A reasonable history match was achieved and was set as a basis of the reservoir model. Several sensitivity studies were run to understand fluid flow behavior and prediction runs were executed to help make completion recommendations for future wells based on the results obtained. Conclusions and recommended completions were highlighted at the end of this research. It was realized that the natural fractures are the main source of premature water breakthrough, and the Super-K acts as a secondary cause of water channeling to the wellbore.

Dans le stockage d'énergie, les alternatives aux énergies fossiles sont peu nombreuses. Le stockage d'énergie dans un condensateur, permet d'atteindre de grande puissances électriques, mais pour une densité d'énergie trop faible. La présente thèse à pour objectif la compréhension des nano-céramiques ferroélectriques afin d'augmenter leur densité d'énergie et de se diriger ainsi vers un super-condensateur céramique. Nous avons développé dans un premier temps un modèle par champs effectif moyen du système core-shell. Une fois introduit dans l'énergie libre de Landau, ce modèle donne une idée de la densité d'énergie d'un système ferroélectrique donné. Les calculs - sur quelques pérovskites courantes - indiquent que la densité d'énergie reste relativement faible. Néanmoins nos calculs montrent que l'on peu optimiser le stockage d'énergie dans de telles céramiques en enrobant des grains de forme allongée comme des disques ou des fils. En outre, ce modèle phénoménologique permet d'expliquer de nombreuses mesures expérimentales sur les céramiques, y compris dans le cas ou s'ajoute de la conductivité et de la relaxation de Maxwell-Wagner. Nous nous sommes tournés par la suite vers une modélisation ab-initio : l'Hamiltonien effectif. La modélisation de nano-système core-shell de BaTiO3 a montré la présence d'un paramètre d'ordre particulier : le moment toroïdale. Ce paramètre d'ordre peut impliquer un comportement diélectrique différent. Introduit dans une description phénoménologique de type Landau, ce dernier est responsable de la disparition de la phase orthorhombique dans BaTiO3. La synthèse de nanoparticules de BaTiO3 de formes cubiques et homogènes, nous a permis de faire une série de mesure. Les mesures MET, RAMAN, RX, diélectriques sur les poudres et les céramiques, suggèrent la présences de transitions de phases générées par la présence d'un paramètre d'ordre similaire à celui observé dans modélisation ab-initio.

Según la teoría de súper-simetría, gluinos y squarks son la versión súper-simétrica de quarks y gluones del modelo estándar. Tanto en el Tevatron como en el LHC, el canal de física con la mayor sensibilidad a la posible presencia de partículas súper-simétricas en el estado final corresponde a la producción inclusiva de gluinos y squarks (la versión súper-simétrica de quarks y gluones) gracias a la presencia de acoplos fuertes en los diagramas relevantes (véase figura 3). Procesos inclusivos producen señales características en los detectores, con la presencia de múltiples jets de hadrones y una gran energía transversa faltante. Estas topologías corresponden a la producción de gluinos y squarks que decaen en múltiples quarks y gluones. Cuando se impone la conservación de R-Parity, a presencia de neutralinos estables (LSPs) en el estado final, que abandonan el detector, produce la señal de energía transversa faltante. Esta Tesi incluye dos búsquedas de la producción de gluinos y squarks en entre protones y anti-protones con una energía en el centro de masas de 1.96 TeV con el experimento CDF II en el Tevatron de Chicago. La primera es la búsqueda inclusiva de gluinos y squarks y la secunda es la búsqueda de de una posible producción de squarks sbottom.La tesi esta organizada como sigue: el capitulo 1 es una introducción a la teoría de súper-simetría; el capitulo 2 describe el Tevatron y el experimento CDF II; los capítulos 3 y 4 incluyen los detalles sobre las dos búsquedas. Finalmente, las conclusiones están en el capitulo 5. / According to the theory of Supersymmetry, squarks and gluinos are the supersymmetric partners of the Standard Model quarks and gluons. In the phenomenological framework assumed for this Thesis, squarks and gluinos are produced in pairs and ultimately decay into multiple partons and neutralinos, the lightest of the supersymmetric particles. The neutral and weakly interacting neutralinos escape the detector undetected. As a result, the &#64257;nal state is characterized by multiple jets of hadrons and large missing transverse energy. This Thesis reports on two searches for the production of gluinos and squarks in proton-antiproton collisions at a center of mass energy of &#8730;s = 1.96 GeV with the CDF Run II experiment at the Tevatron collider. The &#64257;rst of the two analyses is an inclusive search for gluinos and squarks while the second one is dedicated to the search for direct pair production of sbottom squarks. The Thesis is organized as follows: Chapter 1 presents a brief introduction to Supersymmetry; Chapter 2 describes the Tevatron collider and the CDF II experiment; Chapter 3 and 4 are dedicated to the inclusive search for squarks and gluinos, and the exclusive search for sbottom squarks, respectively. Finally, Chapter 5 is devoted to conclusions.

The Toba caldera located in north Sumatra, Indonesia, is the source of the largest volcanic eruption in the Quaternary (Rose &amp; Chesner 1987). Its enormous volume of 2800 km3 has been a matter of debate for decades and it is still unclear where and how the Toba magma was assembled. This study documents oxygen isotope data for a suite of whole rocks and minerals erupted as part of the Young Toba Tuff (YTT), some 74 ka ago (cf. Chesner et al. 1991). Oxygen isotope data has been obtained in-situ from quartz crystals (SIMS), whole rocks (conventional), as well as quartz, feldspar, amphibole and biotite (laser fluorination). In combination with cathodoluminescence (CL) imaging on the quartzes, the data are used to test the relative roles of shallow magmatic processes such as crystal fractionation, magma-crust interaction and crystal recycling within the Toba magmatic system. In addition, thermobarometric calculations have been performed on plagioclase and amphibole phenocrysts from the YTT to help unravel the magma storage and plumbing system that gave rise to the YTT. The combined evidence will be used to derive a model for shallow magma evolution and storage at Toba some 74 ka ago. The CL images of quartz crystals exhibit defined patterns of magmatic zoning, which broadly coincide with fluctuations in δ18O values in the quartz crystals, allowing correlation of textural and compositional data. Measured δ18Oquartz values range from 6.7 ‰ to 9.4 ‰, independent of position on crystal core or rim. Values for δ18Omagma have been calculated from quartz phenocrysts (assuming Δquartz-magma is 0.7 ‰ at magmatic temperatures). The lowest magma value is 6.0 ‰, apparently reflecting a primitive isotopic signal (Taylor &amp; Sheppard 1986). The maximum calculated magma value is 8.7 ‰, indicating a significant crustal component and thus multiple sources to the Toba magmatic system. Several crystals, however, show internal zoning with gradually lower values towards the rims, pointing to a late-stage low-δ18O input, most probably from the shallow volcanic edifice. The crystals therefore record a complex and heterogeneous origin of the YTT magma, comprising a primitive and an evolved magmatic component topped up with several substantial crustal contributions to finally assemble the massive volume of the 74 ka Toba eruption.

Light scattering and color shift are two major sources of distortion for underwater photography. Light scattering is caused by light incident on objects reflected and deflected multiple times by particles present in the water before reaching the camera. This in turn lowers the visibility and contrast of the image captured. Color shift corresponds to the varying degrees of attenuation encountered by light traveling in the water with different wavelengths, rendering ambient underwater environments dominated by bluish tone. This paper proposes a novel approach to enhance underwater images by a dehazing algorithm with wavelength compensation. Once the depth map, i.e., distances between the objects and the camera, is estimated by dark channel prior, the light intensities of foreground and background are compared to determine whether an artificial light source is employed during image capturing process. After compensating the effect of artifical light, the haze phenomenon from light scattering is removed by the dehazing algorithm. Next, estimation of the image scene depth according to the residual energy ratios of different wavelengths in the background is performed. Based on the amount of attenuation corresponding to each light wavelength, color shift compensation is conducted to restore color balance. A Super-Rsolution image can offer more details that must be important and necessary in low resolution underwater image. In this paper combine Gradient-Base Super Resolution and Iterative Back-Projection (IBP) to propose Cocktail Super Resolution algorithm, with the bilateral filter to remove the chessboard effect and ringing effect along image edges, and improve the image quality. The underwater videos with diversified resolution downloaded from the Youtube website are processed by employing WCID, histogram equalization, and a traditional dehazing algorithm, respectively. Test results demonstrate that videos with significantly enhanced visibility and superior color fidelity are obtained by the WCID proposed.

In this paper, we propose an image registration algorithm to form a set of images to a high-resolution image. This algorithm employs a fringe projected scheme to perform the registration. The proposed algorithm provides several advantages, such as high precision, low computation cost, simple system configuration and robotic performance. An example which used three images to form a hight-resolution image was given. It was found that the resolution had enhanced 2.72 times.