With the advance of facial recognition technology, many related applications such as the clearance of specific facilities, air port security, video camera surveillance, and personnel recognition. To maximize working efficiency and reduce human resource, the platform used for facial recognition should possess both low cost, multimedia performance, and the ease of use. Among the list of available platforms, a IBM CELL multi-core based platform that features the aforementioned advantages is used to manifest our work. To meet the demand of recognition accuracy, a recognition algorithms using features low error rate and regular data patterns are adopted. These algorithms are carried out in two parts: Modified Census Transform (MCT) and hypotheses of human facial calculation. The multi-point average value required by the MCT is obtained through parallel processing, and potential improvement in recognition efficiency is possible if wider data paths are used. A PlayStation 3 (PS3) platform equipped with the IBM CELL multi-core processor is used in this thesis. The IBM CELL multi-core processor consists of a PowerPC Processor Element (PPE) and 8 Synergistic Processor (SPE), which forms a heterogeneous multi-core system. This system is capable of parallelizing thread-level and data-level data words, which can meet the demand of high data bandwidth and data parallelization. By using this platform to accelerate the processing of facial recognition, simulation results suggest that the execution efficiency is improved by 24 times when compared with a single core SPE. The simulation also reveals that the use of parallelization of processing facial recognition data feasible. In the future, improved algorithms can be applied to improve the accuracy of facial recognition.

Molecular photoabsorption enhancement under ambient solar radiations can improve efficiency substantially in renewable energy production. Here, we explore the theoretical basis and experimental evidences that nanostructured molecular assemblies exhibit an unprecedented property of synergistic photon absorption enhancement. The molecular mechanism of this enhancement phenomenon originates from the combined effect of the photon-molecule interaction and the electronic energy transfer between two adjacent molecular assemblies. For a natural system, the synergistic photon absorption enhancement factor of green algae (Chlorella vulgaris) in vivo at 632.8 nm was determined to be 103. This enhanced photon absorption process in nanostructured molecular assemblies opens a doorway to create entangled double excitons by incoherent solar radiations.

<p>We hypothesize that South African medicinal plants contain compounds that can act in synergism with synthetic antifungal compounds. Four fungicides - Sporekill&trade / , Rovral&trade / , Terminator&trade / and Teldor&trade / at doses 0.1, 0.2, 0.4 and 0.8 mL L-1 and plant species Galenia africana, Elytropappus rhinocerotis and Tulbaghia violacea were tested aloneand in different combinations for their potency (efficacy) on radial growth inhibition of Botrytis cinerea strains on potato dextrose plates. Four doses of plant extract for each of the respective plant species were used. A total of 48 combinations were tested for each strain. Mixtures of plant extracts were far more effective in controlling strains compared to the individual components alone, representing significant levels of in vitro synergistic interactions. Combinations of these components represent an attractive future prospect for the development of new management strategies for controlling B. cinerea. Since the in vitro tests of these mixtures showed inhibitory activity, the mixtures were tested for activity in assays on Granny Smith apples. In vitro tests can be used to screen mixtures to obtain information on their inhibitory activity on a pathogen, however, the environmental conditions of the fruit and the ability of the pathogen to grow into the fruit cannot be simulated in vivo. A series of two-fold doses of medicinal plant extracts were combined with fungicides to conduct decay inhibition studies. The incidence of gray mold was significantly reduced by mixtures of plant extracts and fungicides. Under conditions similar to those in commercial storage, a drench treatment with G. africana and Rovral&trade / significantly (p=0.05) inhibit gray mold on the apples and was more effective than the plant extract and fungicide alone. The treatments exerted synergistic effects and were markedly better than the components applied alone. The wound colonization assay was used for optimal decay control. In a drench, much higher volumes of the treatments are used to ensure that the components of the suspension are deposited evenly over the entire fruit surface. Drenching of fruit to apply other chemicals is an established practise in the pome (fleshy) fruit industry, and simplifies the commercial application of the mixtures, as no additional infrastructure at commercial packing houses will be required. This approach not only makes it possible to reduce fungicide concentrations while maintaining adequate decay control, but also ensures a reduction of the chemical residue on the fruit.</p>

<p>We hypothesize that South African medicinal plants contain compounds that can act in synergism with synthetic antifungal compounds. Four fungicides - Sporekill&trade / , Rovral&trade / , Terminator&trade / and Teldor&trade / at doses 0.1, 0.2, 0.4 and 0.8 mL L-1 and plant species Galenia africana, Elytropappus rhinocerotis and Tulbaghia violacea were tested aloneand in different combinations for their potency (efficacy) on radial growth inhibition of Botrytis cinerea strains on potato dextrose plates. Four doses of plant extract for each of the respective plant species were used. A total of 48 combinations were tested for each strain. Mixtures of plant extracts were far more effective in controlling strains compared to the individual components alone, representing significant levels of in vitro synergistic interactions. Combinations of these components represent an attractive future prospect for the development of new management strategies for controlling B. cinerea. Since the in vitro tests of these mixtures showed inhibitory activity, the mixtures were tested for activity in assays on Granny Smith apples. In vitro tests can be used to screen mixtures to obtain information on their inhibitory activity on a pathogen, however, the environmental conditions of the fruit and the ability of the pathogen to grow into the fruit cannot be simulated in vivo. A series of two-fold doses of medicinal plant extracts were combined with fungicides to conduct decay inhibition studies. The incidence of gray mold was significantly reduced by mixtures of plant extracts and fungicides. Under conditions similar to those in commercial storage, a drench treatment with G. africana and Rovral&trade / significantly (p=0.05) inhibit gray mold on the apples and was more effective than the plant extract and fungicide alone. The treatments exerted synergistic effects and were markedly better than the components applied alone. The wound colonization assay was used for optimal decay control. In a drench, much higher volumes of the treatments are used to ensure that the components of the suspension are deposited evenly over the entire fruit surface. Drenching of fruit to apply other chemicals is an established practise in the pome (fleshy) fruit industry, and simplifies the commercial application of the mixtures, as no additional infrastructure at commercial packing houses will be required. This approach not only makes it possible to reduce fungicide concentrations while maintaining adequate decay control, but also ensures a reduction of the chemical residue on the fruit.</p>

The aim of this thesis is the study of application of the synergistic effects of various advanced oxidation processes (AOP) used for decomposition of chemical compounds resistant to biodegradation. The synergistic effect of photocatalytically active material and low temperature plasma were tested in my thesis. Model substances with photocatalytically active material were exposed to atmospheric plasma discharge (Gliding Arc) in order to improve generation of the active hydroxyl groups and oxidation processes. The first chapter of the theoretical part summarizes the knowledge of advanced oxidation processes, their principles and utilization. Next chapters are dedicated to basic summary of titanium dioxide and types of creating the thin films. The last part of theoretical chapter describes the types of plasma discharges. The experimental part describes the equipment for decomposition of chemical compounds resistant to biodegradation using AOP. Next chapter of the experimental part is dedicated to decomposition of organic dye AO7 and antibiotic Verapamil hydrochloride. The last chapter summarizes the results of the experiments.

Submitted by Leandro Bianchi (leandro_bianchii@hotmail.com) on 2018-04-16T19:41:47Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Leandro final.pdf: 3197976 bytes, checksum: 442c110e13ec1198a874c1285f176bbc (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Maria Lucia Martins Frederico null (mlucia@fca.unesp.br) on 2018-04-16T20:03:09Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 bianchi_l_me_botfca.pdf: 3197898 bytes, checksum: 5bd6736d1b7a1e530435ae5e7c91c884 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2018-04-16T20:03:09Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 bianchi_l_me_botfca.pdf: 3197898 bytes, checksum: 5bd6736d1b7a1e530435ae5e7c91c884 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2018-02-22 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) / Devido ao uso frequente do glyphosate na agricultura, o capim-amargoso (Digitaria insularis) tornou-se uma das plantas daninhas mais problemáticas no Brasil, por adquirir resistência a esse herbicida. Biótipos resistentes em estádios iniciais são facilmente controlados por graminicidas, porém em estádio mais avançado o controle é reduzido. O herbicida clethodim é um graminicida com alta eficiência, portanto, verificar o controle de biótipos resistentes ao glyphosate em diferentes estádios, com o uso isolado de clethodim e em mistura com o glyphosate é fundamental para auxiliar no manejo desta invasora. Assim o presente trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar o desempenho de glyphosate, clethodim e glyphosate + clethodim, em biótipo de D. insularis resistente e suscetível. O ensaio foi realizado em casa de vegetação, inteiramente casualizado, com quatro repetições e repetido em duas épocas do ano. As aplicações foram realizadas em estádio inicial (15 – 20 cm) e em florescimento. Avaliou-se o controle aos 21 dias e o peso da biomassa seca. Para a mistura dos produtos, foi verificada a interação entre os herbicidas: efeito sinérgico, antagônico ou aditivo. No ensaio com plantas em estádio inicial, avaliou-se a concentração de lipídeos na biomassa seca. De forma geral, a aplicação de clethodim aplicado isoladamente controlou o biótipo resistente em estádio inicial, porém em florescimento a eficácia foi reduzida. A mistura mostrou-se eficiente para controle de biótipo resistente em estádio inicial e em florescimento. Considerando as avaliações visuais de controle, a interação entre glyphosate e clethodim apresentou efeito sinérgico para doses intermediárias e aditivo para as maiores doses considerando o estádio inicial; em plantas florescidas, predominaram os efeitos aditivos para todas as doses. Para massa seca, a mistura teve interação sinérgica em todas as doses e estádios avaliados. As menores doses dos dois herbicidas reduziram os teores de lipídeos. / Due to frequent use of glyphosate in agriculture, sourgrass (Digitaria insularis) has become one of the most problematic weeds in Brazil for purchase resistance to this herbicide. Resistant biotypes in initial stages are easily controlled by graminicides, but in a more advanced stage the control is reduced. The herbicide clethodim is a graminicide with high efficiency, therefore, to check the control of resistant biotypes of glyphosate in different stages, with the isolated use of clethodim and in mixture with the glyphosate is fundamental to assist in the management of this weed. Thus the experiment was aimed at evaluate the action of glyphosate, clethodim and glyphosate + clethodim, in a resistant and susceptible biotype of D. insularis. The experiment was carried out in a greenhouse, completely randomized, with four replications and repeated at two times of the year. The applications were performed in the initial stage (15 - 20 cm) and flowering. Plants were evaluated at 21 days after application (DAA) and dry biomass weight. For the mixture of products, the interaction between the herbicides was also verified: synergistic, antagonistic or additive effect. In the experiment with plants at the initial stage, was evaluated the lipid concentration in the dry biomass. In general, the application of clethodim applied alone controlled the resistant biotype at the initial stage, but in flowering the efficiency was reduced. The mixture showed to be efficient for control of resistant biotype in initial and flowering stages. Considering the visual evaluations of control, the interaction between glyphosate and clethodim showed synergic effect for intermediate doses and additive for the highest doses considering the initial stage; in flowered plants, with the additive effects predominating for all as doses, the additive effect prevailed for all doses. For dry mass, the mixture had synergistic interaction at all doses and evaluated stages. Lower doses of both herbicides reduced lipid levels.

Philosophiae Doctor - PhD / We hypothesize that South African medicinal plants contain compounds that can act in synergism with synthetic antifungal compounds. Four fungicides - Sporekill™, Rovral™, Terminator™ and Teldor™ at doses 0.1, 0.2, 0.4 and 0.8 mL L-1 and plant species Galenia africana, Elytropappus rhinocerotis and Tulbaghia violacea were tested aloneand in different combinations for their potency (efficacy) on radial growth inhibition of Botrytis cinerea strains on potato dextrose plates. Four doses of plant extract for each of the respective plant species were used. A total of 48 combinations were tested for each strain. Mixtures of plant extracts were far more effective in controlling strains compared to the individual components alone, representing significant levels of in vitro synergistic interactions. Combinations of these components represent an attractive future prospect for the development of new management strategies for controlling B. cinerea. Since the in vitro tests of these mixtures showed inhibitory activity, the mixtures were tested for activity in assays on Granny Smith apples. In vitro tests can be used to screen mixtures to obtain information on their inhibitory activity on a pathogen, however, the environmental conditions of the fruit and the ability of the pathogen to grow into the fruit cannot be simulated in vivo. A series of two-fold doses of medicinal plant extracts were combined with fungicides to conduct decay inhibition studies. The incidence of gray mold was significantly reduced by mixtures of plant extracts and fungicides. Under conditions similar to those in commercial storage, a drench treatment with G. africana and Rovral™ significantly (p=0.05) inhibit gray mold on the apples and was more effective than the plant extract and fungicide alone. The treatments exerted synergistic effects and were markedly better than the components applied alone. The wound colonization assay was used for optimal decay control. In a drench, much higher volumes of the treatments are used to ensure that the components of the suspension are deposited evenly over the entire fruit surface. Drenching of fruit to apply other chemicals is an established practise in the pome (fleshy) fruit industry, and simplifies the commercial application of the mixtures, as no additional infrastructure at commercial packing houses will be required. This approach not only makes it possible to reduce fungicide concentrations while maintaining adequate decay control, but also ensures a reduction of the chemical residue on the fruit. / South Africa

Doctor of Philosophy / Food Science Program / Fadi M. Aramouni / Thomas J. Herald / Dynamic viscoelastic and intrinsic viscosity properties of native xanthan, deacetylated xanthan, guar, and their mixtures in dilute solutions were investigated by using an oscillating capillary rheometer. Influence of mixing temperature, deacetylation, and salt concentration on xanthan conformation and interaction with guar were studied in order to provide additional evidence that can be used to elucidate the mechanism of the intermolecular interaction between the two biopolymers, and build up a more detailed rheological understanding of molecular interactions between xanthan and guar gum in dilute solutions. Synergistic interaction was found at mixing temperatures of 25 and 80 °C, but a stronger synergistic interaction was observed at mixing temperature of 80 °C. The differences in viscosity and elasticity measurements between the two mixing temperatures could be attributed to the degree of disordering of xanthan. For both mixing temperatures, the relative viscosity and elasticity of xanthan and guar blends were higher than the relative viscosity and elasticity calculated for blends assuming no interaction, indicating that intermolecular binding occurred between galactomannans backbone and disordered segments of xanthan. Deacetylated xanthan exhibited a stronger synergistic interaction with guar than native xanthan. The intrinsic viscosities of deacetylated xanthan-guar mixtures were higher than those calculated from the weight averages of the two individually, whereas the intrinsic viscosities of native xanthan-guar mixtures were lower than those calculated from weight averages of the two individually, demonstrating that intermolecular binding occurred between xanthan and guar gum. Synergistic interaction for both native xanthan-guar mixtures and deacetylated xanthan-guar mixtures in the dilute regime was observed in water and 2 mM NaCl but not in 40 mM NaCl. The results suggest that intermolecular interaction has occurred between xanthan and guar mixtures in water and 2 mM NaCl, but may not occur in 40 mM NaCl and mutual incompatibility may take place. These results also suggest that degree of disordering of xanthan played a critical role in xanthan-guar interaction and may explain the differences in viscosity, elasticity, and intrinsic viscosity measurements between 2 and 40 mM NaCl, and hence, the intermolecular interaction occurred between the backbone of guar gum and the disordered segments of xanthan.

Philosophiae Doctor - PhD / We hypothesize that South African medicinal plants contain compounds that can act in synergism with synthetic antifungal compounds. Four fungicides - Sporekill™, Rovral™, Terminator™ and Teldor™ at doses 0.1, 0.2, 0.4 and 0.8 mL L-1 and plant species Galenia africana, Elytropappus rhinocerotis and Tulbaghia violacea were tested alone and in different combinations for their potency (efficacy) on radial growth inhibition of Botrytis cinerea strains on potato dextrose plates. Four doses of plant extract for each of the respective plant species were used. A total of 48 combinations were tested for each strain. Mixtures of plant extracts were far more effective in controlling strains compared to the individual components alone, representing significant levels of in vitro synergistic interactions. Combinations of these components represent an attractive future prospect for the development of new management strategies for controlling B. cinerea. Since the in vitro tests of these mixtures showed inhibitory activity, the mixtures were tested for activity in assays on Granny Smith apples. In vitro tests can be used to screen mixtures to obtain information on their inhibitory activity on a pathogen, however, the environmental conditions of the fruit and the ability of the pathogen to grow into the fruit cannot be simulated in vivo. A series of two-fold doses of medicinal plant extracts were combined with fungicides to conduct decay inhibition studies. The incidence of gray mold was significantly reduced by mixtures of plant extracts and fungicides. Under conditions similar to those in commercial storage, a drench treatment with G. Africana and Rovral™ significantly (p=0.05) inhibit gray mold on the apples and was more effective than the plant extract and fungicide alone. The treatments exerted synergistic effects and were markedly better than the components applied alone. The wound colonization assay was used for optimal decay control. In a drench, much higher volumes of the treatments are used to ensure that the components of the suspension are deposited evenly over the entire fruit surface

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