[pt] O presente trabalho analisa o impacto do envelhecimento dos materiais compostos (fibra de vidro e resina epóxi) utilizados como elemento estrutural de reforço em dutos (reparo). O estudo envolveu etapas de revisão bibliográfica, desenvolvimento de métodos experimentais de envelhecimento, execução de testes e análise estatística dos resultados. Um procedimento envolvendo testes com amostras que sofreram envelhecimento acelerado foi desenvolvido objetivando encontrar possíveis parâmetros indicativos de envelhecimento estrutural (módulo de elasticidade E, deformação máxima delta e limite de resistência a tração Su) para materiais compostos de fibra de vidro e resina epóxi. Os testes envolveram amostras submetidas a ambientes com radiação UV, de temperatura de 70°C e água a temperatura de 70°C. Para desenvolvimento do estudo, foram utilizados 10 espécimes de tubos de aço com 75 mm de diâmetro e 2 mm de espessura de parede, onde em 9 deles foram usinados rebaixos na superfície externa para simular defeitos longitudinais, representando perdas de espessura por corrosão. Em seguida, os espécimes com defeito foram reparados com 8 camadas de material composto. Foram confeccionados ainda 49 corpos de prova retangulares, a partir de placas de 25cmx25cm, para a realização de ensaios de tração e flexão. Depois de envelhecidos, os espécimes foram submetidos a ensaios de tração (ASTM – 3039), flexão (ASTM D790) e ruptura dos tubos submetidos à pressão interna, objetivando investigar variações dos parâmetros estruturais E, delta e Su, para verificar a possível ocorrência de degradação. Assim, através de observações visuais e da variação das propriedades, pode-se perceber que em nenhum dos resultados, foi possível comprovar de fato o envelhecimento do material. Alguns resultados apresentaram variações no E e Su, porém estas não foram significativas e/ou conclusivas para garantir o comprometimento do uso de tal material. / [en] The findings of a research program on the impact of aging of composite materials used as structural elements for pipe repairs are presented in this paper. The research involved literature review, planning and development of experimental methods for accelerated aging, testing of specimens, and statistical analysis of test results. An accelerated aging process was designed and developed in order to determine the effects of aging on the mechanical properties of glass reinforced epoxy composites subject to environments with UV radiation or air and water temperatures of 70 degrees Celsius. Ten samples of three-inch diameter thin walled pipes were used for testing. Nine of the samples had longitudinal defects machined on their external surface in order to simulate metal loss or thinning caused by localized corrosion. The sample pipes were subsequently repaired with eight layers of composite material. To complement the study, 49 samples with rectangular cross-sections were aged and tested by traction and bending. After the simulated aging process was completed, the specimen samples were subjected to tensile tests (ASTM - 3039), bending, or internal pressure until ruptured in order to assess their possible degradation levels. ISO 24817 standards were used to help with test result analysis. Considering visual observation and measured variation of mechanical properties, it was concluded that aging of the material could not be ascertained from any of the results. Although, some of the results showed variation on the Young Modulus (E) and Rupture Strength (Su), the results were neither significant nor conclusive in order to guarantee that structural deterioration of the material or of the specimens had occurred at non acceptable levels.

Orientadores Sylvio Luis Honório, Claudio Luiz Messias / Tese (doutorado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Faculdade de Engenharia Agrícola / Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-27T23:01:54Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Rocha_ArturBatistadeOliveira_D.pdf: 1714662 bytes, checksum: 577fdeb54b226ba61587e77781ac70cf (MD5) Previous issue date: 2015 / Resumo: O cultivo da batateira (Solanum tuberosum L.) apresenta problemas fitossanitários decorrentes do ataque de pragas e doenças, o que acarreta altos cultos de produção. As principais doenças pós-colheita em batata-semente são: podridão seca (agente causal: Fusarium solani), rhizoctoniose (agente causal: Rhizoctonia solani) e podridão mole (agente causal: Pectobacterium carotovorum subsp. carotovorum). Os principais glicoalcaloides presentes na batata são a ?-chaconina e ?-solanina, os quais possuem propriedades antimicrobianas e podem ser estimulados por diversos fatores, com destaque para a luz. O objetivo desta pesquisa foi investigar a aplicação da radiação ultravioleta UV-C e da luz fluorescente no controle dos patógenos Fusarium solani, Rhizoctonia solani e Pectobacterium carotovorum subsp. carotovorum nas cultivares Ágata, Atlantic e Monalisa de batata-semente após a colheita. A pesquisa foi realizada em duas etapas: (I) avaliou-se in vitro o efeito da radiação UV-C no desenvolvimento das colônias de F. solani e de R. solani e na germinação dos conídios de F. solani. In vivo avaliou-se o efeito da radiação UV-C e da luz fluorescente na severidade e na incidência de podridão seca e de rhizoctoniose na brotação, na perda de massa e no teor de sólidos solúveis em batata-semente 'Agata' e 'Atlantic'; (II): avaliou-se in vitro o efeito da radiação UV-C no desenvolvimento das colônias de P. carotovorum subsp. carotovorum. In vivo avaliou-se o efeito da radiação UV-C e da luz fluorescente na severidade e na incidência da podridão mole, na concentração de ?-chaconina e de ?-solanina, na brotação, na perda de massa e no teor de sólidos solúveis em batata-semente 'Agata' e 'Monalisa'. A exposição de F. solani e R. solani a uma densidade de energia de 105,6 kJ.m-2 de radiação UV-C diminui o desenvolvimento das colônias desses fungos para estudos in vitro. Para a germinação de conídios de F. solani foi exposta a uma densidade de energia de 52,8 kJ.m-2 de radiação UV-C. Além disso, a luz fluorescente foi mais eficaz do que a radiação UV-C para o controle da podridão seca e da rhizoctoniose, sem afetar a brotação. A exposição de P. carotovorum subsp. carotovorum na densidade de energia de 34,5 kJ.m-2 de radiação UV-C inibiu o desenvolvimento das colônias para estudos in vitro. A luz fluorescente foi mais eficaz do que a radiação UV-C para controle da podridão mole em tubérculos de batata, assim como, estimulou a síntese de glicoalcaloides. O controle da podridão mole em tubérculos de batata está relacionado a maior concentração de ?-chaconina e ?-solanina, especialmente na periderme. Os teores de ?-chaconina (11,6 a 26,0 mg.kg-1P.F.) e ?-solanina (11,4 a 25,1 mg.kg-1P.F.) mostraram-se eficazes para o controle da podridão mole. Além disso, a brotação não foi afetada de forma adversa / Abstract: The cultivation of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) in the tropics suffers the attack of pests and diseases, burdening the cost of production. The main postharvest diseases in potato seeds are the dry rot (pathogen: Fusarium solani), black scab (pathogen: Rhizoctonia solani) and wet rot (pathogen: Pectobacterium carotovorum subsp. carotovorum. The efficiency of UV-C against a wide variety of microorganisms has been reported and there is interest in applying for seed disinfection. Potato plants contain glycoalkaloids being ?-chaconine and ?-solanine the main ones. The accumulation of these glycoalkaloids can be stimulated by several factors, especially light, having them important antimicrobial properties. The aim of this research was to evaluate the the postharvest application of ultraviolet (UV-C) radiation and the fluorescent light to control the pathogens: F. solani, R. solani, and P. carotovorum subsp. carotovorum on 'Agata', 'Atlantic', and 'Monalisa' potato seeds. The research was conducted in two stages: (I) the evaluation in vitro of the effect of UV-C radiation on the growth of F. solani and R. solani colonies and F. solani conidias germination and the in vivo effect of UV-C radiation and fluorescent light on dry rot and black scab severity and incidence, mass loss and soluble solids content on 'Agata' and 'Atlantic' and (II) the evaluation in vitro of the effect of UV-C radiation on P. carotovorum subsp. carotovorum colonies and was reported in vivo the effect of UV-C radiation and the fluorescent light on the severity and incidence of wet rot, ?-chaconine and ?-solanine, concentration, tuber sprouting, weight loss and soluble solids on 'Agata' and 'Monalisa'. Exposure of R. solani and F. solani at an energy density of 105,6 kJ.m-2 of UV-C radiation decreases the development of fungi colonies in vitro. Energy density of 52,8 kJ.m-2 inhibited the F. solani conidias germination. Moreover the fluorescent light was more effective than UV-C radiation to control dry root and black scab, without affecting the sprouting. The in vivo experiments showed that treated and untreated. UV-C tubers stored under fluorescent light were more effective to control soft rot than the UV-C treated tubers and stored under darkness. Control tubers under fluorescent light, UV-C treated under darkness, and UV-C treated under fluorescent light showed an increased concentration of ?-chaconine (11,6 to 26,0 mg.kg-1F.W.) and ?-solanine (11,4 a 25,1 mg.kg-1F.W.) for both cultivars / Doutorado / Tecnologia Pós-Colheita / Doutor em Engenharia Agrícola

A alga vermelha Gracilaria tenuistipitata tem sido utilizada como matéria prima para a produção de ágar e também como modelo para estudos fisiológicos e moleculares. Este trabalho analisou estratégias de fotoproteção contra a radiação UV dessa macroalga por meio de abordagens fisiológicas e moleculares, considerando a previsão de incremento de radiação UVB nas zonas tropicais do planeta nos próximos anos. Além disso, a interação entre a radiação UV e o suprimento de N foi também investigada. Essa interação estimulou a síntese de aminoácidos tipo micosporinas (MAAs) e outros compostos nitrogenados, o que proporciona proteção contra danos no aparato fotossintetizante. O envolvimento de um fotorreceptor para radiação UVA que regule a síntese de MAAs, com o efeito adicional de um segundo fotorreceptor, para radiação UVB é sugerido. Houve uma dependência da dose de radiação UV para aumento de MAAs. O aumento da intensidade da radiação UV causou efeitos negativos nos parâmetros da fotossíntese. Outra abordagem mostrou que a ausência de UVA causou danos ao DNA, com a presença de dímeros de ciclobutano pirimidina após 48 h de exposição à radiação PAR+UVB. Este estudo alerta para a importância da qualidade da radiação de UV e seu efeito biológico efetivo para danos no DNA e na fotoinibição. Fotoliases podem ter sido ativadas para evitar danos no DNA sob tratamentos com a presença de radiação UVA, tal como o sistema de enzimas antioxidantes, os quais desempenharam um papel secundário na fotoproteção da alga. A composição de carotenoides de G. tenuistipitata foi pouco afetada pelos tratamentos com N e UV. Este é o primeiro trabalho a mostrar a presença de anteraxantina em G. tenuistipitata, e se sugere a existência de um ciclo de xantofilas parcial composto por anteraxantina e zeaxantina. Um aspecto adicional foi o papel fotoprotetor de ficoeritrina, observado quando G. tenuistipitata foi tratada na presença de N, com PAR, UVA e UVB. Finalmente, a produtividade de MAAs por G. tenuistipitata foi estimulada sob tratamentos com radiação PAR+UV e suprimento de N, e se propõe que seja realizada uma aplicação em larga escala dessa alga vermelha para uso dessas substâncias como filtros de UV e antioxidantes. Desta forma, G. tenuistipitata foi capaz de lidar com a radiação UV, principalmente quando suprida com N e UVA, obtendo uma fotoproteção eficaz. Uma vez que se espera um aumento do índice de UV na superfície terrestre nos próximos anos, é possível que os organismos em ambientes oligotróficos sofram maiores impactos negativos causados por esta radiação / The red alga Gracilaria tenuistipitata has been used for the production of agar, as well as a model to physiological and molecular studies. This study analysed the photoprotective strategies of this macroalga against UV radiation through physiological and molecular approaches, considering the UV increase in tropical zones predicted by physical models. The interactive role of nitrogen supply and UV radiation was also investigated. The synthesis of mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs) and other nitrogenous compounds was stimulated by both UVR and nitrogen, providing photoprotection against damages to photosynthetic apparatus. The involvement of a UVA-photoreceptor in the photocontrol of accumulation of MAAs and an additional effect with further activation of a second UVB-photoreceptor were suggested. There was a dependence of UV radiation dosis on MAAs accumulation. The increase of the UV irradiance caused a negative effect on the photosynthetic activity. The absence of UVA radiation caused DNA damage, with presence of cyclobutane-pirimidin dimmers after 48 h of exposure to PAR+UVB. This study shows the importance of light quality in the UV range and the biological effective irradiances to confer DNA damage and photoinhibition. Photolyases could be activated to avoid DNA damages under UVA treatments, as well as the antioxidant system, which had a possible secondary role on the photoprotection mechanisms. Carotenoid composition of G. tenuistipitata was slightly affected by UV and N treatments. This is the first study to show anteraxanthin in G. tenuistipitata, and the existence of a partial xanthophyll cycle is proposed, based on antheraxanthin and zeaxanthin. A further aspect observed was a photoprotective role of phycoerithrin in G. tenuistipitata, under the presence of UVA and UVB plus N supplement. Finally, MAAs productivity of G. tenuistipitata was stimulated under PAR+UV radiation and N supply, and we propose a large-scale application of this red alga for the use of these substances as photoprotector by both UV-screen and antioxidant capacities. Therefore, G. tenuistipitata was able to acclimate to UV radiation, under N-supply and UVA radiation i. e. efficient photoprotection and, considering the foreseen UV increment in the next years, its possible that oligotrophic organisms will suffer more with the negative effects of this radiation

Orientador: Helio Amante Miot / Resumo: FUNDAMENTOS: Melasma é hipermelanose crônica, focal, adquirida decorrente de patogênese não totalmente compreendida, resultado da alteração funcional e arquitetural dos melanócitos. A predisposição genética, aspectos hormonais e exposição à radiação solar são os elementos mais associados ao desenvolvimento da doença e essenciais para entendimento da fisiopatologia. É bem estabelecida a relação entre a exposição à radiação solar e a piora do quadro, entretanto, o efeito independente do UVB, UVA, assim como a atuação da luz visível (LV) são pouco estudados. OBJETIVOS: Padronização de um modelo de cultura organoide cutâneo primário para estudo da melanogênese da pele com melasma e pele normal adjacente, à irradiação com diferentes comprimentos de onda (UVB, UVA, LV). MÉTODOS: Etapa 1: Amostras de pele da região retroauricular (punch 3mm), de 10 voluntários foram seccionados longitudinalmente, e cultivados em meio DMEM segundo protocolo estabelecido por Ayres, para padronização de viabilidade e dosimetria das radiações induzindo melanogênese. Um dos fragmentos foi irradiado e o outro mantido ao abrigo da luz por 72h. Foram avaliados aspectos morfológicos e arquiteturais da histologia (H&E e Fontana-Masson) e por rt-PCR para comparação da expressão quantitativa de gene constitucional (GAPDH) entre as peles recém-coletadas e as cultivadas. Foram padronizadas as doses de radiação e tempo de cultura que promovessem viabilidade da amostra e aumento de 10% na intensidade de pigmentação... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: FUNDAMENTALS: Melasma is chronic hypermelanosis, focal, acquired due to pathogenesis not fully understood, resulting from the functional and architectural alteration of melanocytes. Genetic predisposition, hormonal aspects and exposure to solar radiation are the elements most associated with the development of the disease and essential for understanding the pathophysiology. The relationship between exposure to solar radiation and worsening of the condition is well established, however, the independent effect of UVB, UVA, as well as the action of visible light (VL) are poorly studied. OBJECTIVES: Standardization of a primary cutaneous organoid culture model to study melanogenesis of skin with melasma and adjacent normal skin to irradiation with different wavelengths (UVB, UVA, VL). METHODS: Step 1: Skin samples from the retroauricular region (punch 3mm) from 10 volunteers were longitudinally sectioned and cultured in DMEM medium according to the protocol established by Ayres, for viability standardization and radiation dosimetry inducing melanogenesis. One of the fragments was irradiated and the other kept in the dark for 72h. Morphological and architectural aspects of histology (H&E and Fontana-Masson) and rt-PCR were evaluated for comparison of quantitative constitutional gene expression (GAPDH) between newly collected and cultured skins. Radiation doses and culture time that promoted sample viability and a 10% increase in basal layer pigmentation intensity were standardized... (Complete abstract click electronic access below) / Mestre

III-nitride semiconductors suffer significant efficiency limitations; ‘efficiency’ being an umbrella term that covers an extensive list of challenges that must be overcome if they are to fulfil their vast potential. To this end, it is imperative to understand the underlying phenomena behind such limitations. In this dissertation, I combine powerful optical and structural characterization techniques to investigate the effect of different defects on the carrier dynamics in III-nitride materials for light emitting devices. The results presented herein will enhance the current understanding of the carrier mechanisms in such devices, which will lead to device efficiency improvements. In the first part of this dissertation, the effects of some important types of crystal defects present in III-nitride structures are investigated. Here, two types of defects are studied in two different III-nitride-based light emitting structures. The first defects of interest are V-pit defects in InGaN/GaN multiple quantum well (MQW) blue LEDs, where their contribution to the high-efficiency of such LEDs is discussed. In addition, the effect of these defects on the efficiency droop phenomenon in these LEDs is elucidated. Secondly, the optical effects of grain boundary defects in AlN-rich AlGaN/AlGaN MQWs is studied. In this study, it is shown that grain boundary defects may result in abnormal carrier localization behavior in these deep ultraviolet (UV) structures. While both defects are treated individually, it is evident from these studies that threading dislocation (TD) defects are an underlying contributor to the more undesirable outcomes of the said defects. In the second part, the dissertation reports on the carrier dynamics of III-nitride LED structures grown on emerging substrates—as possible efficiency enhancing techniques—aimed at mitigating the effects of TD defects. Thus, the carrier dynamics of GaN/AlGaN UV MQWs grown, for the first time, on (2̅01) – oriented β-Ga2O3 is studied. It is shown to be a candidate substrate for highly efficient vertical UV devices. Finally, results from the carrier dynamics investigation of an AlGaN/AlGaN MQW LED structure homoepitaxially grown on AlN substrate are discussed, where it is shown that its high-efficiency is sustained at high temperatures through the thermal redistribution of carriers to highly efficient recombination sites.

京都大学 / 0048 / 新制・課程博士 / 博士(工学) / 甲第22776号 / 工博第4775号 / 新制||工||1747(附属図書館) / 京都大学大学院工学研究科材料工学専攻 / (主査)教授 杉村 博之, 教授 邑瀬 邦明, 教授 宇田 哲也 / 学位規則第4条第1項該当 / Doctor of Philosophy (Engineering) / Kyoto University / DFAM

The space environment possesses numerous unique and unusual attributes, creating challenges that must be considered in order to accomplish a successful space mission. Two of the detrimental aspects of the space environment include Atomic Oxygen, AO, and Ultraviolet, UV, radiation. UV radiation becomes more severe in space as there is no atmosphere to attenuate incoming photons, thereby exposing spacecraft to radiation that never reaches the surface of the Earth. Overall, space vehicles are exposed to a total of 107.4 Watts/m2 of light shorter than 400 nm. AO is created by the photo disassociation of molecular oxygen by UV radiation with wavelengths less than ~242.1 nm. AO is a major portion of the neutral atmosphere, and is the dominant species for altitudes between 180 and 675 km. Each of these environments can cause significant damage to spacecraft materials as they have sufficient energy to break molecular bonds: a generalization of AO energy is 4.5 +/- 1 eV while Vacuum Ultraviolet, VUV, radiation can break bonds as strong as 12.4 eV. Synergistic affects are observed when these two environments interact with materials simultaneously, resulting in an accelerated erosion rate. An apparatus has been developed in California Polytechnic State University’s, Cal Poly’s, space environments laboratory that can simulate the AO and VUV environments individually and simultaneously. This apparatus utilizes a radio frequency, RF, generator to produce a capacitively coupled plasma to create AO in conjunction with a deuterium lamp capable of emitting UV radiation as short as 115 nm. The system has been shown to produce an AO flux of 1.70 +/- 0.07•1016 atoms/cm2 while providing an equivalent sun power 4.5 times greater the solar output in the 120-200 nm region of UV light; all of this has been performed at a base pressure near 175 mTorr. Long duration tests of 24 hours, which would be analogous to durations used in a material interaction study, have shown an effective fluence of 1.47 +/- 0.06•1021 atoms/cm2, which would equate to an orbital exposure on the order of weeks to months. For the same duration a sample can be exposed to 108 equivalent sun hours of 120-200 nm radiation. Results from the simultaneous exposure also manifested an accelerated erosion rate, the expected synergetic reactions between the two environments.

The possibility of drug incompatibilities is a matter of serious concern when administering two or more therapeutic agents. This is especially true in the case of parenteral administration when one must be aware not only of therapeutic interactions but also chemical and physical reactions that might occur. In order to avoid incompatibilities, drug manufacturers have suggested that parenteral solutions be used immediately after reconstitution and that admixtures of parenteral products not be administered wherever possible (1,2). Physicians have also stressed the importance in avoiding multiple drug therapy (3,4). In spite of these suggestions, the practice of multiple drug therapy is prevalent. Because of this, there has been an increase in awareness of the number of drug admixtures administered in the hospital. At the University of Michigan Hospital over two thirds of the intravenous fluids administered contained two or more therapeutic agents (5). Holysko and Ravin (6) report that 48% of the intravenous fluids contain one additive, 30% contain two additives, and 22% contain three or more additives. The survey taken by Patterson and Nordstrom (7) showed that 24% of the solutions administered intravenously contained two drugs 1 and that 16% of the intravenous solutions contained three or more additives. The increased awareness of the problems in admixtures of parenterals has contributed to the increased use of centralized intravenous additive programs at various hospitals. The hospital pharmacist is now becoming more responsible for the preparation of intravenous admixtures (8). The need for additional information concerning potential interactions when admixtures of therapeutic agents for intravenous use are administered is evident. The lack of information includes, in addition to incompatibilities, areas of interest such as stability, sterility, and clinical effectiveness (8,9). This report will discuss a method to detect potential chemical interactions. The drugs under investigation are sodium ethacrynate (Edecrina) in combination with selected cardiovascular and psychotherapeutic agents when in admixture in normal saline solution. Possible therapeutic interactions and physical incompatibilities of these combinations will also be discussed.

Several applications require the detection of terrestrial UV-C signatures. Efficiency, compactness, environmentally friendly and cost-effective requirements for UV-C–detectors resulted in a research interest in wide-bandgap (WBG) semiconductor-based photovoltaic diodes with a 280 nm cut-off wavelength. Advances in producing group-III-nitride materials allowed the growth of high quality Al[x]Ga[1−x]N, a direct-WBG ternary semiconductor in which the Al mole fraction (x) could be varied, allowing for a tuneable bandgap that made the semiconductor intrinsically 'blind' to longer wavelengths and responsive to selected wavelengths shorter than 360 nm. This dissertation reports on the development and characterization of a tuneable AlGaN-based solar-blind UV-sensitive Schottky photodiode. A fabrication procedure was established using optimized metallization techniques derived from literature. This included metallization schemes, metal thicknesses and annealing methods for metallization of both the ohmic and Schottky contacts for a front-irradiated photodiode. Characterization was done with a newly constructed optoelectronic characterization system. Electrical characterization was performed inside a light-tight shielded enclosure and a software routine aided in applying current–voltage and capacitance–voltage measurements on a Schottky diode. Spectral characterization made use of either a UV source or a visible-to-near-infrared source that was coupled to a monochromator that allowed for wavelength selection. The monochromatic electromagnetic radiation was guided by an optical fibre from the monochromator into the enclosure where the photodiode was irradiated. An additional software routine was developed that allowed for the automation of the spectral characterization. The system was calibrated against standards traceable to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) by following the photodetector substitution method. The study concluded with the manufacturing of an epoxy wire-bonded front-irradiated four-quadrant detector that was mounted on a commercial microchip carrier. Metal depositions were done through physical contact masks. The quadrants were surrounded with optimized layered ohmic contacts and a quadrant consisted of a thin-film iridium(IV) oxide (IrO₂) as Schottky contact that is UV transmissive with a Au contact on top to which a wire was bonded. Optoelectronic characterization verified that the four-quadrant detector was intrinsically solar-blind and showed good uniformity across the quadrants. Electrical parameters obtained included an average ideality factor of 1.97 ± 0.09, a Schottky barrier height of (1.22 ± 0.08) eV, a reverse leakage current density of (2.1 ± 3.3) nA/cm² and a series resistance of (120 ± 30) Ω. Spectral parameters obtained included a (275 ± 5) nm cut-off wavelength, an average current responsivity at 250 nm of (28 ± 1.0) mA/W with a quantum efficiency of (14 ± 0.5) % and an UV-to-visible and near-infrared rejection ratio between 10³ and 10⁵ for 400 nm to 1100 nm wavelengths. These characteristics allowed for the detector to be used in demonstrating a working solar-blind UV-sensitive electro-optic device. / Dissertation (MSc)--University of Pretoria, 2015. / Physics / Unrestricted

The ionospheric response to solar extreme ultraviolet (EUV) variability during 2011–2014 is shown by simple proxies based on Solar Dynamics Observatory/Extreme Ultraviolet Variability Experiment solar EUV spectra. The daily proxies are compared with global mean total electron content (TEC) computed from global TEC maps derived from Global Navigation Satellite System dual frequency measurements. They describe about 74% of the intra-seasonal TEC variability. At time scales of the solar rotation up to about 40 days there is a time lag between EUV and TEC variability of about one day, with a tendency to increase for longer time scales.