Thesis (MSc (Physics))--Stellenbosch University, 2010. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This dissertation reports on the impact of a set of selected nuclear fuel management parameters on reactor operations of the PBMR core. This is achieved by performing an assessment of the impact of nuclear fuel management parameter variations on the most important safety and economics issues for the PBMR core. These include the maximum fuel temperature at steady state and during Depressurized Loss of Forced Cooling (DLOFC) accident conditions. The reactivity worth of the Reactor Control System (RCS which determines the shutdown capability of the reactor core and the average discharge burn-up of fuel are also established. The fuel management parameters considered in this study include different enrichment levels, heavy metal loadings and fuel sphere circulation regimes. The impact and importance of these parameters on plant safety and economics is assessed. The dissertation will report the effects on the standard core physics parameters such as power peaking, multiplication factor, burn-up (safety and economics) and derive the benefits and drawbacks from the results. Based upon the findings from this study, and also experimental data, an optimum fuel management scheme is proposed for the PBMR core. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Hierdie verhandeling beskryf die uitwerking van ‘n gekose stel kernbrandstofparameters op die bedryf van die PBMR reaktor. Die impak wat variasies in kernbrandstofparameters op belangrike veiligheids- en ekonomiese oorwegings het, is tydens hierdie studie ondersoek. Van die belangrikste oorwegings is die maksimum brandstoftemperatuur tydens normale, konstante bedryf, asook gedurende ‘n “Depressurized Loss of Forced Cooling (DLOFC)” insident waar alle verkoeling gestaak word. Ander belangrike fasette wat ondersoek is, is die reaktiwiteitwaarde van die beheerstelsel (RCS), wat die aanleg se vermoë om veilig af te sluit bepaal, asook die totale kernverbruik van die brandstof. Die kernbrandstofparameters wat in ag geneem is, sluit die brandstofverryking, swaarmetaalinhoud en die aantal brandstofsirkulasies deur die reaktorhart in. Die belangrikheid en impak van elk van hierdie parameters is ondersoek en word in die verhandeling beskryf . Daar word verslag gelewer oor die voor- en nadele, asook die uitwerking van hierdie variasies op standaard reaktorfisika-parameters soos drywingspieke in die brandstof, neutronvermenigvuldigingsfaktore en kernverbuik van die brandstof, vanaf ‘n veiligheids- en ekonomiese oogpunt. Gebaseer op die gevolgtrekkings van hierdie studie, tesame met eksperimentele data, word ‘n optimale kernbrandstofbestuurprogram voorgestel.

The competiveness within the global market has forced large manufacturing companies to reorganize their global operations. To act proficiently abroad is therefore no longer a choice but an important prerequisite. In global production networks, there are different plant roles that serve different purposes. One of the important roles within these networks is the core plant role. There are limited amount of the researches done regarding the core plant role. There is also a lack of consistency regarding the definition of the core plant role. It is also evident that there is a knowledge gap regarding the managerial aspects of this plant role both in the academia and in the industry. Managing a core plant requires certain capabilities. It is important to target this knowledge gap since global manufacturing is becoming a common norm for large enterprises and the importance of the core plant role is getting more evident. There is also a lack of understanding towards the challenges that a core plant must deal with both within the organization and globally towards the other plants within the manufacturing network. To address this knowledge gap further, two research questions were created ―What key capabilities are required in order to manage the core plant role?” (RQ1) and ―What are the main challenges in managing the core plant role?” (RQ2). Case study was chosen as the research method for this study since it is the most appropriate method when investigating a phenomenon in its own context. Interviews were the main research technique used to collect data. 18 semi-structured interviews were conducted in eight different cases. A literature review was conducted and was the foundation for the interview guide used in the interviews and for the data analysis. The results show that various capabilities are important for the management of the core plant role. Proximity to R&D and knowledge were the most emphasized factors. For the main challenges in terms of managing a core plant, the communication, cooperation and coordination where the most challenging aspects. Based upon finding, two frameworks have been proposed a concluding generalization and contribution of this research study. The study provides a generalization based upon data that has been collected from companies from different industries. These findings are a contribution towards both the large enterprises operating globally and the academia.

Charles University in Prague Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Králové Department of Biophysics and Physical Chemistry Candidate: Kateřina Brokešová Supervisor: Ing. Martin Drastík, Ph. D. Thesis title: The use of core-shell columns for fluconazole determination A novel HPLC method for determination of fluconazole in dissolution test samples was developed and partly validated. A matrix formed by lactic and glycolic acid copolymer branched by different compounds was used as a drug carrier. Fluconazol was incorporated as the model drug. The concentration profile of fluconazole was studied by developed HPLC method during the dissolution test. A modern core-shell column Ascentis Express RP-Amide, 10 cm × 3.0 mm; 2.7 μm was employed. A mixture of acetate buffer pH 5.0:methanol (80:20) served as the mobile phase. The flow rate was 0.70 ml/min and the detection wavelength was 260 nm. The temperature of analysis was 50 řC. The retention time of fluconazole was 3.3 min and the whole analysis took just 4 min. Keywords: fluconazole, core-shell column, HPLC, PLGA

Charles University in Prague Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Králové Department of Biophysics and Physical Chemistry Candidate: Andrea Malovaná Supervisor: Ing. Martin Drastík, Ph. D. Diploma thesis: Simplification of terbinafine HPLC analysis of samples based on biodegradable polyesters A HPLC method for determination of terbinafine in samples consisting of copolymers of lactic and glycolic acid was optimized and validated. The development of the method was based on the finding of suitable chromatographic conditions for separation of terbinafine. The separation was performed on the Ascentis Express ES-CN, 15 cm × 4.6 mm; 2.7 μm core- shell column. The mixture of the citrate phosphate buffer pH 4 and acetonitrile in ratio 40:60 (v/v) was chosen as the mobile phase. The mobile phase flow rate was set to 1.4 ml/min and the temperature to 30 řC. The injection volume of samples containing terbinafine was 5 µl. The UV detection at 226 nm was employed. The retention time of terbinafine was 3.3 min. The whole analysis was completed within 4 min. The method was validated, following parameters were tested: column efficiency, factor of symmetry, LOD, LOQ, linearity, repeatability and robustness. Keywords: terbinafine, HPLC, core-shell column, PLGA

Title: The Effect of Flowin Intervention Programme on Core Objectives: The aim of this work was to verify the validity of field testing HSS focusing on M. transversus abdominis and evaluate short-term intervention program Flowin to strengthen the CORE group floorball players. Methods: The research group (n = 13) consisting of junior elite floorball players were randomly divided into experimental (N = 7) and control (N = 6) group. The experimental group underwent a 10-week program Flowin aimed at strengthening CORE. The control group continued normal training. The level of engagement CORE was assessed by modified Bunkie test. This is a test in three positions with the aim to maintain the line shoulder-hip-ankle for 30 s. Objectivization was based on video and evaluation path node. To verify the validity testing CORE was selected from a physiotherapist. The four parameters determining the state of the deep stabilizing muscles evaluated on a scale of 1 to 5. It was chosen testing before and after the intervention program. Results: Demonstrated no relationship trajectory node with the evaluation of physiotherapists (R = 0.105). Was no evidence of effectiveness of the intervention program Flowin (average total trajectory in the second measurement was performed in the experimental group: 0.16 ± 0.14 m,...

Title: Effect of core training on anterior shoulder instability on semiprofessional rugby players. The concept of the problem: With Rugby Union football being a contact-collision sport there is a high risk of injury incidence, especially for the upper extremities. The anterior shoulder dislocation carries the highest incidence and severity and may frequently lead to an anterior shoulder instability and is therefore a risk factor for decreasing sporting performance. Working with anterior shoulder instability on a complex basis, there are many possibilities to influence this problem and on of them is incorporating a "core-training" program into functional training patterns. In sports, the core provides a foundation upon which muscles of the extremties and their coordination rely. Objectives: To evaluate the incidence of anterior shoulder instability on semiprofessional rugby players and, subsequently, to attest the effectivity of the "core-training" exercise program on anterior shoulder instability of these athletes, on explosive power of the upper extremities and the performance of "medvěd"- an examination of the "Integrated Stabilizing System of the Spine" (HSSP) from Kolář. Methods: The theoretical part follows up the given issue as a research and theoretical overview of the current findings based...

BSc. Martina Hloušková Supervisor: Ing. Martin Drastík, Ph.D. The aim of this diploma thesis was the optimization and validation of a HPLC method for miconazole determination in samples supplied by the Department of Pharmaceutical Technology. A gradual miconazole release dependent on the composition of the copolymere of glycolic and lactic acid was studied. HPLC analysis was performed using a modern core-shell Column Ascentis Express RP- Amide, 10 cm x 3.0 mm; 2.7 μm. Optimized analytical conditions were: mobile phase methanol:water 70:30, flow rate 0.8 ml/min, temperature 45 řC, injection 5 l and UV detection at 220 nm. Miconazole retention time was 5.65 min. The entire analysis was carried out in 7 minutes. When the optimal conditions of analysis were determined, the method could be validated. The following parameters were monitored during validation: linearity, selectivity, efficiency, LOD, LOQ, repeatability and tailing factor. All of the monitored parameters met the requirements of the Czech Pharmacopoeia.

Title: Influence of Pilates method on the function of the deep stabilization system with professional instructors Objectives: The main aim of the thesis was to prepare a test battery to evaluate HSSP activation of instructors of Pilates method. Subsequently, to evaluate the data obtained in testing phase and then conclude whether the statement that Pilates method positively affects the HSSP is true. As sub-goals, I aimed to find out the reason why they decided to become Pilates instructors, and to map the locations of training centers that provide courses of this method. Methods: In the thesis, practical testing according to test battery prepared for the specific purposes of this study was used. Questionnaire was used as well. In order to verify the truthfulness of the research hypotheses, the software Microsoft Excel version 2010 was used. In processing the data from the questionnaire survey, software Google Forms was used in addition to Microsoft Excel version 2010. The results were then processed into tables and charts. The thesis contains elements of experimental studies. Results: Data obtained from the test battery showed that the Pilates method has a positive influence on the HSSP of Pilates instructors. The data from the questionnaire survey showed that teachers completed the course...

Atualmente, as nanopartículas superparamagnéticas despertam enorme interesse científico devido sua grande variedade de aplicações em biomedicina, tanto na área de diagnóstico quanto no tratamento de enfermidades. Embora muitos materiais vem sendo estudados, os óxidos de ferro (magnetita e maghemita) apresentam maiores avanços nos estudos para aplicações em medicina. A preferência por óxidos de ferro se deve a baixa toxicidade destas partículas quando comparado as nanopartículas metálicas ou ligas. Entretanto, as nanopartículas destes óxidos possuem baixas magnetizações de saturação que diminuem ainda mais com as sucessivas etapas de recobrimento necessárias para conferir funcionalidade a estas partículas. Desse modo, há uma necessidade atual para o desenvolvimento de nanopartículas superparamagnéticas com elevada magnetização, baixa toxicidade e maior facilidade de funcionalização da sua superfície com biopolímeros e agentes funcionalizantes. Neste trabalho, nanopartículas superparamagnéticas de cobalto metálico e ferrita de cobalto foram sintetizadas e suas propriedades magnéticas foram comparadas com a magnetita. Nanopartículas de cobalto foram escolhidas, pois seu elevado comportamento ferromagnético é menor apenas que o ferro metálico, além do baixo custo de seus reagentes. As nanopartículas magnéticas foram sintetizadas pelos métodos de microemulsão e decomposição térmica (baseado no método poliol) e suas composições química, estrutural, tamanho e distribuição de tamanho foram devidamente determinadas. Além disso, as nanopartículas de cobalto metálico e ferrita de cobalto foram recobertas com ouro utilizando o método de crescimento mediado por semente. Os sistemas microemulsionados utilizados neste trabalho não foram eficientes nem na síntese de nanopartículas estáveis de cobalto metálico nem no seu esperado controle morfológico. Já o método de decomposição térmica resultou em um rigoroso controle de composição química, estrutural e morfológico para as diferentes nanopartículas sintetizadas. O recobrimento com ouro foi efetivo na proteção do núcleo magnético e adicionalmente conferiu estabilidade, baixa toxicidade e bifuncionalidade às nanopartículas magnéticas através do seu fenômeno de ressonância plasmônica de superfície o qual foi preservado na nanoestrutura core@shell. O comportamento superparamagnético das nanopartículas de cobalto metálico recobertas com ouro e sua elevada magnetização de saturação foram expressivamente intensificadas quando comparadas as nanopartículas de magnetita sem recobrimento. Portanto, as nanopartículas sintetizadas neste trabalho apresentam propriedades de superfície e magnéticas otimizadas demonstrando um bom potencial para aplicações em biomedicina como sensores bifuncionais óptico-magnético. / Superparamagnetic nanoparticles have been extensively studied because its wide range of biomedical applications in both diagnostic and therapy areas. Although different materials are currently investigated, superparamagnetic iron oxides nanoparticles (SPION), magnetite and maghemite, are the most extensively studied for applications in medicine. The lower toxicity profile of the SPION becomes the most attractive than metal or alloys nanoparticles. Nevertheless, iron oxides nanoparticles have low saturation magnetization, which further decreases due to successive coats to provide their functionality, leading the actual demand to develop superparamagnetic nanoparticles with high magnetization, low toxicity and easy surface functionalization with biocompatible agents. In this work, superparamagnetic nanoparticles of metallic cobalt and cobalt ferrite were synthesized and their magnetic properties were compared with the magnetite SPION. Cobalt nanoparticles were chosen because present high ferromagnetic behavior among chemical elements, second only to iron, besides their low cost. The magnetic nanoparticles were synthesized by both microemulsion and thermal decomposition (based on the polyol process) methods and their chemical composition, structure, size and size distribution were properly characterized. In addition, the ferrite and metallic cobalt nanoparticles were coated with gold by using the seed-mediated growth method. The used microemulsion systems were not efficient enough to synthesize stable metallic nanoparticles and to promote the expected morphological control even to ferrites. Instead, the thermal decomposition processes resulted in rigorous control of chemical compositional, structure and morphology in all different prepared samples. Au-coating process was effective to protect the magnetic nuclei also giving additional stability, low toxicity and a bifunctionality to the magnetic nanoparticle since their surface plasmon resonance phenomenon was preserved in the core@shell nanostructure. The superparamagnetic behavior of the Au-coated cobalt nanoparticle was preserved and their saturation magnetization was significantly increased compared with the naked magnetite SPION. In conclusion, the synthesized nanoparticles present enhanced magnetic and surface properties showing good potential to be used in biomedical application as bifunctional optical-magnetic sensor.

Objetivo: aplicação do core set resumido genérico da CIFCJ para crianças e jovens de 0 a 18 anos com paralisia cerebral em um grupo de pacientes, através de um instrumento baseado no próprio core set, que operacionalize a coleta de dados funcionais. Métodos: Para algumas categorias, foi possível traçar uma relação entre o que se desejava avaliar e instrumentos escolhidos através de revisão da literatura. Nestes casos, as alternativas de resposta desses instrumentos foram agrupadas de forma que satisfizessem os critérios dos qualificadores da CIFCJ. Nos casos em que isso não fosse possível criou-se uma tabela de correspondência para cada item. Todos os pacientes foram classificados de acordo com o sistema de classificação da função motora grossa (GMFCS). Foram avaliados 33 pacientes dos ambulatórios e do Centro de Reabilitação de neurologia infantil do Hospital das Clínicas de Ribeirão Preto, divididos em 3 grupos, de acordo com sua faixa etária, e desenvolvidas tabelas para descrever os qualificadores de cada componente. Os dados do questionário do core set resumido de 0 a 18 anos da CIFCJ-PC foram inseridos em bancos de dados, digitados em planilha do Excel, e a análise descritiva simples deu-se através do programa estatístico SPSS. Resultados: Para cinco categorias foi possível utilizar escalas sem necessidade de perguntas auxiliares. A avaliação realizada apenas por perguntas objetivas, ocorreu em um item de funções do corpo, em três domínios de atividades e participação, e em todos os oito descritores do componente Fatores ambientais. A idade dos participantes variou entre 4 meses e 18 anos, com maior frequência (33%) de pacientes GMFCS III. A frequência de alguma forma de problema nas funções intelectuais foi de 75%, variando entre 63-81% nos três grupos etários. A Sensação de dor (b280) obteve a menor prevalência de deficiências de algum grau, existindo em maior número no grupo de 0 a 6 anos. Encontramos 91% das crianças e jovens avaliados apresentando limitação em algum grau para deslocar-se por diferentes locais (d460). Os principais facilitadores foram Família imediata (e310) (91%), Produtos e tecnologias para uso pessoal na vida diária (e115) (85%) e Serviços, políticas e sistemas de saúde (e580) (82%). A maior barreira entre os fatores ambientais foram Produtos e tecnologias usados em projeto, arquitetura e construção de edifícios (e150). Conclusão: O core set resumido da CIFCJ para crianças e jovens com paralisia cerebral de 0 a 18 anos permite gerar um perfil funcional dos pacientes com esta condição de saúde e identifica as áreas a serem mais bem trabalhadas para cada indivíduo. Aponta ainda as influências, deficiências e barreiras comuns a maioria desses indivíduos, podendo ajudar a diagnosticar problemas na área de saúde, economia e serviço social. / Objective: To apply the common brief ICF-CY core set for children and youth with cerebral palsy in a group of patients, through instruments based on the core set itself, that operationalize the data collection in functioning. Methods: For some categories, it was possible to correlate the domains and an instrument selected through literature review. In these cases, the response alternatives were grouped to satisfy the criteria of the ICF-CY qualifiers. When this was not possible, we created a correlation for each item. All patients were classified according to GMFCS. Thirty-three patients from the outpatient clinics and the Children\'s Neurology Rehabilitation Center (CER) of the Hospital das Clínicas de Ribeirão Preto (HCRP) were divided into three groups, according to their age group. Tables were developed to describe the qualifiers of each component. Data from the ICF-CY common brief core set for children and youth with CP were entered into databases, typed in an Excel spreadsheet, and the simple descriptive analysis was done through the SPSS statistical program. Results: For five categories, it was possible to use scales without the need for auxiliary questions. The evaluation performed with only objective questions, occurred in an item of the component functions of the body, in three domains of activities and participation, and in all eight descriptors of the Environmental factors component. The participants aged from 4 months to 18 years, with a greater frequency (33%) of GMFCS III patients. The prevalence of some sort of problem in intellectual functions was 75%, varying between 63-81% in the three age groups. Sensation of pain (b280) obtained the lowest prevalence of deficiencies, existing in a greater number in the group of 0 to 6 years. We found 91% of the children and young people evaluated, showing some degree of limitation for Moving around different locations (d460). The main facilitators were Immediate family (e310) (91%), Products and technology for personal use in daily living (e115) (85%) and Health services, systems and policies (e580) (82%). The biggest barrier in environmental factors was Design, construction and building products and technology of buildings for public use (e150). Conclusion: common brief ICF-CY core set for children and youth with cerebral palsy is very useful to generate a functional profile for patients with CP, and to identify the areas to be better worked for each individual. This core set also points out influences, deficiencies and barriers that are common for most of these children, and should help on identifying problems in health, economy and social services.