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Criticality calculations are often performed in MCNP5 using the Shannon entropy as an indicator of source convergence for the given neutron transport problem. The Shannon entropy is a concept that comes from information theory. The Shannon entropy is calculated for each batch in MCNP5, and it has been shown that the Shannon entropy tends to converge to a single value as the source distribution converges. MCNP5 has its own criteria for when the Shannon entropy has converged and recommends a number for how many batches should be skipped; however, this value for how many batches should be skipped is often not very accurate and has room for improvement. This work will investigate an approach for using the Shannon entropy source distribution convergence information obtained in a shorter simulation to predict the required number of generations skipped in the reference case with desired statistical precision. In several test cases, it has been found that running a lesser number of particles per batch produces a similar Shannon entropy graph when compared to running more particles per batch. Then, by appropriate adjustment through a synthetic model, one is able to determine when the Shannon entropy will converge by running fewer particles, finding the point where it converges and then using this value to determine how many batches one should skip for a given problem. This reduces computational time and any "guessing" involved when deciding how many batches to skip. Thus, the purpose of this research is to develop a model showing how one can use this concept and produce a streamlined approach for applying this concept to a criticality problem.

Os efeitos da suplementação de creatina sobre a função renal são debatidos intensamente na literatura científica. Os poucos trabalhos sobre o tema envolvendo humanos têm sido severamente criticados por apresentarem ausência de randomização, dosagens não uniformes de creatina, baixo poder estatístico e, sobretudo, ausência de marcadores padrão-ouro de função renal. Além disso, embora tenhamos mostrado recentemente que a suplementação de creatina não prejudica a função renal em sujeitos submetidos a treinamento aeróbio, a natureza desse tipo de atividade, bem como o habitual consumo de proteína dessa amostra, não permite que generalizemos nossos achados à população que mais utiliza creatina: praticantes de treinamento de força sob dietas ricas em proteína. Desta forma, foi conduzido um ensaio randomizado, duplo-cego, controlado por placebo, com o objetivo de investigar os efeitos da suplementação de creatina e sua possível interação com o alto consumo de proteínas sobre a função renal, em praticantes de treinamento de força. Os sujeitos foram divididos aleatoriamente em 2 grupos: a) suplementação de creatina (20g/dia durante cinco dias e 5g/dia até o término do estudo) e b) placebo (dextrose). No período basal e após 12 e 24 semanas, os sujeitos tiveram acompanhamento do consumo alimentar, e foram analisados o clearance de 51Cr-EDTA, creatinina sérica, sódio e potássio séricos e urinários e microalbuminúria. Não foram encontradas diferenças significativas nas variáveis analisadas após 12 e 24 semanas. Demonstrando assim, a ausência de alteração da função renal decorrente da suplementação de creatina, em praticantes de treinamento de força recreacionais com consumo proteico >=1,2g/kg peso/dia / The effects of creatine supplementation on renal function are discussed extensively in the literature. Few studies on the topic involving humans have been severely criticized because of the absence of randomization, non-uniform doses of creatine, low statistical power and, above all, the absence of a gold standard markers of renal function. Furthermore, although we have recently shown that creatine supplementation does not impair renal function in subjects undergoing aerobic training, the nature of this type of activity, as well as the usual protein intake in this sample does not allow generalization of our findings to the population who consume creatine: practitioners of strength training with a high protein intake. Thus, we conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, in order to investigate the effects of creatine supplementation and its possible interaction with high protein intake on renal function in practicioners of strength training. The subjects were randomly assigned to 2 groups: a) creatine supplementation (20g/day during five days and 5g/day until the end of the study) and b) placebo (dextrose). At baseline and after 12 and 24 weeks, food intake, 51Cr-EDTA clearance, serum creatinine, sodium and potassium serum and urinary microalbuminuria was assessed. No significant differences were observed throughout the trial. Demonstrating that creatine supplementation on practitioners of strength training with high protein intake does not harm renal function

Os efeitos da suplementação de creatina sobre a função renal são debatidos intensamente na literatura científica. Os poucos trabalhos sobre o tema envolvendo humanos têm sido severamente criticados por apresentarem ausência de randomização, dosagens não uniformes de creatina, baixo poder estatístico e, sobretudo, ausência de marcadores padrão-ouro de função renal. Além disso, embora tenhamos mostrado recentemente que a suplementação de creatina não prejudica a função renal em sujeitos submetidos a treinamento aeróbio, a natureza desse tipo de atividade, bem como o habitual consumo de proteína dessa amostra, não permite que generalizemos nossos achados à população que mais utiliza creatina: praticantes de treinamento de força sob dietas ricas em proteína. Desta forma, foi conduzido um ensaio randomizado, duplo-cego, controlado por placebo, com o objetivo de investigar os efeitos da suplementação de creatina e sua possível interação com o alto consumo de proteínas sobre a função renal, em praticantes de treinamento de força. Os sujeitos foram divididos aleatoriamente em 2 grupos: a) suplementação de creatina (20g/dia durante cinco dias e 5g/dia até o término do estudo) e b) placebo (dextrose). No período basal e após 12 e 24 semanas, os sujeitos tiveram acompanhamento do consumo alimentar, e foram analisados o clearance de 51Cr-EDTA, creatinina sérica, sódio e potássio séricos e urinários e microalbuminúria. Não foram encontradas diferenças significativas nas variáveis analisadas após 12 e 24 semanas. Demonstrando assim, a ausência de alteração da função renal decorrente da suplementação de creatina, em praticantes de treinamento de força recreacionais com consumo proteico >=1,2g/kg peso/dia / The effects of creatine supplementation on renal function are discussed extensively in the literature. Few studies on the topic involving humans have been severely criticized because of the absence of randomization, non-uniform doses of creatine, low statistical power and, above all, the absence of a gold standard markers of renal function. Furthermore, although we have recently shown that creatine supplementation does not impair renal function in subjects undergoing aerobic training, the nature of this type of activity, as well as the usual protein intake in this sample does not allow generalization of our findings to the population who consume creatine: practitioners of strength training with a high protein intake. Thus, we conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, in order to investigate the effects of creatine supplementation and its possible interaction with high protein intake on renal function in practicioners of strength training. The subjects were randomly assigned to 2 groups: a) creatine supplementation (20g/day during five days and 5g/day until the end of the study) and b) placebo (dextrose). At baseline and after 12 and 24 weeks, food intake, 51Cr-EDTA clearance, serum creatinine, sodium and potassium serum and urinary microalbuminuria was assessed. No significant differences were observed throughout the trial. Demonstrating that creatine supplementation on practitioners of strength training with high protein intake does not harm renal function

This MA project examines the creation, implementation, and effectiveness of the guidebook, Moving Forward: A Learner-Centered and Participatory Approach to Teaching Community Adult ESL, designed to help adult English as a Second Language (ESL) teachers base their classes on the specific needs of community adult education students. This guidebook was created in response to the need for lesson plans and activities that help teachers focus on learner needs. The activities in the guidebook are based on the National Institute for Literacy's (NIFL) adult literacy initiative, Equipped for the Future (EFF) because it focuses on the tasks adults must perform to function successfully on a daily basis. Participatory Curriculum Development (PCD) was used to create the specific activities in the guidebook because its focus is on creating curriculum based on the needs of learners.

本研究嘗試探討美國大學籃球選手使用NBA官方效率衡量方法，計算並比較美國大學選手兩個時期其中之關聯，並期望找出最能預測NCAA籃球選手進入NBA之關鍵成功因素，以及探討選手大學表現與其預職業生涯表現之關聯性。本研究使用1996-2000年期間，208位參與選秀進入NBA的球員當作觀察對象，並以其進入NBA後10年之表現，作為評估其職業生涯之表現。 研究結果發現球員大學表現以NBA官方效率公式所計算之效率值越高，選秀順位就越前面，尤其選手的得分與阻攻影響選秀順序最大，得分越高與阻攻次數越多，選秀順位就越前面。其次，大學時期的表現與進入職業以後的表現不論用NBA的效率值，或Hollinger 的效率值都有顯著正相關。就整體而言，大學時期的養成表現，確實可預測球員職業生涯的績效。

There exist a wide variety of metabolic responses to different types of carbohydrates and their influence on metabolism during endurance training. Recent studies revealed that the physiological responses to food are far more complex than was previously appreciated. The rapid release of insulin and the decline in blood sugar levels during the first stages of endurance training are linked to the Glycemic Index of foods. Researchers cannot still make use of the old distinction between starchy and sugary food or simple and complex carbohydrates. These distinctions are based on the chemical analysis of the food, which does not totally reflect the effects of these foods on the body. The Glycemic Index is a more reliable guideline to apply in nutritional management for endurance athletes. The major object of the study was to indicate the importance of utilizing the Glycemic Index (GI) as part of the nutritional preparation for endurance events. The study investigated the advantages of ingesting a Low Glycemic Index meal prior to exercise and compared it with the ingestion of a High Glycemic Index meal. A pretest-posttest design was used. Twelve healthy, male and female cyclists participated in the study. Subjects were selected according to their level of training. The total test period consisted of 14 days, which included two different dietary interventions of 7 days each. Diet -and training analysis were done on the subjects prior to the commencement of the study. Each subject completed three exercise trials. The first exercise trial consisted of a V02max test until exhaustion. Two submaximal trials (65 - 70 % of V02max) followed and were preceded by two dietary interventions. The dietary interventions (7 days each) had the same amount of CHO, fat and protein but differed in the Glycemic Index of the pre-exercise meals. The first pre-exercise meal was a High Glycemic Index (HGI) meal. The second pre-exercise meal was a Low Glycemic Index (LGI) meal. The results of the study indicated the advantages of ingesting a Low Glycemic Index meal prior to endurance exercise. The drop in blood glucose levels significantly differed (p<0.05) with an average of 0.68 mmol/L between the two tests after 10 minutes of cycling. It took 20 minutes for the blood sugar level of the first testto reach the same level of the blood sugar level of the second test. After the ingestion of the High Glycemic Index meal in Test 1, the blood lactate levels were significantly higher (p<0.05) during the first 15 minutes. The total distance covered by the subjects was 22.86 km after the first dietary intervention (High glycemic Index food) and 27.43 km after the second dietary intervention (Low glycemic Index food) although it is not statistically significant due to the small sample size. The difference in the distance covered of the two tests is 4.57 km in a period of 50 minutes. Subjects indicated that they experienced more physical strain (higher RPE values) in Test 1 (High Glycemic Index food) than in Test 2 (Low Glycemic Index food) (p<0.05). The study results support the fact that Low glycemic index food may confer an advantage when eaten prior to prolonged strenuous exercise by providing a slow¬releasing source of glucose to the blood without causing extensive hypoglycemia. Proper preparation and the correct choice of the pre-exercise meal can exclude the occurrence of sudden drops in the blood sugar levels. The Glycemic Index can also be successfully applied during and after events to improve performance. / Dissertation (MA (MHS))--University of Pretoria, 2007. / Arts, Languages and Human Movement Studies Education / unrestricted

This research aims to deepen the understanding of drivers of populism by analysing different camps in the debate around land reform, using South Africa as a case. The research is conducted through a critical discourseanalysis (CDA) of two actors that represent different positions in a deeply divided society. To analyse the data for this research, the methodological framework of CDA will be operationalised and tabulated against concepts drawn from the theoretical discussion of populism described in the literature review. The two actors in the analysis are the political party EFF and the civilrights organisation AfriForum. The research found that the drivers of populism connected to land reforms in South Africa are based on the discontent of the black African people who still live in poverty, do not own their own land and are forced to stay in temporary housing on illegally occupied land. On the other hand, the driver behind AfriForum concerns feelings of threat, due to racial violence and their land is at risk of being confiscated by the government. After analysing their discourses between each other, it demonstrates how their actions sustain and create racial tension in post-apartheid South Africa.

Thesis (M. A. (Communication Studies)) -- University of Limpopo, 2022 / The purpose of this study was to investigate the approach to land and unemployment as main electoral themes during 2019 elections in South Africa by the ANC and EFF. A qualitative, exploratory research was conducted to determine how these issues were articulated and approached using emotional and cognitive messages in the production of political content. This was to determine the implications of their use regarding issues of emphasis and ownership by political parties on the decision of constituencies. The hubs of data collection for this study were political street posters and Facebook advertisements. This study paid particular focus on the manners in which both parties framed the subjects of land and unemployment. Thus, thematic content analysis was used to determine the themes that emerged from the Facebook advertisements while semiotic analysis was applied on the data that emanated from street posters. The selection of the posters and Facebook political advertisements was guided by the issues the researcher intended to study which reflected on the ANC and EFF political advertisements. A total of 8 posters (N=8) were selected and analysed (4 for each party) and a total of 10 Facebook advertisements (5 for each party) were used for the generation of data in this study. A semi-structured interview was also conducted. The findings revealed that there are connections among political issues, images of politicians and the decision of voters. People vote based on these connections. The study therefore recommends that areas of content production need to be improved in the production of political advertisements, and that scholars need to improve the existing literature on political communication to educate the public (voters) about the persuasive strategies of the political parties

Betrachtet man das kartesische Produkt X × X eines topologischen Raumes X mit sich selbst, so kann auf diesem Objekt insbesondere die Involution betrachtet werden, die die Koordinaten vertauscht, die also (x,y) auf (y,x) abbildet. Das sogenannte 'Symmetrische Quadrieren' in Čech-Homologie mit Z/2-coefficients wurde von Schick et al. 2007 als Abbildung von der k-ten Čech-Homologiegruppe eines Raumes X in die 2k-te Čech-Homologiegruppe von X × X modulu der oben genannten Involution definiert. Es stellt sich heraus, dass diese Konstruktion entscheidend ist für den Beweis eines parametrisierten Borsuk-Ulam-Theorems.Das Symmetrische Quadrieren kann zu einer Abbildung in Bordismus verallgemeinert werden, was der Hauptgegenstand dieser Dissertation ist. Genauer gesagt werden wir zeigen, dass es eine wohldefinierte, natürliche Abbildung von der k-ten singulären Bordismusgruppe von X in die 2k-te Bordismusgruppe von X × X modulu der obigen Involution gibt.Insbesondere ist dieses Quadrieren wirklich eine Verallgemeinerung der Konstruktion in Čech-Homologie, denn es ist vertauschbar mit dem Übergang von Bordismus zu Homologie via dem Fundamentalklassenhomomorphismus. Auf dem Weg zu diesem Resultat wird das Konzept des Čech-Bordismus als Kombination aus Bordismus und Čech-Homologie zunächst definiert und dann mit Čech-Homologie verglichen.