No description available.

The purpose of this research was to explore the potential application of lytic phages to control Cronobacter spp. in infant formula. More than two hundred and fifty phages were isolated from various environmental samples against different strains of Cronobacter spp. Selected phages were characterized by morphology, host range, and cross infectivity. The genomes of five novel Cronobacter phages [vB_CsaM_GAP31 (GAP31), vB_CsaM_GAP32 (GAP32), vB_CsaP_GAP52 (GAP52), vB_CsaM_GAP161 (GAP161), vB_CsaP_GAP227 (GAP227)] were sequenced. Phage GAP32 possess the second largest phage genome sequenced to date, and it is proposed that GAP32 belongs to a new genus of “Gap32likeviruses”. Phages GAP52 and GAP227 are the first C. sakazakii podoviruses whose genomes have been sequenced. None of the sequenced genomes showed homology to virulent or lysogenic genes. In addition, in vivo administration of phage GAP161 in the hemolymph of Galleria mellonella larvae showed no negative effects on the wellbeing of the larvae and could effectively prevent Cronobacter infection in the larvae. A cocktail of five phages was highly effective for biocontrol of three Cronobacter sakazakii strains present as a mixed culture in both broth media and contaminated reconstituted infant formula. This phage cocktail could be potentially used to control C. sakazakii during preparation of infant formula but would first have to be clinically evaluated in mammalian models. / NSERC & DFO

The research analyzes the bridge load stress effects resulting from international bridge formulae and truck size and weight regulations in Europe. This is done with a view to identifying issues that may need to be considered in the development of a European Bridge Formula (EUBF) conforming to European Directive truck configurations for the regulation of truck size and weight limits associated with international travel between European Union (EU) member states. The level of efficiency of bridge formulae vary depending on the design criteria used in the development of the formula, the compatibility to the jurisdiction’s infrastructure and truck fleet characteristics, and the method of implementation as part of the regulation and by operators in the trucking industry. The EUBF should limit imposed critical bending moment and shear stresses on single and continuous span bridges of varying lengths (5, 20, and 50 metres) in accordance to design live loads specified in the Eurocode. The analysis of bridge load effects imposed by European Directive truck configurations in this research, provide the basis for the development of a EUBF.

Breastfeeding is encouraged exclusively until the infant is 6 months and then continuing up until the age of two years and further, as a supplement to solid food. Few infants get this opportunity even though positive effects have been seen. In recent days brain imaging techniques has begun to study the differences in brain development between breastfed and formula fed infants. In this essay methods for assessing the cognitive and neurodevelopmental aspect of breastfeeding aspects will be reviewed. The results found in this review suggest that breastfeeding has a benefit in the development of the brain and in addition a beneficial impact on the parents. This can be seen in faster development of crucial brain areas, better cognitive functions and better maternal sensitivity which in turn relates to a child’s better adjustment. However, it is not clear how these benefits develop, if it is due to breastfeeding or parental characteristics related to breastfeeding.

The research analyzes the bridge load stress effects resulting from international bridge formulae and truck size and weight regulations in Europe. This is done with a view to identifying issues that may need to be considered in the development of a European Bridge Formula (EUBF) conforming to European Directive truck configurations for the regulation of truck size and weight limits associated with international travel between European Union (EU) member states. The level of efficiency of bridge formulae vary depending on the design criteria used in the development of the formula, the compatibility to the jurisdiction’s infrastructure and truck fleet characteristics, and the method of implementation as part of the regulation and by operators in the trucking industry. The EUBF should limit imposed critical bending moment and shear stresses on single and continuous span bridges of varying lengths (5, 20, and 50 metres) in accordance to design live loads specified in the Eurocode. The analysis of bridge load effects imposed by European Directive truck configurations in this research, provide the basis for the development of a EUBF.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 1993. / Vita. Abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 132-134). Also available via the Internet.

Thesis (M.S.)--Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 1991. / Vita. Abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 194-195). Also available via the Internet.

No description available.

In this thesis we determine the submodule structure of a number of Weyl modules for algebraic groups with root systems B2 and G2. We use the Jantzen sum formula to find the composition factors of Weyl modules and go on to use homomorphisms between Weyl modules, given by H.H. Andersen, and the comparison of two filtrations of tensor products of Weyl modules to establish submodule structure. A computer program in the Prolog language is given which calculates the Jantzen sum formula. In addition we find one 2-dimensional Ext group for simple modules for type G2 in characteristic greater than or equal to 7.

Formula One race cars have to pass rigorous safety tests before they are allowed on track. This type of testing has been in place for years but the requirements for testing are continually increasing in order to reduce the amount of risk to the drivers’ safety during a race. The number of structures that need to be made and tested can quickly make this process an expensive one. Additionally, it is necessary to pass the mandated tests within a reasonable amount of time so as not to have an impact on the development on the rest of the car. There is a desire to reduce the number of structures needed for testing through finite element analysis (FEA), and as such, to reduce the time needed to pass the safety tests. FEA of laminated composites can be complex and is a balance between accuracy and the time it takes to find a solution. The current project looks into increasing understanding of the requirements for material characterisation, experimental impact testing, and explicit simulation of a carbon fibre fabric pre-impregnated with epoxy resin. Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix (MGP) Formula One Team has provided a pre-preg material for evaluation. Material experiments were performed per the American Society for Materials and Testing (ASTM) in order to find the tensile modulus, tensile strength, Poisson’s ratio, compressive strength, shear modulus, and shear strength of the material. Nine tubes were manufactured at MGP and tested in the drop tower at the Cranfield Impact Centre (CIC) ... [cont.].