The current trend in pushing photo lithography to smaller and smaller resolutions is becoming increasingly difficult and expensive. Extreme ultra-violet lithography is an alternate method that has the potential to provide feature sizes down to 30 nm, however, it will come at an even greater cost. Nanoimprint lithography (NIL) is another lithographic technique which is promising to provide very high resolutions at a relatively low cost. Imprinting works by using a mold with a surface patterned with the required nano structures and pressing it into a substrate coated with a deformable polymer. Due to its direct pattern replication technique, it is very capable of reproducing three-dimensional structures, however limited research has been performed on this to date. In this study, investigations have been performed into developing a reliable process for creating SiN molds with sub-100 nm structures with variable height control. The process relies on a negative tone electron beam resist which can be patterned to various thicknesses by varying the exposure dosage. This allows for the creation of complex multi-layer structures in a single electron beam lithography step. These patterns then have been transferred into the SiN substrate by a single reactive ion etch. From here the mold is ready for use in imprinting. Study has also been performed into imprinting process as well. This includes the development of an imprint press, the manner in which NIL works. Investigations have been performed into the imprinting performance of 3D molds. Thermal expansion issues have been found and addressed, as have adhesion problems. Some other aspects of 3D NIL which have not been addressed in this study have been outlined in future work for further investigation.

The interaction of an evanescent wave and plasmonic nanostructures are simulated in Finite Element Method. Specifically, the optical absorption cross section (Cabs) of a silver nanoparticle (AgNP) and a gold nanoparticle (AuNP) in the presence of metallic (gold) and dielectric (silicon) atomic force microscope (AFM) probes are numerically calculated in COMSOL. The system was illuminated by a transverse magnetic polarized, total internally reflected (TIR) waves or propagating surface plasmon (SP) wave. Both material nanoscale probes localize and enhance the field between the apex of the tip and the particle. Based on the absorption cross section equation the author was able to demonstrate the increment of absorption cross section when the Si tip was brought closer to the AuNP, or when the Si tip apex was made larger. However, the equation was not enough to predict the absorption modification under metallic tips, especially for a AgNP's Cabs; neither it was possible to estimate the optical absorption based on the localized enhanced field caused by a gold tip. With the help of the driven damped harmonic oscillator equation, the Cabs of nanoparticles was explained. In addition, this model was applicable for both TIR and Surface Plasmon Polaritons illuminations. Fitting the numerical absorption data to a driven damped harmonic oscillator (HO) model revealed that the AFM tip modifies both the driving force (F0), consisting of the free carrier charge and the driving field, and the overall damping of the oscillator beta. An increased F0 or a decreased beta will result in an increased Cabs and vice versa. Moreover, these effects of F0 and beta can be complementary or competing, and they combine to either enhance or suppress absorption. Hence, a significantly higher beta with a small increment in F0 will result in an absorption suppression. Therefore, under a Si tip, Cabs of a AuNP is enhanced while Cabs of a AgNP is suppressed. In contrast, a Au tip suppresses the Cabs for both Au and Ag NPs. As an extension of this absorption model, further investigation of the guided mode and a close by nanostructure is proposed, where the scattered wave off the structure attenuates the guided mode with destructive interference.

No description available.

Pheroid is a patented system comprising of a unique submicron emulsion type formulation. Pheroid vesicles consist mainly of plant and essential fatty acids and can entrap, transport and deliver pharmacologically active compounds and other useful molecules. The aim of this study was to show that a modulation of components and parameters is necessary to obtain the optimum formula to be used in pharmaceutical preparations. Non-optimal or non-predictable stability properties of emulsions can be limiting for the applications of emulsions (Bjerregaard et al., 2001:23). Careful consideration was given to the apparatus used during the processing along with the ratios of the various components added to the formulation and the storage conditions of the Pheroid vesicles. A preliminary study was performed to optimize the most accurate processing parameters during emulsification. The effect of emulsification rate and time, the temperature of the aqueous phase, the number of days the water phase were gassed, the concentration of the surfactant, cremophor® RH 40, used and the concentration of Vitamin F Ethyl Ester CLR added to the oil phase of the o/w emulsion has been studied. Quantification of the mean particle size, zeta potential, turbidity, pH and current values were used to characterize the emulsions. The samples were characterised after 1, 2, 3, 7, 14, 21 and 28 days of storage. The emulsions were also characterised with confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) to measure the number and size and size distribution of the vesicles. After determination of the processing variables influencing the emulsion stability an accelerated stability test was conducted on a final formula. In the present study, accelerated stability testing employing elevated temperatures and relative humidity were used with good accuracy to predict long-term stability of an o/w emulsion kept at both 5 and 25 OC with 60 % relative humidity and 40 OC with 75 % relative humidity. The results of the stability tests were presented in histograms of the physical properties 24 hours, 1 month, 2 months and 3 months after preparation of the emulsion. It was concluded that Pheroid vesicles demonstrate much potential as a drug delivery system. The high stability of this formula allows its use in a wide variety of applications in the pharmaceutical industry. / Thesis (M.Sc. (Pharmaceutics))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2007.

Pheroid is a patented system comprising of a unique submicron emulsion type formulation. Pheroid vesicles consist mainly of plant and essential fatty acids and can entrap, transport and deliver pharmacologically active compounds and other useful molecules. The aim of this study was to show that a modulation of components and parameters is necessary to obtain the optimum formula to be used in pharmaceutical preparations. Non-optimal or non-predictable stability properties of emulsions can be limiting for the applications of emulsions (Bjerregaard et al., 2001:23). Careful consideration was given to the apparatus used during the processing along with the ratios of the various components added to the formulation and the storage conditions of the Pheroid vesicles. A preliminary study was performed to optimize the most accurate processing parameters during emulsification. The effect of emulsification rate and time, the temperature of the aqueous phase, the number of days the water phase were gassed, the concentration of the surfactant, cremophor® RH 40, used and the concentration of Vitamin F Ethyl Ester CLR added to the oil phase of the o/w emulsion has been studied. Quantification of the mean particle size, zeta potential, turbidity, pH and current values were used to characterize the emulsions. The samples were characterised after 1, 2, 3, 7, 14, 21 and 28 days of storage. The emulsions were also characterised with confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) to measure the number and size and size distribution of the vesicles. After determination of the processing variables influencing the emulsion stability an accelerated stability test was conducted on a final formula. In the present study, accelerated stability testing employing elevated temperatures and relative humidity were used with good accuracy to predict long-term stability of an o/w emulsion kept at both 5 and 25 OC with 60 % relative humidity and 40 OC with 75 % relative humidity. The results of the stability tests were presented in histograms of the physical properties 24 hours, 1 month, 2 months and 3 months after preparation of the emulsion. It was concluded that Pheroid vesicles demonstrate much potential as a drug delivery system. The high stability of this formula allows its use in a wide variety of applications in the pharmaceutical industry. / Thesis (M.Sc. (Pharmaceutics))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2007.

Electrical and structural properties of Bismuth thin films were studied simultaneously. Electrical properties of the Bismuth thin films have been characterized by measuring temperature dependent conductivity and Hall effect. Structural analysis were carried out by X-ray diffraction technique and using a room temperature Atomic Force Microscope (RT-AFM).

Orientador: Renato de Toledo Leonardo / Banca: Idomeo Bonetti Filho / Banca: Roberto Brandão Garcia / Resumo: Foi realizada uma análise comparativa entre três técnicas de instrumentação distintas, utilizando-se instrumentos do sistema Endo-Eze, com movimentação oscilatória; instrumentos do sistema Pow-R, com movimentação rotatória e instrumentos Tipo K manuais, com técnica de forças balanceadas. Os instrumentos foram utilizados em uma sequência técnica pré-determinada em pré-molares superiores humanos, birradiculados, por cinco vezes. Para cada técnica utilizamos quatro jogos de instrumentos novos. Os instrumentos foram fotografados com o auxílio do microscópio eletrônico de varredura quando estavam sem uso, após uma vez de uso e após cinco vezes de uso. Para cada instrumento utilizado foi atribuído um escore de acordo com o grau de deformação apresentado. A correlação numérica para cada instrumento foi submetida a uma análise estatística (Teste de Kruskal-Wallis) para podermos determinar diferenças estatísticas significantes entre esses três grupos de instrumentos endodônticos. Os resultados obtidos foram tratados estatísticamente e permitiram concluir que não houve diferenças estatisticamente significantes entre os três grupos estudados para a situação de uma vez de uso. No entanto, para as situações sem uso e cinco vezes de uso os instrumentos do Grupo I (Endo-Eze) apresentaram melhores resultados quando comparados com os Grupos II e III (Pow-R e Manual). / Abstract: It was comparatively analysed 3 different instrumentation techniques upon Endo-Eze, Pow-R and manual K-file instrument deformation Upper bicuspid teeth were instrumented 5 times, and the instruments were photographed before, and after 1 and 5 times of use. For each instrument, it was stablished one specific score, that when submmited to Kruskal-Wallis test showed better results to Endo-Eze group, followed by Pow-R and Manual respectivelly. / Mestre

Resumo: O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o efeito da variação do pH da solução desmineralizante em modelo de ciclagem de pH na dureza de superfície, liberação de flúor e característica de superfície dos materiais restauradores: Ketac-Fil Plus, Vitremer, Fuji II LC, Freedom e Fluorofil. Foram confeccionados, para cada material, 34 corpos-de-prova que tiveram a dureza de superfície inicial (DSI) determinada após a confecção. A seguir, foram divididos em 5 grupos (n=30) de acordo com a variação de pH (4,3; 4,6; 5,0; 5,5 e 6,2) da solução desmineralizante e submetidos a períodos cíclicos em solução desmineralizante (Des-6 horas) e remineralizante (Re-18 horas) por 15 dias. Decorrido este período, verificou-se a dureza de superfície final (DSF) e a característica de superfície (n=24). As soluções armazenadas diariamente foram utilizadas para a determinação da concentração de flúor (Des+Re). As variáveis DSI, DSF e alteração de dureza de superfície (% ADS) foram submetidas à análise de variância e a liberação de flúor ao teste de Kruskal-Wallis (p<0,05). A variação do pH proporcionou relação direta quando se comparou a dureza e inversa para a liberação de flúor nos cimentos de ionômero de vidro. Para as resinas compostas modificadas por poliácidos foi verificada relação inversa para a liberação de flúor, não havendo correlação na dureza. A característica de superfície foi influenciada pela variação do pH, ficando mais evidente nos menores pHs, exceto para as resinas compostas modificadas por poliácidos. Baseados nos resultados, concluiu-se que a variação do pH da solução desmineralizante do modelo de ciclagem influenciou a liberação de flúor dos materiais testados. Essa variação alterou a dureza e a característica de superfície dos cimentos de ionômero de vidro, mas não das resinas compostas modificadas por poliácidos. / Abstract: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of pH of the demineralizing solution in a cycling model on surface hardness, fluoride release and surface aspects of restorative materials (Ketac-Fil Plus, Vitremer, Fuji II LC, Freedom and Fluorofil). Thirty-four specimens of each material were made and surface hardness was measured. Then, the specimens were randomized in five groups (n=30), according to pH (4.3; 4.6; 5.0; 5.5; and 6.2) of the demineralizing solution and submitted to a cycling model during 15 days. The specimens remained in the demineralizing solution for 6 hours and in the remineralizing solution for 18 hours. After that, surface hardness was measured again and surface aspects were observed (n=24). Fluoride concentration was determined daily in all solutions (De+Re). Data from SMH (before and after pH-cycling) and %SMHC were analyzed by analysis of variance (p<0.05); Kruskal-Wallis test was carried out for the results of fluoride release. For glass ionomer cements, the variation of pH led to a direct relationship when hardness was compared and to an inverse relationship with regards to fluoride release. For polyacid-modified resin composites, an inverse relationship was found regarding fluoride release; no correlation was observed with regards to hardness. Surface aspect was influenced by pH variation: an acidic pH led to a greater alteration, except for polyacid-modified resin composites. It was possible to conclude that pH of the demineralizing solution did influence fluoride release from the tested materials. The pH variation altered hardness and surface aspects of glass ionomer cements, but it did not influence polyacid-modified resin composites in those analysis. / Orientador: Denise Pedrini / Coorientador: Alberto Carlos Botazzo Delbem / Mestre

No description available.

Made available in DSpace on 2014-06-11T19:28:30Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2008-02-25Bitstream added on 2014-06-13T20:58:18Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 martinelli_prp_me_jabo.pdf: 3498110 bytes, checksum: 26c5aa48f388ce4f86f0f39aaecfd26a (MD5) / Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq) / Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) / Embora numerosas espécies de fitonematóides já tenham sido encontradas em pomares de citros em todo o mundo, poucas são consideradas pragaschave da cultura. No Brasil, apenas o nematóide dos citros (Tylenchulus semipenetrans Cobb) e o nematóide das lesões radiculares dos citros (Pratylenchus jaehni Inserra et al.) detêm esse status. Entre esses, T. semipenetrans é o mais distribuído, enquanto P. jaehni é o mais agressivo. Essa praga já foi encontrada em pomares de mais de 30 municípios paulistas, dois mineiros e três paranaenses. O objetivo deste estudo foi isolar, identificar, documentar ao microscópio fotônico e eletrônico de varredura e avaliar a eficácia de fungos nematófagos para o controle biológico dos nematóides dos citros (P. jaehni e T. semipenetrans). Foram analisadas 38 amostras coletadas em pomares de citros de municípios paulistas e goiano no Laboratório de Nematologia da UNESP/FCAV, Câmpus de Jaboticabal-SP. Dessas amostras, foram isolados Arthrobotrys robusta de 23,7% das amostras, A. musiformis de 18,4%, A. oligospora de 10,5% e A. conoides de 5,2%. Monacrosporium elegans, M. eudermatum, Dactyllela leptospora e Paecilomices lilacinus foram encontrados em 2,6% das amostras. Do total de 26 isolados dos fungos obtidos, 92,8% foram patogênicos a T. semipenetrans e 82,1% a P. jaehni. Um isolado de cada espécie desses fungos foi incluído na documentação das características mais marcantes ao microscópios fotônico e eletrônico de varredura. Em testes in vitro, foram selecionados isolados de cinco espécies de fungos nematófagos, sendo Monacrosporium eudermatum, Dactylella leptospora, Arthrobotrys musiformis, A. conoides e Paecilomyces lilacinus formulados para T. semipenetrans. Para P. jaehni, foram formulados Arthrobotrys robusta, A. oligospora, A. musiformis, Dactylella leptospora e Monacrosporium eudermatum... / Although many species of nematodes have already been found in orchards of citrus in the world, few are considered key pests of the culture. In Brazil, only the citrus nematode (Tylenchulus semipenetrans Cobb) and the lesion nematode of citrus (Pratylenchus jaehni Inserra et al.) have that status. Between these, T. semipenetrans is more distributed, but P. Jaehni is the most aggressive. This pest has been found in orchards of more than 30 counties in São Paulo State, two in Minas Gerais and three in Paraná State. The aim of this study was to isolate, identify, document and assess the effectiveness of nematophagous fungi for the biological control of the citrus nematode (P. jaehni and T. semipenetrans). Were analyzed 38 samples collected in the citrus orchards of Counties of Sâo Paulo State and one in Goiás, in Laboratório de Nematologia of UNESP/FCAV, Câmpus of Jaboticabal, SP. From these samples were isolated Arthrobotrys robusta, 23.7% of the samples, A. musiformis 18.4%, A. oligospora 10.5% in A. conoides 5.2%. Monacrosporium elegans, M. eudermatum, Dactyllela leptospora and Paecilomices lilacinus were found in 2.6% of samples. From a total of 26 isolates of the fungi obtained, 92.8% were pathogenic to T. semipenetrans and 82.1% to P. Jaehni. An isolate from each species of these fungi was included in the documentation of the most remarkable characteristics at the light microscope and scanning electron microscope. In tests in vitro were selected five isolates of nematophagous fungi being Monacrosporium eudermatum, Dactylella leptospora, Arthrobotrys musiformis, A. conoides and Paecilomyces lilacinus formulated for T. Semipenetrans. For, P. Jaehni were formulated Arthrobotrys robusta, A. oligospora, A. musiformis, Dactylella leptospora and Monacrosporium eudermatum. These fungi have been applied in doses of 1, 2, 4 and 6 liters of a formulation consisting of equal parts of mixing ...(Complete abstract, click electronic access below)