An empirically-based classification of lower Paleozoic carbonate-bearing rocks was created for field-based geotechnical applications. Geotechnical parameters were subsequently correlated to that classification. Seven hundred seventy-seven samples were used as the basis for the classification. Thirteen categories based on visual and tactile properties and a hydrochloric acid test were created. Samples were from central, north-central, and south-central Kentucky and represented the majority of Ordovician exposures in the state, and some Mississippian exposures. Few Silurian and Devonian units were included in the sample set. Geotechnical parameters, including density as well as elastic constants (shear and compression wave velocities, Poisson’s ratio, Young’s modulus, and shear modulus), were calculated for 113 representative samples from the classification. Compression strength testing was completed on 29 samples and the slake durability index was calculated for 18 samples. Testing values were correlated to the classification system in an attempt to use the classification as a predictive and comparative tool for geotechnical applications. Despite samples being heterogeneous and isotropic, each of the 13 categories behaved differently and predictably, with the sharpest contrast in siliciclastic and carbonate rocks.

Albatross populations are currently in decline around the world. Survival and reproduction of these large pelagic birds depends mostly on the conditions they encounter in their marine environment. Their ability to range far across ocean basins exposes them to a variety of anthropogenic threats. It is thus crucial to understand spatial and temporal patterns in the distribution and habitat use of each albatross species during different stages of their annual cycle in the context of seasonally changing demands as well as environmental constraints, in order to develop effective conservation measures. Using Global Location Sensing (GLS) loggers I investigated the non-breeding movements and habitat associations of three threatened or near-threatened albatross species breeding in New Zealand’s Chatham Islands, the Chatham Albatross (Thalassarche eremita), Northern Buller’s Albatross (T. bulleri platei) and Northern Royal Albatross (Diomedea epomophora sanfordi), within South American waters. Chatham and Northern Buller’s Albatrosses mainly occupied waters with mean sea surface temperatures (SST) of 17-18ºC along the coasts of Chile and Peru, while Northern Royal Albatrosses were mostly found in 10-12ºC waters off southern Chile and Argentina. Monthly movement patterns were linked to seasonal shifts in temperature range, suggesting SST was an important environmental factor in explaining the observed spatial and temporal patterns. GLS loggers were also applied to study the patterns of movement and habitat use of Chatham Albatrosses when migrating across the South Pacific between breeding and non-breeding grounds. The route and timing of migration were consistent over the three year period of the study, although subject to individual variation. Stopovers on migration were found to be common, lasting between 3 and 26 days. Activity patterns suggested that birds stopped in order to forage en route. Lastly, I used high resolution Global Positioning Sensing (GPS) loggers to address the fine-scale movements and habitat selection of foraging Chatham Albatrosses over three years during early chick rearing. This is a time when their behaviour is expected to respond to increased energetic demands as they are feeding young chicks. Foraging trips lasted between 1 and 6 days and the foraging range rarely exceeded 400 km. The location of potential foraging spots varied between years, but followed non-random patterns in bathymetry, slope, SST and Chlorophyll a. The results presented here suggest that albatrosses rely on predictable habitat features but are flexible to respond to fine scale changes within their marine environment. The dynamic nature of both birds and environment may prove challenging but has to be taken into account in conservation planning.

The development of an experimental synchrophasors network and application of synchrophasors for real-time transmission line parameter monitoring are presented in this thesis. In the laboratory setup, a power system is simulated in a RTDS real-time digital simulator, and the simulated voltages and currents are input to hardware phasor measurement units (PMUs) through the analog outputs of the simulator. Time synchronizing signals for the PMU devices are supplied from a common GPS clock. The real time data collected from PMUs are sent to a phasor data concentrator (PDC) through Ethernet using the TCP/IP protocol. A real-time transmission line parameter monitoring application program that uses the synchrophasor data provided by the PDC is implemented and validated. The experimental synchrophasor network developed in this thesis is expected to be used in research on synchrophasor applications as well as in graduate and undergraduate teaching.

Cricket has evolved from a traditional and conservative sport to a fast-paced, vigorous game. As a result of this the physical conditioning programmes of players have changed drastically with regular fitness tests that are now an integral part of these programmes. In spite of this, no studies have made an attempt to determine the exact relationship between the physical and motor ability parameters of batsmen and their performance. The purpose of this study was, therefore, firstly to determine which physical and motor ability parameters discriminate between successful and less successful provincial academy batsmen and secondly, to determine how much these parameters contribute to the batting performance of provincial academy batsmen. Twenty-two batsmen from the Gauteng and North-West cricket academies in South Africa were used in this study. Thirteen batsmen (20.15 +- 1.41 years) participated during the 2004 season whilst nine batsmen (21.11 +- 1.83 years) took part during the 2005 season. The players were subjected to 23 physical and motor ability tests, whilst 72 isokinetic measurements were also taken. The data was analysed by means of descriptive statistics, cluster analyses, forward stepwise discriminant analyses and finally forward stepwise multiple regression analyses. The discriminant analyses showed that right (RKEPT) and left knee extensor peak torque (LKEPT), right knee extensor average power (RKEAP), left knee extensor total work (LKETW) and left knee flexor peak torque (LKFPT) (all at 30°/sec), as well as LKEPT, RKEPT and L.KEAP (all at 24O°/sec ), left (LIRAP) and right shoulder internal rotator average power (RIRAP). right shoulder external/internal rotator peak torque ratio (REIRPTR) and right shoulder internal rotator peak torque (RIRPTJ (all at 24O°/sec) as well as left shoulder internal rotator total work (LIRTW) (60°/sec) discriminated non-significantly between the successfu1 (top 5 ranked batsmen of both seasons) and less successful academy batsmen. The physical and motor ability parameters which were identified as discriminators were left 505 agility, shuttle run aerobic endurance and IRM (repetition-maximum) hack squat strength (all significant) (p 5<= 0.05) whilst left grip strength and abdominal muscle strength discriminated non-significantly. The forward stepwise multiple regression analyses indicated that RKEPT 30' (16%). LKEPT 30' (7%), RKEAP 30' (7%), LKFPT 30' (7%), LKEAP 240" (6%), RKFPT 240" (5%). LKETW 30" (5%) and LKEPT240° (4%) were the isokinetic knee strength parameters which contributed non-significantly to batting performance. The isokinetic shoulder strength parameters which also contributed non-significantly to batting performance were: RIRPT240° (28%). LIRAP 240' (16%), REZRPTR 240' (8%). LIRTW 60° (5%) and RIRAP 240' (4%). Vertical jumping power (13%) (p 50.05), left 505 agility (9%) (p 50.05), abdominal muscle strength (5%) (p 50.05), aerobic capacity (10%). IRM bench press strength (7%), IRM hack squat strength as well as left shoulder internal rotation flexibility (4% each) were the physical and motor ability parameters which contributed to batting performance. The conclusion that can, therefore, be drawn is that physical and motor ability parameters contribute to the performance of provincial academy batsmen and that these components should be included in the physical conditioning programmes of batsmen / Thesis (M.Sc. (Human Movement Science))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2007.

BACKGROUND Chronic pain is a common condition in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), affecting their ability to participate in physical activity, a necessary and integral part of a child’s growth and maturation. Resistance training specifically displays a paucity of research in children with JIA, and could potentially be a beneficial form of exercise training for this population. The purpose of this study was to determine the safety, feasibility, and effects of a six week resistance training program on pain in children with JIA. METHODS Seven JIA patients (8-18 years) participated in a home-based, three days per week exercise training program. Pain was measured using an electronic pain diary (PinGo©) for Android tablets. Participants answered questions initially a week prior to training, once a day on non-exercise days and three times a day (before exercise, after exercise, and end of day) on exercise days for a total of seven weeks. Secondary outcome measures included muscle size, muscle strength, and functional ability, measured at baseline and following the 6 week exercise program. Statistical analyses included attaining the average number of exercise sessions completed, pain changes over the seven weeks (averaged over the initial week and then biweekly) via repeated measures ANOVA, dependent t tests between before and after exercise pain intensity and affect, and dependent t tests between secondary outcomes. RESULTS Seven participants completed an average of 13.0 ± 3.6 exercise sessions out of a possible 18. The repeated measures ANOVA revealed no significant differences between pain scores over the seven weeks within each individual (p>0.05). When all participants were pooled dependent t tests before and after exercise showed no differences in pain intensity or pain affect (p>0.05). Secondary measures revealed a significant difference between vastus lateralis thickness before compared to after training (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS The results of this study suggest that a 6 week home-based resistance training program was tolerable in children with JIA and did not cause a clinically significant increase in pain or any other adverse events. The uniqueness of this exercise program was that it was home-based, allowing children to undertake this emerging form of healthcare within their home environment. As well, the training program was able to significantly improve aspects of fitness in this population. Further research of resistance training in children with JIA is necessary to attain definitive results of its effects and optimal levels of resistance exercise in this population.

There exist various models for Microwave MESFET equivalent circuit representations. These models use different mathematical models to describe the same MESFET and give similar results. However, there are some differences in the results when compared to the experimental measurements. In this thesis, various theoretical models are applied to the same MESFET and comparison made with measured data. It is shown that some models worked better on some parameters of the MESFET, while the others were more effective on other parameters. Altogether eight models were examined and data optimized to fit these theoretical models. In using optimization algorithms MATLAB FMINSEARCH and GENETIC ALGORITHM CODE were used alternatively to solve the initial value problem.

[Truncated abstract.] An apparatus has been built, tested and characterised with greatly increased precision and accuracy to enable spin-polarised electron impact explorations of angular momentum effects in atoms. A combination of experimental, computational and interpretative studies has revealed new phenomena. In zinc the polarisation of the radiated photons from excited and ionised-with-excited atoms was measured in terms of integrated Stokes parameters (P1, P2 and P3) and related to electron exchange and spin-orbit interaction using normalised state multipoles.

Στην παρούσα διπλωματική εργασία μελετάται η λειτουργία φωτοβολταϊκών πλαισίων πολυκρυσταλλικού πυριτίου και συγκεκριμένα γίνεται εξαγωγή των dc παραμέτρων (ηλεκτρικά χαρακτηριστικά) του συγκεκριμένου τύπου φωτοβολταϊκού πλαισίου υπό φωτισμό σε πραγματικές συνθήκες λειτουργίας. Αρχικά παρατίθεται η θεωρία για τα ηλιακά κύτταρα που είναι η βασική δομική μονάδα του φωτοβολταϊκού πλαισίου. Για να μπορεί να γίνει εύκολα αντιληπτό σε όλους το φωτοβολταϊκό φαινόμενο, δίδεται μια διεξοδική περιγραφή της λειτουργίας της p-n επαφής. Παράλληλα, μελετώνται κάποια προβλήματα που μπορεί να προκύψουν στις φωτοβολταϊκές εγκαταστάσεις και οι πιθανοί τρόποι σύνδεσης μιας οικιακής εγκατάστασης. Στην συνέχεια ακολουθεί το πειραματικό μέρος. Σε αυτό παρουσιάζεται μια σειρά μετρήσεων που διεξήχθησαν κατά την διάρκεια του ακαδημαικού έτους 2008-2009 και η χάραξη γραφικών παραστάσεων μέσω των οποίων καταδεικνύεται πόσο επηρεάζεται η λειτουργία των φωτοβολταϊκών πλαισίων από κάποιους περιβαλλοντικούς παράγοντες σε διαφορετικές εποχές. Τα συμπεράσματα που προέκυψαν από την πειραματική διαδικασία παρέχουν γνώση για την μελέτη μιας πραγματικής εγκατάστασης στην περιοχή της Πάτρας. Το πιο σημαντικό αποτέλεσμα είναι η ετήσια συνολική αποδιδόμενη ενέργεια από το πλαίσιο πολυκρυσταλλικού πυριτίου των 80W σε κλίση 38 μοίρες στην περιοχή της Πάτρας που είναι 98 KWh/έτος. Στη μελέτη αυτή περιλαμβάνεται και μια πρόταση εγκατάστασης φωτοβολταϊκών στην ταράτσα της φοιτητικής εστίας του Πανεπιστημίου Πατρών. Λαμβάνοντας υπόψιν μας τις ενεργειακές ανάγκες της φοιτητικής εστίας, έγινε προσπάθεια να βρεθεί μια λύση τοποθέτησης των φωτοβολταϊκών πλαισίων, έτσι ώστε το σύστημά μας να είναι λειτουργικό καλύπτωντας όσο το δυνατό τις ανάγκες για ηλεκτρική ενέργεια. Θεωρείται όμως αναγκαίο να αναφερθεί οτι οι πειραματικές μετρήσεις στις οποίες στηρίζεται η μελέτη αυτή συνιστούν ένα μέρος μόνο των μετρήσεων οι οποίες απαιτούνται για την πλήρη ανάπτυξη και διερεύνηση του θέματος που πραγματεύεται η παρούσα Διπλωματική εργασία. / The present thesis studies the operation of polycrystalline silicon solar modules and concretely the export of dc parameters (electric characteristics) of the particular type of solar module under real conditions of operation. Initially, the thesis mentions the theory of the solar cells that are the basic structural unit of solar modules. In order the photovoltaic phenomenon, to be easier understood to all people, an extensive description of operation of p-n junctions is given. At the same time, certain problems which come out in photovoltaic installations are studied and the likely ways of connection of domestic installation. Then, the experimental part follows. At this part, a group of measurements are presented which were made at the duration of academic year 2008-2009 and the mapping out of graphic representations, which shows the influence of the operation of solar modules from certain environmental factors per season. The results that came out from the experimental process constitute knowledge for the study of a real installation at the region of Patras-Greece. The most important result is the annual total energy yield from polycrystalline silicon solar module of 80W αt tilt angle 38 degrees at Patras being 98 KWh/year. It is included in this study an indicative photovoltaic installation at the flat-roof of students‟ housing of University of Patras. Knowing the energy needs of students‟ housing, we try to find a solution of placement of solar modules, so our system to be functional as long as possible for the needs for electric energy. It is however necessary to mention that the experimental measurements on which this study is built constitute a part only of the measurements required for the full development and investigation of the issue addressed by this thesis.

Στην εργασία αυτή περιγράφεται η ολοκληρωμένη ανάπτυξη και υλοποίηση συστήματος συλλογής και ελέγχου ποιότητας μετεωρολογικών δεδομένων που έχει τεθεί σε πλήρη λειτουργία από το καλοκαίρι του 2011 στο εργαστήριο Φυσικής της Ατμόσφαιρας του τμήματος Φυσικής του Πανεπιστημίου Πατρών. Στο πρώτο κεφάλαιο περιγράφονται οι βασικές έννοιες των μετρούμενων φυσικών παραμέτρων. Οι μετρούμενες φυσικές παράμετροι είναι η θερμοκρασία, η σχετική υγρασία, η ταχύτητα ανέμου, η διεύθυνση ανέμου, η ατμοσφαιρική πίεση, το ύψος υετού, η ολική και η διάχυτη ηλιακή ακτινοβολία. Στο δεύτερο κεφάλαιο περιγράφονται τα γενικά στοιχεία του σταθμού (θέση) καθώς και οι βασικές αρχές λειτουργίας των οργάνων. Τα όργανα που χρησιμοποιούνται είναι το θερμοϋγρόμετρο, ο ανεμοδείκτης, το ανεμόμετρο, το βροχόμετρο, το βαρόμετρο και τα πυρανόμετρα. Στο τρίτο κεφάλαιο περιγράφεται ολοκληρωμένο το σύστημα συλλογής και μετρήσεων καθώς και τα χαρακτηριστικά των οργάνων και των συσκευών που έχουν εγκατασταθεί. Στο σύστημα συμπεριλαμβάνονται εκτός των οργάνων τα συστήματα συλλογής και καταγραφής (data loggers) καθώς και το σύστημα μεταφοράς (modem και καλωδιώσεις). Στο τέταρτο κεφάλαιο αναφέρεται ο προγραμματισμός των δύο τμημάτων του σταθμού. Στο πέμπτο κεφάλαιο περιγράφονται η διαχείριση μετεωρολογικών δεδομένων, ο έλεγχος ποιότητας και η ανάλυση των δεδομένων. / This paper describes the development and implementation of an integrated system of collection and quality control of meteorological data that has been fully operational since the summer of 2011 at the laboratory of Atmospheric Physics, Physics Department, University of Patras. The first chapter describes the basic concepts of the measured meteorological parameters. These are temperature, relative humidity, wind speed and direction, atmospheric pressure, amount of precipitation, total and diffuse radiation. The second chapter describes the general elements of the station (position) and the basic operating principles of the instruments used (humidity temperature probe, potentiometer windvane, anemometer, rain gauge, barometer and the pyranometer). The third chapter describes the integrated system for data collection and the characteristics of the instruments and devices that are installed. The system includes instruments for the data collection and recording (data loggers) and transfer (modem and wiring). The fourth chapter deals with the planning of the two parts of the station. The fifth chapter describes the meteorological data management, quality control and analysis.

Orientador: João Antonio da Costa Andrade / Banca: Mário Luiz Teixeira de Moraes / Banca: Orivaldo Arf / Banca: José Branco de Miranda Filho / Banca: Pedro Mário de Araújo / Resumo: O milho é uma planta cultivada no mundo todo e de importância econômica mundial. Em função de sua importância, amplos programas de melhoramento são realizados nesta cultura. Das várias técnicas utilizadas, a seleção recorrente recíproca tem sido importante na melhoria do cruzamento entre duas populações e, consequentemente, na obtenção de melhores híbridos entre linhagens extraídas das mesmas. No entanto o sucesso da seleção recorrente recíproca depende da existência de variabilidade genética interpopulacional e heteroze. O objetivo deste trabalho foi verificar a existência de variabilidade genética nas populações de milho de porte baixo Isanão-VF1 e Isanão-VD1, em condições de espaçamento reduzido e alta densidade de plantas, visando o início de um programa de seleção recorrente recíproca. Foram estimados parâmetros genéticos para oito caracteres, avaliando-se 80 progênies de meios irmãos interpopulacionais Isanão-VF1 e 72 Isanão-VD1, semeadas na Fazenda de Ensino, Pesquisa e Extensão da Faculdade de Engenharia, Campus de Ilha Solteira (UNESP), em Selvíria/MS. Foi encontrada variabilidade genética interpopulacional, expressa através dos caracteres florescimento feminino (FF), altura de plantas (AP), altura de espigas (AE) e rendimento de grãos (RG), com herdabilidades (em nível de médias de progênies) de 68,8%, 76,9%, 75,0% e 54,78%, respectivamente. Os índices de variação (coeficiente de variação genético/coeficiente de variação experimental) foram de 0,9; 1,1; 1,0 e 0,6, respectivamente para FF, AP, AE e RG. Espera-se um ganho de 10,76%/ciclo de seleção no RG do híbrido interpopulacional, 19 qualificando as populações Isanão-VF1 e Isanão-VD1 para serem submetidas a um programa de seleção recorrente recíproca. Com uma heterose de 38,2% do híbrido interpopulacional sobre as populações... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: Maize is a cultivated crop around the globe, and of worldwide economic importance. Due to its importance, wide genetic breeding programs are constantly applied upon it. Among the techniques employed, reciprocal recurrent selection has been important in improving the cross between two populations and in obtaining superior hybrids of inbred lines originated from them. However, the success of reciprocal recurrent selection is dependent of interpopulation genetic variability. The objective of this research was to verify the presence of genetic variability in brachytic populations Isanão-VF1 and Isanão-VD1 maize, cultivated in reduced row spacing and high plant density, aiming at beginning a reciprocal recurrent selection breeding program. Were Genetic parameters estimated for eight traits, evaluated in 80 interpopulation half-sib progenies of Isanão-VF1 and 72 of Isanão-VD1, at the UNESP Research Farm, located in Selvíria, state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. Interpopulational genetic variability was expressed in the traits silk emergence (FF), plant height (AP), ear height (AE) and grain yield (RG). The coefficients of heritability progeny mean basic were 68.8%, 76.9%, 75.0% and 54.8%, respectively. Estimates of the index of variation (genetic variation coefficient/experimental variation coefficient) were 0.9, 1.1, 1.0 and 0.6, for SE, PH, EH and GY, respectively. A gain of 10.76%/cycle on GY is expected on the interpopulation hybrid, indicating Isanão-VF1 and Isanão-VD1 populations as base for a reciprocal recurrent selection progr am. The heterosis of 38.2% of the interpopulation hybrid over the parental populations qualify the latter as a sources of inbred lines, to be used us hybrid crosses more adapted the condition of high plant density and reduced row spacing. / Doutor