Current city growth patterns are largely influenced by the practices and theories of the past, particularly functionalist theory. New intentions and proposals are constantly confronted with this legacy of the past, constituting a challenge for positive change, often tipping the balance for standard solutions. Urban wastelands are the result of both, zoning, and town planning requirements, which in the particular case of South Africa have also been used as barriers. These spaces are undefined, often derelict and/or inaccessible; they pose a major issue and a source of conflict among the communities. Current city planning has been unable to deal with these spaces in an effective manner, which in turns include the structures, often stand-alone ones that struggle to find a use or larger meaning for the greater context. It is necessary therefore, to re-envision the role these spaces can play in creating continuity of the urban fabric, generating a meaningful place that includes the immediate community as a viable solution for re-integration. This thesis explores a strategy for addressing these issues at the urban scale, and an architectural strategy for integrating derelict building in the specific scale. / Mini Dissertation (MArch (Prof))--University of Pretoria, 2020. / Architecture / MArch (Prof) / Unrestricted

Die in vitro Differenzierung von Knorpelgewebe unter Verwendung von mesenchymalen Stromazellen aus dem Knochenmark (BMSCs) als Zellquelle und Transforming growth factor ß (TGF-ß1) als Wachstumsfaktor ist bereits etabliert. In weiteren Studien haben sich neue möglich Differenzierungsfaktoren wie Kartogenin und Peptidsequenzen wie KLER und WYRGRL gezeigt. Ziel dieser Arbeit war es, den Effekt dieser drei Substanzen auf die chondrogene Differenzierung von mesenchymalen Stromazellen in einer Pelletkultur in Anwesenheit von TGF-β zu evaluieren. Die Analyse erfolgte (immun)histologisch und biochemisch durch Bestimmung der knorpelspezifischen EZM-Moleküle wie Kollagen II und Glykosaminoglykane bzw. des GAG- und Gesamtkollagengehaltes. Insgesamt konnte nach dreiwöchiger Kultur für keinen der drei zugegebenen Faktoren ein eindeutig positiver Effekt auf die chondrogene Differenzierung von BMSCs nachgewiesen werden. Unter konstanter KGN- Zugabe zeigte sich eine intensivere Kollagen II-Färbung, sowie ein signifikant höherer Kollagen- und GAG-Gehalt an Tag 10, jedoch auch eine intensivere Kollagen X Färbung. Diesbezüglich sollten noch weitere Untersuchungen, insbesondere auf mögliche unerwünschte hypertrophe Effekte durchgeführt werden. / Chondrogenic differentiation of bone marrow derived mesenchymal stroma cells (BMSCs) with transforming growth factor-ß (TGF-ß) is already established. Further studies have shown new possible differentiation factors such as Kartogenin or the peptids KLER and WYRGRL. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of these three factors on the chondrogenic differentiation potential of BMSCs in pellet culture system with the addition of TGF-ß. Cartilage specific matrix components such as collagen II and glycosaminoglycans (GAG) were detected with immuno histological and biochemical analysis. After three weeks, there was no clear positive effect. Only the continuous addition of Kartogenin led to a more intensive collagen II stain and a significantly higher collagen and GAG content after 10 days, however the collagen X stain was more intensiv aswell. Further scientific studies are required to validate these observations, specifically the possible adverse effect of chondrogenic hypertrophy.

Yes / Aim: To assess the ability of critical flicker frequency (CFF) and optimal reading speed (ORS) to predict the potential vision in patients with cataract with and without ocular comorbidity. Methods: The two novel tests were compared with two well established potential vision tests (PVTs), the potential acuity meter (PAM) and the laser interferometer (LI). Measurements were made preoperatively in 1 eye of 88 subjects using the battery of 4 PVTs. Postoperative measurements were made with the CFF and the ORS. The subjects studied were consecutive cases over a 12-month period who fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria, and agreed to participate in this study. Results: CFF was the PVT most resistant to the presence of cataract. Both CFF and ORS give a similar predictive precision in the presence of cataract and ocular comorbidity, although CFF seems more precise when the cataract is dense. Conclusions: The PAM and the LI showed a limited clinical capability in predicting postoperative visual acuity, particularly with dense opacities. The CFF shows the most promise as a PVT, particularly with dense cataract. Further evaluation is required for both CFF and ORS. / Federation of Ophthalmic and Dispensing Opticians

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There is an abundance of reports and articles on the extent of future bioenergy usage. Decision-makers might turn to bioenergy projections in hopes of making informed decisions for policies or investments. This report aims to highlight irregularities and differences regarding calculations and results in 15 global bioenergy projection studies for the year 2050, and to find underlying connections by applying a metaanalysis with a methodological focus. Statistical distributions were made for the projected global bioenergy potentials. A growth rate study based on the projected global bioenergy potentials was made and used as a simple “reality check”. Regarding Sweden and the EU, it was investigated whether decisions has been made based on estimated bioenergy potentials. The final aim was to make recommendations for bioenergy decision-makers and policy-makers. There are many statistical distributions fitting the projections for 2050. The distribution functions showed that with a 95 % confidence level, the bioenergy projections in 2050 is 151.3 EJ. The interquartile range of all studies included in this report for primary bioenergy in the year 2050 was shown to be 120-400 EJ, with minimum value of 30 EJ and maximum of 1600 EJ. A mere third of the projection values were in the vicinity of a linear or exponential trendline based on historical values. The historical annual average growth rate for bioenergy from 1971 to 2011 was found to be 1.9 percent. A higher growth rate is required to achieve the larger quantities that are projected in most studies, the most extreme rate was 7.6 percent, which is far above the average. The EU has adopted a biomass action plan partly based on bioenergy projections by the European Energy Agency in 2006. National and international energy projection reports influence Swedish politics, albeit not directly in propositions. The difference between individual reports and articles projected bioenergy level in 2050 is significant. It is recommended to read more than one. Most forecasting models and estimates will likely perform poorly numerically, so it is recommended to look for underlying factors, connected longterm trends, or behavioral consequences.

The present work is a continuation of the ideas developed in previous projects during my Masters studies that explored the relation between pattern, form and space. Starting from the pattern multiplication for space construction the present project proposes textiles as an assortment of flexible expressions. The purpose of the project is to explore aesthetic and functional potential of textiles for out door temporary structures. This is to create a pattern interface which filters sunlight through a textile surface to offer instant sheltering solutions for out door activities. The project combines research and analyses of outdoor temporary structures and scope of textile in the area. The research is interpreted into a concept of a portable space for relaxation. The design process shapes this concept of relaxation into a sun shelter.