No description available.

No description available.

"Heat treating is the controlled heating and cooling of a material to achieve certain mechanical properties, such as hardness, strength and the reduction of residual stresses. Many heat treating processes require the precise control of temperature over the heating cycle. Typically, the energy used for process heating accounts for 2% to 15% of the total production cost. The objective of this work is to develop a comprehensive furnace model by improving the current Computerized Heat Treatment Planning System (CHT) based furnace model to accurately simulate the thermal profile of load inside the furnace. The research methodology was based on both experimental work and theoretical developments including modeling different types of heat treat furnaces. More than 50 experimental validations through case studies using the current CHT model were conducted in 11 manufacturing locations to identify the specific problems in the current model. An enhanced furnace model based on Knowledge Data Discovery (KDD) technique and neural network is developed and validated. The new model takes into account the real time furnace parameters determined from the experimental data and accounts for furnace deterioration and some of the complex gradients and heating patterns that exist inside the furnace that is difficult to model. "

Une nouvelle modalité de radiothérapie, la micro-curiethérapie, est en cours de développement. Cette thérapie cible des tumeurs solides inopérables en effectuant des injections de liquide contenant des microsphères radioactives en suspension. Plusieurs injections sont nécessaires pour suffisamment irradier la zone tumorale et donc, afin d'optimiser le positionnement de ces injections, une méthode de planification de traitement nécessaire a été développée et validée au cours de cette thèse. Tout au long de ce travail, trois thèmes principaux seront discutés : • Comment réaliser la dosimétrie particulière de cette micro-curiethérapie ? • Comment effectuer la planification de traitement pour cette modalité ? • Comment optimiser le plan de traitement afin qu'il soit le plus efficace possible ? La dosimétrie en micro-curiethérapie a été réalisée en calculant la distribution de dose absorbée pour une injection. Cette distribution a été convoluée à la position des autres injections dans la tumeur pour calculer la distribution de dose absorbée dans le patient. Pour effectuer la dosimétrie spécifique dans la tumeur et les organes à risque, les histogrammes dose-volume (HDV) ont été extraits et analysés. Une fois la méthode de dosimétrie établie, nous avons développé une méthodologie de planification de traitement pour développer et optimiser le plan pour chaque patient. Pour cela, nous avons testé et comparé trois algorithmes : la méthode de Nelder-Mead, l'algorithme des abeilles et l'algorithme "Non-Dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm II" (NSGA II). Nous avons montré que, grâce à l'optimisation multiobjectif, le NSGA II donne plus de liberté à l'utilisateur ; c'est pourquoi il a été utilisé par la suite. Enfin, nous avons effectué une comparaison entre les paramètres d'injection. Nous avons mis en évidence qu'entre les radio-isotopes 90Y, 166Ho, 131I and 177Lu, les injections de 90Y sont optimales. Nous avons testé des injections de 5, 10 et 20 µL et des activités initiales de 5, 10 et 20 MBq. Nous avons trouvé que des injections de 20 µL avec 20 MBq sont optimales car celles-ci permettent de minimiser le nombre d'injections requis. Cette nouvelle technologie associée aux développements réalisés dans ses travaux démontre la faisabilité, qui a pu être validée sur animal, de pouvoir injecter un liquide contenant des microsphères radioactives en suspension afin de pouvoir traiter efficacement, tout en préservant les tissus sains environnants, des tumeurs inopérables encore de mauvais pronostic aujourd'hui, mais surement mieux prises en charge dans un proche avenir. / An innovative form of radiotherapy, microbrachytherapy, is under development. This therapy targets solid, inoperable tumours by performing injections of liquid containing radioactive microspheres in suspension. Many injections are required to sufficiently cover the tumoural volume, and so to be able to deliver the position of these injections, a method of treatment planning has been developed and validated throughout this research. Throughout this work, three main questions are addressed: • How to perform the dosimetry for microbrachytherapy? • How to perform treatment planning for this modality? • What are the optimal injection properties to deliver the most efficient treatment? Microbrachytherapy dosimetry was performed by calculating the absorbed dose distribution for an injection. This distribution was then convolved at each injection position within the tumour to calculate the patient's absorbed dose distribution. Dosimetry of the tumour and the organs at risk was performed by extracting and analysing dose-volume histograms (DVHs). Once a method of dosimetry was put in place, optimisation algorithms were developed to generate patient-specific treatment plans. For this, three algorithms were tested and compared: Nelder-Mead Simplex, the Bees algorithm and the non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm II. It was found that, thanks to its MO optimisation, the non-dominated sorting algorithm II was the most flexible, and was used preferentially. Lastly, a comparison of injection parameters was performed. It was found that between 90Y, 166Ho, 131I and 177Lu, optimal injections consisted of microspheres of 90Y. Injection volumes of 5, 10 and 20 µL and initial activities of 5, 10 and 20 MBq were tested. It was found that 20 µL injections with 20 MBq were optimal because they minimise the number of injections required. This new technology combined with developments shown in this work demonstrate the feasibility - that was validated on animals - the ability to inject liquid containing radioactive microspheres in suspension to efficiently treat inoperable tumours whilst protecting surrounding healthy tissue. Such tumours, despite still having a poor prognosis, will surely have better support in the near future.

O presente trabalho apresenta o Reator Aeróbio-Anóxico de Leito Fixo (RAALF), constituído de duas câmaras sobrepostas, como uma alternativa ao pós-tratamento de efluentes de reatores anaeróbios com vistas à remoção de matéria orgânica carbonácea e nitrogênio. Como material suporte, foram utilizados cubos de espuma de poliuretano com aresta de 5 mm. Foram realizados ensaios de caracterização hidrodinâmica no RAALF para obtenção do padrão de escoamento. Também foi verificada a viabilidade da utilização de biogás como doador de elétrons para a desnitrificação. Avaliou-se a influência da variação do tempo de detenção hidráulica e da diferente composição e concentração biogás do nos processos. O RAALF foi operado a uma temperatura de 30±2°C. Os resultados obtidos a partir dos estudos hidrodinâmicos indicaram que o escoamento do reator tende a pistonado. A nova configuração de reator permitiu a ocorrência dos processos de interesse, seja remoção de matéria orgânica carbonácea (com eficiências de até 98%), seja remoção de nitrogênio via nitrificação-desnitrificação (com eficiências acima de 90%). A utilização de biogás na desnitrificação mostrou-se viável e a taxa de desnitrificação foi maior na sub-condição 2.2 (média de 178±43 g-N/\'M POT.3\'.dia), etapa na qual o doador sulfeto de hidrogênio foi fornecido em alta concentração (50 g\'M POT.3\'). Foi possível detectar intermediário (metanol) a partir da oxidação parcial do metano, ainda que de forma inconstante. Resultados de atividade desnitrificante e número mais provável evidenciaram a coexistência da desnítrificação autotrófica e heterotrófica na câmara anóxica. O reator mostrou capacidade adicional como um sistema de tratamento de gases, atingindo eficiência de remoção de 100% para o \'H IND.2\'S\' e acima de 60% para o \'CH IND.4\'. De maneira geral, os resultados demonstram o potencial do RAALF como alternativa para pós-tratamento de esgoto sanitário de efluentes de reatores anaeróbios. / This work presents the Aerobic-Anoxic Fix Bed Reactor (AAFBR), with superimposed chambers, as an alternative concerning the post-treatment of anaerobic reactors efiluents aiming the removal of carbonaceous organic matter and nitrogen. Polyurethane foam cubic matrices (5 mm) were used packing material. Hydrodynamic essays were carried out in order to obtain the flow pattern and to verify the influence of air bubbles on the behavior of liquid flow. The hydrogen sulfide and methane (synthetic biogas) were evaluated as electron donors to denitrification. The influence ofboth hydraulic retention time (down-flow velocity) and the concentration of gases from the synthetic mixture were evaluated. The main performance parameters were evaluated by the hand of physico-chemical analysis, besides the observation of the microorganisms involved in the processes. AAFBR was operated under a temperature of 30±2°C. The innovative reactor configuration enabled the occurrence of the processes aimed, such as carbonaceous organic matter removal (efficiencies higher than 90%), or nitrogen via nitrification-denitrification (efficiencies higher than 90%). Denitrification rates (178±43 g-N/\'M POT.3\'.dia) were higher during the condition 2.2, in which high concentrations of hydrogen sulfide (50 g\'M POT.3\') were applied into the reactor. Methanol was the only intermediate detected from the partial oxidation of methane. Results obtained from the denitrifying activity and most probable number indicated the coexistence of both autotrophic and heterotrophic denitrification in the anoxic chamber. AAFBR showed additional ability as gas removal system, achieving global removal efficiencies of 100% for \'H IND.2\'S\' and above 60% for \'CH IND.4\'. Overall, the results showed that AAFBR has potential to be used as an alternative for the tertiary treatment of wastewater.

O presente trabalho apresenta o Reator Aeróbio-Anóxico de Leito Fixo (RAALF), constituído de duas câmaras sobrepostas, como uma alternativa ao pós-tratamento de efluentes de reatores anaeróbios com vistas à remoção de matéria orgânica carbonácea e nitrogênio. Como material suporte, foram utilizados cubos de espuma de poliuretano com aresta de 5 mm. Foram realizados ensaios de caracterização hidrodinâmica no RAALF para obtenção do padrão de escoamento. Também foi verificada a viabilidade da utilização de biogás como doador de elétrons para a desnitrificação. Avaliou-se a influência da variação do tempo de detenção hidráulica e da diferente composição e concentração biogás do nos processos. O RAALF foi operado a uma temperatura de 30±2°C. Os resultados obtidos a partir dos estudos hidrodinâmicos indicaram que o escoamento do reator tende a pistonado. A nova configuração de reator permitiu a ocorrência dos processos de interesse, seja remoção de matéria orgânica carbonácea (com eficiências de até 98%), seja remoção de nitrogênio via nitrificação-desnitrificação (com eficiências acima de 90%). A utilização de biogás na desnitrificação mostrou-se viável e a taxa de desnitrificação foi maior na sub-condição 2.2 (média de 178±43 g-N/\'M POT.3\'.dia), etapa na qual o doador sulfeto de hidrogênio foi fornecido em alta concentração (50 g\'M POT.3\'). Foi possível detectar intermediário (metanol) a partir da oxidação parcial do metano, ainda que de forma inconstante. Resultados de atividade desnitrificante e número mais provável evidenciaram a coexistência da desnítrificação autotrófica e heterotrófica na câmara anóxica. O reator mostrou capacidade adicional como um sistema de tratamento de gases, atingindo eficiência de remoção de 100% para o \'H IND.2\'S\' e acima de 60% para o \'CH IND.4\'. De maneira geral, os resultados demonstram o potencial do RAALF como alternativa para pós-tratamento de esgoto sanitário de efluentes de reatores anaeróbios. / This work presents the Aerobic-Anoxic Fix Bed Reactor (AAFBR), with superimposed chambers, as an alternative concerning the post-treatment of anaerobic reactors efiluents aiming the removal of carbonaceous organic matter and nitrogen. Polyurethane foam cubic matrices (5 mm) were used packing material. Hydrodynamic essays were carried out in order to obtain the flow pattern and to verify the influence of air bubbles on the behavior of liquid flow. The hydrogen sulfide and methane (synthetic biogas) were evaluated as electron donors to denitrification. The influence ofboth hydraulic retention time (down-flow velocity) and the concentration of gases from the synthetic mixture were evaluated. The main performance parameters were evaluated by the hand of physico-chemical analysis, besides the observation of the microorganisms involved in the processes. AAFBR was operated under a temperature of 30±2°C. The innovative reactor configuration enabled the occurrence of the processes aimed, such as carbonaceous organic matter removal (efficiencies higher than 90%), or nitrogen via nitrification-denitrification (efficiencies higher than 90%). Denitrification rates (178±43 g-N/\'M POT.3\'.dia) were higher during the condition 2.2, in which high concentrations of hydrogen sulfide (50 g\'M POT.3\') were applied into the reactor. Methanol was the only intermediate detected from the partial oxidation of methane. Results obtained from the denitrifying activity and most probable number indicated the coexistence of both autotrophic and heterotrophic denitrification in the anoxic chamber. AAFBR showed additional ability as gas removal system, achieving global removal efficiencies of 100% for \'H IND.2\'S\' and above 60% for \'CH IND.4\'. Overall, the results showed that AAFBR has potential to be used as an alternative for the tertiary treatment of wastewater.

M.Tech. / OBJECTIVE: An association between cervicogenic headache, cervical joint dysfunction and the presence of myofascial trigger points in the sternocleidomastoid muscle exists. This study is aimed at determining the most effective Chiropractic treatment protocol in the management of cervicogenic headache by comparing the objective and subjective measurements gained in delivering Chiropractic spinal manipulative therapy to the upper cervical spine, myofascial dry needling therapy to myofascial trigger points in the sternocleidomastoid muscle and/or a combination of both therapies. DESIGN: Forty-eight participants suffering from cervicogenic headache were allocated into one of three groups of equal male to female ratio. Each patient was examined and cleared for participation in a clinical trial in which Diversified Chiropractic techniques and/or myofascial dry needling therapy were delivered. Group 1 received Chiropractic spinal manipulative therapy to the upper cervical spine. Group 2 received myofascial dry needling therapy to myofascial trigger points in the sternocleidomastoid muscle. Group 3 received a combination of the mentioned therapies. DURATION AND MEASUREMENTS: Participants were consulted seven times in a four week period. They were treated twice per week for three weeks and a final, follow-up assessment was performed at the start of the fourth week. Subjective and objective measurements were taken and recorded on the first, fourth and seventh consultations. Subjective measurements were taken via the Vernon-Mior Neck Pain and Disability Questionnaire, Triple Visual Analogue Scale and the Headache Disability Index. Objective measurements included cervical spine ranges of motion which were measured using the Cervical Range of Motion Instrument (CROM). The data was statistically analysed using the Shapiro-Wilk, Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney, Friedman and Wilcoxon Signed Ranks tests. RESULTS: Clinically and statistically significant improvements in all three groups were noted over the course of the study, with regards to perception of pain, disability and cervical spine range of motion. Statistically significant changes in ranges of motion were demonstrated in Group 1 for flexion, extension, lateral flexion (right and left) and right rotation; in Group 2 for right lateral flexion and left rotation and in Group 3 for all cervical ranges of motion. The comparison between the groups (intergroup analysis) showed no statistically significant changes except for right lateral flexion at the first consultation (pre-treatment). CONCLUSION: The results show that Chiropractic spinal manipulative therapy and dry needling are both effective treatment protocols in decreasing pain and dysfunction and increasing cervical range of motion in patients suffering from cervicogenic headache. This was demonstrated clinically, and to a lesser degree, statistically. The results carry a possible suggestion that although the different treatment options are effective individually, no treatment option proves to be statistically superior.

No description available.

No description available.

Thesis (MSc)--Stellenbosch University, 2015. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Successful antiretroviral therapy (ART) depends on appropriate use of antiretroviral agents; which ultimately prevents replication of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) thus delaying clinical progression of the disease. This study explored how HIV status disclosure affects adherence to antiretroviral therapy at Mamelodi Hospital, using a convenience sampling method with a sample size of 50 adults above 18 years who were on treatment for a minimum of two years prior to the study. An interview protocol was used to uncover patients’ demographics, sexual orientation, and HIV status disclosure, adherence to antiretroviral drugs, drug side effects, how often they missed their doses and how HIV status disclosure / non-disclosure affected their adherence to treatment. Patients’ medical records were assessed to validate and correlate the information obtained from the interviews. The scientific test results used were the CD4count and Viral loads which are used to monitor the HIV/AIDS disease progression. All partakers involved in the study made their HIV status known and reported taking their medicines regularly. The patients’ CD4 count and VL were verified, the CD4 count has shown an upward trend while the VL load showed a downward trend in keeping with patients who are adhering to ART. The majority of participants (54% or 27 patients) reported they had never skipped taking their medication. The participants also reported they had taken their medicine in front of other people and they constituted 74% (37) of the group. Of this 74%, 78.38% (29 patients) said it was because they had disclosed their status. This observation supports the fact that if you have disclosed your HIV status, you have better chances of adhering to prescribed medication. Findings from the study at Mamelodi Hospital revealed that for as long as one has disclosed their HIV status, the outcome of treatment adherence will be better. The only shortfall noted was lack of partakers who did not divulge their HIV status thus a comparison could not be done. It was acknowledged that some participants in the study might have reported disclosure of their HIV status to be in good favour of the researcher to create an impression that they are adhering to their medication. The study has confirmed the existence of a relationship between HIV status disclosure and adherence to ART. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Suksessvolle antiretrovirale terapie (ART) hang af van die toepaslike gebruik van antiretrovirale middels, wat replikase van die MI-virus verhoed, en dus die kliniese vordering van die siekte vertraag. Hierdie studie het ondersoek hoe die bekendmaking van MIV-status die gehoorsaamheid tot ART beïnvloed het by die Mamelodi Hospitaal. ‘n Gerieflikheid-streekproef met ‘n groote van 50 volwassenes bo 18 jaar is gebruik en die deelnememers moes ten minste vir twee jaar voor die studie reeds op behandeling gewees het. Data is deur middel van onderhoude ingesamel, met die doel om pasiënte se demografiese inligting, seksuele orientasie, MIV-status, gehoorsaamheid tot ART en newe-effekte van ART in te samel. Pasiënte se mediese rekords is nagegaan om die inligting wat uit die onderhoude verkry is te bevestig. Die wetenskaplike toetse wat gebruik is, was die CD4-telling en virale lading wat gebruik word om MIV/Vigs te monitor. Al die deelnemers het hul MIV-status bekend gemaak en aangedui dat hul hul medikasie gereeld gebruik. Die pasiënte se CD4-tellings en virale lading is bevestig, die CD4-tellings het ‘n opwaartse neiging getoon terwyl die virale lading ‘n afwaartse neighing getoon het. Die meerderheid van die deelnemers (54%) het aangedui dat hul nog nooit hul medikasie oorgeslaan het nie. 74% van die deelnemers het aagedui dat hul hul medikasie voor ander mense neem - hul noem dat dit as gevolg van die feit is dat hul hul status bekend gemaak het. Dit ondersteun die feit dat mense wie hul status bekend maak beter kanse het om gehoorsaam hul medikasie te gebruik. Die studie by die Mamelodi Hospitaal toon dat solank mense hul MIV-status bekend maak, hul meer gehoorsaam is teenoor die gebruik van hul medikasie. Die studie bevestig dus die verband tussen bekendmaking van MIV-status en gehoorsaamheid tot ART.