Orientador: Suely Regina Mogami Bomfim / Banca: Paulo Cesar Ciarlini / Banca: Breno Fernando Martins de Almeida / Resumo: Há evidências que a prática regular de atividade física potencializa a memória, diminui o estresse oxidativo plasmático e hipocampal e a ansiedade na senescência. Neste trabalho foram utilizadas 40 ratas (Rattus norvegicus albinus, Wistar), com 13 meses de idade ao início do experimento, divididas em quatro grupos: um grupo controle (GC) e três grupos tratamento (GT1, GT2 e GT3), sendo 10 animais em cada grupo. O grupo controle foi mantido apenas sob observação. Aos grupos tratamento foram aplicados exercícios físicos e de memória, sendo que ao GT1, apenas exercícios de memória; ao GT2 escalada em escada, e ao GT3 ambos os exercícios. Os animais que foram submetidos à escalada em escada três vezes por semana durante três meses consecutivos e aos testes de memória, apresentaram melhor desempenho nas memórias de curto e longo prazo e de habituação, bem como menor ansiedade em teste de campo aberto. A baixa concentração de malonaldeído (MDA), o equilíbrio da superóxido dismutase (SOD) e o aumento da capacidade antioxidante total (Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power- FRAP, foram observados nas amostras plasmáticas e hipocampais de ratas submetidas aos tratamentos. Concluiu-se que a prática de exercício físico regular associado a exercícios de memória melhorou as capacidades mnemônicas, diminuiu o estresse oxidativo e a ansiedade de ratas na senescência / Abstract: There is evidence that regular physical activity enhances memory, decreases plasma and hippocampal oxidative stress, and anxiety in senescence. In this work, 40 rats (Rattus norvegicus albinus, Wistar), 13 months old at the start of the experiment, were divided into four groups: one control group (CG) and three treatment groups (GT1, GT2 and GT3), 10 animals in each group. The control group was kept under observation only. In the treatment groups, physical and memory exercises were applied, and to GT1, only memory exercises; to GT2 climbing stairs, and to GT3 both exercises. Animals that underwent ladder climbing three times a week for three consecutive months and memory tests showed better performance in short and long term memory and habituation as well as lower anxiety in the open field test. The low concentration of malonaldehyde (MDA), the balance of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and the increase in total antioxidant capacity (Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power - FRAP) were observed in the plasma and hippocampal samples of rats submitted to treatments. Regular exercise practice associated with memory exercises improved mnemonic abilities, decreased oxidative stress and anxiety of rats in senescence / Mestre

Submitted in fulfillment of the academic requirements for the degree of Master of Engineering in Engineering, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2018. / Many separation processes in the chemical and petrochemical industries are energy intensive, and unfortunately, involve a range of solvents that are environmentally harmful and destructive. Alternative, sustainable separation techniques are desired to replace these conventional methods used in the separation of azeotropic as well as close-boiling mixtures, with the intention of reducing energy costs and adverse impact on the environment. In the present study, a new class of solvents called deep eutectic solvents (DESs) of Type III were investigated as alternatives to conventional solvents currently employed in separation processes. DESs are classified as ‘green’ solvents because of a range of favourable properties including lower cost, desirable solubility properties and reduced environmental impact (Abbott et al., 2003b; Smith et al., 2014). The infinite dilution activity coefficients (IDACs) values of 24 solutes – including alk-1-anes, alk-1-enes, alk-1-ynes, cycloalkanes, alkanols, alkylbenzenes, heterocyclics, esters, and ketones – were measured at 313.15, 323.15, 333.15 and 343.15 K by gas-liquid chromatography (GLC) in DESs. The four investigated DESs were as follows: 1) Tetramethylammonium chloride + Glycerol (DES1); 2) Tetramethylammonium chloride + Ethylene Glycerol (DES2); 3) Tetramethylammonium chloride + 1,6 Hexanediol (DES3); and 4) Tetrapropylammonium bromide + 1,6 Hexanediol (DES4). This work focused on the performance of DESs as extractive solvents for selected azeotropic and close-boiling binary mixtures. The two key performance criteria for these extractive solvents – selectivity and capacity – were determined from experimental infinite dilution activity coefficients (IDACs) of various solutes. The effect of solute molecular structure on IDAC values was investigated. Moreover, the effect of varying the hydrogen bond donors (HBDs) in DESs on IDAC values was examined. Partial excess molar enthalpies at infinite dilution were determined from the experimental IDAC data. Moreover, common industrial separation problems were selected to investigate DES potential to separate various mixtures by determining selectivity and capacity at infinite dilution. The results obtained in this study indicate that the use of a long carbon chain HBDs greatly decreases miscibility of DESs with organic solutes. For systems such as n-heptane - toluene, acetone - ethanol, cyclohexane - benzene and n-hexane - benzene systems, DES4 was the best solvent regarding the separation performance index. However, further investigation for DES4 by measurements of vapour-liquid equilibria (VLE) and liquid-liquid equilibria (LLE) data is suggested, as these data would provide additional pertinent information regarding the separation of such mixtures using DES4. The data produced from this study can be used to extend the applicability range of predictive models such as Universal Quasi- Chemical Functional Group Activity Coefficients (UNIFAC) and modified UNIFAC (Do) which are already incorporated in some chemical engineering process simulators. / M

abstract: Recently, much of the Physical Education literature has focused on confronting the challenges associated with the rising number of overweight children in America's schools. Physical Education programs are often looked to as intervention sites to remedy the current obesity epidemic. Teachers are often also not held accountable for curriculum adherence and student outcomes in Physical Education due to the lack of a common curriculum. Therefore, measuring teacher fidelity to specific Physical Education curricula is imperative to determine student outcomes when teachers follow the model as intended. In response to these issues, it has become increasingly important to measure student physical activity levels in Physical Education programs to determine moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) levels and to learn about teachers' fidelity to curricular models. Thus, the purpose of this study was to investigate teacher fidelity to the Dynamic Physical Education (DPE) curricular model after having completed DPE methods courses at the university level, when teaching in a DPE supported or non-supported districts. A secondary purpose of this study was to measure students' physical activity (PA) outcomes in classes where the curricular model was used with various levels of district support. Data were collected using mixed methods including an observation instrument, field notes, informal interviews, document analysis, and direct observation of physical activity. Descriptive statistics and t-tests were run to investigate differences between teacher support groups and by teacher fidelity groups. Teachers from both teacher support groups were teaching the curricular model with moderate to high fidelity. Findings suggest that fidelity levels were related to preparation on the DPE curricular model, ongoing professional development, and administrative support. Although the students were often standing (i.e., 40% of the lesson) and 30% of class time was spent in MVPA; teachers were frequently promoting physical activity both within (51%) and outside (50%) of Physical Education and the school day. / Dissertation/Thesis / Ph.D. Physical Education 2011

Esta dissertação toma como foco o trabalho de gestores de uma grande empresa pública brasileira da área de logística pela perspectiva da Clínica da Atividade e da Ergologia – ambas abordagens do escopo das Clínicas do Trabalho –, notadamente através da noção de atividade. Em interlocução com conceitos foucaultianos e da Esquizoanálise, consideramos os processos moleculares de singularização da/na atividade e sua potência de produção de desvio e resistência, pela problematização aos modos instituídos de trabalhar. Tomamos, ainda, a noção de poder gerencialista proposta por Vincent de Gaulejac enquanto ideologia que convoca subjetivamente os sujeitos em direção a um ideal que atenda às exigências do mundo econômico, prescrevendo modos de viver e trabalhar. Desse modo, buscamos acompanhar os movimentos da atividade dos gestores que lidam com o paradoxo de gerir a atividade dos subordinados, a qual escapa permanentemente às suas pretensões, investigando também as possibilidades de produção de crítica e resistência presentes nesse ofício, bem como sua relação com a expansão do poder de agir dos próprios gestores e dos coletivos de trabalho. Do ponto de vista metodológico, orientamo-nos pelas pistas da cartografia e da dialogia e propomos a formação de coletivos de análise da atividade de gestão junto a gestores operacionais, a realização de visitas às unidades de trabalho e a análise de documentos relativos às normativas gerenciais. A análise dos materiais produzidos aponta para três eixos referentes à atividade dos gestores: os constantes esforços de renormatização empreendidos pelos gestores diante dos imprevistos e restrições do dia a dia; o encontro da atividade do gestor com a atividade de seus subordinados, produzindo-se por entre práticas de governo e a construção da confiança; e a dimensão política da construção do gênero profissional da gestão. Propomos, a partir desses aspectos, a discussão acerca de uma “gestão menor”, em sintonia com o devir do trabalho, aliando efeitos de crítica e clínica. / This dissertation takes focus on the work of managers of a large Brazilian public company from logistics field through the perspective of Clinic Activity and Ergology- both approaches the scope of the Clinics of Work - especially through the notion of activity. In dialogue with Foucault’s and Schizoanalysis concepts, we consider the molecular processes of singularizantion of / in activity and its power of production of deviation and endurance, by questioning the established ways of working. We also consider the notion of management power proposed by Vincent Gaulejac as an ideology that summons subjectively the subjects toward an ideal that meets the requirements of the economic world, prescribing ways of living and working. Thus, we seek to follow the movements of the activity of managers, who deal with the paradox of managing the activity of subordinates, which permanently escapes of their pretentions. We also investigate the production possibilities of critics and resistance present in this craft, as well as their relationship with the expansion of the power of acting of the managers and work collectives. From a methodological point of view, we take for guidance the ways of cartography and dialogy and propose the formation of collective of analysis for the management activity along with the operational managers, conducting visits to work units and the analysis of documents relating to the management regulations.The analysis of the produced materials points to three key axis regarding the activity of managers: the constant standardization efforts by managers facing the unexpected and restrictions of everyday life; the meeting of the managers activity with the activity of their subordinates, producing among governance practices and building trust; and the political dimension of the construction of professional management gender. We propose from these aspects, the discussion about a "smaller management", in tune with the becoming work, combining effects of criticism and clinic.

Transcutaneous spinal direct current stimulation (tsDCS) is a non-invasive technique that can be used to modulate spinal function. It consists of applying a low-level direct current (DC) across the skin to modulate spinal excitability using surface electrodes. Recent research indicates that this technique can relieve musculoskeletal pain. In this study, we investigate the effect of a 20-min anodal tsDCS (2.5 mA) protocol applied over the thoracic spine on pressure pain threshold (PPT) measured in the thigh, leg and foot in healthy young adults. One primary focus of this study was to determine whether physical activity level, as a potential modulator of pain perception, could influence individual responses to tsDCS. A secondary aim was to also address the role of sex as another potential modulator of pain response. Thirty-five healthy young adults (age 18-35) were recruited for this study. Participants were assigned to either a moderately active (n=21, 12 females), or highly active group (n=14, 8 females) based on a self-report questionnaire (International Physical Activity Questionnaire). The effects were determined by comparing PPT measures at the three sites (thigh, leg, foot) at three time points with respect to tsDCS application: T0: before, T1: immediately after, and T2: 30 min post-application. Results from a multivariate analysis of variance revealed a large main effect of time (F=5.3, p<0.001) on PPTs. Univariate tests (F>16.2, p<0.001) confirmed that PPTs were significantly elevated post-application. In addition, the analysis revealed a significant “Group X Time” interaction (F=2.8, p=0.03), which was explained by a larger elevation in PPTs (thigh site) in the highly active group when compared to the moderately active group. No main effect or interaction was found for sex. Altogether, these results confirmed the anti-nociceptive effects of tsDCS application on mechanical pain threshold and further point to the importance of physical activity as a personal factor susceptible to modulate response to tsDCS.

Previous studies of Chinese labour resistance have largely focused on the institutions and actors involved in disputes, including worker activists, labour NGOs, and official trade unions. The focus has been on the emergence, evolutionary path, and strategies of labour protests. As a result, scant attention has been paid to the consequences of labour protests. Based on my fieldwork in Guangdong between 2013 and 2016, this study seeks to understand the outcomes of labour disputes, arguing that the organisational characteristics of labour protests and the use of disruptive action in strikes are two key factors shaping protest outcomes. To explain the dynamics of organisational factors in Chinese labour protests, three distinctive organisational patterns have been identified, relating to the actors involved in labour protests, which can be categorised as worker-led, union-led, and NGO-intervened. A worker-led protest involves a dispute initiated by workers' activists or leaders, and is generally a one-off action with weak core leadership. In an NGO-intervened protest, workers can build a more or less sustained leadership structure to organise collective actions and reach the stage of collective bargaining. A union-led protest is organised by a workplace trade union, which, while often confronting enormous institutional constraints, also creates opportunities for the success of the protest.. This research demonstrates that worker protests with different organisational structures tend to adopt different forms of disruptive action to achieve their goals; this, in turn, affects the various outcomes of labour protests. I argue that, when the protest structure is better organised, workers are less likely to resort to violent disruptive actions. In addition, their collective actions are more likely to lead to collective bargaining. When protests are less well organised, workers who lack resources and coordination are more likely to use forcefully disruptive tactics to gain more leverage from the outside.. I further contend that, in an authoritarian country like China, how the state responds to labour protests also greatly determines their favourable or unfavourable outcome for workers. This study regards protest policing as evidence of the state's attitude to labour strikes. My findings show that local governments are more likely to apply temperate and moderate protest policing to labour collective actions that are well organised, refraining from violent disruptions. Likewise, as less well organised protests and unorganised riots often lead to massive disorder and even violence, they are likely to trigger a harsh crackdown by the police force, as well as legal punishment. Hence, this study suggests that the interactions and reciprocal adaptations between protesting workers and the policing tactics of local governments have coefficient influences on the outcome of collective labour actions.. This study further argues that, in addition to outcomes that can be measured in economic terms, labour protests also have an enduring impact on institutions. Although it is not easy for protesters to achieve all of their goals, collective actions have played a role in generating incremental institutional changes in the labour relations system. Attempts by local governments and trade unions to experiment with collective bargaining and develop mechanisms for collective dispute resolution can be viewed as a consequence of protracted labour disputes in Guangdong.

Master of Public Health / Department of Kinesiology / Mary A. McElroy / BACKGROUND: Rural Americans face significant barriers for meeting recommended physical activity guidelines (Trivedi et al., 2015). Although studies have demonstrated adults in rural communities participate in less physical activity than their urban counterparts (Martin et al., 2005; Reis et al., 2004), the differences in physical activity for children and adolescents are not so clear. The main goal of this study was to explore potential differences among school physical activity (SPA), outside of school time physical activity (OSTPA), and sedentary behavior (SB), among rural and non-rural fourth and fifth-grade students. It was hypothesized that rural schools participate in less physical activity and more sedentary behavior than non-rural schools. Additionally, factors such as student gender and school socio-economic status were considered. METHOD: Data from the Youth Activity Profile (YAP), collected as part of the NFL PLAY60 FITNESSGRAM Partnership, is utilized to assess physical activity. The YAP captures the three constructs of SPA, OSTPA, and SB with fifteen questions (five questions each). A two-level mixed-model using SAS Proc Mixed was used to test for significant differences among groups. RESULTS: An analysis of least square means resulted in the following. Rural schools of fifth-grade students reported significantly more minutes in SPA (MD=8.68, 95% CI=-17.38, 0.01) than non-rural schools of fifth-grade students. Fourth-grade girls reported significantly fewer minutes in SPA (MD=11.1, 95% CI=9.09, 13.11), OSTPA (MD=19.55, 95% CI=17.54, 21.57), and more minutes in SB (MD=16.82, 95% CI=-22.85, -10.80) than fourth-grade boys. Fifth-grade girls reported significantly fewer minutes in SPA (MD=8.41, 95% CI=7.15, 9.67), OSTPA (MD=18.99, 95% CI=17.28, 20.70), and significantly more minutes in SB (MD=21.66, 95% CI=-26.92, -16.40) than fifth grade boys. High SES schools of fourth-grade students reported significantly fewer minutes in SB (MD=7.18, 95% CI=-14.42, 0.04) compared to low SES schools of fourth-grade students. CONCLUSION: There were no significant differences among rural and non-rural schools of fourth and fifth-grade students with respect to outside of school time physical activity and sedentary behavior. Rural schools of fifth-grade students reported more minutes in school physical activity. Gender differences were observed as girls reported significantly lower school physical activity, out of school physical activity, and significantly higher sedentary behavior than boys. Future studies need to more closely examine definitions of rural and non-rural environments, the physical activity domains under question, as well as, to examine of socioeconomic status.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic chronic inflammatory disease that can lead to important functional impairment. Although improvements in treatment have been made, still there are a high proportion of patients in whom response to treatment is not complete. Fibromyalgia (FM) is a condition characterized by bodily pain that often coexists with RA. Cross-sectional studies have shown that patients with RA and FM symptoms, or fibromyalgic RA (FRA), have higher disease activity scores than patients with RA and no FRA. Concern has been raised regarding the validity of RA disease activity scores in patients with coexistent RA and FM. In this prospective study, we hypothesized that patients with FRA have an impaired response to treatment measured by traditionally used scores. The present analysis used a study sample obtained from the ESPOIR French cohort. This is a longitudinal prospective cohort of adults with early RA. Patients with RA were classified in two groups according to the presence of FRA. RA disease activity scores (DAS28, SDAI, CDAI and HAQ) were compared as a measure of response to treatment at 6, 12 and 18 months. Results showed that after adjusting for confounders, patients with FRA (120) had higher activity scores than patients with RA and no fibromyalgic characteristics (548). DAS28 and other disease activity scores started out higher in subjects with FRA and while they improved to a similar extent as in the isolated RA group, they remained consistently higher among FRA patients. Achievement of low disease activity and of remission according to established activity score cut-points was significantly less likely in subjects with FRA. In conclusion, patients with FRA and RA had a similar response to treatment according the decrease in indexes of disease activity but more frequently missed the target of remission or low disease activity. These findings may have implications in RA treatment in patients with FRA, as therapy is escalated not in relation to change in scores but to achieving remission.

Orientador: Taís Maria Bauab / Banca: Eliana Aparecida Varanda / Banca: Daisy Nakamura Sato / Resumo: O gênero Maytenus (Celastraceae), atualmente compreende cerca de 80 espécies distribuídas por todo território brasileiro. A espécie Maytenus ilicifolia é conhecida popularmente pelos nomes de espinheira-santa, espinheira-diva, salva-vidas, sombra de touro, cancerosa e coromilho do campo, e utilizada contra hiperacidez e ulcerações do estômago. Com o objetivo de caracterizar o potencial biológico desta planta, foi estudada a atividade antibacteriana e antioxidante do extrato diclorometânico (DCM), frações, subfrações e duas substâncias puras (maitenina e catequina) isoladas das cascas de raízes de M.ilicifolia, obtidas por maceração a frio. Foi utilizada a técnica de diluição em microplacas frente às bactérias Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29212, Bacillus subtilis ATCC 19659, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 e Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853. A concentração inibitória mínima (CIM) para o extrato e as substâncias testadas, expresso como a menor concentração capaz de inibir crescimento bacteriano foi avaliada em microplacas contendo meio líquido aos quais foram adicionados extratos, frações, substâncias puras e antibióticos, sendo estes últimos usados como controles positivos. Para a atividade antioxidante foram realizados ensaios espectrofotométricos do 2,2'-Azinobis-3-etilbenzotiazolina-6-acido sulfônico (ABTS.+); do íon hipoclorito (OCl-) e da taurina-cloramina (via oxidação do 3,3',5,5', tetrametilbenzidina), utilizando como padrões quercetina e cisteína. Foi demonstrada forte atividade da maitenina com CIM de 0,48 μg/mL para as bactérias Gram positivas, e a catequina não apresentou atividades contra as bactérias testadas. Na avaliação da atividade antioxidante o extrato DCM e a maitenina não foram tão eficazes quanto a atividade da catequina que... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: The genus Maytenus (Celastraceae) currently includes 80 species distributed throughout the Brazilian territory. The species Maytenus ilicifolia popularly known by the names of "espinheira-santa", "espinheira-diva", "salva-vidas", "sombra de touro", "cancerosa" and "coromilho do campo", with activity against hyperacidity and gastric ulcers. In order to characterize the biological potential of this plant, was studied the antibacterial activity of the dichloromethane extract (DCM), fractions, subfractions and two substances (maitenin and catechin) isolated from the roots of M. ilicifolia obtained by cold maceration. To evaluation of the antimicrobial potential was used the microplates dilution technique using the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29212, Bacillus subtilis ATCC 19659, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for the extract and the substances tested, expressed as the lowest concentration able to inhibit bacterial growth, was evaluated in microplates containing liquid medium to which were added extracts, fractions, subfractions, pures substances and antibiotics, the latter being used as positive controls. For the antioxidant activity tests were performed spectrophotometric: 2,2 '-Azinobis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6- sulfonic acid (ABTS.+); of OCl- and taurinecloramine (via oxidation of 3,3', 5,5 ' , tetramethylbenzidine), using quercetin and cysteine as standards. It was demonstrated a strong activity to maitenin, with MIC of 0,48 μg/mL for Gram positive bacteria and catechin did not show activity against the bacteria tested. In the evaluation of antioxidant activity the extract DCM and maitenin... (Complete abstract click electronic access below) / Mestre

Myelin is essential for normal nervous system conduction as well as providing metabolic support for the ensheathed axon and has been implicated to influence axon calibre (diameter of the axon body) growth. In demyelinating diseases, the disruption of these functions causes axon degeneration resulting in neurological impairment. The neurons that are myelinated in the CNS and the axon-oligodendrocyte (axon- OL) interactions that might regulate axon calibre and myelination during myelinated axon formation are still mostly unknown, preventing a deeper understanding of CNS development and repair. This doctoral thesis identifies a specific subset of interneurons that are myelinated and investigates the axon-oligodendrocyte interactions during axon calibre growth and initial myelination. In the zebrafish spinal cord, Commisural Primary Ascending interneurons (CoPA), Circumferential Descending interneurons (CiD) and reticulospinal neurons are amongst the first to be myelinated, whereas Commisural Bifurcating Longitudinal interneurons (CoBL) and Circumferential Ascending interneuron (CiA) are not myelinated during early developmental stages. Of the myelinated neurons, axon calibre of reticulo spinal neurons is increased in time with myelin ensheathment, while the axon calibre of CoPA and CiD interneurons is not increased with the onset of myelination. In order to investigate whether there might be a causative relationship between axon calibre increase and myelin ensheathment, the majority of oligodendrocytes were eliminated by olig2 morpholino knockdown. In the absence of oligodendrocytes, the axon calibre of reticulospinal neurons was normal, demonstrating that axon calibre growth is independent of axon-OL interactions and myelin ensheathment. In order to further investigate which aspects of myelinated axon formation might be regulated by axon-OL interactions, axonal activity was reduced through inhibition of synaptic vesicle release by global expression of Tetanus-toxin (TetTx). TetTx treated zebrafish showed a 40% decrease of myelinated axons in the spinal cord. Interestingly, only 10% of this reduction was caused by a decrease in oligodendrocyte number in the spinal cord. Single cell analysis of individual oligodendrocytes revealed a 30% reduction of myelin sheaths per oligodendrocyte in TetTx treated animals, indicating a positive correlation between synaptic vesicle release and the extent of myelination. Timelapse analysis of the myelinating behaviour of individual oligodendrocytes revealed that the decrease in myelin sheaths per cell in the absence of synaptic vesicle release results from a reduction in the initial formation of sheaths rather than an increased retraction of myelin sheaths. Furthermore, individual myelin sheaths formed by the same oligodendrocyte exhibit a dynamic range of different growth rates in control animals, which was reduced to a more uniform, slow growth of myelin sheaths in the absence of synaptic vesicle release. This suggests that local axon-OL interactions can regulate the dynamic myelin sheath growth through synaptic vesicle release. The analyses in this doctoral thesis identifies a subset of the neurons that are myelinated during the onset of myelination in the zebrafish spinal cord, demonstrates that axon caliber growth of these neurons is independent of myelin ensheathment and that axon-OL interactions mediated by synaptic vesicle release can regulate the extent of myelination and influence the dynamic myelinating behavior of oligodendrocytes in vivo. These findings begin to elucidate the axon-OL interactions underlying myelinated axon formation during CNS development, from which future studies might derive neuro-regenerative treatments for demyelinating diseases.