O trabalho reúne características relacionadas aos escopos de pesquisa de Vida e Inteligência Artificial, Ciência Cognitiva, e Realidade Virtual. O objetivo primordial é a concepção de um modelo de comportamento autônomo e adaptativo que permita a interação do personagem virtual num ambiente, mesmo dispondo de informações incertas e vagas. Sob esse intuito o projeto desenvolve a conciliação de recursos para tratarem a idéia de racionalizar sobre tais incertezas, promovendo assim, a capacidade de agir assumindo-se alguns riscos decorrentes desse caráter inexato. Por conseqüência, os humanos virtuais são capazes de observarem o ambiente no qual se situam, apresentarem representações internas e racionalizadas dessas informações incertas, que no trabalho são levantadas como crenças, e ainda tomarem decisões baseadas nessas informações. Através do processo de decisão o personagem é capaz de reavaliar as suas crenças; implicando em um comportamento maduro em decorrência dos procedimentos usados para deliberar e realizar ações em um ambiente virtual. / This work puts together features related to the research areas of Artificial Life, Artificial Intelligence, Cognitive Science and Virtual Reality. The main goal of this work is the conception of an adaptive and autonomous behavior model which alows the interaction, even with uncertain information, between a virtual character and an environment. Therefore, resources are organized to be handled rationally with uncertainties, thus, the ability to act assuming some risks of this inexact aspect are granted. The results enable the virtual humans to observe their environment, to present internal and rationalized representations of this uncertain information, represented in this work as beliefs, and taking decisions based on this information. Through the decision process, the character can re-evaluate its beliefs; which imply in a mature behavior, as a consequence of how procedures are used to deliberate and to perform actions in a virtual environment.

Este trabalho foi elaborado considerando conceitos de quatro áreas de pesquisa: ciência da computação, ciência cognitiva, ciência da informação e comunicação social. A contribuição principal aqui se dá em definir agentes minimamente cognitivos que participam ativamente na dinâmica do fluxo de informações, sofrendo influência das mensagens que recebem e também interferindo no que irá passar adiante. O modelo contempla tanto características relacionadas ao ambiente e sociedade, definidos usando ontologias, quanto à mente, arquitetura e funcionamento dos agentes. Cada personagem possui três módulos de decisão, podendo acessar meios de comunicação em massa, assimilar informações recebidas e também falar com seus amigos. Para o módulo de assimilação, estão apresentadas quatro formas que os agentes podem usar para avaliar as informações que recebem. Primeiramente foi elaborada uma função, depois foram definidas três máquinas de estados finitos, aumentando gradativamente a complexidade e a interdependência entre os parâmetros envolvidos em cada uma. Foi também elaborada uma função adaptativa, a qual a partir de uma regra definida pelo usuário para a troca entre as máquinas de estado que os agentes dispõem, propiciou resultados satisfatórios mesmo nos casos onde alguma das máquinas de estado apresentou deficiências. Visando reproduzir uma situação inspirada na vida real, estão apresentados resultados de uma versão combinada (definida pelo autor) onde foram considerados três grupos e a possibilidade de acesso a meios de comunicação em massa e/ou troca de mensagens entre amigos. Usando o modelo como base, um simulador foi desenvolvido onde é possível ter não só uma visão global da dinâmica que está acontecendo na sociedade, mas também o que alguns agentes ficam sabendo e que podem falar sobre. Os estudos de caso visaram comparar as diferentes formas de assimilação de informações que os agentes podem usar (elaboradas pelo autor), avaliar a influência da variação de alguns parâmetros e reproduzir a dinâmica do fluxo de informações em redes sociais, a comparando com o que acontece quando se tem a divulgação broadcast. / This work was developed considering concepts of four research areas: computer science, cognitive science, information science and social communication. The main contribution here is to define minimally cognitive agents who actively participate in dynamic of information flow interfering on the messages received and are being affected by them. The model consider characteristics related to the environment and the society, defined by using ontologies, and the \"mind\", architecture and functioning of the agents. Each character has three decision modules. They can access means of mass communication, assimilate information received and talk to their friends. To the assimilation module were presented four forms that agents can evaluate received information, a function, and three finite state machines (FSM). They were elaborated increasing the complexity. After, it was developed an adaptive function, in which using a rule the user define how to exchange between the finite state machines that agents have. This function provided satisfactory results even in cases where some of the FSMs presented problems. Aiming to reproduce a situation inspired in real life a combined version was defined by the author, in where were considered three groups that can access means of mass communication and / or talk to their friends. Based on the model, a simulator was developed in which there are not only an overview of the society dynamics, but also what agents learn and what they can talk about. The case studies were performed aiming to compare the different assimilation forms (developed by the author), to evaluate the influence of some parameters variation and to reproduce the dynamics of information flow, comparing the influence of a social network communication and the mass communication activity.

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Human γδ T cells expressing the Vγ2Vδ2 T cell antigen receptor play important roles in immune responses to microbial pathogens by monitoring prenyl pyrophosphate isoprenoid metabolites. Most adult Vγ2Vδ2 cells are memory cytotoxic cells that produce interferon-γ (IFN-γ). Recently, murine γδ T cells were found to be major sources of interleukin (IL)-17A in anti-microbial and autoimmune responses. To determine if primate γδ T cells play similar roles, we characterized IL-17A and IL-22 production by Vγ2Vδ2 T cells. IL-17A-producing memory Vγ2Vδ2 T cells exist at low but significant frequencies in adult humans (1:2,762 T cells) and at even higher frequencies in adult rhesus macaques. Higher levels of Vγ2Vδ2 T cells produce IL-22 (1:1,864 T cells) although few produce both IL-17A and IL-22. Unlike adult humans where many IL-17A+ V#947;2Vδ2 T cells also produce IFN-#947; (T#947;δ1/17), the majority of adult macaques IL-17A+ Vδ2 T cells (T#947;δ17) do not produce IFN-#947;. To define the cytokine requirements for T#947;δ17 cells, we stimulated human neonatal V#947;2Vδ2 T cells with the bacterial antigen, (E)-4-hydroxy-3-methyl-but-2-enyl pyrophosphate, and various cytokines and mAbs in vitro. We find that IL-6, IL-1β, and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) are required to generate T#947;δ17 cells in neonates whereas T#947;δ1/17 cells additionally required IL-23. In adults, memory T#947;δ1/17 and T#947;δ17 cells required IL-23, IL-1β, and TGF-β but not IL-6. IL-22-producing cells showed similar requirements. Both neonatal and adult IL-17A+ V#947;2Vδ2 T cells expressed elevated levels of retinoid-related orphan receptor-#947;t. Our data suggest that, like Th17 αβ T cells, V#947;2Vδ2 T cells can be polarized into T#947;δ17 and T#947;δ1/17 populations with distinct cytokine requirements for their initial polarization and later maintenance.

<p>Objective - To correlate blood pressure and inflammatory markers with urine albumin analysed with a point-of-care testing (POCT) instrument, nephelometric determination of albumin and creatinine related urine albumin in elderly males.</p><p>Methods and Results - The study population consisted of 103 diabetic and 603 nondiabetic males (age 77 years) in a cross-sectional study in central Sweden. We analyzed urine albumin with a HemoCue® Urine Albumin POCT instrument and a ProSpec® nephelometer and creatinine related urine albumin. There were strong correlation between both systolic and diastolic blood pressure and all three urine albumin methods (p<0.0001). There were also significant correlations between the different urine albumin measurements and SAA, hsCRP and IL-6.</p><p>Conclusions - Hypertension has a strong impact on hyperfiltration in diabetic and nondiabetic elderly males.</p>

This Master thesis is about Peter Shaffer´s play Equus (1973). It looks at identity and the relationship of humans and horses in the text. In the introduction the author, his work in general and particularly Equus, further research and own aims and motivations for the thesis are presented. The second chapter explains the methods used to understand the play as a descriptive, narrative piece of literature according to Mick Short. Analyzing takes place in the main part: chapter three works on the concept of identity, gives a theoretical frame based on Stuart Hall´s ideas, and then characterizes and interpretes the figures Martin Dysart and Alan Strang. The two protagonists form themselves in endless processes of identification. Chapter four elaborates the historical human-horse-relationship, its characteristics and its relevance in the text. Humans and horses are presented together due to their complex similarities. The discussion following combines the results of the main chapters and states their overlapping and support of each other. Conclusions are, that Hall´s concept of constant identification is true for the two analyzed characters, that the common history of humans and horses can be found as a complex companionship in the play, that the topics of identity and the horse-human-relationship interfere with each other, and finally, that Dysart and Strang use horses to create their individual identities.

xHypoxia and repopulation of tumour clonogens are two important determinants of treatment outcome in radiotherapy. In general clinical evidence indicates that loco-regional control may be reduced with long overall treatment times and for tumours with low pre-treatment levels of oxygen. Experimental studies with normobaric carbogen and oxygen showed a two-fold enhancement of the efficacy of radiation in a mouse tumour model when combining oxygen with treatment acceleration. It was then demonstrated that substituting carbogen for oxygen and adding high-dose nicotinamide (NAM) further increased the effect. These findings became the basis for a multi-factorial approach designed to overcome the radioprotective effect of tumour repopulation and that of perfusion–limited and diffusion–limited hypoxia. The strategy, named ARCON, combines Accelerated Radiotherapy with CarbOgen and Nicotinamide. Experimental evaluation of ARCON The therapeutic potential of carbogen combined with NAM (CON) focusing on treatment schedules that use clinically relevant radiation and drug dose levels was evaluated in tumour and normal tissue animal models. Some of the conditions under which ARCON gives the largest degree of tumour radiosensitization and therapeutic benefit were identified. Specifically, NAM-dose level, pharmacokinetics and scheduling, and the effect of NAM on repair processes in vivo were also investigated. The results showed that in conventional and accelerated radiotherapy, carbogen and CON are effective and relatively non-toxic tumour sensitizers. They also demonstrated that tumour sensitization with CON was independent of time of NAM administration but that it was drug dose dependent. Some degree of normal tissue sensitization was observed but even relative to mouse skin a significant therapeutic gain was achieved. The mechanism of action for NAM sensitization originally proposed was that of repair inhibition. In the in vivo mouse models tested, namely skin and kidney, NAM did not alter the rate nor the magnitude of repair of radiation induced damage. Clinical evaluation of ARCON In the early 90s, various centres, particularly in the UK, Sweden, Holland and Switzerland, undertook clinical trials of ARCON. The protocols were designed based on detailed considerations of the rodent and human radiation and pharmacokinetic studies. This document also discusses the findings of a phase II non-randomized trial in advanced bladder cancer of accelerated radiotherapy combined with carbogen alone and ARCON. The aim of the study was to establish the feasibility of administering carbogen and NAM to patients and to determine the extent of early and late normal tissue damage. Historical comparisons suggested no overt increase in normal tissue radiosensitivity and the data indicate that ARCON could achieve a therapeutic gain in advanced bladder cancer.

Objective - To correlate blood pressure and inflammatory markers with urine albumin analysed with a point-of-care testing (POCT) instrument, nephelometric determination of albumin and creatinine related urine albumin in elderly males. Methods and Results - The study population consisted of 103 diabetic and 603 nondiabetic males (age 77 years) in a cross-sectional study in central Sweden. We analyzed urine albumin with a HemoCue® Urine Albumin POCT instrument and a ProSpec® nephelometer and creatinine related urine albumin. There were strong correlation between both systolic and diastolic blood pressure and all three urine albumin methods (p&lt;0.0001). There were also significant correlations between the different urine albumin measurements and SAA, hsCRP and IL-6. Conclusions - Hypertension has a strong impact on hyperfiltration in diabetic and nondiabetic elderly males.

En la presente tesis se analizan los aspectos más relevantes de la gestión del conocimiento, teniendo en cuenta las fases de la dirección estratégica.Se estudian también aspectos del capital humano y se ofrece una serie de procedimientos para la solución de problemas de índole emocional que pueden afectar al personal de la empresa. Dichos procedimientos pueden ser aplicables a las empresas objeto de estudio, es decir, a las empresas del sector textil y de la confección en España, realizándose un estudio que permite determinar cuáles son los rasgos principales del conocimiento de las personas, en función de los cargos directivos y mandos intermedios, estudios realizados, retribución y años de antigüedad, pudiendo servir de punto de partida para el estudio de un sistema de gestión del capital humano vinculado a la estrategia de la empresa.PALABRAS CLAVE: Dirección estratégica, capital humano, capital emocional, recursos humanos, gestión del conocimiento, capital intangible. / THESIS SUMMARY (English)On this thesis will be analysed the most relevant points related to knowledge management.A study of appearance of a human capital, also propose some methods to solve problems that are related to emotional feelings, including affecting group of employees. These methods can be applied on companies studies, that means, textiles and clothing companies in Spain. That can determine the most important range of the employees knowledge, and its related to each level of administration. Also analysing studies, wages and years worked. It can serve as a start for a study of a management system of human capital co-related to the company strategy.

L'objectiu d'aquesta tesi doctoral consisteix en determinar si el model de gestió dels recursos humans de les empreses matrius japoneses es transferible a les filials japoneses de Catalunya.Per tot això després d'un estudi teòric sobre la literatura existent del model de gestió dels recursos humans japonès i la internacionalització dels recursos humans, s'ha realitzat un treball empíric mitjançant una enquesta a les filials japoneses instal.lades a Catalunya. En el qüestionari s'analitzen diferents àmbits de la gestió dels recursos humans i que constitueixen les 7 hipòtesis del nostre treball de camp basades en el model de recursos humans japonès referides a: 1- Reclutament i selecció, 2- Promoció i Rotació, 3- Lideratge, comunicació i treball en equip, 4- Motivació, clima laboral i cultura empresrial, 5- Formació i desenvolupament, 6- Avaluació de l'acompliment, y 7- Retribució i beneficis socials. Tot això ens ha indicat quina es la tendència del model japonès de recursos humans a les filials catalanes tenint en compte que estem analitzant un contexte cultural diferent a la idiosincrasia dels treballadors japonesos. El treball ens ha permés de proposar dues línies d'investigació, una a determinar en el temps i una altre en l'espai. En el temps amb la nova generació s'està produint un canvi cultural en el qual els joves japonesos intenten importar part dels valors occidentals que es veurà reflectit al llarg de 10-20 anys. I en l'espai l'aplicació de l'estudi a altres països europeus, com Anglaterra, França i Alemanya que són els principals països on els japonesos prefereixen instal.lar-se. / The objective of this doctoral thesis is to consider if the Human Resource Management model of the Japanese head office is transferable to the Japanese subsidiaries settled in Catalonia.After a theoretical study about the existent literature of the Japanese Human Resource Management model and the internationalization of Human Resources an empirical research has been carried out by means of a survey in the Japanese subsidiaries set up in Catalonia. In this survey different aspects of the Human Resource Management have been analysed and they constitute the seven hypotheses of our research based on the Japanese Human Resources model conerning:1- Recruitment and Selection, 2- Promotion and Rotation, 3- Leardership, communication and Teamwork, 4- Motivation, labour atmosphere and Management culture, 5- Training and development, 6- Personnel Appraisal and 7- Retribution and Social Benefits. All this has shown us what the tendency of the Japanese Human Resources model in the Catalan subsidiaries is, taking into account that we are analysing a different cultural context to the idiosyncrasy of Japanese workers.