O consumo sempre crescente de produtos juntamente com a falta de incentivo à redução, reutilização e reciclagem, e à escassez de área para disposição dos rejeitos propiciam o aumento descontrolado de resíduos sólidos presentes no meio ambiente. Os resíduos poliméricos, pós-consumo - embalagens plásticas – se destacam nos resíduos sólidos domiciliares (RSD), por apresentarem crescimento de participação no lixo urbano e possuírem características como: degradação lenta e volumetria elevada, o que compromete a vida útil dos aterros sanitários, e, ainda, terem potencial econômico para reutilização e reciclagem. Este trabalho tem por objetivo realizar uma caracterização física, mássica e volumétrica, dos resíduos poliméricos, no município de São Carlos, SP, complementado por estudo dos grupos de polímeros termoplásticos. O método adotado para caracterização física foi por amostragem, na coleta convencional, e pela massa total coletada, na coleta seletiva. Na coleta convencional, o número de amostragem compreendeu todos os setores, sendo a massa da amostra obtida por quarteamento. Foi feita uma caracterização no inverno e outra no verão. Destacam-se, nos resultados, o percentual de resíduos poliméricos, em massa, de 10,47%, composto por PET (35,96%), PEAD (26,42%), PP (16,25%), PS (7,96%), Outros (7,85%), PVC (3,76%), PEBD (1,79%), na coleta convencional, e na coleta seletiva, de 20,60%, composto por PET (50,64%), PEAD (24,03%), PP (13,76%), PS (6,96%), Outros (1,79%), PEBD (1,70%), PVC (1,12%). Os índices percentuais volumétricos foram de 27,20%, na coleta convencional e de 56,56% na coleta seletiva. Observou-se que o percentual de resíduos poliméricos destinados ao aterro sanitário ainda é elevado, considerando a existência de coleta seletiva, e que a resina de PET teve o maior índice de participação, superando o PEAD, tradicionalmente a de maior descarte nos resíduos sólidos domiciliares / The on going growing consumption of products, together with lack of incentive to the reduction, re-useage, recycling, and the area shortage for dispose the waste, generates an uncontrolled increase of solid waste found on the environment. The polymeric residues, post-consumption - plastic packing - stand out in home solid waste (RSD), due to the fact that they present participation growth in the urban waste. They present the following characteristics: slow degradation and high volume, what compromises the sanitary landfill life cycle, and can also have economical potential in order to be re-used and recycling. This work aims to accomplish a physical, mass and volumetric characterization of the polymeric residues, in municipality São Carlos, SP, complemented by groups of polymeric termoplastic study. Sampling was the method adopted for physical characterization in conventional collection, and total mass collected in the selective collection. In conventional collection, the number of sampling involved all the sectors, being the sample mass obtained by quarters method. One characterization was done in the winter and another in the summer. In the results, it was observed the percentage of polymeric residues, in mass, of 10,47%, composed by PET (35,96%), PEAD (26,42%), PP (16,25%), PS (7,96%), Other (7,85%), PVC (3,76%), PEBD (1,79%), in conventional collection, and 20,60%, in selective collection, composed by PET (50,64%), PEAD (24,03%), PP (13,76%), PS (6,96%), Other (1,79%), PEBD (1,70%), PVC (1,12%). The volumetric percentage indexes were of 27,20%, in conventional collection and of 56,56% in selective collection. It was noticed that the percentage of polymeric residues set aside for the sanitary landfill was still high, considering the existence of selective collection and that the resin of PET had the largest participation index, overcoming PEAD, traditionally the largest discard in home solid residues

O consumo sempre crescente de produtos juntamente com a falta de incentivo à redução, reutilização e reciclagem, e à escassez de área para disposição dos rejeitos propiciam o aumento descontrolado de resíduos sólidos presentes no meio ambiente. Os resíduos poliméricos, pós-consumo - embalagens plásticas – se destacam nos resíduos sólidos domiciliares (RSD), por apresentarem crescimento de participação no lixo urbano e possuírem características como: degradação lenta e volumetria elevada, o que compromete a vida útil dos aterros sanitários, e, ainda, terem potencial econômico para reutilização e reciclagem. Este trabalho tem por objetivo realizar uma caracterização física, mássica e volumétrica, dos resíduos poliméricos, no município de São Carlos, SP, complementado por estudo dos grupos de polímeros termoplásticos. O método adotado para caracterização física foi por amostragem, na coleta convencional, e pela massa total coletada, na coleta seletiva. Na coleta convencional, o número de amostragem compreendeu todos os setores, sendo a massa da amostra obtida por quarteamento. Foi feita uma caracterização no inverno e outra no verão. Destacam-se, nos resultados, o percentual de resíduos poliméricos, em massa, de 10,47%, composto por PET (35,96%), PEAD (26,42%), PP (16,25%), PS (7,96%), Outros (7,85%), PVC (3,76%), PEBD (1,79%), na coleta convencional, e na coleta seletiva, de 20,60%, composto por PET (50,64%), PEAD (24,03%), PP (13,76%), PS (6,96%), Outros (1,79%), PEBD (1,70%), PVC (1,12%). Os índices percentuais volumétricos foram de 27,20%, na coleta convencional e de 56,56% na coleta seletiva. Observou-se que o percentual de resíduos poliméricos destinados ao aterro sanitário ainda é elevado, considerando a existência de coleta seletiva, e que a resina de PET teve o maior índice de participação, superando o PEAD, tradicionalmente a de maior descarte nos resíduos sólidos domiciliares / The on going growing consumption of products, together with lack of incentive to the reduction, re-useage, recycling, and the area shortage for dispose the waste, generates an uncontrolled increase of solid waste found on the environment. The polymeric residues, post-consumption - plastic packing - stand out in home solid waste (RSD), due to the fact that they present participation growth in the urban waste. They present the following characteristics: slow degradation and high volume, what compromises the sanitary landfill life cycle, and can also have economical potential in order to be re-used and recycling. This work aims to accomplish a physical, mass and volumetric characterization of the polymeric residues, in municipality São Carlos, SP, complemented by groups of polymeric termoplastic study. Sampling was the method adopted for physical characterization in conventional collection, and total mass collected in the selective collection. In conventional collection, the number of sampling involved all the sectors, being the sample mass obtained by quarters method. One characterization was done in the winter and another in the summer. In the results, it was observed the percentage of polymeric residues, in mass, of 10,47%, composed by PET (35,96%), PEAD (26,42%), PP (16,25%), PS (7,96%), Other (7,85%), PVC (3,76%), PEBD (1,79%), in conventional collection, and 20,60%, in selective collection, composed by PET (50,64%), PEAD (24,03%), PP (13,76%), PS (6,96%), Other (1,79%), PEBD (1,70%), PVC (1,12%). The volumetric percentage indexes were of 27,20%, in conventional collection and of 56,56% in selective collection. It was noticed that the percentage of polymeric residues set aside for the sanitary landfill was still high, considering the existence of selective collection and that the resin of PET had the largest participation index, overcoming PEAD, traditionally the largest discard in home solid residues

Ecotoxicity testing of chemicals for environmental risk assessment is an area where a high number of vertebrates are used across a variety of industrial sectors. The application of the 3Rs in toxicity testing using fish address both the ethical and societal concerns around this issue in addition to the increasing legislative requests for the incorporation of animal alternatives. This thesis aims to highlight the potential of 3D cell culture models to "bridge the gap" between in vitro and in vivo screening procedures for testing of chemicals with the potential to persist or bioaccumulate thereby improving the predictive power of screening procedures. This thesis examines two alternative methods for their potential use as an intestinal based toxicokinetic tool for environmental risk assessment, utilising an in vitro fish cell line replacement tool (RTgutGC). In addition, for the first time a new intestinal primary cell culture based model was developed to address both intestine region specific response (pyloric, anterior, mid and posterior) and size related adaptability to toxins. Paramagnetic oximetry was used to measure oxygen content within 3D structures (spheroids) in order to better understand the microenvironment of these culture models. Using histology, immunohistochemistry, transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), metabolic, fluorescence and gene expression assays, the comparability of this system to native intestinal response was established. Following exposure to carefully chosen environmental contaminants (Benzo[a]pyrene and Copper), the RTgutGC cell line demonstrated comparable responses to existing literature in terms of uptake, metabolism, DNA damage and the presence an equivalent saturable level. Primary enterocytes cultured on transwell inserts remained viable for upto six weeks, with permeability and metabolic activity comparable to native tissue (both in vitro and ex vivo). Taken in combination, these features of enterocytes represent a profile more closely representative of the intestine then the widely used "gut sac" method. With the potential advantages of incorporating complexity at differing levels (connective tissue layer, intestinal bacteria biome), the intestinal models described offer the potential to screen highly persistent toxins which may require prolonged incubation, in addition to the exploration of complex experimental designs which minimise animal usage (uptake, depuration, uptake). As a consequence, the models developed within this thesis significantly enrich the emerging fish based in vitro testing strategies.

No description available.

In the UK, laboratory-housed dogs are primarily used as a non-rodent species in the safety testing of new medicines and other chemical entities. The use of animals in research is governed by the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act (1986, amended 2012) and legislation is underpinned by the principles of humane experimental technique: Replacement, Reduction and Refinement. A link between animal welfare and the quality of data produced has been shown in other species (e.g. rodents, nonhuman primates), however, no established, integrated methodology for identifying or monitoring welfare and quality of data output previously existed in the laboratory-housed dog. In order to investigate the effects of planned Refinements to various aspects of husbandry and regulated procedures, this project sought to integrate behavioural, physiological and other measures (e.g. cognitive bias, mechanical pressure threshold) and to provide a means for staff to monitor welfare whilst also establishing the relationship between welfare and quality of data output. Affective state was identified using an established method of cognitive bias testing, before measuring welfare at ‘baseline’ using measures of behaviour and physiology. Dogs then underwent ‘positive’ and ‘negative’ behavioural challenges to identify the measures most sensitive to changing welfare and most suitable for use in a framework. The resulting Welfare Assessment Framework, developed in three groups of dogs from contrasting backgrounds within the facility, found a consistent pattern of behaviour, cardiovascular function, affect and mechanical pressure threshold (MPT). Dogs with a negative affective state had higher blood pressure at baseline than those with positive affective states, and the magnitude of the effect of negative welfare suggests that welfare may act as a confound in the interpretation of cardiovascular data. The responses to restraint included increases in blood pressure and heart rate measures which approached ceiling levels, potentially reducing the sensitivity of measurement. If maintained over time this response could potentially have a negative health impact on other organ systems and affecting the data obtained from those. Dogs with a negative welfare state also had a lower mechanical pressure threshold, meaning they potentially experienced greater stimulation from unpleasant physical stimuli. Taken together with the behaviours associated with a negative welfare state (predominantly vigilant or stereotypic behaviours) the data suggest that dogs with a negative welfare state have a greater behavioural and physiological response to stimuli in their environment; as such, data obtained from their use is different from that obtained from dogs with a positive welfare state. This was confirmed by examining the effect size (Cohen’s d ) resulting from the analysis of affective state on cardiovascular data. An increase in variance, particularly in the small dog numbers typical of safety assessment studies, means a reduction in the power of the study to detect the effect under observation; a decrease in variation has the potential to reduce the number of dogs use, in line with the principle of Reduction and good scientific practice. The development of the framework also identified areas of the laboratory environment suitable for Refinement (e.g. restriction to single-housing and restraint) and other easily-implemented Refinements (e.g. feeding toy and human interaction) which could be used to improve welfare. As a result of this, a Welfare Monitoring Tool (WMT) in the form of a tick sheet was developed for technical and scientific staff to identify those dogs at risk of reduced welfare and producing poor quality data, as well as to monitor the effects of Refinements to protocols. Oral gavage is a common regulated procedure, known to be potentially aversive and was identified as an area in need of Refinement. A program of desensitisation and positive reinforcement training was implemented in a study also comparing the effects of a sham dose condition versus a control, no-training, condition. A number of the measures used, including home pen behaviour, behaviour during dosing, MPT and the WMT showed significant benefits to the dogs in the Refined condition. Conversely, dogs in the sham dose condition showed more signs of distress and took longer to dose than dogs in the control condition. The welfare of control dogs was intermediate to sham dose and Refined protocol dogs. This project identified a positive relationship between positive welfare and higher quality of data output. It developed and validated a practical and feasible means of measuring welfare in the laboratory environment in the Welfare Assessment Framework, identified areas in need of Refinement and developed practical ways to implement such Refinements to husbandry and regulated procedures. As such it should have wide implications for the pharmaceutical industry and other users of dogs in scientific research.

In questa tesi descriviamo una procedura automatizzata per l’analisi della corteccia motoria dello scimpanzè, del Macaca fascicularis e del cavallo, basata su un nuovo metodo computerizzato di analisi delle sezioni colorate attraverso il metodo di Nissl, al fine di studiare la corteccia cerebrale in specie differenti. Le microfotografie delle sezioni sono state elaborate con una procedura standardizzata usando il software ImageJ. Questa procedura ha previsto la suddivisione degli strati corticali, dal primo al sesto, in diversi frames. Per misurare la complessità delle cellule nervose (cioè quanto una cellula fosse diversa dalle adiacenti) abbiamo utilizzato un modello di rappresentazione statistica non-parametrica che mostra come la complessità può essere espressa in termini di un adeguato indice di dispersione statistica quale il MAD (mean absolute deviation). Abbiamo quindi dimostrato che gli strati piramidali della corteccia motoria del cavallo sono più irregolari di quelli di scimpanzè e Macaca fascicularis. La combinazione dell’analisi automatica delle immagini e delle analisi statistiche consente pertanto di confrontare e classificare la complessità della corteccia motoria attraverso diverse specie. Il modello viene proposto come strumento al fine di contribuire a stabilire le somiglianze cerebrali tra umani e animali, rispettando il principio delle 3R. / In this thesis we describe an automated procedure based on a new computerized method of partitioning Nissl-stained sections of the motor cortex of the chimpanzee, crab-eating monkey, and horse, to study the neocortex in different species. Microphotographs of the sections were first processed using a standard procedure in ImageJ, then the stained neuronal profiles were analyzed within continuously adjoining frames from the first to the sixth layer of neocortex. To measure the neuronal complexity (how a given cell is different from its neighbors) we used a general non-parametric data representation model showing that the complexity can be expressed in terms of a suitable measure of statistical dispersion such as the mean absolute deviation. We demonstrated that the pyramidal layers of the motor cortex of the horse are more irregular than those of the monkeys studied. The combination of automated image analysis and statistical analysis made it possible to compare and rank the motor cortex complexity across different species. Therefore, we are confident that our work will help to establish brain similarities between humans and animals used for alimentary purpose, whose brain is often discarded. This, in turn, will allow to carry out the experimental brain research obeying the 3Rs principle.

The circular economy (CE) has been identified as a catalyst in sustainable development and economic growth that has the potential to move society from the traditional linear model of resource consumption in the form of take-make-waste to an innovative circular model in the form of reduce-reuse-recycle. Transitioning from the linear economy to the CE requires changes in four areas: material and product design, business models, global reverse networks and enabling business environments. This study considers the financing needs of CE companies as a result of business model changes. Through the case studies of Ragn-Sellsföretagen AB and Inrego AB, analysed with secondary data from ING Bank and primary data collected through semi-structured interviews with the case companies, this research sheds more light on the financing needs of circular economy companies and how they are financed. Findings from this research suggest that the financing needs of circular economy companies depend on the value proposition of the company. In accordance with the pecking order of capital structure, all financing needs of the companies studied are financed from internal sources, particularly retained earnings before external debt financing is accessed. Findings indicate the willingness of banks to finance circular economy companies. The results of this research suggest that the circular economy companies studied do not need financial support from the government or its agencies to succeed even though favourable laws are welcomed. They report that their long-term success depends on their ability to remain innovative in their business models, aligning with Schumpeter’s creative destruction model.

O gerenciamento de resíduos sólidos domiciliares, entre as muitas opções técnicas desenvolvidas, apresenta a coleta seletiva onde, através da conscientização prévia dos indivíduos envolvidos, permite a seleção e encaminhamento de diferentes materiais ao processo de reciclagem. Esta opção gerencial requer, no entanto, participação efetiva e consciente que, no presente estudo foi planejada e implantada junto ao ensino público fundamental, baseada na coleta de informação local (caracterização sócio, econômica e cultural relativa a resíduos sólidos domiciliares e caracterização física destes resíduos) e nos princípios da educação ambiental e dos 3R´s (redução, reutilização e reciclagem). Os resultados alcançados permitem avaliar positivamente a iniciativa de envolver, no programa de coleta seletiva, uma unidade escolar em sua totalidade de alunos, professores, direção e funcionários. O estudo permite concluir que a iniciativa, se monitorada, cria condições a médio longo prazo de auto gerenciamento do programa via proposta pedagógica e motivação pessoal dos indivíduos envolvidos. / Among many different techniques developed to manage and process domestic solid waste is the segregated waste collection, a process of sorting apart different materials to be sent to different recycling industries. However, this technique requires the active participation and awareness of all individuals involved in the process. In the present work, the collection program was developed based on information about the solid waste as well as cultural and socioeconomic characteristics of the local population generating it, and on Environmental Education and the 3Rs (reduce, reuse and recycle) principles. The program was implemented in Public Schools in such a way to get the public’s effective and conscious participation in the recycling efforts. The positive results obtained from the initiative, which involved an entire school, students and staff alike, allow us to conclude that education as a tool for awareness and personal involvement of individuals, when well monitored, create, in a medium/long range, the conditions for self-management of the program.

O gerenciamento de resíduos sólidos domiciliares, entre as muitas opções técnicas desenvolvidas, apresenta a coleta seletiva onde, através da conscientização prévia dos indivíduos envolvidos, permite a seleção e encaminhamento de diferentes materiais ao processo de reciclagem. Esta opção gerencial requer, no entanto, participação efetiva e consciente que, no presente estudo foi planejada e implantada junto ao ensino público fundamental, baseada na coleta de informação local (caracterização sócio, econômica e cultural relativa a resíduos sólidos domiciliares e caracterização física destes resíduos) e nos princípios da educação ambiental e dos 3R´s (redução, reutilização e reciclagem). Os resultados alcançados permitem avaliar positivamente a iniciativa de envolver, no programa de coleta seletiva, uma unidade escolar em sua totalidade de alunos, professores, direção e funcionários. O estudo permite concluir que a iniciativa, se monitorada, cria condições a médio longo prazo de auto gerenciamento do programa via proposta pedagógica e motivação pessoal dos indivíduos envolvidos. / Among many different techniques developed to manage and process domestic solid waste is the segregated waste collection, a process of sorting apart different materials to be sent to different recycling industries. However, this technique requires the active participation and awareness of all individuals involved in the process. In the present work, the collection program was developed based on information about the solid waste as well as cultural and socioeconomic characteristics of the local population generating it, and on Environmental Education and the 3Rs (reduce, reuse and recycle) principles. The program was implemented in Public Schools in such a way to get the public’s effective and conscious participation in the recycling efforts. The positive results obtained from the initiative, which involved an entire school, students and staff alike, allow us to conclude that education as a tool for awareness and personal involvement of individuals, when well monitored, create, in a medium/long range, the conditions for self-management of the program.

No description available.