Uno de los principales factores que amenazan a los anfibios es la contaminación del medio por diferentes sustancias químicas, lo que hace necesario incrementar el conocimiento que se tiene del impacto de estos compuestos sobre los anfibios.En la presente Tesis Doctoral se estudió el impacto, en diferentes condiciones experimentales, del cloruro amónio, nitrito sódico y nitrato sódico, de manera aislada o combinada, sobre la rana común, Pelophylax perezi (Seoane, 1885). Además, se intentó proporcionar una visión general de los efectos de la contaminación sobre los anfibios mediante la realización de un meta-análisis.Los resultados obtenidos permiten concluir que la contaminación afectó negativamente a la supervivencia de los anfibios y a otros parámetros subletales. Sin embargo, la contaminación puede conducir la evolución de los anfibios. Finalmente, las condiciones experimentales demostraron tener una gran importancia a la hora de establecer el impacto de un agente estresante sobre los anfibios. / Chemical pollution is one of the major factors threatening amphibians, which makes necessary to perform further studies to assess its impact on amphibians.The present PhD thesis looks at the impact, in different experimental venues, of ammonium chloride, sodium nitrite and sodium nitrate, either isolated or combined, on the Iberian water frog, Pelophylax perezi (Seoane, 1885). Moreover, an overview of pollution effects on amphibianswas provided by conducting a meta-analysis.The results obtained allowed to conclude that pollution negatively affected amphibian survival, as well as other sublethal endpoints. Neverthelesss, pollution may drive the evolution in amphibians. Finally, experimental venues were revealed to show a great relevance when assessing the impact of a stressing factor on amphibians.

Η νόσος του Parkinson χαρακτηρίζεται από τη βαθμιαία, εκλεκτική νευροεκφύλιση των ντοπαμινεργικών νευρώνων της μελαινοραβδωτής οδού. Η μειωμένη δραστηριοποίηση των ντοπαμινεργικών υποδοχέων που προκαλείται από την ανεπάρκεια ντοπαμίνης τροποποιεί τη λειτουργία των βασικών γαγγλίων και αναστέλλει τα κινητικά συστήματα. Ιδανικό πειραματικό μοντέλο αποτελεί το μοντέλο weaver, το οποίο εμφανίζει το ίδιο μοτίβο νευροεκφύλισης με τους παρκινσονικούς ασθενείς καθώς και περισσότερη από 70% μείωση της ντοπαμίνης στο ραβδωτό σώμα. Το γεγονός πως δεν υπάρχει σήμερα αποτελεσματική θεραπεία που να σταματά ή να αναστρέφει την εξέλιξη της νόσου, δημιουργεί την ανάγκη ανακάλυψης ενός φαρμακευτικού σχήματος το οποίο θα έχει νευροπροστατευτική δράση και θα περιορίζει τις παρενέργειες. Προηγούμενα αποτελέσματα της ομάδας μας δείχνουν σημαντική επιβίωση των ντοπαμινεργικών κυττάρων στο μοντέλο weaver μετά από χρόνια χορήγηση του ενδογενούς νευροστεροειδούς DHEAS, του χημικού αναλόγου του ΒΝΝ-50 (το οποίο δε μεταβολίζεται σε οιστρογόνα) και του φαρμακευτικού συνδυασμού του ΒΝΝ-50 με τη Ν-ακετυλοκυστεΐνη (NAC), με το τελευταίο να επαναφέρει πλήρως τον αριθμό των κυττάρων στη μέλαινα ουσία. Στην παρούσα εργασία θελήσαμε να διερευνήσουμε τους μηχανισμούς μέσω των οποίων επιτυγχάνεται η νευροπροστασία που προκαλεί η συγχορήγηση του συνδυασμού BNN-50/ΝAC. Για το σκοπό αυτό, αξιολογήσαμε την αντιαποπτωτική, καθώς και την αντιοξειδωτική δράση του σχήματος BNN-50/NAC. Οι δύο δείκτες επιλέχθηκαν λαμβάνοντας υπόψιν τον κεντρικό ρόλο του αποπτωτικού θανάτου στη διαδικασία της νευροεκφύλισης, καθώς και το ρόλο του οξειδωτικού στρες στην παθογένεια της νόσου. Τα αποτελέσματα μας υποδεικνύουν πλειοτροπική δράση του φαρμακευτικού συνδυασμού BNN-50/NAC, η οποία εκφράζεται μέσω της ισχυρής αντιαποπτωτικής και αντιοξειδωτικής του δράσης. / Parkinson 's disease is characterized by the progressive, selective neurodegeneration of the dopaminergic neurons of the nigrostriatal pathway. The decreased activation of dopamine receptors caused by insufficient dopamine levels, modifies the function of the basal ganglia circuit and inhibits the mobility systems. The weaver model consists an ideal model for neuroprotection studies, which exhibits the same pattern of neurodegeneration as the parkinsonian patients and more than 70% decrease of dopamine in the striatum. The fact that there is currently no effective treatment to attenuate or reverse the disease progression, creates the need for discovery of a drug combination which will exhibit neuroprotective effect and reduce the side effects. Previous results of our group, have shown a significant survival of dopaminergic neurons in weaver mice after chronic administration of endogenous neurosteroid DHEA-S, the chemical analog BNN-50 (which is not metabolized to estrogens) and the combination of the BNN-50 with N-acetylcysteine (NAC,with the latter combination completely rescuing the number of dopaminergic cells of the substantia nigra. The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanisms of neuroprotection induced by coadministration of combination BNN-50/NAC. For this purpose, we evaluated the possible antiapoptotic and antioxidant action of the BNN-50/NAC combination. Our results suggest a pleiotropic effect of the BNN-50/NAC drug combination, that is expressed through strong antiapoptotic and antioxidant activity.

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Christocentric preaching in the AP Church – a practical theological study, is a dissertation wherein Christocentric preaching from the patriarchal narratives by AP Church preachers, is being investigated to determine to what extend it complies with the basic principles of Christocentric preaching. This research found that the preaching from the patriarchal narratives by participating preachers of the AP Church, does not truly answer to the basic principles of Christocentric preaching. A clearly defined Christocentric approach which set out the basic principles for responsible Christocentric preaching, would improve the Christocentricity of Old Testament preaching, more specifically the patriarchal narratives, in the AP Church. A modified version of Osmers’ practical-theological model was utilized as method of research. It entails hermeneutical and normative, empirical and interpretative, as well as strategic aspects. The following goals are set for the study: Hermeneutical and normative i) To determine perspectives from Scripture for the research concept Christocentric preaching regarding passages from Genesis 12-50. Empirical and interpretative ii) To determine to what extend sermons in the AP Church based on passages from Genesis 12-50, are truly Christocentric. iii) To determine to what extend preachers of the AP Church consciously make use of a base theory regarding Christocentric preaching when preaching on passages from Genesis 12-50. Strategically To provide effective, yet Biblical guidelines for Christocentric preaching on passages from Genesis 12-50. In order to reach the above mentioned goals, the following aspects are discussed in the course of the study: Perspectives from Scripture for the research concept Christocentric preaching are determined by, among others, illuminating the unique nature and specific characteristics of the Hebrew narrative. The focus on the hermeneutical challenge offers perspectives on decisive considerations when handling Scripture, an exegetical method conducive to Christocentric preaching, as well as perspectives on a meaningful transition to Christ from the Old Testament text. The focus on the homiletic challenge indicates expository preaching as the most appropriate vehicle for responsible Christocentric preaching. From the hermeneutical and normative perspectives, a certain criteria is derived which served as a guideline for the evaluation of sixteen sermons and devotions by AP Church preachers in order to determine their Christocentricity. Flowing from this, six themes are determined on the basis of which unstructured interviews with five preachers of the AP Church are conducted. These analyses and interviews show the absence of a clearly formulated base theory regarding Christocentric preaching at participating AP Church preachers. Christocentric preaching in the AP Church – a practical theological study offers guidelines for responsible Christocentric preaching from the patriarchal narratives by concentrating on certain points of departure in respect of the Old Testament, key hermeneutical aspects, a meaningful transition from the Old Testament to Christ as well as important homiletic aspects. / Thesis (MTh (Homiletics))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013.

Christocentric preaching in the AP Church – a practical theological study, is a dissertation wherein Christocentric preaching from the patriarchal narratives by AP Church preachers, is being investigated to determine to what extend it complies with the basic principles of Christocentric preaching. This research found that the preaching from the patriarchal narratives by participating preachers of the AP Church, does not truly answer to the basic principles of Christocentric preaching. A clearly defined Christocentric approach which set out the basic principles for responsible Christocentric preaching, would improve the Christocentricity of Old Testament preaching, more specifically the patriarchal narratives, in the AP Church. A modified version of Osmers’ practical-theological model was utilized as method of research. It entails hermeneutical and normative, empirical and interpretative, as well as strategic aspects. The following goals are set for the study: Hermeneutical and normative i) To determine perspectives from Scripture for the research concept Christocentric preaching regarding passages from Genesis 12-50. Empirical and interpretative ii) To determine to what extend sermons in the AP Church based on passages from Genesis 12-50, are truly Christocentric. iii) To determine to what extend preachers of the AP Church consciously make use of a base theory regarding Christocentric preaching when preaching on passages from Genesis 12-50. Strategically To provide effective, yet Biblical guidelines for Christocentric preaching on passages from Genesis 12-50. In order to reach the above mentioned goals, the following aspects are discussed in the course of the study: Perspectives from Scripture for the research concept Christocentric preaching are determined by, among others, illuminating the unique nature and specific characteristics of the Hebrew narrative. The focus on the hermeneutical challenge offers perspectives on decisive considerations when handling Scripture, an exegetical method conducive to Christocentric preaching, as well as perspectives on a meaningful transition to Christ from the Old Testament text. The focus on the homiletic challenge indicates expository preaching as the most appropriate vehicle for responsible Christocentric preaching. From the hermeneutical and normative perspectives, a certain criteria is derived which served as a guideline for the evaluation of sixteen sermons and devotions by AP Church preachers in order to determine their Christocentricity. Flowing from this, six themes are determined on the basis of which unstructured interviews with five preachers of the AP Church are conducted. These analyses and interviews show the absence of a clearly formulated base theory regarding Christocentric preaching at participating AP Church preachers. Christocentric preaching in the AP Church – a practical theological study offers guidelines for responsible Christocentric preaching from the patriarchal narratives by concentrating on certain points of departure in respect of the Old Testament, key hermeneutical aspects, a meaningful transition from the Old Testament to Christ as well as important homiletic aspects. / Thesis (MTh (Homiletics))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013.

Bibeln är skrivet med ett androcentriskt synsätt. Den är skriven av män, om män och för män. Detta leder till att kvinnorna i biblen är beskrivna utifrån ett manligt perspektiv. I denna uppsats undersöks hur kvinnorna i Lukasevangeliet porträtteras samt hur kvinnobilden som framträder gestaltas i kvinnan som tvättar Jesus fötter i Luk 7:36-50. Detta görs utifrån ett feministiskt synsätt och med en kritiskt granskning av hur detta har uttryckts i tolkningen av perikopen i och med att kvinnan tolkas som prostituerad, trots att detta inte nämns i texten. uppsatsen undersöker frågorna "Hur ser kvinnobilden ut i Lukasevangeliet och hur gestaltas detta i Luk 7:36-50?" samt "Varför har kvinnan i Luk 7:36-50 tolkats som prostituerad?"

The thesis presents an assumption that literature is inspired by reality (besides other factors), and that specific literary worlds may, to a certain extent, reflect the actual state of society. Historical events around the end of WWII and the consequent rapid social changes in Japan during late 1940s and 1950s had an indisputable impact on literary production at the time. The aim of this thesis is to affirm this assumption through an analysis of selected short stories and novels from the time concerned. The analysis focuses on remarks and on references about the period of time when the prose was written, and also on behavioral and attitude changes of its characters - prototypes of the Japanese society. The direct impact of historical and social transition on literary work may also be traced in the works' themes, motifs and narrative. We can thus, in many cases, follow the development of the Japanese postwar society from 1945 until the late 1950s, when the country started to prosper economically. The selection of the analysed pieces of literature includes two novels which did not only describe the time of their origination, but also had reverse effect on society. The impact hypothesis is thus confirmed and, what is more, we can see a mutual influence exercised by both, the society and art: The...

Made available in DSpace on 2015-05-14T13:21:16Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Arquivototal.pdf: 1573543 bytes, checksum: 0b63370ad035d100bd7ca434e78b1c47 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2012-09-13 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior - CAPES / In Brazil, the major employability of diesel oil is in the road system of cargo transport which is necessary for a rigorous accompaniment of the ignition quality of this fuel. Among the physical and chemical properties, Cetane Number (CN) is one of the most common indicators of the diesel quality. Beyond the standard method (ASTM D613) for CN determination, there are others alternative methods, such as ASTM D6890, ASTM D4737, through infrared spectroscopy and the portable IROX DIESEL. This work aimed to evaluate and compare alternative methods for CN determination and applying non-parametric statistical tests (Friedman, Wilcoxon). There were selected randomly 80 samples that were in accordance with ANP specifications and subsequently assayed in triplicate. According to statistical analysis, the CN determinations through ASTM D6890 and infrared spectroscopy have no significant differences at a significance level of 5%. CN results through ASTM D4737 and IROX DIESEL were statistically different from each other and when they are compared with the previous mentioned methods at a significance level of 5%. The infrared spectroscopic technique shows to be an alternative for obtaining CN if it is included in diesel oil specifications because it is a technique that requires less cost of implementation and maintenance, fast and accurate determination requiring no external calibration and easy operability. / No Brasil, a maior empregabilidade do óleo diesel é no sistema rodoviário de transporte de cargas, tornando necessário um rigoroso acompanhamento da qualidade de ignição deste combustível Dentre os parâmetros físicos e químicos, o Número de Cetano (NC) é um dos mais comuns indicadores da qualidade do óleo diesel. Além do método padrão (ASTM D-613) para determinação do NC, existem outros métodos alternativos, como, ASTM D-6890, ASTM D-4737, por técnicas de espectroscopia no infravermelho e pelo aparelho portátil IROX DIESEL. O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar e comparar métodos alternativos para determinação do NC, utilizando-se teste de estatísticas não paramétricas (Friedman, Wilcoxon). Foram selecionadas aleatoriamente 80 amostras que estivessem em conformidade com as especificações da ANP e posteriormente ensaiadas em triplicatas. De acordo com análise estatística, os resultados das determinações de NC pelo método ASTM D-6890 e por técnicas de espectroscopia no infravermelho, não possuem diferenças significativas ao nível de significância de 5%. Já os resultados de NC dos métodos ASTM D-4737 e IROX DIESEL, foram estatisticamente diferentes entre si e também quando comparados com os métodos anteriores mencionados ao nível de significância de 5%. A técnica de espectroscopia no infravermelho mostra ser uma alternativa para obtenção do NC se incluído nas especificações de óleo diesel, pois é uma técnica que requer menor custo de implementação e manutenção, determinação rápida e precisa não requerendo calibração externa e de fácil operação.

Uppsatsen beskriver tiden kring 50-talet för att genom detta visa den ungdomskultur som då uppstod. När filmen Ung rebell hade premiär 1955 var den en föregångare inom filmbranchen genom att gestalta ungdomskulturen på ett nytt sätt. Uppstasen analyserar denna film, Sista natten med gänget (1973), samt Grease (1978) för att visa vilka verktyg som används för att visa ungdomskulturen under denna tid. En del av analysen är att påvisa bilens roll i ungdomskulturen i film gesaltad under och strax efter 50-talet.

資產配置問題與方法一直是投資人所關心之重要課題。藉由不同之建構投資組合的方法尋找資產的最適權重分配，可使得投資人對所持有資產的管理變得更容易且具效率。在這些方法當中，最小變異數投資組合可滿足追求風險極小化之需求。本文亦從此出發，探討一種特殊的最小變異數投資組合：加權範數最小變異數投資組合，並以台灣50作為實證資料，運用十個績效指標來衡量加權範數最小變異數投資組合、其他三種標竿投資組合與指數型基金台灣50之表現。 結果發現本研究所選取之台灣市場資料在運用加權範數最小變異數投資組合下，確實可以打敗其他大部分投資組合以及台灣50基金，並且在以下兩論點與過往文獻之敘述一致：加入報酬限制條件無法改善績效、使用替代參數亦可提供相稱績效。 / The asset allocation problem has always been an important issue on which investors concern. It is easier and more efficient for investors to manage their assets through constructing their portfolios in different methods to find the most optimized weight of assets. This essay explores a special portfolio, Weighted-Norm Minimum Variance Portfolio (WNMVP), which can minimize the risks of investment, and use Taiwan stock market data to undertake empirical study. The research measured the performance of WNMVP, other three benchmark portfolios, and Taiwan Top 50 ETF (0050) by using ten indicators, bringing three findings. First, WNMVP performs better than most of other portfolios do. Second, adding estimated mean return vector into the WNMVP does not improve performances. Third, three alternative norm penalties provide comparable performance as parameters in WNMVP do. The second and third findings are consistence with previous literature.