While community gardens (CG) have emerged as a popular public health strategy to improve fruit and vegetable access and consumption, few studies provide evidence-based principles to inform the initiation and maintenance of CG. Grounded in Community-based Participatory Research and guided by the RE-AIM (Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance) framework, this mixed methods case study explores the potential public health impact of CG in the DRR. Six CG completed harvest logs during the 2011 season. Following the growing season, CG leader key informant interviews (N=6) and CG participant focus groups were conducted (N=21) using a semi-structured script, guided by RE-AIM dimensions. The five RE-AIM dimensions and associated components were used to develop a coding matrix and identify emerging themes. Three researchers coded the transcribed interviews using a deductive approach, which included coding raw data into meaning units. The six CG yielded 811 pounds of produce. The majority of focus group participants (95%) stated they would continue CG participation. From qualitative analysis, themes emerged such as increased the number of residents participating in CG, increased consumption of produce, key characteristics of successful CG leaders and locations, programs associated with CG, and adequate funding and resources necessary for maintenance. This study provides important insights to promote the potential public health impacts of CG in the DRR. Findings provide best-practice opportunities to promote the successful adoption, implementation, and maintenance of CG in similar communities. / Master of Science

One-third of the American population is obese (1), and of those successful at losing weight, most return to their baseline weight within three to five years (2). In an effort to increase the success of weight loss maintenance (WTLM), research has focused on strategies that promote self-regulation (3). Self-regulation strategies, such as daily self-monitoring of body weight (4), increased step count (5, 6), and increased fruit and vegetable intake (7) have proven to be effective in long-term WTLM interventions. To date, increased water consumption has not been researched as a WTLM strategy, yet it has been shown to decrease meal energy intake (8, 9) and increase weight loss among middle-aged and older adults (10). The purpose of our first investigation was to determine if self-monitoring of increased water consumption facilitates WTLM over 12 months among middle-aged to older adults, when combined with other self-regulation strategies. Our second investigation was a review of WTLM literature to determine the translation potential published interventions using the RE-AIM (Reach, Efficacy/effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, Maintenance) framework (11) to provide recommendations for future research. Our first main finding was that weekly tracking of these self-regulatory behaviors (self-weighing, step counts, fruit/vegetable intake) for 12 months promotes effective long-term WTLM among middle-aged and older adults. However, daily self-monitoring of increased water consumption (48 fl oz/day) did not appear to provide an additional benefit. Secondly, we have identified significant gaps in the WTLM literature that may hinder the translatability of existing effective interventions. Specifically, current WTLM research is limited in reporting important external validity factors (e.g. costs, adoption, participation rate). Available WTLM literature provided a more detailed overview of Reach, Efficacy, and Implementation, yet was little information on potential adoption, costs, or sustainability. Future work in this area should address these factors to increase the translation potential of WTLM interventions in clinical or community settings. / Ph. D.

Neste trabalho foram estudados computacionalmente os [2.2]ciclofanos ([2.2]paraciclofano (1), anti-[2.2]metaciclofano (2a), sin-[2.2]metaciclofano (2b) e [2.2]metaparaciclofano (3)), que são os [2n]ciclofanos mais simples, contendo dois anéis fenílicos conectados por duas pontes etilênicas. Os ciclofanos têm apresentado inúmeras aplicações importantes, podendo atuar como auxiliares em sínteses assimétricas e como catalisadores que simulam funções enzimáticas, apresentando seletividade em relação aos substratos. Eles são empregados tanto em químicab supramolecular quanto em áreas biomédicas. Estudos que empregam ressonância de spin eletrônico ou que investigam propriedades ópticas não-lineares dos [2.2]ciclofanos indicam que os mesmos apresentam interações transanulares, que ocorrem através de recobrimento direto entre orbitais pertencentes a anéis diferentes, through-space, ou através de recobrimento entre orbitais dos anéis e das pontes, through-bond. As interações transanulares possuem um papel fundamental na química dos ciclofanos, alterando o comportamento reacional destes compostos e as transições espectroscópicas. Apesar dos métodos de preparação de ciclofanos, desde os mais simples aos mais complexos, serem intensamente investigados, estudos computacionais, que busquem compreender as correlações entre tensão e aromaticidade, estrutura eletrônica e o mecanismo de ocorrência das interações transanulares, são raramente encontrados na literatura. Desse modo, o objetivo deste trabalho foi estudar as interações transanulares, bem como correlacionar as diferenças estruturais, a tensão sobre anéis e pontes, cargas atômicas, aromaticidade e os deslocamentos químicos, não apenas para os isômeros dos [2.2]ciclofanos, mas também seus derivados fluorados (perfluoração de um dos anéis dos [2.2]ciclofanos), bem como avaliar os efeitos de diversos substituintes (CN, Cl, C=O, NH2 e NO2) e da protonação na estrutura eletrônica do isômero [2.2]paraciclofano. As otimizações de geometria de 1, realizadas com diferentes métodos e conjuntos de funções de base, mostraram que os modelos MP2/6-31+G(d,p) e B3PW91/6-31+G(d,p) fornecem os melhores resultados em comparação com os dados de raios-x. Buscas conformacionais mostraram que 2a e 2b são confôrmeros com energias diferentes e que 3 possui dois confôrmeros degenerados. As energias relativas e de tensão das pontes, seguiram a mesma ordem, indicando que a tensão sobre as pontes e a repulsão entre as nuvens ? dos anéis aromáticos são determinantes para a estabilidade dos [2.2]ciclofanos. As reações isodésmicas indicaram que os anéis comportam-se como absorvedores de tensão. NICS e HOMA mostraram que apesar das perdas de planaridade dos anéis a aromaticidade é mantida. O método NBO confirmou que todos os [2.2]ciclofanos apresentam interações through-bond, mas apenas 2a e 2b apresentaram interações through-space significantes. A análise AIM mostrou que as interações transanulares observadas são do tipo camada fechada (iônica ou ligação de hidrogênio) e que estabilizam os [2.2]ciclofanos. Para os derivados fluorados as principais alterações geométricas observadas foram para os diedros das pontes. As reações isodésmicas revelaram que as tensões das pontes e as energias relativas são afetadas pela fluoração. Além disso, os anéis dos isômeros fluorados absorvem mais tensão que os anéis dos isômeros não fluorados. NICS e HOMA mostraram que a substituição por flúor aumenta a aromaticidade dos [2.2]ciclofanos. A análise NBO indicou que a perfluoração aumentou o número e a intensidade das interações through-space, mas as mesmas ficaram restritas principalmente aos derivados fluorados de 2a e 2b. A mesma análise evidenciou que há uma conjugação dos pares de elétrons dos átomos de flúor com o sistema ?. Por outro lado, a análise AIM sugeriu que a substituição não aumenta o número de interações through-space, mas confirmou a conjugação dos pares de elétrons dos átomos de flúor. Os demais substituintes empregados afetam os parâmetros geométricos do [2.2]paraciclofano (1) de maneira diferenciada. A análise particionada das reações isodésmicas mostrou que as tensões nos anéis e nas pontes dependem não apenas do substituinte empregado, mas também da posição da substituição. NICS e HOMA indicaram que a aromaticidade no anel não-substituído dos derivados substituídos é maior que em 1. A análise NBO revelou que a substituição e a protonação aumentam a ocorrência de interações transanulares through-space. O método AIM indicou a presença de interações transanulares apenas para o derivado substituído com NH2 e CN e para a espécie protonada. No entanto, tais interações apresentaram características de interações de camada fechada. com pequenas estabilizações. As cargas atômicas e os deslocamentos químicos confirmaram as mudanças na densidade eletrônica, observadas através do método AIM. / In this work, the [2.2]cyclophanes ([2.2]paracyclophane (1), anti-[2.2]metacyclophane (2a), syn-[2.2]metacyclophane (2b) e [2.2]metaparacyclophane (3)), which are the simplest [2n] cyclophanes that contain two phenyl rings connected by two ethanediyl linkages, were studied computationally. Cyclophanes have presented several important applications, such as auxiliary in asymmetric synthesis, catalysts that simulate enzymatic functions, presenting selectivity in relation to the substrates. They are employed either in supramolecular chemistry or in biomedical areas. Studies that apply electron spin resonance or that investigate the non-linear optical properties of [2.2]cyclophanes, indicate that these compounds present transannular interactions, which occur through direct overlap of orbitals lying in different rings, throughspace, or through overlap between orbitals from rings and bridges, through-bond. The transannular interactions have a fundamental role in cyclophane chemistry, changing the reactional behavior of these compounds, and the spectroscopic transitions. Despite the fact that the well known methods of preparation, from the simplest to the most complex cyclophanes, have been studied intensively, computational studies that intent to comprehend the correlations between tension and aromaticity, electronic structure, and the mechanism of the transannular interactions are rarely found in the literature. Therefore, the aim of this work was not only to study the transannular interactions, correlating the structural differences, tension in rings and bridges, atomic charges, aromaticity, and chemical shifts of the [2.2]cyclophanes isomers but also to extent a similar treatment to the fluorinated derivatives. In addition, the effects of substituents such as (CN, Cl, C=O, NH2, and NO2) and the protonation on the electronic structure of [2.2]paracyclophane were also evaluated. The geometry optimizations of 1, carried out by using different methods and basis set, showed that the models MP2/6-31+G(d,p) and B3PW91/6-31+G(d,p) provide the best results in comparison with the x-ray data. Conformational searches showed that 2a and 2b are the conformers that present the same energy and the isomer 3 has two degenerated conformers. The strain energies of the bridges followed the same tendency as the relative energies, indicating that the tension on the bridges and the repulsions between the ? clouds of the aromatic rings are the key factors that determine the [2.2]cyclophane stabilities. The isodesmic reactions indicated that the rings are absorbents of tension. NICS and HOMA showed that the aromaticity of the rings is preserved despite the changes on the planarity. The NBO method confirmed that all [2.2]cyclophanes present through-bond interactions, but only 2a and 2b exhibit noteworthy through-space interactions. The AIM analysis pointed out that the transannular interactions behave as closed shell interactions (ionic or hydrogen bond), stabilizing the [2.2]cyclophanes. The main geometric changes, observed to the fluorinated derivatives, were those related with the dihedral angle of bridges. The isodesmic reactions pointed out that the tensions of bridges and the relative energies are affected by the fluorination. In addition, the fluorinated rings absorb more tension than the non-fluorinated rings. NICS and HOMA showed that the substitution by fluorine increases the aromaticity of the [2.2]cyclophanes. The NBO analysis indicated that the number of through-space interactions increase with the fluorination, but it is restrict to the derivatives of 2a and 2b. In addition, the same analysis pointed out a conjugation of the fluorine lone pairs with the ? system. On the other hand, the AIM analysis suggested that the substitution do not increase the number of through-space interactions, but confirmed the conjugation of the fluorine lone pairs. The other substituents can affect the geometric parameter of 1 noticeably. The partitioned analysis of isodesmic reactions showed that the tensions in bridges and rings not only depend on the substituents employed but also on the position of substitution. NICS and HOMA pointed out that the aromaticity is bigger in the non-substituted rings of [2.2]paracyclophane derivatives than in 1. The NBO analysis showed that the substitution and protonation increase the number of through-space interactions. AIM method indicated the transannular interactions occur only to the derivate substituted by NH2 and CN, and to the protonated specie. However, these interactions presented features of closed shell interactions with small stabilizations. The atomic charges and the chemical shifts confirmed the changes of the electronic density, observed through the AIM method.

A natureza das ligações de hidrogênio e a influência destas interações na estrutura eletrônica de complexos neutros, catiônicos, aniônicos e radicalares foi estudada utilizando-se análises geométricas, energéticas, eletrônicas e topológicas. Inicialmente, verificaram-se alterações na aromaticidade do cátion pirílio após a complexação com uma a três moléculas de água. Tais complexos foram ainda estudados em meio reacional com constante dielétrica igual a da água com o emprego do modelo PCM (Polarizable Continuum Model). Adicionalmente, os efeitos da hidroxilação na estrutura eletrônica dos cátions benzopirílio e flavílio foram considerados. Posteriormente, analisaram-se os efeitos das fortes ligações de hidrogênio na ressonância do grupo carboxila em complexos formados entre o radical hidroperoxil e os ácidos fórmico, acético e trifluoroacético. Como extensão desse trabalho, estudos envolvendo complexos obtidos com e sem restrições na otimização de geometria possibilitaram obter informações a respeito da ressonância dos grupos carboxila e carboxilato quando o fluoreto de hidrogênio interage linear ou perpendicularmente com todos os átomos do ácido fórmico e do ânion formiato. O desenvolvimento das atividades supracitadas compreendeu a análise da função de onda pelos métodos NBO (Natural Bond Orbital), NSA (Natural Steric Analysis), NRT (Natural Resonance Theory) e AIM (Atoms in Molecules). As alterações em parâmetros geométricos e nas cargas atômicas foram consideradas. Uma análise energética foi realizada com o emprego do método de decomposição de energia proposto por Xantheas. As freqüências vibracionais e a intensidade das bandas do estiramento do grupo X-H, doador da ligação de hidrogênio, foram analisadas. As densidades de spin para os complexos radicalares também foram obtidas. A influência das ligações de hidrogênio e o efeito do substituinte na aromaticidade dos cátions foram verificados com o emprego dos métodos e índices NICS (Nucleus Independent Chemical Shifts), HOMA (Harmonic Oscillator Model of Aromaticity), HOSE (Harmonic Oscillator Stabilization Energy) e PDI (para-Delocalization Index). Os cálculos foram efetuados com os modelos B3LYP/6-31+G(d,p), B3LYP/6-311++G(3df,3pd) e UB3LYP/6-311++G(3df,3pd). Ocasionalmente, outras funções de base (EPR-III e cc-pVDZ), assim como o método MP2, foram utilizados para testar a confiabilidade dos resultados obtidos. As interações intermoleculares pouco alteraram a estrutura eletrônica e a aromaticidade do cátion pirílio. Analogamente, a substituição de um átomo de hidrogênio por um grupo hidroxila em diversas posições dos cátions benzopirílio e flavílio também não provocou modificações muito significativas na estrutura eletrônica desses cátions, embora tenha se verificado uma dependência da aromaticidade com a posição da hidroxila. Por outro lado, a distorção geométrica associada às ligações de hidrogênio foram responsáveis pelo incremento ou diminuição da ressonância do grupo carboxila nos ácidos fórmico, acético, trifluoroacético e do grupo carboxilato no ânion formiato. Os efeitos dos grupos doador e sacador de elétrons na estabilização dos complexos radicalares foram evidenciados. Adicionalmente, pode-se atribuir um caráter covalente parcial em algumas ligações de hidrogênio. / The nature of hydrogen bonds and their influence on electronic structure of neutral, cationic, anionic, and radical complexes was studied by using geometric, energetic, electronic, and topological analysis. The changes in aromaticity of the pyrylium cation upon complexation with one up to three water molecules were investigated. The PCM (Polarizable Continuum Model) model was employed to study the pyrylium-water complexes in a water reaction medium. In addition, the effects of hydroxylation on electronic structure of the benzopyrylium and flavilium cations were also considered. In addition, the effects of strong hydrogen bonds on carboxyl group resonance in the complexes formed between the hydroperoxyl radical and formic, acetic, and trifluoroacetic acids were analyzed. In extension of this work, studies including complexes, obtained with and without geometric restrictions, provided information about the resonance of the carboxyl and carboxylate groups when the hydrogen fluoride interacts, linear or perpendicularly, with all atoms of formic acid and formate anion. The analysis of the wavefunction by using NBO (Natural Bond Orbital), NSA (Natural Steric Analysis), NRT (Natural Resonance Theory), and AIM (Atoms in Molecules) methods was necessary to the development of the above mentioned activities. The changes in geometric parameters and atomic charges were also considered. An energetic analysis of complexes was done with the energy decomposition method proposed by Xantheas. The vibrational frequencies and the intensity of the X-H (hydrogen bond donor group) stretching bands were studied. The spin densities for the radical complexes were also obtained. The Nucleus Independent Chemical Shifts (NICS), Harmonic Oscillator Model of Aromaticity (HOMA), HOSE (Harmonic Oscillator Stabilization Energy), and PDI (para-Delocalization Index) aromaticity criteria were employed to verify the hydrogen bond influence and the effect of hydroxylation in the aromaticity of the cations. The calculations were carried out by using B3LYP/6-31+G(d,p), B3LYP/6-311++G(3df,3pd), and UB3LYP/6-311++G(3df,3pd) models. Occasionally, other basis set (EPR-III and cc-pVDZ), as well as the MP2 method, were applied to test the accuracy of the results. The intermolecular interactions lead to small alterations in the electronic structure and aromaticity of pyrylium cation. Similarly, the substitution at different positions of the benzopyrylium and flavilium cations by a hydroxyl group does not cause significant changes in the electronic structure of these cations. However, a dependence of the hydroxyl group position on aromaticity was observed. On the other hand, for formic, acetic, trifluoroacetic acids, as well as for the formate anion, the resonance of the carboxyl and carboxylate groups is affected not only by the geometric distortions but also by the hydrogen bonds. The effects of the electron-donating and electron-withdrawing groups in the stabilization of radical complexes were characterized. Furthermore, a partial covalent character can be attributed to some hydrogen bonds.

No description available.

A natureza das ligações de hidrogênio e a influência destas interações na estrutura eletrônica de complexos neutros, catiônicos, aniônicos e radicalares foi estudada utilizando-se análises geométricas, energéticas, eletrônicas e topológicas. Inicialmente, verificaram-se alterações na aromaticidade do cátion pirílio após a complexação com uma a três moléculas de água. Tais complexos foram ainda estudados em meio reacional com constante dielétrica igual a da água com o emprego do modelo PCM (Polarizable Continuum Model). Adicionalmente, os efeitos da hidroxilação na estrutura eletrônica dos cátions benzopirílio e flavílio foram considerados. Posteriormente, analisaram-se os efeitos das fortes ligações de hidrogênio na ressonância do grupo carboxila em complexos formados entre o radical hidroperoxil e os ácidos fórmico, acético e trifluoroacético. Como extensão desse trabalho, estudos envolvendo complexos obtidos com e sem restrições na otimização de geometria possibilitaram obter informações a respeito da ressonância dos grupos carboxila e carboxilato quando o fluoreto de hidrogênio interage linear ou perpendicularmente com todos os átomos do ácido fórmico e do ânion formiato. O desenvolvimento das atividades supracitadas compreendeu a análise da função de onda pelos métodos NBO (Natural Bond Orbital), NSA (Natural Steric Analysis), NRT (Natural Resonance Theory) e AIM (Atoms in Molecules). As alterações em parâmetros geométricos e nas cargas atômicas foram consideradas. Uma análise energética foi realizada com o emprego do método de decomposição de energia proposto por Xantheas. As freqüências vibracionais e a intensidade das bandas do estiramento do grupo X-H, doador da ligação de hidrogênio, foram analisadas. As densidades de spin para os complexos radicalares também foram obtidas. A influência das ligações de hidrogênio e o efeito do substituinte na aromaticidade dos cátions foram verificados com o emprego dos métodos e índices NICS (Nucleus Independent Chemical Shifts), HOMA (Harmonic Oscillator Model of Aromaticity), HOSE (Harmonic Oscillator Stabilization Energy) e PDI (para-Delocalization Index). Os cálculos foram efetuados com os modelos B3LYP/6-31+G(d,p), B3LYP/6-311++G(3df,3pd) e UB3LYP/6-311++G(3df,3pd). Ocasionalmente, outras funções de base (EPR-III e cc-pVDZ), assim como o método MP2, foram utilizados para testar a confiabilidade dos resultados obtidos. As interações intermoleculares pouco alteraram a estrutura eletrônica e a aromaticidade do cátion pirílio. Analogamente, a substituição de um átomo de hidrogênio por um grupo hidroxila em diversas posições dos cátions benzopirílio e flavílio também não provocou modificações muito significativas na estrutura eletrônica desses cátions, embora tenha se verificado uma dependência da aromaticidade com a posição da hidroxila. Por outro lado, a distorção geométrica associada às ligações de hidrogênio foram responsáveis pelo incremento ou diminuição da ressonância do grupo carboxila nos ácidos fórmico, acético, trifluoroacético e do grupo carboxilato no ânion formiato. Os efeitos dos grupos doador e sacador de elétrons na estabilização dos complexos radicalares foram evidenciados. Adicionalmente, pode-se atribuir um caráter covalente parcial em algumas ligações de hidrogênio. / The nature of hydrogen bonds and their influence on electronic structure of neutral, cationic, anionic, and radical complexes was studied by using geometric, energetic, electronic, and topological analysis. The changes in aromaticity of the pyrylium cation upon complexation with one up to three water molecules were investigated. The PCM (Polarizable Continuum Model) model was employed to study the pyrylium-water complexes in a water reaction medium. In addition, the effects of hydroxylation on electronic structure of the benzopyrylium and flavilium cations were also considered. In addition, the effects of strong hydrogen bonds on carboxyl group resonance in the complexes formed between the hydroperoxyl radical and formic, acetic, and trifluoroacetic acids were analyzed. In extension of this work, studies including complexes, obtained with and without geometric restrictions, provided information about the resonance of the carboxyl and carboxylate groups when the hydrogen fluoride interacts, linear or perpendicularly, with all atoms of formic acid and formate anion. The analysis of the wavefunction by using NBO (Natural Bond Orbital), NSA (Natural Steric Analysis), NRT (Natural Resonance Theory), and AIM (Atoms in Molecules) methods was necessary to the development of the above mentioned activities. The changes in geometric parameters and atomic charges were also considered. An energetic analysis of complexes was done with the energy decomposition method proposed by Xantheas. The vibrational frequencies and the intensity of the X-H (hydrogen bond donor group) stretching bands were studied. The spin densities for the radical complexes were also obtained. The Nucleus Independent Chemical Shifts (NICS), Harmonic Oscillator Model of Aromaticity (HOMA), HOSE (Harmonic Oscillator Stabilization Energy), and PDI (para-Delocalization Index) aromaticity criteria were employed to verify the hydrogen bond influence and the effect of hydroxylation in the aromaticity of the cations. The calculations were carried out by using B3LYP/6-31+G(d,p), B3LYP/6-311++G(3df,3pd), and UB3LYP/6-311++G(3df,3pd) models. Occasionally, other basis set (EPR-III and cc-pVDZ), as well as the MP2 method, were applied to test the accuracy of the results. The intermolecular interactions lead to small alterations in the electronic structure and aromaticity of pyrylium cation. Similarly, the substitution at different positions of the benzopyrylium and flavilium cations by a hydroxyl group does not cause significant changes in the electronic structure of these cations. However, a dependence of the hydroxyl group position on aromaticity was observed. On the other hand, for formic, acetic, trifluoroacetic acids, as well as for the formate anion, the resonance of the carboxyl and carboxylate groups is affected not only by the geometric distortions but also by the hydrogen bonds. The effects of the electron-donating and electron-withdrawing groups in the stabilization of radical complexes were characterized. Furthermore, a partial covalent character can be attributed to some hydrogen bonds.

Neste trabalho foram estudados computacionalmente os [2.2]ciclofanos ([2.2]paraciclofano (1), anti-[2.2]metaciclofano (2a), sin-[2.2]metaciclofano (2b) e [2.2]metaparaciclofano (3)), que são os [2n]ciclofanos mais simples, contendo dois anéis fenílicos conectados por duas pontes etilênicas. Os ciclofanos têm apresentado inúmeras aplicações importantes, podendo atuar como auxiliares em sínteses assimétricas e como catalisadores que simulam funções enzimáticas, apresentando seletividade em relação aos substratos. Eles são empregados tanto em químicab supramolecular quanto em áreas biomédicas. Estudos que empregam ressonância de spin eletrônico ou que investigam propriedades ópticas não-lineares dos [2.2]ciclofanos indicam que os mesmos apresentam interações transanulares, que ocorrem através de recobrimento direto entre orbitais pertencentes a anéis diferentes, through-space, ou através de recobrimento entre orbitais dos anéis e das pontes, through-bond. As interações transanulares possuem um papel fundamental na química dos ciclofanos, alterando o comportamento reacional destes compostos e as transições espectroscópicas. Apesar dos métodos de preparação de ciclofanos, desde os mais simples aos mais complexos, serem intensamente investigados, estudos computacionais, que busquem compreender as correlações entre tensão e aromaticidade, estrutura eletrônica e o mecanismo de ocorrência das interações transanulares, são raramente encontrados na literatura. Desse modo, o objetivo deste trabalho foi estudar as interações transanulares, bem como correlacionar as diferenças estruturais, a tensão sobre anéis e pontes, cargas atômicas, aromaticidade e os deslocamentos químicos, não apenas para os isômeros dos [2.2]ciclofanos, mas também seus derivados fluorados (perfluoração de um dos anéis dos [2.2]ciclofanos), bem como avaliar os efeitos de diversos substituintes (CN, Cl, C=O, NH2 e NO2) e da protonação na estrutura eletrônica do isômero [2.2]paraciclofano. As otimizações de geometria de 1, realizadas com diferentes métodos e conjuntos de funções de base, mostraram que os modelos MP2/6-31+G(d,p) e B3PW91/6-31+G(d,p) fornecem os melhores resultados em comparação com os dados de raios-x. Buscas conformacionais mostraram que 2a e 2b são confôrmeros com energias diferentes e que 3 possui dois confôrmeros degenerados. As energias relativas e de tensão das pontes, seguiram a mesma ordem, indicando que a tensão sobre as pontes e a repulsão entre as nuvens ? dos anéis aromáticos são determinantes para a estabilidade dos [2.2]ciclofanos. As reações isodésmicas indicaram que os anéis comportam-se como absorvedores de tensão. NICS e HOMA mostraram que apesar das perdas de planaridade dos anéis a aromaticidade é mantida. O método NBO confirmou que todos os [2.2]ciclofanos apresentam interações through-bond, mas apenas 2a e 2b apresentaram interações through-space significantes. A análise AIM mostrou que as interações transanulares observadas são do tipo camada fechada (iônica ou ligação de hidrogênio) e que estabilizam os [2.2]ciclofanos. Para os derivados fluorados as principais alterações geométricas observadas foram para os diedros das pontes. As reações isodésmicas revelaram que as tensões das pontes e as energias relativas são afetadas pela fluoração. Além disso, os anéis dos isômeros fluorados absorvem mais tensão que os anéis dos isômeros não fluorados. NICS e HOMA mostraram que a substituição por flúor aumenta a aromaticidade dos [2.2]ciclofanos. A análise NBO indicou que a perfluoração aumentou o número e a intensidade das interações through-space, mas as mesmas ficaram restritas principalmente aos derivados fluorados de 2a e 2b. A mesma análise evidenciou que há uma conjugação dos pares de elétrons dos átomos de flúor com o sistema ?. Por outro lado, a análise AIM sugeriu que a substituição não aumenta o número de interações through-space, mas confirmou a conjugação dos pares de elétrons dos átomos de flúor. Os demais substituintes empregados afetam os parâmetros geométricos do [2.2]paraciclofano (1) de maneira diferenciada. A análise particionada das reações isodésmicas mostrou que as tensões nos anéis e nas pontes dependem não apenas do substituinte empregado, mas também da posição da substituição. NICS e HOMA indicaram que a aromaticidade no anel não-substituído dos derivados substituídos é maior que em 1. A análise NBO revelou que a substituição e a protonação aumentam a ocorrência de interações transanulares through-space. O método AIM indicou a presença de interações transanulares apenas para o derivado substituído com NH2 e CN e para a espécie protonada. No entanto, tais interações apresentaram características de interações de camada fechada. com pequenas estabilizações. As cargas atômicas e os deslocamentos químicos confirmaram as mudanças na densidade eletrônica, observadas através do método AIM. / In this work, the [2.2]cyclophanes ([2.2]paracyclophane (1), anti-[2.2]metacyclophane (2a), syn-[2.2]metacyclophane (2b) e [2.2]metaparacyclophane (3)), which are the simplest [2n] cyclophanes that contain two phenyl rings connected by two ethanediyl linkages, were studied computationally. Cyclophanes have presented several important applications, such as auxiliary in asymmetric synthesis, catalysts that simulate enzymatic functions, presenting selectivity in relation to the substrates. They are employed either in supramolecular chemistry or in biomedical areas. Studies that apply electron spin resonance or that investigate the non-linear optical properties of [2.2]cyclophanes, indicate that these compounds present transannular interactions, which occur through direct overlap of orbitals lying in different rings, throughspace, or through overlap between orbitals from rings and bridges, through-bond. The transannular interactions have a fundamental role in cyclophane chemistry, changing the reactional behavior of these compounds, and the spectroscopic transitions. Despite the fact that the well known methods of preparation, from the simplest to the most complex cyclophanes, have been studied intensively, computational studies that intent to comprehend the correlations between tension and aromaticity, electronic structure, and the mechanism of the transannular interactions are rarely found in the literature. Therefore, the aim of this work was not only to study the transannular interactions, correlating the structural differences, tension in rings and bridges, atomic charges, aromaticity, and chemical shifts of the [2.2]cyclophanes isomers but also to extent a similar treatment to the fluorinated derivatives. In addition, the effects of substituents such as (CN, Cl, C=O, NH2, and NO2) and the protonation on the electronic structure of [2.2]paracyclophane were also evaluated. The geometry optimizations of 1, carried out by using different methods and basis set, showed that the models MP2/6-31+G(d,p) and B3PW91/6-31+G(d,p) provide the best results in comparison with the x-ray data. Conformational searches showed that 2a and 2b are the conformers that present the same energy and the isomer 3 has two degenerated conformers. The strain energies of the bridges followed the same tendency as the relative energies, indicating that the tension on the bridges and the repulsions between the ? clouds of the aromatic rings are the key factors that determine the [2.2]cyclophane stabilities. The isodesmic reactions indicated that the rings are absorbents of tension. NICS and HOMA showed that the aromaticity of the rings is preserved despite the changes on the planarity. The NBO method confirmed that all [2.2]cyclophanes present through-bond interactions, but only 2a and 2b exhibit noteworthy through-space interactions. The AIM analysis pointed out that the transannular interactions behave as closed shell interactions (ionic or hydrogen bond), stabilizing the [2.2]cyclophanes. The main geometric changes, observed to the fluorinated derivatives, were those related with the dihedral angle of bridges. The isodesmic reactions pointed out that the tensions of bridges and the relative energies are affected by the fluorination. In addition, the fluorinated rings absorb more tension than the non-fluorinated rings. NICS and HOMA showed that the substitution by fluorine increases the aromaticity of the [2.2]cyclophanes. The NBO analysis indicated that the number of through-space interactions increase with the fluorination, but it is restrict to the derivatives of 2a and 2b. In addition, the same analysis pointed out a conjugation of the fluorine lone pairs with the ? system. On the other hand, the AIM analysis suggested that the substitution do not increase the number of through-space interactions, but confirmed the conjugation of the fluorine lone pairs. The other substituents can affect the geometric parameter of 1 noticeably. The partitioned analysis of isodesmic reactions showed that the tensions in bridges and rings not only depend on the substituents employed but also on the position of substitution. NICS and HOMA pointed out that the aromaticity is bigger in the non-substituted rings of [2.2]paracyclophane derivatives than in 1. The NBO analysis showed that the substitution and protonation increase the number of through-space interactions. AIM method indicated the transannular interactions occur only to the derivate substituted by NH2 and CN, and to the protonated specie. However, these interactions presented features of closed shell interactions with small stabilizations. The atomic charges and the chemical shifts confirmed the changes of the electronic density, observed through the AIM method.

Ce mémoire, qui appartient au domaine de l’éthique de la croyance, un champ d’enquête philosophique situé au confluent de la philosophie de l’esprit, de l’épistémologie et de l’éthique, cherche à évaluer la viabilité d’une certaine approche influente en faveur de l’anti-pragmatisme, qui est la thèse selon laquelle il n’existe aucune raison pratique normative de croire. Cette approche, que l’on peut qualifier de « constitutiviste », se fonde sur l’idée que certaines caractéristiques intrinsèques à la croyance feraient en sorte qu’il ne pourrait exister de raisons pratiques de croire. Les objectifs de ce mémoire sont : 1) sur le plan descriptif, de donner une topographie de l’approche constitutiviste 2) sur le plan normatif, d’évaluer si l’approche constitutiviste pour fonder l’anti-pragmatiste est une démarche viable ou si elle doit être rejetée. Je procède à cette évaluation par une analyse critique des arguments constitutivistes à la lumière de la littérature récente portant sur la cible de la croyance, les raisons de croire et les normes épistémiques. Je conclus que l’approche constitutiviste souffre de problèmes sérieux qui remettent en question sa viabilité. / This thesis, which pertains to the philosophical domain of inquiry called the ethics of belief, at the crossroads of philosophy of mind, epistemology and ethics, aims at assessing the viability of an influent argumentative strategy in favour of anti-pragmatism about reasons for belief. According to anti-pragmatism, there are no practical normative reasons for belief. The constitutivist strategy, as I call it, purports to show that anti-pragmatism is true by appealing to constitutive, intrinsic features of belief. The aim of this thesis is double: first, it is to give a portrait of the landscape of constitutivist arguments against practical reasons for belief. Second, it is to evaluate the merits of these arguments. In order to do so, I present a critical analysis of the two main constitutivist arguments that is grounded in recent works about the aim of belief, raisons for belief and epistemic norms. My conclusion is that the constitutivist strategy suffers from serious defects which threaten its viability.

Molnlagring, kommunikationsplattformar med interaktiva funktioner, virtuella modeller som sammanfogas med fysiska omgivningar, datorsimuleringar, livscykelperspektiv. Så diskuteras det i BIM-världens korridorer. Men om detta nu är framtiden: varför går implementeringen så långsamt, och vad är det egentligen som ska implementeras?   Processen att hantera och förstå vad BIM är har blivit för komplex, och med denna rapport vill vi hitta åtgärder för att göra arbetssättet begripligt och användbart för fler. Vi har i samarbete med Vianova Systems undersökt hur användningen av BIM ser ut idag och vilka förbättringsåtgärder som behövs för en bredare framtida implementering i samhällsbyggnadsbranschen.   Våra undersökningar visar att nästan 80 % tror att ett arbete som drar nytta av en digital modell skulle vara effektivare: samtidigt är osäkerheten kring mjukvaror och oklarhet kring implementeringen av arbetsmetoderna begränsande faktorer. Som lösning på detta har ett användarinterface för projektsamordning och kommunikation arbetats fram.   Dessa undersökningar har genomförts med hjälp av en enkätstudie samt intervjuer och sammanställts i två delar: dels denna rapport, samt en slutprodukt av visionär karaktär kallad ”7 visions for the future of BIM”. / Cloud storage, communication platforms with interactive functions, virtual models that are merged with physical surroundings, computer simulations, life cycle perspective. This is what is being discussed in the corridors of the BIM-world. But if this is the future: why is the implementation so slow, and what exactly is to be implemented?   The process of handling and understanding what BIM is has become too complex, and in this report we want to find solutions for making the way of working intelligible and useful for a wider audience. In collaboration with Vianova Systems, we have investigated what the use of BIM looks like today and what improvements are needed for a wider future implementation in the AEC industry.   Our investigations show that almost 80 % believe that work which utilizes a digital model would be more effective: at the same time the insecurity concerning software and uncertainties regarding the implementation of the work methodologies are limiting factors. As a solution for this a user interface for project management and communication has been developed.   These investigations have been carried out with the aid of a questionnaire and interviews and compiled into two parts: partly this report, as well as an end product of visionairy nature called ”7 visions for the future of BIM”.

The thesis focuses on using the activating function of a didactic game as a method in the English lessons at primary school. It looks for the arguments supporting using the game at school, the obstacles causing problems using it and suggests possible solutions. The research part seeks different usage of didactic games in real environment, different favour of particular types of games and their relationship to the educational aim. There are found connections between children's age and their positive feelings towards different kinds of games and their ability to reach the educational aim.