A grande quantidade de informações eletrônicas disponíveis, e a crescente modificação do público da Computação, devido, principalmente, à redução dos custos de equipamentos de informática e ao surgimento da rede Internet, acentuaram a necessidade do uso de ferramentas de consulta com acesso rápido e adaptado às características dos usuários. Adicionalmente, como conseqüência do surgimento da rede Internet e da crescente expansão das redes de computadores, estão sendo desenvolvidos, cada vez mais, sistemas de suporte ao trabalho em grupo, os quais são atualmente muito encontrados em ambientes de ensino, a fim de facilitar o processo de ensino-aprendizagem. Um exemplo de ambiente de ensino onde podemos perceber todos os fatores acima citados é o Museu de Ciências e Tecnologia da PUCRS (MCT). Este Museu possui um amplo conjunto de informações armazenadas em bases de dados, e o interesse do público pela consulta a tais bases vem crescendo de forma acentuada. Neste sentido, SAGRES - um sistema com apresentação adaptável de informações e suporte à interação em grupo é um ambiente construído sobre a Internet, o qual possibilita a apresentação das bases de dados do MCT de forma adaptada às características de um ou mais visitantes. De acordo com o nível de experiência, as preferências e as atividades apresentadas pelos visitantes, o sistema determina o conjunto de links apropriados e apresenta-os em uma página HTML (HyperText Markup Language) resultante. Além da adaptação da apresentação das informações, o sistema SAGRES também apóia o aprendizado, explorando aspectos relevantes para a interação entre o visitante e o computador, e, também, entre um conjunto de visitantes, pois a interação pode ocorrer de forma individual ou através de turmas de alunos. Deste modo, é possibilitada a comunicação entre os participantes da turma que, ao compartilharem experiências, duvidas e soluções, podem obter um aprendizado mais consciente e permanente. 0 objetivo final desta pesquisa é a implementação do sistema SAGRES, o qual permite que grupos de visitantes interajam ao mesmo tempo em locais geograficamente distantes. Tal interação é realizada de forma adaptada aos objetivos, ao nível de experiência e às preferências de um visitante e/ou grupo de visitantes, os quais podem assumir três papéis distintos: gerente de turma (responsável em especificar as características de uma turma de alunos), aluno de turma (executa o conjunto de ações especificadas anteriormente pelo gerente) e visitante individual (responsável em definir suas características particulares e, com elas, interagir com o sistema). Por sua vez, o processo de cooperação pode ocorrer entre os componentes de uma turma ou entre todos os usuários do Sistema, os quais podem editar documentos e trocar mensagens, a fim de possibilitar o compartilhamento de experiências. / The great amount of electronical information available today, and the growing and changing users of Computer Science mainly due to cost cuts on computer equipment and the emergence of Internet reinforced the need of tools providing fast access to information and adapted to user's characteristics. As a consequence of the emergence of Internet and the growing expansion of computer networks, systems for Computer Supported Cooperative Work in learning environments have been developed in order to facilitate the teaching-learning process. An example of learning environment where all aspects below can be observed is the Museum of Science and Technology (MCT) at PUCRS. In this museum there is a comprehensive amount of information stored on databases and visitor's interest in querying these bases has been growing. SAGRES - an adaptable information presentation and work group support interaction system is a tool built on top of the Internet which enables the presentation of MCT databases concerning visitor's traits. According to visitors experience levels and preferences and intended activities the system determines the group of appropriate links and presents it on a resulting HTML page (HyperText Markup Language). Besides the adaptation in presenting the information, the system supports the learning process by exploring important aspects for interaction between visitor and computer and also among visitors since interaction can occur individually or in groups of students. Thus, communication is enabled among students and as a result they may share experiences, doubts and solutions, and consequently achieve a more effective and conscious learning process. Therefore, the final aim of this research is the development of SAGRES, a system which allows groups of visitors to interact at the same time in different places all over the world. Such interaction is accomplished according to objectives, experience level and preferences of visitors that can have three different roles: group manager (responsible for specifying characteristics of group of students), student group (perform group of actions predetermined by the group manager) and individual visitor (in charge of defining particular traits and interacting with the system). Furthermore, Cooperative Processes may occur among all system users who can edit documents and exchange messages in order to share experiences.

Utilisation of New Biomarkers for the Optimalization of Diagnostics and Therapy of Tumors of the Gastrointestinal Tract Introduction: Tumor markers are standard diagnostic tools. They are mainly used to monitor the course of the disease and to check the efficacy of the treatment. It is important to observe dynamics. Changing the level of the biomarker can prevent clinical manifestation and lead to early diagnosis of relapse, which in turn means improving the quality of life, including prolonging survival. Recently, we have encountered a number of diagnostic algorithms that suggest algorithms for estimating the risk of tumor presence or the risk of progression of cancer, using statistical methods. Objectives: The aim of this work is to verify new biomarkers for the diagnosis of gastric cancer and to develop an optimal algorithm for their use. Further, to evaluate the importance of cytokeratin markers - Tissue Polypeptide Antigen (TPA) and Tissue Polypeptide Specific Antigen (TPS) for the diagnosis of metastatic colorectal carcinoma in the liver. To carry out a pilot study of FGF23 levels in people with colorectal carcinoma and other gastrointestinal tumors. Methods and patients: Patient samples were analyzed using immunoradiometric, chemiluminescence and fluorescence assays. For each solved problem,...

Since the introduction of high end graphical workstations, computer animation has quickly replaced the traditional means of animation. Nowadays computer animation has many applications e.g. video games, motion picture industry, media, weather forecasting and many others. This master thesis discusses various techniques used to created animations using computers. Keyframing, is the most common approach in computer animation. Borrowing its name from the concept of traditional hand animation, the workflow process remained the same. Basic principles of animation using key-frames are explained and an Interactive Animation Editor solution based on keyframing is proposed and the implementation of this editor is described. Editor uses the Kochanek-Bartels interpolation of values between each key-frame.

Utilisation of New Biomarkers for the Optimalization of Diagnostics and Therapy of Tumors of the Gastrointestinal Tract Introduction: Tumor markers are standard diagnostic tools. They are mainly used to monitor the course of the disease and to check the efficacy of the treatment. It is important to observe dynamics. Changing the level of the biomarker can prevent clinical manifestation and lead to early diagnosis of relapse, which in turn means improving the quality of life, including prolonging survival. Recently, we have encountered a number of diagnostic algorithms that suggest algorithms for estimating the risk of tumor presence or the risk of progression of cancer, using statistical methods. Objectives: The aim of this work is to verify new biomarkers for the diagnosis of gastric cancer and to develop an optimal algorithm for their use. Further, to evaluate the importance of cytokeratin markers - Tissue Polypeptide Antigen (TPA) and Tissue Polypeptide Specific Antigen (TPS) for the diagnosis of metastatic colorectal carcinoma in the liver. To carry out a pilot study of FGF23 levels in people with colorectal carcinoma and other gastrointestinal tumors. Methods and patients: Patient samples were analyzed using immunoradiometric, chemiluminescence and fluorescence assays. For each solved problem,...

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The use of computer-generated images as influencers of consumer opinions and behavior is an emerging advertising strategy. This research investigates the advantages and disadvantages of using computer-generated images (CGI) as influencers of human behavior from the perspective of promoting a brand. The power of electronic word of mouth (social media) and how it is incorporated in computer-generated images used as influencers is discussed as a major factor in consumer decision making. The social media account content of computer-generated images was analyzed by conducting a frame analysis to discern how computer-generated images are portrayed on social media. A frame analysis of 577 social media posts was used to develop a framework for future social media strategies for computer-generated images. CGIs be portrayed as transparent, engaging, and as a socialite. Best practices for using computer-generated images were identified by conducting an interview with a representative of a brand that has collaborated with an influential computer-generated image. Innovation, listening to the consumer voice, and creative control should be prioritized in this growing field of CGIs and CGI partnerships.

Afin d'étudier le rôle de l'humidité dans la déformation du sel gemme, des essais utilisant la microcellule développée au Centre de Géologie de l'Ingénieur ont été conduits sur des échantillons de sel laiteux et de sel phénoblastique du Bassin Bressan ainsi que sur des échantillons de sel de dôme provenant de la mine d'Asse (Allemagne). Le principe de la méthode utilisée est de suivre visuellement, lors des essais effectués, l'évolution texturale des échantillons sous des conditions de contrainte, température et humidité imposées. Une augmentation même faible du degré d'humidité relative se traduit toujours par une phase de fluage transitoire rapide suivie d'une phase de fluage stationnaire à vitesse de déformation constante. La vitesse de déformation lors de cette phase de fluage stationnaire est généralement supérieure à celle de la phase de fluage stationnaire qui précède l'élévation du degré d'humidité. La texture et la composition de l'échantillon ainsi que sa réaction vis-à-vis du couple température-humidité imposé déterminent la prédominance d'un des micromécanismes de déformation possibles. D'un point de vue microstructural, le contenu des cristaux de halite en inclusions fluides et/ou solides exerce une grande influence sur leur ductilité. On montre que le sel laiteux riche en inclusions fluides est plus ductile que le sel de dôme dont les cristaux contiennent des inclusions solides. Au niveau des joints de grains, l'humidité s'adsorbe ou se condense permettant le déclenchement de certains mécanismes de déformation spécifiques. Selon la morphologie et l'état de surface de ces joints on assiste à des mécanismes de lubrification et de glissement (cas du sel de dôme) ou des mécanismes de cisaillement et de microstylolitisation (cas du sel laiteux). Par ailleurs, les films de saumures qui se reconstituent au niveau des joints favorisent la thermomigration des inclusions fluides d'un cristal de halite à un autre à travers ces joints saturés. Dans le sel phénoblastique 1'anhydrite contenue dans la matrice carbonato-sulfatée microporeuse s'hydrate en gypse sous l'action du couple température-humidité. Cette transformation s'accompagne d'un gonflement important qui se traduit par la fissuration prononcée des plages non halitiques ce qui peut entraîner une dégradation notable du matériau. En prenant en compte les trois paramètres essentiels qui conditionnent le fluage du sel gemme: la texture, la température (avec et sans gradient) et l'humidité, l'étude expérimentale tend à reconstituer de manière réaliste l'état des conditions susceptibles de se réunir à proximité d'une galerie de stockage de déchets radioactifs. Par conséquent elle permet d'avancer des arguments nécessaires pour aider à la prévision du comportement d'un massif salifère à long terme.

Τα πεπτίδια, είτε ως πρωτεϊνικά θραύσματα είτε ως φυσικές οντότητες, χαρακτηρίζονται από την ακολουθία τους και από τα λειτουργικά τους χαρακτηριστικά. Ο σκοπός αυτής της Διδακτορικής Διατριβής είναι η ανάπτυξη μιας μεθοδολογίας εξόρυξης δεδομένων για μοναδικά tags και πεπτιδικά/πρωτεϊνικά χαρακτηριστικά του ανθρώπινου πρωτεώματος καθώς επίσης η ανάλυση και η εφαρμογή αυτών των βιολογικών δεδομένων σε πρωτεϊνες που σχετίζονται με τον καρκίνο. Δημιουργήθηκε μια αποθήκη αρχείων η οποία περιέχει μοριακά βάρη με ακρίβεια 0.01 Da που συνδέονται με τις αντίστοιχες πεπτιδικές ακολουθίες ανθρώπινων πρωτεϊνών της Swiss-Prot βάσης. Αυτές οι πρωτεϊνες διασπάστηκαν εξαντλητικά παρέχοντας ανεξαρτησία στις πεπτιδικές ακολουθίες από άλλες μεθόδους που βασίζονται στην ενζυματική διάσπαση. Από αυτήν την αποθήκη δεδομένων, διαχωρίστηκαν τα μοριακά βάρη που είναι μοναδικά και φτάνουν μέχρι τα 10 kDa καθώς και οι μοναδικές πεπτιδικές ακολουθίες (μέχρι 10 kDa). Στα πλαίσια της αξιοποίησης των δεδομένων εξόρυξης για την ταυτοποίηση των πρωτεϊνών, αναπτύχθηκε μια ευρέως διαθέσιμη διαδικτυακή εφαρμογή όπου γίνεται η αντιστοίχιση των μοριακών βαρών υψηλής ανάλυσης με πεπτίδια και πρωτεϊνες. Μια ακόμη διαδικτυακή εφαρμογή αναπτύχθηκε για να προσφέρει την πληροφορία της μοναδικότητας των μοριακών βαρών και των πεπτιδικών ακολουθιών στο ανθρώπινο πρωτέωμα. Η εφαρμογή μπορεί να αναζητήσει μοναδικά πρωτεϊνικά θραύσματα που προκύπτουν από την εζυματική διάσπαση πρωτεϊνών και να προσφέρει την πληροφορία για όλα τα μοναδικά μοριακά βάρη και τις μοναδικές πεπτιδικές ακολουθίες που περιέχονται σε μια πρωτεϊνη. Πολλές φορές χρειάζεται η μαζική διαχείριση των πεπτιδίων από λίστες. Για το σκοπό αυτό, αναπτύχθηκε ένας web server ο οποίος διαχειρίζεται τις πεπτιδικές λίστες, αναλύοντας τα χαρακτηριστικά των πεπτιδίων και ομαδοποιώντας τα πεπτίδια σύμφωνα μα αυτά τα χαρακτηριστικά, ενώ οπτικοποιείται η ομαδοποίηση με την χρήση ενός java applet. Το PepServe είναι ένα χρήσιμο εργαλείο για την κατανόηση της κατανομής των πεπτιδικών χαρακτηριστικών για ένα σύνολο πεπτιδίων. Τέλος, αναλύθηκαν σύνολα πρωτεϊνών που σχετίζονται με διάφορες περιπτώσεις καρκίνων, για πεπτιδικά χαρακτηριστικά. Αυτή η ανάλυση έχει σκοπό την εύρεση πιθανών προτιμήσεων σε χαρακτηριστικά και την εύρεση μοναδικών tags των πρωτεϊνών που σχετίζονται με καρκίνους. Τα μοναδικά tags μπορούν να χρησιμοποιηθούν στην ανακάλυψη βιοδεικτών και την ανάπτυξη νεων φαρμάκων για την πιο αποτελεσματική διάγνωση και θεραπεία. / Peptides, either as protein fragments or as naturally occurring entities are characterized by their sequence and function features. The purpose of the present Ph.D. thesis is to develop a datamining method for unique tags and peptide/protein characteristics in the human proteome and to analyze and apply the derived biological data in cancer-related proteins. A file repository has been created, containing indexed information that relates molecular masses with an accuracy of 0.01 Da to the corresponding peptides existing in human proteins. These proteins have been deposited in a completely digested protein database (Swiss-Prot) providing independence from any specific enzyme/digestion method. From this repository, the unique molecular masses, ranging from 1 to 10 kDa, and the unique peptide sequences from all the possible sequence fragments (up to 10 kDa) have been mined. A publicly available web application has been developed which facilitates a high resolution mapping of measured molecular masses to peptides and proteins, irrespectively of the enzyme/digestion method used. Μulti-filtering may be applied in terms of measured mass tolerance, molecular mass and isoelectric point range as well as pattern matching to refine the results In addition, another publicly available web application has been developed that offers information concerning the uniqueness of molecular masses and peptide sequences in the human proteome. The application is able to search for unique protein fragments derived computationally from enzymatic digestion driven by certain enzymes. Furthermore, the application can list all the unique masses and peptides of a given protein. Through this application, researchers are able to find unique tags, either on a molecular mass level or on a sequence level. A web server has beed developed that manages peptide lists in terms of feature analysis as well as interactive clustering and visualization of the given peptides. PepServe is a useful tool towards understanding peptide feature distribution among a group of peptides. Finally, cancer-related proteins have been analyzed producing peptide features and peptide feature’s sequence uniqueness resulting in some feature preferences and peptide unique tags. These unique tags can be used in biomarker discovery, and novel drug development for an efficient diagnosis and treatment.

Le principal objectif de cette thèse était de mieux comprendre l’importance des Substances Polymériques Extracellulaires (SPE) dans la structuration et la formation des biofilms benthiques ; tout en s’inscrivant dans une étude plus globale des mécanismes écologiques impliqués dans le fonctionnement des vasières intertidales. La mise au point des dosages biochimiques a été effectuée sur le mucilage de l’algue Chaetomorpha aerea et a permis en parallèle de purifier un polysaccharide sulfaté riche en galactose, présentant une activité bactéricide sélective contre la souche Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923). Les études biochimiques et écologiques menées sur les SPE extraits de la vasière charentaise ont ensuite permis de quantifier leur dynamique de production et leur composition, en fonction des conditions environnementales. La présence de désoxy-sucres et d’acides uroniques au sein des SPE capsulaires a laissé supposer que ces fractions jouaient un rôle important dans la formation et le devenir du biofilm microphytobenthique. La dernière partie des travaux a permis de caractériser les propriétés acide/base de Lewis et hydrophile/hydrophobe de la surface de la micro-algue Navicula jeffreyi, impliquée dans la formation de biofilms benthiques, par des méthodes classiques d’analyse. L’utilisation d’une nouvelle méthode, la Chromatographie Gazeuse Inverse (CGI), a permis d’obtenir des résultats intéressants et relativement similaires, confirmant le caractère prometteur de la CGI pour l’étude des propriétés de surface des micro-organismes. / The main goal of this thesis was to better understand the importance of Extracellular Polymeric Substances (EPS) in the structuring and formation of benthic biofilms; while considering a global conception of the ecological mechanisms involved in the functioning of intertidal mudflats. The development of the biochemical assays was done on the mucilage of the macroalgae Chaetomorpha aerea and allowed purifying a polysaccharide rich in galactose, showing a selective bactericidal activity against Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923). Then, the biochemical and ecological studies concerning the EPS extracted from the local mudflat allowed studying their dynamic of production and composition in relation to environmental conditions. The presence of deoxy sugars and uronic acids in the bound EPS highlighted their important roles during the formation and the life of microphytobenthic biofilms. The last part of the work was used to characterize the acid/base of Lewis and hydrophilic/hydrophobic surface properties of the microalgae Navicula jeffreyi, involved in the formation of benthic biofilms, by using classical analysis methods. The use of a new method, named Inverse Gas Chromatography (IGC), allowed getting interesting and relatively similar results, confirming the potential of the method to study the surface properties of microorganisms.