Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado do Rio de Janeiro / Neste estudo qualitativo, objetiva-se descrever os usos do conector mas em um corpus de mediação endoprocessual, à luz da Linguística Cognitiva, baseando-se, sobretudo, na Teoria da Metáfora Conceptual e nos conceitos de categorização, esquemas imagéticos e modelos cognitivos idealizados (MCIs). Investigam-se as bases cognitivas que fundamentam os sentidos do mas e a função argumentativa desse conector na mediação, a partir de duas hipóteses gerais, a saber: (i) defende-se que o conector mas funciona como um gatilho para a ativação do MCI de guerra, em termos do qual é conceptualizado o conceito de discussão, como afirmam Lakoff e Johnson (2002[1980]); e (ii) acredita-se que tal conector possa ser caracterizado como uma categoria radial, formada a partir dos diferentes esquemas imagéticos que fundamentam as ocorrências desse elemento na interação. Tendo em vista essas hipóteses, objetiva-se: (i) apontar as funções argumentativas do mas na mediação, sinalizadas pelos mapeamentos metafóricos ativados durante a discussão e (ii) descrever os sentidos evidenciados pelos usos do mas no gênero analisado, os quais são evocados pelos diferentes esquemas imagéticos em que se baseiam. Os resultados indicam que esse conector pode ser compreendido como uma categoria radial, formada a partir de esquemas de força distintos. Além disso, verifica-se que os três usos mais próximos ao centro da categoria relacionam-se fortemente a um confronto ou a uma disputa de posição entre os participantes da interação, enquanto os três mais periféricos são estreitamente ligados a uma estratégia de manutenção da posição argumentativa do falante. Considera-se que esta pesquisa possa colaborar para o estudo do conector mas, devido à observação do comportamento semântico-discursivo desse item em um gênero pouco contemplado, a mediação; e, devido à escolha do paradigma adotado, que permite analisar o conector em todas as suas ocorrências, não havendo necessidade de separar os usos chamados de interfrásticos daqueles denominados inícios acessórios ou pré-começos / This qualitative study aims to describe the usage of the connector but, in a corpus of mediation, under the light of Cognitive Linguistics, mainly based on the Theory of Conceptual Metaphor and in the concepts of categorization, image schema and idealized cognitive models (ICMs). The cognitive bases that underlie the meanings of the connector but, as well as its argumentative function in mediation, will be investigated from two general hypothesis: (i) it is defended that the connector but functions as a trigger to the activation of the ICM of war, in which the concept of discussion is conceptualized, as affirmed by Lakoff and Johnson (2002[1980]); and (ii) it is believed that the aforementioned connector can be characterized as a radial category, formed from the different image schemas that underlie the occurrences of this element on the interaction. Taking into account these hypotheses, we aim to: (i) indicate the argumentative functions of but in the mediation, signaled by metaphorical mappings activated during the discussion and (ii) describe the meanings stressed by the uses of but in the analyzed genre, meanings that are evoked by the different image schemas in which they are based on. The results indicate that this connector may be seen as a radial category, formed by distinct force schemas. Besides that, we verified that the three uses closer to the center of the category are strongly related to a confrontation or a dispute of position between the interaction participants, while the three more peripheral are tightly linked to a strategy to maintain the argumentative position of the speaker. This research is considered a collaboration to the study of the connector but, due to the observation of this items semantic-discursive behavior in a little addressed genre, i.e., mediation; and, because of the adopted paradigm, which allows the analysis of the connector in all occurrences, there is no need to separate the uses of but that appear between the conjunctions from those that appear in the beginning of the utterances

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado do Rio de Janeiro / Neste estudo qualitativo, objetiva-se descrever os usos do conector mas em um corpus de mediação endoprocessual, à luz da Linguística Cognitiva, baseando-se, sobretudo, na Teoria da Metáfora Conceptual e nos conceitos de categorização, esquemas imagéticos e modelos cognitivos idealizados (MCIs). Investigam-se as bases cognitivas que fundamentam os sentidos do mas e a função argumentativa desse conector na mediação, a partir de duas hipóteses gerais, a saber: (i) defende-se que o conector mas funciona como um gatilho para a ativação do MCI de guerra, em termos do qual é conceptualizado o conceito de discussão, como afirmam Lakoff e Johnson (2002[1980]); e (ii) acredita-se que tal conector possa ser caracterizado como uma categoria radial, formada a partir dos diferentes esquemas imagéticos que fundamentam as ocorrências desse elemento na interação. Tendo em vista essas hipóteses, objetiva-se: (i) apontar as funções argumentativas do mas na mediação, sinalizadas pelos mapeamentos metafóricos ativados durante a discussão e (ii) descrever os sentidos evidenciados pelos usos do mas no gênero analisado, os quais são evocados pelos diferentes esquemas imagéticos em que se baseiam. Os resultados indicam que esse conector pode ser compreendido como uma categoria radial, formada a partir de esquemas de força distintos. Além disso, verifica-se que os três usos mais próximos ao centro da categoria relacionam-se fortemente a um confronto ou a uma disputa de posição entre os participantes da interação, enquanto os três mais periféricos são estreitamente ligados a uma estratégia de manutenção da posição argumentativa do falante. Considera-se que esta pesquisa possa colaborar para o estudo do conector mas, devido à observação do comportamento semântico-discursivo desse item em um gênero pouco contemplado, a mediação; e, devido à escolha do paradigma adotado, que permite analisar o conector em todas as suas ocorrências, não havendo necessidade de separar os usos chamados de interfrásticos daqueles denominados inícios acessórios ou pré-começos / This qualitative study aims to describe the usage of the connector but, in a corpus of mediation, under the light of Cognitive Linguistics, mainly based on the Theory of Conceptual Metaphor and in the concepts of categorization, image schema and idealized cognitive models (ICMs). The cognitive bases that underlie the meanings of the connector but, as well as its argumentative function in mediation, will be investigated from two general hypothesis: (i) it is defended that the connector but functions as a trigger to the activation of the ICM of war, in which the concept of discussion is conceptualized, as affirmed by Lakoff and Johnson (2002[1980]); and (ii) it is believed that the aforementioned connector can be characterized as a radial category, formed from the different image schemas that underlie the occurrences of this element on the interaction. Taking into account these hypotheses, we aim to: (i) indicate the argumentative functions of but in the mediation, signaled by metaphorical mappings activated during the discussion and (ii) describe the meanings stressed by the uses of but in the analyzed genre, meanings that are evoked by the different image schemas in which they are based on. The results indicate that this connector may be seen as a radial category, formed by distinct force schemas. Besides that, we verified that the three uses closer to the center of the category are strongly related to a confrontation or a dispute of position between the interaction participants, while the three more peripheral are tightly linked to a strategy to maintain the argumentative position of the speaker. This research is considered a collaboration to the study of the connector but, due to the observation of this items semantic-discursive behavior in a little addressed genre, i.e., mediation; and, because of the adopted paradigm, which allows the analysis of the connector in all occurrences, there is no need to separate the uses of but that appear between the conjunctions from those that appear in the beginning of the utterances

Os conectores sem agulhas foram introduzidos para redução de incidência de acidentes pérfuro-cortantes nos profissionais da área da saúde e a literatura apresenta evidências irrefutáveis sobre este aspecto. No entanto, não há evidências conclusivas sobre as vantagens do conector sem agulha para o paciente, no que se referem aos índices de infecção de corrente sanguínea relacionada ao cateter venoso central. Este estudo tem como objetivo evidenciar o impacto do uso de conectores sem agulhas para sistema fechado de infusão na ocorrência de infecção de corrente sanguínea relacionada ao cateter venoso central por meio de revisão sistemática, desenvolvida conforme as recomendações propostas pela Colaboração Cochrane. A estratégia de busca nas bases de dados eletrônicas utilizou os componentes do PICO: População (estudos com pacientes em uso de cateter venoso central, independente de idade, sexo, etnia e serviço de saúde vinculado); Intervenção (uso de conectores de sistema fechado sem agulhas, não-valvulados, valvulados, com pressão positiva ou não); Comparação (uso de oclusores, conectores de sistema fechado com ou sem agulhas, não-valvulados, valvulados, com pressão positiva ou não); Outcome-desfecho (infecção de corrente sanguínea, contaminação do canhão, contaminação microbiana, infecção de corrente sanguínea relacionada ao cateter). As bases eletrônicas investigadas foram: PubMEDLINE, OVID, EMBASE, LILACS, CINAHL. Também foram avaliadas as referências bibliográficas dos estudos incluídos. Os resultados estão apresentados em três etapas: caracterização do processo de seleção dos estudos encontrados na busca; caracterização dos estudos incluídos para a revisão sistemática (RS); avaliação de qualidade e força da evidência dos estudos incluídos segundo a Escala de Jadad e a Escala de avaliação de qualidade dos estudos na área de Controle e Prevenção de Infecção de Corrente Sanguínea Relacionada ao cateter Venoso Central. A amostra desta revisão sistemática constitui-se de 14 estudos, e quatro investigaram somente conectores sem agulhas. Foram encontrados 6 ensaios clínicos controlados randomizados, 4 coortes, 3 caso-controle e 1 resultado terapêutico. A infecção de corrente sanguínea relacionada ao cateter venoso central foi o desfecho de 9 estudos. Seis apresentaram diferenças a favor do conector valvulado; 04 a favor do conector puncionável com cânula; 01 a favor do conector puncionável com agulha; 01 a favor do conector valvulado com pressão positiva e 02 a favor do dispositivo usado antes da troca. A heterogeneidade dos estudos quanto aos desenhos de pesquisa, as características das populações e os fatores de riscos controlados e os resultados, não permitem a realização de meta-análise, contudo, é possível afirmar, com base nos quatro melhores estudos encontrados, que a implantação de conectores sem agulhas, quer valvulados ou com injetor pré-furado, com manutenção de sistema fechado de infusão, apresentam impacto positivo relacionado à menor contaminação do canhão do cateter ou na ocorrência de infecção de corrente sanguínea relacionada ao cateter venoso central / Needleless connectors were introduced to reduce the incidence of needlestick injuries in health professionals and according to the literature their effectiveness is irrefutable. However, there is no conclusive evidence on the advantages of needleless connectors for patients with regard to bloodstream infection rates from the use of central venous catheters. The objective of this study was to determine the impact of the use of needleless connectors in closed infusion systems on the occurrence of bloodstream infections related to the use of central venous catheters by conducting a Cochrane systematic review. The strategy for searching electronic databases employed the components of the PICO model: Population (studies of patients using central venous catheters, regardless of age, sex, race and associated health service); Intervention (use of closed needleless connector systems, with and without valves, with and without positive pressure); Comparison (use of plugs, closed system connectors with and without needles, with and without valves, with and without positive pressure); Outcome (bloodstream infection, cannula contamination, microbial contamination, bloodstream infection related to catheter). The electronic databases investigated were: PubMEDLINE, OVID, EMBASE, LILACS and CINAHL. Bibliographical references of the studies included were also evaluated. The results are presented in three stages: characterization of selection process for studies found in the search; characterization of studies included in the systematic revision; evaluation of quality and strength of evidence for studies included according to the Jadad Scale and the scale of quality of studies in the control and prevention of bloodstream infections related to central venous catheters. The sample of this systematic review was made up of 14 studies of which 4 investigated only needleless connectors. We found 6 randomized control clinical trials, 4 cohort, 3 case-control and 1 therapeutic result. Bloodstream infection related to central venous catheters was the outcome for 9 studies. Six presented differences regarding the valved connector; 04 in favor of the puncturable connector with cannula; 01 in favor of the puncturable connector with needle; 01 in favor of the valved connector with positive pressure and 02 in favor of the device used before the change. The heterogeneous nature of the studies with regard to design, population characteristics and controlled risk factors and results prevented a meta-analysis. However, it is possible to state, based on the four best studies found, that the introduction of needleless connectors, whether valved or puncturable with cannula, coupled with a closed infusion system, presented a positive impact on lowering contamination of catheter cannulae and on the occurrence of bloodstream infection related to central venous catheters

Experimental and theoretical analyses have been conducted upon electrical connector contacts under low frequency fretting conditions. The phenomena of "fretting" -relative micromovements in the components parts of an electrical contact - is known to take a major role in the degeneration of electrical contacts. Low frequency fretting is of particular interest and is typically caused by thermal differential expansion of the component parts due to temperature changes in the environment or the device itself. This thesis begins with a survey of possible failure mechanisms of the contact system. These are analysed and classified into three groups of chemical, physical, and mechanical degradation mechanisms. Fretting has been classified under the mechanical mechanism of degradation but is reported to exacerbate other degradation mechanisms resulting in the phenomena of "fretting corrosion". Developments in contact technology are then surveyed with the emphasis of this study on lubrication of the contact system. A novel fretting simulation apparatus has been developed to study the degradation mechanisms upon the contact system resulting from low frequency micromovements. The study includes investigations on the simulation apparatus of the contact system under different conditions. Particular! y emphasis is given to contacts under the conditions of electrical load and lubrication. Novel trends in the contact performance are reported with respect to electrical contact resistance, corrosion and wear of the contact interface. It is shown that electrically loading or lubricating the contact system has dramatic effects upon the contact performance. Chemical, physical and mechanical mechanisms at the contact interface are presented to explain the contact behaviour under several conditions of low frequency fretting. A "Two Process Model" is proposed which summarises the interaction of these different mechanisms. This model consists of two processes in balance - contact cleaning and contact degradation processes - which either increases or reduces the electrical area of contact. A theoretical computer simulation model is proposed for evaluating contact resistance behaviour of a fretting contact system under several conditions, particularly conditions of electrically loaded and lubricated conditions. Chemical, physical and mechanical mechanisms and their interact are simulated in the model using the Monte Carlo technique.

This report presents the results of a master level thesis project that analyzes and designs about the issue “Framework for Flexible Connectors with Java Reflection Proxies”. In this project, there are two main issues; first one is about finding a way to implement the function of a connector. And the other one is to build a framework for flexible connectors. By studying on Java’s dynamic proxy, we find we can use it to implement the function of a connector. When building a connector chain, we use an important Java technique--Java Reflection API.

Connections in wood have been investigated and advanced ever since the ground-breaking work of Johansen in the early nineteenth century. Nevertheless, not much investigation has been undertaken on the existence of load-displacement path dependency in a sheathing-to-framing connection. Herein, a sheathing-to-framing connection is investigated in relation to displacement path dependency. This work uses 3D Finite Element beam-on-foundation models of an Oriented Strand Board (OSB/2) sheathing nailed to a C24 wood framing, to study possible strategies to numerically simulate the displacement path dependency. The models are used to study if non-linear elastic or elastic-plastic embedment properties of an annular-ringed shank nail in the wood-based materials bring about the path dependency using Connector elements in combination with different material models in the FE software Abaqus. Numerical results are compared with corresponding experimental test results of the connection together with the Eurocode 5 approach. The outcome of the numerical study both; confirms the existence of displacement path dependency and shows that this property in the connection can be described by plasticity properties in nail, sheathing material and the wood framing.

"The World Bank's central mission is to fight poverty. Over 2 billion people around the world live in poverty. With such pressing concerns, why bother about arts and culture: because we must accept the importance of social well-being, educational and intellectual fulfilment. Culture is profoundly important. We need to understand the cultural dimension of development: for example effective educational projects must take into account the cultural expression and language of the community. We have moved from involvement solely with financial capital to a financial being balanced with social and structural factors, a more holistic view that incorporates lending criteria that accommodate 'social capital'. We will do our utmost to make a difference. Bank finance in culture is truly complementary to that of others. A Kenyan proverb displayed at the Museum of Natural History in New York reads: "Let us treat nature well. It was not given to us by out fathers but it was lent to us by our children". I suggest we insert 'cultural heritage' for nature." Ian Johnson - Vice President Environmentally and Socially Sustainable Development, The World Bank (http:\www.arts&culture trust.htm) The Inner City of Pretoria is rapidly degrading. Businesses are moving out and poorer people are moving in. To create a place for real people, more than just economic stability is needed. At the Vienna Architecture Conference in 1993 "The End of Architecture?" Zaha Hadid stated: " Being an architect today one is faced with the challenge of a profession torn in two distinct aspects. On the one hand architecture became pure technique, as if it were a branch of engineering; on the other hand, it becomes image production, as if it were a branch of advertising."(Noever, 1992; 27) The theme at the conference alluded to the fact that architecture for architecture's sake no longer predominates, and it now seems that only fashion is being rewarded. Architecture for architecture's sake cannot be the solution, cannot be the antidote to fashion; only a social purpose to architecture, publicly formulated, can be such an antidote. There can be no great architecture without a social programme. A visionary architecture has to take part in a political vision, and its reality presupposes a political process, which puts a new architecture on the agenda and thus transforms the profession into a movement with new aims and inspirations. What matters to the inhabitants of the Inner City, apart from the fundamentals for physical survival, is the quality of buildings and the in-between spaces that they generate. Keeping this in mind one should realise that designing outside spaces is as important as designing buildings. There has always been a distinction between interior and exterior space, with architects and interior architects responsible for the latter and landscape architects responsible for the first. If one intends to create a real people's place there should be a fusion between these two elements. They should be perceived as spaces created for people, without drawing a distinction between inside and outside. This is one of the elements which the city lacks most. The open spaces in the Berea precinct are either not planned or not utilised in the way they were planned. Today cities may be increasingly sophisticated in meeting technical needs, but now is the time to bring deeper human needs into the brief. / Dissertation (MArch (Prof))--University of Pretoria, 2005. / Architecture / unrestricted

In current component models, interaction aspects of system behaviour are mostly specified by components, rather than by composition mechanisms, due to the fact that most composition mechanisms cannot express complex interactions. Consequently current component models do not enjoy the benefits that arise from separating the specification of computation from the specification of interaction in software architecture. This thesis investigates the possibility of representing recurring patterns of interaction as composition mechanisms (and other associated component model entities), as distinct from components that define computation; these composition mechanisms would appear as first-class entities in architectures, and can be stored in and reused from repositories. To this end, we have defined a novel, control-driven and data-driven component model that strictly separates computation from interaction. To represent interaction patterns in this model, we have defined composite connectors that can encapsulate control flow and data flow and can be reused via repositories in different contexts. We have also developed a prototype implementation of the component model, and carried out a case study from the reactive control systems domain in order to evaluate the feasibility of our approach. Comparison with related work shows that our composite connectors improve the state of the art in component-based interaction modelling (i) by specifying control flow and data flow explicitly and separately in software architecture; and (ii) by increasing the reuse potential of interaction patterns compared to patterns that are represented by components only.

The theme of this diploma thesis is design of recharging station for electrical cars. The result of this thesis is a conceptual design of this station. It summarizes technological, structural, economic, ergonomic and visual aspects with respect to current trends and technical solution.

This thesis deals with brief research on problematics of antennas in microwave band for omni-directional applications, own design and assembling of such an antenna. The purpose of the design is to have a best possible radiation patterns and reflection loss of our antenna. Conical monopole is chosen and it is simulated and changed to get the best possible parameters. Two prototypes are manufactured with mechanical changes applied and their parameters measured. Finished antenna is used for experimental channel measurement.