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Made available in DSpace on 2016-06-02T19:52:11Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 6803.pdf: 4377604 bytes, checksum: b46cca1821ce323769b3573f295615d3 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2015-02-24 / Universidade Federal de Sao Carlos / The growing interest in supply chain management is due to perception that closer relationship between partners lead to performance improvement of the supply chain as a whole. This is possible, for example, due to the increase of demand visibility provided by information exchange between its members. Better supply and demand synchronization is a consequence of collaborative supply chain management and the adoption of collaborative initiatives helps to build these new collaborative relationships between companies that are seeking to remain competitive in dynamic markets, with more demand from customers. Within this theme, this master thesis analysed five collaborative initiatives through systematic literature review, including Quick Response (QR), Efficient Consumer Response (ECR), Continuous Replenishment Program (CRP), Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI) and Collaborative Planning, Forecasting and Replenishment (CPFR), aiming to develop a theoretical framework to guide the decision making process of adopting and implementing these collaborative initiatives, based on the characteristics, expected benefits, reasons for adopting and possible barriers found in each of them. The analysis of benefits cited in literature showed primary and secondary benefits that are reached by these initiatives. Primary benefits, like better inventory management, should be reached before secondary benefits, like cost reduction, appear. The barriers found in literature were grouped in cultural, behavioral and physical. With technology development, a physical barrier, cultural and behavioral barriers influence more negatively on the relationship than do the physical ones. The reasons for adopting found in literature can be related to economic or market changes in the environment that the supply chain operates, or the form of business organization. Analysing the context of creation and development of these initiatives and their characteristics, it was possible to propose a framework for characterizing the initiatives. It is made of several dimensions for differentiating one initiative from another and can be used as a guide for companies that are planning to implement these initiatives, or help the ones that have already adopted to review its current state and to design a future one. Finally, the theoretical framework to guide the decision making process of adopting a collaborative initiative was proposed, linking the main results of this work, showing to the decision maker the main aspects of concern when adopting a collaborative initiative and highlighting the need to monitor the initiative s performance constantly. / O crescente interesse pela gestão da cadeia de suprimentos deve-se à percepção de que relacionamentos mais próximos promovem a melhoria do desempenho da cadeia como um todo. Isso é possível graças a, por exemplo, o aumento da visibilidade da demanda, proporcionado pela troca de informação entre os membros. A melhor sincronização entre a oferta e a demanda é uma das consequências da gestão colaborativa da cadeia de suprimentos, e as diferentes iniciativas de colaboração permitem a construção destas novas formas de relacionamento entre empresas que buscam a sua permanência em mercados cada vez mais dinâmicos e com clientes cada vez mais exigentes. Dentro desta temática, este trabalho analisou cinco iniciativas de colaboração por meio de revisão sistemática da literatura: Quick Response (QR), Efficient Consumer Response (ECR), Continuous Replenishment Program (CRP), Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI) e Collaborative Planning, Forecasting and Replenishment (CPFR), com o objetivo de propor uma estrutura teórica para orientar o processo decisório de adoção e implementação dessas iniciativas colaborativas, com base nas características, nos benefícios esperados, nos motivadores à adoção e nas possíveis barreiras encontradas em cada uma delas. Após análise dos benefícios mencionados na literatura, estes foram classificados em primários e secundários, sendo que os benefícios primários devem ser alcançados para que os benefícios secundários apareçam. As barreiras encontradas na literatura foram divididas em culturais, comportamentais e físicas. Com o desenvolvimento da tecnologia, uma barreira física, os aspectos culturais e comportamentais passam a ter uma influencia negativa maior no relacionamento. Os motivadores à adoção da iniciativa podem estar relacionados às mudanças econômicas ou de mercado, ou à forma de organização das empresas. Analisando o contexto de criação e desenvolvimento dessas iniciativas, bem como suas características, foi possível propor um framework para caracterização das mesmas que pode servir como um guia para as empresas que desejam implementá-las ou auxiliar as que já adotam a analisarem seu estado atual e projetar seu futuro. Finalmente, foi proposta uma estrutura teórica para auxiliar o processo decisório de adoção de iniciativas colaborativas, unindo os principais resultados deste estudo, mostrando ao tomador de decisão os principais aspectos que devem ser analisados para a adoção de uma iniciativa de colaboração e evidenciando a necessidade de monitoramento constante do desempenho da iniciativa.

Submitted by Renata Lopes (renatasil82@gmail.com) on 2016-04-28T15:21:16Z No. of bitstreams: 1 karineandradeoliveirazanini.pdf: 564422 bytes, checksum: 95992f692adb8715af66d371f3987b2f (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Adriana Oliveira (adriana.oliveira@ufjf.edu.br) on 2016-05-02T01:12:26Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 karineandradeoliveirazanini.pdf: 564422 bytes, checksum: 95992f692adb8715af66d371f3987b2f (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2016-05-02T01:12:26Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 karineandradeoliveirazanini.pdf: 564422 bytes, checksum: 95992f692adb8715af66d371f3987b2f (MD5) Previous issue date: 2016-03-04 / Introdução: Apesar dos avanços recentes no tratamento de pacientes com doença de Crohn (DC), os sintomas oclusivos e suboclusivos observados na presença de estenoses clinicamente significativas permanecem um problema clínico desafiador. Na DC, a identificação de fatores que se associam à redução do risco de cirurgia é importante. Materiais e Métodos: Neste estudo retrospectivo, avaliamos os possíveis fatores preditivos, incluindo os marcadores inflamatórios associados à redução da necessidade de intervenção cirúrgica em pacientes com DC que apresentaram o primeiro episódio de suboclusão intestinal clinicamente resolvido e tratados, subsequentemente, com azatioprina (AZA) durante três anos. Resultados: Trinta e seis pacientes com DC suboclusiva foram incluídos, dos quais, 24 não necessitaram de ressecção intestinal. Nenhum dado demográfico ou clínico associou-se com a resposta à AZA. Apenas a proteína C reativa (PCR) apresentou correlação com a eficácia da AZA. Para cada aumento de 1 mg na PCR, houve uma redução do risco de cirurgia em 8% (RR 0,92; IC 0,86-0,98; p=0,008). O grupo PCR>6 (elevada) apresentou 81% de redução de risco de cirurgia em relação ao grupo PCR<6 (OR 0,19 IC 0,05-0,64; p=0,008). Conclusões: Os pacientes que apresentaram PCR elevada tiveram uma menor taxa de cirurgia a médio e longo prazos durante a terapia com AZA. A PCR pode identificar pacientes com estenoses predominantemente inflamatórias e responsivas ao tratamento clínico. / Background: Despite recent advances in the treatment of patients with Crohn's disease (CD), occlusive and subocclusive symptoms observed in the presence of clinically significant stenosis remains a challenging clinical problem. In inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), the identification of factors associated with reduced risk of surgery in this context is important. Materials and methods: In this retrospective study, we evaluated the possible predictive factors, including inflammatory markers associated with reduced need for surgical intervention in patients with CD who presented the first episode of clinically solved subocclusion and treated subsequently with azathioprine (AZA) for three years. Results: Thirty-six patients with subocclusive CD were included, of these, 24 has not required bowel resection. No demographic or clinical data associated with the response to AZA. Only C reactive protein (CRP) was correlated with the effectiveness of AZA. For each increase of 1 mg CRP, there was a reduction of surgery risk in 8% (RR 0.92, CI 0.86-0.98; P = 0.008). The CRP group> 6 (elevated) had 81% of surgery risk reduction compared to PCR group <6 (OR 0.19 CI 0.05-0.64; P = 0.008). Conclusions: Patients with elevated CRP has a lower rate of surgery in the medium and long term during therapy with AZA. CRP can identify patients with inflammatory stenosis and responsive to clinical treatment.

Philosophiae Doctor - PhD / The U.S. has a problem: it is not effectively utilizing all the bright young minds available to its science & engineering workforce. In 2012 the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST) reported that a million more STEM professionals in the U.S. workforce were needed over the next decade. PCAST reported that the situation is far worse for underrepresented students, who make up 70% of undergraduate students but only 45% of the STEM degrees. Recent reports suggest women in science and engineering have made small gains, while historically underrepresented ethnic groups (Blacks, Hispanics, American Indians) continue to be significantly underrepresented. The lack of diversity in the U.S. workforce is not reflected in the USA population nor is it reflected in the undergraduate student population. As the U.S. aspires to retain a leadership role in research and development in an increasingly diverse and globally interconnected society, this disparity is unsustainable. What if having more culturally interesting, more culturally responsive STEM classes is a way of increasing the diversity of the science and engineering workforce in the U.S.? This study focuses on a topic that has been generally overlooked by the STEM educational community, but one that is directly relevant to student engagement and learning outcomes: the role of culture as a variable in student learning. This study examines how different pedagogical approaches shape student outcomes in Astronomy 101 courses. In a comparative study two different pedagogical approaches were analyzed using both quantitative and qualitative methods in a semiexperimental nonequivalent group research design. The theories of culturally responsive pedagogy (CRP), active learning theory in STEM, and Indigenous knowledge systems (IKS) ground this approach. The findings of this study show important gains for all students. Underrepresented minority students (URM) in the course with increased culturally responsive pedagogy were exceptionally engaged and learning gains soared. By measure of the concept inventory, the URM students in the course with increased culturally responsive pedagogy outperformed all other students in the study. As the U.S. will have a non-white majority by the year 2045 and diversity in STEM faculty lags there is a need for tangible, evidence-based, culture-based curriculum and pedagogy. There is a problem and based on the evidence found in this study, there is a way to fix it. / The U.S. has a problem: it is not effectively utilizing all the bright young minds available to its science & engineering workforce. In 2012 the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST) reported that a million more STEM professionals in the U.S. workforce were needed over the next decade. PCAST reported that the situation is far worse for underrepresented students, who make up 70% of undergraduate students but only 45% of the STEM degrees. Recent reports suggest women in science and engineering have made small gains, while historically underrepresented ethnic groups (Blacks, Hispanics, American Indians) continue to be significantly underrepresented. The lack of diversity in the U.S. workforce is not reflected in the USA population nor is it reflected in the undergraduate student population. As the U.S. aspires to retain a leadership role in research and development in an increasingly diverse and globally interconnected society, this disparity is unsustainable. What if having more culturally interesting, more culturally responsive STEM classes is a way of increasing the diversity of the science and engineering workforce in the U.S.? This study focuses on a topic that has been generally overlooked by the STEM educational community, but one that is directly relevant to student engagement and learning outcomes: the role of culture as a variable in student learning. This study examines how different pedagogical approaches shape student outcomes in Astronomy 101 courses. In a comparative study two different pedagogical approaches were analyzed using both quantitative and qualitative methods in a semiexperimental nonequivalent group research design. The theories of culturally responsive pedagogy (CRP), active learning theory in STEM, and Indigenous knowledge systems (IKS) ground this approach. The findings of this study show important gains for all students. Underrepresented minority students (URM) in the course with increased culturally responsive pedagogy were exceptionally engaged and learning gains soared. By measure of the concept inventory, the URM students in the course with increased culturally responsive pedagogy outperformed all other students in the study. As the U.S. will have a non-white majority by the year 2045 and diversity in STEM faculty lags there is a need for tangible, evidence-based, culture-based curriculum and pedagogy. There is a problem and based on the evidence found in this study, there is a way to fix it.

Background: This study examined the association of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) and C-reactive protein (CRP) with postoperative medical complications and one year mortality of elderly patients sustaining a low-energy cervical hip fracture scheduled for surgery. We hypothesized that vitamin D deficiency and CRP in these patients might be associated with an increased 1-year mortality. Methods: The prospective single-center cohort study included 209 patients with a low-energy medial femoral neck fracture; 164 women aged over 50 years and 45 men aged over 60 years. Referring to 1-year mortality and postoperative medical complications multiple logistic regression analysis including 10 co-variables (age, sex, BMI, ASA, creatinine, CRP, leukocytes hemoglobin, 25(OH)D, vitamin D supplementation at follow-up) was performed. Results: Vitamin D deficiency was prevalent in 87 % of all patients. In patients with severe (<10 ng/ml) and moderate (10–20 ng/ml) vitamin D deficiency one year mortality was 29 % and 13 %, respectively, compared to 9 % in patients with > 20 ng/ml 25(OH)D levels (p =0.027). Patients with a mild (CRP 10–39.9 mg/l) or active inflammatory response (CRP ≥ 40 mg/l) showed a higher one year mortality of 33 % and 40 % compared to 16 % in patients with no (CRP < 10 mg/l) inflammatory response (p = 0.002). Multiple logistic regression analysis identified CRP (OR 1.01, 95 % CI 1.00- 1.02; p = 0.007), but not 25(OH)D (OR 0.97, 95 % CI 0.89-1.05; p = 0.425) as an independent predictor for one year mortality. 20 % of patients suffered in-hospital postoperative medical complications (i.e. pneumonia, thromboembolic events, etc.). 25(OH)D (OR 0.89, 95 % CI 0.81–0.97; p = 0.010), but not CRP (OR 1.01, 95 % CI 1.00-1.02; p = 0.139), was identified as an independent risk factor. Conclusion: In elderly patients with low-energy cervical hip fracture, 25(OH)D is independently associated with postoperative medical complications and CRP is an independent predictor of one year mortality.

B. Tech. (Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Applied and Computer Sciences), Vaal University of Technology. / Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death worldwide, and the prevalence thereof is on the rise in developing countries due to the demographic transition and urbanization. The inflammatory process, atherosclerosis, is at the root of the majority of CVDs and is caused by unresolved inflammation. Various cardiovascular risk factors such as hyperglycaemia, dyslipidaemia, hypertension, smoking and aging stimulate the development of atherosclerosis through triggering inflammation. Being in a state of chronic low-grade inflammation therefor places an individual at higher risk of developing CVD, with inflammation playing a cause and effect role. The aim of this study was to investigate the inflammatory status of an elderly black South African population by analysis of inflammatory markers HS-CRP, TNF-α and IL-6, as well as the genetic polymorphism C174G associated with increased serum levels of IL-6 in some populations. The research was conducted in the field of Biomedical Sciences as a quantitative, cross-sectional, analytical observational design. The study was ethically approved and involved collection of 84 blood samples from volunteers in a purposively selected population as part of a larger collaborative study. Serum was used to analyse HS-CRP, TNF-α and IL-6 and DNA was extracted from whole blood for analysis of the C174G polymorphism. The median serum HS-CRP of 6.44mg/L (IQR = 2.82 - 9.86mg/L) fell within the highest risk (>5mg/L) of CVD and 75% of participants were at high (3.01-5mg/L) or very high (>5mg/L) risk. The median TNF-α of 0.00pg/mL was within the normal range and only 2.6% of participants had high serum TNF-α levels. The median serum IL-6 level was 1.92pg/mL and was also within the normal range with only 2.6% of participants who had high serum IL-6 levels. For the C174G polymorphism analysis, 98.6% had the GG, 1.4% the GC genotype and no participants had the CC genotype. The median serum IL-6 level of the homozygous GG group was 6.51mg/L, higher than the 4.13mg/L serum IL-6 of the heterozygous GC group. The difference in IL-6 should be considered with caution as only one participant had the C allele. A highly significant (p=0.001) correlation was found between HS-CRP and IL-6, as well as between IL-6 and TNF-α (p = 0.048). The elderly black Sharpeville community is in an increased inflammatory state which puts them at risk of CVD. The prevalence of the C allele in the C174G polymorphism is low in this population. Further research could be conducted as intervention studies to decrease the inflammatory state of the population and influence health policy changes to improve prevention of CVD.

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Objectives. Evaluate C-reactive protein (CRP) levels according to weight and physical activity. The study explored how changes in CRP were associated with baseline CRP, weight, and physical activity and changes in these variables. Methods. A randomized controlled study design assigned 348 individuals to the intervention or control group with measurements taken at baseline, 6 weeks, and 6 months of body weight, physical activity, and serum CRP levels. Participants attended an intensive 40-hour educational course delivered over a four-week period. Results. At baseline, CRP was negatively associated with total steps/week, and positively associated with weight, BMI, percent fat, and saturated fat at baseline. CRP significantly decreased through 6 weeks and also through 6 months for only those with high CRP at baseline. For those with high CRP at baseline, the decrease was significant for normal, overweight, and obese groups of people. Changes in weight or physical activity were not significantly associated with changes in CRP. Conclusions. Over 6 week and 6 month follow-up periods, the intervention failed to discriminate changes in CRP. Changes in CRP were only associated with baseline levels of CRP and BMI and were not associated with changes in any of the selected variables considered.

Electrochemical biosensors are renowned for their ability to detect a wide range of analytes in biological fluids for clinical diagnosis. The implementation of biomarkers in electrochemical biosensors for clinical diagnosis is essential for the specific and accurate diagnosis of the disease with high sensitivity and selectivity. Therefore, this thesis evaluates the challenges pertaining to the stability, reproducibility, and obtaining a low limit of detection for the internal/external biomarkers associated with two distinct electrochemical biosensors. The first study tackles the challenge of detecting low analyte concentrations in a label-free biosensor. It introduces an innovative label-free electrochemical biosensing method for the detection of glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and C-reactive protein (CRP) to predict Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) progression using tailored redox probes, proposing a dual biomarker biosensing platform for future research. Calibration curves reveal an LOD of 5 mg/mL in PBS (8) FeCN (II) and 6 mg/mL in SB for a linear range of 0 – 30 mg/mL of HbA1c. Similarly, an LOD of 0.007 mg/mL and 0.008 mg/mL in PBS (7.4) PcA-NO2 and SB, respectively, is reported for a linear range of 0 – 0.05 mg/mL of CRP. The second study focuses on stabilizing a biomolecule-free sensor for the ultra-low detection of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in roadside testing. Pre-depositing THC, an external biomarker for drug-impaired driving, onto the biosensor's working electrode enhances its interaction with analytes. However, THC's oxidative nature compromises sensor stability during manufacturing. Consequently, optimal electrode storage conditions were explored, indicating frozen storage as ideal for up to six months, effectively preventing THC oxidation at -18°C, while degradation occurs at 4°C. Modified electrodes stored under optimal conditions exhibit improved calibration curves when exposed to various THC samples. / Thesis / Master of Applied Science (MASc) / An electrochemical biosensor is a sensing device with the ability to detect biological species via the transduction of a specific biological event into electrochemical signals. These sensors are extremely useful for the detection of analytes in biological fluids for clinical diagnostics, to determine the presence or absence of diseases. This manuscript addresses the challenges associated with the stability, reproducibility, and the low limits of detection associated with screen-printed carbon electrodes used in electrochemical biosensing. Subsequently, due to the strong correlation between glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and C-reactive protein (CRP) to connote the risk of contracting coronary heart disease (CHD), the manuscript presents a novel label-free electrochemical biosensing method for the detection of HbA1c and CRP with low detection limits. Secondly, the manuscript identifies ambient storage conditions for the long-term stability of a biomolecule-free sensing device for the roadside detection of ultra-low concentrations of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

Appropriate management of mid-rotation pine plantations can improve habitat for early successional and pine-grassland adapted avian species. I tested effects of Imazapyr selective herbicide and prescribed fire on plant and avian communities in thinned, mid-rotation pine stands contracted under the Conservation Reserve Program. Within 12 replicate sites, 2 8.1-ha plots were assigned either herbicide and prescribed fire treatment or control. I described components of vegetation structure and composition in 2006. I tested effects of herbicide and prescribed fire treatment on avian relative abundance, species richness, total avian conservation value, and density of select species during 2003 - 2006. Hardwood midstory decreased and abundances of grasses and forbs increased following treatment. A shift occurred in the bird community from closed-canopy forest species to early successional and pine-grassland species. Treatment stands benefited many avian species exhibiting negative population trends.