Diversos delineamentos experimentais que são aplicados correntemente tomam como base experimentos agronômicos. Esses dados experimentais são, geralmente, analisados usando-se modelos que consideram uma variância residual constante (ou homogênea), como pressuposto inicial. Entretanto, esta pressuposição mostra-se relativamente forte quando se está diante de situações para as quais fatores ambientais ou externos exercem considerável influência nas medidas experimentais. Neste trabalho, são estudados modelos para a média e a variância, simultaneamente, com a variância estruturada de duas formas: (i) por meio de um preditor linear, que permite incorporar variáveis externas e fatores de ruído e (ii) por meio de efeitos aleatórios, que permitem acomodar tanto o efeito longitudinal quanto o efeito de superdispersão, no caso de medidas binárias repetidas no tempo. A classe de modelos lineares generalizados duplos (MLGD) foi aplicada a um estudo observacional que consistiu em medir a mortalidade de frangos de corte no fim da condição de espera pré-abate. Nesse problema, é forte a evidência de que alguns fatores influenciam a variabilidade, e consequentemente, diminuem a precisão das análises inferenciais. Outro problema agronômico relevante, associado à horticultura, são os experimentos de cultura de tecidos vegetais, em que o número de explantes que regeneram são contados. Como esse tipo de experimento apresenta um grande número de parâmetros a serem estimados, comparado ao tamanho da amostra, os modelos existente podem gerar estimativas questionáveis ou até levar a conclusões erroneas, uma vez esse que são baseados em grandes amostras para se fazer inferência estatística. Foi proposto um modelo linear generalizados duplo, para os dados de proporções, de uma perspectiva Bayesiana, visando a análise estatística sob pequenas amostras e a incorporação do conhecimento especialista no processo de estimação dos parâmetros. Um problema clínico, que envolve dados binários medidos repetidamente no tempo é apresentado e são propostos dois modelos que acomodam o efeito da superdispersão e a dependência longitudinal das medidas, utilizandos-se efeitos aleatórios. Foram obtidos resultados satisfatórios nos três problemas estudados. Os MLGD permitiram identificar os fatores associados à mortalidade das aves de corte, o que permitirá minimizar perdas e habilitar os processos de manejo, transporte e abate aos critérios de bem-estar animal e exigências da comunidade européia. O MLGD Bayesiano permitiu identificar o genótipo associado ao efeito de superdispersão, aumentando a precisão da inferência de seleção de variedades. Dois modelos combinados foram propostos logit-normal-Bernoulli-beta e o probit-normal-Bernoulli-beta, que acomodaram satisfatoriamente a superdispersão e a dependência longitudinal das medidas binárias. Esses resultados reforçam a importância de se modelar a média e a variância conjuntamente, o que aumenta a precisão na pesquisa agronômica, tanto em estudos experimentais quanto em estudos observacionais. / Several experimental designs that are currently applied are based on agricultural experiments. These experimental data are, usually, analised with statistical models that assume constant residual variance (or homogeneous), as basic assumption. However, this assumption shows hard to stand for, when environmental or external factors exert strong influence over the measurements. In this work, we study the joint modelling for the mean and the variance, the latter being structured on two ways: (i) through a linear predictor, which allows the incorporation of external variables and/or noise factors and (ii) by the use of random effects, that accommodate jointly the possible overdispersion effect and the dependence of longitudinal data in the case of binary measusurements taken over time. The class of double generalized linear models (DGLM) was applied to an observational study where the poultry mortality was measured in the preslaughter operations. With this situation, it can be observed that there is a strong influence from some environmental factors over the variability observed, and consequently, this reduces the precision of the inferential analysis. Another relevant agricultural problem, related to horticulture, is the tissue culture experiments, where the number of regenerated explants is counted. Usually, this kind of experiment use a large number of parameters to be estimated, when compared with the sample size. The current frequentist models are based on large samples for statistical inference and, under this experimental condition, can generate unreliable estimates or even lead to erroneous conclusions. A double generalized linear model was proposed to analyse proportion data, under the Bayesian perspective, which can be applied to small samples and can incorporate expert knowledge into the parameter estimation process. One clinical research, that measured binary data repeatedly through the time is presented and two models are proposed to fit the overdispersion effect and the dependence of longitudinal measurements, using random effects. It was obtained satisfactory results under these three problems studied. the DGLM allowed to identify factors associated with the poultry mortality, that will allow to minimize loss and improve the process, since the catching until lairage on slaughterhouse, agreeing with animal welfare criteria and the European community rules. The Bayesian DGLM allowed to identify the genotype associated with the overdispersion effect, increasing the precision on the inference about varieties selection. Two combined models were proposed, a logit-normal- Bernoulli-beta and a probit-normal-Bernoulli-beta, which have both addressed the overdispersion effect and the longitudinal dependence of the binary measurements. These results reinforce the importance to modelling mean and dispersion jointly, as a way to increase the precision of agricultural experimentation, be it on experimental studies or observational studies.

Made available in DSpace on 2017-07-10T18:08:18Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Eduardo Borges Lied.pdf: 1709683 bytes, checksum: afb03fea575cffbd1c379c5b02640807 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2012-02-24 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / The cassava processing industry, especially potato starch, have a high pollution potential due to the release of their effluents on aquatic ecosystems. Among the main characteristics of this effluent highlights the high organic load and the presence of cyanide ion. The treatment of wastewater from potato starch has been done predominantly by treatment ponds. However, this type of system has limitations for wastewater treatment with the presence of cyanide. The cyanide ion is toxic to micro-organisms, and at certain concentrations the effect is significant, compromising both the removal of cyanide itself as other biodegradable compounds. In this context the present study evaluated the efficiency of starch factory effluent treatment by coagulation / flocculation, employing for that seed extracts of Moringa oleifera (M.O.) as a natural coagulant, as well as the use of the aquatic macrophyte Eichhornia crassipes as natural adsorbent. In the first stage of treatment, represented by the tests of coagulation/flocculation was used the methodology of experimental planning Central Composite Rotatable Design (DCCR). The variables studied were of the M.O. and concentration of salt solution of sodium chloride (NaCl). The test conditions were the following: fast mixing speed (VMR) of 100 rpm, mixing time (TMR) of 2 min; slow speed mixing (VML) of 20 rpm, mixing time (TML) 10 min, the settling time was 60 min. The response variables analyzed in this phase were: turbidity and color, COD and cyanide ion. The operating conditions were optimized: concentration M.O. of 2484 mg L-1 and salt concentration of 0.9 mol L-1. Under these conditions it was possible to remove 89.16% of Turbidity, 54.43% of apparent color, 66.39% of COD and 9.9% of cyanide ion. Given the low efficiency of removal of cyanide ion by coagulation is started for a subsequent treatment. For this, we adopted a treatment by batch adsorption using dry biomass of the aquatic macrophyte Eichhornia crassipes as an adsorbent. For the purpose of a further investigation was used a synthetic solution cyanide (NaCN solution). The best operating conditions of pH, adsorbent dosage and contact time were 2.0, 2.0 g L-1 and 20 min, respectively. By simulating a test combined coagulation/flocculation/adsorption with the effluent of cassava industry to greater removal of cyanide ion fit the sample with pH adjustment (2.0), removing around 31%, proving the thesis of the preliminary tests indicated for tests with a solution of sodium cyanide. / As indústrias de processamento de mandioca, especialmente as fecularias, apresentam alto potencial poluidor devido ao lançamento de seus efluentes sobre os ecossistemas aquáticos. Dentre as principais características deste efluente destaca-se a alta carga orgânica e a presença do íon cianeto. O tratamento das águas residuárias de fecularias vem sendo feito predominantemente por lagoas de tratamento. No entanto, esse tipo de sistema de tratamento apresenta limitações para efluentes com presença de cianetos. O íon cianeto é tóxico aos micro-organismos, sendo que em certas concentrações a influência é bastante significativa, comprometendo tanto a remoção do próprio cianeto como de outros compostos biodegradáveis. Neste contexto o presente estudo avaliou a eficiência do tratamento de efluentes de fecularia por coagulação/floculação, para isso empregando extratos de sementes de Moringa oleifera (MO) como coagulante natural, bem como o uso da macrófita aquática Eichhornia crassipes como adsorvente natural. Na primeira etapa do tratamento, representado pelos ensaios de coagulação/floculação foi utilizada a metodologia do planejamento experimental do tipo Delineamento Composto Central Rotacional (DCCR). As variáveis estudadas foram: concentração de MO e concentração da solução salina de cloreto de sódio (NaCl). As condições de ensaio foram as seguintes: velocidade de mistura rápida (VMR) de 100 rpm, com tempo de mistura (TMR) de 2 min; velocidade de mistura lenta (VML) de 20 rpm, com tempo de mistura (TML) de 10 min; o tempo de sedimentação foi de 60 minutos. As variáveis de resposta analisadas nesta etapa foram: Turbidez, Cor Aparente, DQO e Íon Cianeto. As condições operacionais otimizadas foram: concentração de MO de 2484 mg L-1 e concentração salina de 0,9 mol L-1. Nestas condições foi possível remover 89,16% de turbidez, 54,43% de cor aparente, 66,39% de DQO e 9,9% de íon cianeto. Em face da baixa eficiência de remoção de íon cianeto por coagulação partiu-se para um tratamento subsequente. Para isso, adotou-se um tratamento por adsorção em batelada utilizando a biomassa seca da macrófita aquática Eichhornia crassipes como adsorvente. Para efeitos de uma melhor investigação utilizou-se uma solução sintética de cianeto (solução de NaCN). As melhores condições operacionais de pH, dosagem de adsorvente e tempo de contato foram 2,0; 2,0 g L-1 e 20 min, respectivamente. Ao simular um ensaio combinado de coagulação/floculação/adsorção com o efluente bruto de fecularia a maior remoção de íon cianeto coube a amostra com ajuste de pH (2,0), remoção em torno de 31%, comprovando a tese dos ensaios preliminares indicados pelos testes com a solução de cianeto de sódio.

Made available in DSpace on 2017-07-10T18:08:19Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Fabiano Bisinella Scheufele.pdf: 1716907 bytes, checksum: fee6288858ac3d92f0d2e7f9f8d02ba2 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2012-02-15 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / Lignocellulosic biomass has high yields of cellulose which can be hydrolyzed to fermentable carbohydrates. Global generation of agro-industrial wastes grows simultaneously with the sector development resulting at the accumulation of lignocellulosic residues leading environmental pollution and loss of potential materials for the bioconversion to a wide range of high added value products, such as biofuels. Recently, the search of renewable sources of energy has grown, due to the depleting of fossil fuels, increasing the possibility at the conversion of the lignocellulosic biomass via hydrolytic enzymes. The aim of this work was evaluate cellulases production by lignocellulolytic fungi from the Amazonic biome aiming at the bioconversion of the agro-industrial residues. Submerged and solid-state fermentations were performed to select the microorganism with superior cellulase productive capacity. The influence of parameters such as pH, surfactant induction (Tween 80), aeration and agitation, besides the alkaline oxidative treatment of the sugarcane bagasse. Statistical design were carried out to estimate the influence of the moisture and the initial pH at cellulases production by solid-state fermentation. Trichoderma sp. and Aspergillus niger performed the best production of enzymes, where the highest yields of total cellulase were obtained by agitated submerged fermentation with sugarcane bagasse pretreated with H2O2 (1%) reaching 0.265 U.mL-1 (12.915 U.g-1) by Trichoderma sp. at the sugarcane bagasse, and 0.155 U.mL-1 (7.549 U.g-1) by Aspergillus niger. Through solid state fermentations with the pretreated sugarcane bagasse the influence of initial pH and the moisture were evaluated by statistical design. In the case of the Trichoderma sp. both parameters were significant at the cellulase production, as well as the synergistic interaction, within the confidence interval of 95%, yielding 0.167 U.mL-1 (2.695 U.g-1), at the pH 7.0 and 1:9 solid-liquid ratio. For Aspergillus niger only pH was significant and the cellulase content obtained was 0.098 U.mL-1 (1.695 U.g-1) at pH 7.0. Finally, a cellulase produced by Trichoderma sp. at solid state fermentation and a commercial enzyme were used at enzymatic hydrolysis tests. The parameters hydrolysis time, enzyme dilution, concentration of Tween 80 and solid-liquid ratio of sugarcane bagasse were evaluated. The significant variables were then optimized by a central composite rotational design. The strain of Trichoderma sp. from the Amazon biome showed potential at the cellulase production and the treated sugarcane bagasse was a fine substrate for the enzymatic production. / A biomassa lignocelulósica contêm altos teores de celulose e outros polissacarídeos em sua constituição química, podendo ser hidrolisados em açúcares fermentescíveis. A geração de resíduos agroindustriais anual tem crescido resultando no acúmulo de resíduos que contribuem para a poluição do meio ambiente e na perda de materiais que possuem potencial na bioconversão a produtos de alto valor agregado, como por exemplo, biocombustíveis. Recentemente, há a necessidade de fontes energéticas de origem renovável, devido à diminuição dos combustíveis fósseis, viabilizando a conversão das biomassas lignocelulósicas via enzimas hidrolíticas. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a produção de enzimas celulases por fungos lignocelulolíticos provenientes do bioma amazônico visando a bioconversão de resíduos agroindustriais. Diferentes fermentações foram realizadas, tanto em meio submerso quanto em estado sólido, através das quais selecionou-se os micro-organismos com melhor capacidade produtiva de celulases. Estudou-se a influência de parâmetros como pH, utilização de surfactante como indutor (Tween 80), aeração e agitação, além do tratamento alcalino oxidativo do bagaço de cana. Os micro-organismos que apresentaram melhor desempenho na produção das enzimas foram o Trichoderma sp. e o Aspergillus niger, sendo que os maiores níveis de celulase total foram obtidos por fermentação submersa nos ensaios agitados com bagaço de cana pré-tratado com H2O2 (1%), com 0,265 U.mL-1 (12,915 U.g-1) pelo Trichoderma sp., e 0,155 U.mL-1 (7,549 U.g-1) com Aspergillus niger. A partir de fermentações em estado sólido com o bagaço de cana pré-tratado avaliou-se a influência dos parâmetros pH inicial e umidade por planejamentos experimentais, verificando-se que para o Trichoderma sp. ambos os parâmetros, bem como a interação sinergética entre si, foram significativos dentro do intervalo de confiança de 95%, obtendo-se 0,167 U.mL-1 (2,695 U.g-1) no pH 7,0 e relação sólido-líquido 1:9. No caso do Aspergillus niger apenas o pH foi significativo e o teor de celulase obtido foi de 0,098 U.mL-1 (1,695 U.g-1) para um pH 7,0. Finalmente, a partir de uma celulase produzida por fermentação em estado sólido do Trichoderma sp. e uma enzima comercial foi realizada a avaliação da influência dos parâmetros tempo de hidrólise, diluição da enzima, concentração de Tween 80 e razão sólido-líquido do bagaço de cana sobre a hidrólise do mesmo. As variáveis significativas foram, posteriormente, otimizadas por um delineamento composto central rotacional. A cepa Trichoderma sp. proveniente do bioma amazônico apresentou potencial na produção de celulases e o o bagaço de cana submetido ao tratamento alcalino oxidativo apresentou-se como um bom substrato para a produção enzimática.

Made available in DSpace on 2017-07-10T19:23:52Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 JULIANA_ MOCO CORREA (2).pdf: 1734110 bytes, checksum: 24beceb790c634d766ff59c9de448991 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2014-11-27 / PAPER 1 Depletion of the xynB2 gene upregulates β-Xylosidase expression in C. crescentus. Caulobacter crescentus is able to express several enzymes involved in the utilization of lignocellulosic biomasses. Five genes, xynB1-5, that encode β-xylosidases are present in the genome of this bacterium. In this study, the xynB2 gene, which encodes - xylosidase II (CCNA_02442), was cloned under the control of the PxylX promoter to generate the O-xynB2 strain, which overexpresses the enzyme in the presence of xylose. In addition, a null mutant strain, -xynB2, was created by two homologous recombination events where the chromosomal xynB2 gene was replaced by a copy that was disrupted by the spectinomycin-resistant cassette. It was demonstrated that C. crescentus cells lacking -xylosidase II up-regulates the xynB genes inducing β- xylosidase activity. Transcriptional analysis revealed that xynB1 (RT-PCR analysis) and xynB2 (lacZ transcription fusion) gene expression was induced in the -xynB2 cells, and high -xylosidase activity was observed in the presence of different agroindustrial residues in the null mutant strain, a characteristic that can be explored and applied in biotechnological processes. In contrast, overexpression of the xynB2 gene caused down-regulation of the expression and activity of the -xylosidase. For example, the β-xylosidase activity that was obtained in the presence of sugar cane bagasse was 7-fold and 16-fold higher than the activity measured in the C. crescentus parental and O-xynB2 cells, respectively. Our results suggest that -xylosidase II may have a role in controlling the expression of the xynB1 and xynB2 genes in C.crescentus. PAPER 2 - OPTIMIZATION OF THE PRODUCTION β-XYLOSIDASE: A NEW Thermomyces lanuginosus ISOLATED FROM ATLANTIC FOREST BIOME. The successful production of enzymes for the deconstruction of plant biomass depends not only on the isolation and identification of new microorganism producers of hemicellulases, but also on the implementation and improvement of experimental strategies that lead to maximal induction of enzymatic activities. In this work, a new strain of Thermomyces lanuginosus (T. lanuginosus) was isolated from the Atlantic Forest biome in Brazil, and its β-xylosidase activity in response to agro-industrial residues was tested. Using the (CCRD) statistical approach as a strategy for optimization, the induction of β-xylosidase activity was evaluated in residual corn straw, which was used as a carbon source, and improved so that the optimum condition achieved high β-xylosidase activity (1,003 U ml -1; specific activity = 1.683 U mg-1) with 214 U ml -1. The optimal conditions for the crude enzyme extract were pH 5.5 and 60° C showing better thermostability at 55° C. The saccharification ability of β-xylosidase in the presence of hemicellulose obtained from corn straw and xylan from beechwood substrates showed a xylo-oligosaccharide to xylose conversion yield of 80 and 50%, respectively, at 50° C. These data suggest that β-xylosidase from T. lanuginosus isolated from the Atlantic Forest can be used for the saccharification of hemicellulose derived from corn straw, an abundant residue in the American continents, thus providing an interesting alternative for future tests for energy production that relies on the conversion of plant biomass. / RESUMO GERAL As Beta-D-Xilosidases (1,4-β-D-xilano xilohidrolase; EC 3.2.1.37) são glicosídeo hidrolases que tem papel crucial em catalizar a liberação de unidades de xilose a partir de xilo-oligossacarídeos derivados da degradação do xilano. A completa degradação do xilano é um passo chave do ciclo do carbono na natureza e é um processo também realizado por microrganismos. A bioconversão de materiais lignocelulósicos é vantajosa não somente do ponto de vista ambiental mais também econômico o que é recebido nos setores produtivos com um considerável interesse, pois esses materiais representam vasta fonte de carbono, que podem ser empregados no desenvolvimento de bioprocessos que resultam em produtos de alto valor agregado; entre os quais estão os açúcares fermentáveis, combustíveis, fármacos, enzimas e substâncias de interesse industrial, além de fazer uma gestão integrada do efluente que por não haver um desenvolvimento biotecnológico adequado é descartado e acumulado na natureza. Em face disso, o presente trabalho teve por objetivos estudar a regulação gênica do gene xynB2 da bactéria Caulobacter crescentus que codifica para a Beta-xilosidase II através de abordagens moleculares e otimizar a produção enzimática de Betaxilosidases de Thermomyces lanuginosus na presença de diferentes resíduos de biomassa vegetal por delineamento experimental. No primeiro artigo exploramos a bactéria aquática Caulobacter crescentus por possuir várias enzimas envolvidas na utilização de biomassas lignocelulósicas; contendo em seu genoma cinco genes que codificam β-xilosidases. A partir do gene xynB2, que codifica para enzima -xylosidase II (CCNA_02442), desenvolvemos duas linhagens mutantes denominadas O-xynB2, que super-expressa a enzima na presença de xilose e -xynB2 que tem o gene xynB2 interrompido, o que possibilitou avaliar que a ausência da enzima -xylosidase II em células de C. crescentus regula positivamente os genes xynB, induzindo a atividade global de β-xilosidases, revelando um papel regulatório para a mesma. No segundo trabalho um fungo da linhagem Thermomyces lanuginosus isolado de bioma de Mata Atlântica foi identificado e analisado quanto à capacidade de produzir Beta-xilosidases na presença de diferentes resíduos vegetais; em decorrência disso foi otimizado a produção enzimática com delineamento experimental DCCR, o que permitiu alcançar altos níveis de atividade enzimática beta-xilosidásica na presença de palha de milho.

O abuso sexual infantil (ASI) é um problema de grande relevância social que pode trazer prejuízos como risco aumentado para psicopatologias, problemas sexuais e déficit nos relacionamentos interpessoais. A Psicoterapia Analítica Funcional (FAP) propõe um tratamento baseado na instalação de repertório de relacionamento interpessoal, modelado na relação terapêutica, em um ambiente seguro para o cliente e com baixa probabilidade de punição. O objetivo da pesquisa foi verificar os efeitos da FAP no tratamento de um menino de 11 anos de idade vítima de ASI, por meio da mensuração de comportamentos clinicamente relevantes (CCR) e comportamentos extrassessão. Foi realizado um delineamento experimental de caso único de reversão (A1-B1-A2-B2) em que a Fase A1 correspondeu a Terapia Analítico- Comportamental Infantil (TACI) enfocando análise dos comportamentos fora do setting terapêutico, a Fase B1 correspondeu a introdução sistemática da FAP e as fases A2-B2 corresponderam a replicação das condições anteriores com a retirada da FAP e sua reintrodução, respectivamente. Uma sessão de follow-up também foi realizada um mês após o término da psicoterapia. Cinco sessões de cada fase foram categorizadas pelo instrumento FAPRS. Utilizou-se o questionário CBCL e a Escala de Comportamentos Extrassessão, respondidos pela mãe da criança, afim de obter as medidas de comportamento externo, bem como o instrumento PedsQL para medir mudanças na autoavaliação da criança sobre a satisfação com a qualidade de vida e CAPS para as mudanças na autoavaliação de atribuições/percepções sobre a experiência de ASI. Os resultados apontaram aumento da porcentagem de CCR2 e queda da porcentagem de CCR1 durante as fases de inserção da FAP; queda dos CCR2 e aumento dos CCR1 quando a FAP foi retirada. As mudanças das porcentagens dos CCR2 foram mais contingentes à manipulação da variável independente. Não foi observada reversão dos CCR1, resultado do bloqueio de esquiva produzido pelo contexto terapêutico e por características específicas dos CCR1 da criança. O CBCL demonstrou melhora global na maioria de suas categorias, fazendo com que a criança saísse da faixa clínica dos problemas para a faixa considerada normal. As melhoras clínicas sugeridas nas categorias da Escala de Comportamentos Extrassessão que se relacionavam com os CCR da criança parecem ter sido produzidas pela introdução da FAP enquanto as pioras clínicas parecem ter sido produzidas pela retirada da FAP, o que sugere uma generalização (para o ambiente natural) dos ganhos terapêuticos obtidos em sessão. Tanto a CAPS quanto o PedsQL apontaram uma piora na avaliação do cliente. No entanto, discutiu-se que tal quadro é representativo de uma melhora no autoconhecimento da criança / Child sexual abuse (CSA) is a problem of great social relevance that can cause impairment as an increased risk for psychopathologies, sexual problems and interpersonal relationships. Functional Analytic Psychotherapy (FAP) proposes a treatment based on the installation of an interpersonal relationship repertoire, shaped by the therapeutic relationship, in a safe environment for the client and a low probability of punishment. The objective of this study was to ascertain the effects of FAP on the treatment of an 11-year-old boy victim of CSA by measuring clinically relevant behaviors (CCR) and out-of-session behaviors. A single-subject withdrawal experimental design (A1-B1-A2-B2) in which Phase A1 corresponded to Childrens Behavioral-Analytic Therapy (TACI) focusing on behavioral analysis outside the therapeutic setting, Phase B1 corresponded to the systematic introduction of FAP and the A2- B2 phases corresponded to the replication of the previous conditions with the withdrawal of FAP and its reintroduction, respectively. A follow-up session was also held one month after the end of psychotherapy. Five sessions of each phase were coded by the FAPRS system. The CBCL questionnaire and the Out-of-session Behavior Scale, answered by the child\'s mother, were used to obtain the external behavior measures, as well as the PedsQL instrument to measure changes in the child\'s self-assessment on quality of life satisfaction and CAPS for the changes in the self-assessment of attributions/perceptions about the CSA experience. The results indicated an increase in CCR2s percentage and a decrease in CCR1s percentage during the FAP insertion phases; reduction of CCR2 and increase of CCR1 when FAP was withdrawn. Changes in CCR2 percentages were more contingent on independent variable manipulation. No reversal of CCR1 was observed, because of the avoidance behavior blockade produced by the therapeutic context and by the specific characteristics of the childs CCR1. The CBCL showed overall improvement in most of its categories, causing the child to leave the clinical range of problems for the range considered normal. The clinical improvements suggested in the Out-of-session Behavior Scale categories that related to the child\'s CCRE appear to have been produced by the introduction of FAP while clinical worsening appears to have been produced by FAP withdrawal, suggesting a generalization (for the natural environment ) of the therapeutic gains obtained in session. Both CAPS and PedsQL pointed to a worsening client assessment. However, it was argued that such a picture is representative of an improvement in the childs self-knowledge

Plusieurs types de dispositifs mécaniques (à vibration, à cylindre tournant, à lit fluidisé) mettant en jeu l'effet triboélectrique sont actuellement utilisés pour charger électriquement les constituants des mélanges de matériaux isolants granulaires, en vue de leur séparation dans un champ électrique intense. La non-uniformité de la charge des granules à la sortie de ces dispositifs affecte l'efficacité de la séparation, d'où l'intérêt des recherches visant la mise au point de procédés électrostatiques nouveaux, notamment pour des applications dans le domaine du recyclage des déchets. L'utilisation simultanée de l'effet triboélectrique, de la force de Coulomb et de la force d'image électrique est la solution innovante selon laquelle ont été conçus les quatre dispositifs à lit fluidisés réalisés ou améliorés dans le cadre de cette thèse. L'évaluation des performances de ces dispositifs a été rendue possible par la mise en oeuvre de systèmes de mesure complexes, permettant l'enregistrement continu et simultané des charges et des masses des produits de la séparation. Ainsi, la méthode des plans d'expériences pour surfaces de réponse a pu être utilisée pour modéliser le processus de séparation et déterminer les valeurs optimales des variables de contrôle de chacun des dispositifs, tels que le niveau de la haute tension d'alimentation ou la vitesse de l'air de fluidisation. Les résultats obtenus sur les installations de laboratoire et sur un prototype préindustriel recommandent cette classe de procédés tribo-aéro-électrostatiques comme la solution de choix pour le recyclage des déchets granulaires d'équipements électriques et électroniques. / Several types of mechanical devices (vibratory trays, rotating drums, fluidized beds) make use of the triboelectric effect for electrically charge the constituents of insulating materials granular mixtures, in view of their separation in a high-intensity electric field. The non-uniformity of granule charge at the exit of these devices adversely affects the separation efficiency, justifying the researches aimed at the development of novel electrostatic processes, mainly for applications in the field of waste recycling. Simultaneous usage of the triboelectric effect, the Coulomb force and the electric image force is an innovative technical solution according to which four fluidized bed devices were built or improved within the framework of this thesis. The performances of these devices could be evaluated by setting up complex measurement systems that enable the continuous and simultaneous recording of the charges and masses of the separated products. Thus, the experimental design methodology could be used for modeling the separation process and identify the optimum values of the control variables of each device, such as the high voltage level of the speed of the fluidization air. The results obtained on laboratory devices as well on an semi-industrial pilot installation recommend this class of tribo-aero-electrostatic separation processes as the solution of choice for the selective sorting of plastics from waste electric and electronic equipment.

In this study, a model of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) was developed, implemented and assessed. The aim of this model is to assist HIV-positive women in dealing with internalised and enacted stigma. Since much of the research about therapies developed to deal with HIV-related stigma so far has been done within a western frame of reference, in the current study a model was developed to suit the local South African situation. Women were specifically targeted as they are more vulnerable to HIV/AIDS and are disproportionately affected by the epidemic. Because of culturally determined gender roles, women are not always in a position to take control of their sexual health. Furthermore, because of the negative experiences of HIV diagnosis, the stigma has a negative impact on women’s behaviour. As a result, there is a need for a therapeutic model to assist HIV-positive women in changing the experience of internalised stigma and discrimination. A CBT approach was used in therapy to challenge the women’s dysfunctional beliefs, to change their automatic thoughts and to promote more realistic adaptive patterns of thinking. All of these aimed to assist them in dealing with stigma. Eight therapy sessions (one a week for eight weeks) were planned for each of the women. This research was conducted in two phases. In Phase 1, data was gathered about the experiences of HIV-positive women to gain an understanding of their experiences of HIV-related stigma and discrimination. Various sources of information were used to identify not only the relevant themes contributing to the individual’s experience of internalised stigma, but also possible ways to change them. These sources included a study of the available literature, the researcher's own experience and focus group discussions with other psychologists in practice, and interviews with five HIV-positive women (in the form of case studies). Five women living with HIV/AIDS, who were experiencing difficulties in dealing with stigma, were recruited at Witbank Hospital, where they were interviewed and asked to complete five psychometric instruments. The researcher scrutinised the data gained from the psychometric scales to assess the validity of the instruments to identifying the feelings of the participants the researcher observed in the interviews. Rubin and Rubin's (1995) method was used to analyse the data. The findings that emerged from Phase 1 were used to identify common themes to be addressed in the intervention, for example feelings of powerlessness, feelings of guilt, behavioural implications of stigma, the experience of the reaction of others and uncertainty about the future. These themes were used as guidelines and were adapted according to the specific needs of each of the women seen in therapy so as to address negative feelings and behaviour. Phase 2 focused on the implementation and evaluation of the cognitive behavioural model. A purposive sampling technique was used for this study. The model was tried out with ten HIV-positive women who served as the experimental group. A quasi-experimental design was used, involving a pre-and post-test and a control group consisting of ten other women identified at the same hospital. The scores that the experimental group and the control group obtained before the intervention were compared to verify that the two groups were comparable prior to the intervention. Post-test scores were compared to investigate differences between the groups after the intervention. The process notes of the therapy sessions were analysed by means of qualitative analysis to understand the reactions of the women in therapy. This contributed to the researcher’s understanding of the appropriateness and effectiveness of various therapeutic techniques used with the experimental group. Findings of this research indicate that, when compared to the control group, the experimental group not only experienced less depression, internalised stigma and negative coping, but also higher levels of self-esteem and positive coping after having participated in eight therapy sessions. The study further revealed that being HIV positive and trying to cope with stigma and discrimination involve diverse experiences for women, although there are common themes for all participants. It was recommended that the intervention be altered in future use in the following ways: Those techniques that were found to be more effective with the majority of women (positive cognitive reframing, teaching of coping strategies, homework assignments, decatastrophising and assertiveness training) could probably be used with success in similar conditions. Only the techniques that worked well should be used, and care should be taken not to use too many techniques. Each client should be given the time to question the evidence for her automatic thoughts and to draw her own conclusions about her situation, feelings or thoughts and to grasp the cognitive strategies, rather than to bombard her with many different techniques. The therapist should also relate more to the individual client and adapt the model to her context, rather than to implement the model rigorously. / Thesis (PhD)--University of Pretoria, 2009. / Psychology / unrestricted

Du fait de problèmes de santé publique, l’industrie agroalimentaire doit réduire la quantité de sel (chlorure de sodium) dans les aliments, et donc dans les charcuteries. Lors de la fabrication des jambons secs, une diminution du taux de sel pourrait se traduire par des problèmes de texture dus à une protéolyse excessive pouvant nuire à l’étape de tranchage industriel, et aussi par des problèmes de stabilité microbiologique. Dans ce contexte, les objectifs de cette thèse sont : (1) d’étudier le lien entre l’évolution de la protéolyse, de la texture et de la structure, tout au long des différentes étapes de fabrication de jambons secs et (2) de développer un modèle de « jambon numérique » afin de prédire spatialement les dynamiques d’évolution des teneurs en eau, en sel et celle de l’activité de l’eau (a w ), et de coupler ces évolutions à celle de la protéolyse. Ce travail combine études expérimentales et modélisation/simulation numérique. Tout d’abord, une méthode de quantification de la protéolyse utilisant la « Fluorescamine » a été développée et validée sur des échantillons de viande de porc et des échantillons extraits de jambons industriels ; un nouvel indice de protéolyse (IP) a été défini. Sur la base d’un plan d’expériences, l’évolution de la protéolyse au sein d’échantillons différemment salés et séchés et préparés à partir de 5 muscles différents d’un jambon de porc, a été quantifiée. Suite à l’application d’une régression linéaire multiple, des lois phénoménologiques ont été construites permettant de calculer la vitesse de protéolyse, pour un muscle donné, en fonction de la température et des teneurs en eau et en sel. Ensuite, au moyen du logiciel Comsol ® Multiphysics, ces lois ont été combinées avec des modèles de transferts de matière (eau, sel), de chaleur (température), et de calcul de l’a w , constituant ainsi un modèle de « jambon numérique ». Enfin, la dynamique d’évolution de l’IP, de 5 paramètres texturaux (dureté, fragilité, cohésion, élasticité et adhésion) et de 4 paramètres structuraux (nombre des fibres, espaces extracellulaires, taille des fibres et surface de tissu conjonctif) a été mesurée sur des échantillons prélevés dans deux muscles extraits de jambons industriels pris à cinq stades de fabrication différents. L’application d’une régression polynômiale multiple à ces données expérimentales a conduit à l’établissement de corrélations permettent de calculer certains paramètres texturaux et structuraux à partir de l’IP et des teneurs en eau et en sel. A court terme, ces lois seront incorporées dans le modèle numérique afin de constituer un vrai simulateur de procédé. A moyen terme, le modèle de « jambon numérique » devra être amélioré afin de tenir compte (1) de la diminution du volume du jambon, du fait du séchage et (2) de la diminution de la vitesse de protéolyse en fonction du temps, du fait de la réduction de la quantité de protéines hydrolysables dans le jambon. Une fois complété et amélioré, le simulateur de procédé pourra aider les professionnels à tester des scénarios visant à réduire la quantité de sodium dans les jambons secs, sans altérer leur qualité finale. / Because of public health problems, the food industry must lower sodium content in all food products, therefore in cured meat products. During the dry-cured ham elaboration process, decreasing salt content may induce microbial safety problems and texture defects due to an excessive proteolysis that could affect later the industrial stage of slicing. On account of that, this work of thesis aims at (1) studying the relationship between proteolysis, structure and texture during the various stages of dry-cured ham manufacture, and (2) building a “numerical ham” model to predict spatially the time course of water and salt content, and thus water activity (a w ), and to couple these variations with proteolysis. This work combines experimental studies and numerical modelling and simulation. Firstly, a new and powerful technique for quantifying proteolysis that uses “Fluorescamine” was developed and validated on pork meat samples and samples extracted from industrial dry-cured hams; a new proteolysis index (PI) was defined. Based on an experimental design, the time course of proteolysis was quantified in laboratory-salted and dried pork meat samples prepared from five different types of pork muscle. Applying multiple linear regression enabled us to build phenomenological models relating, for each pork muscle, PI velocity to temperature, and to water and salt content. Using Comsol ® Multiphysics software, these phenomenological models were then combined with heat and mass transfer models and associated with calculation of a w , thus constituting the “numerical ham” model. In addition, the time course of PI, five textural parameters (hardness, fragility, cohesiveness, springiness and adhesiveness), and four structural parameters (fiber number, extracellular spaces, cross section area, and connective tissue area) was quantified on samples extracted from two different muscles of industrial dry-cured hams removed from the process at five different processing times. Multiple polynomial regression was applied to build phenomenological models relating PI, salt and water content to some textural and structural parameters investigated. These last models could be rapidly incorporated in the “numerical ham” model to constitute a real process simulator. In the future, the “numerical ham” model should be improved in order to take into account (1) the strong decrease in ham volume due to drying and also (2) the decrease in proteolysis velocity with time as a result of the reduction in the amount of protein that can be hydrolysed in the ham. Once completed and improved, the process simulator will be available to professionals to test scenarios allowing sodium content to be reduced in dry-cured hams without altering their final quality.

Magister Educationis - MEd (Mathematics and Science Education) / The study catered for empirical and metaphysical dimensions of science and IKS. The study employed a quasi-experimental design as well as a qualitative research design. Two cohorts of students from a fictitiously named Culture Secondary School have been used in this study. The list of instruments for data collection were as follows: Conceptions of Fermentation (COF) questionnaire which was used to elicit learnerss pre- and post-test conceptions of fermentation with special reference to traditional beer or Umqombothi an Attitudes to Science (ATS) questionnaire which was used to find out the learners' worldviews, a Science Achievement Test (SAT) which was used to assess the learners' generalised knowledge of fermentation, a classroom observation schedule as well as a focus group interview schedule to gather additional qualitative data. All the instruments were in English with all technical and difficult terms in both English and isiXhosa (the learners’ home language). Both groups were exposed to Science/IKS-based lessons. The only difference between the two groups was that, the experimental group (E group) was exposed to a Dialogical Argumentation Teaching Model (DAIM) and the comparison group (C group) to a traditional teaching approach. The data gathered were both analyzed in terms of qualitative and quantitative descriptions. / South Africa

Este trabalho teve o objetivo de avaliar o efeito da adição da transglutaminase microbiana (MTGase) na fabricação de pão de forma, através do desenvolvimento de formulação ideal, com combinações de aditivos e enzima, e da avaliação do efeito da enzima nas proteínas, na massa crua, na massa após a fermentação e no produto final. Para comparar a qualidade dos pães produzidos com ou sem enzima, foram testadas três formulações: a básica, livre de aditivos (pão Zero); com a adição de emulsificante e ácido ascórbico (pão Controle); e a preparada com a formulação básica adicionada de enzima (pão MTGase). A avaliação da qualidade dos pães foi feita por meio de medidas físicas e instrumentais. A análise de textura foi realizada pelo método TPA (Texture Profíle Analysis), cujas respostas de firmeza, elasticidade, mastigabilidade e gomosidade podem ser correlacionadas com análises sensoriais. Paralelamente, de amostras de farinha, de massa e de pão foram obtidas as frações protéicas de gliadinas, gluteninas e os resíduos de extração. As gliadinas e as gluteninas foram analisadas por cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência em fase reversa e por eletroforese em gel de poliacrilamida contendo SDS. Os resultados de volume e de firmeza dos diferentes pães apresentaram diferenças significativas a nível de 5%, em que as respostas do pão MTGase foram melhores que as do pão Zero, porém ainda inferiores às do Controle. A melhor formulação foi obtida por meio de um planejamento composto central, com variações nas concentrações de emulsificante, ácido ascórbico e enzima, com os resultados avaliados pela metodologia de superfície de resposta. Exceto para a coesividade, todos os outros parâmetros de volume, dureza (TA), firmeza, elasticidade, mastigabilidade e gomosidade (TPA) apresentaram resultados positivos pela ação da transglutaminase a 0,6%, combinada com 0,2 % de emulsificante e 70 ppm de ácido ascórbico. Os resultados sugerem que a enzima foi capaz de modificar as propriedades químicas das proteínas, o comportamento reológico da massa e as propriedades funcionais do pão, melhorando a força da massa, a textura e o volume dos pães. As análises das frações gliadínicas apresentaram cerca de 3% de Nitrogênio total, em base seca, e as frações glutenínicas apresentaram entre 2 e 5% de Nitrogênio total. Os perfis cromatográficos e eletroforéticos dessas frações sugerem que as gliadinas não foram afetadas pela presença da enzima, que envolveram sobretudo as gluteninas. O conjunto de resultados indica que a aplicação de MTGase em associação com aditivos convencionais pode ser uma alternativa à panificação, embora os mecanismos de sua ação na massa não estejam completamente esclarecidos. / The application of microbial transglutaminase on weak gluten flour used in breadmaking was studied over the process. To verify the enzyme effects, three formulations were tested: Base formulation, characterized by the absence of enzyme and emulsifying agents; Control formulation, comprised by the presence of emulsifying agents and ascorbic acid and MTGase formulation, with the enzyme. Samples of flour, dough and bread were analyzed. The effect of enzyme on bread quality was estimated by parameters of Texture Analysis, Texture Profile Analysis and specific volume. The protein contents from those samples were determined by the total nitrogen in glutenin and gliadin fractions, that were also analyzed by RP-HPLC (reversed phase high performance liquid chromatography) and by SDS-PAGE (sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis). Although the MTGase bread did not reach the same quality parameters as those achieved by the Control samples, it showed as an alternative formulation to reduce the quantity of emulsifying agents and ascorbic acid as compared to the Control. The results indicate that the enzyme modified chemical and functional properties of glutenin fraction, improving dough strength and bread volume. Results of total nitrogen content, and electrophoretic and chromatographic profiles of the protein fractions suggest that while glutenin proteins were modified by enzyme, gliadin proteins were not affected.