Low Dropout Regulators (LDOs) are extensively used in portable applications like mobile phones, PDAs and notebooks. These portable applications demand high power efficiency and low output voltage ripple. In addition to these, the radio circuits in these applications demand high power supply rejection (PSR). The output voltage of a conventional DC/DC converter (generally switched mode) has considerable ripple which feeds as input to these LDOs. And the challenge is to suppress these ripples for wide range of frequencies (for radio units) to provide clean supply. Enhanced buffer based compensation is proposed for the fully on-chip CMOS LDO which stabilizes the loop for different load conditions as well as improve the power supply rejection (PSR) until frequencies closer to open loop‟s unity-gain frequency. The stability and PSR are totally valid even for load capacitor varying from 0 to 100 pF. The proposed capacitor-less LDO is fabricated in On-Semi 0.5 μm fully CMOS process. Experimental results confirm a PSR of -30 dB till 420 KHz for the maximum load current of 50mA. The load transients of the chip shows transient glitches less than 90 mV independent of output capacitance.

Pluchea indica (L.) Less. is a shrub of the family Compositae and is widespread along the western coast in Taiwan. Previous studies indicated that the components of Pluchea indica have potent anti-inflammatory, anti-ulcer and antimicrobial activities. In the present study, the effects of aqueous extract of roots and leaves from P. indica on the cancer cell lines were investigated. Various experimental approaches including cell growth curves, MTT assay, MTS assay, focus formation assay and cell migration assay were performed on the aqueous extract-treated cancer cells. Our results demonstrate the aqueous extract of P. indica induced anti-proliferation activity on GBM8401 and HeLa cancer cell lines.

The Distal-less (Dll) gene has an ancient evolutionary origin. Chordates have retained duplicated Dll genes; vertebrates have six distinct paralogues (Dlx1 through Dlx6 in mammals) arranged in three cis-linked pairs that are co-expressed. Dlx genes are expressed in a conserved nested pattern that defines a proximal-distal axis in the pharyngeal arch tissue of vertebrates. Dlx5-/- and Dlx6-/- mouse neonates have similar phenotypic variations in the lower jaw and inner ear bones, with the Dlx6-/- phenotype being a less perturbed version of the Dlx5-/- phenotype. Conversely, Dlx5/6-/- double mutants have a homeotic transformation of the lower jaw into a second set of maxillary structures. The combination of expression patterns and null phenotypes has led to the proposal of a “Dlx code” that patterns the craniofacial tissue. However, the nature of this code, whether individual Dlx transcription factors supply unique functions, or whether they make a quantitative contribution to a more generic and shared Dlx function, is not well understood. One prediction of a quantitative model for Dlx function in the pharyngeal arches is the functional equivalency of the proteins encoded by divergent cis-linked Dlx paralogues. To address this aspect of the model, three core functions of Dlx5 and Dlx6 were compared quantitatively: suppression of cell growth, transcription activity and DNA binding affinity. In most respects both proteins behaved very similarly.

This thesis constitutes one of the first attempts to investigate police use of the electric-shock weapon the Taser in England and Wales, between 2004 – 2014. The research combines an inter-disciplinary approach—drawing on the criminology and policing literature, as well as on Science and Technology Studies (STS), Actor Network Theory (ANT) and Social Psychology—with mixed methods and novel data sources. It benefits from virtually unprecedented access to sources including internal police datasets, the College of Policing’s Lead Instructor Taser Training, Taser training in two forces, interviews with police officers and individuals subject to Taser. The thesis first explores how, and in what circumstances, Taser is used in selected forces in England and Wales, before looking at consequences of use for officers and subjects. It then discusses the broader legal, policy, training and accountability framework around the weapon, via an examination of three inter-related and widespread stories told about the weapon and its regulation: that Taser is a neutral tool, that appropriate use is a responsibility for, and at the discretion of, individual officers, and that it is subject to robust accountability mechanisms. It is argued that these stories, whilst not incorrect, are incomplete. Descriptions of the weapon as a neutral tool are understandable but not always convincing, decisions on its use are not just the preserve of individual officers, and accountability mechanisms are not always as robust as is claimed. The conclusions have implications for practitioners and for the literature on Taser. They also contribute to wider criminology debates around use of force, discretion and accountability, and to sociological debates about the relevance of STS and ANT approaches. Finally, the thesis not only highlights areas for future research, but also highlights some tentative recommendations for policy and practice.

Submitted by CAIO DE FARIA TIOSSO null (caiotiosso@hotmail.com) on 2016-03-02T13:27:32Z No. of bitstreams: 1 tese definitiva pos PDF.pdf: 1935262 bytes, checksum: f8468503f23144f98facaedbd4067d40 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Ana Paula Grisoto (grisotoana@reitoria.unesp.br) on 2016-03-04T13:02:28Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 tiosso_cf_dr_jabo.pdf: 1935262 bytes, checksum: f8468503f23144f98facaedbd4067d40 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2016-03-04T13:02:28Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 tiosso_cf_dr_jabo.pdf: 1935262 bytes, checksum: f8468503f23144f98facaedbd4067d40 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2016-02-22 / Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) / Nos últimos anos a cirurgia minimamente invasiva vem ganhando cada vez mais adeptos por demonstrar vantagens inigualáveis em comparação à cirurgia convencional o que vem estimulando o desenvolvimento de instrumentais inovadores com potenciais aplicações na medicina veterinária. O presente estudo objetivou avaliar a técnica de portal único (SILSTM) para ovário-histerectomia videoassistida em cadelas, comparando-a à técnica laparoscópica videoassistida por “single-port” via endoscópio com canal de trabalho e com a técnica por celiotomia, verificando a curva de aprendizado, resposta inflamatória e comportamental, complicações trans-cirúrgicas e a perda sanguínea dos animais submetidos a estas técnicas. Foram avaliadas 30 fêmeas caninas, alocadas em três grupos com 10 animais em cada: ovário-histerectomia convencional por celiotomia (GI), ovário-histerectomia laparoscópica videoassistida por um único portal utilizando endoscópio com canal de trabalho (GII) e ovário-histerectomia laparoscópica com uso do dispositivo SILSTM (GIII). Foram avaliados os tempos cirúrgicos médios, numero de complicações trans e pós-cirúrgicas nos diferentes grupos, a intensidade da dor pós-operatória mediante aplicação da escalas de dor de Universidade de Melbourne, Glasgow e Morton e os níveis séricos da proteína C reativa e Interleucina-6 durante as primeiras 72 horas após o término dos procedimentos. A media de tempo obtidos foram de 30,20±6,41min para o grupo GI, 60,30±19,15 min para o grupo GII e 119,42±32,78 min para o grupo GIII. No GII ocorreram três complicações que não necessitaram de conversão da técnica cirúrgica e uma que necessitou de conversão e o GIII apresentou três complicações que necessitaram de conversão para a técnica aberta. Quanto ao sangramento transoperatório o grupo GI obteve a partir das gazes laparoscópicas uma média de 16,00±6,04g, o grupo GII 2,61±3,18g e o grupo GIII 3,79±1,78g. Ao final das 24 horas iniciais de avaliação, 90% dos animais do GI necessitaram de resgate analgésico, enquanto no GII e GIII, as porcentagens foram de 0% e 14,3%, respectivamente. As duas técnicas videoassistidas demonstram-se seguras e eficazes mesmo com a ocorrência de complicações. Os níveis de IL-6 e CRP atingem seu pico máximo em 12 e 24 horas respectivamente, e o aumento dessas parece estar diretamente relacionada ao tempo de cirurgia e não trauma gerado. O maior grau álgico observado nos pacientes do grupo GI demostra que a dor em procedimentos de OVH esta relacionada a manipulação visceral e a tração do pedículo ovariano. / Over the last few years, minimally invasive surgery is gaining more followers, by showing unparalleled advantages in front of conventional surgery. This fact has been stimulating the development of new instruments, potentially applicable on Veterinary Medicine. The current study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of a single portal technique (SILSTM) to ovariohysterectomy video assisted in bitches, comparing it to a video assisted technique by single-port using an endoscopy with work channel, and with celiotomy, assessing the learning curve, inflammatory and behavioral response, surgical complications and blood loss from animals subjected to these techniques. Thirty female dogs were evaluated, divided into 3 groups with 10 animals each (n=10): ovariohysterectomy by celiotomy (GI), laparoscopic ovariohysterectomy video assisted through a single-port using an endoscope with working channel (GII), and laparoscopic ovariohysterectomy using the SILSTM device (GIII). Mean surgical time, number of complications during and after surgery, pain level after surgery, and serum levels of C-reactive proteins (CRP) an Interleucin-6 (IL-6), were evaluated. Mean surgical times plus/minus standard deviations (SD) in minutes were 30.20±6.41, 60.30±19.15, and 119.42±32.78 for GI, GII and GIII, respectively. On GII, were noted three complications that didn’t need to be converted to celiotomy and one that needs, while GIII presented three complications that needed to be converted to celiotomy. Regarding blood loss, medians plus/minus SD in grams were 16.00±6.04, 2.61±3.18, and 3.79±1.78 for GI, GII and GIII, respectively. Twenty-four hours after the end of the procedures, 90% of animal from GI needed analgesic rescue, while in GII and GIII the values were 0% and 14.3%, respectively. Both video assisted techniques showed themselves secure and effectives, even with complications occurring. IL-6 and CRP levels showed a peak respectively on 12 and 24 hours after the procedures, and these increases seemed to be related with surgical time and not with injuries caused. The higher pain scores observed on GI animals showed that pain on ovariohysterectomy procedures is directly related with visceral manipulation and pulling the ovarian pedicle. / FAPESP: 2012/25061-0

The current research is motivated by the controversy between the proponents and opponents of privatizing SOEs in LDCs concerning its impact on the MCSs designed and implemented in these companies. On the one hand, proponents expect privatization to foster the design and implementation of market-based, consensual and transparent MCSs. On the other hand, opponents are more critical about the ‘actual’ changes that privatization might entail to SOEs’ MCSs as they expect it to entail the design and implementation of non-transparent, coercive MCSs. When examined closely, this conflict was found to be rooted in the different theoretical perspectives adopted by each side. While proponents base their arguments, mostly, on ‘traditional’ agency and property-rights theories that underplay the role of structure in shaping the MCSs designed and implemented in privatized companies, many of the opponents base their arguments on neo-Marxist theories that underplay the role of agency in that process (namely labour process theory- LPT). The current research contributes to this debate through developing a power-informed theoretical model that acknowledges the role of both agency and structure in shaping the nature of the pre- and post-privatization MCSs designed and implemented in companies operating in LDCs. The model provides an attempt to develop the Hopper et al (2009) model through integrating into it a theory of power informed by the works of Lukes (1974 and 2005) and Gaventa (1980 and 2007) while adopting the integrative agency-structure approach suggested by Mahoney and Snyder (1999).Once developed, the model is used to guide the analysis of the relevant literature pertaining to Egypt’s supra-national and national power relations and structural factors throughout its state and market capitalism eras as a first step towards comparatively analysing the pre- and post-privatization power relations and MCSs manifesting in two Egyptian companies. The empirical data was mainly collected through conducting semi-structured interviews in the two companies and with some of the government officials involved in their privatization. Other sources of data include the companies’ internal records and financial reports, government publications, and newspapers. The comparative analysis shows how the power-informed model can help shed more light onto the nature of, and the dynamics of change in, MCSs transformations in LDCs; without having to abandon LPT as one of the main theoretical perspectives informing the analysis. While doing so, the nature of a company’s MCSs (be it coercive, consensual, or irrelevant) is found to reflect the power relations manifesting in that company (namely, powerful management, comparatively powerful management and labour, or powerful labour, respectively). Furthermore, as the comparative analysis shows, it is found that privatization is more likely to result in changing the nature of a SOE’s MCSs when it entails altering the power relations shaping these MCSs.

Dissertação apresentada ao Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Ambientais da Universidade do Extremo Sul Catarinense-UNESC, como requisito parcial para a obtenção do título de Mestre em Ciências Ambientais. / The medicinal plants always were utilized by population, in the past they were the main therapeutic resource for treatment diseases. Among these therapeutic resources find the medicinal plant Calea uniflora Less., native by region south find also south central of Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay. This plant is utilized populary to process inflammatory and hematomas. From these informations and due the few studies with C. uniflora, emerged the interest of investigate possible compounds chemical, cytotoxic effects, antinociceptive effects, and anti-inflammatory. To the phytochemistry evaluation were analyzed the crude extract of plant by HPLC. To the evaluation about activity cytotoxic, were utilized the MTT test, in vitro, in order to verify as extract and fractions de C. uniflora cause possible effects cytotoxic. To evaluation of antinociceptive activity and anti-inflammatory were utilized models in vivo. This animals models were based in chemical stimuli (writhing induced by acetic acid and formalin test) and thermal stimuli (hot plate), while the motor incoordination was analized by rota rod. To evaluate activity anti-inflammatory was used the model paw edema induced by carrageenan. After the performing the tests, verified in the analyses phytochemistry the presence the flavonoid and alkaloid. In the test cytotoxic in vitro, the crude extract and fractions of ethyl acetate and butanol produce IC50 greater that 58 μg/ml to lineage HaCaT and 48 μg/ml to lineage B-16, thus this values not present a cytotoxic effects. However fraction dichloromethane produced IC50 18 μg/ml, showed significant inhibition when compared to controls vincristine and doxorubicin. In relation of antinociceptive activity, the models presented results significant that correspond to chemical and thermal stimuli in the doses of 100 and 300 mg/kg of the crude extract, when compared with the control groups. The rota rod model showed satisfactory results, since the extract did not cause motor incoordination and sedation. According this results, can be related the flavonoids and alkaloids with pharmacological activities reported by agents of “pastoral da saúde” with the antinociceptive and cytotoxic activities. However further studies are needed to determine the action of the activities described and relate to the chemical compounds present in the plant. / As plantas medicinais sempre foram utilizadas, sendo no passado o principal recurso terapêutico conhecido para o tratamento de enfermidades pela população. Dentre elas encontra-se Calea uniflora Less., planta medicinal nativa da região sul do Brasil encontrada também no centro-sul do Brasil, Argentina, Uruguai e Paraguai. Esta planta é utilizada popularmente para processos inflamatórios e hematomas. A partir destas informações e devido aos poucos estudos com a C. uniflora, surgiu o interesse em investigar os possíveis constituintes químicos, efeitos citotóxicos, efeitos antinociceptivo e anti-inflamatório desta espécie, para a avaliação fitoquímica foram analisados os extratos brutos da planta, através de Cromatografia Líquida de Alta Eficiência (CLAE). Para a atividade citotóxica, foi utilizado o teste de MTT, in vitro, a fim de verificar se o extrato e as frações de C. uniflora apresentaram efeitos citotóxicos. Para a avaliação das atividades antinociceptiva e anti-inflamatória foram utilizados modelos in vivo. Os modelos animais antinociceptivos empregados foram baseados em estímulos químicos (modelo de contorções abdominais induzidas por ácido acético, teste da formalina) e estímulos térmicos (placa quente), enquanto a possível incoordenação motora foi analisada pelo teste rota rod, e para a avaliação anti-inflamatória utilizou-se o modelo de edema de pata induzido por carragenina. Após a realização dos testes, verificamos, na análise fitoquímica, à presença de flavonoides e alcaloides. Na atividade citotóxica in vitro, os extratos brutos e as frações de acetato de etila e butanol apresentaram uma IC50 maior que 58 μg/ml para linhagem HaCaT e 48 μg/ml para a linhagem B-16, sendo assim esses valores não apresentaram um efeito citotóxico. Entretanto a fração do diclorometano apresentou uma IC50 de 18 μg/ml, mostrando inibição significativa quando comparada aos controles vincristina e doxorrubicina. Em relação à atividade antinociceptiva observou-se resultados significativos nos modelos que correspondem a estímulos químicos e térmicos nas doses de 100 e 300 mg/kg do extrato bruto, quando comparados aos grupos controles. No modelo rota rod os resultados foram satisfatórios, pois o extrato não causou incoordenação motora e sedação nas doses avaliadas. Entretanto, pode-se relacionar com os flavonoides e alcaloides com as atividades farmacológicas relatadas popularmente e com as atividades citotóxicas e antinociceptiva. Entretanto são necessários novos estudos para determinação do mecanismo de ação das atividades descritas bem como relacionar com os compostos químicos presentes na planta.

Diante da previsão de escassez de água no mundo, torna-se necessário desenvolver tecnologias que permitem o reaproveitamento de águas salinas.A hidroponia é uma técnica de cultivo sem solo que permite obter produtos de alta qualidade, maior produção por área, menor gasto de água e insumos agrícolas, contribuindo com a preservação dos recursos naturais e do ambiente. A alface (Lactuca sativa) é a hortaliça mais importante produzida no sistema hidropônico (NFT). O uso de água salina na produção de hortaliças constitui no momento atividade essencial, tendo em vista o aumento da demanda de água doce, tanto pela atividade agrícola quanto pelo abastecimento urbano e industrial. Dessa forma os objetivos do trabalho são: i) avaliar o crescimento, a produção e qualidade de duas variedades cultivadas de alface (Verônica e Pira Roxa) em sistema hidropônico NFT (Fluxo Laminar de Nutrientes) com a utilização de águas salinas no preparo da solução nutritiva e na reposição da lâmina diária evapotranspirada ao longo do ciclo de cultivo; ii) avaliar a qualidade, os parâmetros fisiológicos e bioquímicos (teor de nitrato, clorofila e prolina). Os experimentos foram conduzidos em ambiente protegido localizado na área experimental do Setor de Irrigação e Drenagem do Departamento de Engenharia Rural da Escola Superior de Agricultura Luiz de Queiroz - ESALQ/USP, no município de Piracicaba-SP. O delineamento experimental foi blocos ao acaso. Avaliaram-se cinco níveis de salinidade obtidos com a adição de NaCl, que resultaram em diferentes condutividades elétricas da água: 0,42, 1,53, 3,52, 5,55 e 7,43 (dS.m-1) e duas variedades cultivadas de alface Verônica e Pira Roxa. Os resultados revelaram que a salinidade da água reduziu o crescimento e a produção de forma linear decrescente. A tolerância à salinidade de alface variedade cultivada Verônica foi superior em relação à variedade cultivada Pira Roxa. A salinidade alterou o teor de nitrato, prolina e clorofila, sendo o efeito superior na cv. Pira Roxa, denotando ser um mecanismo de defesa à salinidade. Com relação à produtividade comercial, obteve-se uma perda de 69% e 64% para as variedades cultivadas Pira Roxa e Verônica, respectivamente, quando se utilizou água mais salina (7,43 dS.m-1). Os resultados obtidos em sistema de cultivo NFT podem indicar a possibilidade do uso da água salina como alternativa para produção de hortaliças para produtores que tem disponibilidade de água salina e restrita disponibilidade de água doce. / Before the forescast of shortage of water in the world, becomes necessary to develop technologies that allow the reuse of saline waters. The NFT (Nutrient Film Technique) is a cultivation technique soil less that allows to obtain products of high quality, larger production for area, minor expense of water and agricultural inputs, contributing with the preservation of the natural resources and environment. A lettuce (Lactuca sativa) is the most important vegetable produced in the hydroponic system (NFT). The use of saline water in the production of vegetables constitutes in the moment essential activity, tends in view the increase of the demand of fresh water, so much for the agricultural activity as for the urban and industrial supplying. The objectives of the work were: i) to evaluate the growth, the production and quality of two cultivates of lettuce (Verônica and Pira Roxa) cultivated in hydroponic system NFT (Nutrient Film Technique) with the use of saline waters in the preparation of the nutrient solution and replacement of the evapotranspiration along the cultivation cycle; ii) to evaluate quality, the physiologic and biochemical parameters (nitrate, chlorophyll and prolina content). The experiments were carried out in atmosphere protected on the experimental area of the Irrigation and Drainage Section of the University of São Paulo (ESALQ/USP), Piracicaba, State of São Paulo, Brazil. The experimental design used was randomized blocks. It were evaluated five salinity levels obtained with the addition of NaCl that resulted in different electrical conductivities of the water (0.42, 1.53, 3.52, 5.55 and 7.43 dS.m-1); and two cultivated variety of lettuce Verônica and Pira Roxa. The results revealed that the salinity of the water reduced the growth and production in a decreasing lineal. The tolerance to salinity of the lettuce cultivated variety Verônica was superior in relation cultivated variety Pira Roxa. The salinity altered the contents of nitrate, prolina and chlorophyll, being the superior effect in the cv. Pira Roxa, denoting to be a defense mechanism the salinity. The commercial productivity was obtained a loss of 69% and 64% for cultivated variety Pira Roxa and Verônica, respectively, when more saline water was used (7,43 dS.m-1). The results obtained in cultivation system NFT they can indicate the possibility of the use of the saline water as alternative for production of vegetables for producers that has availability of saline water and restricted of fresh water.

Among a rich variety of studies in second language acquisition research, relatively few have investigated the role of textbooks for language teachers and learners, in spite of their nearly universal importance in language classrooms (Kramsch, 1988; Plews & Schmenk, 2013). This three-article dissertation examines this issue for the context of Hebrew as a less commonly taught language (LCTL), through considering the goals and identities of four types of teachers (Native, Ethnic Heritage Language [HL], Linguistic HL, and Foreign Language [FL]teachers)and three types of learners (Ethnic HL, Linguistic HL, and FL learners). In order to explore these diverse goals and identities, this research included a mixed-methods approach in three stages: (a) a nationally distributed survey that included 18 teachers and 36 students in first- and second-year Hebrew courses; (b) a case study involving surveys, observations, and select interviews with 65 students and 5 teachers at two universities in the US; and (c) an analysis of the content related to goals and identity within five commonly used Modern Hebrew textbooks. Due to this unique context and research focus, these instruments are partially homegrown and partially adapted from past related studies (e.g. Allen, 2008; Burns Al Masaeed, 2014; Ducar, 2006). The first article of this dissertation consisted of a general analysis of these Hebrew textbooks, the second article focused on portrayals of pronunciation within Hebrew textbook pronunciation guides and explanations, and the third article on multimedia that accompanies Hebrew textbooks. Each of these textbook areas was compared to the goals and identities of the Hebrew teachers and students involved in the study. Findings included a general consensus that Modern Hebrew textbooks were lacking in many ways as far as meeting these goals and identities, although diversity in motivations and backgrounds led to a range of responses. Results also present several implications to improve the contexts of Hebrew, LCTLs, and language teaching in general.

No description available.