Late Pleistocene sediments recovered from ODP Leg 175, Site 1085 are used to generate a high-resolution (500 yr) record of continental climate change in Southern Africa. The location of Site 1085, the SW African continental slope, provides a continuous hemipelagic section with a significant terrigenous component. Terrigenous sediments are transported via fluvial and/or eolian transport mechanisms with MIS 1 being dominated by eolian transport. Analyses, including grain-size, color reflectance, biogenic sediment geochemistry (%CaCO3, %TOC, and C/N), bulk sediment geochemistry, and clay mineralogy, are used to identify continental climate conditions in southern Africa. Analyses indicate glacial/interglacial variation. Median grain-size peaks are associated with changes in transport. Clay mineralogy indicates the presence of kaolinite, smectite, and illite in varying percentages. Smectite and illite dominate the clay mineral assemblages except during MIS 2. Maximum kaolinite was found during MIS 2 and is associated with poleward transport by the Angola Counter Current.

Background: The augmented whole body glucose uptake response to insulin during the postprandial state is described as meal-induced sensitization (MIS). MIS occurs when the presence of food in the upper gastrointestinal tract (GIT) activates two feeding signals (activation of hepatic parasympathetic nerves and elevation of hepatic glutathione level), and causes insulin to release hepatic insulin sensitizing substance (HISS), which stimulates glucose uptake in peripheral tissues. The impairment of HISS release results in the absence of meal-induced insulin sensitization (AMIS), causing progression to a cluster of metabolic, vascular, and cardiac dysfunction, which we refer to as components of the AMIS syndrome. Objectives: The objective of my doctoral research was to study the manipulation of the HISS-pathway, in age- and diet-induced AMIS models, with exercise ± antioxidants. Also, in a separate project I studied the signaling pathways involved with the HISS action in skeletal muscle. Methods: The 7-day voluntary running was used as exercise intervention to manipulate the HISS pathway in healthy and prediabetic rats. The interaction of an antioxidant cocktail, SAMEC (S-adenosylmethionine + vitamin E + vitamin C), with the effects of exercise on postprandial insulin response was studied. Moreover, in the signaling studies the insulin and 5'-adenosine monophosphate activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathways were examined to test their possible involvement with the HISS action in skeletal muscle. Results: Voluntary running-wheel exercise for 7 days increases the postprandial glucose uptake response to insulin in health and in prediabetes through enhancement/restoration of HISS action. Supplementation with SAMEC during 7 days of exercise does not either harm or add benefits to the positive effects of exercise on insulin sensitivity. Finally, the signaling studies indicate that HISS increases the rate of glycogen synthesis in muscle through an insulin/AMPK-independent pathway.

A survey was conducted to investigate motivational and satisfaction differences between Information Systems (IS) and non-IS personnel working in various non-IS organizational departments. The motivational factors of Motivating Potential Score (MPS), Growth Need Strength (GNS), Social Need Strength (SNS), Average Psychological Score (APS), and Overall Satisfaction Score (OSS) were measured. Control for occupational group differences was achieved by classifying survey respondents into one of two job categories: Managerial or Professional/Technical. Significant differences were found in the GNS scores and SNSs of the two job categories. Several implications of the research findings are discussed and recommendations are made with respect to future studies.

Background: The augmented whole body glucose uptake response to insulin during the postprandial state is described as meal-induced sensitization (MIS). MIS occurs when the presence of food in the upper gastrointestinal tract (GIT) activates two feeding signals (activation of hepatic parasympathetic nerves and elevation of hepatic glutathione level), and causes insulin to release hepatic insulin sensitizing substance (HISS), which stimulates glucose uptake in peripheral tissues. The impairment of HISS release results in the absence of meal-induced insulin sensitization (AMIS), causing progression to a cluster of metabolic, vascular, and cardiac dysfunction, which we refer to as components of the AMIS syndrome. Objectives: The objective of my doctoral research was to study the manipulation of the HISS-pathway, in age- and diet-induced AMIS models, with exercise ± antioxidants. Also, in a separate project I studied the signaling pathways involved with the HISS action in skeletal muscle. Methods: The 7-day voluntary running was used as exercise intervention to manipulate the HISS pathway in healthy and prediabetic rats. The interaction of an antioxidant cocktail, SAMEC (S-adenosylmethionine + vitamin E + vitamin C), with the effects of exercise on postprandial insulin response was studied. Moreover, in the signaling studies the insulin and 5'-adenosine monophosphate activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathways were examined to test their possible involvement with the HISS action in skeletal muscle. Results: Voluntary running-wheel exercise for 7 days increases the postprandial glucose uptake response to insulin in health and in prediabetes through enhancement/restoration of HISS action. Supplementation with SAMEC during 7 days of exercise does not either harm or add benefits to the positive effects of exercise on insulin sensitivity. Finally, the signaling studies indicate that HISS increases the rate of glycogen synthesis in muscle through an insulin/AMPK-independent pathway.

Techn. Universiẗat, Diss., 2006--Darmstadt.

Os foraminíferos são o grupo de microfósseis mais utilizado em bioestratigrafia, são considerados os principais portadores de informações paleoceanográficas e apresentam aplicações à análise de bacias sedimentares. O objetivo principal deste trabalho é propor um modelo de reconstrução paleoceanográfica na Bacia de Campos, analisando 61 amostras retiradas do testemunho GL-77, coletado no talude inferior, offshore da bacia. O intervalo contempla os dois últimos ciclos Glacial- Interglacial, correspondentes às biozonas de foraminíferos planctônicos W (parcialmente), X, Y e Z. Por meio das análises de fauna total, datações em 14C e análises isotópicas de δ18O e δ13C nas carapaças de foraminíferos planctônicos, obtiveram-se estimativas de variações de paleoprodutividade, paleossalinidade e paleotemperatura superficiais do mar; foi elaborado um modelo de idade e, posteriormente, as estimativas de taxas de sedimentação. O modelo de idade identificou o Último Máximo Glacial (UMG) e estimou as idades de alguns eventos bioestratigráficos, como o datum YP.2, o limite MIS 3/4 (coincidente com o limite Y2/Y3), o limite Y1/Y2 e o datum YP.4. As taxas de sedimentação estão estranhamente elevadas na Biozona X (intervalo glacial) onde se esperaria taxas menores. No Holoceno há uma elevada taxa de sedimentação, associada à influência do delta do Rio Paraíba do Sul, na porção norte da bacia. As paleotemperaturas reagem sazonalmente no intervalo glacial, onde a amplitude entre verão e inverno é maior que a registrada nos períodos interglaciais. Foi observada uma correlação das paleotemperaturas com as condições ambientais marcadas pelas subzonas quentes e frias na Biozona X. Baseado na razão P/B pode ser identificado um limite de sequências junto ao limite MIS 4/5. A paleossalinidade reduz em intervalos de degelo. A paleoprodutividade diminui de 29 ka (limite MIS 2/3) ao UMG e aumenta próximo ao limite Pleistoceno/Holoceno. Finalmente, se observou que a transição Pleistoceno/Holoceno ocorre dentro da Biozona Y, e não é relacionada temporalmente ao início da Biozona Z. / Planktonic foraminifera is the most useful microfossil group for biostratigraphic studies, being considered the main carriers of paleoceanographic information and being applicable to the analysis of sedimentary basins. The main aim of this work is to propose a paleoceanographic reconstruction model in the Campos Basin, by analyzing 61 samples taken from the GL-77 core, collected at the lower continental slope, in the offshore part of the basin. The interval comprises the last two Glacial- Interglacial cycles, corresponding to the planktonic foraminifera biozones W (partially), X, Y and Z. By means of analysis of the total fauna, datings in 14C and isotopic analyses of δ18O and δ13C in shells of planktonic foraminifera estimates of variations of paleoproductivity, paleosalinity and sea surface paleotemperature were obtained; an age model and, posteriorly, the sedimentation rates were calculated. The age model identified the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) and estimated the ages of a few biostratigraphic events, such as YP.2 datum, the MIS 3/4 boundary (which coincides with the Y2/Y3 boundary), the Y1/Y2 boundary and the YP.4 datum. The sedimentation rates are strangely elevated in Biozone X (glacial period) where lower rates would be expected. In the Holocene there is an elevated sedimentation rate, associated to the influence of the Paraíba do Sul River delta, at the northern portion of the basin. The paleotemperatures oscillate seasonally in the glacial periods, when the amplitude between summer and winter is larger than the one registered in the interglacial periods. A correlation was observed between the paleotemperatures and the environmental conditions characterized by the warm and cold subzones in Biozone X. Based on the P/B ratio a limit of sequences can be identified next to the MIS 4/5 boundary. Paleosalinity is reduced in deglaciation periods. Paleoproductivity is reduced to 29 ka (MIS 2/3 boundary) by the LGM and increases near the Pleistocene/Holocene boundary. Finally, it was observed that the Pleistocene/Holocene transition occurs inside Biozone Y, and is not temporally related to the beginning of Biozone Z.

The topic of the final-year dissertation is: Marketing information system (MIS) project in the respective company. I did my final-year dissertation at Lázně Aurora, s.r.o. in Třeboň.The objective of the dissertation was to analyse situation of the current MIS at Lázně Aurora and to compare it with the situation characterised in the bachelor{\crq}s degree dissertation. Marketing researches would follow. After analysing Lázně Aurora{\crq}s existing MIS, I came to the conclusion that the Internal Information System which Lázně Aurora has in place, is of a high standard. The company also has a good quality Reporting Information System. I see some shortcomings in Lázně Aurora{\crq}s Marketing Survey System, as the company focuses in its surveys on existing or past clientele only. This means that the company conducts only part of a comprehensive marketing survey, which is more a sales support or client retention attempts. At present, Lázně Aurora misses a marketing system to support decision making. As the cause of the MIS shortcomings I see the fact that at present demand exceeds supply, and therefore Aurora does not see the need to make full use of the MIS. I performed two marketing researches. In the first questionnaire survey I made use of the existing questionnaire of Lázně Aurora and applied it according to the Aurora{\crq}s management instructions only to the current clientele. On the basis of the shortcomings identified in the marketing research system of Lázně Aurora I proposed (as a part of the main goal of the final-year dissertation) a variant of the questionnaire survey, which is more correct from the marketing point of view. I have completely worked out a new marketing research on the basis of the questionnaire elaborated by me and applied it to the sample of randomly selected respondents from the wide public. The results generated from both questionnaire surveys were positive for Aurora, but nevertheless it would be advisable to conduct a series of further marketing surveys, focusing mainly on the needs and wishes of not only existing, but also prospective guests. I believe that in the future, collecting information from quality marketing surveys and correctly functioning MIS will be for Aurora essential for maintaining their competitiveness on the spa industry market.

Os foraminíferos são o grupo de microfósseis mais utilizado em bioestratigrafia, são considerados os principais portadores de informações paleoceanográficas e apresentam aplicações à análise de bacias sedimentares. O objetivo principal deste trabalho é propor um modelo de reconstrução paleoceanográfica na Bacia de Campos, analisando 61 amostras retiradas do testemunho GL-77, coletado no talude inferior, offshore da bacia. O intervalo contempla os dois últimos ciclos Glacial- Interglacial, correspondentes às biozonas de foraminíferos planctônicos W (parcialmente), X, Y e Z. Por meio das análises de fauna total, datações em 14C e análises isotópicas de δ18O e δ13C nas carapaças de foraminíferos planctônicos, obtiveram-se estimativas de variações de paleoprodutividade, paleossalinidade e paleotemperatura superficiais do mar; foi elaborado um modelo de idade e, posteriormente, as estimativas de taxas de sedimentação. O modelo de idade identificou o Último Máximo Glacial (UMG) e estimou as idades de alguns eventos bioestratigráficos, como o datum YP.2, o limite MIS 3/4 (coincidente com o limite Y2/Y3), o limite Y1/Y2 e o datum YP.4. As taxas de sedimentação estão estranhamente elevadas na Biozona X (intervalo glacial) onde se esperaria taxas menores. No Holoceno há uma elevada taxa de sedimentação, associada à influência do delta do Rio Paraíba do Sul, na porção norte da bacia. As paleotemperaturas reagem sazonalmente no intervalo glacial, onde a amplitude entre verão e inverno é maior que a registrada nos períodos interglaciais. Foi observada uma correlação das paleotemperaturas com as condições ambientais marcadas pelas subzonas quentes e frias na Biozona X. Baseado na razão P/B pode ser identificado um limite de sequências junto ao limite MIS 4/5. A paleossalinidade reduz em intervalos de degelo. A paleoprodutividade diminui de 29 ka (limite MIS 2/3) ao UMG e aumenta próximo ao limite Pleistoceno/Holoceno. Finalmente, se observou que a transição Pleistoceno/Holoceno ocorre dentro da Biozona Y, e não é relacionada temporalmente ao início da Biozona Z. / Planktonic foraminifera is the most useful microfossil group for biostratigraphic studies, being considered the main carriers of paleoceanographic information and being applicable to the analysis of sedimentary basins. The main aim of this work is to propose a paleoceanographic reconstruction model in the Campos Basin, by analyzing 61 samples taken from the GL-77 core, collected at the lower continental slope, in the offshore part of the basin. The interval comprises the last two Glacial- Interglacial cycles, corresponding to the planktonic foraminifera biozones W (partially), X, Y and Z. By means of analysis of the total fauna, datings in 14C and isotopic analyses of δ18O and δ13C in shells of planktonic foraminifera estimates of variations of paleoproductivity, paleosalinity and sea surface paleotemperature were obtained; an age model and, posteriorly, the sedimentation rates were calculated. The age model identified the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) and estimated the ages of a few biostratigraphic events, such as YP.2 datum, the MIS 3/4 boundary (which coincides with the Y2/Y3 boundary), the Y1/Y2 boundary and the YP.4 datum. The sedimentation rates are strangely elevated in Biozone X (glacial period) where lower rates would be expected. In the Holocene there is an elevated sedimentation rate, associated to the influence of the Paraíba do Sul River delta, at the northern portion of the basin. The paleotemperatures oscillate seasonally in the glacial periods, when the amplitude between summer and winter is larger than the one registered in the interglacial periods. A correlation was observed between the paleotemperatures and the environmental conditions characterized by the warm and cold subzones in Biozone X. Based on the P/B ratio a limit of sequences can be identified next to the MIS 4/5 boundary. Paleosalinity is reduced in deglaciation periods. Paleoproductivity is reduced to 29 ka (MIS 2/3 boundary) by the LGM and increases near the Pleistocene/Holocene boundary. Finally, it was observed that the Pleistocene/Holocene transition occurs inside Biozone Y, and is not temporally related to the beginning of Biozone Z.

Os foraminíferos são o grupo de microfósseis mais utilizado em bioestratigrafia, são considerados os principais portadores de informações paleoceanográficas e apresentam aplicações à análise de bacias sedimentares. O objetivo principal deste trabalho é propor um modelo de reconstrução paleoceanográfica na Bacia de Campos, analisando 61 amostras retiradas do testemunho GL-77, coletado no talude inferior, offshore da bacia. O intervalo contempla os dois últimos ciclos Glacial- Interglacial, correspondentes às biozonas de foraminíferos planctônicos W (parcialmente), X, Y e Z. Por meio das análises de fauna total, datações em 14C e análises isotópicas de δ18O e δ13C nas carapaças de foraminíferos planctônicos, obtiveram-se estimativas de variações de paleoprodutividade, paleossalinidade e paleotemperatura superficiais do mar; foi elaborado um modelo de idade e, posteriormente, as estimativas de taxas de sedimentação. O modelo de idade identificou o Último Máximo Glacial (UMG) e estimou as idades de alguns eventos bioestratigráficos, como o datum YP.2, o limite MIS 3/4 (coincidente com o limite Y2/Y3), o limite Y1/Y2 e o datum YP.4. As taxas de sedimentação estão estranhamente elevadas na Biozona X (intervalo glacial) onde se esperaria taxas menores. No Holoceno há uma elevada taxa de sedimentação, associada à influência do delta do Rio Paraíba do Sul, na porção norte da bacia. As paleotemperaturas reagem sazonalmente no intervalo glacial, onde a amplitude entre verão e inverno é maior que a registrada nos períodos interglaciais. Foi observada uma correlação das paleotemperaturas com as condições ambientais marcadas pelas subzonas quentes e frias na Biozona X. Baseado na razão P/B pode ser identificado um limite de sequências junto ao limite MIS 4/5. A paleossalinidade reduz em intervalos de degelo. A paleoprodutividade diminui de 29 ka (limite MIS 2/3) ao UMG e aumenta próximo ao limite Pleistoceno/Holoceno. Finalmente, se observou que a transição Pleistoceno/Holoceno ocorre dentro da Biozona Y, e não é relacionada temporalmente ao início da Biozona Z. / Planktonic foraminifera is the most useful microfossil group for biostratigraphic studies, being considered the main carriers of paleoceanographic information and being applicable to the analysis of sedimentary basins. The main aim of this work is to propose a paleoceanographic reconstruction model in the Campos Basin, by analyzing 61 samples taken from the GL-77 core, collected at the lower continental slope, in the offshore part of the basin. The interval comprises the last two Glacial- Interglacial cycles, corresponding to the planktonic foraminifera biozones W (partially), X, Y and Z. By means of analysis of the total fauna, datings in 14C and isotopic analyses of δ18O and δ13C in shells of planktonic foraminifera estimates of variations of paleoproductivity, paleosalinity and sea surface paleotemperature were obtained; an age model and, posteriorly, the sedimentation rates were calculated. The age model identified the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) and estimated the ages of a few biostratigraphic events, such as YP.2 datum, the MIS 3/4 boundary (which coincides with the Y2/Y3 boundary), the Y1/Y2 boundary and the YP.4 datum. The sedimentation rates are strangely elevated in Biozone X (glacial period) where lower rates would be expected. In the Holocene there is an elevated sedimentation rate, associated to the influence of the Paraíba do Sul River delta, at the northern portion of the basin. The paleotemperatures oscillate seasonally in the glacial periods, when the amplitude between summer and winter is larger than the one registered in the interglacial periods. A correlation was observed between the paleotemperatures and the environmental conditions characterized by the warm and cold subzones in Biozone X. Based on the P/B ratio a limit of sequences can be identified next to the MIS 4/5 boundary. Paleosalinity is reduced in deglaciation periods. Paleoproductivity is reduced to 29 ka (MIS 2/3 boundary) by the LGM and increases near the Pleistocene/Holocene boundary. Finally, it was observed that the Pleistocene/Holocene transition occurs inside Biozone Y, and is not temporally related to the beginning of Biozone Z.

Glacial runoff from the Tian Shan and Altai Mountains is an important water resource, especially for people living in the arid areas of Central Asia. Measured water volumes from glaciers have decreased, and glacier area have shrunk with 50-90% since the Little Ice Age. Lack of knowledge regarding glaciers in high mountain areas, and the impact from climate change makes this an important field to investigate. This thesis focuses on topographic features and their impact on spatial glaciation patterns; today and during the global last glacial maximum, 19-30 thousand years ago (ka). From selected marginal moraines in the Tian Shan and Altai mountains, with a deglaciation age between 19-30 ka, an analysis was created in ArcMap (GIS, Geographic Information System) with 1 arc second resolution ASTER GDEM2 (Digital Elevation Model) and in Google Earth. An elevation profile, hypsometry and mapping were created for the analysis. The interpretations made from the limited dataset resulted in topographic features affecting the glaciation extension today and percentage of decreasing glacier area since 19-30 ka, to be connected to north/south-facing direction of the drainage area and the elevation. Drainage areas experiencing the highest percentage of glacial shrinkage were southfacing and/or at elevation below 3961 m a.s.l. / Central Asia Paleoglaciology Project