Submitted by Filipe dos Santos (fsantos@pucsp.br) on 2017-05-19T11:57:59Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Alan Silva dos Santos.pdf: 2565511 bytes, checksum: b1f037051a38c7fab75725edb0d9af53 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2017-05-19T11:57:59Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Alan Silva dos Santos.pdf: 2565511 bytes, checksum: b1f037051a38c7fab75725edb0d9af53 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2017-03-15 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior - CAPES / This research aims to analyze, through a didactic sequence, the students' conceptions of an mathematics university course that involve characteristics and properties of rational numbers and irrational numbers, as well as the concept of density of the respective sets in the set of real numbers. The research employs both digital technologies, through GeoGebra software, and non-digital technologies. The studies carried out through a review of the literature and the proposed activities allowed to formulate/refine the problematization around which the investigative procedures developed with a group of undergraduates in Mathematics were developed and which involved questions regarding the conceptions of such subjects about the characteristics and properties relative to rational and irrational numbers, as well as concerning the concept of density of the set of rational numbers and the set of irrational numbers. The research, of a qualitative nature, used data collection instruments designed as digital models, in addition to sequences solved without the use of software, together. The collected data were analyzed using contributions from the Theory of Didactic Situations, as well as theoretical elements related to the use of technologies in Mathematics Education. The analyzes also used references related to numerical representational questions and mathematical knowledge modalities (algorithmic, formal and intuitive). The analyzes carried out suggest that the models and strategies employed were efficient in raising the predominant form of the conceptions of the subjects involved; also indicated that the use of didactic strategies conceived in the research allowed for advances in the re-signification of the mathematical knowledge put into play by the subjects / Esta pesquisa tem por objetivo analisar, por meio de uma sequência didática, as concepções dos alunos do curso de licenciatura em matemática que envolvem características e propriedades dos números racionais e dos números irracionais, bem como o conceito de densidade dos respectivos conjuntos no conjunto dos números reais. A investigação emprega tanto tecnologias digitais, por meio do software GeoGebra, como tecnologias não digitais. Os estudos efetuados por meio da revisão de literatura e das atividades propostas permitiram formular/refinar a problematização em torno da qual se desenvolveram os procedimentos investigativos, levados a efeito com um grupo de licenciandos em Matemática, e que envolvia questões relativas às concepções de tais sujeitos acerca das características e propriedades relativas aos números racionais e irracionais, bem como atinentes ao conceito de densidade do conjunto dos números racionais e do conjunto dos números irracionais. A investigação, de caráter qualitativo, utilizou instrumentos de recolha de dados concebidos como modelos digitais, além de sequências resolvidas sem o uso de software, em conjunto. Os dados coletados foram analisados empregando aportes da Teoria das Situações Didáticas, além de elementos teóricos relativos ao uso de tecnologias em Educação Matemática. As análises empregaram, também, referenciais ligados às questões representacionais numéricas e às modalidades de conhecimento matemático (algorítmico, formal e intuitivo). As análises realizadas sugerem que os modelos e estratégias empregadas foram eficientes em levantar a forma predominante das concepções dos sujeitos envolvidos; indicaram, também, que o uso das estratégias didáticas concebidas na investigação possibilitou avanços na ressignificação do conhecimento matemático posto em jogo pelos sujeitos

Made available in DSpace on 2016-04-25T19:20:39Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Rivanildo Segundo Pereira Guedes.pdf: 752730 bytes, checksum: a37a6d66c1c4d9470069448d6d069064 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2016-02-25 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / Due to the phenomenon of neo-Pentecostalism the Brazilian Protestantism was forgotten by the academy (?). As a result growth and changes of Protestantism in Brazil has gone unnoticed. Therefore this study aims to make a counterpoint to the ideal type of Protestant practice created by Max Weber and revisited by Rubem Alves called Protestantism doctrine Straight and therefore will discuss about a current Brasilian Protestantism or rather the past forties decades of this practice in Brasil. To Alves the whole of the Brazilian Protestantism was fundamentalist and moralist and troughout this text we will see that there is another Protestantism forming in Brazil and that we are calling the Rational Experience Protestantism in which the subjective experience of faith and the search for the rationality of the Christian faith are presents / Por conta do fenômeno do Neopentecostalismo, o protestantismo brasileiro foi esquecido pela Academia de estudos de ciências sociais e da religião. Em função disso, o crescimento e as mudanças do protestantismo no Brasil passaram despercebidos. Sendo assim, este trabalho se propõe a fazer um contraponto ao tipo ideal criado por Max Weber e revisitado por Rubem Alves denominado Protestantismo de Reta Doutrina , e, para tanto, irá discorrer sobre um protestantismo brasileiro atual, ou seja, das últimas quarentas décadas. Para Alves o todo do protestantismo brasileiro era fundamentalista e moralista e, ao longo deste texto, veremos que existe um outro protestantismo se formando no Brasil, e que, o chamaremos de Protestantismo de Experência Racional no qual a experiência subjetiva da fé e a busca pela racionalidade da fé cristã se fazem presentes

Na presente pesquisa foi abordado o conceito de conservação e reúso de água na indústria alimentícia, buscando mostrar a potencialidade de redução do consumo desse recurso. Foram avaliadas questões relacionadas à disponibilidade hídrica nos mananciais superficiais e subterrâneos quanto à sua quantidade e qualidade adequadas para consumo, além da questão legal da cobrança pelo uso da água. Essas provavelmente passarão a ser relevantes num futuro próximo, pressionando as indústrias a buscar meios para minimizar o consumo e gerar menos efluente. O objeto de estudo foi uma indústria de abate de frangos e por tratar-se de setor alimentício, com relação ao reúso de água, a avaliação limitou-se aos usos não potáveis. Embora a prática de reúso de água potável seja permitida em alguns países e existam regulamentações internacionais a respeito, no Brasil o tema ainda é recente sendo que até o momento há somente uma legislação dando diretrizes ao reúso não potável. Inicialmente foi avaliado o uso racional da água, identificando falhas operacionais, propondo melhorias e identificando perdas físicas. Na seqüência foram identificados os setores e os locais com maior consumo de água e geração de efluentes para depois estudar a adoção de técnicas de reúso de água. Dessa metodologia, foi possível obter uma redução global no consumo de água de 14,20% e um aumento na produção de 17,46%. Para aumentar a produção, foi avaliada a adoção de novas fontes de abastecimento. Pelos resultados obtidos, pode-se concluir que o programa de conservação e reúso de água é importante para a economia da indústria e seu desenvolvimento sustentável, e ao meio ambiente por preservar o recurso hídrico. / In this paper the application of water conservation and water reuse concepts in a food industry was studied, focusing the production improvement. It was analyzed issues related to water availability in surface and ground sources with respect to its quantity and quality for potable consumption, in addition to legal issues about charge of water use and effluent discharge, which will probably become very important in the near future, pushing industries for finding ways on how to minimize its water consumption and to generate less wastewater. The study was developed at a poultry processing plant, and because of it is a food industry, water reuse evaluation was limited for non potable applications. Although potable water reuse is allowed in some countries and there are international regulations about this practice, in Brazil this issue is recent, and up to now there is only a very general regulation that deals with non potable water reuse. At first it was evaluated rational water use strategies identifying operational fails, proposing improves and identifying physical losses. It was identified some sectors with high water consumption and wastewater generation, and so that, it also was evaluated practices of water reuse. Results showed a potential for 14.20% in water consumption reduction and a production increase of 17.46%. For more production increase, it was evaluated new water sources. With the results obtained it may be concluded that water conservation and water reuse programs are important for industry economy and its sustainability and for environment by preserving freshwater resources.

Yeung Pui Lam. / Thesis submitted in: December 2003. / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2004. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 99-102). / Abstracts in English and Chinese. / Table of Content --- p.i / List of Tables --- p.iv / List of Figures --- p.v / Abstract --- p.vi / Chapter Chapter 1 --- INTRODUCTION / Research Background --- p.1 / Purpose and Significance of Study --- p.6 / Organization of the Thesis --- p.8 / Chapter Chapter 2 --- CONCEPTS OF UNIT / Introduction --- p.10 / Concepts of Unit as Key Concepts for Transforming Learning from Whole Numbers to Rational Numbers --- p.11 / Development of Unit Concepts across Additive and Multiplication Conceptual Fields --- p.11 / Six Aspects of Unit Concepts --- p.15 / Formation of Units in Rational Number Situation by Partitioning --- p.19 / Formation of Singleton and Composition Unit --- p.22 / A Flexible Concept of Measurement Unit --- p.23 / Decomposition and Composition of Unit --- p.23 / Reconstructing the Unit Whole --- p.24 / Fraction Equivalence --- p.24 / Chapter Chapter 3 --- SITUATIONS OF MULTIPLICATION AND DIVISION / Introduction --- p.26 / Semantics of Rational Numbers --- p.27 / Part-whole Subconstruct / Part-whole Comparison --- p.27 / Quotient --- p.28 / Operators --- p.31 / Measures --- p.32 / Ratio --- p.32 / Structures of Multiplication and Division --- p.34 / Vergnaud's Interpretation on Multiplicative Structures- --- p.35 / Isomorphism of measures --- p.35 / Product of measures --- p.38 / Multiple Proportion --- p.39 / Greer's Classification on Multiplication/Division Situations --- p.40 / Relationship between Unit Concepts and Rational Number Multiplication and Division --- p.46 / The Role of Unit in the Scope of Rational Numberśؤ --- p.46 / Children's Implicit Model of Fraction Multiplication / Division --- p.47 / The Role of Unit in Multiplication/Division Situation --- p.49 / Research Question --- p.54 / Influence of Concepts of Unit in Students' Solving Rational Number Multiplication and Division --- p.55 / The Development of Unit Concepts in the Course of Learning --- p.57 / Chapter Chapter 4 --- METHODOLOGY / Design --- p.58 / Participants --- p.58 / Instruments --- p.59 / Unit concept test --- p.60 / Fraction multiplication and division test --- p.61 / Procedures --- p.62 / Research Hypothesis --- p.63 / Chapter Chapter 5 --- RESULTS / Dimensions of the Unit Concepts --- p.67 / Relationship between Various Concepts of Unit and Fraction multiplication and division Performance --- p.68 / Relationship between unit concepts and rational number multiplication and division situational problem --- p.69 / Differentiated relationship between unit concepts and situational vs. symbolic rational number multiplication and division --- p.71 / Relationship between unit concepts and types of situational rational number multiplication and division- --- p.73 / Relationship between Grade Level and Performance on Measures of Unit Concepts and Rational Number Multiplication and Division --- p.83 / Chapter Chapter 6 --- DISCUSSION / Summary of Findings --- p.87 / Importance of Concepts of Unit --- p.88 / Dimension of concepts of unit --- p.88 / Relationship between concepts of unit and situational problems --- p.89 / Differentiated impacts of concepts of unit on situational problems and symbolic problems --- p.90 / Differentiated impacts of concepts of unit between multiplication and division problems --- p.91 / Implications of the Findings for Development of Concepts of Unit and Mathematics Learning --- p.92 / Research Implication --- p.92 / Instructional Implication --- p.93 / Limitations in the Study --- p.94 / Directions for Future Research --- p.96 / Conclusion --- p.97 / References --- p.99 / Appendices / Appendix 1: The questionnaire used in present study --- p.104 / Appendix 2: The characteristics of items in Questionnaire I- --- p.115 / Appendix 3: The characteristics of situational problems of fraction multiplication and divisionin questionnaire II --- p.116 / Appendix 4: The CFA model of concepts of unit --- p.117 / Appendix 5: Sample cases for illustrating strategiesin solving situational problems --- p.118

We consider systems of polynomial equations and inequalities to be solved in integers. By applying the circle method, when the number of variables is large and the system is geometrically well-behaved we give an asymptotic estimate for the number of solutions of bounded size. In the case of R homogeneous equations having the same degree d, a classic theorem of Birch provides such an estimate provided the number of variables is R(R+1)(d-1)2^d-1+R or greater and the system is nonsingular. In many cases this conclusion has been improved, but except in the case of diagonal equations the number of variables needed has always grown quadratically in R. We give a result requiring only d2^dR+R variables, obtaining linear growth in R. When d = 2 or 3 we require only that the system be nonsingular; when d<4 we require that the coefficients of the equations belong to a certain explicit Zariski open set. These conditions are satisfied for typical systems of equations, and can in principle be checked algorithmically for any particular system. We also give an asymptotic estimate for the number of solutions to R polynomial inequalities of degree d with real coefficients, in the same number of variables and satisfying the same geometric conditions as in our work on equations. Previously one needed the number of variables to grow super-exponentially in the degree d in order to show that a nontrivial solution exists.

A escassez de água é um dos maiores desafios do nosso século. Parece mentira, uma vez que do planeta são ocupados por água. Essa abundância aparente leva-nos a considerar a água como um elemento barato, farto e inesgotável. Contudo, desse total, 97,5% são de água salgada, restando 2,5% de água doce, dos quais 1,75% formam geleiras, sendo, portanto, inacessíveis. E o pior: a exploração irracional da água doce armazenada nos lençóis subterrâneos, rios e lagos está ameaçando a magra fatia de 0,75% da água que pode ser usada pelo homem. Se a escassez e a poluição já são problemas concretos em muitos países, os quais já instituíram um efetivo gerenciamento de seus recursos hídricos, no Brasil a preocupação de cientistas e ambientalistas nem sempre é levada a sério. Afinal, temos mais de 12% da água potável do globo. No entanto, esta riqueza é extremamente mal distribuída: cerca de 80% estão na região amazônica; os 20% restantes distribuem-se desigualmente pelo país, atendendo a 95% da população. Cada vez que chove, milhões de litros de água, que normalmente deveram se infiltrar no solo correm pelos telhados e pelo asfalto até acabar em um rio poluído, sem nenhuma possibilidade de uso. E essa água pode e deve ser aproveitada, tanto para evitar enchentes quanto para economizar recursos hídricos e financeiros. Dessa forma, o objetivo deste trabalho foi o de estruturar um projeto de um sistema de coleta e aproveitamento da água de chuva, para fins não potáveis, para uma edificação a ser construída nas instalações de uma indústria de reparo e construção naval. Para tanto, foi apresentada uma metodologia cuja tecnologia para captação e aproveitamento da água de chuva baseou-se num levantamento bibliográfico e foi validada através da aplicação em um estudo de caso. Espera-se que este trabalho seja o ponto de partida para muitos outros dentro da indústria, procurando incentivar o aproveitamento da água de chuva para consumo não potável e criando assim uma consciência ecológica em todos os níveis da empresa, contribuindo dessa forma para a sustentabilidade. / The shortage of water is one of the largest challenges of the century. It seems lie, once of the planet are busy for water. That "abundance" apparent group to consider the water as an element cheap, full and inexhaustible. However, of that total one, 97,5% are of salt water, remaining 2,5% of fresh water, of which 1,75% form glaciers, being, therefore, inaccessible. And the worst: the irrational exploration of the fresh water stored at the underground sheets, rivers and lakes is threatening the thin slice of 0,75% of the water that can be used by the man. If the shortage and the pollution are already concrete problems in many countries, which already instituted a cash administration of their hydric resources, in Brazil the scientists concern and environmentalists not always it is taken seriously. After all, it is had more than 12% of the drinking water of the globe. However, this wealth is extremely badly distributed: about 80% they are in the Amazonian area; the remaining 20% are distributed unevenly by the country, assisting to 95% of the population. Every time that rains, million of liters of water, that would usually owe if it infiltrates in the soil, they run for the roofs and for the asphalt until ending in a polluted river, without any use possibility. And that water can and it should be taken advantage, so much to avoid inundations as to save hydric resources and financial. In that way, the objective of this work was it of structuring a project of a collection system and use of the rain water, for ends no drinkable, for a construction to be built in the facilities of a repair industry and shipbuilding. For so much, a methodology was presented whose technology for reception and use of the rain water based on a bibliographical rising and it was validated through the application in a case study. It is waited that this work is the starting point for many other inside of the industry, trying to motivate the use of the rain water for consumption no drinkable and creating like this an ecological conscience in all of the levels of the company, contributing in that way to the sustainability.

Orientador : Marcos César Alvarez / Resumo: Neste trabalho, foi feita uma análise crítica da relação da Teoria dos Jogos com as Ciências Sociais. Antes disso, é elucidada a história da Teoria dos Jogos, sendo destacado que esta teoria surgiu com o objetivo de atuar na Economia, que é uma Ciência Social. Conforme a Teoria dos Jogos evoluiu, mais ampliou e aprofundou suas aplicações em diferentes âmbitos, visto que em todas as suas aplicações a Teoria dos Jogos é usada para se compreender e até mesmo prever como diferentes agentes se comportarão de forma interdependente em situações de conflito, cooperação ou até mesmo o misto de ambos contextos (conflito e cooperação). Ao longo deste trabalho, é abordada a Teoria dos Jogos no contexto das Ciências Sociais, assim como a possibilidade de se aplicar a teoria no aspecto macro-social da sociedade. Dando seqüência à discussão, é também exposta a aplicação da teoria dos Jogos nas Relações Internacionais; em seguida, é elucidada a grande afinidade da Teoria dos Jogos com a Teoria da Escolha Racional. Para mais aprofundarmos o objeto desta pesquisa (a relação da Teoria dos Jogos com as Ciências Sociais), o Homo Sociologicus de Dahrendorf é analisado como um jogador, em condições de decidir e optar por estratégias alternativas, levando-se em consideração os diferentes comportamentos dos demais agentes inseridos nos mesmos contextos sociais que o Homo Sociologicus se encontra. Por fim, procuramos apresentar uma visão crítica à Teoria dos Jogos, assim como possíveis afinidades e obstáculos no que se referem à relação da teoria com as Ciências Sociais. Quanto mais a Teoria dos Jogos é aperfeiçoada, mais ela se aproxima da possibilidade de ser aplicada nas Ciências Sociais, tendo como base o aprofundamento de relações sociais em que as condutas dos agentes são interdependentes, podendo vigorar a cooperação e a competição simultaneamente. / Abstract: This written work was carried out as a critical analysis about the relation between Games Theory and Social Sciences. First, the Games Theory history is made clear, putting in relief the fact that this theory arouse with the purpose of actuating on Economy which is a Social Science. According to the evolution of Games Theory, its applications to different areas increased an deepened, since all of its applications, the Games Theory is used to comprehend and even to foresee how different agents will behavior on an independent way within conflict, cooperation or a mix of both situations. In the course of this work, the Games Theory is taken within the Social Sciences context, as well as the possibility of applying this theory to the society macrosocial aspect. Afterwards, its is showed the application of this theory to the International Relations; and after that it is made clear the very close affinity between Games Theory and Rational Chose Theory. In the sake of deepen the object of this research (the relation between Games Theory and Social Sciences), Homo Sociologicus of Dahrendorf is analyzed as a player, in conditions of opting and deciding for alternative strategies, considering the different behaviors of the others agents among the same social contexts in which Homo Sociologicus has been in. Finally, it is intended to show a critical view of Games Theory, as well as, possible affinities and obstacles relating to the relation between this theory with Social Sciences. The most improved Games Theory is, the closest it gets to be applied on Social Sciences, based on the fact of the deepening of social relationships in which the agents procedures are interdependent, being possible the cooperation and competition rule simultaneously. / Mestre

Les progrès constants en miniaturisation des transistors et l’augmentation des fréquences des signaux utilisés sont les principales tendances dans l’évolution des circuits électroniques. Avec ces évolutions apparaissent de nombreux effets indésirables qui perturbent le comportement des systèmes électroniques et sont soupçonnés d’être responsables de la majorité des dégradations de signaux dans les systèmes en haute fréquence. Des retards de propagation indésirables sont ainsi introduits par la présence des interconnexions, et la diaphonie, phénomène dû aux couplages entre lignes d’interconnexions, peut éventuellement provoquer des commutations non désirées des transistors. La prise en compte des interconnexions, dès les premières phases de conception d'un système, est par conséquent devenue une nécessité ces dernières années. Mais la simulation temporelle d’un réseau d’interconnexions est très gourmande en temps de calcul, ce qui impacte la durée globale de conception. Le remplacement des modèles électriques, décrivant précisément les interconnexions, par des modèles plus simples est primordial pour limiter les coûts de calcul. Une méthode de réduction d'ordre des modèles peut alors être employée pour effectuer cette opération efficacement. Le modèle final doit en effet décrire assez précisément certains aspects importants du modèle original et conserver les propriétés importantes du réseau d'interconnexions. Cette démarche permettra aux concepteurs d’effectuer des simulations temporelles rapides et d’étudier les paramètres d’intégrité du signal tel que le retard, le temps de montée, le dépassement….L'objectif de cette thèse est d’établir un nouvel outil de réduction de complexité des modèles de réseaux d'interconnexions. Différentes descriptions initiales des systèmes d'interconnexions sont envisagées : modèles circuits (fonctions de transfert) ou mesures fréquentielles. L’approche développée repose sur l’utilisation des fonctions orthogonales de Müntz-Laguerre et de Kautz afin de décrire mathématiquement, de manière précise, le système d'origine. Un opérateur linéaire, lié à ces fonctions de base, est ensuite appliqué pour déterminer un modèle rationnel de moindre complexité. La technique proposée est comparée à d'autres méthodes de la littérature d’abord sur des exemples académiques. Tout le potentiel de la méthode est ensuite illustré par sa mise en œuvre sur des réseaux d'interconnexions. / The ongoing progress in transistor miniaturization and a continuous frequency increase are the main trends in the present day evolution of electronic circuits. A number of undesired effects are intrinsic to these developments and are suspected to be responsible for most of the flawed signals present in high frequency systems. Parasitic delays are thus introduced by the presence of interconnect lines and crosstalk due to coupling may lead to undesired switching events in transistor circuits. Accounting for the presence of interconnect lines, at a very early stage in the design flow has become unavoidable in recent years. However, time domain simulations of massively coupled interconnect networks may be computationally costly and have a tremendous impact on the overall duration of the design process. Replacing complex, high order circuit models by more compact surrogates is thus necessary. Model order reduction is an effective way to derive such surrogates. The final model must mimic certain aspects of the original model with sufficient accuracy and preserve the interconnect network’s most important properties. This approach enables designers to account for the undesired effects of interconnect lines such as, delays, rise-times and overshoots while maintaining the overall duration of time-domain simulations within acceptable limits. The aim of this thesis is to create a new model order reduction tool applicable to complex interconnect networks. Different initial representations were considered – circuit models (transfer functions) or frequency domain measurements. The proposed approach uses orthogonal basis functions such as Müntz-Laguerre and Kautz to build an accurate mathematical representation of the original system .A linear operator, related to these functions, is subsequently used to derive a simplified model. The technique is first compared to other approaches using examples available in literature, its full potential being demonstrated on coupled interconnect models.

This qualitative study explored a mathematics workshop for parents and the impact on a parent’s mathematical content knowledge in rational numbers, perceptions of current instructional practices, and parental beliefs in supporting their children in learning mathematics. A 6-week parent workshop on rational numbers was offered in a rural middle school. Data sources included interviews and workshop audio transcriptions. This study concluded that a mathematics workshop supports parents in developing a conceptual understanding of rational numbers and rational number operations. Furthermore, parents recognized the importance of discourse, representation, and justification for building conceptual understanding in mathematics. Parents, who participated in the workshops, were more open to the use of standards based instructional practices for developing conceptual understanding. Parental engagement in mathematics should include discourse at home to help students justify and explain their thinking. Questions related to the teaching of non-standard procedures without building a conceptual understanding hindered many parents from completely accepting new instructional practices.

The threat and occurrence of terrorist attacks have increased in the United States since September 2011, heightening concerns for weaponized anthrax, other biological pathogens, and epidemics and pandemics. Early decisions and funding levels in local public health agencies can be the first line of defense or first point of failure; yet little is understood about how decisions are made when there are budget cuts before a biological event happens. Using Lindblom's conceptualization of limited rational choice theory, the purpose of this single case study was to understand how a local public health official made decisions after budget cuts in a single public health entity in the mid-Atlantic area of the United States. Data were collected through an interview with 1 public health official and publicly available plans, procedures, and funding documents. These data were inductively coded and then subjected to Braun and Clarke's thematic analysis procedure. Findings indicated that the public health agency's ability to make the best decisions were negatively impacted by limited resources, though adequate planning before a catastrophic event, active and continual communication with stakeholders, and clarity about financial and resource needs can partially offset the impact of budgetary reductions. The implications for social change include recommendations to anticipate and address the needs of the public health system through decision making to protect the health care community and the reduction or elimination of the spread of disease in the wake of a biological incident.