A análise de fármacos e outras moléculas relacionadas em fluidos biológicos é essencial no âmbito farmacêutico. Atualmente, a demanda por análises rápidas e mais complexas impulsiona a química analítica para o desenvolvimento de soluções inovadoras. A cromatografia líquida multidimensional com acoplamento de colunas para injeção direta de fluidos biológicos tem ganhado atenção nos últimos anos. Ao mesmo tempo, o acoplamento entre cromatografia líquida e espectrometria de massas proporcionou marcante desenvolvimento científico na área biomédica e bioquímica. Esta tese apresenta os diversos estágios na redução da escala em sistemas de column switching utilizando colunas RAM, para a análise de fármacos em fluidos biológicos. Na escala convencional, com colunas de 4,6 mm de diâmetro interno, desenvolveu-se um sistema para a análise de fluoxetina em plasma. A metodologia desenvolvida foi adequadamente validada para aplicação na monitorização terapêutica, com tempo de análise de 20 minutos (incluído o preparo de amostras) e consumo de apenas 100 µL de amostra. Avaliou-se a escala microbore (2,1 mm), a qual apresentou excelente potencialidade para o acoplamento com a espectrometria de massas utilizando ionização por electrospray. Na primeira etapa em escala capilar, com colunas de 520 µm de diâmetro interno, desenvolveu-se um sistema para análise de fluoxetina em plasma. Esse sistema proporcionou análises em 25 minutos, também aplicáveis à monitorização terapêutica, consumindo poucos microlitros de amostra. Finalmente, foi desenvolvido um sistema de column switching capilar com colunas na ordem de 200 µm. Esse sistema foi acoplado à espectrometria de massas em tandem proporcionando, inovadoramente, análises altamente sensíveis e simultâneas, com baixo consumo de amostras. Um grupo de cinco antidepressivos e o albendazol, com seus produtos de biotransformação, tiveram suas análises validadas em menos de 8 minutos, consumindo menos de um microlitro de amostra. Esse sistema capilar contrasta com os sistemas convencionais comumente utilizados, os quais consomem entre centenas e milhares de vezes mais amostra para atingir a mesma detectabilidade. / Analysis of drugs and other related molecules in biofluids is essential in the pharmaceutical field. Nowadays, the development of innovative solutions in analytical chemistry has been pushed by the needs for speed and more complex analysis. Lately, multidimensional liquid chromatography using column switching for direct injection of biofluids has gained attention. At the same time, liquid chromatography hyphenated with mass spectrometry provided remarkable scientific development in biomedical and biochemical area. This thesis presents the scale reduction steps in RAM column switching, for drug analysis in biofluids. In the conventional scale, using 4.6 mm i.d. columns, a system was developed, providing fluoxetine analysis in plasma. The developed method resulted in a 20 min long run, including the sample preparation step, which consumed 100 µL of sample. The method was adequately validated, being applicable to therapeutic drug monitoring. The microbore scale (2.1 mm) was evaluated, presenting great potentiality for coupling with electrospray-mass spectrometry. In the first capillary scale step, using 520 µm columns, a system was developed for fluoxetine analysis. Fluoxetine analysis was achieved in 25 min, within the application range for therapeutic drug monitoring, and consuming few microliters of sample. Finally, a RAM capillary column switching system employing columns on the order of 200 µm was developed, in an innovative way. This system was coupled with a tandem mass spectrometer, rendering sensitive and simultaneous analysis with reduced sample volume. The analysis of one group containing five antidepressants, as well as the analysis of albendazol and its metabolites was validated. These analyses took only 8 minutes and consumed less than one microliter of sample. In contrast with conventional systems, this system consumes about hundreds or thousands times less sample, with the same detectability.

IEEE 802.11ah is designed to support battery powered devices that are required to serve for several years in the Internet of Things networks. The Restricted Access Window (RAW) has been introduced in IEEE 802.11ah to address the scalability of thousands of densely deployed devices. As the RAW sizes entail the consumed energy to support the transmitting devices in the network, hence the control mechanism for RAW should be carefully devised for improving the overall energy e ciency of IEEE 802.11ah. This thesis presents a two-stage adaptive RAW scheme for IEEE 802.11ah to optimise the energy efficiency of massive channel access and transmission in the uplink communications for highly dense networks. The proposed scheme adaptively controls the RAW sizes and device transmission access by taking into account the number of devices per RAW, retransmission mechanism, harvested-energy and prioritised access. The scheme has four completely novel control blocks: RAW size control that adaptively adjusts the RAW sizes according to different number of devices and application types in the networks. RAW retransmission control that improves the channel utilisation by retransmitting the collided packets at the subsequent slot in the same RAW. Harvested-energy powered access control that adjusts the RAW sizes with the consideration of the uncertain amount of harvested-energy in each device and channel conditions. Priority-aware channel access control that reduces the collisions of high-priority packets in the time-critical networks. The performance of the proposed controls is evaluated in Matlab under different net work scenarios. Simulation results show that the proposed controls improve the network performances in terms of energy efficiency, packet delivery ratio and delay as compared to the existing window control.

A análise de fármacos e outras moléculas relacionadas em fluidos biológicos é essencial no âmbito farmacêutico. Atualmente, a demanda por análises rápidas e mais complexas impulsiona a química analítica para o desenvolvimento de soluções inovadoras. A cromatografia líquida multidimensional com acoplamento de colunas para injeção direta de fluidos biológicos tem ganhado atenção nos últimos anos. Ao mesmo tempo, o acoplamento entre cromatografia líquida e espectrometria de massas proporcionou marcante desenvolvimento científico na área biomédica e bioquímica. Esta tese apresenta os diversos estágios na redução da escala em sistemas de column switching utilizando colunas RAM, para a análise de fármacos em fluidos biológicos. Na escala convencional, com colunas de 4,6 mm de diâmetro interno, desenvolveu-se um sistema para a análise de fluoxetina em plasma. A metodologia desenvolvida foi adequadamente validada para aplicação na monitorização terapêutica, com tempo de análise de 20 minutos (incluído o preparo de amostras) e consumo de apenas 100 µL de amostra. Avaliou-se a escala microbore (2,1 mm), a qual apresentou excelente potencialidade para o acoplamento com a espectrometria de massas utilizando ionização por electrospray. Na primeira etapa em escala capilar, com colunas de 520 µm de diâmetro interno, desenvolveu-se um sistema para análise de fluoxetina em plasma. Esse sistema proporcionou análises em 25 minutos, também aplicáveis à monitorização terapêutica, consumindo poucos microlitros de amostra. Finalmente, foi desenvolvido um sistema de column switching capilar com colunas na ordem de 200 µm. Esse sistema foi acoplado à espectrometria de massas em tandem proporcionando, inovadoramente, análises altamente sensíveis e simultâneas, com baixo consumo de amostras. Um grupo de cinco antidepressivos e o albendazol, com seus produtos de biotransformação, tiveram suas análises validadas em menos de 8 minutos, consumindo menos de um microlitro de amostra. Esse sistema capilar contrasta com os sistemas convencionais comumente utilizados, os quais consomem entre centenas e milhares de vezes mais amostra para atingir a mesma detectabilidade. / Analysis of drugs and other related molecules in biofluids is essential in the pharmaceutical field. Nowadays, the development of innovative solutions in analytical chemistry has been pushed by the needs for speed and more complex analysis. Lately, multidimensional liquid chromatography using column switching for direct injection of biofluids has gained attention. At the same time, liquid chromatography hyphenated with mass spectrometry provided remarkable scientific development in biomedical and biochemical area. This thesis presents the scale reduction steps in RAM column switching, for drug analysis in biofluids. In the conventional scale, using 4.6 mm i.d. columns, a system was developed, providing fluoxetine analysis in plasma. The developed method resulted in a 20 min long run, including the sample preparation step, which consumed 100 µL of sample. The method was adequately validated, being applicable to therapeutic drug monitoring. The microbore scale (2.1 mm) was evaluated, presenting great potentiality for coupling with electrospray-mass spectrometry. In the first capillary scale step, using 520 µm columns, a system was developed for fluoxetine analysis. Fluoxetine analysis was achieved in 25 min, within the application range for therapeutic drug monitoring, and consuming few microliters of sample. Finally, a RAM capillary column switching system employing columns on the order of 200 µm was developed, in an innovative way. This system was coupled with a tandem mass spectrometer, rendering sensitive and simultaneous analysis with reduced sample volume. The analysis of one group containing five antidepressants, as well as the analysis of albendazol and its metabolites was validated. These analyses took only 8 minutes and consumed less than one microliter of sample. In contrast with conventional systems, this system consumes about hundreds or thousands times less sample, with the same detectability.

With protective gates and guard booths restricting access to their entrances, master-planned gated communities have become a dominant form of suburban development throughout much of the country. Many home builders, developers, and real estate companies promote gated communities as a developmental step towards the creation of a real-life utopia. However, many academics, like Karina Landman and Martin Schonteich (2002), argue that their existence simply marks a new chapter in the fragmentation and polarization of societies all across the world. This study used a mixed methods approach to analyze the demographic makeup of individuals living in gated communities in New Tampa, Florida, as well as the different socio-economic motivations and perceptions which residents had regarding life within their respective community. The research questions for this study were grounded in the latest academic research and social theory surrounding gated communities, particularly the works of Setha Low (2003) and Theresa Caldeira (2000). The three gated communities investigated in this study were Arbor Greene, Hunter's Green, and Grand Hampton. Using demographic data obtained from structured questionnaires, this study found that these three communities were socio-economically homogenous with a large percentage of residents: (1) having a high median income; (2) being Caucasian; and (3) being married. Using data obtained from semi-structured interviews, this study found that the desire for security and the desire to maintain property values were the two most important considerations for residents when deciding to move into Arbor Greene, Hunter's Green, and Grand Hampton. Additionally, for most informants, the perceptions of social practices and conditions in the three gated communities within the study area coincided with the desires and needs that these residents originally had when deciding to move into their respective community. As Geography is the study of uneven social relations and spatial structures, these findings were used to fill gaps of knowledge which existed prior to this study with respect to gated communities in the Tampa Bay area, as well as to provide the discipline of geography with a more comprehensive understanding of how these communities in Tampa affect the conceptualization, negotiation, and access to space.

Este trabalho descreve o desenvolvimento de seletivas fases extratoras para técnicas de microextração empregadas para a determinação de fármacos e endocanabinóide em amostras de plasma por cromatografia líquida acoplada a espectrometria de massas em Tandem (LC-MS/MS). O capítulo I descreve o desenvolvimento e aplicação da fase extratora de material de acesso restrito (RAM) para a extração em ponteiras descartáveis (DPX) de dezesseis fármacos psicotrópicos em amostras de plasma de pacientes esquizofrênicos. Em virtude da complexidade de sintomas associados à esquizofrenia, a politerapia tem sido uma prática clínica cada vez mais comum. A maioria destes fármacos possui estreito índice terapêutico, o que requer acompanhamento adequado por meio de estudos de monitorização terapêutica. Tais estudos visam otimizar as doses terapêuticas, minimizar os efeitos adversos e avaliar a anuência do paciente ao regime de dosagens. O emprego da fase seletiva, RAM, permitiu a exclusão das macromoléculas, simultaneamente, a pré-concentração dos analitos de forma rápida e eficiente. A otimização das variáveis DPX favoreceu a sensibilidade e seletividade do método, empregando pequenos volumes de amostra biológica e de solvente orgânico. O método DPX/LC-MS/MS, desenvolvido e validado, apresentou linearidade adequada com limite inferior de quantificação na faixa de concentração de 0,5-20,0 ng mL-1, precisão inter e intra-ensaio com coeficientes de variação inferiores a 15% e exatidão com valores de EPRs variando de -12% a 11%. O método proposto foi aplicado com êxito na determinação destes fármacos em amostras de plasma de pacientes esquizofrênicos. As variações encontradas nas concentrações plasmáticas de alguns pacientes podem ser atribuídas a interações farmacocinéticas ou a variações inerentes ao paciente. No capítulo II, um polímero molecularmente impresso foi sintetizado in situ, no interior de um capilar de sílica fundida, para microextração em fase sólida no capilar (in-tube SPME) do endocanabinóide, anandamida (AEA), em amostras de plasma de pacientes com Doença de Parkinson (DP). A DP é caracterizada pela neurodegeneração dos neurônios dopaminérgicos. Estudos demonstram correlação entre os sistemas endocanabinóide e dopaminérgico, ligados ao controle motor. O processo de impressão molecular (não-covalente) do MIP, bem como os reagentes de síntese empregados, originaram sítios seletivos, complementares, em forma e tamanho à AEA. Micrografias eletrônicas de varredura (MEV) e espectros de infravermelho (FTIR) ilustraram as modificações físicas e químicas da superfície do capilar impresso e não impresso (NIP), após a polimerização. A otimização das variáveis in-tube SPME, favoreceu a eficiência das extrações. O método in-tube SPME/LC-MS/MS apresentou intervalo linear de 5 ng mL-1 (LOQ) a 20 ng mL-1; os ensaios de precisão apresentaram CV variando de 1,2 a 13% e exatidão com valores de EPRs variando de -3,6 a 7,5 %. Amostras de plasma de pacientes com DP foram analisadas pelo método de adição de padrão, e a concentração plasmática média de AEA de 0,2 ng mL-1, está em concordância com os valores da literatura, demonstrando a aplicabilidade do método in-tube SPME/LC-MS/MS na área clínica. / This work describes the development of highly selective sorbents for use in microextraction techniques for determination of drugs and endocannabinoid in plasma samples by liquid chromatography coupled to Tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Chapter I describes the development and application of a restricted access material (RAM-BSA) for use as extractive phase in DPX technique (\"Disposable pipette extraction\") for determination of 16 psychotropic drugs in plasma samples obtained from schizophrenic patients. Polytherapy has been increasingly common in clinical practice associated with schizophrenia due the complexity of its symptoms. Most of these drugs have narrow therapeutic index, wherefore requires adequate follow-up through therapeutic monitoring studies. This monitoring aims to optimizing therapy, to minimize adverse effects and verify patient adherence to treatment. By using a selective phase, RAM, we were able to exclude the macromolecules and to pre-concentrate the analytes quickly and efficiently. Optimization of the DPX variables improved the sensitivity and selectivity of the method, which demanded only small volumes of sample and organic solvent. The DPX/LC-MS/MS method developed and validated presented adequate linearity; the lower limit of quantification ranged from 0.5 to 20.0 ng mL-1. The inter- and intra-assay precision tests provided coefficients of variation (CV) lower than 15%; and the relative standard error (RSD) values, of the accuracy tests, varied from -12% to 11%. We successfully applied the proposed method to determine drugs in plasma samples from schizophrenic patients. Variations in the plasma concentrations of drugs in some patients may result from pharmacokinetic interactions or variations inherent in the patient. Chapter II details the \"in situ\" synthesis of a molecularly imprinted polymer within a fused silica capillary for capillary solid phase (in-tube SPME) of the endocannabinoid, anandamide (AEA), in plasma samples obtained from patients with Parkinson\'s Disease (PD), which is characterized by neurodegeneration of dopaminergic neurons. Studies have demonstrated a relationship between this endocannabinoid and dopaminergic systems, which are linked to motor control. The molecular imprinting process (non-covalent) and the synthesis reagents used to obtain the MIP gave rise to complementary, selective sites with the same shape and size as AEA. Scanning electron micrographs (SEM) and infrared spectra (FTIR) helped to illustrate the physical and chemical modification of the printed and non-printed capillary surface (NIP) after polymerization. Optimization of in-tube SPME variables favored the extraction process efficiency. The \"in tube\" SPME/LC-MS/MS method showed a linear range from 5 ng mL-1 (LOQ) to 20 ng mL-1. The precision tests presented CV that varied from 1.2 to 13%; and the RSD accuracy ranged from -3.6 to 7.5%. We analyzed plasma samples from patients with PD by the standard addition method. The mean plasmatic concentration was 0.2 ng mL-1, in agreement with the literature. This resut suggested that the \"in tube\" SPME/LC-MS/MS employing the MIP extractive phase is suitable to determine AEA in plasma samples

The aim of this study was to identify and describe the viability of using cell phones to conduct rapid assessments, pass key health messages and conduct monitoring and evaluation in complex emergencies. The study setting was in a cholera outbreak response situation in Mogadishu, the capital of war torn Somalia. Qantitative, descriptive research was conducted to determine the feasibility. Data collection was done using structured questionnaires, self-response mailed questionnaires as well as follow-up telephone interviews. Three groups of respondents participated in the study. The respondent groups included 383 internally displaced persons (IDPs), 5 water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) specialists and 5 specialists from 5 mobile phone providers in Mogadishu. The study showed that there is good potential for an effective, cost efficient and scalable short message service (SMS) based public health education platform in Somalia. The study has also come up with recommendations on key considerations to ensure viability of the Public health education platform. It is envisaged that the recommended platform shall increase speed, access, spontaneity, coverage and reduced cost per capita, a combination of which form the hallmark of a good emergency health response. Ultimately this effort shall contribute to improved health, reduced suffering and reduced deaths in fragile humanitarian contexts. / Health Studies / M. (Public Health)

The aim of this study was to identify and describe the viability of using cell phones to conduct rapid assessments, pass key health messages and conduct monitoring and evaluation in complex emergencies. The study setting was in a cholera outbreak response situation in Mogadishu, the capital of war torn Somalia. Qantitative, descriptive research was conducted to determine the feasibility. Data collection was done using structured questionnaires, self-response mailed questionnaires as well as follow-up telephone interviews. Three groups of respondents participated in the study. The respondent groups included 383 internally displaced persons (IDPs), 5 water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) specialists and 5 specialists from 5 mobile phone providers in Mogadishu. The study showed that there is good potential for an effective, cost efficient and scalable short message service (SMS) based public health education platform in Somalia. The study has also come up with recommendations on key considerations to ensure viability of the Public health education platform. It is envisaged that the recommended platform shall increase speed, access, spontaneity, coverage and reduced cost per capita, a combination of which form the hallmark of a good emergency health response. Ultimately this effort shall contribute to improved health, reduced suffering and reduced deaths in fragile humanitarian contexts. / Health Studies / M.A. (Public Health)