The application of Selected Ion Flow Tube Mass Spectrometry (SIFT MS) to the analysis of olive oil shows several distinct advantages over more conventional analysis techniques. The two areas described in this thesis examining olive oil quality are the analysis of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and the assessment of antioxidant activity. VOCs are responsible for the aroma and much of the taste of olive oil, while antioxidants afford some protection from harmful reactions involving radical species inside the body by scavenging radicals when olive oil is ingested. The VOCs of olive oil are used by sensory panel judges to classify oils by their degree of suitability for human consumption. The major parameters used for this evaluation are the strengths of any defects and the degree of fruitiness. A defect is an indication of an undesired process which has occurred in the oil, while fruitiness is a fragile attribute which denotes a good quality oil and is easily masked by defects. SIFT MS was used to measure the strengths of the olive oil defects rancid, winey, musty, fusty and muddy. Great potential was demonstrated for all defects except musty and the concentrations of VOCs in olive oil head space were correlated with the peroxide value, a measure of the degree of oil oxidation. A study aimed at correlating the strength of the fruitiness attribute as determined by a sensory panel with the concentrations of VOCs in olive oil head space was unsuccessful. The SIFT MS Total Oxyradical Scavenging Capacity (TOSC) assay was used to measure olive oil antioxidants. This assay measures all antioxidants in oil, not only those removed by extraction with a solvent, as it is conducted in an emulsion. SIFT MS TOSC assay results were found to correlate well with those of the widely used Folin Ciocalteu assay and the total concentration of phenolic compounds present in olive oil. Discrepancies between the two assays were most likely due to hydrophobic antioxidants which are measured by the SIFT MS TOSC assay but not the other tests.

Data is presented for a range of experiments that have been performed using a selected ion flow tube (SIFT) instrument operated at room temperature (~ 298K) with carrier gas pressures typically in the range of 0.3 – 0.6 Torr. The majority of the experiments discussed are performed on a Voice100 instrument that has not been described in detail previously. The Voice100 is a novel instrument that has been designed particularly for quantitative trace gas analysis using the SIFT-MS technique. A mixture of helium and argon carrier gases are employed in the Voice100 flow tube. By mixing carrier gases, the flow dynamics and diffusion characteristics of a flow tube are altered when compared to classic single carrier gas models. Therefore firstly, optimal flow conditions for the operation of a Voice100 are characterised. The diffusion of an ion in a mixture of carrier gases is then characterised using theoretical models and experimental techniques. This research requires that a new parameter Mp be defined regarding the mass discrimination of an ion in the non-field-free region near the downstream ion sampling orifice. Furthermore, a new method is described for the simultaneous measurement of rate coefficients for the reactions of H₃O⁺.(H₂O)n (n = 1, 2, 3) ions with analytes. Rate coefficients and branching ratios for the reactions of SIFT-MS precursor ions with specific analytes related to four individual applications are presented. For each application, the kinetic parameters are determined so as to facilitate the quantitative detection of the analytes relevant to that application. The GeoVOC application involves the measurement of hydrocarbon concentrations in the headspace of soil and water across a range of humidities. Alkyl esters are investigated to allow for the quantitative detection of each compound in fruits and vegetables. Chemical warfare agents, their surrogates and precursor compounds are studied which allows for the quantitative or semi-quantitative detection of a range of highly toxic compounds. Finally, 17 compounds classified by the US-EPA as hazardous air pollutants are studied that enables SIFT-MS instruments to replicate sections of the TO-14A and TO-15 methods.

Introdução. Os pacientes com DPOC apresentam capacidade de exercício reduzida e limitação funcional para realização de suas atividades diárias, impactando a qualidade de vida desses indivíduos. Além disso, foi demonstrado para esses indivíduos um maior risco de queda em comparação a indivíduos saudáveis da mesma idade. Contudo, não se sabe o papel da intolerância ao exercício em variáveis relacionadas a locomoção dos pacientes com DPOC como o custo de transporte (C), a velocidade autosselecionada (VAS) e a estabilidade dinâmica, que podem auxiliar na dimensão da influência dessa intolerância na vida diária desses indivíduos. Objetivo. O presente estudo se propôs a investigar o comportamento do C, da eficiência ventilatória, do conforto ventilatório e da estabilidade dinâmica em diferentes velocidades de caminhada de indivíduos com DPOC e comparar com indivíduos sem a doença, além de verificar a possível correspondência entre a VAS e a velocidade ótima. Materiais e Métodos. Onze participantes com DPOC fizeram parte desse estudo e foram comparados com onze controles pareados por sexo e idade. Eles foram primeiramente submetidos a um teste de exercício cardiopulmonar e, em um segundo momento, a uma avaliação do C. No protocolo submáximo, os participantes caminharam em cinco velocidades diferentes, sendo uma a VAS e outras quatro ±20% e ±40% da VAS. Além disso, os participantes foram avaliados em uma velocidade pré-determinada igual a todos (isovelocidade). Para todas as velocidades do protocolo os participantes caminharam durante cinco minutos. A partir dos valores de consumo de oxigênio (VO2) obtidos, foram calculados os valores de C. Simultaneamente, foram realizados registro de vídeos dos participantes para posterior análise cinemática da marcha. Foram calculados a frequência de passada (FP), o comprimento de passada (CP) e o coeficiente de variação (CoV) referente a FP, como medida da estabilidade dinâmica. Resultados. Não houve diferença do C dos pacientes com DPOC em relação aos controles, nem mesmo quando caminhavam em isovelocidade (p=0,623). Em todas as velocidades, os pacientes demonstraram menor eficiência ventilatória. A VAS dos pacientes foi menor, no entanto observou-se menor valor de C nas velocidades mais altas de caminhada. Apesar de os indivíduos com DPOC apresentarem menor FP e CP, a estabilidade dinâmica não demonstrou-se prejudicada na amostra estudada. Conclusão. Pacientes com DPOC caminham em velocidades reduzidas, em relação aos controles, especialmente devido à dispneia acompanhada de uma menor eficiência ventilatória. Embora o C seja semelhante ao de indivíduos saudáveis, os participantes com DPOC apresentaram o índice de reabilitação inferior, sugerindo, portanto, que o mecanismo pendular não esteja otimizado na VAS. Além de não encontrar diferenças na economia de caminhada, foram observadas alterações mínimas na estabilidade dinâmica da marcha destes indivíduos. Terapias que tratem do conforto ventilatório são potenciais ferramentas para a melhora da locomoção de pacientes com DPOC. / Background. Subjects with COPD present reduced exercise capacity and functional limitation to perform daily activities, which affects their quality of life. Furthermore, it is known that this population has increased risk of falls when compared to health subjects. However, it is still unknown the role of exercise intolerance on important variables to assess locomotion, as the cost of transport (C), the self-selected speed (VAS) and the dynamic stability, which might be able to help to dimension the exercise intolerance on their daily life. Objective. To investigate the behaviour of C ventilatory efficiency, ventilatory comfort and dynamic stability at different walking speeds in COPD subjects and compare them to healthy controls, as well as to verify the possible correspondence of VAS and optimal speed. Methods and Materials. 11 patients with COPD participated in this study and were matched with 11 control subjects in terms of gender and age. They underwent a cardiopulmonary exercise test and an evaluation of C. In this last evaluation, participants walked at five different walking speeds, among them VAS and the others ±20% and ±40% of the VAS. There was also a sixth predetermined walking speed (isovelocity). The participants walked during five minutes in each speed. The C values were calculated from the oxygen consumption (VO2) values. Simultaneously, the subjects were filmed for later analysis of gait kinematics. The stride frequency (FP), stride length (CP) and the coefficient of variation (CoV) from FP as a measure of dynamic stability, were calculated. Results. There was no significant difference between the C of participants with COPD and control subjects, not even when walking at isovelocity (p=0,623). For all speeds investigated, the ventilatory efficiency of COPD subjects was impaired when compared to healthy individuals. The participants in COPD group walked at a slower VAS, but the lower value of C was found during faster walking speeds. Even though the COPD group had less FP and shorter strides, their dynamic stability showed minimal impairment. Conclusion. The patients with COPD walked at a reduced walking speed when compared to control subjects, specially caused by dyspnea and a lower ventilatory efficiency. In spite of a similar C between groups, the COPD subjects presented an inferior rehabilitation index, therefore suggesting that their pendulum-like mechanism is not optimal at VAS. Furthermore, besides a walking economy with no differences between groups, minimal impairments were found for dynamic stability in COPD group. Therapies that treat ventilatory comfort are a potential tool to improve locomotion of COPD subjects.

A transformação do mosto de uva em vinho envolve uma série de ações combinadas de diferentes gêneros e espécies de microrganismos. A espécie Saccharomyces cerevisiae domina a fase intermediária e a fase final da fermentação alcoólica. De modo geral, as leveduras enológicas podem ser caracterizadas pela capacidade fermentativa, produção de H2S (sulfeto de hidrogênio) e seu comportamento killer. A Embrapa uva e vinho possui em sua Coleção, diversas leveduras autóctones isoladas de bagas de uvas oriundas de diversas regiões do Brasil. Entretanto, a diversidade genética destes isolados não é conhecida. Neste estudo foram avaliados a capacidade fermentativa, formação de H2S, fator killer e sensibilidade ao fator killer de 150 leveduras provenientes das cultivares Malvasia Bianca (FMB14), Moscato Alexandria (FMA14) e Moscato Tradicional (MBTF14) todas oriundas da região de Farroupilha- RS. A capacidade fermentativa foi avaliada juntamente com a formação de H2S, inoculando as leveduras em meio mosto sulfito. Os testes ao fator killer e sensibilidade ao fator killer foram avaliados através do meio Lorena/ELNC (80:20). As linhagens com perfil para elaboração de vinhos e produtoras da toxina killer foram identificadas por amplificação da região ITS1- 5.S- ITS2 por PCR e por PCR-RFLP. Foi avaliada também a diversidade genética de 23 linhagens da espécie de Saccharomyces cerevisiae da Coleção da Embrapa Uva e Vinho, usando a técnica de PCR-RAPD. Foram empregados para detectar a variabilidade genética das leveduras os oligonucleotídeos iniciadores: (GTG)5, (GAC)5, (GACA)4 e M13. Os resultados mostraram que a maioria das linhagens apresentaram baixa velocidade fermentativa aliada à diferentes níveis de produção de H2S. Somente 3 linhagens apresentaram capacidade fermentativa adequada quando comparadas com as linhagens de referencia 1vvt/97 e K1, quais sejam, 29MBF14, 39MBTF14 e 50MBF14. Apenas a linhagem 29MBTF4 formou pequenas quantidades de H2S. Verificou-se que 64% das linhagens isoladas mostraram-se metabolicamente capazes de biossintetizar H2S. Somente 9,33% apresentaram comportamento killer e apenas 6,66% mostraram sensibilidade à proteína killer. Os resultados apresentados sugerem ter relação com as cultivares utilizadas no isolamento. Verificou-se a existência de diferenças genéticas entre as linhagens de Saccharomyces cerevisiae estudadas com todos os iniciadores utilizados. Os iniciadores que mais discriminaram linhagens de Saccharomyces cerevisiae foram (GTG)5 e (GAC)5. / Grape must conversion into wine involve combined actions of different genus and species of microorganism. The species Saccharomyces cerevisiae dominates intermediate and final stages of alcoholic fermentation. Generally, the oenological yeasts are characterized by their fermentative capacity, production of H2S (hydrogen sulfide) and killer behavior. Embrapa Grape and Wine has a Yeast Collection that encompasses many autochthonous strains isolated of grape berries from different regions of Brazil. However, the genetic diversity of these yeasts are stilling known. This study has evaluated the fermentative capacity, production of H2S, killer factor and killer factor sensibility of 150 yeasts isolated from the cultivars Malvasia Bianca (FMB14), Moscato Alexandria (FMA14) and Moscato Tradicional (MBTF14) all belonging from Farroupilha commune in Rio Grande do Sul State. The fermentative capacity has been tested along with the evaluation of H2S production by the inoculation of the yeasts in sulfite must medium. The production and detection of factor killer and the evaluation of sensitive characteristics have been measured in Lorena/ELNC (80:20) solid medium. Yeasts with optimal fermentative characteristics and the ones producing killer toxin have been identified by amplification of ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 region by PCR -RFPL. This study also has evaluated the genetic diversity of 23 yeasts strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, belonging to the Yeast Collection of Embrapa Grape and Wine, employing PCRRAPD technique. The primers (GTG)5, (GAC)5, (GACA)4 and M13 have been used to detect the yeasts genetic diversity. The results showed that the majority of the yeasts analyzed have demonstrated low fermentative velocity combined with different levels of H2S production. From the three cultivars analyzed, only Moscato Tradicional showed yeasts with a suitable fermentative capacity when compared to the reference yeasts EMBRAPA 1vvt97 e K1, and they were named as 29MBF14, 39MBTF14 and 50MBF14. It was verified that 84%, 76% and 36% of the isolated strains from Malvasia Bianca, Moscato Tradicional and Moscato Alexandria, respectively, were capable to biosynthesize H2S. Concerning to killer behavior, 14%, 12% and 2% of the isolated strains from Moscato Tradicional, Moscato Alexandria and Malvasia Bianca, respectively, were capable of producing killer factor. These outcomes suggest the influence of the cultivar into the microflora biodiversity. Genetic differences were also demonstrated between the strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae for all the primers tested. Primers GTG5 and GAC5 were the most discriminative.

The diploma thesis deals with the analysis, assessment and implementation of environmental policy in selected company. The subject of the thesis is the introduction of environmental policy and its operation across the European Union and the Czech Republic. The main aim of this work is to analyze and evaluate the environmental policy in EGEM Ltd. The partial aim of the thesis is to analyze the functioning of environmental policy in the European Union and the Czech Republic. This thesis is divided into two basic parts, the first of which presents a theoretical description of environmental policy including its object and subjects. It also deals in more detail with environmental policy objectives and instruments. It will then analyze environmental policy in the Czech Republic and the European Union. The second part is the qualitative research of company EGEM Ltd., which deals with the provision of services in the field of electricity generation and distribution, heating and industry, in terms of its environmental situation and attitudes towards environmental protection. The conclusion of the diploma thesis brings an overall picture of the analyzed environmental policy issues in the selected company on the basis of the acquired knowledge with the addition of the discussion.

Submitted by gracianygarciamestra@gmail.com (gracianygarciamestra@gmail.com) on 2016-04-04T18:37:44Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Graciany_Garcia.pdf: 921895 bytes, checksum: bd45dc3e7ee4305b8a89c5ad98fe0101 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Juliano Benedito Ferreira (julianoferreira@reitoria.unesp.br) on 2016-04-06T16:46:17Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 garcia_g_me_jabo.pdf: 921895 bytes, checksum: bd45dc3e7ee4305b8a89c5ad98fe0101 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2016-04-06T16:46:17Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 garcia_g_me_jabo.pdf: 921895 bytes, checksum: bd45dc3e7ee4305b8a89c5ad98fe0101 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2016-03-07 / Cachaça is the second most widely consumed alcoholic beverage in Brazil, obtained by distillation of sugarcane wine, having its quality affected by the raw material, fermentation conditions and productive process. With the growing demand of the consumer market for quality cachaça, the search for the improvement in relation to the progress of the technical-scientific knowledge has been intensified. The physical chemical treatment of the juice is a technology that qualifies the beverage. This study aimed is to evaluate the performance of two types of yeast (selected CA-11 and the pressed) and the influence of the physical-chemical treatment of sugarcane juice on the secondary compounds and the interference of the same in the quality of the beverage. The experiment was carried out in 2014/2015, using a variety of SP83-2847 cane grown in Pitangueiras-SP region. The trial design was done in blocks with 9 repetitions, 3 cycles with 3 repetitions, where the primary treatment was the clarified juice and not clarified and secondary the two types of yeast. It has assessed the viability of the cells and shoots and the index of budding along the fermentation. In the wine was determined the total acidity, pH, ARRT, alcoholic content, glycerol, efficiency fermentative and mineral composition. In distillates was analyzed total aldehydes, volatile acidity, total esters, methanol, acrolein, ethyl carbamate, furfuraldehyde and hydroxymethylfurfural, higher alcohols, alcohol sec. butyl and n-butanol, all determined by GC and HPLC. The use of CA-11 yeast combined with the juice treatment process, has indicated highest cell viability index and lower alcohol concentrations and congeners coefficient higher in relation to others. All results were lower than the limits allowed by Brazilian law. The results obtained suggest that the use of selected strains with the prior treatment of the juice enables better performance of the fermenting yeasts, resulting in distillate with appropriate physico-chemical standards and with quality. / A cachaça é a segunda bebida alcoólica mais consumida no Brasil, obtida pela destilação do vinho de cana-de-açúcar, tendo sua qualidade afetada pela matéria-prima, condições da fermentação e processo produtivo. Com a crescente exigência do mercado consumidor por cachaça de qualidade, intensificou-se a busca pelo aprimoramento em relação ao avanço do conhecimento técnico-científico. O tratamento físico químico do caldo é uma tecnologia que pode qualificar a bebida. Objetivou-se avaliar o desempenho de dois tipos de fermento (selecionado CA-11 e o prensado) e a influência do tratamento físico-químico do caldo de cana sobre os compostos secundários e a interferência dos mesmos na qualidade da bebida. O experimento foi realizado na safra 2014/2015, utilizando a variedade de cana SP83- 2847 cultivada na região de Pitangueiras-SP. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi feito em blocos com 9 repetições, sendo 3 ciclos com 3 repetições, onde o tratamento primário foi o caldo clarificado e não clarificado e o secundário os dois tipos de fermento. Avaliou-se a viabilidade das células e de brotos e o índice de brotamentos ao longo da fermentação. No vinho determinou-se acidez total, pH, ARRT, teor alcoólico, glicerol, eficiência fermentativa e composição mineral. Nos destilados foram analisados aldeídos totais, acidez volátil, ésteres totais, metanol, acroleína, carbamato de etila, furfural e hidroximetilfurfural, álcoois superiores, álcool sec. butílico e n-butanol, todos determinados por cromatografia gasosa e HPLC. O emprego do fermento CA-11 aliado ao processo de tratamento do caldo indicaram maior índice de viabilidade celular e menores concentrações de álcoois superiores e coeficiente de congêneres em relação aos demais. Todos os resultados foram abaixo dos limites permitidos pela legislação brasileira. Os resultados obtidos sugerem que a utilização de cepas selecionadas com o prévio tratamento do caldo possibilita melhor desempenho das leveduras fermentadoras, resultando em destilados com padrões físico-químicos adequados e de qualidade.

A transformação do mosto de uva em vinho envolve uma série de ações combinadas de diferentes gêneros e espécies de microrganismos. A espécie Saccharomyces cerevisiae domina a fase intermediária e a fase final da fermentação alcoólica. De modo geral, as leveduras enológicas podem ser caracterizadas pela capacidade fermentativa, produção de H2S (sulfeto de hidrogênio) e seu comportamento killer. A Embrapa uva e vinho possui em sua Coleção, diversas leveduras autóctones isoladas de bagas de uvas oriundas de diversas regiões do Brasil. Entretanto, a diversidade genética destes isolados não é conhecida. Neste estudo foram avaliados a capacidade fermentativa, formação de H2S, fator killer e sensibilidade ao fator killer de 150 leveduras provenientes das cultivares Malvasia Bianca (FMB14), Moscato Alexandria (FMA14) e Moscato Tradicional (MBTF14) todas oriundas da região de Farroupilha- RS. A capacidade fermentativa foi avaliada juntamente com a formação de H2S, inoculando as leveduras em meio mosto sulfito. Os testes ao fator killer e sensibilidade ao fator killer foram avaliados através do meio Lorena/ELNC (80:20). As linhagens com perfil para elaboração de vinhos e produtoras da toxina killer foram identificadas por amplificação da região ITS1- 5.S- ITS2 por PCR e por PCR-RFLP. Foi avaliada também a diversidade genética de 23 linhagens da espécie de Saccharomyces cerevisiae da Coleção da Embrapa Uva e Vinho, usando a técnica de PCR-RAPD. Foram empregados para detectar a variabilidade genética das leveduras os oligonucleotídeos iniciadores: (GTG)5, (GAC)5, (GACA)4 e M13. Os resultados mostraram que a maioria das linhagens apresentaram baixa velocidade fermentativa aliada à diferentes níveis de produção de H2S. Somente 3 linhagens apresentaram capacidade fermentativa adequada quando comparadas com as linhagens de referencia 1vvt/97 e K1, quais sejam, 29MBF14, 39MBTF14 e 50MBF14. Apenas a linhagem 29MBTF4 formou pequenas quantidades de H2S. Verificou-se que 64% das linhagens isoladas mostraram-se metabolicamente capazes de biossintetizar H2S. Somente 9,33% apresentaram comportamento killer e apenas 6,66% mostraram sensibilidade à proteína killer. Os resultados apresentados sugerem ter relação com as cultivares utilizadas no isolamento. Verificou-se a existência de diferenças genéticas entre as linhagens de Saccharomyces cerevisiae estudadas com todos os iniciadores utilizados. Os iniciadores que mais discriminaram linhagens de Saccharomyces cerevisiae foram (GTG)5 e (GAC)5. / Grape must conversion into wine involve combined actions of different genus and species of microorganism. The species Saccharomyces cerevisiae dominates intermediate and final stages of alcoholic fermentation. Generally, the oenological yeasts are characterized by their fermentative capacity, production of H2S (hydrogen sulfide) and killer behavior. Embrapa Grape and Wine has a Yeast Collection that encompasses many autochthonous strains isolated of grape berries from different regions of Brazil. However, the genetic diversity of these yeasts are stilling known. This study has evaluated the fermentative capacity, production of H2S, killer factor and killer factor sensibility of 150 yeasts isolated from the cultivars Malvasia Bianca (FMB14), Moscato Alexandria (FMA14) and Moscato Tradicional (MBTF14) all belonging from Farroupilha commune in Rio Grande do Sul State. The fermentative capacity has been tested along with the evaluation of H2S production by the inoculation of the yeasts in sulfite must medium. The production and detection of factor killer and the evaluation of sensitive characteristics have been measured in Lorena/ELNC (80:20) solid medium. Yeasts with optimal fermentative characteristics and the ones producing killer toxin have been identified by amplification of ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 region by PCR -RFPL. This study also has evaluated the genetic diversity of 23 yeasts strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, belonging to the Yeast Collection of Embrapa Grape and Wine, employing PCRRAPD technique. The primers (GTG)5, (GAC)5, (GACA)4 and M13 have been used to detect the yeasts genetic diversity. The results showed that the majority of the yeasts analyzed have demonstrated low fermentative velocity combined with different levels of H2S production. From the three cultivars analyzed, only Moscato Tradicional showed yeasts with a suitable fermentative capacity when compared to the reference yeasts EMBRAPA 1vvt97 e K1, and they were named as 29MBF14, 39MBTF14 and 50MBF14. It was verified that 84%, 76% and 36% of the isolated strains from Malvasia Bianca, Moscato Tradicional and Moscato Alexandria, respectively, were capable to biosynthesize H2S. Concerning to killer behavior, 14%, 12% and 2% of the isolated strains from Moscato Tradicional, Moscato Alexandria and Malvasia Bianca, respectively, were capable of producing killer factor. These outcomes suggest the influence of the cultivar into the microflora biodiversity. Genetic differences were also demonstrated between the strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae for all the primers tested. Primers GTG5 and GAC5 were the most discriminative.

The diploma thesis on the theme Cycling in tourism in selected region {--} Dačicko, Slavonicko wants to characterize the current situation in travel movement in these areas close to the Czech-Austrian borders. As you can see from the title it is aimed at cycling as a part of travel movement in these areas.

The Need for Intimacy and its Assurance in Nursing Care for Selected Minority Groups The need for intimacy is an important part of everyday life, and it is necessary to assure it at hospitalization. This need is individual, specific to each person and the culture the person comes from. The theoretical part of this thesis is devoted to this issue. The concept of intimacy and the need to assure intimacy in nursing care with a focus on specifics of the nursing care for members of minority groups are described. The master´s thesis objective was to identify the specifics to assure the need for intimacy of selected minority groups and to determine whether nurses know the specifics of intimacy in nursing care for patients from selected minority groups. To meet the objectives, the following hypotheses were stated: H1: There are specifics in the need for intimacy in selected minority groups, and H2: Nurses know the specifics in the need for intimacy in selected minority groups. One research question was asked: Is the need for intimacy in patients from selected minority groups assured at hospitalization? To conduct the diploma thesis research, a quantitative-qualitative survey was selected and the interview method was used ? questionnaires for nurses and the general public, and the interview technique for representatives of selected minority groups. The research set consisted of nurses in hospitals, the general public and representatives of selected minority groups. The survey was carried out during the months of February and March 2011. Specifics in the need for intimacy assurance in selected minority groups exist, and nurses are familiar with them. They know them mainly form their nursing practice when they have met a member of a minority group. The answer to the research question was unequivocal. Yes, the need for intimacy in patients from selected minority groups is assured. It is assured primarily by using the fittings of individual departments, which are the curtains or blinds, as well as by a helpful and sympathetic attitude of the medical staff who try not to unnecessarily unveil the patients´ bodies and according to available means to provide them with as much privacy as possible either during examination, a treatment intervention or while on bed rest. The outcomes show that both objectives were met and the hypotheses were confirmed. The research results were the basis for elaboration of an informational brochure for nurses, which may help in nursing care for minority groups members. And not only for assuring the needs for intimacy, but for a general overview of specifics in nursing care for minority groups members.

Introdução. Os pacientes com DPOC apresentam capacidade de exercício reduzida e limitação funcional para realização de suas atividades diárias, impactando a qualidade de vida desses indivíduos. Além disso, foi demonstrado para esses indivíduos um maior risco de queda em comparação a indivíduos saudáveis da mesma idade. Contudo, não se sabe o papel da intolerância ao exercício em variáveis relacionadas a locomoção dos pacientes com DPOC como o custo de transporte (C), a velocidade autosselecionada (VAS) e a estabilidade dinâmica, que podem auxiliar na dimensão da influência dessa intolerância na vida diária desses indivíduos. Objetivo. O presente estudo se propôs a investigar o comportamento do C, da eficiência ventilatória, do conforto ventilatório e da estabilidade dinâmica em diferentes velocidades de caminhada de indivíduos com DPOC e comparar com indivíduos sem a doença, além de verificar a possível correspondência entre a VAS e a velocidade ótima. Materiais e Métodos. Onze participantes com DPOC fizeram parte desse estudo e foram comparados com onze controles pareados por sexo e idade. Eles foram primeiramente submetidos a um teste de exercício cardiopulmonar e, em um segundo momento, a uma avaliação do C. No protocolo submáximo, os participantes caminharam em cinco velocidades diferentes, sendo uma a VAS e outras quatro ±20% e ±40% da VAS. Além disso, os participantes foram avaliados em uma velocidade pré-determinada igual a todos (isovelocidade). Para todas as velocidades do protocolo os participantes caminharam durante cinco minutos. A partir dos valores de consumo de oxigênio (VO2) obtidos, foram calculados os valores de C. Simultaneamente, foram realizados registro de vídeos dos participantes para posterior análise cinemática da marcha. Foram calculados a frequência de passada (FP), o comprimento de passada (CP) e o coeficiente de variação (CoV) referente a FP, como medida da estabilidade dinâmica. Resultados. Não houve diferença do C dos pacientes com DPOC em relação aos controles, nem mesmo quando caminhavam em isovelocidade (p=0,623). Em todas as velocidades, os pacientes demonstraram menor eficiência ventilatória. A VAS dos pacientes foi menor, no entanto observou-se menor valor de C nas velocidades mais altas de caminhada. Apesar de os indivíduos com DPOC apresentarem menor FP e CP, a estabilidade dinâmica não demonstrou-se prejudicada na amostra estudada. Conclusão. Pacientes com DPOC caminham em velocidades reduzidas, em relação aos controles, especialmente devido à dispneia acompanhada de uma menor eficiência ventilatória. Embora o C seja semelhante ao de indivíduos saudáveis, os participantes com DPOC apresentaram o índice de reabilitação inferior, sugerindo, portanto, que o mecanismo pendular não esteja otimizado na VAS. Além de não encontrar diferenças na economia de caminhada, foram observadas alterações mínimas na estabilidade dinâmica da marcha destes indivíduos. Terapias que tratem do conforto ventilatório são potenciais ferramentas para a melhora da locomoção de pacientes com DPOC. / Background. Subjects with COPD present reduced exercise capacity and functional limitation to perform daily activities, which affects their quality of life. Furthermore, it is known that this population has increased risk of falls when compared to health subjects. However, it is still unknown the role of exercise intolerance on important variables to assess locomotion, as the cost of transport (C), the self-selected speed (VAS) and the dynamic stability, which might be able to help to dimension the exercise intolerance on their daily life. Objective. To investigate the behaviour of C ventilatory efficiency, ventilatory comfort and dynamic stability at different walking speeds in COPD subjects and compare them to healthy controls, as well as to verify the possible correspondence of VAS and optimal speed. Methods and Materials. 11 patients with COPD participated in this study and were matched with 11 control subjects in terms of gender and age. They underwent a cardiopulmonary exercise test and an evaluation of C. In this last evaluation, participants walked at five different walking speeds, among them VAS and the others ±20% and ±40% of the VAS. There was also a sixth predetermined walking speed (isovelocity). The participants walked during five minutes in each speed. The C values were calculated from the oxygen consumption (VO2) values. Simultaneously, the subjects were filmed for later analysis of gait kinematics. The stride frequency (FP), stride length (CP) and the coefficient of variation (CoV) from FP as a measure of dynamic stability, were calculated. Results. There was no significant difference between the C of participants with COPD and control subjects, not even when walking at isovelocity (p=0,623). For all speeds investigated, the ventilatory efficiency of COPD subjects was impaired when compared to healthy individuals. The participants in COPD group walked at a slower VAS, but the lower value of C was found during faster walking speeds. Even though the COPD group had less FP and shorter strides, their dynamic stability showed minimal impairment. Conclusion. The patients with COPD walked at a reduced walking speed when compared to control subjects, specially caused by dyspnea and a lower ventilatory efficiency. In spite of a similar C between groups, the COPD subjects presented an inferior rehabilitation index, therefore suggesting that their pendulum-like mechanism is not optimal at VAS. Furthermore, besides a walking economy with no differences between groups, minimal impairments were found for dynamic stability in COPD group. Therapies that treat ventilatory comfort are a potential tool to improve locomotion of COPD subjects.