Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / This dissertation presents an analysis of economic viability of smart meters installation, building scenarios of probable behaviors of the residential consumers and the hourly rate which includes the concept of smart grids. The study takes account the smart meters implementation costs under the consumer point of view, using investment economic analysis concepts. The scenarios obtained from PROCEL INFO graphics and excel spreadsheets calculations compare conventional fare to different hourly rates using smart meters. From this context, it is possible observe the monthly savings that were obtained and the investments return period. The results show the investments economic viability and the priority of this new technology installation, considering that the installations shall be made first in the most viable regions. These results may turn possible a strategy that creates an order to the smart meters implementation. / Esta dissertação apresenta uma análise da viabilidade econômica da instalação de medidores inteligentes, construindo cenários de prováveis comportamentos dos consumidores residenciais e a tarifa horária que contempla o conceito de redes inteligentes. O estudo leva em consideração os custos de implantação destes medidores sob a ponto de vista do consumidor, utilizando conceitos de análise econômica de investimentos. Os cenários, construídos a partir dos gráficos do PROCEL INFO e com cálculos efetuados com o auxílio de planilhas do Excel, comparam a tarifa convencional com as tarifas horárias diferenciadas utilizando medidores inteligentes. Dentro deste contexto, é possível observar a economia mensal que é obtida e o prazo de retorno do investimento. Os resultados obtidos indicam viabilidade econômica de investimento e uma prioridade na instalação desta nova tecnologia, considerando as regiões do Brasil mais viáveis como sendo as primeiras à implantação. Com as contribuições deste estudo, por exemplo, permite-se traçar estratégias de implantação de medidores inteligentes.

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / Harpagophytum procumbens, known as devil's claw, is an African plant with numerous therapeutic effects, among which stands out for its powerful anti-inflammatory action, but the mechanism by which exerts its effect is not well elucidated. It is known that reactive oxygen species and / or nitrogen are generated in acute and chronic inflammatory diseases causing high cytotoxicity that leads to tissue damage. Substances with antioxidant action can contribute to control and/or treat the inflammatory process.Thus, the goal of this study was to evaluate the effect of the infusion, the crude extract and fractions of H. procumbens on lipid peroxidation induced by different pro-oxidant agents (Iron or sodium nitroprusside). Furthermore, the effects of the ethyl acetate fraction was also tested on the antioxidant defenses (catalase activity and thiol protein and non-protein levels) and on cellular damage (cerebral cortex slices) induced by different pro-oxidant agents. All extracts prevented lipid peroxidation induced by Fe2+ and sodium nitroprusside. Ethyl acetate fraction of H. procumbens showed great power to protect against lipid peroxidation, prevention of cellular death, and shows ability to maintain the thiol levels and catalase activity in basal standarts. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that one of the possible mechanisms for therapeutic action presented by H. procumbens may be related to its antioxidant action, being was able to protect against oxidative stress and loss of cell viability. Once the relationship of inflammation process with oxidative stress is already well described in the literature, the antioxidant effect can also be found here related to potent anti-inflammatory effect exerted by H. procumbens. However more studies are needed on the mechanisms by which H. procumbens exerts its therapeutic effects. / O Harpagophytum procumbens, conhecido como garra do diabo, é uma planta de origem africana com inúmeros efeitos terapêuticos, entre os quais se destaca a sua potente ação anti-inflamatória, porém o mecanismo pelo qual exerce o seu efeito não está bem elucidado. Sabe-se que espécies reativas de oxigênio e/ou nitrogênio são geradas em doenças inflamatórias agudas e crônicas causando grande citotoxicidade, levando a danos teciduais. Substâncias com ação antioxidante podem contribuir para o controle e/ou tratamento de processos inflamatórios. Deste modo, o objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar os efeitos da infusão, extrato bruto e frações de H. procumbens sobre a peroxidação lipídica induzida por diferentes agentes pró-oxidantes (Ferro ou Nitroprussiato de Sódio). Além disso, os efeitos da fração acetato de etila também foram testados sobre as defesas antioxidantes (atividade da catalase e níveis de tióis protéicos e não protéicos) e sobre o dano celular (fatias de córtex cerebral) induzido pelos diferentes agentes pró-oxidantes. Todos os extratos preveniram a peroxidação lipídica induzida pelo ferro e nitroprussiato de sódio. A fração acetato de etila de H. procumbens demonstrou maior potência em proteger contra a peroxidação lipídica, prevenir contra a morte celular, além de conseguir manter os níveis de tióis e da enzima catalase nos níveis basais. Em conclusão, este trabalho demonstra que um dos possíveis mecanismos de ação terapêutica apresentado pelo H. procumbens, pode estar relacionando a sua ação antioxidante, sendo este, capaz de proteger contra o estresse oxidativo e a perda da viabilidade celular. Uma vez que a relação do processo inflamatório com o estresse oxidativo já está bem descrita na literatura, o efeito antioxidante aqui encontrado pode estar também relacionado com o potente efeito anti-inflamatório exercido pelo H. procumbens. Porém mais estudos devem ser realizados acerca dos mecanismos pelo qual o H. procumbens exerce os seus efeitos terapêuticos.

This paper presents a study that was conducted in a commercial area of grain production in the municipality of Santo Ângelo, region of the Missions - northwest of Rio Grande do Sul, during the Master Course in Precision Agriculture, Federal University Santa Maria / UFSM. The Climate is second Köppen classification of humid subtropical Cfa and gently undulating, with a fertility for the nutrient phosphorus (P) already built. This study aimed to determine whether use of precision agriculture tools, by applying fertilizers correction broadcasted with the variable rate shows an increase in soil fertility levels, and to verify the yield of soybean and wheat over three years subsequent and its technical and economic viability. The Trial period was set for the months of June 2011 to June 2014. Methodologically the project had an applied research, quantitative nature, from the point of view of its objectives was contemplating a descriptive case study. technical and economic. The Soil analyzes were performed by BaseAP Company, highlighting the main variables pH soil, Saturation for bases and potassium with need correction. Obtained was a 43% reduction in the use of lime and an increase in soybean and wheat productivity between 19 and 28%. The study showed an economic return to the producer of 22% compared to a control area without Precision Agriculture. It was expected an increase in the potassium concentration in the resampling but not found, raising the possibility of doing a maintenance fertilization on crop instead of making a soil amendment. / Este trabalho apresenta um estudo que foi realizado em uma área comercial de produção de grãos, no Município de Santo Ângelo, região das Missões - Noroeste do Rio Grande do Sul, durante a conclusão do curso de Pós-Graduação em Agricultura de Precisão pela Universidade Federal de Santa Maria/UFSM. O clima da região é segundo classificação de Köppen-Geiger do tipo Cfa subtropical úmido e o relevo levemente ondulado, com uma fertilidade para o nutriente fósforo (P) já construída. Esse trabalho teve como objetivo verificar se o uso de ferramentas de Agricultura de Precisão, pela aplicação de correção de fertilizantes a lanço e a taxa variada apresenta um aumento nos teores de fertilidade solo, verificando também as produtividades de soja e trigo ao longo de três anos subsequentes e sua viabilidade técnica e econômica. O período do experimento foi definido para os meses de junho de 2011 a junho de 2014. Metodologicamente o projeto teve uma pesquisa aplicada, de cunho quantitativo, do ponto de vista de seus objetivos foi descritiva contemplando um estudo de caso. As análises de solo foram realizadas pela Empresa BaseAP, destacando-se como variáveis principais pH do solo, Saturação por bases e Potássio que apresentaram necessidade de correção. Obteve-se uma redução de 43% no uso de calcário dolomítico e um aumento de produtividade de soja e trigo entre 19 e 28%. O estudo mostrou um retorno econômico ao produtor de 22% comparado a uma área testemunha sem Agricultura de Precisão. Esperava-se um aumento nos teores de potássio na reamostragem mas não foi encontrado, levantando a hipótese de se fazer uma adubação de manutenção na cultura ao invés de se fazer uma correção de solo.

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / Soil samples from sampling grids is currently the leading precision farming tool used in Brazil. But it still has doubts about the economic feasibility of using grids with high density points. New technologies such as the use of management zones (MZ) to guide soil samples have been studied in order to reduce the number of samples and consequently the sampling costs while maintaining the quality of the information obtained. However, this method lacks scientific information about its efficiency. The aim of this study was to evaluate the technical efficiency (chapter I) mapping chemical attributes of soil and economic viability (chapter II) of the recommendations of fertilizers and from the parameters obtained by conventional sampling, sample grids and MZ delimited by different methodologies. The study was carried out in Boa Vista Missões - RS, on an area of 118,9 ha. The soil sampling was carried out in 2015, using a sample grid of 0.5 ha. From the systematic elimination of sample points simulated the use grids; 1, 2, 3 and 4.5 ha. The MZ were defined based on data altimetry of the area and the yield maps. To Chapter I used the data of P, K and pH which were submitted to descriptive statistical analysis. Data collected in sampling grid was submitted to geostatistical analysis. The accuracy of thematic maps was evaluated from the Pearson correlation and coefficient of relative deviation. For chapter II we used the P, K and SMP index to generate recommendations of P2O5, K2O and lime, respectively. The recommendation of errors were calculated in relation to the reference grid (0.5 ha) in application area (ha) kg of fertilizer and in real (R$), later smpling costs were compared with the total cost of errors recommendation. The increase in the size of the sampling grid resulted in loss of information on the spatial variability of attributes and concenquentemente raised the deviations in both fertilizer and corrective recommendations. For a proper assessment of the spatial variability of soil chemical attributes and an accurate prescription of inputs recommends the use of sampling grid of 0.5 ha. / A amostragem de solo a partir de grades amostrais é atualmente a principal ferramenta de agricultura de precisão utilizada no Brasil. Porém, ainda se tem dúvidas sobre a viabilidade econômica da utilização de grades com alta densidade de pontos. Novas tecnologias como o uso de zonas de manejo (ZM) para orientar amostragens de solo têm sido estudadas, visando reduzir o número de amostras e consequentemente os custos de amostragem, mantendo a qualidade das informações obtidas. Porém, tal metodologia carece de informações científicas sobre a sua eficiência. Objetivou-se com este estudo avaliar a eficiência técnica (capitulo I) do mapeamento dos atributos químicos do solo e a viabilidade econômica (capitulo II) das recomendações de fertilizantes e corretivos a partir dos parâmetros obtidos através da amostragem convencional, grades amostrais e ZM delimitadas por distintas metodologias. O estudo foi realizado em Boa Vista das Missões - RS, em uma área de 118,9 ha. A amostragem de solo foi realizada em 2015 através de uma grade amostral de 0,5 ha. A partir da eliminação sistemática de pontos amostrais, simulou-se a utilização de grades de 1, 2, 3 e 4,5 ha. As ZM foram delimitadas com base em dados altimétricos da área e de mapas de produtividade. Para o capítulo I utilizou-se os dados de P, K e pH os quais foram submetidos à análise estatística descritiva. Os dados coletados em grade amostrais foram submetidos à analise geoestatística. A acurácia dos mapas temáticos foi avaliada a partir da correlação linear de Pearson e coeficiente de desvio relativo. Para o capitulo II utilizou-se os teores de P, K e índice SMP para gerar as recomendações de P2O5, K2O e calcário, respectivamente. Calcularam-se os erros de recomendação em relação à grade referencia (0,5 ha) em área de aplicação (ha), kg de fertilizante e em reais (R$). Posteriormente os custos de amostragem foram comparados com os custos totais de erros de recomendação. O aumento da dimensão da grade amostral resultou em perdas de informações sobre a variabilidade espacial dos atributos e consenquentemente elevou os desvios nas recomendações tanto de fertilizantes quanto de corretivo. Para uma adequada aferição da variabilidade espacial dos atributos químicos do solo e uma acurada prescrição de insumos recomenda-se a utilização de grade amostral de 0,5 ha.

The class Trematoda includes many pathogenic representatives. Main subject of this thesis, avian schistosome Trichobilharzia regenti, is a close relative to the important human pathogen Schistosoma mansoni (family Schistosomatidae). In vitro cultivation of trematodes enables closer understanding of their biology and parasite- host interactions; however, no trematode species has been successfully kept in vitro from the egg stage to the adults producing eggs. Many studies are focused on the problematic of S. mansoni cultivation, but data concerning T. regenti cultivation remain scarce. Only the ability of T. regenti cercariae to transform into schistosomula in vitro was documented, with following survival in a culture medium for a few days. Comparison of eight transformation methods was performed with T. regenti cercariae. Based on the number of tailless cercarial bodies obtained, five transformation methods were selected for further evaluation of the early schistosomula characteristics (glycocalyx shedding, penetration glands emptying and survival in vitro). It was observed that the largest quantity of cercarial bodies can be obtained by using a syringe needle or the BeadBeater cell disrupter. The largest quantity of schistosomula meeting the criteria of early schistosomulum was recorded after...

Abstract Knowledge of the determinants of the viability of populations is essential in order to undertake effective conservation and management of endangered species. In this study, long-term demographic data was combined with genetic data to study the viability of an endangered orchid species, Epipactis atrorubens. The genetic analyses revealed low levels of genetic variation and the presence of population genetic differentiation independent of the spatial scale. Low levels of seed-mediated gene flow, possibly linked to low seedling recruitment, is the likely cause of the low levels of gene flow. Indications of slow post-glacial colonisation rates were found, which together with the low gene flow predict a limited capacity of the species to shift its range to more suitable habitats after environmental change. Low genetic variation as a proxy for low evolutionary potential also suggests that the species has limited capacity to adapt to new environmental conditions. Furthermore, poor seedling recruitment lowers population viability in small populations, as highlighted by the low population growth rates. In addition, we found a strong effect of stochasticity that limits the viability of populations. Both the genetic and demographic analyses indicated low viability of the studied species and that seedling recruitment could be the main determinant for the viability. / Tiivistelmä Luonnonsuojelun perusta on populaatioiden elinkykyyn vaikuttavien tekijöiden tuntemus. Tässä väitöskirjatyössä tutkittiin uhanalaisen orkidean, tummaneidonvaipan (Epipactis atrorubens), elinkykyyn vaikuttavia tekijöitä yhdistämällä pitkäaikaisseurannoilla kerätyt demografiset aineistot geneettisin menetelmin kerättyihin aineistoihin. Lajin populaatioiden geneettisen muuntelun määrän havaittiin olevan pieni ja populaatioiden todettiin olevan geneettisesti erilaistuneita maantieteellisestä skaalasta riippumatta. Geneettisen erilaistumisen syy voi olla alhainen geenivirta, joka on seurausta vähäisestä siemendispersaalista ja huonosta taimettumisesta. Populaatioiden evolutiivista historiaa tutkittaessa havaittiin merkkejä hitaasta jääkauden jälkeisestä kolonisaatiosta, mikä yhdessä alhaisen geenivirran kanssa ennustaa, että lajilla on huono kyky siirtyä sille sopivammille alueille, jos ympäristö muuttuu. Huonoa evolutiivista potentiaalia kuvastava vähäinen geneettinen muuntelu ennustaa, että lajilla on huono kyky sopeutua uusiin ympäristöoloihin. Tämän lisäksi huono taimettuminen laskee elinkykyä etenkin pienissä populaatioissa, mikä näkyy muun muassa pienten populaatioiden matalina kasvukertoimina. Stokastinen vaihtelu vaikutti elinkykyä alentavasti, mikä pitäisikin huomioida nykyistä paremmin elinkykyanalyyseissä. Sekä geneettiset että demografiset analyysit osoittivat taimettumisen mahdollisesti olevan määräävä tekijä tummaneidonvaipan populaatioiden elinkyvylle.

Abstract Many plant species inhabiting the seashore meadows of the Bothnian Bay, especially early successional ones, have become threatened. Isostatic land uplift creates virgin land for early successional species to colonise. However, at the same time it gradually elevates the habitat and eventually makes the habitat unsuitable for them. Disturbances of the waterfront may slow down succession and create new empty sites. In order to persist on the shores, pioneer species have to be able to colonise new sites by seeds, vegetative propagules or growth. In this thesis I studied the status of an endangered early successional grass species, A. fulva var. pendulina, at the Liminka Bay. According to a matrix population model based on eight years of observations (1992–1999), the population seemed not to be in immediate danger of extinction. However, simulations based on four-year field observations (2000–2003) indicated that if the current trend continues, the species will decrease considerably in area in the next 30 years. In the field studies no seedlings or viable seeds of A. fulva were found. In spite of this, high genotypic diversity was found in the A. fulva population, suggesting that sexual reproduction has taken place at some time during the history of the population. Analysis of the population structure revealed a low level of genotypic differentiation between subpopulations and significant sub-structuring within subpopulations. The overall pattern of genetic variation suggests that the population has characters of both stepping-stone and metapopulation models. The results of the study on the ability of a seashore plant Potentilla anserina ssp. egedii to change its allocation of resources to sexual and vegetative reproduction according to competitive stress implied that the species can modify the allocation of resources to different life-history traits. For a plant living in disturbance-prone environment, it may be beneficial to be able to rapidly track the competition-free space formed by disturbances by changing its reproductive pattern. Management studies on three endangered seashore plant species showed that deterioration of suitable habitats of A. fulva and Primula nutans var. jokelae could be slowed down by management, and the vegetative and/or sexual reproduction of these species was enhanced. However, in the case of Puccinellia phryganodes, no positive response to management was observed.

Abstract Wnt genes encode secreted signalling molecules that control embryonic development including organogenesis, while dysregulated Wnt signalling is connected to many diseases such as cancer. Specifically, Wnts control a number of cellular processes such as proliferation, adhesion, differentiation and aging. Many Wnt proteins activate the canonical β-catenin signalling pathway that regulates transcription of a still poorly characterized set of target genes. Wnts also transduce their signaling in cells via β-catenin-independent “non-canonical” pathways, which are not well understood. In this study, Wnt-11 signalling mechanisms in a mammalian model cell line and roles of Wnt-11 in heart development were analyzed in detail. In addition the aim was to identify new Wnt target genes by direct chromatin immunoprecipitation and Affymetrix GeneChip assays in the model cells exposed to Wnt-3a. Our studies reveal that Wnt-11 signalling coordinates the activity of key cell signalling pathways, namely the canonical Wnt/β-catenin, the JNK/AP-1, the NF-κB and PI3K/Akt pathways in the CHO cells. Analysis of the Wnt-11-deficient embryos revealed a crucial role in heart organogenesis. Wnt-11 signalling coordinates cell interactions during assembly of the myocardial wall and Wnt-11 localizes the expression of N-cadherin and β-catenin to specific cellular domains in the embryonic ventricular cardiomyocytes. Collectively these studies reveal that the mammalian Wnt-11 behaves as a non-canonical Wnt and that it is a critical factor in the coordination of heart development. Specifically, it controls components of the cell adhesion machinery. Analysis of the Wnt target genes revealed a highly context-dependent profile in the Wnt-regulated genes. Several new putative target genes were discovered. Out of the candidate Wnt target genes, Disabled-2 was identified as a potential new direct target for Wnt signalling.

Lygodium microphyllum, native to the Old World tropics, has invaded central and southern Florida, destroying native habitats, reducing biodiversity and altering fire regimes. Prescribed fire, one of several methods used to manage L. microphyllum infestations, reduces fern biomass over large areas, but its effects on spore viability are unknown. To provide tools to evaluate whether fire-dispersed spores are viable, this research determined how heat affects spore viability. Spores were exposed to temperatures of 50°C to 300°C for durations of 5 seconds to 1 hour, then allowed to germinate on agar in petri plates. Percent germination was assayed after two weeks. Temperatures of 50°C had little effect; 300°C killed spores for all durations. Results indicate that while viability of unburnt spores decreases with increasing temperature and duration of heat exposure, spores are killed when exposed to relatively low temperatures compared to those in fires.

Malgré leur fréquence, les gouvernements minoritaires au Canada n’ont pas souvent fait l’objet d’études. En particulier, peu d’attention a été portée à la question de comment un gouvernement minoritaire réussi à obtenir l’appui d’un ou de plusieurs partis d’opposition dans le but de rester au pouvoir (viabilité) et de faire passer ses propositions législatives (efficacité). Notre étude examine les dynamiques parlementaires qui se déploient dans ses situations. Plus précisément, elle cherche à les comprendre à la lumière d’un modèle de stratégies menant au consensus sur un vote parlementaire. Ce modèle est fondé sur trois perspectives théoriques, soit la tradition du choix rationnel, le nouvel institutionnalisme et le rôle de la politique partisane et du système de partis. Nous étudions quatre gouvernements minoritaires des cinquante dernières années : 1- Diefenbaker (1957-1958), 2- Pearson (1963-1965), 3- Clark (1979-1980) et Harper (2006-2008). Nous avons accumulé nos données sur ces gouvernements minoritaires à partir de documents d’archives, de la transcription des débats et des votes à la Chambre des communes, d’études canadiennes sur les gouvernements minoritaires, d’autobiographies politiques et des souvenirs de tierces parties présentes lors du déroulement des événements que nous étudions. Notre étude identifie deux variables liées à la création de majorités législatives au Parlement, soit : 1- le pouvoir de négociation (la dynamique entre les partis et la cohésion à l’intérieur des partis) et, 2- le contrôle de l’agenda parlementaire (affaires découlant de la Chambre, les motions de confiance et d’autres facteurs institutionnels). De plus, elle identifie l’importance des concessions gouvernementales dans l’atteinte de ses objectifs. Notre étude souligne l’importance de la capacité et du doigté des joueurs parlementaires particuliers dans l’exercice de la politique législative en général et dans la manipulation des composantes institutionnelles et partisanes en particulier pour garantir la longévité et l’efficacité de leur gouvernement. Notre étude contribue à ajouter à notre connaissance de l’expérience minoritaire au Canada et nous offre un modèle nous permettant de mieux comprendre la politique législative et sa contribution au succès des gouvernements minoritaires au Canada et ailleurs. / Despite their prevalence, the study of Canadian minority governments has been the object of few published studies. In particular, the issue of how governments that must rely on the support of one or more opposition parties in Parliament manage to remain in power (viability) and pass their legislative proposals (effectiveness) has not been thoroughly investigated. This study examines the parliamentary dynamics at play in these situations by applying a majority building framework grounded in and supported by three theoretical perspectives, namely the rational choice tradition, new institutionalism, and the role of party politics and party systems, to four minority governments that have occurred in the last 50 years or so: 1- Diefenbaker (1957-1958), 2- Pearson (1963-1965); 3- Clark (1979-1980); and, 4- Harper (2006-2008). The data on the specific circumstances that held during these minority governments has been gathered from archival records, from the recorded debates and votes in the House of Commons, from previous Canadian studies on minority government, from political autobiographies, and from third party accounts of the events at the time. The study finds that majority building is a function of primarily two interrelated variables: 1- bargaining power (interparty dynamics and intra-party cohesion) and 2- agenda control (House business, confidence tests, other institutional features). It also stresses the importance of government concessions as an effective means of achieving desired goals and outcomes. Furthermore, this study highlights the capacity and skill of individual parliamentary actors in the exercise of legislative politics generally and in manipulating institutional and party system levers specifically, as a contributing factor to their government’s duration and legislative output. This study adds to the empirical knowledge of the minority experience in Canada and provides a conceptual framework to better understand legislative politics and its impact on the success of minority governments in Canada and elsewhere.