Diploma thesis focuses on the development of external economic balance of the Czech Republic in the years 2000-2009. The first chapter introduces the theory of the external economic balance. The second chapter describes the development of balance of payments of the Czech republic in the years 2000-2009. The third chapter analyzes the factors affecting the evolution of the balance of payments of the Czech Republic.

L’intégrité des synapses neuronales est primordiale pour le développement et le maintien des capacités cognitives. Des mutations dans des gènes codant pour des protéines synaptiques ont été trouvées chez des patients atteints de déficience intellectuelle (DI), qui est une maladie neurodéveloppementale ayant des conséquences sur les fonctions intellectuelles et adaptatives. Ce travail de thèse porte sur l’étude de l’un de ces gènes, IL1RAPL1, dont les mutations sont responsables d’une forme non-syndromique de DI liée au chromosome X, et sur le rôle de la protéine IL1RAPL1 dans la formation et le fonctionnement des synapses. IL1RAPL1 est une protéine trans-membranaire qui est localisée dans les synapses excitatrices où elle interagit avec les protéines post-synaptiques PSD-95, RhoGAP2 et Mcf2l. De plus, IL1RAPL1 interagit en trans- avec une protéine phosphatase présynaptique, PTPd, via son domaine extracellulaire. Nous avons étudié les conséquences fonctionnelles de deux nouvelles mutations qui affectent le domaine extracellulaire d’IL1RAPL1 chez des patients présentant une DI. Ces mutations conduisent soit à une diminution de l’expression de la protéine, soit à une réduction de l’interaction avec PTPd affectant ainsi la capacité d’IL1RAPL1 à induire la formation de synapses excitatrices. En absence d’IL1RAPL1, le nombre ou la fonction des synapses excitatrices est diminué, ce qui mène à un déséquilibre entre les transmissions synaptiques excitatrice et inhibitrice dans des régions spécifiques du cerveau. Dans le cas particulier de l’amygdale latérale, nous avons montré que ce déséquilibre conduit à des défauts de mémoire associative chez la souris déficiente en Il1rapl1. L’ensemble des résultats qui font partie de ce travail montre que l’interaction IL1RAPL1/PTPd est essentielle pour la formation des synapses et suggère que les déficits cognitifs des patients avec une mutation dans il1rapl1 proviennent du déséquilibre de la balance excitation/ inhibition. Ces observations ouvrent des perspectives thérapeutiques visant à rétablir cette balance dans les réseaux neuronaux affectés. / Preserving the integrity of neuronal synapses is important for the development and maintenance of cognitive capacities. Mutations on a growing number of genes coding for synaptic proteins are associated with intellectual disability (ID), a neurodevelopmental disease characterized by deficits in adaptive and intellectual functions. The present work is dedicated to the study of one of those genes, IL1RAPL1, and the role of its encoding protein in synapse formation and function. IL1RAPL1 is a trans-membrane protein that is localized at excitatory synapses, where it interacts with the postsynaptic proteins PSD-95, RhoGAP2 and Mcf2l. Moreover, the extracellular domain of IL1RAPL1 interacts trans-synaptically with the presynaptic phosphatase PTPd. We studied the functional consequences of two novel mutations identified in ID patients affecting this IL1RAPL1 domain. Those mutations lead either to a decrease of the protein expression or of its interaction with PTPd, affecting in both cases the IL1RAPL1-mediated excitatory synapse formation. In the absence of IL1RAPL1, the number or function of excitatory synapses is perturbed, leading to an imbalance of excitatory and inhibitory synaptic transmissions in specific brain circuits. In particular, we showed that this imbalance in the lateral amygdala results in associative memory deficits in mice lacking Il1rapl1. Altogether, the results included in this work show that IL1RAPL1/PTPd interaction is essential for synapse formation and suggest that the cognitive deficits in ID patients with mutations on IL1RAPL1 result from the imbalance of the excitatory and inhibitory transmission. These observations open therapeutic perspectives aiming to reestablish this balance in the affected neuronal circuits.

A produção brasileira de frangos de corte evidenciou-se com o sistema de produção integrada, ao elevar a eficiência e a qualidade na conversão de proteína animal. Contudo, devido à rápida evolução tecnológica com crescente demanda energética e a diversificação dos sistemas de produção em diferentes microclimas, elucidar os processos de conversão de massa e energia tornou-se uma tarefa desafiadora neste sistema de produção. Constantemente, pesquisadores, produtores e agroindústria buscam processos mais rentáveis, reduzindo a demanda em mão de obra e o impacto ambiental. No entanto, nunca foi feita uma avaliação integrada do sistema produtivo de frangos de corte, considerando-se os aspectos quantitativos, energéticos e ambientais. Deste modo, o objetivo deste trabalho é promover um detalhado balanço de massa e energia, além de avaliar por meio da análise exergética, a qualidade das conversões de energia no processo produtivo de frangos de corte. Com o levantamento de insumos, produtos e rejeitos diretos, vinculados ao ciclo de produção, foram quantificadas as vazões mássicas para os diferentes processos do ciclo e, aplicando-se a avaliação exergética, obteve-se um diagnóstico completo da quantidade e qualidade energética envolvidas. Considerando o cenário adotado, em termos mássicos, as maiores demandas identificadas para os insumos foram a água (69,2%) e a ração (24,9%). Na saída do processo, os Gases de Efeito Estufa (GEE)/particulados extraídos através da ventilação (39,4%), os gases de combustão da lenha (25,6%) e a cama (14,2%) formam os principais rejeitos. A massa de frangos representa 20% das saídas. Foi identificado que a relação entre o consumo de água e ração é função da temperatura. Em termos energéticos, as maiores contribuições identificadas para os insumos foram a ração (77,7%) acompanhada do material absorvente (9,7%) e da lenha (9,6%). Na saída do processo lideram as energias associadas aos frangos (33,2%) e da cama gerada (32,1%). O rendimento energético obtido para galpões convencionais foi de 27%. Os processos que mais destroem exergia dentro do ciclo produtivo são a formação da cama de frangos a partir das excretas (51,5% em convencionais e 48,2% em climatizados) e a combustão da lenha para aquecimento (21,9% em convencionais e 20,5% em climatizados). Além disso, foi estimado o rendimento de Segunda Lei para o ciclo próximo de 26%. Foram introduzidos os índices energético e exergético de produção permitindo a comparação entre diferentes sistemas. Como principal resíduo, a cama de frangos gerada no ciclo, quando reutilizada como insumo para aquecimento do próprio aviário na forma de briquetes, pode elevar as eficiências. Comparando-se as demandas médias para as duas formas de aquecimento, foi constatado que o uso do GLP é mais favorável ao ambiente se comparado à lenha, devido à forma direta de transferência de calor aos frangos. É aconselhável, em dias quentes, elevar a velocidade do ar, utilizando o resfriamento evaporativo somente em casos de elevada temperatura ambiente, pois a introdução de água eleva a exergia dissipada no ciclo. / Brazilian production of broilers has been highlighted with the implantation of the integrated production system, which improved the efficiency and quality in animal protein conversion. However, due to the rapid technological evolution with the increasing energy demand and the diversification of production systems in different microclimates, elucidating mass and energy conversion processes has become a challenging task regarding this production system. Constantly, researchers, producers and agribusiness look for more profitable processes, reducing the labour demand and environmental impact. However, an integrated evaluation of the productive system of broilers, considering the quantitative, energy and environmental aspects has never been carried out. Thus, this study aims at promoting a detailed mass and energy balance and to evaluate the quality of the energy conversions in the productive process of broilers by means of exergy analysis. With the survey of inputs, products and direct wastes, linked to the production cycle, the mass flow rates for the different processes of the cycle were quantified and a complete diagnosis of the quantity and quality energetic involved was obtained applying the exergy evaluation. Considering the scenario adopted, in mass terms, the greatest demands identified for the inputs were water (69.2%) and feed (24.9%). At the exit of the process, the greenhouse gases/dust extracted through ventilation (39.4%), the firewood combustion gases (25.6%) and the litter poultry generated (14.2%) are the main outputs. The broilers mass was quantified in 20%. The relation between water and feed consumption has shown to be the temperature. Regarding energy, the largest contribution identified for the inputs was feed (77.7%) followed by the absorbent (9.7%) and firewood (9.6%). At the exit of the process lead the energy associated with the broilers (33.2%) and the poultry litter generated (32.1%). The energy performance obtained for conventional shed was 27%. The processes of the largest exergy destroyed within the productive cycle are the litter poultry converted from excreta (51.5% in conventional and 48.2% in air conditioning) and the combustion of wood for heating (21.9% in conventional and 20.5% in air conditioning). In addition, the second law performance for the cycle was estimated in about 26%. The energy and exergy production index was introduced allowing for the comparison among different systems. As the main residue, the litter poultry generated in the cycle when reused as an input for heating the aviary itself in the form of briquettes, can increase these efficiencies. The use of LPG is more environmentally friendly compared to wood, considering the average demands for the too forms of heating, due to the direct form of heat transfer to the broilers. It is advisable, on hot days, to raise the air speed using the evaporative cooling only in cases of high ambient temperature, as the introduction of water raises the exergy dissipated in the cycle.

The aims of this thesis were to; firstly, address the numerous concerns for athletes associated with exercise-induced dehydration and electrolyte loss; secondly, to examine the development of methods of assessing soccer players’ performance; and thirdly, to investigate the inter-relationship between soccer-specific tests. Finally, through a series of studies, the effect of electrolyte loss on subsequent soccer-specific performance was examined. / Chapters 1 and 2 comprise of detailed literature reviews, which introduce the pertinent issues related to hydration, electrolyte loss and assessment of soccer performance and outline areas of necessary future research. Chapter 3 measured the effect of short-term fatigue, through a repeated sprint ability (RSA) test, on subsequent skill performance, via the Loughborough Soccer Passing Test (LSPT), in thirty international level female soccer players. No significant differences were observed in any of the movement, penalty or total time taken to complete the LSPT between the pre- and post-RSA scores. / Chapter 4 investigated the hydration status and electrolyte loss of 14 professional soccer players (mean ± SD; Age: 24.1 ± 3.5 years; Height: 1.78 ± 0.07 m, Body mass (BM): 72.6 ± 12.1 kg) during normal “in-season” training and subsequently examined the effect of beverage sodium (Na⁺) on RSA performance. It was found that RSA performance was significantly improved in professional soccer players by the inclusion of 21.32 mmol·L⁻¹ Na⁺ in a beverage, when compared to a control beverage. / Chapter 5 examined the effects of 60 min of soccer-specific training on LSPT performance, hydration status and core temperature (Tc) when ingesting either a carbohydrate-electrolyte (CHO-E) or control (CON) drink. Seven healthy male soccer players (age: 23 ± 2.9 y, height: 1.7 ± 0.04 m, mass: 62.7 ± 6.7 kg) each completed a carbohydrate-electrolyte (CHO-E) and a control (CON) trial. There was an improvement in movement time (p = .034) and overall LSPT performance (p = .031) post-exercise in CHO-E when compared with CON. No differences were observed in Tc or absolute and relative body mass loss between trials (p> .05). / The final investigation of this thesis is detailed in chapter 6, where the purpose of the investigation was to examine the effect of beverages with different Na⁺ concentrations in soccer players on repeated sprint and soccer skill performance during and after soccer-simulated activity in a hot and humid environment. 12 healthy, male, semi-professional soccer players volunteered for this study (mean ± SD: age 24.5 ± 3.3 y, height 1.8 ± 0.06 m, BM 78.1 ± 9.4 kg). The results highlighted that the RSA performance was improved in both the High-Na⁺ and Na⁺ trials when compared to the CON trial at each time point (p < 0.05). A significant improvement in LSPT performance was observed in the Hi-Na⁺ trial compared with CON trial at all measurement time points (p < 0.05). / The findings from this thesis highlight that the addition of Na⁺ to a beverage can enhance sprint and skill performance in soccer players when the beverage is consumed during sport-specific training in a hot and humid environment. / 本論文的研究目的包括; 首先，探討運動員在運動時脫水和流失電解質的眾多顧慮;其次，考究足球員表現評估方法之發展; 第三，通過一系列的研究，調查電解質流失對隨後足球專項表現的影響。最後，就不同足球專項評估方法的相互關連性進行研究。 / 第1章和第2章包含詳盡的文獻綜述，當中介紹了水合作用、電解質流失和足球員表現評估方法的議題，並帶出未來需要研究的方向。第3章探討透過反复衝刺能力（ RSA ）測試引致的短期疲勞對足球表現的影響。30名國際級女子足球運動員在短期疲勞前後進行LSPT技術測試。結果顯示，RSA前後的LSPT成績 (不論動作、懲罰或總完成時間)均無顯著差異。 / 第4章調查了14名專業足球運動員（平均值±標準差; 年齡： 24.1 ±3.5歲，身高：1.78 ±0.07米，體重（ BM ）：72.6 ±12.1千克）於”比賽季”常規訓練的水合狀態和電解質流失，並隨後研究飲料鈉（Na +）對RSA表現的影響。研究發現， 與對照組相比，運動員飲用包含21.32 mmol.L -1 Na +的飲料後，RSA表現有顯著提升。 / 第5章研究攝入碳水化合物-電解質飲料（ CHO - E）或對照飲料（CON ）後，60分鐘足球專項訓練對LSPT表現，水合狀態和核心溫度（Tc）的影響。七名健康男性足球員（年齡：23 ±2.9歲，高度： 1.7 ±0.04米，體重： 62.7 ±6.7千克）各完成一個碳水化合物-電解質（ CHO - E）和一個對照組（CON ）試驗。與CON組相比，，CHO - E組在運動時間（P = .034 ）和整體LSPT表現（P = .031 ）均有顯著提升。兩組間的Tc或絕對和相對體重流失則無顯著差異（P> 0.05 ）。 / 在最後第6章，本論文研究在高溫高濕環境下的足球模擬活動期間和隨後，不同Na +濃度飲料對足球員的反複衝刺和足球專項技巧表現的影響。 12名健康的男性半職業足球運動員自願參加本研究（平均值±標準差： 24.5 ±3.3歲，身高1.8 ±0.06米，體重78.1 ±9.4千克） 。結果顯示，與CON組相比，高Na +和Na +組在所有測量時間點中的RSA表現都有顯著提高（ P <0.05）。至於LSPT表現，高Na +組則比CON組在所有測量時間點均有顯著改善（ P < 0.05）。 / 綜上所述，本論文的研究結果強調，在飲料添加Na +可提高足球運動員在炎熱和潮濕的環境訓練時的短跑和技術表現。 / O'Reilly, John Timothy. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2014. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 116-137). / Abstracts also in Chinese. / Title from PDF title page (viewed on 08, November, 2016). / Detailed summary in vernacular field only. / Detailed summary in vernacular field only. / Detailed summary in vernacular field only. / Detailed summary in vernacular field only. / Detailed summary in vernacular field only. / Detailed summary in vernacular field only.

by Chan Yue Cheong. / Thesis (M.Ph.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 1988. / Bibliography: leaves 120-123.

Made available in DSpace on 2016-04-27T18:11:56Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Andrea Paz de Oliveira.pdf: 698490 bytes, checksum: 39bf14cf88f6257e050c4ada44797c77 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2012-07-30 / Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico / INTRODUCTION: The balance disorders, clinically characterized as dizziness, vertigo, imbalance and falls are among the most common complaints of the elderly population. Aging impairs the ability of the central nervous system to perform the signal processing vestibular, visual and proprioceptive responsible for maintaining body balance and diminishes the capacity for adaptive changes in reflexes. These degenerative processes are responsible for the occurrence of vertigo and/or dizziness and imbalance in the geriatric population. The program of vestibular rehabilitation (VR) is composed of exercises that aim to promote the return of function of the static and dynamic balance, restoring also the spatial orientation and is one of the most effective methods to recover body balance in the elderly because it is able to decrease dizziness, better balance and consequently improve the quality of life of the elderly. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of vestibular rehabilitation in a group of elderly patients with dizziness. METHOD: This is a prospective, longitudinal, qualitative and quantitative. All subjects responded to the dizziness handicap inventory (DHI Brazilian version - Dizziness Handicap Inventory) and underwent the tests of static and dynamic balance as follows: Romberg, Romberg Barre, Utenberg, Fournier and linear walking test with eyes open and eyes closed before and after the RV. There were eight VR sessions in groups of three to four subjects and the protocol used was the Cawthorne and Cooksey. The exclusion criteria was used Mini Mental State Examination - MMSE, which assists in screening the cognitive status of the elderly. RESULTS: We evaluated 10 patients, four men (40%) and 6 women (60%). In this sample, 60% of patients had tinnitus. Their ages ranged between 62 and 83 years, with a mean of 68.9 years. In the walking tests, all subjects were able to perform more tests, eyes open (EO) and Closed Eyes condition (EC) after VR, and the average VR for EO was 3.3 pre and post VR was 4,4 and provided the average pre EC VR = 1.5 and 3.7 after RV. The result of DHI was lower after the RV in all subjects, with the average of the DHI before RV was 33.8 and after RV was 8.0. CONCLUSION: The elderly with dizziness showed impaired quality of life in relation to physical, emotional and functional, evaluated the application of Brazilian DHI. After all reported a decrease in RV dizziness and improve balance with improved quality of life, both in the physical, functional and emotional. In all tests of static and dynamic seniors have improved, managing to do more tests after the RV. It was also observed that the factors age, sex and vestibular were not determining factors for the end of treatment response / INTRODUÇÃO: As alterações do equilíbrio corporal, clinicamente caracterizadas como tontura, vertigem, desequilíbrio e queda, estão entre as queixas mais comuns da população idosa. O envelhecimento compromete a habilidade do sistema nervoso central em realizar o processamento dos sinais vestibulares, visuais e proprioceptivos responsáveis pela manutenção do equilíbrio corporal, bem como diminui a capacidade de modificações dos reflexos adaptativos. Esses processos degenerativos são responsáveis pela ocorrência de vertigem e/ou tontura e de desequilíbrio na população geriátrica. O programa de Reabilitação Vestibular (RV) é composto por exercícios que objetivam promover o retorno da função dos equilíbrios estático e dinâmico, restaurando também a orientação espacial e é um dos métodos mais efetivos na recuperação do equilíbrio corporal do idoso, pois é capaz de diminuir a tontura, melhorar o equilíbrio e, consequentemente, melhorar a qualidade de vida dos idosos. OBJETIVO: Investigar os efeitos da reabilitação vestibular em um grupo de idosos com queixa de tontura. MÉTODO: trata-se de estudo prospectivo, longitudinal, quantiqualitativo. Todos os sujeitos responderam ao inventário de handicap para tontura (DHI versão brasileira - Dizziness Handicap Inventory) e realizaram os testes de equilíbrio estático e dinâmico a saber: Romberg, Romberg Barré, Utenberg, Fournier e teste de marcha linear com olhos abertos e com olhos fechados, antes e depois da RV. Foram realizadas oito sessões de RV em grupo de três a quatro sujeitos e, o protocolo utilizado foi o de Cawthorne e Cooksey. Como critério de exclusão foi utilizado o Mini Exame do Estado Mental MEEM, que auxilia na triagem do estado cognitivo do idoso. RESULTADO: Foram avaliados 10 pacientes, sendo 4 homens (40%) e 6 mulheres (60%). Nessa amostra, 60% dos pacientes apresentaram a queixa de zumbido. As idades variaram entre 62 e 83 anos, apresentando média de 68,9 anos. Nos testes de Marcha, todos os sujeitos conseguiram realizar mais testes, tanto na condição Olhos Abertos (OA) quanto na condição Olhos Fechados (OF) após a RV, sendo que a média para OA pré RV foi de 3,3 e pós RV foi de 4,4 e na condição OF a média pré RV foi de 1,5 e pós RV 3,7. O resultado do DHI foi menor após a RV em todos os sujeitos, sendo que a média do DHI pré RV foi de 33,8 e pós RV foi de 8,0. CONCLUSÃO: Os idosos com queixa de tontura apresentaram prejuízo na qualidade de vida, em relação aos aspectos físicos, funcionais e emocionais, avaliados à aplicação do DHI brasileiro. Após a RV todos relataram diminuição da tontura e melhora do equilíbrio, com melhora na qualidade de vida, tanto nos aspectos físico, funcional e emocional. Em todas as provas de equilíbrio estático e dinâmico os idosos obtiveram melhora, conseguindo fazer mais provas após a RV. Observou-se ainda que os fatores idade, sexo e exame vestibular não fatores determinantes para a resposta final do tratamento

Agriculture when only focused on production leads to an unsustainable use of inputs with negative consequences to the environment and human health. One consequence of the excessive use of fertilizers is the pollution of surface and underground water resources in agricultural eco-systems and their boundaries. The Brazilian Cerrado has been suffering the transformations of the intensive agriculture during the last decades. Due to the poor fertility of soils, in general very sandy and of low pH, the use of agricultural inputs is intensified and the nutrient downward transport by leaching becomes a serious problem in different regions. Information about the current use practices of fertilizer use in the Cerrado environment must be gathered for a healthy transition of this biome. Models based on physical and chemical processes are useful tools to simulate water and nutrient dynamics in agricultural systems, including the related losses due to adopted managements. They have the potential to evaluate different scenarios to predict outcomings of such practices. Among the available models for such processes, SWAP (Soil, Water, Atmosphere and Plant model) has been used under several agronomic conditions to describe hydrologic processes, and ANIMO (Nitrogen in Agriculture model) to simulate N cycling in agricultural systems. Our study presents an application of SWAP to adult perennial coffee crops along one productive cycle, with focus on deep drainage losses and irrigation management in a representative Brazilian Cerrado management system. The SWAP/ANIMO combination was used in this study to simulate N absorption by coffee plants and N leaching in the form NO3-N, as a result of an intensive fertilizer management practice. The ANIMO program was calibrated in relation to one N treatment, of 400 kg ha-1 year-1, and was evaluated with independent data of NO3-N in soil solution of another treatment of 800 kg ha-1 year-1. The yearly water balance (WB) obtained from SWAP was similar to that obtained through a sequential climatologic WB of Thornthwaite and Matter. However, the monthly deep drainage values obtained by SWAP as compared to the WB values presented differences with a determination coefficient of 0.77 in a linearization of the results. Irrigation scenarios with intervals of 3(IF3), 5(IF5), 10 (IF10) e 15 (IF15) days between water applications were simulated by SWAP and compared with the irrigation management practiced in the farm where the experiment was carried out. These simulations showed for longer intervals (IF15) drainage losses were smaller, water productivity higher, as well as relative productivity. Measurements of N absorption by plants obtained experimentally were similar to ANIMO simulations. Sensitivity analyses of the model showed that leaching and soil solution concentration of NO3-N are sensitive to soil pH and temperature of the decomposition processes. We conclude that the combination of SWAP with ANIMO was efficient for the description of the N cycle in a Cerrado soil-plant-atmosphere system / A agricultura focada apenas na produção leva ao uso insustentável de recursos resultando em consequências negativas para o meio ambiente e a saúde humana. Uma consequência do uso excessivo de fertilizantes é a contaminação dos recursos hídricos subterrâneos e superficiais em ecossistemas agrícolas e nos seus arredores. Devido o solo da região do Cerrado ser pobre em nutrientes, predominantemente arenoso e com alta acidez, o uso de insumos agrícolas é intensificado e o transporte químico de nutrientes via lixiviação é um problema para a agricultura intensiva nas diferentes regiões. Informações sobre as atuais práticas de uso de fertilizantes e seus efeitos no ambiente de Cerrado precisam ser coletadas para reduzir os impactos da agricultura nesse ecossistema. Modelos baseados em processos físicos e químicos são ferramentas úteis para simular a dinâmica da água e nutrientes no meio agrícola e as perdas associadas aos manejos adotados, com potencial para avaliar diferentes cenários de previsão dos resultados dessas práticas. Entre os modelos baseados em processos, o SWAP (modelo Solo, Água, Atmosfera e Planta) tem sido utilizado com sucesso em várias condições agronômicas para descrever processos hídricos, e o ANIMO (modelo de nitrogênio na agricultura) para simular o ciclo do nitrogênio em sistemas agrícolas. Nosso estudo apresenta uma aplicação do SWAP para culturas de café perenes maduras ao longo de um ciclo produtivo, com foco nas perdas por drenagem e no manejo da irrigação em um sistema típico do Cerrado Brasileiro. A combinação dos modelos SWAP/ANIMO foi utilizada nesse estudo para simular a absorção de N pelas plantas de café e a lixiviação do nitrogênio na forma de nitrato (NO3-N) resultante de uma prática de manejo de fertilizantes intensiva. O ANIMO foi calibrado para o cenário correspondente à aplicação de 400 kg ha-1 ano-1 de fertilizante mineral, e foi avaliado com dados independentes de NO3-N na solução do solo medidos em parcelas de outro tratamento que receberam 800 kg ha-1 ano-1. O balanço hídrico anual obtido pelo SWAP foi semelhante ao obtido pelo balanço sequencial climatológico, de Thornthwaite e Matter. No entanto, os valores mensais de drenagem profunda obtidos pelo SWAP e comparados com os resultados do balanço climatológico apresentaram diferenças, com um coeficiente de determinação de 0,77 na linearização dos resultados. Cenários de irrigação com intervalos de 3 (IF3), 5 (IF5), 10 (IF10) e 15 (IF15) dias entre aplicações de água foram simulados utilizando o SWAP e comparados com a prática de manejo da fazenda onde o estudo experimental foi realizado. As simulações dos cenários com o SWAP mostraram que as irrigações com intervalos mais longos (IF15) apresentam menores quantidades de perdas por drenagem, maior produtividade da água e produtividade relativa da cultura. As medidas de absorção de N pelas plantas obtidas experimentalmente foram similares às estimativas do modelo ANIMO. As analises de sensibilidade do modelo mostraram que as previsões da lixiviação e concentração de NO3-N na solução do solo são sensíveis às variáveis pH do solo e temperatura de referência dos processos de decomposição. Conclui-se que a combinação dos modelos unidimensionais baseados em processos SWAP/ANIMO foi eficaz na descrição do ciclo do N avaliado no sistema solo-planta do Cerrado

Although there is still a gender division of labour in post-industrial countries, evidence seems to suggest that there are some fathers more involved than others, and interestingly, a growing number of fathers that want to be more involved with their children. Using the Catalan Survey on the Use of Time, this thesis aims to understand how paternal time devoted to children under 10 years old differs across educational level, income, age, number of (paid) working hours, occupation and partner’s occupation among other independent variables. Understanding patterns of those fathers involved with their children will presumably give some clues on how to promote gender equality in parenting. Furthermore, it will contribute to the fatherhood literature by expanding the research to Catalonia. Furthermore, while we know that fatherhood involvement is positively related with child outcomes and gender equality, less is known about the benefits of having both work and family roles for working fathers themselves and their jobs. Using the conceptual framework of WFE elaborated by Greenhaus and Powell (2006), this thesis seeks to explore how resources developed at home are positively transferred and applied at work, and vice versa. For that aim, 20 interviews with Catalan working fathers have been conducted. Understanding and shedding light on these hidden sources of enrichment between work and family domains might be a positive way to challenge the disproportionate attention to the conflict perspective in the work-family literature and to counteract the benefits of the “ideal worker” and “organization man”. The methodological contribution of this thesis is that it is the first study to use the Catalan Survey on the Use of Time to look at fathers as well as offering one of the first qualitative studies to examine the work-family enrichment process for fathers. Regarding the empirical contribution, the analysis of the time use data reveals that father’s age, educational level and partner’s occupation is positively associated with paternal time devoted to children. On the other hand, working hours is negatively associated with time devoted to young children. The qualitative analysis suggests that enrichment occurs under certain conditions. Interestingly, the sources of enrichment reported from family to work (invisible rewards) were different from the sources of enrichment reported from work to family. This thesis also suggested that fathers employed in higher-levels occupation were more likely to experience high levels of enrichment, but at the same time high levels of conflict.

The first and second chapter sum up the most relevant parts of the generally accepted theory of external economic balance and the theory of exchange rates. The way of Czech Republic and entrance of Slovak republic to EMU is described in theird chapter. Fourth part anlyzes and compares development of the CZK and SKK (EUR). The final chapter compares the development of the shapes of the Czech and Slovak external economic balance.

A produção brasileira de frangos de corte evidenciou-se com o sistema de produção integrada, ao elevar a eficiência e a qualidade na conversão de proteína animal. Contudo, devido à rápida evolução tecnológica com crescente demanda energética e a diversificação dos sistemas de produção em diferentes microclimas, elucidar os processos de conversão de massa e energia tornou-se uma tarefa desafiadora neste sistema de produção. Constantemente, pesquisadores, produtores e agroindústria buscam processos mais rentáveis, reduzindo a demanda em mão de obra e o impacto ambiental. No entanto, nunca foi feita uma avaliação integrada do sistema produtivo de frangos de corte, considerando-se os aspectos quantitativos, energéticos e ambientais. Deste modo, o objetivo deste trabalho é promover um detalhado balanço de massa e energia, além de avaliar por meio da análise exergética, a qualidade das conversões de energia no processo produtivo de frangos de corte. Com o levantamento de insumos, produtos e rejeitos diretos, vinculados ao ciclo de produção, foram quantificadas as vazões mássicas para os diferentes processos do ciclo e, aplicando-se a avaliação exergética, obteve-se um diagnóstico completo da quantidade e qualidade energética envolvidas. Considerando o cenário adotado, em termos mássicos, as maiores demandas identificadas para os insumos foram a água (69,2%) e a ração (24,9%). Na saída do processo, os Gases de Efeito Estufa (GEE)/particulados extraídos através da ventilação (39,4%), os gases de combustão da lenha (25,6%) e a cama (14,2%) formam os principais rejeitos. A massa de frangos representa 20% das saídas. Foi identificado que a relação entre o consumo de água e ração é função da temperatura. Em termos energéticos, as maiores contribuições identificadas para os insumos foram a ração (77,7%) acompanhada do material absorvente (9,7%) e da lenha (9,6%). Na saída do processo lideram as energias associadas aos frangos (33,2%) e da cama gerada (32,1%). O rendimento energético obtido para galpões convencionais foi de 27%. Os processos que mais destroem exergia dentro do ciclo produtivo são a formação da cama de frangos a partir das excretas (51,5% em convencionais e 48,2% em climatizados) e a combustão da lenha para aquecimento (21,9% em convencionais e 20,5% em climatizados). Além disso, foi estimado o rendimento de Segunda Lei para o ciclo próximo de 26%. Foram introduzidos os índices energético e exergético de produção permitindo a comparação entre diferentes sistemas. Como principal resíduo, a cama de frangos gerada no ciclo, quando reutilizada como insumo para aquecimento do próprio aviário na forma de briquetes, pode elevar as eficiências. Comparando-se as demandas médias para as duas formas de aquecimento, foi constatado que o uso do GLP é mais favorável ao ambiente se comparado à lenha, devido à forma direta de transferência de calor aos frangos. É aconselhável, em dias quentes, elevar a velocidade do ar, utilizando o resfriamento evaporativo somente em casos de elevada temperatura ambiente, pois a introdução de água eleva a exergia dissipada no ciclo. / Brazilian production of broilers has been highlighted with the implantation of the integrated production system, which improved the efficiency and quality in animal protein conversion. However, due to the rapid technological evolution with the increasing energy demand and the diversification of production systems in different microclimates, elucidating mass and energy conversion processes has become a challenging task regarding this production system. Constantly, researchers, producers and agribusiness look for more profitable processes, reducing the labour demand and environmental impact. However, an integrated evaluation of the productive system of broilers, considering the quantitative, energy and environmental aspects has never been carried out. Thus, this study aims at promoting a detailed mass and energy balance and to evaluate the quality of the energy conversions in the productive process of broilers by means of exergy analysis. With the survey of inputs, products and direct wastes, linked to the production cycle, the mass flow rates for the different processes of the cycle were quantified and a complete diagnosis of the quantity and quality energetic involved was obtained applying the exergy evaluation. Considering the scenario adopted, in mass terms, the greatest demands identified for the inputs were water (69.2%) and feed (24.9%). At the exit of the process, the greenhouse gases/dust extracted through ventilation (39.4%), the firewood combustion gases (25.6%) and the litter poultry generated (14.2%) are the main outputs. The broilers mass was quantified in 20%. The relation between water and feed consumption has shown to be the temperature. Regarding energy, the largest contribution identified for the inputs was feed (77.7%) followed by the absorbent (9.7%) and firewood (9.6%). At the exit of the process lead the energy associated with the broilers (33.2%) and the poultry litter generated (32.1%). The energy performance obtained for conventional shed was 27%. The processes of the largest exergy destroyed within the productive cycle are the litter poultry converted from excreta (51.5% in conventional and 48.2% in air conditioning) and the combustion of wood for heating (21.9% in conventional and 20.5% in air conditioning). In addition, the second law performance for the cycle was estimated in about 26%. The energy and exergy production index was introduced allowing for the comparison among different systems. As the main residue, the litter poultry generated in the cycle when reused as an input for heating the aviary itself in the form of briquettes, can increase these efficiencies. The use of LPG is more environmentally friendly compared to wood, considering the average demands for the too forms of heating, due to the direct form of heat transfer to the broilers. It is advisable, on hot days, to raise the air speed using the evaporative cooling only in cases of high ambient temperature, as the introduction of water raises the exergy dissipated in the cycle.