Resumo: Nesse trabalho propõe-se uma adaptação do método barreira penalidade quasi-Newton apresentado por P. Armand em 2003, para a resolução do problema do Fluxo de Potência Ótimo (FPO). Este método é denominado de método da função langrangiana barreira penalidade adaptada. Neste método as restrições de desigualdade são transformadas em igualdade pelo uso de variáveis de folga positivas. Estas variáveis são relaxadas, utilizando-se variáveis positivas, as quais, são incorporadas na função objetivo através de um termo de penalização. O novo problema restrito é então transformado em irrestrito associando a uma função lagrangiana às restrições de igualdade e uma função barreira penalidade às restrições de desigualdade. o algoritmo é composto por um ciclo interno e um externo. No ciclo interno é utilizado um método quasi-Newton para o cálculo das direções de busca e é determinado o tamanho do passo. No ciclo externo os parâmetros de barreira e penalidade são atualizados através de regras pré-definidas até que as condições de KKT sejam satisfeitas. Testes computacionais foram realizados utilizando problemas matemáticos e o problema de FPO, os quais demonstram a eficiência da adaptação proposta / Abstract: This work proposes an adaptation of the quasi-Newton penalty barrier method presented by P. Armand in 2003. for the solution of the Optimal Power Flow (OPD) problem. This method is called method adapted penalty barrier lagrangian function. In this method the inequalities constraint are transformed in equality by adding non-negative slack variable. These variables are relaxed by positive auxiliary variables which are incorporated in the objective function through a penalty term. The new constraint problem is transformed in unconstraint by associating an lagrangian function for handling the equality constraint and an penalty barrier function for treating the inequality constraints. The algorithm is composed by an internal and external cycle. In the interanal cycle is used the quasi-Newton method to determine the search directions and the step size is calculated. In the external cycle the barrier parameters are updated through predefined rules until the KKT conditions are satisfied. Computational tests were accomplished using mathematical problems and the OPF problem which demonstrate the efficiency of the propose adaptation / Orientador: Edméa Cássia Baptista / Coorientador: Vanusa Alves de Sousa / Banca: Geraldo Roberto Martins da Costa / Banca: Antonio Roberto Balbo / Mestre

O treinamento aeróbio de forma crônica está correlacionado com menor grau de inflamação e pode ser considerado um dos principais responsáveis por criar condições favoráveis para o equilíbrio intestinal. A mucosa do intestino consiste em uma monocamada de células epiteliais com função principal de absorção de nutrientes e formação de barreira contra entrada de potenciais antígenos que podem prejudicar sua função. A permeabilidade da barreira intestinal pode ser controlada por diferentes processos. Um aumento de antígenos luminais como lipopolissacarídeo (LPS) pode gerar um aumento na permeabilidade paracelular através de quebra das principais proteínas de função barreira, claudina e ocludina, ativando o sistema imune local, levando a um processo de inflamação e dano do tecido. Essas alterações da função barreira estão ligadas com algumas doenças como a doença inflamatória intestinal e o câncer. Por essa razão, faz-se necessário entender o papel do exercício físico na regulação da integridade da mucosa intestinal e seu efeito terapêutico. Assim, o objetivo deste trabalho é avaliar o efeito do treinamento aeróbio sobre a morfologia e função barreira da mucosa intestinal em ratos wistar. Na primeira etapa, os animais foram divididos em 2 grupos: grupo 1 - controle sedentário (CTRL), grupo 2 - treinado (T) e desenvolvido um treinamento aeróbio durante 8 semanas com uma carga correspondente a 65% da velocidade máxima atingida no teste de exercício físico progressivo até a exaustão, por 60 minutos durante 5 vezes por semana. 9 O treinamento físico promoveu uma maior perda de peso nos animais treinados sem aumento do consumo de ração comparado com animais sedentários. A segunda etapa ocorreu após o período de treinamento para um tratamento com 3 dias de injeção de LPS intraperitoneal. Os animais foram divididos em 4 subgrupos: grupo 1 - controle sedentário (CTRL), grupo 2 - treinado (T), grupo 3 - controle sedentário com LPS (CTRL + LPS) e grupo 4 - treinado com LPS (treinado + LPS). Os animais sedentários com LPS apresentaram uma maior perda de peso e menor consumo de ração além de maior perda de altura das vilosidades intestinais em detrimento ao maior grau de inflamação com aumento também de infiltrados no cólon. Em contrapartida, o treinamento físico apresentou um efeito protetor sobre a perda de peso e as vilosidades intestinais observados nos animais treinados com LPS. Além disso, foi analisado a expressão gênica de algumas interleucinas pró e anti-inflamatórias (IL 1?, IL 6, IL 10 e IL 23) e os genes para claudina 1 e ocludina. O principal aumento foi observado no perfil gênico da IL23 uma citocina pró inflamatória e da claudina 1 nos animais sedentários com LPS em comparação ao controle como uma ação compensatória para reparação da permeabilidade intestinal e função barreira. Juntos, esses resultados apoiam a hipótese de que o treinamento físico é um fator importante para proteção da integridade da mucosa e função barreira intestinal / Chronic aerobic training correlates with low level of inflammation and is considered one of the main factors in creating favorable conditions for intestinal balance. The intestinal mucosa consists of a monolayer of epithelial cells whose the main function is to absorb nutrients and form a barrier against entry of potential antigens that may impair its function. Different processes control the permeability of the intestinal barrier. An increase in luminal antigens such as lipopolysaccharides (LPS) may lead to an increase in paracellular permeability through the breakdown of the main barrier proteins, claudin and occludin, activating the local immune system, leading to a process of inflammation and tissue damage. These changes in barrier function are linked to some pathologies including inflammatory bowel disease and cancer. For this reason, it is necessary to understand the role of physical exercise in regulating the integrity of the intestinal mucosa and its therapeutic effect. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of aerobic training on the morphology and barrier function of the intestinal mucosa in wistar rats. For the first stage of this project, animals were separated into 2 groups: group 1 - sedentary control (CTRL), group 2 - trained (T) which involved 8 weeks of aerobic training, five sessions of one hour, with a load corresponding to 65% of the maximum speed attained in a progressive exercise test to exhaustion. Physical training promoted weight loss in trained animals without increased 11 feed intake compared to sedentary animals. The second stage of this project was performed after the training period and involved 3 days of intraperitoneal LPS injections. The animals were separated into 4 subgroups: group 1 - sedentary control (CTRL), group 2 - trained (T), group 3 - sedentary control with LPS (CTRL + LPS) and group 4 - trained with LPS (trained + LPS). Sedentary LPS animals presented greater weight loss and lower feed intake, as well as greater height loss of intestinal villi, a higher degree of inflammation and also increased colon infiltrates. In contrast, physical training had a protective effect on weight loss and intestinal villi in animals who trained and received LPS. In addition, gene expression of some pro and anti-inflammatory interleukins (IL-1?, IL-6, IL-10 and IL-23) and the genes for claudin 1 and occludin were analyzed. The main increase was shown in the gene profile of IL23 a proinflammatory cytokine and claudin 1 in sedentary with LPS animals as a compensatory action for repair of intestinal permeability and barrier function. Together, these results support the hypothesis that physical training is an important factor for protection of mucosal integrity and intestinal barrier function

Cobalt is a commonly known sensitiser in industrial settings and has been classified by the IARC as a possible group (2B) human carcinogen. Workers at a South African base metal refinery are potentially exposed to cobalt in the cobalt packaging area. The respiratory and dermal exposure to cobalt is a possible health risk. Quantifying the exposures levels assists in determining the degree of the risk as well as the management thereof. The objectives of this study were to assess dermal and respiratory exposure of workers at a cobalt packaging area and to assess their skin condition by measuring transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and skin hydration indices. The skin hydration index was measured on the back of the hand, forehead, wrist and palm at the start, during and end of the shift. The TEWL index was measured at the start and end of the shift on the same areas as the hydration index. Ghostwipes was chosen as preferred wipe sampling media to collect dermal and surface samples. Wipe samples were also taken on suspected contaminated workplace surfaces. Respiratory samples were taken by using the Institute of Occupational Medicine (IOM) inhalable aerosol sampler at a flow rate of 2 l/min. Wipes and respiratory samples were analysed for cobalt according to NIOSH method 9102 using inductively coupled plasma–atomic emission spectrometry (ICP–AES). The hydration indices indicated that worker’s skin are slightly dry to normal at the beginning of the shift. Hydration on the wrist increased significantly during the shift. TEWL indices increased significantly on the back of the hand, wrist and forehead during the shift. TEWL indices of the palm showed a low barrier function before the shift and deteriorated further to a very low barrier function at the end of the shift. Significant dermal cobalt loading occurred on the back of the hand, forehead, wrist and palm during the shift. The palm was the most exposed and the forehead least. The barrier function of the skin is most likely to be affected by exposure to cobalt. The skin condition of workers put them at greater risk to develop adverse health effects of cobalt. Workplace surfaces were contaminated with cobalt. Airborne cobalt was visible at different working stations. Cobalt exposure is due to numerous sources in the packaging area, thus contributing to the dermal exposure. Respiratory exposure exceeded the 8 hour occupational exposure limit for most of the workers. The guidance limit for short term exposure was exceeded by half of the workers. It is important to minimise the exposure to cobalt in packaging area. Manifestation of the adverse health effects are usually not visible in the short term, the necessary precautions have to be taken to protect the workers. / Thesis (M.Sc. (Occupational Hygiene))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

Cobalt is a commonly known sensitiser in industrial settings and has been classified by the IARC as a possible group (2B) human carcinogen. Workers at a South African base metal refinery are potentially exposed to cobalt in the cobalt packaging area. The respiratory and dermal exposure to cobalt is a possible health risk. Quantifying the exposures levels assists in determining the degree of the risk as well as the management thereof. The objectives of this study were to assess dermal and respiratory exposure of workers at a cobalt packaging area and to assess their skin condition by measuring transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and skin hydration indices. The skin hydration index was measured on the back of the hand, forehead, wrist and palm at the start, during and end of the shift. The TEWL index was measured at the start and end of the shift on the same areas as the hydration index. Ghostwipes was chosen as preferred wipe sampling media to collect dermal and surface samples. Wipe samples were also taken on suspected contaminated workplace surfaces. Respiratory samples were taken by using the Institute of Occupational Medicine (IOM) inhalable aerosol sampler at a flow rate of 2 l/min. Wipes and respiratory samples were analysed for cobalt according to NIOSH method 9102 using inductively coupled plasma–atomic emission spectrometry (ICP–AES). The hydration indices indicated that worker’s skin are slightly dry to normal at the beginning of the shift. Hydration on the wrist increased significantly during the shift. TEWL indices increased significantly on the back of the hand, wrist and forehead during the shift. TEWL indices of the palm showed a low barrier function before the shift and deteriorated further to a very low barrier function at the end of the shift. Significant dermal cobalt loading occurred on the back of the hand, forehead, wrist and palm during the shift. The palm was the most exposed and the forehead least. The barrier function of the skin is most likely to be affected by exposure to cobalt. The skin condition of workers put them at greater risk to develop adverse health effects of cobalt. Workplace surfaces were contaminated with cobalt. Airborne cobalt was visible at different working stations. Cobalt exposure is due to numerous sources in the packaging area, thus contributing to the dermal exposure. Respiratory exposure exceeded the 8 hour occupational exposure limit for most of the workers. The guidance limit for short term exposure was exceeded by half of the workers. It is important to minimise the exposure to cobalt in packaging area. Manifestation of the adverse health effects are usually not visible in the short term, the necessary precautions have to be taken to protect the workers. / Thesis (M.Sc. (Occupational Hygiene))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

Made available in DSpace on 2014-06-11T19:22:34Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2011-08-17Bitstream added on 2014-06-13T18:49:37Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 campanha_ps_me_bauru.pdf: 713465 bytes, checksum: 80f1a0cfec7a9f0dda4e30ae9f1786ab (MD5) / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) / Nesse trabalho propõe-se uma adaptação do método barreira penalidade quasi-Newton apresentado por P. Armand em 2003, para a resolução do problema do Fluxo de Potência Ótimo (FPO). Este método é denominado de método da função langrangiana barreira penalidade adaptada. Neste método as restrições de desigualdade são transformadas em igualdade pelo uso de variáveis de folga positivas. Estas variáveis são relaxadas, utilizando-se variáveis positivas, as quais, são incorporadas na função objetivo através de um termo de penalização. O novo problema restrito é então transformado em irrestrito associando a uma função lagrangiana às restrições de igualdade e uma função barreira penalidade às restrições de desigualdade. o algoritmo é composto por um ciclo interno e um externo. No ciclo interno é utilizado um método quasi-Newton para o cálculo das direções de busca e é determinado o tamanho do passo. No ciclo externo os parâmetros de barreira e penalidade são atualizados através de regras pré-definidas até que as condições de KKT sejam satisfeitas. Testes computacionais foram realizados utilizando problemas matemáticos e o problema de FPO, os quais demonstram a eficiência da adaptação proposta / This work proposes an adaptation of the quasi-Newton penalty barrier method presented by P. Armand in 2003. for the solution of the Optimal Power Flow (OPD) problem. This method is called method adapted penalty barrier lagrangian function. In this method the inequalities constraint are transformed in equality by adding non-negative slack variable. These variables are relaxed by positive auxiliary variables which are incorporated in the objective function through a penalty term. The new constraint problem is transformed in unconstraint by associating an lagrangian function for handling the equality constraint and an penalty barrier function for treating the inequality constraints. The algorithm is composed by an internal and external cycle. In the interanal cycle is used the quasi-Newton method to determine the search directions and the step size is calculated. In the external cycle the barrier parameters are updated through predefined rules until the KKT conditions are satisfied. Computational tests were accomplished using mathematical problems and the OPF problem which demonstrate the efficiency of the propose adaptation

Made available in DSpace on 2014-06-11T19:22:34Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2011-08-18Bitstream added on 2014-06-13T19:28:07Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 masiero_mcs_me_bauru.pdf: 852131 bytes, checksum: f6e923a2b5d5ef7b653f18a36f2f11bf (MD5) / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) / Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP) / Este trabalho propõe uma abordagem que utiliza uma associação dos métodos de barreira modificada e da Lagrangiana aumentada para a resolução do problema de fluxo de potência ótimo. Para isso, foi realizado um levantamento bibliográfico que explicitou os métodos de Newton-Lagrangiano, de barreira modificada e da função lagrangiada aumentada. Na abordagem proposta, as restrições canalizadas são desmembradas em duas desigualdades. Estas são transformadas em igualdades a partir do acréscimo de variáveis de folga ou de excesso positivas, as quais são tratadas pela função barreira modificada. As restrições de igualdade originais do problema são tratadas pelo método da função Lagrangiana aumentada e as igualdades restantes através da função Lagrangiana. As condições necessárias de primeira ordem são aplicadas resultando num sistema não linear o qual é resolvido pelo método de Newton. A eficiência do método foi verificada utilizando um exemplo matemático e em problemas de fluxo de potência ótimo / This work proposes an approach that uses an association of the modified barrier method and augmented Lagrangian method for the solution of the optimal power flow problem. On this purpose, a bibliographical review was accomplished the methods Newton-Lagrangian, modified barrier and augmented Lagrangian function. In this approach, the bounded constraints are transformed in equalities by additing the non-negative slack variables. Those slack variables are handled by the modified barrier function. The original equality constrains of the problem are handled by the method of augmented Lagrangian function and the remaining equalities are handled by the Lagrangian function. The first order necessary conditions are applied resulting a nonlinear system which is solved by Newton's method. The effectiveness of the proposed approach has been examined by solving a mathematical example and optimal power flow problems

O treinamento aeróbio de forma crônica está correlacionado com menor grau de inflamação e pode ser considerado um dos principais responsáveis por criar condições favoráveis para o equilíbrio intestinal. A mucosa do intestino consiste em uma monocamada de células epiteliais com função principal de absorção de nutrientes e formação de barreira contra entrada de potenciais antígenos que podem prejudicar sua função. A permeabilidade da barreira intestinal pode ser controlada por diferentes processos. Um aumento de antígenos luminais como lipopolissacarídeo (LPS) pode gerar um aumento na permeabilidade paracelular através de quebra das principais proteínas de função barreira, claudina e ocludina, ativando o sistema imune local, levando a um processo de inflamação e dano do tecido. Essas alterações da função barreira estão ligadas com algumas doenças como a doença inflamatória intestinal e o câncer. Por essa razão, faz-se necessário entender o papel do exercício físico na regulação da integridade da mucosa intestinal e seu efeito terapêutico. Assim, o objetivo deste trabalho é avaliar o efeito do treinamento aeróbio sobre a morfologia e função barreira da mucosa intestinal em ratos wistar. Na primeira etapa, os animais foram divididos em 2 grupos: grupo 1 - controle sedentário (CTRL), grupo 2 - treinado (T) e desenvolvido um treinamento aeróbio durante 8 semanas com uma carga correspondente a 65% da velocidade máxima atingida no teste de exercício físico progressivo até a exaustão, por 60 minutos durante 5 vezes por semana. 9 O treinamento físico promoveu uma maior perda de peso nos animais treinados sem aumento do consumo de ração comparado com animais sedentários. A segunda etapa ocorreu após o período de treinamento para um tratamento com 3 dias de injeção de LPS intraperitoneal. Os animais foram divididos em 4 subgrupos: grupo 1 - controle sedentário (CTRL), grupo 2 - treinado (T), grupo 3 - controle sedentário com LPS (CTRL + LPS) e grupo 4 - treinado com LPS (treinado + LPS). Os animais sedentários com LPS apresentaram uma maior perda de peso e menor consumo de ração além de maior perda de altura das vilosidades intestinais em detrimento ao maior grau de inflamação com aumento também de infiltrados no cólon. Em contrapartida, o treinamento físico apresentou um efeito protetor sobre a perda de peso e as vilosidades intestinais observados nos animais treinados com LPS. Além disso, foi analisado a expressão gênica de algumas interleucinas pró e anti-inflamatórias (IL 1?, IL 6, IL 10 e IL 23) e os genes para claudina 1 e ocludina. O principal aumento foi observado no perfil gênico da IL23 uma citocina pró inflamatória e da claudina 1 nos animais sedentários com LPS em comparação ao controle como uma ação compensatória para reparação da permeabilidade intestinal e função barreira. Juntos, esses resultados apoiam a hipótese de que o treinamento físico é um fator importante para proteção da integridade da mucosa e função barreira intestinal / Chronic aerobic training correlates with low level of inflammation and is considered one of the main factors in creating favorable conditions for intestinal balance. The intestinal mucosa consists of a monolayer of epithelial cells whose the main function is to absorb nutrients and form a barrier against entry of potential antigens that may impair its function. Different processes control the permeability of the intestinal barrier. An increase in luminal antigens such as lipopolysaccharides (LPS) may lead to an increase in paracellular permeability through the breakdown of the main barrier proteins, claudin and occludin, activating the local immune system, leading to a process of inflammation and tissue damage. These changes in barrier function are linked to some pathologies including inflammatory bowel disease and cancer. For this reason, it is necessary to understand the role of physical exercise in regulating the integrity of the intestinal mucosa and its therapeutic effect. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of aerobic training on the morphology and barrier function of the intestinal mucosa in wistar rats. For the first stage of this project, animals were separated into 2 groups: group 1 - sedentary control (CTRL), group 2 - trained (T) which involved 8 weeks of aerobic training, five sessions of one hour, with a load corresponding to 65% of the maximum speed attained in a progressive exercise test to exhaustion. Physical training promoted weight loss in trained animals without increased 11 feed intake compared to sedentary animals. The second stage of this project was performed after the training period and involved 3 days of intraperitoneal LPS injections. The animals were separated into 4 subgroups: group 1 - sedentary control (CTRL), group 2 - trained (T), group 3 - sedentary control with LPS (CTRL + LPS) and group 4 - trained with LPS (trained + LPS). Sedentary LPS animals presented greater weight loss and lower feed intake, as well as greater height loss of intestinal villi, a higher degree of inflammation and also increased colon infiltrates. In contrast, physical training had a protective effect on weight loss and intestinal villi in animals who trained and received LPS. In addition, gene expression of some pro and anti-inflammatory interleukins (IL-1?, IL-6, IL-10 and IL-23) and the genes for claudin 1 and occludin were analyzed. The main increase was shown in the gene profile of IL23 a proinflammatory cytokine and claudin 1 in sedentary with LPS animals as a compensatory action for repair of intestinal permeability and barrier function. Together, these results support the hypothesis that physical training is an important factor for protection of mucosal integrity and intestinal barrier function

FundaÃÃo de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado do Cearà / IntroduÃÃo: Apesar do reconhecimento das alteraÃÃes intestinais associadas à desnutriÃÃo e dos efeitos trÃficos da alanil-glutamina (AG) na funÃÃo de barreira intestinal, medida pela taxa de excreÃÃo urinÃria de Lactulose: Manitol, ainda sÃo escassos os estudos para determinar o efeito de suplementaÃÃo oral da AG em crianÃas desnutridas. Objetivos: Examinar o efeito de suplementaÃÃo oral de AG ou placebo glicina (G) na funÃÃo de barreira intestinal e crescimento em crianÃas sob risco nutricional residentes na comunidade do Parque UniversitÃrio do Pici. MÃtodos: Ensaio clÃnico randomizado controlado em crianÃas maiores de 6 meses e menores de 8 anos de idade, com pelo menos um dos escores z para os indicadores antropomÃtricos (IAs) (peso-para-idade, estatura-para-idade e peso-para-estatura) < -1. Cento e sete crianÃas foram randomizadas, entre julho de 2003 a novembro de 2004, para receberem AG (24g/dia) ou G (25g/dia) em quantidades isonitrogÃnicas por 10 dias. A excreÃÃo urinÃria de Lactulose:Manitol foi utilizada como medida da permeabilidade intestinal e realizada nos 1 e 10 dias do protocolo de estudo. O peso e estatura das crianÃas foram coletados nos 1Â, 10Â, 30 e 120 dias do protocolo de estudo para cÃlculo dos IAs. Resultados: O percentual da excreÃÃo urinÃria de lactulose diminuiu significantemente no grupo que recebeu AG, mas nÃo no grupo que recebeu G ( p < 0,05 teste t de Student). A melhora cumulativa nos indicadores antropomÃtricos, peso-para-estatura e peso-para-idade, no 120 dia do protocolo de estudo foi significante quando realizado a anÃlise de covariÃncia no grupo que recebeu AG versus o grupo que recebeu glicina (respectivamente, p <0,04 e <0,029). Durante o perÃodo de estudo foram observados um total de vinte (19%) Eventos Adversos (EAs) na seguinte ordem de freqÃÃncia: vÃmitos (8,4%), diarrÃia (2,8%), nÃuseas (1,9%), infecÃÃo respiratÃria (1,9%), escabiose (1,9%), asma (0,9%), epistaxe (0,9%). Os EAs nÃo foram diferentes na anÃlise estatÃstica entre os grupos estudados e somente trÃs dos EAs foram considerados como SÃrios Eventos Adversos (SEAs ), dois no grupo da alanil-glutamina (1 asma e 1 diarrÃia) e um no grupo da glicina (1 diarrÃia). ConclusÃes: A suplementaÃÃo oral de AG por 10 dias melhorou a permeabilidade intestinal e o estado nutricional em crianÃas sob risco nutricional residentes em uma comunidade de Fortaleza / Introduction: In spite of the recognition of alterations in intestinal barrier function associated with malnutrition and the trophic effects of alanyl-glutamine (AG) on intestinal barrier function, measured by the rate of urinary excretion of Lactulose:Manitol, there are still few studies determining the effect of oral supplementation of AG in malnourished children. Objectives: Examine the effect of oral AG supplementation or the placebo Glycine (G) on intestinal barrier function and growth in children who are at risk for malnutrition and are residents of the University Park of Pici community. Methods: Double blind randomized study in children between 6 months and 8 years of age, with at least one of the z scores for the anthropometrical indicators (AIs) (weight-for-age, height-for-age, and weight-for-height) less than minus one. One hundred and seven children were randomized between July 2003 and November 2004, to receive AG (24 g/day) or G (25 g/day) in iso-nitrogenic quantities for 10 days. The urinary excretion of Lactulose:Mannitol was used as a measure of intestinal permeability, and was performed on the first and tenth days of the study protocol. The weight and height of the children were collected on the 1, 10, 30, and 120 days of the study protocol to calculate the AIs. Results: The percentage of urinary excretion of Lactulose decreased significantly in the group that received AG (p < 0.05 Student T test), but not in the group that received G. The cumulative improvement in the Anthropometrical Indicators, weight-for-height and weight-for-age on the 120 day of the study protocol were significant when covariant analysis was performed in the group which received AG versus the control group G (p < 0.04 and < 0.029, respectively). During the study period a total of 20 (19%) Adverse Events (AEs) were observed in the following order of frequency: vomiting (8.4%), diarrhea (2.8%), nausea (1.9%), respiratory infection (1.9%), scabies (1.9%), asthma (0.9%), epistaxis (0.9%). The AEs were not statistical different between the study groups, and only three of the AEs were considered Serious Adverse Events (SEAs), two in the AG group (1 asthma and 1 diarrhea) and one in the G group (1 diarrhea). Conclusions: The oral supplementation of AG for 10 days improved intestinal permeability and nutritional status in children at risk for malnutrition in a Fortaleza community

Des formes galéniques spécialement étudiées permettent l'administration topique d'un médicament ou d'un actif cosmétique afin d'obtenir un effet local ou une action systémique. Les excipients présents dans la formulation, comme les tensioactifs dans les solutions micellaires, émulsions, microémulsions, nanoémulsions, nanostructures, peuvent être alors des éléments influençant la pénétration et la perméation de l'actif. L'étude de leurs effets sur la barrière cutanée peut être utile afin de choisir au mieux les différents composés de la formulation. L'objectif de cette thèse a été d'étudier l'effet de différents tensioactifs (alkylpolyglucosides, lipoaminoacides, alcools gras éthoxylés et copolymères à blocs de type Poloxamer) en solution aqueuse sur la structure et la fonction barrière de la peau, grâce à des techniques d'infrarouge à transformée de Fourier, de calorimétrie différentielle à balayage, de mesure de la perte insensible en eau et de microscopie électronique à transmission. L'objectif spécifique de ce travail a porté sur l'étude de l'absorption cutanée ex vivo de trois principes actifs de lipophilie différente (caféine, kétoprofène et progestérone) à travers un modèle de peau animale co-traitée par différents tensioactifs. Plus spécifiquement, la pénétration de la progestérone au sein des différentes couches de la peau a été étudiée compte tenu de sa lipophilie élevée limitant son passage dans les couches cutanées plus hydrophiles. A l'issue de ces travaux, nous montrons que les tensioactifs peuvent exercer non seulement des effets sur l'organisation lamellaire des lipides intercornéocytaires mais aussi sur les cornéocytes du stratum corneum (SC). Par ailleurs, ces différents résultats ont permis de définir les structures chimiques des tensioactifs favorisant l'absorption cutanée de principes actifs. Les tensioactifs anioniques comportant une chaîne aliphatique de 12 carbones augmentent sélectivement la perméation cutanée de principes actifs hydrophiles et la pénétration de principes actifs lipophiles dans les tissus cutanés. La pénétration cutanée de principes actifs est étroitement corrélée à la taille des micelles de tensioactif susceptible de s'incorporer dans les espaces intercornéocytaires du SC. Enfin, la valeur de concentration micellaire critique est une propriété physico-chimique permettant d'expliquer en partie l'effet des tensioactifs sur leur perméabilité cutanée / Dosage forms specially designed allow the topical administration of drugs or cosmetic active ingredients to obtain a local effect or a systemic action. Excipients, such as surfactants in micellar solutions, emulsions, microemulsions, nanoemulsions, nanostructures can influence the drug penetration and permeation. Understanding their effects on skin barrier is helpful in the choice of surfactant. The aim of this thesis was to study the effect of different surfactants (alkylpolyglucosides, lipoaminoacids, ethoxylated fatty alcohol and copolymers blocks) in aqueous solution on the skin barrier structure and function, using techniques like infrared Fourier transform, differential scanning calorimetry, transepidermal water loss measurement and transmission electron microscopy. The specific aim of this work focused on the ex vivo cutaneous absorption of three drugs showing different lipophilicity (caffeine, ketoprofen and progesterone) through animal skin co-treated by different surfactants. More specifically, the penetration of progesterone in the different skin layers has been studied due to its high lipophilicity limiting its permeation in the most hydrophilic layers (viable epidermis and dermis). At the outset, we showed that surfactants could provide not only an effect on lamellar organization of intercorneocyte lipids but also on the corneocytes into the stratum corneum (SC). Moreover, these different results allowed to define surfactant chemical structure increasing drug cutaneous absorption. Anionic surfactant with a C12 chain length increased significantly cutaneous permeation of hydrophilic drug and penetration of lipophilic drug into cutaneous tissue. Drug penetration is correlated with micelle size allowed its incorporation into SC intercorneocyte spaces. Finally, the value of its critical micellar concentration is a physico-chemical properties allowed to partially explain the surfactant effect on their cutaneous permeability

Safety constraints are ubiquitous in many robotic applications. For instance, aerial robots such as quadrotors or hexcoptors need to realize fast collision-free flight, and bipedal robots have to choose their discrete footholds properly to gain the desired friction and pressure contact forces. In this thesis, we address the safety critical control problem for fully-actuated and under-actuated mechanical systems. Since many mechanical systems evolve on nonlinear manifolds, we extend the concept of Control Barrier Function to a new concept called geometric Control Barrier Function which is specifically designed to handle safety constraints on manifolds. This type of Control Barrier Function stems from geometric control techniques and has a coordinate free and compact representation. In a similar fashion, we also extend the concept of Control Lyapunov Function to the concept of geometric Control Lyapunov Function to realize tracking on the manifolds. Based on these new geometric versions of CLF and CBF, we propose a general control design method for fully-actuated systems with both state and input constraints. In this CBF-CLF-QP control design, the control input is computed based on a state-dependent Quadratic Programming (QP) where the safety constraints are strictly enforced using geometric CBF but the tracking constraint is imposed through a type of relaxation. Through this type of relaxation, the controller could still keep the system state safe even in the cases when the reference is unsafe during some time period. For a single quadrotor, we propose the concept of augmented Control Barrier Function specifically to let it avoid external obstacles. Using this augmented CBF, we could still utilize the idea of CBF-CLF-QP controller in a sequential QP control design framework to let this quadrotor remain safe during the flight. In meantime, we also apply the geometric control techniques to the aerial transportation problem where a payload is carried by multiple quadrotors through cable suspension. This type of transportation method allows multiple quadrotors to share the payload weight, but introduces internal safety constraints at the same time. By employing both linear and nonlinear techniques, we are able to carry the payload pose to follow a pre-defined reference trajectory.