No description available.

Introduction: It has been reported that the principal source of exposure for humans to inorganic arsenic (As) comes from drinking water. It is known that selenium (Se) competes with the reductive metabolism and methylation of As and Se compete for the availability of glutathione. The overarching goal of this dissertation research is to assess relationships between arsenic intake from water and other fluids with urinary arsenic output and then to assess how urinary arsenic output is modified by selenium exposure. Methods: Households in the Binational Arsenic Exposure Survey (BAsES) were selected for their varying groundwater arsenic concentrations. A first morning urine void and water samples from all household drinking sources were collected for As quantification. Relationships were examined between various urinary arsenic biomarkers and estimated arsenic exposures. The association between urinary arsenic biomarkers and dietary intake and urinary output of selenium was also evaluated. Results: Arizonans reported consuming 18.5 mL/kg-day of water and 34.3 mL/kg-day from all fluids. In contrast, participants from Mexico reported 3.5 mL/kg-day of water and 12.3 mL/kg-day from all fluids. Median urinary inorganic As concentration among Arizona participants (ranging from 1.2 to 2.0 µg/L) was lower than among participants from Mexico (range 2.5 to 6.2 µg/L). Estimated arsenic intake from drinking water was associated with urinary total arsenic concentration (p<0.001), urinary inorganic arsenic concentration (p<0.001), and urinary sum of species (p<0.001). Urinary arsenic concentrations increased between 7% and 12% for each one percent increase in arsenic consumed from drinking water. No statistically significant relationships were seen between urinary methylated arsenic biomarkers with either dietary intake of selenium or the urinary selenium concentration. Conclusion: Water was the primary contributor to total fluid intake among Arizonans while Mexico participants primarily consumed carbonated beverages. Arsenic intake from water was significantly associated with urinary arsenic output; however, the concentration of arsenic consumed explained a small fraction of urinary arsenic levels. While selenium can biologically interact with arsenic in the liver, no relationship between urinary arsenic biomarkers were identified with either dietary intake of selenium or urinary output of selenium.

No description available.

The aims of this work were first to synthesize and fully characterize compounds that may function as bleomycin analogues and, second, to test their anticancer activity in vitro. Three novel tetradentate O,N,N,O Schiff base ligands, H₃L¹, H₂L³ and H₂L³ were synthesized by condensation of three different 1,3-diaminoalkane bridging units with two equivalents of (2,4-dihydroxy–phenyl)-(phenyl)methanone. These ligands contain two neutral imine nitrogen donors and two anionic phenolate oxygen donors for the coordination of metal ions. The choice of ligand was guided by the fact that Cu(II) bleomycin analogues with ligands employing O,N,N,O donor atom sets are able to cleave double-stranded DNA via oxygen radical formation. Using these ligands, six novel metal complexes of copper(II), nickel(II) and zinc(II) were synthesized and fully characterised. Two novel ligand crystal structures and six novel metal complex crystal structures are reported in this work. The X-ray structures of the two structurally characterized nickel(II) complexes [Ni(L²)] and [Ni(L³)] adopted the same nominally square planar coordination geometry, with the metal ion bound by the pairs of imine nitrogen and ortho-phenolic oxygen atoms of the ligand’s tetradentate donor atom set. The Ni–N and Ni–O distances averaged 1.892(3) Å and 1.845(2) Å, respectively. However, when reacted with Cu(II) and Zn(II), the ligands favored the formation of multinuclear complexes as a result of metal ion bridging by ionized oxygen donor atoms (either the phenolic oxygen atoms or an alkoxide oxygen atom of the 2-hydroxy substituted alkane bridge in the case of H₃L¹) of the polyfunctional ligands. For the di- and trinuclear copper(II) complexes, the mean Cu–N and Cu–O distances averaged 1.953(3) Å and 2.082(3) Å, respectively. For the dinuclear zinc(II) complex, the mean Zn–N and Zn–O distances averaged 2.074(3) Å and 2.042(3) Å, respectively. Electron spin resonance (ESR) measurements on the paramagnetic trinuclear copper(II) complexes confirmed that the trinuclear solid state structures remain intact in fluid solution (DMF) and that two of the three copper(II) ions are antiferromagnetically coupled, leaving the third as an S = ½ center with a hyperfine coupling constant to the I = 3/2 Cu nucleus of 14.80 G. Super-hyperfine coupling (15.13 G) to two N atoms was also evident, consistent with one of the terminal copper(II) centers (O,N,N,O donor atom set) being the site of the unpaired spin density in the molecule. Density functional theory (DFT) simulations were used to determine the electronic structures of the diamagnetic mononuclear nickel(II) complexes. The simulations reproduced the structures of [Ni(L²)] and [Ni(L³)] accurately with similarity coefficients for the two complexes of 0.982 and 0.990, respectively. The simulated electronic spectra (TD-DFT) of the nickel(II) complexes showed reasonably good agreement with the experimental spectra and were useful for the assignment of the low-lying MLCT state (near 400 nm) for the complexes as well as the higher-lying π-π* transitions between 300–350 nm. All of the metal complexes and one ligand were sent to MINTEK¹ (Project AuTEK) for anticancer screening. The copper(II) complexes (bleomycin analogues capable of generating hydroxyl radicals in vivo) showed significant cytotoxicity against the human cancer cell lines A549, DU145, HT-29, and U21. The trinuclear complexes were the most cytotoxic with mean IC₅₀ values of 6(2) and 7(1) μM for [Cu₃(L²)₂Cl₂(DMF)₂] and [Cu₃(L³)₂(H₂O)₂]Cl₂, respectively. The nickel(II) complexes [Ni(L²)] and [Ni(L³)] were comparatively inactive with mean IC₅₀ values of >50 and 35(16) μM, respectively, consistent with the fact that they do not readily generate reactive oxygen species in a cellular environment. / Thesis (M.Sc.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2013.

Tesis para optar al Grado de Magíster en Dirección y Administración de Proyectos Inmobiliarios / El sector inmobiliario constantemente está en búsqueda de nuevas oportunidades de desarrollar proyectos, en donde la toma de decisiones es fundamental; la información y los datos que manejan las empresas del sector a la hora de tomar decisiones, es variada, y por tal razón debe tomarse de distintas fuentes, que proporciona el sector público y el sector privado; por esto a medida que las empresas inmobiliarias han ido requiriendo acceso a la información, se han ido generando e implementando métodos y bases de datos que facilitan el proceso de recolección, almacenamiento y en algunos casos de consulta. Las bases de datos con información inmobiliaria no son un producto nuevo en este sector, pues estas se han manejado desde muchos años atrás por medio de distintos sistemas de recopilación y manejo de la información. Armenia, Quindío, es una ciudad intermedia de Colombia, que ha tenido un importante crecimiento urbano y del sector inmobiliario en los últimos 15 años, éste ha sido constante y ha permitido observar las diversas posibilidades que existen para el desarrollo inmobiliario, pero la falta de información y el difícil acceso a esta, ha evidenciado la necesidad de crear una fuente que se encargue de buscar, recopilar, almacenar y distribuir la información que permita tomar decisiones y detectar dónde están las oportunidades inmobiliarias, además de ayudar al crecimiento responsable y consiente de la ciudad y del sector. Por esto se busca definir los procesos relacionados a la construcción de una base de datos, para la toma de decisiones y la detección de oportunidades inmobiliarias; en la ciudad de Armenia.

A series of oxovanadium(IV) complexes of Schiff bases derived from substituted salicylaldehyde and aminoalcohols has been prepared and characterized. The Schiff bases coordinate through 0, N, and 0 as tridentate bivalent ligands. The primary purpose of the investigation is to describe the structure and bonding in these complexes. The subnormal magnetic properties of the complexes provide much information about both the structure and the bonding in the complexes.

Mémoire numérisé par la Direction des bibliothèques de l'Université de Montréal.

El presente estudio, tuvo como objetivo: determinar el comportamiento de los estudiantes y profesores de enfermería en la búsqueda de información en internet. Para ello se estudió las diferentes bases de datos de enfermería disponibles: Lilacs, Hinari, Medline, estuvo conformado por la población de 101 profesores y 750 estudiantes de la escuela de enfermería y para la selección de la muestra se utilizó el muestreo aleatorio simple, obteniendo como resultado a 71 profesores y 185 estudiantes. Se validó la encuesta a través de un estudio piloto. Los resultados fueron que el 46% de los estudiantes utiliza motores de búsqueda generales para localizar información científica, mientras que sólo 23% usa las bases de datos especializadas en salud: Scielo, Medline, Lilacs, otras. Mientras que los resultados de los profesores indican que el 49% si está utilizando los motores de búsqueda en la localización de información científica. / Tesis

Publicación a texto completo no autorizada por el autor / El documento digital no refiere asesor / Propone un modelo de calidad de datos que permita evaluar y mejorar la calidad de los datos en aquellas organizaciones en las que se utilizan diferentes fuentes de base de datos con la misma información, pero con contenido diferente, lo cual no les permite tomar decisiones en forma correcta y oportuna. Específicamente se busca desarrollar un enfoque sistemático, disciplinado y estructurado que se apoye en el modelo propuesto, y que provea las pautas y guías para que la aplicación del modelo de calidad de datos pueda ser repetible y generalizable sobre los datos de cualquier organización. Otro objetivo planteado es mostrar que producto del creciente avance tecnológico relacionado con los datos y la información las organizaciones que deseen estar a la vanguardia deben utilizar un mecanismo que garantice la calidad de los datos apoyados en un modelo como el propuesto en este trabajo. Para la realización del presente trabajo hemos utilizado el método científico, y el tipo de investigación utilizado es de tipo aplicada, que se caracteriza por su interés en la aplicación, utilización y consecuencias prácticas de los conocimientos. La investigación aplicada busca el conocer para hacer, para actuar, para construir, para modificar. / Trabajo de suficiencia profesional

Este trabalho dá as bases para a criação de um sistema computacional, gráfico-interativo, de apoio ao ordenamento territorial. Dada a complexidade e multiplicidade de dados exigidos nesta área, parte do princípio de que a Cartografia Temática, nos seus moldes tradicionais, não tem meios de atender às necessidades das Geociências, na disposição e representação de forma integrada dos resultados de suas análises. Uma plataforma de informações, informatizada, nesta área, vem ao encontro das expectativas das instituições de pesquisa ambiental, posto que proporciona o aproveitamento efetivo de seus estudos aplicados. Da mesma forma, constitui uma importante ferramenta de trabalho para os órgãos ligados ao planejamento, à tomada de decisão e à monitoria. Posiciona o ordenamento territorial quanto à sua definição, como compreendido atualmente, e, quanto a conceitos praticados, quando de seu surgimento, por volta dos anos 60, como conseqüência dos estudos regionais realizados. Uma tentativa de situar seu campo de ação é feita, em meio a novas terminologias, abordagens e conceitos decorrentes da retomada do interesse da Sociedade na utilização ordenada de seu território. Lança as bases para a implantação de um sistema de apoio ao ordenamento territorial, indicando algumas atitudes compreensivas e apontando principais procedimentos. Com a modelagem do sistema, através de diagramas e fluxogramas, chega-se à estruturação dos arquivos de dados, apoiando-se numa simulação de incorporação de subsídios. Utiliza como objeto da simulação, o diagnóstico ambiental realizado pelo Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística - IBGE, para a bacia do rio Itapecuru, no Estado do Maranhão. A simulação é encerrada com um teste de funcionalidade da estrutura proposta, por meio de consultas que buscam a agregação dos dados para pesquisas específicas. / Establishes the basis for the creation of a computerized, graphics-interactive territorial arrangement support system. Given the complexity and multiplicity of data required in this field, it is based in the fact that Thematic Cartography - in its traditional form - does not fulfill the needs of Geosciences, failing to provide a integrated representation of its analyses\' findings. Such a computerized database, in this field, meets the needs of environmental research institutions, allowing the actual employment of its applied work. At the same time, it also establishes an important working tool for agencies in charge of planning, decision-making and monitoring. Contextualizes territorial arrangement, according to its perception today and in terms of concepts in practice that date back to its appearance, consequence of regional studies conducted during the 1960s. Attempts to assess its action domain, in our time, in the midst of the arrival of new terminology approaches and concepts - as a result of Society\'s interest retrieval in the ordained use of territory. Lays the foundation for the implementation of a territorial arrangement support system, its comprehensive behavior, structure and key procedures. Enables the shaping of the system, through diagrams and flow charts, followed by the database configuration, based on a real-life simulation of information collection. As the replicated matter, it applies the environmental diagnoses of the Itapecuru River basin, in the Brazilian state of Maranhão, prepared by the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística - IBGE). Completes the simulation with an operational test of the proposed system, through research that seeks data integration in specific studies.