Orientador: Eduardo Maffud Cilli / Banca: Patrícia Soares Santiago / Banca: Ederlan de Souza Ferreira / Resumo: Devido ao avanço científico e tecnológico, notável sucesso tem sido alcançado na identificação de novos compostos antitumorais. Entretanto, problemas associados à baixa estabilidade e seletividade tem limitado o sucesso da grande maioria destes compostos. Dentre as estratégias para aumentar a estabilidade de moléculas bioativas, a bioconjugação em domínios de ligação a albumina (DLA) tem se mostrado promissor para ampliar o tempo de vida médio de moléculas susceptíveis à degradação proteolítica. Neste trabalho, a estrutura e a atividade de um composto contendo um peptídeo citotóxico, um DLA e um sítio de clivagem específico foram avaliadas. Motivado pela perspectiva do peptídeo melitina apresentar atividade antitumoral, o nosso grupo de pesquisa avaliou a síntese e atividade biológica deste composto com o peptídeo RQKRSLGG-WQRPSSW. O peptídeo obtido foi testado contra tipos de celulas tumorais e não tumorais (linhagem MCF-7 e HaCaT, respectivamente), mostrando-se potente, porém tóxico. Nos estudos de dicroísmo circular, os peptídeos não apresentaram estrutura secundária em solução aquosa. Em presença de miméticos de membrana, os peptídeos adquiriram uma estrutura em α-hélice exceto o peptídeo sítio de clivagem-DLA. Estudos de vazamento de carboxifluoresceína em LUVs (POPC:POPS), através da técnica de espectroscopia de fluorescência, mostraram que o peptídeo completo tem capacidade de permeabilização similar ao da melitina e que é dependente da concentração. Os resultados de f... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: Due to the scientific and technological advanced permitted remarkable successful in the field of identification of new antitumour compounds. However, problems associated with low stability and selectivity have been a restriction in the successf ul of majority of this compounds. Inside the strategic for increase the stability of bioactive molecules, bioconjugation with albumin - binding domain (ABD) have been promising for increasing t he lifetime of molecules susceptible for the proteolytic degradat ion. Herein, structure and activity of a compound containing a cytotoxic peptide, ABD, and cleavage site were evaluated. The ABD (WQRPSSW) can give more stability for molecules, while the cle avage site RQKRSLGG can give more selectivity to the peptide. Thi s sequence is degraded for the protease Kallikrein 4 (KLK4), which occurs in elevated quantity in the tumours cells, releasing the cytotoxic compound, especially in the microenvironments of t hese cells, promoting the higher selectivity. Inspired for the pe rspective of Melittin peptide holds a promising antitumour activity, our research group evaluated the synthesis and biological activity with this peptide containing the sequence RQKRSLGG - WQRP SSW. The peptide was evaluated against diversity of tumours and n o tumours cells (MCF - 7 and HaCaT respectively), presenting effective activity but toxic. In circular dichroism studies the peptides did not show second structure in aqueous solution. In the p resence of membrane mimet... (Complete abstract click electronic access below) / Mestre

Orientador: Maria Célia Bertolini / Banca: Ana Paula Ulian de Araujo / Banca: Julio Cesar Borges / Resumo: Trabalhos anteriores realizados pelo nosso grupo levaram à identificação da proteína RVB-1 de Neurospora crassa como capaz de se ligar a um fragmento de DNA contendo o motif STRE (Stress Responsive Element). Este elemento de DNA, em Saccharomyces cerevisiae, é descrito estar presente na região promotora de genes responsivos a estresse, incluindo o estresse térmico. Uma busca nos bancos de dados de proteínas mostrou que a RVB-1 apresenta homologia estrutural à proteína RuvBL1 de humanos. Além disso, esta proteína é descrita possuir uma proteína paráloga, RuvBL2 ou Rvb2 de humano e S. cerevisiae, respectivamente, cuja proteína ortóloga em N. crassa foi denominada RVB-2. As proteínas RuvBLs foram encontradas estarem associadas a vários processos celulares, muito provavelmente devido as suas capacidades de formar grandes complexos proteicos e possuírem atividade ATPásica. Neste trabalho, estas proteínas foram parcialmente caracterizadas do ponto de vista funcional, bioquímico e biofísico. Os resultados obtidos por microscopia de fluorescência mostraram que ambas apresentam localização nuclear quando o fungo foi exposto a estresse térmico. A análise da expressão da proteína RVB-V5 mostrou estar aumentada, nessa mesma condição ambiental, quando analisada por Western blot. As duas proteínas foram produzidas na forma recombinante em Escherichia coli, tanto isoladamente quanto juntas, e a análise da expressão mostrou alta estabilidade em solução quando ambas foram produzidas em uma me... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: Previous work by our group identified the Neurospora crassa RVB - 1 protein as able of binding to a DNA fragment containing the Stress Responsive Element (STRE). In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, this element is present in the promoter region of genes responsive to stress, including heat stress. RVB - 1 shows structural homology to human RuvBL1 protein, and is described to have a paralog, the RuvBL2 or Rvb2 protein in human and S. cerevisiae, respect ively. The N. crassa orthologous protein was identified and named RVB - 2. The RuvBLs proteins have been found to be associated with diverse cellular processes, most likely due to their ability to form large protein complexes and to have ATPase activity. In this work, these proteins were functional, biochemical and biophysically characterized. The fluorescence microscopy results showed that both proteins present nuclear localization in the fungus exposed to heat stress. Analyses of protein expression by Weste rn blot showed an increased expression of the RVB - 1 - v5 protei n in this same condition . The two proteins were produced in Escherichia coli, and expression analyses showed higher stability in solution when both were produced together. Both proteins showed in vitro interaction by pulldown analysis. The RVB - 1/2 complex has the secondary structure mostly formed by α - helices as analysis by CD. The size - exclusion chromatography suggested that the complex present different oligomeric structures when analyzed in the absence a... (Complete abstract click electronic access below) / Mestre

Depuis la découverte de la chiralité moléculaire par Pasteur il y a plus de 150 ans, l'origine de l'homochiralité de la vie reste un mystère non résolu et troublant, qui remonte probablement à l'origine de la vie elle-même. Cette énigme a récemment été recensée dans Nature comme étant l’une des cinq plus grandes énigmes non résolues par la science.Aujourd'hui il existe deux façons d’aborder le problème de l'origine de l'asymétrie moléculaire impliquant des scénarios soit déterministes soit aléatoires. Ces derniers étant basés sur la résolution spontanée des énantiomères, et sont donc impossible à tester. En revanche, les théories déterministes peuvent être confrontées à l’expérience afin notamment de valider la reproductibilité de leur influence chirale.Le présent manuscrit est une synthèse bibliographique et expérimentale mettant en évidence les interactions de la LPC avec des molécules chirales dans le cadre de l’origine de l’homochiralité de la vie. Ces travaux ont pour but de mieux comprendre les propriétés chiroptiques de molécules chirales ainsi que de déterminer les espèces chirales susceptibles d'être présentes dans la glace cométaire / Since the Pasteur’s discovery of chirality more than 150 years ago, the origin of homochirality remains to be an unresolved mystery, which is probably linked to the origin of life-itself. This puzzle was named by the journal Nature as one of the five biggest unresolved puzzles in modern science.Today there exist two ways to address the question of the origin of molecular homochirality. It implies either deterministic or chance scenario. The latest is based on the spontaneous resolution of enantiomers by phase transition, and in consequence, it cannot be tested. On the other hand, deterministic theories can be subjected to experimental confirmation, since if there was, in fact, a chiral influence that imposed its chirality this should in principle be reproducible.The presented manuscript is a synthesis of bibliographic research and experimental studies that focus on the interaction of CPL with chiral molecules which are put in the context of the origin of homochirality of life. This work is aiming to advance our understanding of chiroptical properties of chiral molecules as well as to determine chiral species susceptible to be present in cometary ice

The overarching purpose of this study is to explore what perceived barriers that prevent Swedish fashion companies from implementing rental services to their current business model. A qualitative approach was adopted, where a single case study on the phenomenon of rental services, in the context of collaborative fashion consumption, CFC, was executed. CFC referrers to an alternative way of consumption where consumers have access to already existing garments. The focus of this study, rental services, is the action of providing and consuming products without any transfer of ownership. Multiple sources of data collection were used, consisting of semi-structured interviews with eight company executives representing Swedish fashion companies in three product segments; everyday fashion, performance wear and outdoor wear. The findings showed that six significant barriers were perceived as preventing implementation of rental services; economic, social, lack of information and technological know-how, supply chain, organizational and environmental impact. Moreover, the findings showed interrelated relationships between barriers. For instance, the perception of the social barrier affected the perception of the economic barrier, and the organizational barrier impacted companies’ perception of the informational and technological barrier. By exploring what perceived implementation barriers prevent Swedish fashion companies from adding rental services to their business model, this paper contributes with relevant knowledge to academia as well as to the fashion industry.

Title: Theory of aggregates of photosynthetic molecules: spectroscopy, structure, transport phenomena Author: Ján Lalinský Institute: Institute of Physics of Charles University Supervisor of the master thesis: RNDr. Tomáš Mančal, PhD., Institute of Physics of Charles University Abstract. A theory of absorption of light in an isotropic solution of molecules was formulated on the basis of electromagnetic theory of par- ticles with attention to relativistic nature of their interaction and its im- pact on the spectrum of circular dichroism. Calculations of the absorption spectra of simple systems were performed to demonstrate the properties of the mathematical model. Also calculations of the absorption spectra of the models of the bacteriochlorophyll dimer which were proposed as possible basic unit in the lamellar model of the interior of a chlorosome were performed. The experimental spectra of solution of non-aggregated bacteriochlorophyll were used to fit the parameters of the mathematical model of the molecule and for these parameters the spectra of the pro- posed models of a dimer were calculated. It has been found that the new non-electrostatic terms in the description of the mutual interaction of the parts of the molecule are negligible for calculations of ordinary absorption spectrum, but they have...

Den svenska strategin för att implementera en cirkulär ekonomi avser att stödja Agenda 2030 för hållbar utveckling. Dock kritiserar den akademiska litteraturen konceptet cirkulär ekonomi för bristande inkludering av social hållbarhet. Eftersom implementeringsåtgärder redan införs storskaligt både nationellt och i EU, har frågan lyfts om dess lämplighet i olika regionala kontext. Således ämnar denna studie att undersöka hur de aviserade åtgärderna för cirkulär ekonomi förväntas påverka social hållbarhet i svenska storstads- och landsbygdskommuner på olika sätt. En enkätundersökning utfördes till folkvalda politiker i 37 svenska kommuner. Resultaten visar att sociala hållbarhetsaspekter generellt inte förväntas påverkas nämnvärt i omställningen till cirkulär ekonomi. Detta kan förklaras med dess frånvaro i den politiska konceptualiseringen av cirkulär ekonomi. Vidare finner vi att landsbygdskommuner generellt är mer positiva till styrmedel för cirkulär ekonomi än storstadskommunerna. Vi avslutar med att föreslå att den svenska politiska tolkningen av cirkulär ekonomi skulle kunna justeras för att bidra till sociala hållbarhetsmål mer effektivt. / The Swedish strategy for implementing a circular economy aims to support the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. However, academic literature is increasingly criticizing the circular economy concept for its lack of inclusion of social sustainability. With implementation measures already taking place economy-wide both nationally and in the EU, questions have been raised concerning its suitability to different regional contexts. Thus, this study aims to explore how the announced policies for circular economy are expected to affect social sustainability in urban and rural Swedish municipalities differently. A survey was conducted to elected officials in 37 Swedish municipalities. The results show that social sustainability aspects are generally not expected to be noticeably affected in the transition to circular economy. This could be due to its absence in the political conceptualization of the circular economy. Furthermore, we find that rural municipalities are generally more positive to the circular economy policies than their urban counterparts. We conclude by proposing that the Swedish political interpretation of the circular economy could be adjusted to support social Sustainable Development Goals more effectively.

Název diplomové práce v anglickém jazyce, abstrakt v anglickém jazyce a 3 klíčová slova v anglickém jazyce NÁZEV V ANGLICKÉM JAZYCE Legal aspects of prevention of generation and recovery of packaging waste KLÍČOVÁ SLOVA V ANGLICKÉM JAZYCE packaging, prevention of generation of packaging waste, circular economy ABSTRAKT V ANGLICKÉM JAZYCE This diploma thesis addresses the legal aspects of packaging and packaging waste with the focus on the prevention of generation of packaging waste. The thesis is devoted to the legislation of packaging, packaging management and packaging waste management. The subject of research is the european legislation (mainly directive 94/62/EC on packaging and packaging waste and directive 2008/98/EC on waste) and Czech legislation based on the european directives (mainly Act No. 477/2001 Coll., on packaging and Act No. 185/2001 Coll., on waste). This legal problematics is undergoing a significant evolution. Higher targets regarding minimisation of packaging waste and more ecologically acceptable ways of managing packaging waste required by european directive amendments and other new conceptual documents (most importantly A new Circular Economy Action Plan) are going to be reflected in the Czech legislation by a new act on packaging, which is being a subject of a legislation process....

The choice of policy design has crucial implications for a policy’s efficiency. Plastic as a material is an important issue because of its fossil origin and because it often ends up as litter and spreads microplastics. Consequently, policies regarding plastic are vital to examine to understand how we can reduce the environmental consequences of plastic. This study has examined the design of the plastic carrier bag policy and especially focused on the choice of policy instrument, the actors involved, and if the desired change in behaviour occurred. By utilising Schneider and Ingram’s policy design theory, and Howlett and Vedung’s works on policy design and policy instruments, the study built an analytical framework to examine the plastic carrier bag policy. The result showed that the design of a policy was largely dependent on who governed, reflecting the government’s political culture, aims, and goals. The outcome of the policy showed that tax as an economic instrument was efficient in changing the public’s behaviour in the use of plastic carrier bags.

Microbial electrosynthesis (MES) has recently emerged as a novel biotechnology platform for value-added product generation from waste CO2 stream. Integrating MES technology with renewable energy sources for both CO2 valorization and renewable energy storage is regarded as one type of artificial photosynthesis and a perfect example of circular bioeconomy. However, several challenges remain to be addressed to scale-up MES as a feasible process for chemical production, which include enhanced production rate, reduced energy consumption and excellent resistance to external fluctuations. To fill these knowledge gaps, different in-depth approaches were proposed in this dissertation by optimizing the cathode architecture, CO2 flow rates and utilizing efficient photoelectrode to improve MES performance and stability. A novel cathode design, made of conductive hollow fiber membrane, was developed in this dissertation to improve CO2 availability at MES cathode surface via direct CO2 delivery to chemolithoautotrophs through the pores in the hollow fibers. By modifying the hollow fiber surface with carbon nanotubes (CNTs), higher bioproduct formation was achieved with excellent faradaic efficiencies, which could be attributed to the improved surface area for bacterial adhesion and the reduction of cathodic electron transfer resistance. Since CO2 flow rate from industrial facilities typically varies over time, this hollow-fiber architecture was also applied to test the resistance of MES systems to CO2 flow rate fluctuation. Stepwise increase of CO2 flow rates from 0.3 ml/min to 10 ml/min was tested and the effect of CO2 flow rate fluctuations was evaluated in terms of biochemical generation and microbial community. MES was further integrated with renewable energy supply for both energy storage and CO2 transformation into biofuels and biochemicals. Stable MES photoanode, based on molybdenum-doped bismuth vanadate deposited on fluorine-doped tin oxide glass (FTO/BiVO4/Mo), was prepared for efficient solar energy harvesting and overpotential reduction for oxygen evolution reaction (OER), which contributed to one of the highest solar-to-biochemical conversion efficiencies ever reported for photo-assisted MES systems. The applied nature of this dissertation with fundamental insights is of great importance to bring MES one step closer to full-scale applications and enable MES technology to be economically more viable for renewable energy storage and CO2 valorization.

E-waste is one of the fastest-growing waste streams in the world, and South Africa (SA) is no exception. This is driven by increased consumer demand and access to electrical and electronic equipment, in addition to perceived equipment obsolescence, and rapid advancements in technology. E-waste recycling presents an opportunity in providing a source of secondary resources such as metals, plastics and glass, as well as employment and economic opportunities in both developed and developing countries. Furthermore, the diversion of this waste stream from landfills or dumps prevents additional land use and the potential negative impacts on human health and the environment. E-waste collection and upgrading is a relatively small-scale but growing industry in SA. Only 12% of e-waste generated was estimated to be recycled in 2015. Most of SA’s ewaste volumes are inaccessible due to lack of formal take-back schemes, lack of consumer awareness, as well as e-waste being kept in storage or disposed of in landfills. E-waste recyclers in SA generally carry out collection, dismantling and sorting, refurbishing, as well as pre-processing of value fractions. There is currently limited local end-processing capacity, therefore partially upgraded value fractions are prepared for export, while non-viable fractions are stockpiled or disposed of in local landfills. The business case for local end-processing of e-waste value fractions, particularly metals, does not seem feasible due to the inconsistent and insufficient volumes available. Furthermore, SA faces unique socio-economic challenges such as an unregulated yet well-established informal sector. Additionally, the legal framework presents many inhibitors for e-waste recyclers. This research study builds upon the knowledge that there is a limited understanding of the feasibility of existing e-waste end-processing technologies for implementation in the South African socio-economic and legislative context. Therefore, this research intends to find out what are the key barriers and enablers to implementing e-waste end-processing technologies in SA. Qualitative research methods were used to uncover the current challenges faced by local recyclers and other stakeholders in the value chain. The data collection thus took the form of interviews, site visits and desktop research. The findings show that the e-waste recycling industry in SA is undergoing many new developments in terms of research and investment interest, as well as the anticipated outcomes from the recent submissions of Industry Waste Management Plans (IndWMP). The industry shows potential as an emerging secondary resource economy, however, the extent to which it will mature is dependent on the organisation of its collection network as well as the development of local end-processing and manufacturing capacity. The collection network and infrastructure are currently supported by both informal and formal recyclers who provide a diversity of collection strategies and a wide network of ewaste sources. However, efforts to increase recycling rates by accessing volumes in storage and increasing consumer awareness and engagement is necessary. Besides the economies of scale required to support the development of local end-processing, alternative technologies to large-scale smelting should be considered for the SA context. While this is seen through initiatives by SA Precious Metals, end-processing technologies is still inaccessible to small and medium recyclers due to cash flow issues as well as cherry-picking of high-grade materials. Therefore, recyclers require further support in terms of dealing with non-viable fractions. This includes research and investments into technologies and business models for the recycling of low-value materials including plastics, as well as subsidies for the cost of safe disposal or treatment of these fractions. Additionally, acquisition of product markets and an increase in manufacturing capacity is necessary to accelerate industry development. The legislative framework also poses limitations on recyclers in the e-waste value chain, stemming from the legal definition of e-waste as a liability as opposed to a resource. While the legislation is unlikely to change, provisions to relieve any legal barriers should be implemented. This includes permissions for pilot projects to test new technologies, as well as legal support for smaller recyclers in the form of consultancy as well as guidelines for sustainable waste management practices should be provided. Finally, while there are many challenges present in the e-waste recycling industry today, the IndWMP offers an opportunity for collaboration between key stakeholders, including the relevant government bodies. Plans have been submitted and the outcomes of approved plans will be revealed at the beginning of 2019. The plans offer solutions for recycling subsidies, increasing the collection and recycling rates, as well as investment into technology, research and enterprise development. However, successful implementation of these plans will only occur if integration and collaboration of the local e-waste community prevail over greed and the struggle for power.