O presente trabalho visa analisar, a partir da perspectiva do uso final de energia, os resultados do indicador de eficiência criado para averiguar o desempenho de equipamentos usados em obras de construção civil de grande porte. Dentro do setor apreciado, optou-se por analisar energeticamente apenas a fase de construção per si em razão desta etapa ser uma fase de intenso consumo energético. O presente trabalho contou com uma compilação de dados baseados no consumo de 26.121 equipamentos em operação, em 84 obras de construção de grande porte. A partir do banco de dados inicial realizou-se a análise dos dados dos equipamentos monitorados via satélite e com informações de eficiência. Por fim, estimou-se, especificamente, a variação da eficiência nos equipamentos em questão. Na busca de resultados, foi possível constatar uma predominância no consumo de óleo diesel quando comparado a outros insumos energéticos. Geradores, guindastes, compressores e caminhões foram os itens que apresentaram maiores índices de eficiência, com 99,0%, 93,5%, 93,2% e 92,3%, respectivamente. Esses resultados mostram que a maior parte destes equipamentos operam próximo ao ótimo do consumo por hora registrado no projeto. / The present work aims to analyze, from the perspective of the end use of energy, the results of the efficiency indicator created in order to investigate the performance of a group of equipment widely used in large construction projects in Brazil. The analyze comprehends only construction period itself due this step is to consider a phase of intense energy consumption. This work included a database related to the fuel consumption of 26,121 equipment during their operation, at 84 work sites in the large construction projects. From the database described, we performed data analysis of satellite equipment monitored and with efficiency information. Finally, it was estimated the variation of efficiency of the equipment in question. The results show a predominance of diesel consumption when compared to other fuels inputs. Considering our methodology, generators, cranes, compressors and trucks were the items that had higher levels of efficiency, with 99.0%, 93.5%, 93.2% and 92.3%, respectively. These results show that most of these devices operate close to the optimal consumption per hour recorded in the project.

ALICE is one of four major experiments of particle accelerator LHC installed in the European laboratory CERN. The management committee of the LHC accelerator has just approved a program update for this experiment. Among the upgrades planned for the coming years of the ALICE experiment is to improve the resolution and tracking efficiency maintaining the excellent particles identification ability, and to increase the read-out event rate to 100 KHz. In order to achieve this, it is necessary to update the Time Projection Chamber detector (TPC) and Muon tracking (MCH) detector modifying the read-out electronics, which is not suitable for this migration. To overcome this limitation the design, fabrication and experimental test of new ASIC named SAMPA has been proposed . This ASIC will support both positive and negative polarities, with 32 channels per chip and continuous data readout with smaller power consumption than the previous versions. This work aims to design, fabrication and experimental test of a readout front-end in 130nm CMOS technology with configurable polarity (positive/negative), peaking time and sensitivity. The new SAMPA ASIC can be used in both chambers (TPC and MCH). The proposed front-end is composed of a Charge Sensitive Amplifier (CSA) and a Semi-Gaussian shaper. In order to obtain an ASIC integrating 32 channels per chip, the design of the proposed front-end requires small area and low power consumption, but at the same time requires low noise. In this sense, a new Noise and PSRR (Power Supply Rejection Ratio) improvement technique for the CSA design without power and area impact is proposed in this work. The analysis and equations of the proposed circuit are presented which were verified by electrical simulations and experimental test of a produced chip with 5 channels of the designed front-end. The measured equivalent noise charge was <550e for 30mV/fC of sensitivity at a input capacitance of 18.5pF. The total core area of the front-end was 2300?m × 150?m, and the measured total power consumption was 9.1mW per channel. / ALICE é um dos quatro grandes experimentos do acelerador de partículas LHC (Large Hadron Collider) instalado no laboratório europeu CERN. Um programa de atualizações desse experimento acaba de ser aprovado pelo comitê gestor do acelerador LHC. Dentro das atualizações planejadas para os próximos anos do experimento ALICE, está melhorar a resolução e eficiência de rastreamento de partículas produzidas em colisões entre íons pesados, mantendo a excelente capacidade de identificação de partículas para uma taxa de leitura de eventos significativamente maior da atual. Para se alcançar esse objetivo, entre outras ações, é preciso atualizar os detectores Time Projection Chamber (TPC), modificando a eletrônica de leitura de eventos, a qual não é adequada para esta migração. Para superar esta limitação tem sido proposto o projeto, simulação, fabricação, teste experimental e validação de um ASIC protótipo de aquisição de sinais e de processamento digital chamado SAMPA, que possa ser usado na eletrônica de detecção dos sinais no cátodo do TPC, que suporte polaridades negativas de tensão de entrada e leitura continua de dados, com 32 canais por chip, com menor consumo de potência comparado com a versão anterior do chip. Este trabalho tem como objetivo o projeto, fabricação, e teste experimental de um readout front-end em tecnologia CMOS 130nm, com polaridade configurable (positiva/ negativa), peaking time e sensibilidade, de forma que o novo SAMPA ASIC possa ser usada em ambos detectores. Para obter um ASIC integrando 32 canais por chip, o projeto do front-end proposto precisa ter baixa área e baixo consumo de potência, mas ao mesmo tempo requer baixo ruido. Neste sentido, uma nova técnica para melhorar a especificação de ruido e o PSRR (Power Supply Rejection Ratio) sem impacto no consumo de área e potência é proposta neste trabalho. A análise e as equações do circuito proposto são apresentadas as quais foram validadas por simulação e teste experimental de um circuito integrado com 5 canais do front-end projetado. O Equivalent Noise Charge medido foi <550e para uma capacitance do detector de 18.5pF. A área total do front-end foi de 2300?m × 150?m, e o consumo total de potencia medido foi de 9.1mW por canal.

A cadeia da instrumentação para o monitoramento do desgaste da ferramenta por emissão acústica está constituída por sensores, condicionador de sinal, conversor A/D e transmissor. A seleção ou projeto de cada uma das etapas é de suma importância para manter o conteúdo do sinal de emissão acústica (neste caso a fonte de emissão acústica é a usinagem). O sinal de emissão acústica de interesse tem componentes que vão dos 100kHz a 1 MHz. Devido às características do projeto, são desenvolvidos o condicionador e o transmissor. São apresentados os projetos do pré-amplificador e filtro (que pertencem ao condicionador), os quais realizam suas respectivas funções de amplificação e filtragem. O pré-amplificador, cuja função é a de fortalecer o sinal fraco na saída do sensor, amplifica o sinal em 20 dB. Ele tem uma resposta plana na faixa de interesse (freqüências inferiores a 1 MHz). O filtro, que é do tipo banda passante, tem por função eliminar as componentes vinculadas às vibrações mecânicas e os ruídos elétricos e eletromagnéticos, assim como evitar o fenômeno do \"aliasing\" no processamento do sinal. Ele não deixa passar as componentes do sinal de freqüências inferiores a 100 kHz e superiores a 1 MHz. Tem uma resposta plana na banda de interesse, o que garante a manutenção do formato do sinal. São consideradas nos projetos indicados as respostas dos componentes eletrônicos para as freqüências de trabalho e a proteção dos circuitos contra ruídos na alimentação dos mesmos. / The instrumentation for tool wear monitoring by acoustic emission is composed by sensors, signal conditioner, A/D converter and transmitter. The selection or project of each step is very important to keep the container of acoustic emission signal (in this case the source of acoustic emission is the metal cutting). The interesting acoustic emission signal has its components, which comes from 100 kHz to 1 MHz. In spite of the project characteristics, the conditioner and the transmitter are developed. The projects of the pre-amplifier and the filter are presented (they belong to the conditioner), which makes their functions of amplification and filtration. The pre-amplifier, which function is to amplify the weak signal on the output of the sensor, amplifies the signal by 20 dB. It has a flat response on the frequency range (frequencies less than 1 MHz). The filter, which is the type of flat-band, has the function of eliminating the components connected to the mechanic vibrations and the electric/electromagnetic noises, therefore to avoid the aliasing phenomenon on the signal processing. It attenuates the signal components of frequencies lower than 100 kHz and higher than 1 MHz. There is a flat response on the frequency range, which warrants the maintenance of the signal format. It is considered into the projects indicated the electronic components\' responses to the work frequencies and the circuit protection against noises into their feeding.

Diabetic symmetrical polyneuropathy is the most common secondary complication of diabetes, with no effective treatment, apart from maintaining tight glycemic control. It is therefore essential to understand the mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of the disease in order to develop new therapeutic strategies. Biochemical and structural changes are observed in the extracellular matrix (ECM) of the peripheral nerve in diabetes: including increased endoneurial collagen; reduplication of basement membranes around endoneurial capillaries; a thickening of basal lamina; and accumulation of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs). In normal nerves, ischaemic or other damage to distal axons provokes a regenerative response; in diabetes this is abortive and failure of axonal regeneration is a hallmark of clinical and experimental diabetic neuropathy. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a large family of zinc-dependent proteolytic enzymes that cleave the protein components of the ECM. MMP-2 and MMP-9 play a central role in Wallerian degeneration and regeneration following nerve injury. This thesis investigates whether MMP-2 and -9 expression and/or activity were altered in the peripheral nerve in diabetes, and could contribute to regenerative failure in diabetic neuropathy. Using an experimental model of diabetes, we have demonstrated that MMP-2, but not MMP-9, is upregulated at gene, protein and activity levels in the rat sciatic nerve 8 weeks post-streptozotocin (STZ). This upregulation was not maintained at later time-points of diabetes. In vitro sciatic nerve cryoculture studies showed that peripheral nerve from STZ-diabetic rats was less supportive for neurite outgrowth from dissociated adult rat sensory neurons than nerve obtained from age-matched control rats. Cyrocultures were pre-treated with either MMP-2 or chondroitinase ABC, remodelling the peripheral nerve ECM, via the removal of inhibitory chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans from the sciatic nerve, and significantly enhanced its ability to support axonal regeneration, and partially restored the diabetes-associated regenerative deficit. However, exogenous MMP-2 or MMP-9 did not directly affect neurite outgrowth of dissociated adult rat sensory neurons. Finally, we assessed the neuroprotective effects of the AGE inhibitors LR90 and pyridoxamine in experimental diabetes, using a number of electrophysiological, behavioural and biochemical endpoints. These inhibitors were effective at preventing the development of some of the functional deficits observed in STZ-diabetes. Sensory nerve conduction velocity deficits and lipid peroxidation in the sciatic nerve were prevented by both LR90 and pyridoxamine. These agents have potential for the treatment of diabetic neuropathy.

A critical issue that faces the Saudi Arabia Oil and Gas Sector (OGS)'s projects is the high level of uncertainty in the successful delivery of those projects. That high level of uncertainty makes it vital to monitor and control project performance for limiting financial losses, avoiding cost overruns, and improving predictability. One of the fundamental tools that sets the framework for project performance is the project Scope of Work (SOW). Having an effective project SOW at the front end the project is challenging for project practitioners and is an issue that needs to be addressed; as its development process and output can significantly affect the later stages of the project life cycle. The aim of this study was to develop a clearer understanding of the project SOW role in a project development and to make practical recommendations for its improvement by investigating project team members' perceptions of the SOW development process in two Saudi Arabian Oil and Gas companies. This research adopts a qualitative approach, a case study strategy and focus group discussions to collect primary data. The results suggested that the project SOW development process is the foundation for another twelve key project management processes that need to be considered in order to successfully complete a project On Scope, On Time, On Cost and On Strategy. To be considered effective, the project SOW should have the following four characteristics of: formality, usefulness, effective content elements and effective language quality. In addition, the project SOW should support effective decision making, risk management, project planning and project monitoring and control. The results show that the project SOW in Saudi Arabia OGS is developed in several phases as part of Front-End Loading (FEL) development and final project SOW is developed and approved at the end of the 2nd phase of FEL (FEL-2). It was found that there are eleven key enablers, such as clear vision, targets, and objectives; effective stakeholders' engagement; and effective assurance review process, for producing an effective project SOW. While eleven key barriers for producing an effective SOW were identified such as: absence of reward system; insufficient training programs; and insufficient budget. Therefore, enhancing the key enablers and overcoming the barriers may facilitated improvements in the project SOW development process. This study recommends that companies need to pay closer attention to the design of the temporary organisation and accordingly set their strategy, structure, process, rewards and people. The researcher details some implications, acknowledges some limitations and provides recommendations for future research in this area.

Concrete is a strong material as to its compressive strength. However, it is a material with a low tensile and shear strength, and brittleness at failure. Concrete has to be reinforced with appropriate materials. Steel fibre is one of the most common materials currently being used to develop reinforced concrete, which may replace partially or completely conventional steel reinforcement. Successful reinforcement of concrete composite is closely related to the bond characteristics between the reinforcing fibre and matrix. The effective utilisation of steel fibre reinforced concrete (SFRC) requires in-depth and detailed understanding of bonding mechanisms governing the tensile behaviour. In response to this demand, this study embraced two main areas: understanding the reinforcing mechanisms of fibres in SFRC and material's post-cracking behaviour. Comprehensive experimental and theoretical programmes have therefore been developed: the experimental work is subdivided into three parts. The first part was to investigate the effect of various physical parameters, such as fibre characteristics (i.e. geometry, inclination angle, embedded length, diameter and tensile strength) and matrix strength which controls the pull-out behaviour of steel fibres. The second part is concerned with the assessment of the bond mechanisms of straight and hooked end fibres after exposure to elevated temperatures and varying matrix strength. The third part is devoted to gain further insight on the bond mechanisms governing the post-cracking behaviour through uniaxial and bending tests. It was found that the varying hook geometry and matrix strength each had a major influence on the pull-out response of hooked end fibres. As the number of the hook's bends increased, the mechanical anchorage provided by fibre resulted in significant improvement of mechanical properties of SFRC. The reduction in bond strength at elevated temperatures is found to be strongly related to the degradation in properties of the constituent materials, i.e. the fibre and concrete. The most effective combination of matrix strength and fibre geometry was found to be as follows: 3DH (single bend) fibre with normal-medium strength matrix, 4DH (double bend) fibre with high strength matrix and 5DH (triple bend) fibre with ultra-high performance matrix. Two analytical models to predict the pull-out behaviour of hooked end fibres were developed. Both models were able to predict the pull-out response of SFRC made from a variety of fibre and matrix characteristics at ambient temperature. This work has established a comprehensive database to illustrate the bonding mechanisms of SFRC and anchorage strengthening of various hooked end fibres, and this should contribute towards an increasing interest and growing number of structural applications of SFRC in construction.

O presente trabalho tem como objetivo avaliar as tensões atuantes no conjunto conector e duto flexível de camadas não aderentes durante ensaios com carregamentos axiais de tração e fadiga. Estes ensaios são utilizados para a qualificação de dutos flexíveis. Foram desenvolvidos e patenteados alguns modelos de conectores contemplando apenas a parte estrutural. Ensaios preliminares de tração e fadiga, com dois conectores diferentes e um segmento de riser de dimensões reduzidas, foram realizados visando a seleção do modelo de melhor desempenho em um pórtico. O conector de melhor desempenho foi então ensaiado em uma bancada com dimensões que atendessem ao documento da Petrobras a I-ET 3500.00.6500-291-PAZ-001 - Non standartized Prototype qualification tests of flexible pipes (2007). Tanto os ensaios do pórtico como o de bancada, foram monitorados com strain gages colados nos tendões da armadura externa de tração próximos aos conectores. O foco deste trabalho está nas armaduras de tração na interface com a resina do conector. Questões quanto ao desempenho da mesma em fadiga são de grande importância prática. Complementando a parte experimental, foram construídos modelos sólidos tridimensionais, baseados no Método dos Elementos Finitos para análise das tensões. A comparação dos resultados das diferentes metodologias validou o modelo numérico possibilitando melhor entendimento das variações de tensões nas armaduras de tração na interface com os conectores. Isso possibilitou responder a importantes questões quanto ao desempenho em fadiga bem como possíveis melhorias no projeto de conectores para dutos flexíveis. Existem trabalhos referentes à análise de tensões dos tendões nos conectores considerando o estado plano de tensões. O presente estudo dos tendões usando modelos tridimensionais, abordagem não encontrada em literatura aberta, avalia melhor a concentração de tensões nos tendões na entrada do conector. A motivação deste estudo se deve tanto à falta de informações detalhadas das tensões e deformações nos tendões na interface com o conector, como pela importância das mesmas, em componentes vitais à explotação de petróleo Offshore. / This aim of this work is to evaluate stresses which actuate on a system made up of a unbonded flexible pipe and a end fitting during static and dynamic axial loading mechanical tests. These tests are used as a means of qualification of flexible pipes. The structural design of models of end fittings were developed and patented. Preliminary static and dynamic tests with two different end fittings and a smalldimensioned riser segment were performed in a frame in view of selecting the bestperforming type. After this evaluation, the end fitting with the best performance was tested in a rig with dimensions according to Petrobras document I-ET 3500.00.6500-291-PAZ- 001 - Non standartized Prototype qualification tests of flexible pipes (2007). Tests performed in the frame and on the rig were monitored with resistance strain gages attached to wires of the external armor, on the interface with the end fitting resin, since performance of this region under fatigue is of utmost practical importance. Three-dimensional solid models were built using the Finite Element Modelling (FEM) method, as a way of validating experimental results. Comparison of results obtained from the different methodologies validated the numerical model, allowing a better understanding of the variations of stresses in the interface of the riser with the end fitting. This led to the solution of many doubts regarding fatigue performance as well as possible improvements in the design of flexible riser end fittings. Existing work published in literature considers only plane stress; the present study, based on 3D models which are not found in literature, is thought to better describe the stress concentration on the wires at the end fitting interface. The motivation of this work relies on the lack of detailed information of the stress and strain to which wires are subjected at the interface with the end fitting, as well as the importance of these in vital components for offshore oil exploration.

O trabalho apresentado tem como finalidade analisar os sistemas de ancoragem utilizados na fabricação de End Fittings (EF), através de ensaios de dois sistemas de ancoragem alternativos aos utilizados atualmente na indústria. Além disso, é apresentado o desenvolvimento de um modelo de elementos finitos (MEF) que permite a reprodução do comportamento durante o processo de pullout da ancoragem com melhor desempenho. A caracterização dos materiais envolvidos no sistema de ancoragem foi necessária para o desenvolvimento do modelo numérico. Desta forma, o modelo numérico conta com as propriedades elásticas e plásticas dos materiais, fator que influencia o comportamento do sistema assim como os valores de carga necessários para o arrancamento. A comparação das ancoragens propostas foi realizada a partir dos valores de força obtidos por meio de um teste de arrancamento, chamado de pullout. Para isto, arames da armadura de tração de uma linha flowline de 2,5 polegadas foram conformados de acordo à geometria das ancoragens propostas e embebidas em resina epóxi tentando, desta forma, representar de forma simplificada parte do sistema de ancoragem utilizado nos EF. O desempenho das ancoragens foi analisado a partir das curvas de força em função do deslocamento, nas quais se analisou a força máxima de pullout (força máxima de arrancamento), o deslocamento para força máxima de pullout e o valor de rigidez do sistema. Finalmente depois de selecionada a ancoragem com melhor desempenho, os valores experimentais foram comparados com os valores obtidos do modelo numérico, mostrando uma boa aproximação com valores de erro relativo para a força máxima de pullout e rigidez de -1% e 8%, respectivamente. Por fim, propõe-se como trabalho futuro a continuação nos estudos experimentais de pullout com o objetivo de aprofundar o conhecimento sobre os parâmetros que mais influenciam nestes sistemas, através da utilização de novas geometrias e materiais, assim como a normalização do processo de preparação e ensaio das amostras. / The work aims to analyze the anchoring systems used in manufacturing of flexible pipe End Fittings (EF) through the tests of two alternative anchoring systems different of the currently used in the industry. In addition, it is presented the development of a finite element model (MEF) that allows to reproduce the behavior during the pullout process of the anchoring system with the better performance. The characterization of the materials involved in the anchoring system was necessary for the development of the numerical model. In this way, the numerical model include the elastic and plastic properties of materials, factor that influence the behavior of the system as well as the force values needed for the pullout. The comparison of the proposed anchoring systems was performed from the force values obtained through a pullout test. For this, the armor wires of a flowline flexible pipe with a bore of 2.5-inch were conformed according the geometry of the anchoring systems proposed and then were fixed in epoxy resin, trying in this way to represent a simplified form of the anchoring system used in EF. The performance of the anchoring systems was analyzed from the force-displacement curves. The maximum pullout force, the offset for maximum strength of pullout and the stiffness value of the system were used for the analysis. Finally, after selected the anchoring system with better performance, the experimental values were compared with the values obtained from the numerical model. The results showed a good approximation, with a relative error for the maximum pullout force and stiffness of -1% and 8% respectively. As proposal for future works, the author proposes to continue with the experimental studies of pullout in order to enhance the knowledge about the influential parameters in these systems, through the use of new geometries and materials, as well as the standardization of the test samples preparation.

This master thesis focuses on Fukuyama's End of History thesis and the Theory of Democratic Peace. Broader theoretical framework is the liberal-idealist tradition of international relations. The basis for analysis is liberalism which is presented as a scientific research program. Liberal theory is chosen also due to the fact that it provides better explanation of contemporary complex and interconnected world. The analysis focuses on theoretical foundations of both theories and follows their main supporting arguments. Liberal-democratic system is interpreted as an emergent property and the consequence of spontaneous order (societal self-organization based on voluntary co-operation), i.e. as an outcome of an evolutionary process in a complex system with feedback. The consequence for the international system is that it can be no longer considered as mainly anarchical environment.

This thesis is a critical assessment of Edith Stein’s critique of Martin Heidegger, which is focused on the definition of the human being. I explore Stein’s ontology of the person from the point of view of her examination of Heidegger’s existential ‘Dasein’ and the way she reaches a very different answer to the same question that Heidegger posed, the question of the meaning of being. To this end I examine key passages of Stein’s most important ontological work Finite and Eternal Being - An Attempt at an Ascent to the Meaning of Being along with its appendix Martin Heidegger’s Philosophy of Existence, in which she directly discussed Heidegger’s philosophy, focusing on his work Being and Time. In the first part of this research I draw a historico-philosophical overview of the academic and political background of the period between World War I and World War II in Germany in order to position both authors in context and investigate their philosophical influences as well as their ambiguous relationship with the phenomenological school. The central part is dedicated to Stein’s analysis of Heidegger’s Dasein: I compare and explain both authors’ approaches to the philosophical understanding of human being, person, life, soul and death. This investigation was carried out with both a hermeneutical and terminological analysis. I draw upon the results to demonstrate how Stein’s phenomenology of life experiences enlarges the borders of human finitude to embrace the possibility of its ontological horizon while Heidegger restricts and concentrates the entire ontological question on the Dasein, its existence and ultimately its finitude. My findings provide an assessment of the limits as well as the strengths of Stein’s critique. I demonstrate that Stein attempted to build a bridge between classical ontology and phenomenology, while Heidegger’s distance from the philosophical tradition was rooted in his methodological refusal. I also show how their opposite methods and findings present unexpected similarities and how Stein’s philosophical significance should be reconsidered in the light of her work. This research leads to various implications for today’s philosophical debate and makes it possible to view Stein’s theory of being in a wider ethical context, as presented in the final part of this work. I argue that Heidegger depersonalises and violates traditional ontology to explain the human being only in terms of pure existence, while Stein’s portrait of the ‘fullness’ and the meaning of life contributes to the discussion between philosophy and religion. In the final section of this work I show how some of the elements emerging from Stein’s critique of Heidegger can cast a light on the current ethical discussion about how death is understood and experienced socially, and how best to care for the dying.