This study focuses on realization of a Brain Computer Interface (BCI)for the paralyzed to control assistive environmental devices. For this purpose, different motor imagery tasks are classified using different signal processing methods. Specifically, band-pass filtering, Laplacian filtering, and common average reference (CAR) filtering areused to enhance the EEG signal. For feature extraction / Common Spatial Pattern (CSP), Power Spectral Density (PSD), and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) are tested. Linear Feature Normalization (LFN), Gaussian Feature Normalization (GFN), and Unit-norm Feature Vector Normalization (UFVN) are studied in Support Vector Machine (SVM) and Artificial Neural Network (ANN) classification. In order to evaluate and compare the performance of the methodologies, classification accuracy, Cohen&rsquo / s kappa coefficient, and Nykopp&rsquo / s information transfer are utilized. The first experiments on classifying motor imagery tasks are realized on the 3-class dataset (V) provided for BCI Competition III. Also, a 4-class problem is studied using the dataset (IIa) provided for BCI Competition IV. Then, 5 different tasks are studied in the METU Brain Research Laboratory to find the optimum number and type of tasks to control a motor imagery based BCI. Thereafter, an interface is designed for the paralyzed to control assistive environmental devices. Finally, a test application is implemented and online performance of the design is evaluated.

A proper normative interpretation is undoubtedly one of the pillars of Law, all this thanks that brings a juridical security level and predictability to all the parties involved. In that sense the author submits a critique about the criteria that have been emitted by the diverse public  organisms  in  environmental  material,  specifically  with  the  juridical  concept  of«environmental damage» in the excess inside Maximum Permissible Limit. Also the article presents an objective focus through a temporal development of diverse administrative resolutions, which are established as incorrect on the basis of a wide and forced interpretation about environmental damage, concept applied not only in a case with real effects, but also potential ones. Finally, this is provided by the author as a defect, that although actually exists a remedial intention, this must begin from a clear conceptual framework in normative and resolutive topics by equal. / Una debida interpretación normativa, se constituye sin duda alguna, como uno de los pilares del Derecho, ello gracias a que otorga un nivel de seguridad jurídica y predictibilidad a todas la partes involucradas. Es en ese sentido, que el autor sostiene una crítica sobre el criterio que han venido emitiendo en instancia administrativa diversos organismos públicos en materia ambiental, específicamente con respecto al concepto jurídico de «daño ambiental» en el exceso de los Límites Máximos Permisibles (LMP). El artículo nos presenta un enfoque objetivo con un desarrollo temporal de diversas resoluciones administrativas, las cuales manifiesta, son erróneas en base a una interpretación amplia y forzada de lo que es daño ambiental, concepto que se aplica no solo para aquellos supuestos con efectos reales, sino también potenciales. Finalmente, ello es señalado por el autor como un defecto, que si bien en la actualidad existe una intención de subsanarlo, esto debe partir principalmente de un marco conceptual claro tanto en el ámbito normativo como resolutivo.

The purpose of this article is to introduce the competencies of OEFA, the way this organization has been implementing mechanisms for its exercise and the liabilities of the administered regarding supervision and control. / La finalidad de este artículo es dar a conocer las competencias del Organismo de Evaluación y Fiscalización Ambiental (OEFA), la forma como este organismo viene implementado losmecanismos para su ejercicio y las obligaciones del administrado respecto de la supervisión y fiscalización.

Made available in DSpace on 2014-12-17T15:03:26Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 JobsonLPS_DISSERT.pdf: 2767919 bytes, checksum: e1bb0574f00691c579728b1cd1f3c247 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2011-02-22 / Coordena??o de Aperfei?oamento de Pessoal de N?vel Superior / The study that resulted in this dissertation was developed at OU RNCE PETROBRAS, in Natal, which implemented a project of rational use and reuse of water, including use of wastewater from a Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) already in place, diluted with water from own wells for irrigation of green area of the building complex corporate enterprise. Establish a methodology that can serve as guidelines for future projects controlled reuse of water like this was the objective of this research. Been proposed, implemented and evaluated three instruments of sanitary and environmental control: 1) adaptation of sewage treatment plant and quality control of the treated effluent 2) analysis of soil-nutrient interaction in the irrigated area, 3) knowledge of the local hydrogeology, especially with regard to the direction of flow of the aquifer and location of collection wells of Companhia de ?guas e Esgotos do Rio Grande do Norte (CAERN) situated in the surroundings. These instruments have proven sufficient and appropriate to ensure the levels of sanitary and environmental control proposed and studied, which were: a) control of water quality off the STP and the output of the irrigation reservoir, b) control of water quality sub surface soil and assessment of progress on soil composition, c) assessment of water quality in the aquifer. For this, we must: 1) establishing the monitoring plan of the STP and its effluent quality sampling points and defining the parameters of analysis, improve the functioning of that identifying the adequacy of flow and screening as the main factors of operational control, and increase the efficiency of the station to a relatively low cost, using additional filters, 2) propose, implement and adapt simple collectors to assess the quality of water percolating into the soil of the irrigated area, 3) determine the direction of groundwater flow in the area study and select the wells for monitoring of the aquifer. / A pesquisa da qual resultou esta disserta??o desenvolveu-se na UO RNCE da PETROBRAS, em Natal, que implantou um projeto de uso racional e re?so de ?guas, com aproveitamento do efluente de uma Esta??o de Tratamento de Esgotos (ETE) j? existente no local, dilu?do com ?gua de po?os, para irriga??o da ?rea verde do complexo de pr?dios corporativo da empresa. Estabelecer uma metodologia que possa servir de orienta??o para futuros projetos de re?so controlado de ?guas semelhantes a esse foi o objetivo desta pesquisa. Foram propostos, implementados e avaliados tr?s instrumentos de controle sanit?rio e ambiental: 1) adequa??o da esta??o de tratamento de esgotos e controle da qualidade do efluente tratado; 2) an?lise da intera??o nutrientes-solo na ?rea irrigada; 3) conhecimento da hidrogeologia local, principalmente no que diz respeito ? dire??o do fluxo do aqu?fero, e localiza??o dos po?os de capta??o da Companhia de ?guas e Esgotos do Rio Grande do Norte (CAERN) situados no entorno. Estes instrumentos mostraram-se suficientes e adequados para assegurar os n?veis de controle sanit?rio e ambiental propostos e estudados, que foram: a) controle da qualidade da ?gua na sa?da da ETE e na sa?da do reservat?rio de irriga??o; b) controle da qualidade da ?gua no solo sub superficialmente e avalia??o da evolu??o da composi??o do solo; c) avalia??o da qualidade da ?gua no aq??fero. Para isso, foi necess?rio: 1) estabelecer o plano de monitoramento da ETE e da qualidade do seu efluente definindo pontos de amostragem e par?metros de analise, melhorar o funcionamento da mesma identificando a adequa??o da vaz?o e do peneiramento como principais fatores do controle operacional, e aumentar a efici?ncia da esta??o a um custo relativamente baixo, com uso de filtros adicionais; 2) propor, implantar e adequar coletores simples para avaliar a qualidade da ?gua percolada no solo da ?rea irrigada; 3) determinar a dire??o do fluxo subterr?neo na ?rea de estudo e selecionar os po?os para monitoramento da ?gua do aq??fero.

Les capteurs électrochimiques sont des outils pour la détection fiable, peu coûteux, avec une haute sensibilité et sélectivité, pour la détermination des composés biologiques et chimiques dans les domaines du diagnostic clinique, l'environnement et l'industrie alimentaire. Particulièrement, les Immunocapteurs, alliant une très grande spécificité. Également des nouveaux techniques produisent des résultats similaires, par exemple, les capteurs basés sur la technique des Polymères à empreinte moléculaire, la quelle produise des récepteurs artificiels. La technique devient très important dans les sciences bioanalytiques parce qu'il porte des avantages inhérents sur les récepteurs naturels: une grande stabilité dans des diffèrent environnement et conditions, également comptent avec une grande flexibilité dans la conception, une large gamme de molécules peuvent être utilisées. L'objectif du travail présenté ici est de développer des capteurs électrochimiques avec une très grande affinité et spécificité pour une analyte. Les quelles comprennent des applications très divers comme dans la protection de l'environnement, la sécurité alimentaire et le domaine biomédical. La première partie de la thèse présent l'état actuel de la conception et techniques de fabrication des biocapteurs. Ensuite, les aspects généraux des immuno capteurs électrochimiques et capteurs base sur des aptamères sont présentés ici, ainsi que plusieurs exemples rapportés dans la littérature pour la détection de marqueurs biologiques du cancer. Les avantages de l'intégration nanomatériaux dans les dispositifs de détection sont présentés. Ensuite, plusieurs aspects sur la technique des Polymères à empreinte moléculaire sont introduits. La partie personnelle de contribution est structuré en trois chapitres: en premier temps la méthodologie et les résultats obtenus pour le développement de deux essais biologiques pour la détection du marqueur tumoral Mucinl. Le premier chapitre est dédié sur un capteur à base de billes magnétiques, dans le deuxième chapitre une capteur aptamère base sur des nanoparticules d'or sans aucun marquage et finalement un capteur basée sur la technique des Polymères à empreinte moléculaire, cette protocole a été appliqué pour la détection d'explosifs, des médicaments, des hormones et les pesticides / Electrochemical sensors provide reliable and inexpensive tools for the determination of biological and chemical compounds with high sensitivity and selectivity, in the fields of clinical diagnosis, environment protection and food industry. Immunosensors hold particular promise, combining the high specificity of immuno- reactions with the sensitivity of electrochemical methods. Artificial receptors based on molecularly imprinted technique attracted considerable attention in bioanalytical sciences due to inherent advantages over natural receptors, such as high stability in harsh conditions and freedom of molecular design towards a wide range of molecules. The aim of the thesis presented here was to develop electrochemical affinity sensors based on various recognition receptors for environment monitoring, food safety and biomedical field. The first part of the thesis reviews the current state of knowledge in these fields. General aspects of electrochemical immuno- and apta-sensors are presented herein, together with several examples reported in the literature for the detection of cancer biomarkers. The advantages of integrating nanomaterials in sensing devices are then presented. At last, several aspects of the molecularly imprinted polymers are introduced. The personal contribution part is structured in three chapters, that include the methodology and results obtained for the development of biosensors for the detection of Mucinl tumor marker, the first chapter being focused on bioassays based on magnetic beads and second chapter on a label-free aptasensor based on gold nanoparticles, and finally, a third chapter dedicated to the molecularly imprinted-based sensors for the detection of explosives, drugs, hormones and pesticides

The thesis deals with design and optimization of environment in cabins of small transport aircrafts, especially in terms of thermal comfort and quality of ventilation. The design of air distribution systems and structural design were optimized and most important parts of cabin design with highest impact on the quality of thermal comfort and ventilation were identified based on literature research and experience of the author. The chosen modifications and their influence on the microclimate inside the cabin were investigated using the CFD model, which was validated by results obtained from measurements of flow and temperature fields in the cabin mock-up of small transport aircraft EV-55. Next optimizations were investigated: The type of air distribution system, The geometry of ducts of air distribution system, Thickness of thermal insulation and Emissivity of internal surfaces. Thermal comfort was assessed based on the methodology of the equivalent temperature and comfort zones diagram developed by H. O. Nilsson and for assessing the quality of ventilation the concept of based on index of the age of the air was used. Fifty cases were simulated in total and base of its results Modified mixing ventilation with original air ducts geometry have been evaluated as an optimum. The ducts geometry of Modified mixing ventilation system was suggested by author specially for the thesis. In combination with high thermal insulation of walls and high emissivity of the interior, then this system of ventilation ensures maximum thermal comfort and quality of ventilation for the investigated range of environmental and operational conditions.

A quantitative, explorative, descriptive contextual study was conducted to determine to what extent the malaria control measures proposed by the Tanzanian government had been implemented by parents of children between the ages 0-5 years who lived in Bukumbi village. Structured interviews were conducted with 40 parents of children who had been admitted for malaria treatment during 2007, and the data analysed by computer. Although respondents had a basic knowledge of preventive measures they did not implement actions preventing the anopheles mosquitoes’ breeding in this tropical area. The vicious cycle of poverty, malaria episodes and lack of proper malaria health education hampered the implementation of control measures such as the spraying of houses with insecticides. Although the government of Tanzania subsidises insecticide treated bed nets the respondents did not maintain these nets and did not renew the insecticide treatment of these nets. The incidence of malaria is unlikely to decline in the Bukumbi village unless all identified factors are addressed. / Health Studies / M.A.

La preocupación por el Medio Ambiente y las consecuencias que su degradación pueda acarrear a las personas y a los bienes, se ha generalizado en las últimas décadas más que ningún otro sector. En la actualidad, ninguna actividad puede desarrollarse sin respetar el medio ambiente. La gestión de los puertos marítimos no ha sido ajena a esta tendencia y no han escapado tampoco los puertos pesqueros o deportivos donde también es necesario minorar cualquier forma de contaminación si se quieren limitar sus efectos negativos sobre el medio. La preocupación sobre los efectos repercutidos al medio ambiente, importarán los impactos negativos que las actividades pesqueras y de ocio repercutan, sea sobre recursos comunes o sobre el tejido social, a través de riesgos ambientales o sanitarios en sentido amplio, sobre la capacidad del entorno para absorber y regenerar desechos o sencillamente, para producir satisfacciones estéticas o de otro tipo. Los costes derivados de esos impactos dejarán, de ser externos al mercado y de ser sufragados por el conjunto de los ciudadanos, ya que afectarán directamente en buena medida, a las empresas turísticas. La calidad ambiental, pasará a ser clave para el éxito de un turismo de calidad y de muchas actividades de ocio, ya que la demanda de entornos no degradados implica la de una calidad ambiental alta, no sólo para turistas en el sentido estricto de la palabra, sino para cualquier “consumidor de ocio”. / Concern for the Environment and the consequences that might cause degradation to persons and property, has become widespread in recent decades than any other sector. At present, no activity can take place without respecting the environment. The management of seaports has not been immune to this trend and have not escaped either or sport fishing ports where it is also necessary to lessen any form of contamination if you want to limit their negative effects on the environment. Concern about the effects passed on to the environment, import the negative impacts of fishing activities and recreational impact, whether common or resources on the social fabric, through environmental and health risks in a broad sense, on the ability of the environment to absorb and regenerate waste or simply to produce aesthetic satisfaction or otherwise. The costs of these impacts will, if external to the market and be borne by all citizens, as it directly affects largely to tourism businesses. The environmental quality will be key to the success of a quality tourism and many leisure activities, as the demand for non-degraded environments involves a high environmental quality, not only for tourists in the strict sense of the word but for any "consumer of leisure".

In this interview, our guest responds to current and controversial issues related to environmental matters and the mining sector. First, the author talks about the variability of numbers for investment in mineral exploration in our country along recent periods. Also, the problem of social unrests, tax issues, permits and licenses, known as «permisología» and their impact on the sector. Similarly, and inevitably, some comment on the widespread use of Contracts Tax Stability and new measures of environmental control, taken by the recently enacted and controversial Law N° 30230 – Law Establishing Tax Measures, Simplification of Procedures and permits for promotion and revitalization of investment in the country, also called «Paquetazo Castilla». Furthermore, about the EIA and the recent creation of SENACE, as part of the Ministry of Environment Agency is analyzed. Finally, our interviewee continues to review the controversial «contribution by regulation» to OEFA and disciplinary proceedings. / En la presente entrevista, nuestro invitado responde a temas vigentes y controvertidos, relativosa materia ambiental y del sector minero. En primer lugar, él habla sobre la cuestión referida a la variabilidad de las cifras de inversión en exploración minera en nuestro país durante los últimos periodos. Asimismo, se analiza el reticente problema de los conflictos sociales, temas tributarios y la conocida «permisología», así como sus correspondientes impactos en el sector. Del mismo modo, e inevitablemente, se comenta sobre la extensión del uso de los Contratos de Estabilidad Tributaria y las nuevas medidas de fiscalización ambiental, adoptadas por la recientemente promulgada y polémica Ley N° 30230 – Ley que establece Medidas Tributarias, Simplificación de Procedimientos y Permisos para la promoción y dinamización de la Inversión en el País, llamada también «Paquetazo Castilla». Siguiendo la misma línea, se analiza lo correspondiente a los EIA y la reciente creación del SENACE, como organismo adscrito al Ministerio de Ambiente. Por último, nuestro entrevistado no deja de opinar sobre el discutido «aporte por regulación» al OEFA y el procedimiento sancionador.

A quantitative, explorative, descriptive contextual study was conducted to determine to what extent the malaria control measures proposed by the Tanzanian government had been implemented by parents of children between the ages 0-5 years who lived in Bukumbi village. Structured interviews were conducted with 40 parents of children who had been admitted for malaria treatment during 2007, and the data analysed by computer. Although respondents had a basic knowledge of preventive measures they did not implement actions preventing the anopheles mosquitoes’ breeding in this tropical area. The vicious cycle of poverty, malaria episodes and lack of proper malaria health education hampered the implementation of control measures such as the spraying of houses with insecticides. Although the government of Tanzania subsidises insecticide treated bed nets the respondents did not maintain these nets and did not renew the insecticide treatment of these nets. The incidence of malaria is unlikely to decline in the Bukumbi village unless all identified factors are addressed. / Health Studies / M.A.