In this thesis, partial discharge (PD) phenomenon in oil-impregnated paper (OIP) is investigated under accelerated electrical stress. The thesis is mainly focused on the characteristic of PD activity and the influence it has on the insulation properties of OIP. PD source was created by introducing an air filled cavity embedded between layers of OIP. PD activity is investigated from the initiation up to final puncture breakdown of the OIP. The time-evolution of number, maximum magnitude and average magnitude of PD is investigated for cavities with different diameter and height. It was found that time to breakdown is shorter if the cavity diameter is larger and cavities with higher depth produce larger PDs. Comparison between PD activity in three cases, i.e. unaged OIP, thermally aged OIP and OIP samples with higher moisture content is performed. In general, it is found that for all cases the number and the maximum magnitude of PD follows a similar trend versus ageing time. During the very beginning of the experiment large discharges occur and they disappear after a short ageing time. Number and maximum magnitude of PD increase with time until reaching a peak value. Finally both parameters decrease with time and puncture breakdown occurs in the sample. Even though PD activity in thermally aged OIP is higher compared to the unaged OIP samples, the time to breakdown for new and thermally aged OIP samples is similar while it is shorter for OIP samples with higher moisture content. In this thesis, partial discharge (PD) phenomenon in oil-impregnated paper (OIP) is investigated under accelerated electrical stress. The thesis is mainly focused on the characteristic of PD activity and the influence it has on the insulation properties of OIP. PD source was created by introducing an air filled cavity embedded between layers of OIP. PD activity is investigated from the initiation up to final puncture breakdown of the OIP. The time-evolution of number, maximum magnitude and average magnitude of PD is investigated for cavities with different diameter and height. It was found that time to breakdown is shorter if the cavity diameter is larger and cavities with higher depth produce larger PDs. Comparison between PD activity in three cases, i.e. unaged OIP, thermally aged OIP and OIP samples with higher moisture content is performed. In general, it is found that for all cases the number and the maximum magnitude of PD follows a similar trend versus ageing time. During the very beginning of the experiment large discharges occur and they disappear after a short ageing time. Number and maximum magnitude of PD increase with time until reaching a peak value. Finally both parameters decrease with time and puncture breakdown occurs in the sample. Even though PD activity in thermally aged OIP is higher compared to the unaged OIP samples, the time to breakdown for new and thermally aged OIP samples is similar while it is shorter for OIP samples with higher moisture content. Breakdown strength of OIP samples is measured before and after ageing with PDs. It is found that the breakdown strength of OIP samples decreases by around 40% after the sample is exposed to accelerated electrical ageing. Furthermore a thermal model was developed to investigate the possible transition of breakdown mechanism from erosion to thermal breakdown in OIP dielectrics. It was found that PD activity can lower the thermal breakdown voltage of OIP up to four times. / <p>QC 20150206</p>

As leishmanioses e particularmente a leishmaniose visceral (LV) são doenças transmitidas por vetores artrópodes candidatas a experimentar uma grande expansão territorial em virtude de problemas relacionados ao aquecimento global. Este evento climático deverá causar grande impacto sobre a distribuição geográfica do artrópode transmissor no Brasil e no mundo. Com efeito, nos últimos 20 anos a situação epidemiológica da LV no Brasil vem se modificando de um padrão esporádico prevalente eminentemente em áreas rurais para uma condição de epidemias peri-urbanas que pode afetar todos os estratos sociais da população, tornando-se uma séria ameaça à saúde pública. As leishmanioses são consideradas até o momento doenças não preveníveis e seu padrão epidemiológico vêm se alterando de forma flagrante, o que demanda urgência para o desenvolvimento de novas ferramentas de controle e tratamento. Dentre as diversas questões levantadas sobre as demandas em pesquisa relacionadas ao controle desta enfermidade, destaca-se a importância de avanços em estudos de epidemiologia quantitativa e modelagem matemática que permitam prever efeitos de vacinações de populações empregando-se imunógenos com eficácia e/ou cobertura vacinal menor que 100%, o que parece ser uma realidade com as vacinas contra leishmanioses desenvolvidas até então pelos laboratórios no mundo todo. O sucesso de estratégias eficazes para o controle da LV depende do conhecimento de diversos parâmetros da dinâmica de infecção nas diferentes populações e espécies que atuam na cadeia epidemiológica da doença. Esse estudo teve objetivo de avaliar a efetividade de vacinas contra leishmaniose em cães bem como da utilização de coleira impregnada com inseticida através de um estudo de coorte realizado em uma região de transmissão moderada de leishmaniose visceral canina. Foram construídas seis coortes compostas por animais não reagentes ao teste rápido TR-DPP&reg; e ao teste EIE-ELISA&reg;. Todos os animais apresentaram estado clínico normal, conforme avaliação semiológica. As coortes compreendem grupos de animais sem qualquer medida de controle (grupo N), grupos de animais com aplicação de coleira (grupo C), grupos de animais vacinados com vacina de subunidade (grupo V1) e grupos de animais vacinados com vacina recombinante (grupo V2) e grupos de animais vacinados e com coleira (grupos V1C e V2C). Foram colhidas amostras de todas as coortes em três tempos com intervalo de seis meses cada, para sorodiagnóstico. A efetividade encontrada ao final de 12 meses de observação para os grupos C, V1, V2, V1C e V2C foram 38,2%, 58,1%, 35%, 68,6% e -36,5% respectivamente com base nos cálculos estatísticos feitos por regressão de Cox para riscos proporcionais. Todas as coortes, mesmo tendo desempenhando alguma efetividade exceto V2C, os resultados dos intervalos de confiança do risco relativo não foram significativos quando comparados ao grupo controle (N). / Leishmaniasis and particularly the LV are diseases transmitted by arthropod vectors candidates to experience a wide territorial expansion because of problems related to global warming. This weather event should cause great impact on the geographical distribution of the arthropod transmitter in Brazil and worldwide. Indeed, the past 20 years the epidemiological situation of LV in Brazil has been changing a prevalent sporadic pattern predominantly in rural areas to a condition of peri-urban epidemics that can affect all social strata of the population, making it a serious threat public health. Leishmaniasis are considered so far not preventable disease and its epidemiological pattern have been changing blatantly, which requires urgency to the development of new tools for control and treatment. Among the many questions raised about the demands on research related to the control of this disease, it highlights the importance of advances in quantitative epidemiological studies and mathematical modeling to anticipate vaccinations effects of employing immunogens effectively and / or lower vaccination coverage to 100%, which appears to be a reality with vaccines against leishmaniasis developed so far by laboratories worldwide. The success of effective strategies to control the LV depends on the knowledge of many aspects of the dynamics of infection in different populations and species that act in the epidemiological chain of the disease. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of vaccines against leishmaniasis in dogs as well as the use of insecticide impregnated collar with through a cohort study in a high transmission of canine visceral leishmaniasis region. It was built six cohorts composed of non-reactive animals to the rapid test DPP&reg; and EIE-ELISA&reg; test. All the animals had normal clinical status, as symptomatic evaluation. The cohorts include groups of animals without any measure of control (group N), group of animals with collar application (group C), groups of vaccinated animals with subunit vaccine (group V1), group of animals vaccinated with recombinant vaccine (group V2) and groups of animals vaccinated and collar application (V1C and V2C). Samples were collected from all cohorts in three times at intervals of six months each for serodiagnosis. The effectiveness found after 12 months of observation for groups C, V1, V2, V1C and V2C were 38.2%, 58.1%, 35%, 68.6% and -36.5% respectively based on the statistical calculations done by Cox proportional hazards regression to. All cohorts, even though playing some effectiveness except V2C, the results of risk relative confidence intervals were not significant when compared to the control group (N).

Duas metodologias que podem ser utilizadas na localização de defeitos em cabos isolados de alta tensão do tipo Oil Filled (OF) foram analisadas. As metodologias descritas têm como princípio a localização de vazamentos de óleo, ou seja, todo defeito seguido de vazamento de óleo poderá ser localizado a partir das mesmas. A primeira metodologia é baseada no congelamento dos cabos OF, com a linha desenergizada, a fim de localizar vazamentos de óleo de cabos OF a partir de 300 litros por mês. A segunda metodologia é baseada na utilização de traços de gás perfluorcarbono Perfluorocarbon Tracer (PFT), através de um sistema montado com equipamentos que permitem realizar a localização de vazamentos de óleo de cabos OF a partir de 100 litros por mês, sem a necessidade de desligamento da linha subterrânea. Esta dissertação propõe algumas melhorias na metodologia do congelamento e apresenta as primeiras experiências de utilização do PFT no Brasil para localização de vazamentos de óleo. / Two methods that can be used to locate faults in Oil Filled (OF) cables were analyzed. The methods described have the principle of oil leak location. All defects followed by oil leakage can be located using the same. The first method is based in OF cables freezing, with the line outage, in order to locate oil leaks from 300 liters per month and above. The second method is based on the use of tracer gas - Perfluorocarbon Tracer (PFT) and devices that allow to perform the location of oil leaks from 100 liters per month, without the need of underground line outage. This paper proposes some improvements for the freezing method and presents the first experiments in Brazil using PFT to locate oil leakage.

Duas metodologias que podem ser utilizadas na localização de defeitos em cabos isolados de alta tensão do tipo Oil Filled (OF) foram analisadas. As metodologias descritas têm como princípio a localização de vazamentos de óleo, ou seja, todo defeito seguido de vazamento de óleo poderá ser localizado a partir das mesmas. A primeira metodologia é baseada no congelamento dos cabos OF, com a linha desenergizada, a fim de localizar vazamentos de óleo de cabos OF a partir de 300 litros por mês. A segunda metodologia é baseada na utilização de traços de gás perfluorcarbono Perfluorocarbon Tracer (PFT), através de um sistema montado com equipamentos que permitem realizar a localização de vazamentos de óleo de cabos OF a partir de 100 litros por mês, sem a necessidade de desligamento da linha subterrânea. Esta dissertação propõe algumas melhorias na metodologia do congelamento e apresenta as primeiras experiências de utilização do PFT no Brasil para localização de vazamentos de óleo. / Two methods that can be used to locate faults in Oil Filled (OF) cables were analyzed. The methods described have the principle of oil leak location. All defects followed by oil leakage can be located using the same. The first method is based in OF cables freezing, with the line outage, in order to locate oil leaks from 300 liters per month and above. The second method is based on the use of tracer gas - Perfluorocarbon Tracer (PFT) and devices that allow to perform the location of oil leaks from 100 liters per month, without the need of underground line outage. This paper proposes some improvements for the freezing method and presents the first experiments in Brazil using PFT to locate oil leakage.

Mucopolissacaridoses (MPS) são erros inatos do metabolismo, fazem parte das doenças lisossômicas de depósito e ocorrem devido à deficiência na atividade de enzimas que catalisam a degradação de glicosaminoglicanos (GAGs). São doenças crônicas e progressivas causadas pelo acúmulo de um ou mais GAGs nos lisossomos das células. A MPS do tipo IV (síndrome de Morquio) ocorre pelo acúmulo de queratan sulfato e condoitin-6-sulfato, causado pela deficiência de duas diferentes enzimas, que distinguem essa MPS em dois subtipos, deficiência de N-acetilgalactosamina-6-sulfatase (MPS IV tipo A) ou de β-galactosidase (MPS IV tipo B). Na MPS IV A as características clínicas predominantes são relacionadas ao sistema esquelético e na maioria das vezes o paciente tem inteligência normal; não há uma terapia efetiva para a doença, deste modo o diagnóstico precoce direciona para o início de tratamentos paliativos. A investigação inicial dessa MPS se baseia em avaliação clínica, radiografias, quantificação e identificação de GAGs urinários e o diagnóstico definitivo pela medida da atividade enzimática da N-acetilgalactosamina-6-sulfatase (GALNS) em leucócitos ou fibroblastos. O objetivo desse trabalho foi estudar alguns parâmetros bioquímicos da enzima GALNS em leucócitos de indivíduos normais e adaptar a técnica de medida dessa atividade enzimática para sangue impregnado em papel filtro. O Km e a Vmáx da GALNS em leucócitos de indivíduos normais foi de 7,16mM e 77,3nmol/17h/mg de proteína, respectivamente. Também adaptamos a técnica da medida da atividade enzimática dessa enzima utilizando menor concentração de substrato (3mM), esta concentração teve correlação positiva com a concentração 10 mM, que é empregada na técnica original. A partir disto, foram estabelecidos os valores de referência em leucócitos para indivíduos normais e indivíduos afetados com MPS IV A. Os mesmos foram, respectivamente: 11,0 a 101,4 e 0,1 a 0,2 nmol/17h/mg de proteína. Foi também observado que, com o passar do tempo, a temperatura de 70ºC causa uma inativação gradual da atividade enzimática. Por último, apesar de várias alterações na técnica original em leucócitos, não foi possível adaptá-la para ser utilizada na medida da atividade da GALNS em sangue impregnado em papel filtro. A determinação dos parâmetros bioquímicos da GALNS é conveniente devido ao avanço nos estudos clínicos de desenvolvimento da terapia de reposição enzimática aos indivíduos afetados com MPS IV A e na distinção de indivíduos saudáveis, afetados e heterozigotos. Desenvolver técnicas fluorimétricas em amostras de sangue impregnado em papel filtro é de grande importância para serem utilizadas em triagem de recém-nascidos e populações de alto risco para MPS. Devendo ser confirmado por testes de atividade da enzima em leucócitos ou fibroblastos cultivados. A partir dos nossos protocolos, não foi possível desenvolver e padronizar uma técnica para medida da atividade da enzima N-acetilgalactosamina-6-sulfatase em sangue impregnado em papel filtro de modo a triarmos indivíduos com suspeita de MPS IV A. / Mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS) are inborn errors of metabolism, are part of the lysosomal storage diseases and occur due to the deficiency in the activity of enzymes that catalyze the degradation of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs). They are chronic and progressive diseases caused by the accumulation of one or more GAGs in the lysosomes of cells. The MPS type IV (Morquio syndrome) occurs by the accumulation of keratan sulfate and condoitin-6-sulfate, caused by two different enzyme deficiencies, which distinguish this MPS into two subtypes, deficiency of N-acetylgalactosamine-6-sulfatase (MPS IV type A) or the enzyme β-galactosidase (MPS type IV B). In MPS IVA the predominant clinical features are related to the skeletal system and in most cases the patient has normal intelligence. There is no effective therapy for the disease, so early diagnosis directs for the beginning of palliative treatments. The initial investigation of this MPS is based on clinical evaluation, radiographs, quantification and identification of urinary GAGs and the definitive diagnosis by measure of N-acetylgalactosamine-6-sulfatase (GALNS) activity in leukocytes or fibroblasts. The aim of this work was to study some biochemical parameters of the GALNS in leukocytes of normal individuals and adapt the technique of measuring this enzyme activity to blood impregnated on filter paper. The Km and Vmax of GALNS in leukocytes from normal subjects was 7.16 mM and 77.3 nmol/17h/mg of protein, respectively. We also adapted the technique of measuring the enzymatic activity of this enzyme using lower substrate concentration (3mM). This concentration had a positive correlation with 10 mM concentration, which is used in the original technique. From this, the reference values for normal and individuals affected with MPS IVA in leukocytes were established. They were 11.0 to 101.4 and 0.1 to 0.2 of nmol/17h/mg of protein, respectively. It was also observed that over time the temperature of 70°C causes a gradual inactivation of enzyme activity. Finally, despite several changes to the original technique in leukocytes, it has not been possible to adapt it to be used in measuring the activity of GALNS blood impregnated on filter paper. The determination of biochemical parameters of GALNS is convenient due to the advancement in clinical studies for the development of enzyme replacement therapy for individuals affected with MPS IVA and to distinguish between healthy and affected heterozygous individuals. The development of fluorometric techniques in blood impregnated on filter paper is of great importance for use in newborn screening and in high risk populations to MPS. It should be confirmed by tests of enzyme activity in leukocytes or cultured fibroblasts. Unfortunately, from our protocols, it was not possible to develop and standardize a technique for measuring the activity of the enzyme N- acetylgalactosamine-6-sulfatase in blood impregnated on filter paper for to screen individuals suspected of MPS IVA.

Mucopolissacaridoses (MPS) são erros inatos do metabolismo, fazem parte das doenças lisossômicas de depósito e ocorrem devido à deficiência na atividade de enzimas que catalisam a degradação de glicosaminoglicanos (GAGs). São doenças crônicas e progressivas causadas pelo acúmulo de um ou mais GAGs nos lisossomos das células. A MPS do tipo IV (síndrome de Morquio) ocorre pelo acúmulo de queratan sulfato e condoitin-6-sulfato, causado pela deficiência de duas diferentes enzimas, que distinguem essa MPS em dois subtipos, deficiência de N-acetilgalactosamina-6-sulfatase (MPS IV tipo A) ou de β-galactosidase (MPS IV tipo B). Na MPS IV A as características clínicas predominantes são relacionadas ao sistema esquelético e na maioria das vezes o paciente tem inteligência normal; não há uma terapia efetiva para a doença, deste modo o diagnóstico precoce direciona para o início de tratamentos paliativos. A investigação inicial dessa MPS se baseia em avaliação clínica, radiografias, quantificação e identificação de GAGs urinários e o diagnóstico definitivo pela medida da atividade enzimática da N-acetilgalactosamina-6-sulfatase (GALNS) em leucócitos ou fibroblastos. O objetivo desse trabalho foi estudar alguns parâmetros bioquímicos da enzima GALNS em leucócitos de indivíduos normais e adaptar a técnica de medida dessa atividade enzimática para sangue impregnado em papel filtro. O Km e a Vmáx da GALNS em leucócitos de indivíduos normais foi de 7,16mM e 77,3nmol/17h/mg de proteína, respectivamente. Também adaptamos a técnica da medida da atividade enzimática dessa enzima utilizando menor concentração de substrato (3mM), esta concentração teve correlação positiva com a concentração 10 mM, que é empregada na técnica original. A partir disto, foram estabelecidos os valores de referência em leucócitos para indivíduos normais e indivíduos afetados com MPS IV A. Os mesmos foram, respectivamente: 11,0 a 101,4 e 0,1 a 0,2 nmol/17h/mg de proteína. Foi também observado que, com o passar do tempo, a temperatura de 70ºC causa uma inativação gradual da atividade enzimática. Por último, apesar de várias alterações na técnica original em leucócitos, não foi possível adaptá-la para ser utilizada na medida da atividade da GALNS em sangue impregnado em papel filtro. A determinação dos parâmetros bioquímicos da GALNS é conveniente devido ao avanço nos estudos clínicos de desenvolvimento da terapia de reposição enzimática aos indivíduos afetados com MPS IV A e na distinção de indivíduos saudáveis, afetados e heterozigotos. Desenvolver técnicas fluorimétricas em amostras de sangue impregnado em papel filtro é de grande importância para serem utilizadas em triagem de recém-nascidos e populações de alto risco para MPS. Devendo ser confirmado por testes de atividade da enzima em leucócitos ou fibroblastos cultivados. A partir dos nossos protocolos, não foi possível desenvolver e padronizar uma técnica para medida da atividade da enzima N-acetilgalactosamina-6-sulfatase em sangue impregnado em papel filtro de modo a triarmos indivíduos com suspeita de MPS IV A. / Mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS) are inborn errors of metabolism, are part of the lysosomal storage diseases and occur due to the deficiency in the activity of enzymes that catalyze the degradation of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs). They are chronic and progressive diseases caused by the accumulation of one or more GAGs in the lysosomes of cells. The MPS type IV (Morquio syndrome) occurs by the accumulation of keratan sulfate and condoitin-6-sulfate, caused by two different enzyme deficiencies, which distinguish this MPS into two subtypes, deficiency of N-acetylgalactosamine-6-sulfatase (MPS IV type A) or the enzyme β-galactosidase (MPS type IV B). In MPS IVA the predominant clinical features are related to the skeletal system and in most cases the patient has normal intelligence. There is no effective therapy for the disease, so early diagnosis directs for the beginning of palliative treatments. The initial investigation of this MPS is based on clinical evaluation, radiographs, quantification and identification of urinary GAGs and the definitive diagnosis by measure of N-acetylgalactosamine-6-sulfatase (GALNS) activity in leukocytes or fibroblasts. The aim of this work was to study some biochemical parameters of the GALNS in leukocytes of normal individuals and adapt the technique of measuring this enzyme activity to blood impregnated on filter paper. The Km and Vmax of GALNS in leukocytes from normal subjects was 7.16 mM and 77.3 nmol/17h/mg of protein, respectively. We also adapted the technique of measuring the enzymatic activity of this enzyme using lower substrate concentration (3mM). This concentration had a positive correlation with 10 mM concentration, which is used in the original technique. From this, the reference values for normal and individuals affected with MPS IVA in leukocytes were established. They were 11.0 to 101.4 and 0.1 to 0.2 of nmol/17h/mg of protein, respectively. It was also observed that over time the temperature of 70°C causes a gradual inactivation of enzyme activity. Finally, despite several changes to the original technique in leukocytes, it has not been possible to adapt it to be used in measuring the activity of GALNS blood impregnated on filter paper. The determination of biochemical parameters of GALNS is convenient due to the advancement in clinical studies for the development of enzyme replacement therapy for individuals affected with MPS IVA and to distinguish between healthy and affected heterozygous individuals. The development of fluorometric techniques in blood impregnated on filter paper is of great importance for use in newborn screening and in high risk populations to MPS. It should be confirmed by tests of enzyme activity in leukocytes or cultured fibroblasts. Unfortunately, from our protocols, it was not possible to develop and standardize a technique for measuring the activity of the enzyme N- acetylgalactosamine-6-sulfatase in blood impregnated on filter paper for to screen individuals suspected of MPS IVA.

As leishmanioses e particularmente a leishmaniose visceral (LV) são doenças transmitidas por vetores artrópodes candidatas a experimentar uma grande expansão territorial em virtude de problemas relacionados ao aquecimento global. Este evento climático deverá causar grande impacto sobre a distribuição geográfica do artrópode transmissor no Brasil e no mundo. Com efeito, nos últimos 20 anos a situação epidemiológica da LV no Brasil vem se modificando de um padrão esporádico prevalente eminentemente em áreas rurais para uma condição de epidemias peri-urbanas que pode afetar todos os estratos sociais da população, tornando-se uma séria ameaça à saúde pública. As leishmanioses são consideradas até o momento doenças não preveníveis e seu padrão epidemiológico vêm se alterando de forma flagrante, o que demanda urgência para o desenvolvimento de novas ferramentas de controle e tratamento. Dentre as diversas questões levantadas sobre as demandas em pesquisa relacionadas ao controle desta enfermidade, destaca-se a importância de avanços em estudos de epidemiologia quantitativa e modelagem matemática que permitam prever efeitos de vacinações de populações empregando-se imunógenos com eficácia e/ou cobertura vacinal menor que 100%, o que parece ser uma realidade com as vacinas contra leishmanioses desenvolvidas até então pelos laboratórios no mundo todo. O sucesso de estratégias eficazes para o controle da LV depende do conhecimento de diversos parâmetros da dinâmica de infecção nas diferentes populações e espécies que atuam na cadeia epidemiológica da doença. Esse estudo teve objetivo de avaliar a efetividade de vacinas contra leishmaniose em cães bem como da utilização de coleira impregnada com inseticida através de um estudo de coorte realizado em uma região de transmissão moderada de leishmaniose visceral canina. Foram construídas seis coortes compostas por animais não reagentes ao teste rápido TR-DPP&reg; e ao teste EIE-ELISA&reg;. Todos os animais apresentaram estado clínico normal, conforme avaliação semiológica. As coortes compreendem grupos de animais sem qualquer medida de controle (grupo N), grupos de animais com aplicação de coleira (grupo C), grupos de animais vacinados com vacina de subunidade (grupo V1) e grupos de animais vacinados com vacina recombinante (grupo V2) e grupos de animais vacinados e com coleira (grupos V1C e V2C). Foram colhidas amostras de todas as coortes em três tempos com intervalo de seis meses cada, para sorodiagnóstico. A efetividade encontrada ao final de 12 meses de observação para os grupos C, V1, V2, V1C e V2C foram 38,2%, 58,1%, 35%, 68,6% e -36,5% respectivamente com base nos cálculos estatísticos feitos por regressão de Cox para riscos proporcionais. Todas as coortes, mesmo tendo desempenhando alguma efetividade exceto V2C, os resultados dos intervalos de confiança do risco relativo não foram significativos quando comparados ao grupo controle (N). / Leishmaniasis and particularly the LV are diseases transmitted by arthropod vectors candidates to experience a wide territorial expansion because of problems related to global warming. This weather event should cause great impact on the geographical distribution of the arthropod transmitter in Brazil and worldwide. Indeed, the past 20 years the epidemiological situation of LV in Brazil has been changing a prevalent sporadic pattern predominantly in rural areas to a condition of peri-urban epidemics that can affect all social strata of the population, making it a serious threat public health. Leishmaniasis are considered so far not preventable disease and its epidemiological pattern have been changing blatantly, which requires urgency to the development of new tools for control and treatment. Among the many questions raised about the demands on research related to the control of this disease, it highlights the importance of advances in quantitative epidemiological studies and mathematical modeling to anticipate vaccinations effects of employing immunogens effectively and / or lower vaccination coverage to 100%, which appears to be a reality with vaccines against leishmaniasis developed so far by laboratories worldwide. The success of effective strategies to control the LV depends on the knowledge of many aspects of the dynamics of infection in different populations and species that act in the epidemiological chain of the disease. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of vaccines against leishmaniasis in dogs as well as the use of insecticide impregnated collar with through a cohort study in a high transmission of canine visceral leishmaniasis region. It was built six cohorts composed of non-reactive animals to the rapid test DPP&reg; and EIE-ELISA&reg; test. All the animals had normal clinical status, as symptomatic evaluation. The cohorts include groups of animals without any measure of control (group N), group of animals with collar application (group C), groups of vaccinated animals with subunit vaccine (group V1), group of animals vaccinated with recombinant vaccine (group V2) and groups of animals vaccinated and collar application (V1C and V2C). Samples were collected from all cohorts in three times at intervals of six months each for serodiagnosis. The effectiveness found after 12 months of observation for groups C, V1, V2, V1C and V2C were 38.2%, 58.1%, 35%, 68.6% and -36.5% respectively based on the statistical calculations done by Cox proportional hazards regression to. All cohorts, even though playing some effectiveness except V2C, the results of risk relative confidence intervals were not significant when compared to the control group (N).

Mucopolissacaridoses (MPS) são erros inatos do metabolismo, fazem parte das doenças lisossômicas de depósito e ocorrem devido à deficiência na atividade de enzimas que catalisam a degradação de glicosaminoglicanos (GAGs). São doenças crônicas e progressivas causadas pelo acúmulo de um ou mais GAGs nos lisossomos das células. A MPS do tipo IV (síndrome de Morquio) ocorre pelo acúmulo de queratan sulfato e condoitin-6-sulfato, causado pela deficiência de duas diferentes enzimas, que distinguem essa MPS em dois subtipos, deficiência de N-acetilgalactosamina-6-sulfatase (MPS IV tipo A) ou de β-galactosidase (MPS IV tipo B). Na MPS IV A as características clínicas predominantes são relacionadas ao sistema esquelético e na maioria das vezes o paciente tem inteligência normal; não há uma terapia efetiva para a doença, deste modo o diagnóstico precoce direciona para o início de tratamentos paliativos. A investigação inicial dessa MPS se baseia em avaliação clínica, radiografias, quantificação e identificação de GAGs urinários e o diagnóstico definitivo pela medida da atividade enzimática da N-acetilgalactosamina-6-sulfatase (GALNS) em leucócitos ou fibroblastos. O objetivo desse trabalho foi estudar alguns parâmetros bioquímicos da enzima GALNS em leucócitos de indivíduos normais e adaptar a técnica de medida dessa atividade enzimática para sangue impregnado em papel filtro. O Km e a Vmáx da GALNS em leucócitos de indivíduos normais foi de 7,16mM e 77,3nmol/17h/mg de proteína, respectivamente. Também adaptamos a técnica da medida da atividade enzimática dessa enzima utilizando menor concentração de substrato (3mM), esta concentração teve correlação positiva com a concentração 10 mM, que é empregada na técnica original. A partir disto, foram estabelecidos os valores de referência em leucócitos para indivíduos normais e indivíduos afetados com MPS IV A. Os mesmos foram, respectivamente: 11,0 a 101,4 e 0,1 a 0,2 nmol/17h/mg de proteína. Foi também observado que, com o passar do tempo, a temperatura de 70ºC causa uma inativação gradual da atividade enzimática. Por último, apesar de várias alterações na técnica original em leucócitos, não foi possível adaptá-la para ser utilizada na medida da atividade da GALNS em sangue impregnado em papel filtro. A determinação dos parâmetros bioquímicos da GALNS é conveniente devido ao avanço nos estudos clínicos de desenvolvimento da terapia de reposição enzimática aos indivíduos afetados com MPS IV A e na distinção de indivíduos saudáveis, afetados e heterozigotos. Desenvolver técnicas fluorimétricas em amostras de sangue impregnado em papel filtro é de grande importância para serem utilizadas em triagem de recém-nascidos e populações de alto risco para MPS. Devendo ser confirmado por testes de atividade da enzima em leucócitos ou fibroblastos cultivados. A partir dos nossos protocolos, não foi possível desenvolver e padronizar uma técnica para medida da atividade da enzima N-acetilgalactosamina-6-sulfatase em sangue impregnado em papel filtro de modo a triarmos indivíduos com suspeita de MPS IV A. / Mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS) are inborn errors of metabolism, are part of the lysosomal storage diseases and occur due to the deficiency in the activity of enzymes that catalyze the degradation of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs). They are chronic and progressive diseases caused by the accumulation of one or more GAGs in the lysosomes of cells. The MPS type IV (Morquio syndrome) occurs by the accumulation of keratan sulfate and condoitin-6-sulfate, caused by two different enzyme deficiencies, which distinguish this MPS into two subtypes, deficiency of N-acetylgalactosamine-6-sulfatase (MPS IV type A) or the enzyme β-galactosidase (MPS type IV B). In MPS IVA the predominant clinical features are related to the skeletal system and in most cases the patient has normal intelligence. There is no effective therapy for the disease, so early diagnosis directs for the beginning of palliative treatments. The initial investigation of this MPS is based on clinical evaluation, radiographs, quantification and identification of urinary GAGs and the definitive diagnosis by measure of N-acetylgalactosamine-6-sulfatase (GALNS) activity in leukocytes or fibroblasts. The aim of this work was to study some biochemical parameters of the GALNS in leukocytes of normal individuals and adapt the technique of measuring this enzyme activity to blood impregnated on filter paper. The Km and Vmax of GALNS in leukocytes from normal subjects was 7.16 mM and 77.3 nmol/17h/mg of protein, respectively. We also adapted the technique of measuring the enzymatic activity of this enzyme using lower substrate concentration (3mM). This concentration had a positive correlation with 10 mM concentration, which is used in the original technique. From this, the reference values for normal and individuals affected with MPS IVA in leukocytes were established. They were 11.0 to 101.4 and 0.1 to 0.2 of nmol/17h/mg of protein, respectively. It was also observed that over time the temperature of 70°C causes a gradual inactivation of enzyme activity. Finally, despite several changes to the original technique in leukocytes, it has not been possible to adapt it to be used in measuring the activity of GALNS blood impregnated on filter paper. The determination of biochemical parameters of GALNS is convenient due to the advancement in clinical studies for the development of enzyme replacement therapy for individuals affected with MPS IVA and to distinguish between healthy and affected heterozygous individuals. The development of fluorometric techniques in blood impregnated on filter paper is of great importance for use in newborn screening and in high risk populations to MPS. It should be confirmed by tests of enzyme activity in leukocytes or cultured fibroblasts. Unfortunately, from our protocols, it was not possible to develop and standardize a technique for measuring the activity of the enzyme N- acetylgalactosamine-6-sulfatase in blood impregnated on filter paper for to screen individuals suspected of MPS IVA.

With the need for excellent living standards to escalate day by day, the need to breathe good quality air remains of paramount importance for a prosperous, happy life. The indoor air quality picture is improving decade by decade. However, the importance of maintaining good indoor air quality remains unsatisfactory. Indoor air quality is one of the world’s most significant environmental problems. Statistics states that as of 2017, approximately 1.6 million premature deaths are caused by bad indoor air quality. The majority of these deaths result from the presence of Volatile Organic compounds in the air. VOCs are the common pollutants that are found indoors, which are not only toxic but also dangerous to health on long exposures. Even though several norms are put in place, why is the picture still persistent even after many technological advancements in the industry? This notion of this idea inspired the authors to conduct the current thesis. The thesis is based on a case study at a Swedish Air-cleantech company, Company-X, that developed efficient air filtration technologies to eliminate VOCs from the indoor air. However, for efficient diffusion of the technology, studying the market is of utmost importance. For this, the study is done by qualitative interviewing of professionals from the Swedish air filtration market. The interactions helped the authors to comprehend the more in-depth picture of influencing facets in persistent VOC issues in the indoor airs. Secondly,the meetings guided the authors with the industry choice for efficient technologies to eliminate VOCs from the indoor air. The collected data led to the conclusions that, various actors like awareness and buying decision factors, technologies are involved for VOCs still being a persistent issue in indoor airs. The industry’s awareness regarding Volatile Organic Compounds has been mediocre, and the significant factor for the buying decision is the price. Speaking of the technology, it has been reckoned that Activated Carbon filters are the best and economically efficient technology to eliminated VOCs from the air.

Development of the power gridtowards a more reliable and smarter system requires frequent on-line monitoring of the power components. Power transformers and their bushings are particularly important components in a power transmission system and their insulation degradation may lead to catastrophic failures. Time consuming and costly replacement of these components raise the importance of their frequent monitoring. A fault in a power transformer bushing can also involve in the failure of the transformer. Therefore, on-line diagnostics of power transformers and their bushings is of great interest. Several methods exist for diagnostics of these components. However, some of them can only be done off-line in maintenance periods, and the existing on-line methods generally provide less information, especially on the internal solid insulation parts. In this project, a new technique for on-line diagnostics of the power transformer and the bushing insulation is proposed. In this technique, natural transients happening in the power system such as lightning and switching surges can be used as stimuli for on-line dielectric response measurements. This technique can provide information on insulation close to what Dielectric Spectroscopy offers in off-line measurements. The wide-ranging frequency content of power system transients is their advantage for being usedas stimuli when measuring the Dielectric Response. The response can have particular signatures due to different types of defects in the insulation varying with frequency. Oil-impregnated paper as a major insulation component in power transformer and its bushing has been investigated in this project. Moisture content and temperature, as two important degradation factors in this type of insulation, have been studied to evaluate the performance of the proposed technique in the diagnostics of the oil-impregnated paper. The results are verified with the dielectric response obtained through commercial instruments. The results show that the proposed technique has the ability to track the changes in dielectric response due to the moisture content and temperature. Measurements were done at both highvoltage (40kV) and low voltage (10V) levels, and the corresponding circuit models to achieve reasonable accuracy for the results are discussed. Moving on from the material samples, a further study was done on three service-aged 150 kV bushings to investigate the feasibility of the technique on the diagnostics of power transformer bushings. Their dielectric response measured by the transient stimuli showed good agreement with their response obtained by the commercial instruments. The effect of the transformer winding on the transient response of the bushing is a further aspect of the real conditions for on-line diagnostics. This has been investigated through the simulation of transient models for transformers and bushings, and possible solutions for distinguishing the responses are presented. The proposed new on-line diagnostics technique by utilizing natural transients can provide information about the insulation system in a certain range of frequency without interrupting the operation or requiring an external voltage source. However, the validity range of the results depends on the bandwidth of the applied transients and other measurement considerations. This approach can be valuable in frequent monitoring of dielectric properties of the power transformers and their bushings as a complement to the other available on-line techniques. / <p>QC 20140409</p>