Infusion pumps administer medications like morphine to pediatric patients in order to manage pain. Drug delivery delays can be the result of flow rate variabilities in the infusion pump system. Due to the risk of over-or underdosing, this could have a high impact on the pediatric population. This study’s aim is to investigate the effect of drug dilution and dosing delays by investigating which factors affect the morphine concentration in the patient. Implementation of a previously developed population pharmacokinetic model was performed in MATLAB. Then combining it with a self-developed model of the infusion pump system, a model which included the infusion pump and the system between the pump and the patient. Simulations were performed to investigate the contributing factors. The results show that dosing delays decrease with an increasing patient’s age. There are larger morphine concentration variations with lower syringe flow rates. A decrease in dosage and a smaller syringe volume result in a shorter time of reaching a steady state concentration. Using the wrong syringe which is not compatible with the machine will lead to an increasing morphine concentration in the patient that does not reach a steady state. A limitation of the study was that no clinical data was used for the simulations. These results are useful for clinicians when making decisions regarding intravenous administration of morphine, potentially leading to fewer medication errors. / Infusionspumpar administrerar läkemedel som morfin till pediatriska patienter för smärtlindring. Fördröjning av läkemedelstillförsel kan vara resultatet av flödeshastighetsvariationer i infusionspumpsystemet. På grund av risken för över- eller underdosering kan detta ha en stor inverkan på den pediatriska populationen. Denna studies syfte är att undersöka effekten av läkemedels- utspädning och -fördröjning genom att undersöka vilka faktorer som påverkar koncentrationen av morfin i patienten. Implementering av en tidigare utvecklad populationsfarmakokinetisk modell gjordes i MATLAB . För att sedan kombinera den med en egenutvecklad modell av infusionspumpsystemet, en modell som inkluderade infusionspumpen och systemet mellan pumpen och patienten. Simuleringar utfördes för att undersöka de bidragande faktorerna. Resultaten visar att doseringsfördröjningar minskar med patientens stigande ålder. Det finns större koncentrationsvariationer med lägre sprutflödeshastig- heter. En minskning av dosen och en mindre sprutvolym resulterar i en kortare tid för att uppnå en steady state-koncentration. Användning av fel spruta som inte är kompatibel med maskinen kommer att leda till en ökad morfinkon- centration hos patienten som inte når ett stabilt tillstånd. En begränsning med studien var att inga klinisk data användes för simuleringarna. Dessa resultat är användbara för läkare när de fattar beslut om intravenös administrering av morfin, vilket potentiellt kan leda till färre medicineringsfel.

Background: Neurodevelopmental and alcohol-induced changes in decision-making have been proposed to critically influence impulsive behaviour in adolescents. Objective: This study tested the influence of acute alcohol administration on impulsive choice in adolescents. Methods: Fifty-four males aged 18–19 years were tested in a single-blind placebo-controlled cross-over design. During alcohol administration (infusion resulting in an arterial blood alcohol concentration of 80 mg%) and placebo condition (saline infusion), participants performed a task battery providing estimates of delay discounting, probability discounting for gains, for losses and loss aversion, and also rated subjectively experienced alcohol effects. Additionally, baseline alcohol consumption (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test, blood phosphatidylethanol levels), motives (Drinking Motive Questionnaire, Alcohol Expectancy Questionnaire and Obsessive Compulsive Drinking Scale), family history and self-report measures of impulsivity (Barratt Impulsiveness Scale, Substance Use Risk Profile Scale) were provided. Results: No overall effects of treatment on choice behaviour were found. However, individual differences were observed. In the alcohol condition, more impulsive choice tendencies for delay discounting were associated with higher subjectively experienced alcohol effects. Further, higher risk aversion for probabilistic gains and higher loss aversion during alcohol condition were related to higher levels of real-life alcohol consumption and a family history of alcohol problems, respectively. Finally, the time to make a decision was substantially shortened for choices involving negative prospects. Conclusions: Contrary to common beliefs, acute alcohol intoxication did not generally incite impulsive decision-making. It rather appears that alcoholinduced behavioural changes in adolescents vary considerably depending on prior experiences and subjective effects of alcohol.

In November 2016 a brand new and highly technological hospital called New Karolinska Solna opened in Stockholm. In connection with the planning of the hospital, new medical devices were procured, including a new infusion system that is now in use. Previously, each ward at the hospital had their own pumps and was responsible for updates and maintenance. Now, the hospital will instead have a floating pump system, which means that the hospital will own the pumps. The infusion pumps will be floating between the wards without being linked to a specific ward or department. The updates that were previously done when the need arose at the ward will now be a common process for the entire hospital. The aim of the project was to develop new guidelines for how the update process should be done on New Karolinska Solna's new infusion pump system. Through interviews with key personnel during the procurement process, the medical technicians department and caseworkers, new guidelines have been written, given the already existing technical conditions. During the course of the project it has been found that there are major shortcomings of information and communication within the hospital. The guidelines presented in the result are an important part to ensure that information related to the update comes to the caregivers at New Karolinska Solna, thus simplifying and streamlining the update of the infusion pumps.

Tesis por compendio / [EN] The main goal of this Thesis was to determine the influence of the main processing stages involved in obtaining natural extracts with high antioxidant potential from byproducts originating in the olive oil industry. Firstly, the effect of freezing and/or the drying methods applied to olive oil byproducts on the polyphenol content and antioxidant capacity of the extracts subsequently obtained was addressed. For this purpose, two byproducts were considered: olive leaves and olive pomace. Secondly, the feasibility of intensifying the extraction of olive leaf polyphenols by means of a new technology, such as power ultrasound, was approached taking both compositional and kinetic issues into account. Thirdly, how the processing conditions (drying and extraction) influence the extract's stability was evaluated. Thus, on the one hand, extracts obtained from olive leaves were subjected to in vitro digestion or dehydrated and stored at different conditions. Finally, the possibility of obtaining a dried vegetable matrix (apple) rich in olive leaf phenolic compounds was explored by addressing the influence of apple pretreatments (blanching and freezing) and drying on the final retention of infused phenolics. The antioxidant potential of extracts and the retention of infused polyphenols in apple were evaluated by means of the total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity analysis, as well as the identification and quantification of the main olive leaf polyphenols by HPLC-DAD/MS-MS. Moreover, in apple samples, the polyphenol oxidase and peroxidase activity and microstructure were also analyzed. The experimental results highlighted that both drying and freezing methods significantly (p<0.05) influenced the concentration of the main polyphenols identified in the olive leaf extracts. Thus, drying at the highest temperature tested was the best processing condition in which to obtain extracts with high antioxidant capacity and phenolic content. Ultrasound application was found to be a relevant, non-thermal way of speeding-up the antioxidant extraction from olive leaves. Thus, by appropriately tuning-up the process variables, the ultrasonic assisted extraction shortened the extraction time from the 24 h needed in conventional extraction to 15 min, without modifying either the extract composition or the antioxidant potential. As far as extract stability is concerned, the processing conditions used for obtaining the olive leaf extracts did not have a meaningful influence on bioaccessibility. Regardless of the method used, stabilizing the extracts by means of dehydration only reduced both the antioxidant capacity and the total phenolic content by around 10 %. Moreover, storage conditions did not show a significant (p<0.05) effect on the antioxidant potential of the extracts for 28 days of storage. A stable dried product (apple), rich in natural phenolic compounds (from olive leaves or tea extracts), was obtained by combining drying-impregnation-drying steps. However, it should be considered that the role of fresh apple drying on the retention of infused olive leaf polyphenols was more important than the further drying of the impregnated apple. In overall terms, olive leaves can be considered a potential source of natural phenolic compounds. Notwithstanding this, the previous drying and freezing steps applied in the raw material processing are decisive factors in the obtaining of natural extracts with high antioxidant potential. Moreover, enhancing the extraction by applying power ultrasound was stated as a non-thermal way of shortening processing times. The stability of olive polyphenols during storage and in vitro digestion was closely related to the individual component considered. Finally, the exploitation of olive leaf extracts as a means of enriching solid foodstuffs requires the use of porous solid matrices free of oxidative enzymes. / [ES] El objetivo principal de esta Tesis fue determinar la influencia de las principales etapas de procesado implicadas en la obtención de extractos naturales con alto potencial antioxidante a partir de los subproductos originados en la industria del aceite de oliva. En primer lugar, se evaluó el efecto de los métodos de congelación y/o secado de la materia prima (hojas y orujo), sobre el contenido polifénolico y la capacidad antioxidante de los extractos. En segundo lugar, se abordó la intensificación de la extracción de polifenoles de hoja de olivo con ultrasonidos de potencia, teniendo en cuenta: composición y la cinética del proceso. A continuación, se estudió cómo las condiciones de procesado (secado y extracción) podían influir en la estabilidad de los extractos. Así, extractos de hojas de olivo fueron sometidos a digestión in vitro o deshidratados y almacenados a distintas condiciones. Por último, se exploró la posibilidad de obtener una matriz vegetal deshidratada (manzana) y rica en compuestos fenólicos de hoja de olivo. Para ello, se evaluó la influencia de los pretratamientos de la manzana (escaldado y congelación) y del secado en la retención final de los polifenoles impregnados. El potencial antioxidante se determinó a través del contenido total en compuestos fenólicos y la capacidad antioxidante y la identificación y cuantificación (HPLC-DAD/MS-MS) de los principales polifenoles. Además, en manzana, se midió la actividad enzimática de la polifenol oxidasa y peroxidasa y se analizó la microestructura. Los resultados manifestaron que el método de secado y el de congelación influyeron significativamente (p<0.05) en la concentración de los principales polifenoles en los extractos. Así, el secado a mayor temperatura resultó ser el mejor tratamiento para obtener extractos con alta capacidad antioxidante y alto contenido fenólico. La aplicación de ultrasonidos resultó ser una alternativa no térmica muy interesante para acelerar la extracción de antioxidantes de hojas de olivo. Con la combinación adecuada de las variables del proceso, la aplicación de ultrasonidos redujo el tiempo de extracción de 24 h necesarias en extracción convencional a 15 min, sin modificar la composición de los extractos y su potencial antioxidante. En cuanto a la estabilidad del extracto, las condiciones de procesado no tuvieron una influencia significativa en la bioaccesibilidad de los extractos. Independientemente del método utilizado, la estabilización de extractos por deshidratación sólo redujo la capacidad antioxidante y el contenido total en compuestos fenólicos en torno a un 10 %. Además, las condiciones de almacenamiento no mostraron ningún efecto significativo (p<0.05) sobre el potencial antioxidante durante los 28 días de almacenamiento. Combinando secado-impregnación-secado, fue posible desarrollar un producto deshidratado (manzana), estable y rico en compuestos fenólicos naturales (de hojas de olivo o extractos de té). No obstante, cabe destacar que el secado de la manzana fresca jugó un papel más importante en la retención de los polifenoles de hoja de olivo infundidos que el secado final de la manzana impregnada. En términos generales, las hojas de olivo pueden considerarse como una fuente potencial de compuestos fenólicos naturales. No obstante, el secado y la congelación durante el procesado de la materia prima son factores decisivos para la obtención de extractos naturales con alto potencial antioxidante. Además, la aplicación de ultrasonidos de potencia durante la extracción puede resultar una alternativa no térmica muy interesante de cara a acortar el tiempo de procesado. La estabilidad de los polifenoles de la hoja de olivo, durante el almacenamiento y la digestión in vitro, dependió claramente del compuesto individual considerado. Finalmente, el empleo del extracto de hoja de olivo como medio para enriquecer alimentos sólidos requiere del uso de matrices s / [CA] L'objectiu principal d'aquesta tesi va ser determinar la influència de les principals etapes de processament implicades en l'obtenció d'extractes naturals amb alt potencial antioxidant procedents de subproductes de la indústria de l'oli d'oliva. En primer lloc, es va estudiar l'efecte de la congelació i/o els mètodes d'assecatge aplicats a fulles d'olivera i pinyolada sobre el contingut fenòlic i la capacitat antioxidant dels extractes. En segon lloc, es va avaluar, tenint en compte la composició i la cinètica del procés, la intensificació de l'extracció de polifenols de fulla d'olivera amb ultrasons de potència. En tercer lloc, es va avaluar com les condicions de processament (assecatge i extracció) poden influir en l'estabilitat dels extractes. Així, extractes de fulles d'olivera van ser sotmesos a una digestió in vitro o deshidratats i emmagatzemats a distintes condicions. Finalment, es va explorar la obtenció d'una matriu vegetal deshidratada (poma) i rica en compostos fenòlics de fulla d'olivera considerant la influència del pretractament de la poma (escaldament i congelació) i de l'assecatge sobre la retenció final dels fenòlics introduïts en la poma. El potencial antioxidant es va avaluar determinant el contingut fenòlic total i la capacitat antioxidant, així com identificant i quantificant els principals polifenols (HPLC-DAD/MS-MS). A més, en poma l'activitat enzimàtica de la polifenoloxidasa i la peroxidasa i la microestructura. Els resultats experimentals van destacar que el mètode d'assecatge i el de congelació van influir significativament (p<0,05) en la concentració dels principals polifenols identificats en els extractes. L'assecatge a la temperatura més alta que es va provar va resultar la millor condició de processament per a obtenir extractes amb una alta capacitat antioxidant i un alt contingut fenòlic. L'aplicació d'ultrasons va ser una manera rellevant i no tèrmica d'accelerar l'extracció d'antioxidants de les fulles d'olivera. Així, amb la combinació adequada de les variables del procés, l'extracció assistida per ultrasons va escurçar el temps d'extracció, de les 24 h requerides en l'extracció convencional a 15 min, sense modificar la composició de l'extracte ni el potencial antioxidant. Quant a l'estabilitat de l'extracte, les condicions de processament utilitzades per a l'obtenció dels extractes de fulla d'olivera no van tenir una influència significativa en la bioaccessibilitat. Independentment del mètode utilitzat, l'estabilització dels extractes per mitjà de la deshidratació només va reduir la capacitat antioxidant i el contingut fenòlic total al voltant d'un 10 %. A més, les condicions d'emmagatzematge (temperatura i forma de l'extracte: líquid o pols) no van mostrar cap efecte significatiu (p<0,05) en el potencial antioxidant dels extractes durant els 28 dies d'emmagatzematge. Combinant etapes d'assecatge-impregnació-assecatge fou possible obtenir un producte assecat estable (poma) i ric en compostos fenòlics naturals (de fulles d'olivera o te). No obstant això, cal destacar que l'assecatge de la poma fresca va ser més important i determinant en la retenció dels polifenols de fulla d'olivera que no l'assecatge de la poma impregnada. En termes generals, les fulles d'olivera es poden considerar com una font potencial de compostos fenòlics naturals. No obstant això, l'aplicació d'assecatge i congelació durant el processament de la matèria primera són factors decisius per a l'obtenció d'extractes naturals amb un alt potencial antioxidant. A més, l'aplicació d'ultrasons de potència durant l'extracció resultà ser una forma no tèrmica de millorar el procés, tot reduint-ne el temps d'extracció. L'estabilitat dels polifenols d'olivera durant l'emmagatzematge i la digestió in vitro va dependre del compost individual considerat. Finalment, la utilització d'extractes de fulla d'olivera per a desenvolupar aliments sòlids enriquits requ / Ahmad-Qasem Mateo, MH. (2015). ASSESSMENT OF THE INFLUENCE OF PROCESSING CONDITIONS ON THE ANTIOXIDANT POTENTIAL OF EXTRACTS OBTAINED FROM OLIVE OIL INDUSTRY BYPRODUCTS [Tesis doctoral]. Universitat Politècnica de València. https://doi.org/10.4995/Thesis/10251/53452 / Premios Extraordinarios de tesis doctorales / Compendio

L'élaboration de composites à matrice céramique denses et à fibres continues multidirectionnelles par de nouveaux procédés hybrides a été étudiée. Les procédés développés reposent sur le dépôt d'interphases autour des fibres par Infiltration Chimique en phase Vapeur (CVI) puis sur l'introduction de poudres céramiques au sein de préformes fibreuses par infusion de suspensions aqueuses colloïdales concentrées et stables, et enfin sur la consolidation des préformes soit par frittage flash, soit par imprégnation réactive de métaux liquides.La consolidation des composites par frittage flash est très rapide (palier de maintien en température inférieure à 5 minutes) et permet d'obtenir des composites denses. Durant le frittage, la dégradation des fibres de carbone a pu être évitée en adaptant le cycle de pression afin de limiter l'évolution des gaz au sein du système.La densification totale des composites par imprégnation de métaux liquides a été obtenue en contrôlant attentivement les paramètres d'imprégnation afin d'éviter de piéger des espèces gazeuses au sein des préformes fibreuses.Les composites à fibres de carbone consolidés par frittage flash ou par imprégnation réactive de métaux liquide possèdent un comportement mécanique de type élastique endommageable ainsi qu'une contrainte à rupture en flexion voisine de 300 MPa. Ces composites ont montré leur capacité à s'autocicatriser dans des conditions oxydantes. Comparés aux composites à matrice céramiques élaborés par CVI, les composites densifiés par imprégnation de métaux liquide sont eux parfaitement denses et ont un comportement mécanique en traction à température ambiante similaire avec notamment une contrainte à rupture en traction de 220 MPa. / The fabrication of multidirectional continuous carbon fibers reinforced dense self healing Ceramic Matrix Composites by new short time hybrid processes was studied. The processes developed are based, first, on the deposition of fiber interphase and coating by chemical vapor infiltration, next, on the introduction of ceramic powders into the fibrous preform by Slurry Impregnation and, finally, on the densification of the composite by liquid-phase Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS) or by Reactive Melt Infiltration of silicon (RMI).The homogeneous introduction of the ceramic particles into the multidirectional fiber preforms was realized by slurry impregnation from highly concentrated (> 32 %vol.) and well dispersed aqueous colloid suspensions. The densification of the composites by spark plasma sintering was possible with a short (< 5 minutes) dwelling period in temperature. The chemical degradation of the carbon fibers during the fabrication was prevented by adapting the sintering pressure cycle to inhibit gas evolution inside the system. The composites elaborated are dense. The fully densification of the composites by RMI was realised by carefully controlling the impregnation parameters to avoid to entrap some gaseous species inside the fiber preforms. Our carbon fiber reinforced ceramic matrix composites processed by Spark Plasma Sintering or Reactive Melt Infiltration have a damageable mechanical behaviour with a room temperature bending stress at failure around 300 MPa and have shown their ability to self-healing in oxidizing conditions. Compared to the CMC processed by CVI, the composites processed with a final consolidation step by RMI are fully dense and have a similar room temperature tensile test behaviour with an ultimate tensile stress around 220 MPa.

Extant literature indicates that web-based blended learning will become the most accepted mode of delivery in the near future as an alternative to traditional face-to-face instruction particularly in the higher education landscape due to its potential to provide increased access to education for more people, increased student engagement with the tutor, rich learning resources, peers, and external experts, and flexibility beyond the limits of classrooms without compromising quality. The study focused on developing a web-based blended learning model that could help reap the benefits of blended learning at the University of Botswana (UB). With this in mind, the research question, "How can a web-based blended learning environment be designed, developed and implemented at the University of Botswana?" was formulated. In order to address the research question, a six-dimensional model called LAPTEL was developed. The six dimentions are: Digital Leadership, Equitable Access, Active Participation, Authentic Tasks, Intellectual Engagement and Learning (LAPTEL); the first five dimentions are requisites to enable studnets to progress towards successful learning which is the sixth dimension. The LAPTEL model depicts guidelines on how to ensure equitable access for students to learning contexts, motivate and enable them to participate in meaningful educational processes, design and develop effective online as well as classroom learning materials (tasks), and engage students in active 'communityes of practice' in order to help them construct their own knowledge (learning) collaboratively under proper leadership. The Researcher considers it essential to have a complex interplay between the three components - active participation, authentic tasks and intellectual engagement to facilitate active, non-linear learning, and it will be catered for in the design, development and delivery of courses based on the LAPTEL model. The fact that these three dimensions have got features of both face-to-face and onlilne learning, integrated seamlessly, makes the LAPTEL a Web-based learning model. The overall aim was to develop a model of curriculum (re)design based on the student-centred pedagogical approaches that combine synergistically the effectiveness of traditional classroomwith technologically enhanced socialization and active learning oppotunities of the online environment in order to support student learning more effectively than what is possible in a typical lecture room. In a case study to evaluate the effectiveness of the LAPTEL model in the context of UB, the Researcher found that it could provide students with opportunity for increased interactive engagement (more than that is normally possible in 'face-to-face-only' or 'online-only' environments), flexibility and cognitive scaffolding that enhanced their learning experience. The Researcher concludes that the LAPTEL model fits well in the UB context, and it may be adopted by other institutions working under similar contexts. / Teacher Education / D. Ed. (Didactics)

Dans une première partie, nous rappelons que les procédés de fabrication de matériaux composites peuvent être suivis avec l'emploi de capteurs à fibre optique à réseau de Bragg (FBG) mesurant la température et la déformation in situ au coeur des matériaux. Dans une seconde partie, nous détaillons le principe et la physique du capteur FBG ainsi que ses différentes sensibilités. La métrologie du capteur FBG est traitée dans le but d'optimiser les incertitudes de mesure associées. Celles-ci interviennent à différents niveaux de la chaîne d'acquisition : au niveau du matériel d'interrogation, du traitement du spectre acquis, ou de l'étalonnage. Pour améliorer le traitement du spectre brut du FBG, nous évaluons les incertitudes découlant de l'échantillonnage, des conditions d'acquisition et des méthodes de recherche ou des modèles mathématiques d'ajustement. Concernant l'étalonnage, un banc de micro-traction mécanique de fibre optique et thermique a été réalisé dans le but d'étalonner les capteurs. Des spécificités du capteur comme la non-linéarité des réponses, la sensibilité croisée et la dérive thermique sont abordées. Puis, nous présentons ce qui est observé lorsque la fibre est introduite dans le matériau par rapport à l'arrangement des capteurs dans l'environnement de composite. L'intrusivité de la fibre optique sera évaluée en fonction de plusieurs paramètres en vue d'être réduite. Il est également question du découplage de la température et de la déformation car le capteur est sensible aux deux grandeurs. Une revue documentée des différentes techniques de la littérature est proposée. Parmi les techniques de découplage, deux sont retenues : celle qui combine un thermocouple et un FBG, et celle basée sur des réseaux de différentes longueurs d'onde superposés sur une même fibre. Le capteur FBG est appliqué au suivi déformation/température lors de la cuisson de résines époxydes utilisées dans les composites. Enfin, les capteurs FBG sont introduits dans le procédé de fabrication de composite à infusion de résine LRI (Liquid Resin Infusion) afin de suivre les cycles de températures et de déformations au cours de la cuisson. La dernière partie traite de la mesure de gradient de température ou de déformation à partir de la réponse complète du capteur de Bragg. Une méthode d'identification de gradient s'inspirant de la méthode directe dite de T-Matrix permettant de simuler les spectres est proposée. Après avoir validé la méthode de chemin inverse sur des cas purement numériques, l'identification des gradients est testée sur des moyens expérimentaux permettant d'appliquer un gradient thermique ou mécanique au capteur FBG.

p. 1-290 / Submitted by Santiago Fabio (fabio.ssantiago@hotmail.com) on 2013-04-30T20:35:03Z No. of bitstreams: 1 3333333333333333.pdf: 2022341 bytes, checksum: 509258a28eae8740edd814fa04c095a7 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Maria Creuza Silva(mariakreuza@yahoo.com.br) on 2013-05-04T17:41:44Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 3333333333333333.pdf: 2022341 bytes, checksum: 509258a28eae8740edd814fa04c095a7 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2013-05-04T17:41:44Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 3333333333333333.pdf: 2022341 bytes, checksum: 509258a28eae8740edd814fa04c095a7 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2007 / Este estudo analisa a regulação sanitária de equipamentos eletromédicos no Brasil e no Reino Unido. Busca identificar e analisar as semelhanças e diferenças entre os dois regimes e discutir em que medida eles protegem a saúde da população dos riscos decorrentes desses equipamentos. Optou-se por realizar pesquisa qualitativa exploratória com coleta de dados através de entrevistas, observação participante e análise de documentos, tomando-se bombas de infusão como equipamentos traçadores. Utilizando-se a Teoria dos Grupos de Interesse e a abordagem cibernética, é possível concluir que ambos os regimes estão implantados sob o modelo corporatista bipartite, priorizando a participação apenas de dois grupos de interesse, reguladores e aqueles representantes do segmento regulado. Apesar de terem legislação diferente, quanto à organização, o funcionamento deles se dá de modo fragmentado, implicando ocorrência de falhas regulatórias dos tipos captura e atenuação da ação regulatória. Têm estruturados de modo diferente os instrumentos regulatórios, controle sobre a entrada de empreendimentos no mercado, certificação de conformidade, revisão de pré-comercialização, tecnovigilância, mas guardam certa semelhança, no que diz respeito ao elemento central da ação regulatória - o equipamento em si, e não o paciente. Não utilizam os instrumentos regulatórios de forma balanceada, parecendo dar prioridade às atividades que geram recursos orçamentários para o órgão regulador e evitam conflito com o segmento regulado. Como conseqüência, aparenta que a regulação sanitária de equipamentos eletromédicos no Brasil e no Reino Unido ainda está distante de atender às necessidades de proteção da saúde da população. Para que esse objetivo seja alcançado, faz-se necessário investir em medidas educativas, esclarecendo a população sobre os riscos desses produtos e fomentando sua participação na organização do regime de regulação de risco à saúde. / Salvador

Extant literature indicates that web-based blended learning will become the most accepted mode of delivery in the near future as an alternative to traditional face-to-face instruction particularly in the higher education landscape due to its potential to provide increased access to education for more people, increased student engagement with the tutor, rich learning resources, peers, and external experts, and flexibility beyond the limits of classrooms without compromising quality. The study focused on developing a web-based blended learning model that could help reap the benefits of blended learning at the University of Botswana (UB). With this in mind, the research question, "How can a web-based blended learning environment be designed, developed and implemented at the University of Botswana?" was formulated. In order to address the research question, a six-dimensional model called LAPTEL was developed. The six dimentions are: Digital Leadership, Equitable Access, Active Participation, Authentic Tasks, Intellectual Engagement and Learning (LAPTEL); the first five dimentions are requisites to enable studnets to progress towards successful learning which is the sixth dimension. The LAPTEL model depicts guidelines on how to ensure equitable access for students to learning contexts, motivate and enable them to participate in meaningful educational processes, design and develop effective online as well as classroom learning materials (tasks), and engage students in active 'communityes of practice' in order to help them construct their own knowledge (learning) collaboratively under proper leadership. The Researcher considers it essential to have a complex interplay between the three components - active participation, authentic tasks and intellectual engagement to facilitate active, non-linear learning, and it will be catered for in the design, development and delivery of courses based on the LAPTEL model. The fact that these three dimensions have got features of both face-to-face and onlilne learning, integrated seamlessly, makes the LAPTEL a Web-based learning model. The overall aim was to develop a model of curriculum (re)design based on the student-centred pedagogical approaches that combine synergistically the effectiveness of traditional classroomwith technologically enhanced socialization and active learning oppotunities of the online environment in order to support student learning more effectively than what is possible in a typical lecture room. In a case study to evaluate the effectiveness of the LAPTEL model in the context of UB, the Researcher found that it could provide students with opportunity for increased interactive engagement (more than that is normally possible in 'face-to-face-only' or 'online-only' environments), flexibility and cognitive scaffolding that enhanced their learning experience. The Researcher concludes that the LAPTEL model fits well in the UB context, and it may be adopted by other institutions working under similar contexts. / Teacher Education / D. Ed. (Didactics)

<p>Since the late 1970s, biomedical researchers have heavily invested in the development of portable insulin pumps that allow people with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) to carry several days-worth of insulin to be injected on an as-needed basis. That means fewer needles and syringes, making regular insulin injections less time consuming and troublesome. As insulin pump use has become more widespread over the past twenty years among people with T1D, the social and cultural effects of using these medical devices on their everyday experiences have become both increasingly apparent for individuals yet consistently absent from social and cultural studies of the disease.</p><p><br></p><p>In this dissertation, I explore the technological, medical, and cultural networks of insulin pump treatment to identify the role(s) these biomedicalized treatment acts play in the structuring of people, their bodies, and the cultural values constructed around various medical technologies. As I will show, insulin pump treatment alters people’s bodies and identities as devices become integrated as co-productive actors within patient-users’ biological and social systems. By analyzing personal interviews and digital media produced by people with T1D alongside archival materials, this study identifies compulsory patterns in the practices, structures, and narratives related to insulin pump use to center chapters around the productive (and sometimes stifling) relationship between people, bodies, technologies, and American culture.</p><p><br></p><p>By analyzing the layered and intersecting sites of insulin pump treatment together, this project reveals how medical technologies, health identities, bodies, and cultures are co-constructed and co-defined in ways that bind them together—mutually constitutive, medically compelled, cultural and social. New bodies and new systems, I argue, come with new (in)visibilities, and while this new technologically-produced legibility of the body provides unprecedented management of the symptoms and side-effects of the disease, it also brings with it unforeseen social consequences that require changes to people’s everyday lives and practices. </p>