Historically, many higher education institutions have been structurally and culturally compartmentalised and subunits such as continuing education have been marginalised, merged or divested. In response to a variety of external phenomena, some higher education institutions are re-examining their internal and external relationships, including the relationship between their academic and continuing education units. This research examines the efforts of a higher education institution in the United Arab Emirates to improve its overall effectiveness by changing the nature of the relationship between its academic and continuing education units. A review of theory- and practice-based higher education, organisational culture and inter-/intra-organisational relationship literature revealed significant support for each partner's goals for the new relationship and was used to provide the parties with a series of recommendations for successful formulation, actualisation and governance. These results add to the literature and practice of higher education and continuing higher education, particularly in the area of relationship-building among organisational subunits and subcultures.

A ampliação da infraestrutura dos transportes assume um papel de importância e destaque nos planejamentos estatais na América do Sul a partir do século XX. Nesse âmbito, o olhar cada vez maior aos recursos da Amazônia, assim como à sua posição estratégica para a maior integração regional torna essa área como uma das principais fronteiras de desenvolvimento do mundo. Neste trabalho resgataremos importantes estudos geopolíticos e econômicos argumentando desde o primeiro capítulo sobre a importância da integração física através da intermodalidade de transportes para o desenvolvimento intrarregional da região amazônica, a qual configura o objetivo central desta pesquisa. Para cumprirmos este objetivo desenvolvemos um texto de cinco capítulos com o primeiro apresentando ao leitor o embasamento teórico geopolítico que nos ajuda a compreender as dinâmicas de integração física territorial, enfatizando a geopolítica do Brasil, Colômbia, Equador e Peru. Da mesma forma, o segundo capítulo contextualiza o leitor à temática infraestrutural para a Amazônia, apresentando valiosas contribuições de Bertha Becker e outros autores que avançam na temática transportes e desenvolvimento nessa região. Já o terceiro capítulo apresenta os principais panoramas que relacionam a ampliação da infraestrutura de transportes ao desenvolvimento, explicitando as iniciativas regionais recentes de integração física: a IIRSA e o COSIPLAN. O quarto capítulo apresenta então o Eixo Amazonas de Integração e seus projetos estruturantes, configurando nosso objeto de estudo. No último capítulo avançamos em sua caracterização, no intuito de demonstrar no período recente as principais relações econômicas e fluxos comerciais entre os países do Eixo Amazonas, além também de especificar os modais de transporte utilizados e os aspectos demográficos dessa região. Assim, analisando dados recentes relacionados a esses aspectos conjuntamente ao embasamento teórico apresentado, este trabalho espera contribuir aos estudos sobre o desenvolvimento socioeconômico da Amazônia levando em conta a importância do planejamento da infraestrutura de transportes de acordo às especificidades geográficas, econômicas e sociais dessa região tão importante e estratégica. / The expansion of transport infrastructure plays an important and prominent role in state planning in South America in the twentieth century. In this context, the look increasing about resources of the Amazon area, as well as its strategic position for greater regional integration makes this area as a major development borders in world. In this work, we will redeem important geopolitical and economic studies arguing since the first chapter about the importance of physical integration through the intermodal transport for intra-regional development in the Amazon region, which constitutes the central objective of this research.In order to accomplish this objective we developed a text with five chapters with the first one presenting to the reader the geopolitical theoretical foundation that helps us understand the dynamics of territorial physical integration, emphasizing the geopolitics of Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru. Similarly, the second chapter contextualizes the reader to infrastructural theme for the Amazon, with valuable contributions of Bertha Becker and others who advance the theme about transport and development in this region. In the third chapter, we present the main panoramas that relate the expansion of transport infrastructure to development, explaining the recent regional initiatives of physical integration: IIRSA and the COSIPLAN. The fourth chapter then presents the Amazon Integration Axis and its structuring projects, setting our object of study. In the last chapter we advance in its characterization, in order to demonstrate in recent years the main economic relations and trade flows between the countries of the Amazon Axis, in addition we also specify the modes of transport used and the demographics aspects of the region. Thus, analyzing recent data related to these aspects together the theoretical background presented, this research hopes to contribute to studies about socioeconomic development on the Amazon area, taking into account the importance of transport infrastructure planning according to geographical, economic and social characteristics of this important and strategic region.

Sumário: O DIU TCu380A é um método contraceptivo de alta eficácia e taxa de continuidade. O ACOG recomenda que o mesmo seja oferecido como primeira linha de contracepção para adolescentes independente da paridade. A falta de conhecimento e informação apropriada pode ser um fator decisivo para a nãoescolha do método. Objetivos: avaliar o grau de conhecimento sobre o DIU e identificar os principais motivos para sua não-escolha como contraceptivo por adolescentes entre 13 e 19 anos. Materiais e Métodos: Estudo transversal, prospectivo, onde o fator em estudo é o conhecimento sobre DIU e o desfecho é prevalência da opção pelo uso DIU (reposta SIM a pergunta " usaria DIU "). A amostra foi de 38 pacientes que consultam nos ambulatórios ou são puérperas internadas na maternidade do HCPA. O instrumento foi um questionário para auto-preenchimento. Análise de dados foi realizada por SPPS 18 e InfoStat. Resultados: A média de idade das entrevistadas foi de 16,05 anos (DP 1,33). Para analisar as perguntas verdadeiro/falso sobre assertivas acerca do DIU, criou-se a variável identificada como conhecimento correto, que correspondia ao acerto das 7 questões Não se encontrou associação entre conhecimento correto e possibilidade de uso de DIU (variável "usaria DIU") (Teste Exato de Fischer, p = 0,4, poder de 99,5%). Nas análises individuais para cada uma das assertivas de verdadeiro ou falso e a variável “usaria DIU", apenas a assertiva "A pílula é um método mais seguro que o DIU" emergiu como marginalmente significativa (Yates, bi-caudal 0,08, poder 60%). Observou-se uma associação entre maior escolaridade e conhecimento correto sobre o DIU (p=0,03, teste exato de Fischer). O principal motivo de recusa para uso encontrado foi informação insuficiente (26,3%) e medo da colocação (10,5%). Conclusões: O conhecimento correto de que a pílula não é um método mais seguro que o DIU significativamente influencia o uso do DIU no futuro. O fato das demais assertivas não determinarem maior escolha pelo DIU demonstra que o fato de desconhecerem que estarão mais protegidas com o uso de um LARC limita o uso do DIU. É fundamental informar as equipes de saúde que o DIU é um método mais efetivo e que não existe nenhum impeditivo para seu uso em adolescentes. / Background: The TCu380A IUD is a contraceptive method with high efficacy and continuity. The ACOG recommends that it should be offered as the first line of contraception for adolescents, despite parity. Lack of knowledge and appropriate information about the method can be a decisive factor for nonchoice. Objectives: to evaluate the degree of knowledge about the IUD and to identify the main reasons for not choosing the contraceptive method for adolescents between 13 and 19 years of age. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional, prospective study which the objective was to evaluate the knowledge about IUDs and the outcome was the prevalence of IUD possible use. The sample consisted of 38 patients who were attended at Gynecology and Obstetrics clinic or were hospitalized at the maternity (puerperium period) of the hospital. The instrument was a self-completion questionnaire. Data analysis was performed by SPPS 18 and InfoStat. Results: The average age of the interviewers was 16.05 years (SD 1.33). To analyze the true / false assertive questions about the IUD, we created the variable identified as correct knowledge, which corresponded to the correctness of the 7 questions There was no association between correct knowledge and the possibility of using IUDs. (Fischer's Exact Test, p = 0.4, 99.5% power). In the individual analyzes for each of the assertions of true or false and the variable would use IUDs, only the assertive " The pill is a safer method than the IUD " emerged as marginallly significant (Yates, two-tailed p = 0.08, power 60%). There was an association between higher education and correct knowledge about the IUD (p = 0.03, Fischer's exact test). The main reason for the refusal to use IUD was insufficient information (26.3%) and fear of insertion (10.5%). Conclusions: The correct knowledge that the pill is not a safer method than the IUD significantly influences the possibilty of IUD use in the future. The fact that the other assertions do not determine a greater choice for the IUD demonstrates that lack of knowledge that they would be more protected with the use of a LARC limits the IUD use. It is critical to inform health teams that the IUD is a more effective method and that there is no impediment to expand its use in adolescents and reduce the rate of pregnancy in adolescence.

När en patient opereras i generell anestesi kan hon trots medvetslöshet uppleva smärta om hon är för ytlig i sin medvetslöshet. Kroppens fysiologiska stressrespons aktiveras, vilket visar sig genom stigande blodtryck och ökad puls. Administrering av hypnotika och analgetika eliminerar denna stress effektivt varpå risken för smärtutlösta postoperativa komplikationer minskas. Eftersom den farmakologiska behandlingen också medför en ökad risk för postoperativa biverkningar såsom illamående, kräkning och trötthet skulle det vara av värde att hitta en icke-farmakologisk behandling som har god smärtstillande effekt men saknar postoperativa biverkningar. En systematisk litteraturöversikt har visat att musik har lugnande effekt preoperativt och en annan litteraturöversikt har visat på smärthämmande effekter på vakna patienter både under och efter operation. Det saknas översikter som värderat musikens effekter på patienter under generell anestesi. Syftet med denna litteraturstudie är därför att värdera aktuella forskningsresultat gällande musikens påverkan på dessa patienter. Sökningen resulterade i sju interventionsstudier, varav fyra var randomiserade kontrollerade studier (RCT). De var jämförbara och av hög kvalitet men hade lågt deltagarantal (n=20-51 deltagare/grupp). Musiken (naturljud och instrumentella lugnande ljud) gav intraoperativa effekter såsom sänkt blodtryck och minskat behov av analgetika. Dessutom resulterade den i postoperativa effekter såsom minskad smärta och fortsatt minskat behov av analgetika, ökad tillfredställande upplevelse av anestesin och en snabbare mobilisering. Effekter som kan minska vårdlidandet för patienten. Resultatet indikerar att musik under generell anestesi har en positiv inverkan på patienter, men eftersom studierna är få till antalet och har små studiepopulationer kan inga säkra slutsatser dras om huruvida musik är en metod som skall införas i vården. / Program: Specialistsjuksköterskeutbildning med inriktning mot anestesisjukvård

The thesis aims to explore the effect of team dynamics on team and organisational outcomes. Dynamics is a broad term that encompasses all the processes and attitudes that exist between team members and influence the direction of team's performance. Trust, conflict and behavioural integration comprise psychological facets of teamwork and are amongst the most common dynamics of a team. The current study aims to shed light on the perceptions of board members about the level of conflict, trust and behavioural integration during board meetings, which comprise the most critical forum of the group. Trust, conflict and behavioural integration are the primary attitudes, behaviors, and cognitions that arise within the board and encompass the core aspects of teamwork. There is a gap in the literature for examining the role of social-psychological processes and interactions between the board members because access to the boardroom is difficult and the researchers are forced to turn their attention on secondary data and proxies for board behaviors. Although that board of directors is an upper echelons group of executives who can ensure the long-term survival of the organisations, there is scarce of research in studying boards from a team perspective. Until today, we have limited knowledge of team processes, such as conflict, both inside the boardrooms and in the context of strategy implementation. The literature review in this thesis is drawn from multiple disciplines, including management, psychology and sociology, which enable us to gain a deep understanding of team's dynamics. The methodology has been based on a positivist approach since the focus is centered around the data collection process and the statistical interpretation of the findings. Primary data was collected from board members in Nordic countries, namely Denmark, Finland, Sweden, Iceland and Norway. The data was collected with the use of survey method and the findings are based on 186 usable responses. The Nordic corporate governance model remains still the less known outside the Nordic region (Thomsen, 2016) but this thesis postulates that valuable lessons can emanate from its study. The study of the Nordic model could give us useful lessons for the roles of the board and the structure of their organisations. The statistical analysis of the model involved: Descriptive Analysis, Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA), Confirmatory Factory Analysis (CFA) and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). The results of this thesis provide theoretical and managerial recommendations for achieving superior board performance. The importance of the role of the Behavioural Integration inside the boardroom is underlined as a significant finding of this study. Moreover, the role of Trust in the board context raises some important questions about its priority since there may be other processes or dynamics which present more clear-cut results on board effectiveness. Furthermore, the deleterious effects of conflict have been underlined. It is also underlined that in this competitive era boards should go beyond fiduciary responsibilities to a more strategic role on a broader range of matters With the exception of a few studies, researchers still to move inside the "black box" of the upper echelons processes and understand how the executives in the board interact. Building a strong board of directors requires a focus beyond demographic characteristics to board interactions. The most effective boards have the strongest board dynamics and are characterized by openness, teamness and collaborative behaviour. The power of the board comes from the ability of the directors to effectively work together and hopefully the current study contributes substantially to the corporate governance field and the way that team processes affect team outcomes.

Made available in DSpace on 2014-06-11T19:31:06Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2012-07-17Bitstream added on 2014-06-13T19:01:25Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 sereno_mg_dr_botfmvz_parcial.pdf: 72346 bytes, checksum: 24da52ea5130e16c644610e364994910 (MD5) Bitstreams deleted on 2015-06-03T11:42:25Z: sereno_mg_dr_botfmvz_parcial.pdf,. Added 1 bitstream(s) on 2015-06-03T11:43:59Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 000712342_20150717.pdf: 60183 bytes, checksum: f2f25c4e5338aff3c47a47401ac44f4c (MD5) Bitstreams deleted on 2015-08-03T12:21:14Z: 000712342_20150717.pdf,. Added 1 bitstream(s) on 2015-08-03T12:22:26Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 000712342.pdf: 763726 bytes, checksum: 73e045192f5db1c78737d496e8c80ca0 (MD5) / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) / A opacidade de cápsula posterior (OCP) é a complicação tardia mais comum após remoção da catarata por facoemulsificação e constitui uma nova barreira à passagem da luz. A modificação superficial das lentes intraoculares (LIOs) e tratamento por plasma vêm sendo estudados, com o intuito de aumentar a biocompatibilidade das mesmas e induzir menor proliferação celular com a posterior manifestação da OCP. O presente estudo teve por objetivo avaliar e comparar a OCP, bem como as variáveis clínico-oftalmológicas após facoemulsificação e implante de lente intraocular (LIO), modificada com plasma de flúor (SF6) ou de polietilenoglicol (PEG), em coelhos. Foram constituídos quatro grupos, de 10 animais cada. Todos os coelhos foram submetidos à facoemulsificação, sendo este o único procedimento no grupo GF; os animais do GL receberam o implante de LIOs hidrofílicas sem tratamento; no GP foram implantadas LIOs tratadas com plasma de flúor, e no GPeg LIOs polimerizadas com plasma de polietilenoglicol. Após o procedimento cirúrgico, foi feita a avaliação macroscópica e semiquantitativa da OCP, opacidade de cápsula anterior (OCA) e fimose capsular, pela lâmpada de fenda, bem como foi mensurada a pressão intraocular (PIO) e analisada espessura corneal e endotélio por microscopia especular. Adicionalmente, foi realizada a fotodocumentação digital por retroiluminação da cápsula posterior foram analisadas quanto à OCP, utilizando-se o software POCOman (Posterior Capsule Opacification Manual), até as doze e 24 semanas do pós-operatório, nos momentos de avaliação precoce e tardia respectivamente. Na avaliação clínica oftalmológica e do endotélio da córnea não houve diferença significativa entre os grupos. A OCP foi menos intensa nos grupos tratados por plasma, na biomicroscopia. O GF apresentou... / Intraocular lenses surface modification and plasma treatment are being studied, in order to increase the biocompatibility and induce less cell proliferation with the later manifestation of posterior capsule opacification (PCO). The present study aimed to evaluate and compare the PCO, as well as clinical and ophthalmological variables after phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation (IOL), modified with fluoride (SF6) plasma or poly (ethylene) glycol (PEG), in rabbits. Four groups with 10 animals each were constituted. All rabbits were submitted to phacoemulsification, being this the only procedure in GF group; the GL animals received the implant of hydrophilic IOLs; GP received fluoride plasma treated IOLs, and GPeg poly (ethylene glycol) plasma-polymerized IOLs. After the surgical procedure, the PCO macroscopic evaluation was made of the OCP, anterior capsule opacification (OCA) and capsular phimosis by slit-lamp, as well as was measured the intraocular pressure (IOP) and analyzed corneal thickness and endothelium by specular microscopy. Additionally, digital photographs by backlight of posterior capsule were analysed as to the OCP, using the software POCOman (Posterior Capsule Opacification Manual), until the 12 and 24 postoperative weeks in early and late evaluation respectively. In clinical assessing eye cornea and endothelium there was no significant difference between the groups. To slit lamp exam PCO was less intense in the groups treated by plasma. The GF had the highest rates of anterior capsule opacity and capsular phimosis in relation to groups with IOL. POCOman, was not evidenced in effect in reducing the PCO in the group treated by Fluoride in relation to non treated. The implant of IOLs treated with plasma does not promote inflammatory eye signs and endothelial additionally changes, demonstrating... (Complete abstract click electronic access below)

Made available in DSpace on 2016-04-28T20:19:15Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 2006- Sandra Souto da Silva.pdf: 328635 bytes, checksum: f811c2c71698ab18de0961c4cd761440 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2006-05-02 / The present study has as main objective to investigate the possible differences between entrepreneurs (franchisees) and intra-entrepreneurs profiles (corporate managers, also asked intrapreneurs), of a distribution company of health s products. The two groups had been compared about to the following Entrepreneurial Behavior Characteristics (EBCs): search of opportunities and initiative; persistence; commitment; requirement of quality and efficiency; following calculated risks; establishment of goals; search of information; planning and systematic control; persuasion and net of contacts; independence and self-confidence, denominated: the EBCs of McClelland. The used methodology was a descriptive case study that used quantitative and qualitative techniques. The differences between the groups concerning the perception of the meaning about entrepreneurs and intrapreneurs also had been studied. The study concluded that there is not a significant difference between the groups about the EBCs. However, it was evidenced that the managers have larger level of quality demand and efficiency' and planning and systematic control', compared to the franchisees. Both groups also do not present significant differences at self noticed entrepreneurship level. The participants of both groups had attributed more meanings to the concept of entrepreneurship than the concept of intrapreneurship, what suggests a better agreement of the first concept. Finally, the managers showed more concepts of entrepreneurship meanings and intrapreneurship. / O presente estudo tem como objetivo principal investigar as poss?veis diferen?as de perfil entre empreendedores (propriet?rios de franquias) e intra-empreendedores (gestores corporativos), de uma empresa distribuidora de produtos para sa?de. Os dois grupos foram comparados quanto ?s seguintes Caracter?sticas Comportamentais Empreendedoras (CCEs): busca de oportunidades e iniciativa; persist?ncia; comprometimento; exig?ncia de qualidade e efici?ncia; correr riscos calculados; estabelecimento de metas; busca de informa??o; planejamento e monitoramento sistem?ticos; persuas?o e rede de contatos; independ?ncia e autoconfian?a, ou seja, as CCEs de McClelland. A metodologia utilizada foi um estudo de caso descritivo, aplicadas t?cnicas quantitativa e qualitativa de an?lise. Foram tamb?m examinadas as diferen?as entre os grupos quanto ? percep??o de seus n?veis de empreendedorismo e os significados de empreendedorismo e intra-empreendedorismo. Conclui-se que os grupos n?o diferem significativamente em rela??o ?s CCE?s. Entretanto, h? uma tend?ncia dos gestores para apresentar maior n?vel de exig?ncia de qualidade e efici?ncia e planejamento e monitoramento sistem?ticos , em compara??o com os franqueados. Os dois grupos tamb?m n?o apresentam diferen?as significativas quanto ao n?vel de empreendedorismo autopercebido. Os participantes de ambos os grupos atribu?ram mais significados ao conceito de empreendedorismo do que ao de intra-empreendedorismo, o que sugere uma maior compreens?o do primeiro conceito. Por fim, os gestores produziram maior n?mero de significados de empreendedorismo e intraempreendedorismo.

Submitted by Setor de Tratamento da Informa??o - BC/PUCRS (tede2@pucrs.br) on 2016-11-16T13:11:07Z No. of bitstreams: 1 DIS_ANA_PAULA_SZEZEPANIAK_GOULART_COMPLETO.pdf: 1331186 bytes, checksum: c62191ee8989facb5039525bce1735d3 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2016-11-16T13:11:08Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 DIS_ANA_PAULA_SZEZEPANIAK_GOULART_COMPLETO.pdf: 1331186 bytes, checksum: c62191ee8989facb5039525bce1735d3 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2016-08-26 / Objective: To evaluate association between histological grade of low (CIN I) and high-grade intraepithelial cervical lesions (CIN II and III) and the immunohistochemical expression of p16INK4a, hTert and ki67 in order to establish the behavior of these lesions and recurrence during follow-up of two years. Patients and Methods: a historical cohort study of 94 women to analyze 3 groups of patients with low (CIN I) and high-grade (CIN II and III) cervical intraepithelial lesions underwent to knife, to determine the recurrence of disease associated to expression of immunohistochemical markers p16INK4a, Ki67 and hTERT. Results: Mean age of the patients was 38.2 years. Patients with CIN I, there was a lower p16INK4a expression, while in patients CIN II or I / II a higher frequency of p16INK4a ?10% was observed. In patients with CIN III there was a higher frequency of p16INK4a expression (> 50%). There were more patients with Ki67 ?10% of the cell population and lower frequency of Ki67 expression (> 50%) in CIN I. In CIN III there were fewer patients in the category Ki67 ?10% and CIN II and III group there were more patients with absent expression of Ki67. There wasn't association between hTert and histological grade. When comparing the markers between subjects with and without recurrence there was no statistically significant difference. Conclusion: There was a statistically significant association between p16INK4a, P16iNK4aM and Ki67 and histological grade, however there was no statistical difference in the expression of these markers in relation to recurrence of disease during the study period. / Objetivo: Avaliar a associa??o entre gradua??o histol?gica e a express?o imunoistoqu?mica para P16iNK4a, hTert e ki67, a fim de estabelecer o comportamento dessas les?es quanto ? recorr?ncia durante o seguimento de dois anos. Pacientes e M?todos: Estudo de coorte hist?rica incluindo 94 mulheres, em que foram analisados 3 grupos de pacientes com les?es intraepiteliais cervicais de baixo (NIC I) e alto grau , classificadas em NIC II e III, submetidas ? coniza??o, a fim de determinar a recorr?ncia da doen?a conforme a express?o dos marcadores imunoistoqu?micos P16iNK4a, Ki67 e hTert. Resultados: A idade m?dia das pacientes foi de 38,2 anos. Nas pacientes com NIC I, houve maior frequ?ncia de P16iNK4a ausente, nas pacientes NIC II ou I/II observou-se maior frequ?ncia com P16iNK4a ?10%. Nas pacientes NIC III observou-se maior frequ?ncia de express?o de P16iNK4a (>50%). Na categoria NIC I houve mais pacientes com Ki67 ?10% e menor frequ?ncia de Ki67 (>50%). Na categoria NIC III houve menos pacientes na categoria Ki67 ?10% e no grupo NIC II e III houve mais pacientes com Ki67 ausente. N?o houve associa??o entre a express?o do marcador imunoistoqu?mico hTert e gradua??o histol?gica. Quando comparadas as express?es dos marcadores entre sujeitos com e sem recorr?ncia, n?o houve diferen?as estatisticamente significativas. Conclus?o: Houve uma associa??o estatisticamente significativa entre P16iNK4a, P16iNK4aM e Ki67 e a gradua??o histol?gica, entretanto n?o houve diferen?a estat?stica na express?o desses marcadores em rela??o ? recorr?ncia da doen?a no per?odo avaliado.

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the most deadly of urological malignancies. While metastatic disease affects one third of patients at diagnosis, a further third of patients who undergo extirpative surgery with curative intent subsequently develop metastatic disease. Inconsistency in the clinical course ensures predicting subsequent metastasis is notoriously difficult, despite the routine use of prognostic clinico-pathological parameters in risk stratification. With greater understanding of pathways involved in disease pathogenesis, a number of biomarkers have been proposed to be of prognostic significance; however there are currently no molecular prognostic markers in clinical use. Genetic intra-tumoural heterogeneity (genetic ITH) has been described in clear cell RCC (ccRCC) and may limit the clinical translation of biomarkers. There has been no assessment of ITH at other molecular levels. The aim of this work was to define and compare proteomic, transcriptomic and DNA methylation ITH in ccRCC, and identify potential prognostic biomarkers. Using reverse phase protein arrays to study protein expression in multiple spatially separate regions of primary and metastatic ccRCC, proteomic ITH was demonstrated for the first time. Interestingly there was no significant difference in proteomic ITH in metastatic ccRCC tumour deposits compared to primary tumours. However, on analysis of differential protein expression between primary and metastatic ccRCC tissue using a tissue microarray and automated analysis of immunofluorescence, there was significantly greater expression of Ki67, p53, VEGFR1, SLUG and SNAIL in the metastases compared to the primary tumours. Subsequent profiling of gene expression and DNA methylation in multiple areas of the same primary tumours confirmed transcriptomic and methylomic ITH. On comparison of this multimolecular ITH, significantly greater proteomic ITH was seen compared to gene expression and DNA promoter methylation heterogeneity. Recent evidence suggests DNA methylation may be prognostically important in RCC and given the lower methylomic ITH in ccRCC, the identification of prognostic DNA methylation changes in ccRCC were pursued using the Infinium HumanMethylation450K Beadchip. Following development of an analysis pipeline, identification and validation of prognostic differentially methylated regions (DMR) was performed on an experimental cohort and published dataset respectively. Five DMRs, which were associated with disease recurrence in ccRCC, were identified. NEFM gene promoter methylation was the only DMR associated with cancer specific survival, independent of TNM stage and nuclear grade on multivariate analysis, which was confirmed on a third independent published dataset. This thesis therefore demonstrates multi-molecular ITH in ccRCC for the first time. Despite this, NEFM promoter methylation may be a useful independent prognostic marker of cancer specific survival.

Nos últimos anos, o tema da representação política no contexto brasileiro adquiriu maior relevância na pauta nacional a partir das manifestações de rua que eclodiram por todo o Brasil em junho de 2013. A presente dissertação tem os objetivos de analisar o dever dos partidos de assegurar a autenticidade do sistema representativo sob a perspectiva intrapartidária e de verificar o significado da expressão “igualdade de oportunidades” no direito eleitoral e partidário brasileiro e sua aplicação. A metodologia adotada consiste em pesquisa qualitativa, por meio do método lógicodedutivo de abordagem. A coleta dos documentos e bibliografias foi realizada por meio de pesquisa em livros, periódicos, jurisprudências e artigos armazenados em arquivos públicos, bibliotecas e sites eletrônicos na Internet. O estudo mostra-se relevante em face da perda de confiança nos partidos políticos para a melhoria da democracia representativa brasileira, bem como a intervenção do Supremo Tribunal Federal na legislação eleitoral em nome de um chamado equilíbrio da igualdade política. Nesse contexto, resta à ciência investigar as causas da falha dos partidos políticos no cumprimento do dever de assegurar a autenticidade do sistema representativo e verificar o que se entende pela expressão “igualdade política”. O trabalho foi dividido em quatro capítulos. O primeiro capítulo tem a função de delimitar o horizonte de compreensão a respeito de conceitos e questões fundamentais ao tema. O segundo capítulo tem o escopo de analisar o dever dos partidos de assegurar o sistema representativo sob a perspectiva do princípio da democracia intrapartidária. O terceiro capítulo se ocupa em verificar o significado da expressão “igualdade de oportunidades” no direito eleitoral e partidário brasileiro e sua aplicação. O quarto capítulo trata da análise do conteúdo da última reforma eleitoral realizada em 2015, bem como a PEC do Senado Federal nº 36/2016. / In recent years, the theme of political representation in the Brazilian context has become more relevant in the national agenda, based on the street demonstrations that broke out across Brazil in June 2013. The present dissertation aims to analyze the parties' duty to ensure Authenticity of the representative system from an intraparty perspective and to verify the meaning of the term "equal opportunities" in Brazilian electoral and party law and its application. The Methodology consists of qualitative research, through the logical-deductive method of approach. The collection of documents and bibliographies was conducted through research in books, journals, case law and articles stored in public archives, libraries and electronic websites. The study is relevant in the face of the loss of confidence in political parties to improve representative Brazilian democracy, as well as the intervention of the Federal Supreme Court in electoral legislation in the name of a socalled balance of political equality. In this context, it remains for science to investigate the causes of the failure of political parties to fulfill the duty of ensuring the authenticity of the representative system and to verify what is meant by the term "political equality". The work was divided into four chapters. The first chapter has the function of delimiting the horizon of understanding about concepts and questions fundamental to the theme. The second chapter has the scope of analyzing the duty of the parties to secure the representative system from the perspective of intraparty democracy principle. The third chapter is concerned with verifying the meaning of the term "equal opportunities" in Brazilian electoral and party law and its application. The fourth chapter deals with the analysis of the content of the last electoral reform carried out in 2015, as well as PEC from the Federal Senate nº 36/2016.