Submitted by Luciana Ferreira (lucgeral@gmail.com) on 2018-10-03T11:24:00Z No. of bitstreams: 2 Dissertação - Carolina Nobre Ribeiro Pontes - 2018.pdf: 2152959 bytes, checksum: 9a1997dd7deceede7ede68d4550b490c (MD5) license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Luciana Ferreira (lucgeral@gmail.com) on 2018-10-03T11:46:07Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 2 Dissertação - Carolina Nobre Ribeiro Pontes - 2018.pdf: 2152959 bytes, checksum: 9a1997dd7deceede7ede68d4550b490c (MD5) license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2018-10-03T11:46:08Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 Dissertação - Carolina Nobre Ribeiro Pontes - 2018.pdf: 2152959 bytes, checksum: 9a1997dd7deceede7ede68d4550b490c (MD5) license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) Previous issue date: 2018-03-02 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior - CAPES / Previous studies suggested that the Angiotensin-(1-7) [(Ang-(1-7)] is able to modulate the cardiac sympathetic control and beta-adrenergic sensitivity. However, whether or not Ang-(1- 7) modulates the cholinergic activity in the heart remains unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of Ang-(1-7) upon cholinergic sensitivity of hearts from normotensive and hypertensive rats. Wistar and Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats (SHR) were anesthetized with urethane and underwent catheterization of femoral artery and left ventricle to record the arterial and intraventricular pressure, respectively. Following, a dose-response curve of acetylcholine (ACh, 10, 20, 40 and 80 ng/Kg, i.v. into femoral vein) was performed in the absence or presence of Ang-(1-7) (7 x 10-12 mol/min), Mas receptor antagonist A-779 (7 x 10-11 mol/min) or Ang-(1-7)+A-779. Isolated hearts were perfused according to the Langendorff technique. Increasing concentrations of ACh (10-7 to 10-5 mol/L) were added to the hearts in absence or presence of Ang-(1-7), (2 x 10-11 mol/L), A-779, (2 x 10-10 mol/L), Ang-(1-7)+A-779, MrgD receptor antagonist, D-PRO (2 x 10-10 mol/L) or D-PRO+Ang-(1-7). ACh-induced vasorelaxation was assessed in absence or presence of Ang-(1-7) (2 x 10-11 mol/L or 2 x 10-10 mol/L). Ang-(1-7) attenuated the effect of ACh in decreasing the intraventricular systolic, dP/dt max and dP/dt min in anesthetized Wistar and SHR. These effects were blocked by A-779. Ang-(1-7) did not change the amplitude of the hypotensive effect evoked by ACh in Wistar or SHRs. In isolated hearts, Ang-(1-7) also attenuated the reduction of the intraventricular systolic pressure, dP/dt max and dP/dt min evoked by ACh. A-779 blocked the Ang-(1-7) effects in hearts from Wistar. A-779 or D-PRO did not modify the effects of Ang-(1-7) in hearts from SHR, but in presence of D-PRO, Ang-(1-7) effects were equipotent. Ang-(1-7) attenuated the vasorelaxation induced by ACh in aorta from SHR by only in SHR group. These data suggest that Ang-(1-7) exerts differential modulation of cardiac cholinergic sensitivity during experimental primary hypertension, which is independent on blood pressure. / Estudos prévios sugerem que a Angiotensina-(1-7) [(Ang-(1-7)] é capaz de modular o controle simpático cardíaco e sensibilidade beta-adrenérgica. Entretanto, ainda não se sabe se a Ang-(1-7) consegue modular a atividade colinérgica no coração. O objetivo deste estudo foiavaliar a influência da Ang-(1-7) na sensibilidade colinérgica cardíaca de ratos normotensos e hipertensos. Wistar e Ratos Espontaneamente Hipertensos (SHR) foram anestesiados com uretano e submetidos à canulação de artéria femoral e ventrículo esquerdo cardíaco para registro de pressão arterial e intraventricular, respectivamente. Em seguida, foi realizada uma curva dose-resposta de acetilcolina (ACh, 10, 20, 40 e 80 ng/Kg, i.v.) por infusão pela veia femoral. A infusão ocorreu na presença e ausência de Ang-(1-7) (7 x 10-12 mol/min), do antagonista do receptor Mas, A-779 (7 x 10-11 mol/min) ou de Ang-(1-7)+A-779. Os corações isolados foram perfundidos de acordo com a técnica de Langendorff e concentrações crescentes de ACh (10-7 a 10-5 mol/L) foram adicionadas aos corações na presença ou ausência de Ang-(1-7), (2 x 10-11 mol/L), A-779, (2 x 10-10 mol/L), Ang-(1-7)+A-779, antagonista do receptor MrgD, D-PRO (2 x 10-10 mol/L) ou D-PRO+Ang-(1-7). O vasorrelaxamento induzido pela ACh foi mensurado na presença ou ausência da Ang-(1-7) (2 x 10-11 mol/L ou 2 x 10-10 mol/L). Em Wistar e SHR anestesiados, a Ang-(1-7) atenuou o efeito da ACh na queda da pressão intraventricular sistólica, dP/dt máx, e dP/dt mín. Estes efeitos foram bloqueados pelo A-779. A Ang-(1-7) não alterou a resposta hipotensora da ACh em Wistar ou SHR. Nos corações isolados, a Ang-(1-7) também atenuou a redução na pressão intraventricular sistólica, dP/dt máx e dP/dt mín evocados pela ACh. O A-779 bloqueou os efeitos da Ang-(1-7) em corações de Wistar. O A-779 ou D-PRO, per se, não modificaram os efeitos da Ang-(1-7) em corações de SHR, mas na presença do D-PRO, a Ang-(1-7) apresentou efeitos similares. O vasorrelaxamento da aorta induzido pela ACh foi atenuado pela Ang-(1-7) apenas nos SHR. Estes dados sugerem que a Ang-¬(1-¬7) modula o sistema colinérgico cardíaco de forma diferente no modelo de hipertensão primária experimental e de maneira independente de ajustes na pressão arterial.

Made available in DSpace on 2015-04-11T13:54:24Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Marcia Alves de Souza.pdf: 1923965 bytes, checksum: 3ad1484efad384495579203b0e85259c (MD5) Previous issue date: 2013-05-30 / FAPEAM - Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado do Amazonas / A Tuberculose (TB) é uma doença infecciosa causada pelo complexo Mycobacterium tuberculosis, sendo considerada um grave problema de saúde pública mundial. Atualmente, isolados de M. tuberculosis resistentes a pelo menos um medicamento utilizado no tratamento da TB tem sido documentados em todos os países. De acordo com a Organização Mundial de Saúde (OMS) a TB multirresistente (TBMR) é definida quando, isolados de M. tuberculosis de pacientes apresentam resistência a pelo menos Isoniazida e Rifampicina, os dois fármacos fundamentais no tratamento da TB. A resistência à Rifampicina tem sido associada às mutações gênicas no bacilo, no gene rpoB (referentes aos códons 531, 526 e 516). Para a Isoniazida, as mutações associadas à resistência têm sido relatadas nos genes katG, inhA, ahpC e kasA, sendo que a mutação no gene katG, referente ao códon 315, tem sido a mais citada para resistência a este fármaco. Neste contexto, métodos moleculares têm sido propostos pra detecção de mutações gênicas, em isolados de M. tuberculosis, que possam estar associadas à resistência aos fármacos. O presente estudo avaliou o desempenho da PCR multiplex alelo específico (PCR-MAS), diretamente em 86 amostras de escarro de pacientes com TB pulmonar multibacilares (n=42) e paucibacilares (n=44) da Policlínica Cardoso Fonte. A PCR-MAS teve como alvos: os genes katG ,inhA e rpoB. A concordância entre a PCR-MAS e o Método de Redução de Nitrato foi avaliada utilizando o teste kappa e a associação entre as mutações gênicas e a resistência fenotípica aos fármacos foi realizada pelo teste exato de Fisher. A análise de concordância, pelo teste kappa, foi realizada entre as PCR-MAS a partir de amostra de escarro e de isolados de M. tuberculosis. A PCR-MAS apresentou fraca concordância com o Método de Redução de Nitrato, pois de 18 amostras resistentes à Isoniazida, apenas em 4 (22,2%) foram detectadas as mutações para o gene katG ou inhA. No entanto, a avaliação da sensibilidade fenotípica à Rifampicina, apresentou boa concordância com a PCR-MAS (kappa = 0,7237), quando as amostras foram de pacientes de TB pulmonar multibacilar. Além disso, houve associação da presença de mutações no gene rpoB com resistência fenotípica à Rifampicina (p = 0.0014). Em relação a concordância entre as PCR-MAS, de amostras de escarro e seus respectivos isolados de M. tuberculosis, o desempenho foi excelente quando testados em amostras de pacientes com TB pulmonar multibacilar, para detecção de mutações no gene rpoB (kappa = 0,7742). Portanto, os resultados obtidos com a PCR-MAS, a partir de amostras de escarros, foram satisfatórios e poderão ser utilizados para monitorar e pesquisar as mutações associada à resistência à Rifampicina em pacientes de TB multibacilar na rede básica de saúde, pois é um teste rápido, reprodutível e de menor custo.

Made available in DSpace on 2016-08-17T14:53:03Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Claudio Henrique.pdf: 2293947 bytes, checksum: 295cf028346110498a2ca8201da82769 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2007-06-22 / This paper aims at detecting frauds in municipal taxes, using a multi-agent system. To attain such objective, it presents some of the stages of the software development and the implementation of some agents. The paper also proposes the behavior modeling of contributors, obtained from historical data from their actions and from behavior inference functions. That model, after being validated, with the use of data from São Luís County Hall, was transformed in agent. In the stages of analysis and design of the system, the methodologies MAS-Common KADS and the ontology ONTOMADEM (this one based in MADEM Multi-Agent Domain Engineering Methodology), were used. In the stage of development, JADE (Java Agent Development Framework) ambience and the PROTÉGÉ for JADE plug-ins were used, besides JESS, used to implement the ontologies and the rules. / Este trabalho tem por objetivo principal a detecção de fraudes em impostos municipais, utilizando sistema multi-agentes. Para se atingir tal objetivo, apresentam-se algumas das fases de desenvolvimento do software e a implementação de alguns agentes. Propõe-se também a modelagem comportamental de contribuintes obtida a partir de dados históricos de suas ações e de funções de inferência de comportamento. Esse modelo, após validado com a utilização de dados da Prefeitura de São Luís, foi transformado em agente. Nas fases de análise e projeto do sistema, utilizaram-se as metodologias MAS-CommonKADS e a ontologia ONTOMADEM, esta baseada na MADEM (Multi-Agente Domain Engineering Methodology). Na fase de desenvolvimento, foram utilizados o ambiente JADE (Java Agent Development Framework) e os plugins do PROTÉGÉ para JADE, além do JESS, usado para implementar as ontologias e as regras.

Made available in DSpace on 2016-08-17T17:11:01Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 DISSERTACAO_CELSO HENRIQUE SOUZA COSTA BARROS.pdf: 1419210 bytes, checksum: a1822ff5960d1998e001de7cc8bb7379 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2015-02-26 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / The objective was to evaluate the effect of inhibition of Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) with enalapril maleate in follicular development, gene expression of granulosa cells and in vivo production of embryos in cattle. In Experiment 1, we used four Girolando (Bos taurus x Bos indicus) cows to evaluate the potential suppression of cardiocirculatory system and validation of the effective dose of Enalapril Maleate. Was administered 0.2, 0.3, 0.4 and 0.5 mg / kg of enalapril maleate and measured mean arterial pressure (MAP). The best effective dose was 0.4 mg / kg and was used in the experiments 2 and 3. In Experiment 2, we used 20 Nelore (Bos indicus) cows to measure the MAP and ovarian vascular density at 0, 2, 4 7, 10 and 24 hours after Enalapril administration. In Experiment 3, twelve Nelore (Bos indicus) cows were used. These were distributed homogeneously in two treatments: a) Enalapril Group; females subjected to superovulation protocol receiving enalapril maleate (20 mg / 5 ml) from D3 to D7 of protocol and b) Control Group; females subjected to superovulation protocol received placebo (saline 0.9 %) on the same dates and volume. In Experiment 4, follicular fluid and granulosa cells were collected in vivo by ultrasound guided follicular aspiration. Then was performed mRNA extraction and RT-PCR for the expression of enzymes P450 aromatase, angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and MAS receptor. No effect of enalapril on MAP in animals treated with up to 0.3 mg / kg. Doses of 0.4 and 0.5 significantly decreased MAP in a dose-dependent level (P <0.05). There was no significant effect of enalapril maleate or the harvest time in MAP of Bos indicus cows. Enalapril significantly reduced vascular density ovarian up to 24 hours after administration. No effect of Enalapril on anovulatory follicles and corpora lutea (P> 0.05). The ovulation rate was significantly higher in the Enalapril group (P <0.001). Gene expression was similar between treated and untreated cows. The ACE inhibition through administration of Enalapril Maleate reduced MAP and ovarian vascular density, but not improved follicular growth did not increase the expression of genes associated with follicular development and did not increases in vivo production of embryos in superstimulated cows. / Objetivou-se avaliar o efeito da inibição da Enzima Conversora de Angiotensina (ECA) com Maleato de Enalapril no desenvolvimento folicular, expressão gênica de células da granulosa e produção in vivo de embriões em bovinos. No Experimento 1, utilizou-se quatro fêmeas da raça Girolando (Bos taurus x Bos indicus), para avaliação do potencial efeito supressivo cardiocirculatório e validação da dose efetiva de Maleato de Enalapril. Foram administrados 0,2, 0,3, 0,4 e 0,5 mg/Kg de maleato de enalapril e mensurada a pressão arterial média (PAM). A melhor dose efetiva foi de 0,4mg/ Kg e foi utilizada nos experimentos 2 e 3. No Experimento 2, utilizou-se 20 fêmeas da raça Nelore (Bos indicus) para aferir a PAM e a desnidade vascular ovariana 0, 2, 4, 7, 10 e 24 horas após a administração do Enalapril. No Experimento 3, foram utilizadas 12 fêmeas da raça Nelore (Bos indicus) homogeneamente distribuidas em dois diferentes tratamentos: a) grupo enalapril; fêmeas submetidas ao protocolo de superovulação que receberam solução de maleato de enalapril na concentração de 20 mg/5 mL/via subcutânea, do dia D3 a D7 e o grupo controle, fêmeas submetidas ao protocolo de superovulação, receberam placebo (solução fisiológica 0,9%) nas mesmas datas e volume. No Experimento 4, foi realizada a recuperação in vivo de fluido folicular e células da granulosa através da aspiração folicular, extração de RNAm e RT-PCR para avaliação da expressão da enzima P450 aromatase, enzima conversora de angiotensina 2 (ECA2) e para o receptor MAS. Não houve efeito do Enalapril sobre a PAM em animais tratados com até 0,3 mg/kg. As doses de 0,4 e 0,5 diminuiram significativamente a PAM em escala dose-dependente (P<0,05). Não houve efeito significativo da administração do Maleato de Enalapril nem do horário de colheita na PAM das fêmeas Nelore estudadas. O Enalapril diminuiu significativamente a densidade vascular ovariana por até 24 horas após a administração. Não houve efeito do Enalapril no número de folículos anovulatórios e número de corpos lúteos no D15 (P>0,05). A taxa de ovulação foi significativamente maior no grupo tratado (P<0,001). A expressão de genes foi similar entre as fêmeas tratadas ou não tratadas. A inibição da ECA por meio da administração do Maleato de Enalapril reduziu a PAM e a densidade vascular ovariana, porém não melhorou o crescimento folicular, não aumentou a expressão de genes associados ao desenvolvimento folicular e não potencializou a produção in vivo de embriões em vacas da raça Nelore (Bos indicus) superestimuladas.

La majorité des méthodes d’analyse et de contrôle actuelles dans l’agroalimentaire sont basées sur une approche ciblée, c'est-à-dire avec une définition en amont des contaminants recherchés, et présentent ainsi le risque de ne pas détecter certaines fraudes ou sources potentielles de contaminations de produits authentiques. C’est autour de cette problématique que le projet Agrifood GPS (Global Protection System), dont fait partie cette thèse, a été initié. Celui-ci a pour objectif principal la mise en place de nouvelles méthodes analytiques de criblage (non-ciblées) afin de garantir l’intégrité des produits analysés. Cette thèse regroupe ainsi les différents résultats obtenus sur des matrices semi-solides (poisson principalement), par RMN Haute Résolution en Rotation à l’Angle Magique (HR-MAS), et sur des extraits de caviar par RMN liquide haute résolution (HR). Ce manuscrit présente, tout d’abord, une méthode de détermination rapide de la fraîcheur et la qualité du poisson basée sur la mesure de deux indicateurs chimiques (le TMA-N et la valeur K) ainsi que les résultats portant sur l’évaluation de la texture du poisson à travers l’étude du temps de relaxation transversale (T2) de l’eau contenue dans les tissus musculaires, ces deux études étant réalisées par RMN HR-MAS. Puis, les résultats des travaux réalisés sur la détermination de l’origine géographique du caviar à l’aide du profil métabolique enregistré par spectroscopie RMN liquide haute résolution et d’analyses statistiques multivariées, dans le cadre de la démarche d’obtention d’une IGP (Indication Géographique Protégée) des producteurs de l’Aquitaine, et sur l’étude de la dégradation du caviar au cours de sa conservation au réfrigérateur sont alors présentés. / Most of the current analytical and quality control methods in the food industry are based on a targeted approach, with an upstream definition of the intended contaminants, and may fail to detect some frauds or contaminations of genuine products. It is around this issue that the Agrifood GPS (Global Protection System), of which this thesis is part of, has been initiated. This project aims at developing new holistic analytical methods (untargeted) in order to ensure the integrity of the foodstuff analyzed. This thesis manuscript gathers the results obtained on semi-solid foodstuffs (mainly fish), by High Resolution Magic Angle Spinning NMR, and on caviar extracts by high resolution liquid-state NMR (HR NMR). First of all, it presents a rapid method to evaluate fish freshness and quality based on the determination of two chemical indicators (the TMA-N and the K-value) and the results of a fish texture study through the measurement of the transverse relaxation time (T2) of water in muscle tissues, both by HR-MAS NMR spectroscopy. Thereafter, are presented the results of the work carried out on the determination of the geographical origin of caviar using the metabolic profile acquired by liquid-state NMR spectroscopy and multivariate statistical analysis in the context of the PGI (Protected Geographical Indication) status for the Aquitaine producers, and on the degradation study of caviar during its storage in a fridge.

In contrast to the static snapshots provided by protein crystallography, G protein-coupled receptors constitute a group of proteins with highly dynamic properties, which are required in the receptors’ function as signaling molecule. Here, the human neuropeptide Y2 receptor was reconstituted into a model membrane composed of monounsaturated phospholipids and solid-state NMR was used to characterize its dynamics. Qualitative static 15N NMR spectra and quantitative determination of 1H-13C order parameters through measurement of the 1H-13C dipolar couplings of the CH, CH2 and CH3 groups revealed axially symmetric motions of the whole molecule in the membrane and molecular fluctuations of varying amplitude from all molecular segments. The molecular order parameters (Sbackbone = 0.59-0.67, SCH2 = 0.41-0.51 and SCH3 = 0.22) obtained in directly polarized 13C NMR experiments demonstrate that the Y2 receptor is highly mobile in the native-like membrane. Interestingly, according to these results the receptor was found to be slightly more rigid in the membranes formed by the monounsaturated phospholipids than by saturated phospholipids as investigated previously. This could be caused by an increased chain length of the monounsaturated lipids, which may result in a higher helical content of the receptor. Furthermore, the incorporation of cholesterol, phosphatidylethanolamine, or negatively charged phosphatidylserine into the membrane did not have a significant influence on the molecular mobility of the Y2 receptor.

[pt] No presente trabalho é proposto o desenvolvimento de um método analítico para determinação de S por espectrometria de absorção molecular de alta resolução com fonte contínua e forno de grafite (HR-CS GF MAS). As amostras foram preparadas por dissolução ácida e os padrões de calibração, assemelhados à matriz da amostra dissolvida, contendo sulfato, tioureia ou L-cisteína foram estudados em função de suas diferentes estabilidades térmicas. A técnica de HR-CS GF MAS é uma alternativa interessante para determinação de S, pois apresenta alta resolução espectral que minimiza interferências espectrais, pelo uso de um monocromador de alta resolução que permite a separação das linhas de absorção molecular do analito e da matriz, pelo uso do forno de grafite como fonte de atomização, que permite a separação da matriz e do analito antes da etapa de medida do sinal analítico. Com isso, este trabalho tem por objetivo desenvolver um método analítico para determinação de S em amostras de cabelo por HR-CS GF MAS, a fim de avaliar os níveis deste elemento no organismo e compará-los com os resultados obtidos por ICP OES. As condições escolhidas para temperatura de pirólise e de vaporização foram 1000 graus C e 2400 graus C, respectivamente, utilizando 800 microgramas de W, como modificador permanente, e 15 microgramas e 10 microgramas, respectivamente, de uma mistura de Pd(mais)Mg, como modificador em solução. O valor determinado para a concentração de S no material certificado de referência NCS DC73347a (cabelo humano) está de acordo com o descrito em seu certificado, bem como as concentrações de S determinadas em 14 amostras de cabelo, que estão em concordância com as determinadas por ICP-OES de acordo com teste t-pareado (95 por cento de confiança), o que comprova a boa exatidão do método proposto. / [en] In the presented work it is proposed the development of an analytical method for sulfur determination by high-resolution continuum source graphite furnace molecular absorption spectrometry (HR-CS GF MAS). The samples were prepared by acid dissolution and the calibration standards containing sulfate, thiourea, L-cysteine were studied as a function of their different thermal stabilities and its capability for matrix matching. The HR-CS GF MAS technique is an interesting alternative for sulfur determination, since its capability to perform an interference-free analysis due to its high resolution monochromator that allows to overcome the spectral overlapping and by the use of the graphite furnace as atomizer which minimizes the matrix effects before the analytical measurement. The aim of this work is to develop an analytical method for sulfur determination in hair samples by HR-CS GF MAS, in order to evaluate the levels of this element in the human body and to compare them with the results obtained by ICP OES. The chosen conditions for pyrolysis and vaporization temperatures were 1000 C degrees and 2400 C degrees, respectively, using 800 micrograms of W as permanent modifier combined with 15 micrograms and 10 micrograms, respectively, of Pd(plus)Mg mixture as modifier in solution. The value determined for S concentration in the certified reference material NSC DC73347a (human hair) was in agreement with those reported in its certificate, as well as sulfur concentrations determined in 14 hair samples, which are in agreement with those determined by ICP-OES according to the t-paired test (95 percent level of confidence), which proves the good accuracy of the proposed method.

Here I report the hydrothermal chemistry of scandium, examining the behavior of the Sc³⁺ cation in various systems, including phosphates, phosphites, phosphonates and carboxylates. In total, 27 different materials, 23 of which are novel, have been synthesised and their structures solved. Seven different scandium phosphate-based materials have been successfully synthesised using amines and alkali hydroxides as structure directing agents, producing chain, layer and framework materials. Thermal analysis of these materials indicated that they were not stable upon removal of the template, because there are hydrogen bonding networks between the template and free OH groups on the phosphate groups. Certain conditions lead to the crystallization of either kolbeckite, Sc(PO₄).2H₂O, or a langbeinite-type structure, (NH₄)₂Sc₂(HPO₄)(PO₄)₂, which are dense frameworks. Investigation of scandium phosphites leads to the formation of more thermally stable frameworks. Investigation of scandium phosphite-based materials using different structure directing agents yielded three framework phosphite materials and one layered phosphite / phosphate. The use of lithium hydroxide and ethylenediamine within scandium phosphite systems resulted in the crystallization of a gainesite type framework, (LiSc(HPO₃)₂)and (H₃N(CH₂)₂NH₃)₂Sc₄(HPO₃)₈, which distorts in order to accommodate the amine, but not the lithium cation. Decreasing the potential for the formation of hydrogen bonding networks in the phosphite systems led to the formation of framework structures, however these structures did not retain their crystalline integrity upon removal of the template. In order to impart structure directing properties upon scandium-based materials but avoid the formation of hydrogen bonding networks upon which the crystalline integrity is dependent, scandium phosphonates were investigated. Seven different scandium phosphonate materials have been synthesised, two of which have been solved from powder diffraction data, and one from a combination of powder diffraction data, molecular modeling and single crystal data. Synthesis of scandium phosphonate materials yielded two thermally stable, porous materials with reversible water adsorption properties, NaSc(CH₃PO₃)₂•H₂O and Sc₂(O₃PCH₂(NHC₅H₁₀NH)₋CH₂PO₃)₃4H₂O. The success of this approach led to the examination of scandium carboxylate metal organic framework materials. The incorporation of Sc³⁺ into microporous carboxylate frameworks yielded three aliphatic scandium carboxylates and six aromatic scandium carboxylates. The scandium analogue of MIL-53 shows potential for gas adsorption studies, as well as illustrating that scandium carboxylates can be isostructural to metal carboxylate materials already published. The scandium terephthalate, Sc₂(O₂CC₆H₄CO₂)₃, is a small pore framework material with an unprecedented structure type, the adsorption properties of which have been examined using a variety of different small gas molecules and hydrocarbons, including X-ray analysis of the structures whilst adsorbing different molecules. ⁴⁵Sc MAS NMR has been performed on the materials prepared pure and characterized in this thesis, in order to establish a library of chemical shifts for scandium in different framework environments.

An architecture for norm-regulated multi-agent systems based on an algebraic approach to normative systems is instrumentalized and further developed. The core of the instrumentalization is a Prolog module, which together with a Java library can be used for creating client/server-based runtime systems. Norms are represented as conditional sentences, whose normative consequences are formulated by applying normative operators to descriptive conditions. From such general normative conditions follow normative sentences regarding specific states of affairs. These in turn result in permission or prohibition of individual actions in specific situations. Furthermore, an approach to turning runtime systems into instruments for problem-solving by using evolutionary mechanisms for evolving normative systems, is presented. The construction of norm-creating operators on conditions, which forms the basis for the representation of normative systems, is approached from two angles. (i) A logical analysis based on the Kanger-Lindahl theory of normative positions is conducted. This results in two extended sets of types of normative positions, and based on an algebraic version of one of these extended systems, a set of operators for creating agent-specific norms is constructed. (ii) An alternative analysis, which takes as its starting point a systematic exploration of types of state transitions, yields a set of norm-creating operators based on prohibition of transition types. It is furthermore argued that in the context of a class of transition systems, in which transitions are deterministic and associated with a single agent performing an act, operators based on (ii) specify a meaningful semantics of operators based on (i). Theoretical results together with shared code and example applications contribute to make possible theoretically sound, transparently described, and efficiently implemented norm-regulated autonomous agent systems. / En arkitektur för normreglerade multiagentsystem baserad på en algebraisk representation av normativa system instrumentaliseras och vidareutvecklas. Kärnan i instrumentaliseringen utgörs av en Prolog-modul som tillsammans med ett Java-bibliotek kan användas för att skapa client/server-baserad körbar kod. Normer representeras som ordnade par av grundvillkor och följdvillkor. De senare konstrueras genom att normativa operatorer appliceras på deskriptiva villkor. Från sådana generella normativa villkor följer normativa satser om specifika sakförhållanden, vilka i sin tur ger upphov till förbud mot eller tillåtelse att utföra enskilda handlingar i olika situationer. Vidare skisseras en metod för att göra körbara multiagentsystem till verktyg för problemlösning genom att använda evolutionära mekanismer för att odla fram normativa system. Konstruktionen av normskapande operatorer på villkor, vilka ligger till grund för representationen av normativa system, betraktas ur två olika synvinklar. (i) En logisk analys, baserad på Kanger-Lindahls teori om normativa positioner. Denna resulterar i två utökade uppsättningar av typer av normativa positioner och utgående från en algebraisk version av ett av dessa utökade system konstrueras sedan en uppsättning operatorer för att skapa agentspecifika normer. (ii) En alternativ analys, som tar sin utgångspunkt i en systematisk undersökning av olika typer av tillståndsövergångar. Denna ger upphov till en uppsättning av normskapande operatorer som är baserade på förbud mot olika typer av övergångar. Argument presenteras vidare för att inom ramen för en klass av övergångssystem, där övergångar är deterministiska och associerade med en agent som utför en handling, så specificerar operatorer baserade på (ii) en meningsfull semantik för operatorer baserade på (i). Teoretiska resultat tillsammans med tillgängliggjord programkod och exempel på tillämpningar bidrar till att underlätta skapandet av teoretiskt sunda, transparent beskrivna och effektivt implementerade normreglerade system av autonoma agenter. / <p>At the time of the doctoral defense, the following papers were unpublished and had a status as follows: Paper 4: Submitted. Paper 5: Forthcoming.</p>

This thesis proposes a holistic and hierarchical architecture to Multi-agent System design, in order to resolve the collaboration problem in diabetic healthcare system. A diabetic healthcare system is a complex and social system in the case that it involves many actors and interrelations. Collaborations among various healthcare actors are vital to the quality of diabetic healthcare. The collaboration problem is manifested by the problems of accessibility and interoperability. To support the collaboration in diabetic healthcare as such a complex and social system, the MAS must have corresponding social entities and relationships. Therefore, it is assumed that theories explaining social activity can be applied to design of MAS. Activity Theory, specifically its holistic triangle model from Engström and hierarchy thinking, provides theoretical supports to the design of individual agent architecture and MAS coordination mechanism. It is argued that the holistic and hierarchical aspects should be designed in a MAS when applied to the healthcare setting. The diabetic healthcare system is analyzed on three levels based on the hierarchy thinking. The collaboration problem is analyzed and resolved via MAS coordination. Based on the holistic activity model in Activity Theory, Müller’s Vertical Layered Architecture is re-conceptualized in the Control Unit and Knowledge Base design. It is also argued that autonomy, adaptivity and persona should be especially focused when designing the interaction between an agent system and human users. This study has firstly identified some important social aspects and the technical feasibility of embedding those identified social aspects in agent architecture design. Secondly, a MAS was developed to illustrate how to apply the proposed architecture to design a MAS to resolve the collaboration problem in diabetic healthcare system. We have designed and implemented an agent system – IMAS (Integrated Multi-agent System) to validate the research questions and contributions. IMAS system provides real time monitoring, diabetic healthcare management and decision supports to the diabetic healthcare actors. A user assessment has been conducted to validate that the quality of the current diabetic healthcare system can be improved with the introduction of IMAS.