The results of three very different studies are presented. X-ray diffraction has been utilized for single-crystal structure determinations, fiber diffraction analyses, and in conjunction with molecular modeling of Cellulose IIII. Although each technique is different in its sampling, data acquisition, data treatment, and identification, the common denominator has been the use of x-rays. The single-crystal structure determination of ethylene glycol bis(tropane-3-carboxylate) is presented as an example of the use of modern single-crystal x-ray instrumentation including the use of coupled charged devices (CCDs) as detectors for accurate data collection and rapid elucidation of crystal structures. The structure determination of Cellulose IIII by x-ray diffraction and computer modeling is presented to show how the use of x-rays in weakly diffracting materials can generate a reliable structure and be a key component in model building. Finally, a study is presented in which x-ray fiber diffraction data is utilized to investigate possible correlations between the crystallite orientation, crystallinity, crystallize size and the strength properties of cotton fibers collected from various countries.

La vie politique de Madagascar, durant 54 ans d’indépendance, est jalonnée de crises post-électorales et de mouvements de contestation socio-politiques multiples. De ce constat, le peuple malgache se sent en droit de disposer de ses richesses et de vivre un développement soutenu à partir d’une considération des valeurs traditionnelles. Madagascar exige une vraie mutation de la classe politique qui s’avère être inéluctable, mais le principal doute est de savoir si elle ira dans le sens escompté… Des résistances à cet élan se font sentir cardivers enjeux politiques et économiques, aussi bien internes qu'internationaux, exigent la mise aux pas du pays vers le modèle stéréotypé du développement à l’occidentale. Par conséquent, les termes « démocratie, bonne gouvernance, mondialisation » apparaissent galvaudés au point parfois de perdre la précision et la pertinence nécessaires à la compréhension des systèmes de valeurs et d'échanges politiques qu'ils sont supposés fonder et véhiculer. D’autres corollaires à ces superficiels changements imposés se font jour : prolifération d’acteurs politiques avec la multitude de groupements que cela suppose. Sachons que l’île compte actuellement 150 partis et associations politiques enregistrés auprès du ministère de l’Intérieur alors que, face à l’évolution politique,aucune « opposition » digne de ce nom ne se manifeste positivement. En fin de compte, Madagascar se trouve confrontée à des problèmes d'ordre culturel, historique, institutionnel, économique et social, face à cette inévitable mutation de sa classe politique. Après un essai de définition de la notion de pouvoir à Madagascar etun survol descriptif des acteurs politiques malgaches durant la colonisation, une étude sur le fondement de la classe politique actuelle a été menée afin de déceler les motifs réels de cette résistance à la mutation. Des difficultés socio-économiques internes viennent s'ajouter aux intérêts internationaux géopolitiques et économiques. Une observation particulière a été entreprise sur le comportement des investisseurs et décideurs français. Il s'agit, en fait, d'une illustration réelle et précise des comportements pater familias que la France adopte auprès de ses partenaires africains. / The political life of Madagascar is marked by post-election crises and sociopolitical protests, during its 54 years of independence. From this observation, Malagasy people feel entitled to enjoy their riches and live a sustained development based on consideration of traditional values. Madagascar demands a real transformation of its political class. This change seems inevitable, but the main question is whether it will go to the expected direction... Opposition to this impulse is felt, since domestic and international political and economic issues require that Madagascar conforms to the stereotypical pattern of western development. Therefore, the words “democracy, good governance, globalization” seem so overused. By this way, sometimes, they lose the necessary precision and relevance for an understanding of system of values and political exchanges they are supposed to express and establish. Other corollaries of these superficial changes that were imposed are emerging, namely the proliferation of political stakeholders that involve a multiplication of related groups. Infact, there is currently about 150 political parties and associations that are registered at the Ministry of DomesticAffairs. However, with these political developments, no real “opposition” manifest positively. Ultimately, faced with this famous and inevitable change of its political class, Madagascar is encountering cultural, historical, institutional, economic and social problems. To uncover the real motives of this resistance to change, first, atentative definition of the concept of power in Madagascar and a descriptive overview of the Malagasy politicians during the colonial period is conducted. Afterwards, a study on the basis of the current Malagasy political class is performed. In addition to domestic social and economic difficulties, there are international geopolitical and economic interests. A particular observation is undertaken on the behavior of French investors and policymakers. This is actually a real and accurate illustration of pater familias behaviors that France adopts vis-à-vis its African partners

A research report submitted to the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, in fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Science in Engineering. May, 2016 / Particle size and size range are among the characteristics that affect the segregation of particles in a jig hence they affect the separation efficiency. The effects of these variables on segregation of particles are not fully understood. This work aimed at contributing to knowledge in this area. To better understand how particle size and size range influence segregation, tests were conducted in which the effects of the density and shape of the particles on segregation were minimized by using as the feed material spherical glass beads of uniform shape and density. Batch experiments of two components systems of various particle sizes were conducted under the same set of jigging conditions: the jigging frequency and jigging time were respectively maintained at 60 cycles per minute and 999 seconds (16.65 minutes). The effect of these operating conditions on segregation was not investigated. At the end of each test run, the jig bed was split into horizontal slices and the composition of each slice was determined. The experimental results showed that below a particle size ratio of 1.50:1, the driving force for the segregation of particles, i.e. the particle size difference, was small hence a low degree of segregation was obtained. The degree of segregation increased above this ratio. However, above the size ratio of 2.00:1, interstitial trickling occurred. With the smaller particles tested (8, 6 and 4mm) poor segregation was observed when the size ratios were of 1.50:1 or less along with what is believed to have been remixing due to convective currents within the jig chamber. It was found that the particle size range had a more pronounced effect on size segregation than the particle size. From the results, it can be said that above a size ratio of about 1.50:1, size segregation is very pronounced. This suggests that density separations of real ores, where both the density and size of particles vary, would be impaired if the particle size range of the material fed to the jig exceeds this ratio. However, this needs further confirmation by testing multiple component systems.

Skolans undervisning i naturkunskap är av lågt intresse för eleverna. Motivationen tryter, vilket kan bero på läraren enligt källor. Lärarens sätt att agera och undervisa i klassrummet påverkar elevernas upplevelse av autonomi. Syftet med denna studie är att ge insikt i hur autonomistödjande beteenden utifrån self-determination theory används av lärare i ämnet naturkunskap. Jag vill undersöka hur naturkunskapslärare använder sig utav dessa beteenden. För att uppfylla syftet genomförs observationer i fyra naturkunskapslärares klassrum. Det visade sig att autonomistödjande beteenden var vanligare än icke autonomistödjande beteenden av de observerade naturkunskapslärarna men att det finns vissa felkällor som kan ha påverkat resultatet. Dessutom kom det fram att de situationer som autonomistödjande beteenden observerades flest gånger var i samband med att frågor ställdes, vilket kan bidra till att motivera eleverna i ämnet naturkunskap.

A motivação está fortemente ligada à qualidade do envolvimento do aluno com os estudos. Por esse motivo, ela vem sendo estudada nos vários níveis educacionais, desde o ensino infantil até o ensino superior. Uma das teorias que fundamenta os estudos em motivação é a Teoria da Autodeterminação, que define que o indivíduo pode transitar pela chamada linha do continuum, que é dividida em motivação intrínseca, motivação extrínseca e desmotivação. O presente trabalho buscou retratar o perfil motivacional de alunos dos cursos de graduação de Física e realizar uma análise segmentada por curso, ano de ingresso e sexo, assim como investigar a existência de alguma relação destes perfis com as variáveis desempenho acadêmico e perfil socioeconômico. A pesquisa foi realizada com 373 alunos regularmente matriculados nos cursos do Instituto de Física de São Carlos da Universidade de São Paulo. Os dados foram obtidos utilizando a Escala de Motivação Acadêmica (EMA). Além disso, os participantes também responderam a um questionário socioeconômico, e o desempenho acadêmico foi determinado pela média ponderada dos participantes no semestre de participação no estudo. A análise dos dados incluiu uma avaliação das propriedades psicométricas da EMA, a determinação dos perfis motivacionais e socioeconômico dos participantes e análises de correlação entre as variáveis de interesse. O perfil motivacional dos alunos avaliados se revelou predominantemente autônomo, sendo baixo o nível de desmotivação. Ao segmentarmos a análise, o perfil dos diferentes cursos similar, com predominância da motivação intrínseca por conhecimento, com pequena ressalva para o curso de Licenciatura em Ciências Exatas, que apresentou um perfil menos autônomo, com predominância da motivação extrínseca por identificação. Além disso, o sexo masculino apresentou um perfil ligeiramente mais autônomo quando comparado ao sexo feminino, similar ao apresentado pelos alunos ingressantes, quando comparados aos veteranos. Não foi encontrada correlação significativa entre o perfil motivacional e as variáveis de desempenho acadêmico e perfil socioeconômico. Em ambos os casos, nossa amostra apresenta nuances que demandam uma interpretação cuidadosa com relação a esses resultados. Dessa maneira, nossos dados contribuem não apenas para uma melhor caracterização do perfil motivacional no ensino superior em geral, mas particularmente na área de exatas, onde os dados ainda são escassos e onde se enfrenta uma série de problemas que podem estar associados à motivação dos alunos, como a alta evasão, por exemplo. / Motivation is strongly linked to the quality of the student´s involvement with the studies. For this reason, it has been studied at various levels of education, from kindergarten to higher education. One of the theories underlying motivational studies is the Self-Determination Theory, which defines that the individual can transit through the continuum line, which is divided into intrinsic motivation, extrinsic motivation, and amotivation. The present work aimed to determine the motivational profile of undergraduate physics students and to perform a segmented analysis by course, year of admission and sex, as well as to investigate the existence of correlation between these profiles and academic performance or socioeconomic profile. The research was carried out with 373 students regularly enrolled in the courses offered by São Carlos Institute of Physics of the University of São Paulo. Data were obtained using the Academic Motivation Scale (EMA). In addition, participants also responded to a socioeconomic questionnaire, and academic performance was determined by the weighted average of the participants in the semester participating in the study. Data analysis included an evaluation of the psychometric properties of the EMA, the determination of the participants´ motivational and socioeconomic profiles, and correlation analyzes between the variables of interest. The motivational profile of the students was predominantly autonomous, and the level of motivation was low. When segmenting the analysis, the profile of the different courses was similar, with predominance of the intrinsic motivation for knowledge, except for the course of Licenciatura in Ciências Exatas, that presented a less autonomous profile, with predominance of the extrinsic motivation by identification. In addition, males presented a slightly more autonomous profile when compared to females, like that presented by university juniors when compared to seniors. There was no significant correlation between the motivational profile academic performance or socioeconomic profile. In both cases, our sample presents nuances that demand a careful interpretation of these results. Thus, our data contribute not only to a better characterization of the motivational profile in higher education in general, but particularly in science courses, where data is still scarce and a series of problems that may be associated to students´ motivation, such as high evasion, for instance, is present.

Uma das linhas mais tradicionais de trabalho na área da Química é a de formação de complexos. Em nossos laboratórios tal, estudo é realizado de modo sistemático, geralmente envolvendo pseudo-haletos e haletos com cátions de metais de transição. As intensas colorações produzidas pela maioria das reações de complexação, entre um pseudo-haleto e um metal, têm sido bastante exploradas espectrofotometricamente para a determinação individual ou a especiação do respectivo metal. A forte cor vermelha característica de complexos formados entre o ferro e o tiocianato é uma das maiores evidências da analogia existente entre os ligantes tiocianato e azoteto (N3-). A pouca sensibilidade dos complexos formados no sistema Fe3+/SCN-, em meio aquoso, dificulta a aplicação de métodos clássicos fotométricos mais rigorosos. Estudos feitos em nossos laboratórios, em presença de alguns solventes e usando ferro-II, têm mostrado uma rápida oxidação do metal, seguida por imediata complexação, o que vêm possibilitando novas estratégias para se determinar o total de ferro em uma amostra, bem como a sua especiação. Objetivando dar continuidade a linha de pesquisa, que envolve o estudo da oxidação do ferro-II, vários parâmetros que afetam a velocidade de oxidação neste sistema reacional, assim como: acidez, concentração de ligante, temperatura e presença de solvente orgânico, foram cuidadosamente verificados. Reunindo as condições ideais necessárias para o estudo de complexação utilizando íons ferrosos, sendo elas: C H+ = 30 mmolL-1 C SCN- = 250 mmolL-1 CAcetona = 70 % (v/v) T = 25ºC &#955;máx = 480nm tempo de espera = 7 minutos Após a sondagem espectrofotométrica do sistema, foram realizados estudos de calibração, de estabilidade, de precisão e de possíveis interferentes. A curva analítica espectrofotométrica, para a determinação de ferro total, obedece à lei de Beer (r = 0,9993), mostrando a potencialidade de aproveitamento analítico desse sistema. O valor da absortividade molar média (e) determinado foi da ordem de 2,10.104 mol-1. L.cm-1. A faixa ideal de trabalho para a determinação de ferro é de 1 a 8 ppm. Comprovou-se uma boa precisão, bem como uma constância de leituras ótima para fins analíticos. Apenas as espécies NO2-, S2032-, C2042-, HPO42-, H2PO4-, Co2+ e Cu2+ mostraram interferência significativas (Er > 5 %) no método proposto. Concluindo a aplicação analítica do método, foi realizada determinação de ferro em produtos farmacêuticos e rochas naturais. Estudos comparativos dos resultados foram feitos utilizando também a absorção atômica como medidas paralelas. Na análise dessas amostras, o estudo comparativo entre a espectrofotometria e a absorção atômica apresentou resultados concordantes, não mostrando nenhuma interferência, visto que os erros percentuais obtidos acharem-se dentro do limite analítico comumente aceitável (< 5%). Os resultados obtidos mostraram a viabilidade e potencialidade do método espectrofotométrico proposto, como um método analítico alternativo para a determinação do ferro de maneira simples, precisa e exata. / One of the most traditional lines of work in the Chemistry is about the complex formation. In our laboratories this study is accomplished under a systematic way, principally involving pseudohalide and halide ligands with cations of transition metals. The intense color produced by the reactions among the pseudohalide ligands and metal have been so much explored by spectrophotometic analises. The strong red color characteristic of compounds formed between iron(III) and thiocyanate ions is one of the largest evidences of the analogy existent between the thiocyanate and azide(N3-) ligands. Studies done in our laboratories in the presence of some solvents and using iron-II ion have showed a fast oxidation of this metal followed by immediate reaction between the pseudohalide ligand and the metal. The possibilities of new methods for determination of the total amount of iron in a sample, as well as its speciation, have been analysed. During the study of the oxidation of the iron-II, several parameters that affect the oxidation speed in this system like: acidity, ligands concentration, temperature and presence of organic solvent, were verified carefully. This way, the recommended experimental conditions for a rapid oxidation and utilizing this system (determination of total iron) are: C H+= 30 mmolL-1 C SCN-= 250 mmolL-1 CAcetone = 70 % (v/v) T = 25ºC &#955;máx = 480nm waiting time = 7 minutes Calibration, stability, precision and diverse ions effect studies could be done using absorbances values for the ferric complexes that are measured at 480 nm. The analytical curve for the total iron determination, obeys the Beer law (r = 0,9993), showing potentiality for the analytical use of this system. The value of the average molar absortivity is 2,10.104 mol-1.L.cm-1. The ideal range of work for the determination of iron is from 1 to 8 ppm. A good precision was verified by suitable studies. About diverse ion effects, just the species NO2-, S2032-, C2042-, HPO42-, H2PO4-, Co2+ and Cu2+ showed some interference on determination in the proposed method. Concluding the analytical application of present method, determination of iron was tested in pharmaceutical product and natural rocks. Comparative studies of the results were made also using the atomic absorption as parallel measures. In these analysis samples, the comparative study between the spectrophotometric and atomic absorption presented concordant results, not evidencing significant interferences (errors commonly acceptable, <5%). The obtained results showed the viability and potentiality of the proposed method, as an alternative analytical manner for the determination of the metal with precision and exactness.

A prevalência da hipertensão arterial aumenta a cada ano, é uma doença silenciosa, influenciada por fatores de risco, alguns decorrentes de hábitos e estilo de vida. Ao considerar a atual proposta mundial de tornar o paciente agente do seu próprio cuidado, participando a família do seu processo saúde-doença, faz-se necessário considerar esse contexto para propor estratégias de baixo custo, que contribuam para a redução dos valores de pressão arterial. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o efeito da associação entre MRPA e intervenção de ensino (IE) na redução dos valores de pressão arterial. Foi realizado estudo piloto, para identificar as dificuldades e facilitar a operacionalização da coleta de dados, assim como propor estratégias para a melhor execução do planejamento do estudo. Foi realizado estudo clínico randomizado e definiu-se como variáveis a serem estudadas: \"MRPA\", \"IE\" e \"MRPA+IE\". A pressão arterial (PA) foi aferida antes e pós as intervenções. O fato de que todas as comparações realizadas no estudo não apontaram diferenças entre o grupo que participou da pesquisa e o que tendo recusado, teve suas características anotadas, foi o principal resultado. E quando comparou-se a magnitude do efeito da intervenção entre os grupos que receberam a associação das intervenções (grupo 1) e o grupo 2, que recebeu somente a intervenção de ensino, evidenciou-se uma diferença (p = 0,0155) entre eles, o que mostra que o grupo 1 teve uma melhora nos valores de pressão arterial sistólica (PAS) enquanto que no grupo 2 foi observado uma piora nos valores de PAS. O grupo 1 teve uma melhora nos valores de PAS enquanto que no grupo 4, novamente foi observado uma piora nestes valores (p = 0,0040). O grupo 1 foi o único que apresentou redução dos valores de PA tanto na PAS quanto na pressão arterial diastólica (PAD). Assim a associação da MRPA com uma IE sobre a doença hipertensão arterial sistêmica (HAS) é recomendada, pois resultou em consequências positivas na implementação de cuidados de saúde, o que leva a crer ser uma adequada estratégia para redução dos valores de PA em pessoas com HAS em tratamento. Essa sugestão é baseada na análise do efeito e da efetividade das intervenções apresentadas nesse estudo, que evidenciou redução nos valores de PAS e PAD quando aplicada a associação das duas intervenções propostas nesse estudo onde os resultados se diferenciaram significativamente do grupo controle, o qual não sofreu nenhuma intervenção. Tais resultados permitem afirmar que a MRPA associada à IE reduz os valores de PA e que tal associação, poderá contribuir sobremaneira para a melhoria do controle dos valores de PA entre indivíduos com hipertensão arterial em tratamento nas ESF / The prevalence of hypertension is increasing every year , and know that it is a silent disease , influenced by habits and lifestyle . Considering the new global proposal to make the patient agent of their own care, attending to your family health-disease process , it is necessary to propose low-cost strategies that contribute to the reduction of blood pressure values . The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between HBPM and teaching intervention in reducing blood pressure levels . Pilot study , where it was possible to identify the difficulties in the operationalization of data collection and propose strategies for the implementation of the project was conducted . In the methodology it was decided to conduct a randomized clinical trial . We defined the variables to be studied : \" HBP \" , \" EI \" and \" HBP + EI \" , which will be the interventions of the study . The PA variable was measured before and after the interventions . The main result of the fact that all comparisons showed no differences between the group that participated in the survey and who has refused , had noted its features appear . And when we compare the magnitude of the effect of the intervention between the groups who received the combination of interventions (group 1 ) and group 2 , which received only the educational intervention , we observed a difference ( p = 0.0155 ) between them , showing that the group 1 had an improvement in SBP while in group 2 a worsening was observed in these values . When the magnitude of the effect of the intervention compared between groups and 1 control group ( 4 ) evidenced a difference ( p = 0.0040 ) between them , showing that group 1 had an improvement in SBP while in group 4 , was again observed a worsening in these values . Group 1 was the only one that showed a reduction in BP values in both SBP and DBP . Association of HBPM with IE on the disease , its consequences and health care as a strategy for reducing the pressure values is recommended. This suggestion is based on analysis of the effect and effectiveness of interventions presented in this study, which showed a reduction in SBP and DBP when applied to combination of both interventions proposed in this study where the results differed significantly from the control group, which did not suffer no intervention. These results allow us to affirm that HBPM associated with IE reduces the values of PA and that this association may contribute greatly to improving the control of blood pressure values among individuals with hypertension in treatment in the FHS

Chan Ka Wing. / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2002. / Includes bibliographical references. / Abstracts in English and Chinese. / Chapter Chapter 1 --- Introduction --- p.1 / Chapter 1.1 --- Objectives --- p.1 / Chapter 1.2 --- Definitions --- p.2 / Chapter 1.2.1 --- Definition of blood pressure --- p.2 / Chapter 1.2.2 --- Definition of hypertension --- p.3 / Chapter 1.3 --- Problems related to hypertension --- p.4 / Chapter 1.4 --- The importance of measuring blood pressure --- p.4 / Chapter 1.4.1 --- Self-measurement of blood pressure --- p.5 / Chapter 1.4.2 --- Ambulatory blood pressure measurement --- p.5 / Chapter 1.5 --- Review of blood pressure measurement techniques --- p.7 / Chapter 1.5.1 --- The invasive method --- p.7 / Chapter 1.5.2 --- Noninvasive methods --- p.8 / Chapter 1.6 --- Review of currently available blood pressure meters --- p.15 / Chapter 1.7 --- Prevalence of hypertension --- p.19 / Chapter 1.7.1 --- Hong Kong --- p.19 / Chapter 1.7.2 --- Worldwide --- p.20 / Chapter 1.8 --- The market for blood pressure meters --- p.21 / Chapter 1.9 --- Organization of the thesis --- p.22 / References --- p.24 / Chapter Chapter 2 --- Measurement of the ECG-PPG interval --- p.30 / Chapter 2.1 --- Introduction --- p.30 / Chapter 2.1.1 --- Pulse transit time (PTT) --- p.30 / Chapter 2.1.2 --- Electrocardiogram (ECG) --- p.36 / Chapter 2.1.2.1 --- Measurement of the ECG signal --- p.37 / Chapter 2.1.3 --- Photoplethysmography (PPG) --- p.38 / Chapter 2.1.3.1 --- Measurement of the PPG signal --- p.41 / Chapter 2.1.4 --- Measurement of blood pressure by ECG-PPG interval --- p.43 / Chapter 2.2 --- Source of errors for measurement of the ECG-PPG interval --- p.44 / Chapter 2.2.1 --- Effects of variability of ECG-PPG intervals --- p.44 / Chapter 2.2.2 --- Effects of bending the arm --- p.49 / Chapter 2.2.3 --- Effects of an external force --- p.54 / Chapter 2.3 --- Conclusion --- p.60 / References --- p.62 / Chapter Chapter 3 --- Cuffless and Noninvasive Measurement of Blood Pressure --- p.68 / Chapter 3.1 --- Introduction --- p.68 / Chapter 3.2 --- Effects of subject-dependent calibration --- p.74 / Chapter 3.3 --- Effects of different time intervals --- p.81 / Chapter 3.4 --- The impact of using different Q-P intervals --- p.96 / Chapter 3.5 --- Real-time measurement of blood pressure --- p.104 / Chapter 3.6 --- Conclusion --- p.108 / References --- p.110 / Chapter Chapter 4 --- Motion Artifact Reduction from PPG Recordings in Ambulatory Blood Pressure Measurement --- p.114 / Chapter 4.1 --- Introduction --- p.114 / Chapter 4.2 --- Previous works --- p.115 / Chapter 4.3 --- Theory --- p.116 / Chapter 4.3.1 --- The adaptive filter --- p.117 / Chapter 4.3.2 --- Variation of step-size parameters --- p.119 / Chapter 4.3.3 --- Effects of filter length --- p.120 / Chapter 4.4 --- Experiment --- p.121 / Chapter 4.5 --- Results --- p.123 / Chapter 4.6 --- Discussion --- p.131 / Chapter 4.7 --- Conclusion --- p.133 / References --- p.135 / Chapter Chapter 5 --- Measurement of Blood Pressure using the PPG signal --- p.138 / Chapter 5.1 --- Introduction --- p.138 / Chapter 5.2 --- Theory --- p.138 / Chapter 5.3 --- Experiment --- p.142 / Chapter 5.3.1 --- Multiple linear regression (MLR) --- p.142 / Chapter 5.3.2 --- Artificial neural networks (ANNs) --- p.146 / Chapter 5.3.3 --- Results --- p.149 / Chapter 5.3.4 --- Discussion --- p.152 / Chapter 5.4 --- The implementation of the Q-P interval --- p.153 / Chapter 5.4.1 --- Results --- p.154 / Chapter 5.4.2 --- Discussion --- p.156 / Chapter 5.5 --- Conclusion --- p.157 / References --- p.158 / Chapter Chapter 6 --- Conclusion and Future Studies --- p.160 / Chapter 6.1 --- Major contributions --- p.160 / Chapter 6.2 --- Future studies --- p.162 / References --- p.165 / Appendix I --- p.166

There are two main features in this thesis. The first is a study of the role of "tracts" of finite determination on the growth of integral functions. Such a study is of importance, since most of the known results in this field are based on the extreme case where the tracts of finite determination reduce to single lines. The second is the construction of functions, meromorphic and integral, bounded in tracts of positive angular measure, where the tracts are not confined to radial sectors.

A obesidade, atualmente, é um dos problemas mais importantes de Saúde Pública no Brasil e em outros países do mundo. A Organização Mundial de Saúde (OMS) considera que, atualmente ela seja o principal problema de saúde. O sucesso do tratamento das doenças crônicas, como é o caso da obesidade, depende, fortemente, da participação e do envolvimento do indivíduo, enquanto sujeito ativo de seu tratamento. O apoio por meio de ações educacionais, mediante evidências clínicas e/ou sensoriais, levou um maior comprometimento do indivíduo. Com o mesmo intuito, a Teoria da Autodeterminação vem embasar esta Tese. Existem seis tipos de motivação, os quais variam, qualitativamente, conforme a internalização das regulações externas para o comportamento, chamada de “contínuo de autodeterminação”. A tendência crescente da obesidade exige programas para perda de peso inovadores, com grande nível de personificação e interatividade. Embora os programas comportamentais com base no face a face provaram ser os mais eficazes, são caros, muitas vezes inacessíveis. O uso de metaverso (um tipo de mundo virtual) tem surgido como alternativa para realização de vários tipos de experiências, porque oferece ao usuário a sensação de realidade, permitindo, inclusive, a interação com objetos 3D. O Sistema de validação desta Tese agregou à tal ferramenta a sensação de interação humana, apoio social e engajamento com a utilização de agente conversacionais e pedômetro. Dessa forma adicionou a possibilidade de trabalhar tecnologias da Web, de metaverso e utilização de sensores que interagiram a fim de promover motivações, apoiando, diretamente, o envolvimento e aprendizagem, como subsídio de mudança de comportamento e ganhos em qualidade de vida, durante a pesquisa. Conclui-se que novas tecnologias de metaverso e agentes conversacionais, associados a um pedômetro, podem ensejar a motivação de sujeitos obesos para o autocuidado e a perda de peso - vislumbra-se uma nova e provocante maneira de ofertar motivação para mudança de comportamento. / Obesity is currently one of the most important public health problems in Brazil and in other countries of the world. The World Health Organization (WHO) believes that it is currently the main health problem. The success of treating chronic diseases, such as obesity, depends heavily on the participation and involvement of the individual as an active subject of treatment. Support through educational actions, through clinical and / or sensorial evidence, led to a greater commitment of the individual. With the same intention, the Theory of Self-determination supports this thesis. There are six types of motivation, which vary, qualitatively, according to the internalization of external regulations for behavior, called the "self-determination continuum". The growing trend of obesity requires innovative weight loss programs with a high level of personification and interactivity. Although face-to-face behavioral programs have proven to be the most effective, they are expensive, often inaccessible. The use of metaverse (a virtual world type) has emerged as an alternative to perform various types of experiments, because it offers the user a sense of reality, allowing interaction with 3D objects. The validation system of this thesis has added to the tool the sensation of human interaction, social support and engagement with the use of conversational agents and pedometers. In this way, he added the possibility of working with Web technologies, metaverse and the use of sensors that interacted in order to promote motivations, directly supporting the involvement and learning, as a subsidy of behavior change and gains in quality of life during the research. It is concluded that new metaverse technologies and conversational agents, associated with a pedometer, can lead to the motivation of obese subjects for self-care and weight loss - a new and provocative way of offering motivation to change behavior is envisaged.