Boas condições acústicas, para a transmissão e para o entendimento da mensagem falada, são importantes para a eficácia do processo de aprendizagem. Para tanto, além de se minimizar a intrusão do ruído externo, é fundamental que a distribuição da energia sonora no interior das salas de aula seja adequada. Quando não se adotavam soluções prescritivas, utilizava-se para projeto, apenas, o tradicional tempo de reverberação. Na literatura, há faixas de valores para outros descritores que, por falta de estudos específicos, não são empregados para salas de aula. Esta pesquisa enfoca essa lacuna no conhecimento, ou seja, estabelecimento de faixas adequadas de outros descritores que possam ser empregados na otimização do projeto acústico de salas de aula sob a perspectiva dos alunos. Para atingir esse objetivo utilizou-se de métodos de Avaliação Pós-Ocupação, com a aplicação de questionários e a medição de descritores, usando-se a técnica de medição da resposta impulsiva, de várias salas de escolas diferentes, a fim de associar os valores medidos com o grau de satisfação expressado pelos usuários dos espaços. As medições foram feitas, em oitavas, ao longo de uma malha de pontos. Os valores medidos foram complementados com simulações computacionais para avaliar outras posições no interior dos recintos. Foram analisados os descritores TR, EDT, BR, Ts, D50 e RASTI. Destes parâmetros, foram selecionados aqueles que podem ser otimizados pelas decisões de projeto arquitetônico, sendo estes: TR, EDT, Ts e RASTI. / Good acoustic conditions, for the transmission and understanding of the spoken message, are important for the effectiveness of the learning process. Therefore, in addition to minimizing the intrusion of outdoor noise, it is essential that the distribution of the sound energy inside the classrooms is adequate. When prescriptive solutions were not adopted, only the traditional reverberation time was used for design. In the literature, there are ranges of values for other descriptors that, for lack of specific studies, are not used for classrooms. This research focuses on this knowledge gap, that is, the establishment of adequate ranges of other descriptors that can be used to optimize the acoustic design of classrooms from the perspective of the students. In order to accomplish this objective, Post-Occupancy Evaluation methods were used, with the application of questionnaires and the measurement of descriptors, using the impulse response measurement technique of several classrooms from different schools, in order to associate the measured values with the degree of satisfaction expressed by its users. Measurements were made in octave bands along a mesh of points. The obtained values were complemented with computational simulations to evaluate other positions inside the rooms. The descriptors TR, EDT, BR, Ts, D50 and RASTI were analyzed. From these parameters, those that can be optimized by the architectural design decisions were selected, being these: TR, EDT, Ts and RASTI

Robôs móveis autônomos dependem da informação obtida de seus sensores para processos de tomada de decisão durante a realização de suas tarefas. A utilização de sistemas de visão permite a aquisição de um grande volume de dados sobre o ambiente no qual o robô se encontra. Particularmente, um sistema de visão omnidirecional é capaz de fornecer informações sobre todo o espaço ao redor do robô numa única imagem. Através do processamento de um par ou mais de imagens omnidirecionais pode-se obter as distâncias entre o robô e os objetos no seu ambiente de trabalho. Devido às incertezas inerentes a qualquer sensoriamento, um modelo probabilístico do mesmo faz-se necessário para que a informação sensorial adquirida possa ser utilizada para os processos de decisão internos do robô durante a execução de sua tarefa. Assim, tendo como único sensor um sistema de visão estéreo omnidirecional utilizado como fonte de informação para uma representação estocástica espacial do ambiente, conhecida como Grades de Evidência, o robô é capaz de determinar a probabilidade da ocupação dos espaços ao seu redor e assim navegar autonomamente no ambiente. Este artigo mostra um algoritmo estéreo com imagens omnidirecionais e um modelo do sistema de visão estéreo omnidirecional para atualização das Grades de Evidência. Este é a primeira etapa de um trabalho que visa a realização de tarefas de navegação e exploração de ambientes desconhecidos e não-estruturados tendo como base de conhecimento para o robô um modelo probabilístico baseado nas Grades de Evidência. / Autonomous mobile robots depend on information acquired with its sensors to make decisions during its task. The use of vision systems provide a large amount of data about the environment in which the robot is. Particularly, an omnidirectional vision systems provide information in all directions of the environment to the robot with just one image. Through the processing of a pair of omnidirectional images it is possible to obtain the distances between the robot and the objects in its work environment. Because of the uncertainty of all sensors, a probabilistic model is necessary so that the information acquired could be used in decision make processes. Having just an omnidirectional stereovision system as a source of information to an stochastic representation of the environment, known as Evidence Grids, the robot can determine the probability of occupation of the space in the environment and navigate autonomously. This article shows a stereo algorithm and a model of the omnidirectional stereovision system to update the Evidence Grid. This is the beginning of a work that have as objective make navigation and exploration of unknown and unstructured environment having as knowledge base a probabilistic model as Evidence Grids.

A presente tese objetiva identificar quais as diretrizes projetuais podem ser tomadas para os futuros edifícios de bibliotecas universitárias no âmbito nacional, utilizando como instrumento de apoio a avaliação de desempenho do ambiente construído desses ambientes. Para tanto, em uma primeira fase, buscou-se estudar a problemática por meio de análises comparativas de exemplos internacionais, nacionais e estudos de caso, identificando suas intervenções, suas potencialidades e suas espacialidades. Na segunda fase, a proposta da avaliação teve como foco, dois estudos de caso, a saber, dois edifícios de bibliotecas universitárias com características e componentes organizacionais distintos: o primeiro caso, uma biblioteca central de uma instituição privada e, o segundo caso, uma biblioteca central de uma universidade pública. Ou seja, a pesquisa se inseriu nos procedimentos e métodos da Avaliação Pós-Ocupação (APO), realizando análises de desempenho físico (medições, vistorias técnicas) e aferição de satisfação dos usuários dos estudos de caso. As bases teóricas da pesquisa abordaram questões relativas à linguagem arquitetônica e a ambientação física dos edifícios de bibliotecas universitárias, tratando dos elementos relativos às concepções e funções desses edifícios, bem como, as principais operações dos serviços informacionais de localização, de recuperação, de comunicação e de devolução da informação. Foram também apresentadas as contribuições da Avaliação Pós-Ocupação no contexto das bibliotecas universitárias, principalmente no contexto internacional onde os procedimentos metodológicos são mais presentes e consistentes, voltados para o estabelecimento de indicadores de desempenho e diretrizes mínimas em intervenções projetuais. Por fim foi possível criar uma série de diretrizes para futuros projetos, neste caso, de bibliotecas universitárias no contexto nacional, direcionados à construção, operação e manutenção destes ambientes construídos Os resultados da pesquisa demonstram que a utilização de avaliações sistêmicas (estudos de caso) podem coloborar significativamente na instrumentação necessária para realimentação no processo de produção e uso de futuros ambientes de bibliotecas universitárias. / The objective of the present thesis is to identify which projectual guidelines may be taken for future university library buildings at national level, using the evaluation of performance of the ambience built in these environments as an instrument of support. To achieve this, in a first phase, the problems were studied by means of comparative analyses of international and national examples and case studies identifying its interventions, potentialities and spatialities. In the second phase, the purpose of the evaluation was to focus on two case studies, namely two university library buildings with distinct organizational characteristics and components: the first case, a central library of a private institution and, the second case, a central library of a public university. In other words, the study was inserted in the procedures and methods of Post-Occupation Evaluation (POE), conducting analyses of physical performance (measurements, technical inspections) and gauging satisfaction of the users in the case studies. The theoretical bases of the study address questions relative to the architectural language and the physical environment of the university library buildings, treating the elements relative to the conceptions and functions of these buildings, such as the principle operations of the informational services of localization, recuperation, communication and devolution of information. The contributions of the Post-Occupation Evaluation in the context of the university libraries also were presented, principally in the international context where the methodological proceedings are more present and consistent, directed to the establishment of performance indicators and minimum guidelines in intervention projects. In the end it was possible to create a series of guidelines for future projects, in this case, university libraries in the national context, directed at the construction, operation and maintenance of these built environments. The results of the research demonstrate that the use of systematic evaluations (case studies) can significantly collaborate in the instrumentation necessary for feedback in the production process and use of future environments of university libraries.

Sarizotan 1-[(2R)-3,4-dihydro-2H-chromen-2-yl]-N-[[5-(4-fluorophenyl) pyridin-3-yl]methyl] methenamine, showed an in vivo pharmaco-EEG profile resembling that of methylphenidate which is used in attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). In turn, we tested sarizotan against impulsivity in juvenile rats measuring the choice for large delayed vs. a small immediate reward in a T-maze and obtained encouraging results starting at 0.03 mg/kg (plasma levels of ~11 nM). Results from rats treated neonatally with 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA), also supported anti-ADHD activity although starting at 0.3 mg/kg. However, microdialysis studies revealed that free brain concentration of sarizotan at active doses were below its affinity for 5-HT1A receptors, the assumed primary target. In contrast, electrophysiological experiments in mid-brain Raphé serotonergic cells paralleled by plasma sampling showed that there was ~60 % inhibition of firing rate—indicating significant activation of 5-HT1A receptors—at a plasma concentration of 76 nM. In line with this, we observed that sarizotan concentrations in brain homogenates were similar to total blood levels but over 500 fold higher than free extracellular fluid (ECF) concentrations as measured using brain microdialysis. These data suggest that sarizotan may have potential anti-ADHD effects at low doses free of the previously reported side-effects. Moreover, in this case a classical pharmacokinetic–pharmacodynamic relationship based on free brain concentrations seems to be less appropriate than target engagement pharmacodynamic readouts.

The extensive clearing and modification of natural systems from anthropogenic activities is a pressing global concern. Forest habitats and animal communities within forests are among the most highly impacted, globally. Forest destruction has been repeatedly documented as a driver of biodiversity loss. However, little is known about how animal communities respond when altered landscapes are abandoned and left to regenerate into secondary forests. It is thought that the regrowth of secondary forests may help reverse biodiversity loss by restoring habitats to similar conditions as prior to land conversion. Of the forest cover that remains, over half is secondary forest, and in many countries secondary forest cover has been steadily increasing. Therefore, it is important to understand how and if faunal communities recover during secondary forest regeneration. I combined meta-analytic, field-survey-based, and lab-based experimental techniques to determine how amphibians and reptiles respond to habitat change in general, and secondary forest regeneration on landscapes previously cleared for use as pasture. I addressed five specific questions: 1) what are the effects of habitat alteration on amphibians and reptiles?, 2) what are the effects of secondary forest succession on amphibians and reptiles?, 3) what is the relative importance of stochastic and deterministic effects on community assembly during secondary forest succession?, 4) how do amphibian and reptile species composition, probability of occurrence, and species richness change over the course of secondary forest succession?, and 5) is thermal quality of habitat an important mechanism of species response to secondary forest succession? I found that secondary forest has high conservation value for many amphibian and reptile species, environmental changes associated with secondary forest succession have a significant effect on shaping amphibian and reptile community composition, thermal quality is an important mechanism for species response and that strength of response is mediated by species-specific thermal biology. I also highlight the importance of riparian corridors in maintaining species diversity in modified habitats.

This thesis presents an overall picture of demographic and socio-economic characteristics as well as journey to work travel behavior characteristics in Florida. In addition, detailed comparisons of journey to work private vehicle occupancy distribution, travel time distribution, mode choice and departure time distribution by household and individual characteristics are also provided based on three data files: American Community Survey Public Use Microdata Samples data file, Summary File 3 Public Use Microdata Samples 1% and Public Use Microdata Samples 5% data files. Utilizing the three data files, this thesis not only investigates current commuting patterns but also provides more reliable information on current journey to work characteristics and helps to gain knowledge that is useful to identify problems and provide creative solutions on related transportation issues in the state of Florida. In analyzing the data, several socio-economic and journey to work travel behavior characteristics were identified. Interesting findings include the lower utilization of transit, the lower private vehicle occupancies for individuals in Florida, and different journey to work departure time distribution by gender, by young people and by senior citizens from other adult categories. The data analysis shows that the three data files reflect acknowledged demographic trends and capture known changes such as aging of population, smaller household size, and increasing car ownership. The comparison analysis shows that in most cases, ACS PUMS data files approximate SF3 PUMS 1% and 5% data files very well. The detailed comparison of the three data files regarding journey to work travel behavior characteristics in Florida is important to decision makers who will make informed choices when evaluating alternative transportation programs and related policy issues. The knowledge of reliability of data regarding journey to work travel behavior will also help transportation professionals for travel demand modeling, transportation and land use planning and related studies.

<p>Cetirizine, an H₁-antihistamine, is prescribed for allergic disorders. It exists as a racemic mixture, with levocetirizine being the active enantiomer. The central nervous system side-effects of H₁-antihistamines are caused by their penetration into the brain. In this thesis the plasma pharmacokinetics, transport across the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and H₁ receptor occupancy of cetirizine enantiomers was investigated <i>in vivo</i> in guinea pigs. The transport across the BBB was quantified using the microdialysis technique. Stereoselective brain distribution was investigated by measuring both unbound and total concentrations in plasma and brain. The time aspects of the H₁ receptor occupancy of levocetirizine was studied in the brain and the periphery.</p><p>The plasma pharmacokinetics of cetirizine was stereoselective with clearance and volume of distribution of levocetirizine being approximately half that of dextrocetirizine. This was mainly due to the differences in plasma protein binding of the enantiomers. The stereoselectivity in brain distribution indicated by the partition coefficient K_p (total AUC ratio brain to plasma) was caused by stereoselective plasma protein binding. The transport across the BBB measured in this thesis by the unbound partition coefficient K_p,uu (unbound AUC ratio brain to plasma) was the same for the two enantiomers. Binding within the brain was also not significantly different. The H₁ receptor occupancy of levocetirizine in brain lagged behind the plasma concentrations whereas it was not delayed with respect to the brain concentrations. This indicates that the delayed brain H₁ receptor occupancy of levocetirizine is caused by a slow transport across the BBB.</p><p>In summary, the results of this thesis emphasize the importance of measuring both the unbound and total concentrations in blood and brain to characterize stereoselective brain distribution. The thesis also emphasize the importance of taking local brain pharmacokinetics into consideration in understanding pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic relationships of drugs with central activity.</p>

<p>In this work suitable habitats for hazel grouse (<i>Bonasa bonasia</i>) were identified using ecological niche factor analysis (ENFA). The results from ENFA reveal that hazel grouse utilize a different and more restricted niche than what is generally available in the study area. When a landscape is fragmented the amount of edge increases, which is negative for many species and thus will affect the amount of available area. The perimeter-area ratio was used to analyze the relative importance of geometric shape. In order to estimate a correlation between incidence of hazel grouse and landscape features census data and land cover maps were analyzed with logistic regression models. It is concluded that hazel grouse is tied to coniferous forest and avoid open areas. However, the result indicates that there is a scale effect that should be considered. The amount of edge in a landscape seems to be important and shape of patches could be a better measure in metapopulation dynamics. In this study the Incidence function model was used to estimate occupancy levels and capacity of a landscape to sustain a metapopulation according to four different area measurement scenarios. Results from the simulations indicate that perimeter-area related measures of patch size combined with capacity could be a more important measure for estimation of population dynamics compared to a basic area measurement. Using a landscape genetic approach, hazel grouse genetic structure, neighbourhood size and dispersal distance were estimated. Genetic estimates of dispersal were in concordance with previous ecological estimates. The results indicate evidence of a population structure reminiscent of what has been found in many other Scandinavian animals with a basic north-south divide. No evidence was found that geographic and environmental structures affected gene flow and dispersal patterns for the hazel grouse.</p>

The growing importance of dogs in people’s lives and in high-density urban environments has increased demand for a place where people and their dogs can interact and exercise together. The recent increase in the number of dog parks across the country is evidence of these demands of dog owners and their companions. However, due to the absence of empirical study on dog parks and their attribute of non-market values, the benefits of dog parks are often underestimated and considered less in the decision making process regarding resource allocation. A post-occupancy evaluation at four dog parks was conducted to investigate use patterns of dog parks and user activities, to identify user preferences and the environmental factors influencing activities, to provide insights and guidelines in developing effective dog parks, and to estimate users’ willingness to pay for dog parks using contingent valuation method. A multiple-method approach was used to collect data including site observations and analysis, a questionnaire and behavioral mapping. The results indicated that dog parks received considerable use, served a variety of demographic groups and supported their exercise and social activities. Dog-park users were generally satisfied with dog parks but they expressed various preferences and needs. It is evident that dog parks are not only a place for dogs to exercise but a place for people to exercise, socialize, relax and enjoy greenery just like other parks. Proximity of dog parks was found to be a critical factor in encouraging frequent dog park use and satisfying users’ needs. Over eighty percent of survey respondents expressed that they were willing to pay an annual fee for dog parks, indicating the importance of visiting dog parks as outdoor recreation. Conservative estimate of average willingness to pay was $56.17/ household/ year. Satisfaction with maintenance and facilities, income, education and family size were found to be significantly associated with willingness to pay. These results could assist local governments and park planners in estimating aggregate monetary value of the dog parks and cost-benefit analysis to justify the development and maintenance of dog parks. Design guidelines and recommendations were generated based on the empirical findings for future design of dog parks.

Cetirizine, an H1-antihistamine, is prescribed for allergic disorders. It exists as a racemic mixture, with levocetirizine being the active enantiomer. The central nervous system side-effects of H1-antihistamines are caused by their penetration into the brain. In this thesis the plasma pharmacokinetics, transport across the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and H1 receptor occupancy of cetirizine enantiomers was investigated in vivo in guinea pigs. The transport across the BBB was quantified using the microdialysis technique. Stereoselective brain distribution was investigated by measuring both unbound and total concentrations in plasma and brain. The time aspects of the H1 receptor occupancy of levocetirizine was studied in the brain and the periphery. The plasma pharmacokinetics of cetirizine was stereoselective with clearance and volume of distribution of levocetirizine being approximately half that of dextrocetirizine. This was mainly due to the differences in plasma protein binding of the enantiomers. The stereoselectivity in brain distribution indicated by the partition coefficient Kp (total AUC ratio brain to plasma) was caused by stereoselective plasma protein binding. The transport across the BBB measured in this thesis by the unbound partition coefficient Kp,uu (unbound AUC ratio brain to plasma) was the same for the two enantiomers. Binding within the brain was also not significantly different. The H1 receptor occupancy of levocetirizine in brain lagged behind the plasma concentrations whereas it was not delayed with respect to the brain concentrations. This indicates that the delayed brain H1 receptor occupancy of levocetirizine is caused by a slow transport across the BBB. In summary, the results of this thesis emphasize the importance of measuring both the unbound and total concentrations in blood and brain to characterize stereoselective brain distribution. The thesis also emphasize the importance of taking local brain pharmacokinetics into consideration in understanding pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic relationships of drugs with central activity.