Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Introduction potential'

Doctor of Philosophy<br>Department of Plant Pathology<br>James Stack<br>The trade of food, plant, and animal products has increased the worldwide movement and establishment of exotic pathogens with dramatic negative impacts on plant systems. Fusarium proliferatum is a broad host-range pathogen and among the most common maize pathogens globally. It is often seed-borne and symptomless in maize, making it a high risk for introduction in maize and other grains. Considering the global distribution of maize and the wide host range and production of mycotoxins by F. proliferatum, a better understanding of its life history is needed. To provide markers for tracking F. proliferatum in laboratory experiments, strains of F. proliferatum were transformed to express a green fluorescent protein (GFP). Active dispersal (at least 1.5cm at 25°C and -50mb soil matric potential) and colonization of organic matter in nonsterile field soil was demonstrated in soil microcosms. Fusarium verticillioides is commonly isolated from maize seed also colonized by F. proliferatum. A red fluorescent (mRFP) F. verticillioides transformant was developed to study competition with F. proliferatum. For quantification in host tissues, a TaqMan multiplex qPCR protocol was developed using primer and probe sets targeting fragments of the green and red fluorescence genes to detect F. proliferatum and F. verticillioides, respectively. Prior colonization of maize tissues by F. verticillioides (p=0.6749) and other seed-borne microorganisms (p=0.1910) did not affect subsequent colonization by F. proliferatum. Genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) was used to identify genetic markers in F. proliferatum. Primer sets based GBS markers were designed to allow detection of specific isolates in field experiments. F. proliferatum populations were characterized from maize seed prior to planting and again after harvest. End-point PCR identified F. proliferatum isolates containing the GBS marker. AFLP-fingerprinting indicated that 23 of the 817 F. proliferatum isolates contained the molecular marker and were genetically related to the original isolate. Based on the subclade and percentage similarity in UPGMA phylogenetic trees, and the population grouping observed in STRUCTURE and Principal Coordinate Analysis, these isolates could have a single origin and be clonal. Understanding the life cycle of F. proliferatum is critical for learning more about the risk of introducing seed-borne exotic isolates into new environments.

<p>The realm of molecular physical chemistry ranges from the structure of matter and the fundamental atomic and molecular interactions to the macroscopic properties and processes arising from the average microscopic behaviour.</p><p>Herein, the conventional electrodic problem is recast into the simpler molecular problem of finding the electrochemical, real chemical, and chemical potentials of the species involved in redox half-reactions. This molecular approach is followed to define the three types of absolute chemical potentials of species in solution and to estimate their standard values. This is achieved by applying the scaling laws of statistical mechanics to the collective behaviour of atoms and molecules, whose motion, interactions, and properties are described by first principles quantum chemistry. For atomic and molecular species, calculation of these quantities is within the computational implementations of wave function, density functional, and self-consistent reaction field theories. Since electrons and nuclei are the elementary particles in the realm of chemistry, an internally consistent set of absolute standard values within chemical accuracy is supplied for all three chemical potentials of electrons and protons in aqueous solution. As a result, problems in referencing chemical data are circumvented, and a uniform thermochemical treatment of electron, proton, and proton-coupled electron transfer reactions in solution is enabled.</p><p>The formalism is applied to the primary and secondary radiation damage to DNA bases, e.g., absorption of UV light to yield electronically excited states, formation of radical ions, and transformation of nucleobases into mutagenic lesions as OH radical adducts and 8-oxoguanine. Based on serine phosphate as a model compound, some insight into the direct DNA strand break mechanism is given.</p><p>Psoralens, also called furocoumarins, are a family of sensitizers exhibiting cytostatic and photodynamic actions, and hence, they are used in photochemotherapy. Molecular design of more efficient photosensitizers can contribute to enhance the photophysical and photochemical properties of psoralens and to reduce the phototoxic reactions. The mechanisms of photosensitization of furocoumarins connected to their dark toxicity are examined quantum chemically.</p>

Thesis (PhD(Dentistry))--University of Limpopo (Medunsa Campus), 2010<br>Open bite deformity is a dentofacial anomaly characterised by a space between the upper and lower teeth when the jaws are brought together. When the posterior teeth are in contact and there is separation between the upper and lower incisal edges, the condition is referred to as an anterior open bite (AOB). Anterior open bite occurs more commonly among the Black African race groups, and unless recognised and intercepted early in life, treatment of the condition can become complicated, extended and expensive. Some of the aetiological factors cited in the development of the condition include, an unfavourable growth pattern, finger sucking habits, enlarged tonsillar lymphoid tissue, abnormal tongue and orofacial muscular activity and hereditary factors. Morphologically AOB can involve only the dentoalveolar regions of the craniofacial anatomy, in which case the AOB is said to be a dental AOB; it may be the result of a disproportion between the jaws and is then referred to as a skeletal AOB, or it may be a mixture of the two. The aetiology and structural components of AOB would largely determine the mode of treatment, which can be orthodontic treatment, orthognathic surgery or a combination of the two. Previous studies into the prevalence of AOB in South Africa have reported it to be as high as 27%. Since a major percentage of the patients seen at the School of Dentistry of the University of Limpopo are of the South African Black race group it became relevant to investigate the prevalence of AOB at this institution and to develop a fresh assessment method with standardised values for this population sample. A retrospective study was therefore undertaken among patients visiting the School of Dentistry of the University of Limpopo to determine the prevalence of AOB over a 15-year time period from 1992 to 2006. All xvii patients with an AOB were documented with regard to age, gender, severity and aetiology. The criteria for determining open bite was a measure of at least 1 mm vertical separation between the incisal edges of the upper and lower incisors when the posterior teeth are in occlusion, as determined from the lateral cephalograms and confirmed by the study models. A review of the literature pertaining to craniofacial growth, the aetiology, pathogenesis, clinical presentation and treatment of AOB is also presented as well as investigative techniques for the assessment of AOB. A revised lateral cephalometric assessment method proposed as the Dawjee Analysis was designed and developed and is introduced. It consists of 12 measurements of which nine have never been previously mentioned in the literature and are being defined and described for the first time in this proposed analysis. These parameters are measured against existing and tested anatomical landmarks and planes, combined with the introduction of one new landmark and seven new measuring planes that have not been cited or described in other established analyses. These landmarks, planes and measurement parameters of the analysis are presented and its utility is described. A case study of a patient with AOB is included with an assessment of pre-treatment and post-treatment changes using this analysis. In order to establish standardised values for this population sample, the proposed Dawjee analysis was applied to a control group consisting of 50 adult male and 50 adult female subjects whose cephalometric analysis conformed to the standardised values for this race group. The analysis was also applied to an AOB sample from the retrospective study consisting of 46 male and 59 female cephalograms. Based on the amount of incisor separation this group was divided into mild, moderate and severe AOB. All subjects in both the AOB and control samples were in their permanent dentition stage, having their first permanent molars in a Class I relation. xviii In testing the validity of the proposed Dawjee Analysis, 20 cephalograms from the control group and 20 from the AOB group were also evaluated using other established cephalometric methods and the results thereof were compared to the findings of the proposed Dawjee Analysis From the 15-year retrospective investigation this study found the prevalence of AOB to be 9.67% with the male to female ratio of 46:54. The condition appears to be more common before the age of 13 years than after 13 years with a ratio of 68:32. The aetiology of the AOB in order of rank was found to be thumb or finger sucking, hereditary, nasal obstruction and unknown causes. Over the 15-year period the number of AOB patients attending the Orthodontic Department, School of Dentistry of the University of Limpopo, decreased from 16% to 8%. While this could be due to the realization that the principal cause (thumb or finger sucking) carries a social stigma, a concerted effort must be made to educate communities so that this detrimental habit can be minimised and eradicated. Standardised values for the proposed Dawjee Analysis are presented and potential flaws are outlined. When comparisons are drawn between the control and AOB group it was found that the latter differs from the control sample in 8 of the 12 of the parameters, namely: 1. Incisor separation 2. Anterior cranial base inclination 3. Posterior maxillary position 4. Posterior mandibular position 5. Interalveolar angle 6. Point B position 7. Apex of the maxillary triangle 8. Apex of the mandibular triangle The null hypothesis, which states there are no difference in the cephalometric values of the proposed Dawjee Analysis between AOB xix subjects and a control group for this population sample, was therefore rejected. These morphological differences were supported by the findings of other established analysis that were tested on the AOB and control groups. The difference of the proposed Dawjee Analysis from other cephalometric methods lies in its capability to identify and separate the skeletal from the dental components of an AOB for this study sample. Diagnosis involves a comparison to population standards and the aim of cephalometrics is to describe the standardised morphology of a population. To this end standardised values for the proposed Dawjee Analysis in a South African Black population sample have been determined which focuses on identifying the morphological basis of an AOB.

The advent of high-performance, traffic-compatible, electric road vehicles (EVs) has brought with it an increasing range of uses and this study is concerned with evaluating the suitability of EVs for a hitherto unresearched application for this emerging technology, namely the island communities of Lewis and Harris. The stimulus for the renewed research and development of EVs has resulted largely from concerns about future energy supply, particularly of oil, and environmental conditions. An assessment of the state-of-the-art of EV technology and of traction battery systems in particular is presented. A strategy for development, commercialisation and diffusion is outlined which recognises the nature of the technology and its likely diffusion process. Market segments, such as island communities, which are suitable for early introduction must be identified. The islands of Scotland were chosen for investigation because of their current patterns of transport. The assessment of potential for EV introduction focuses on the requirements of a personal means of transport in terms of factors such as operating performance, utility, reliability, ability to refuel adequately, safety of operation and disposal, economic advantage and acceptability to motorists. Various relationships are established between the state of EV technology and the potential for introduction in the islands. A practical methodology for assessment which adopts a holistic approach is constructed. This is designed to be generally applicable to other similar EV assessments. The methodology employs a series of purpose-built computer simulation models and data collection techniques in order to model real life situations and systems as closely as possible, facilitating the evaluation of market potential and identification of barriers to EV introduction in the islands.

Biosecurity in Australia and globally is based on understanding and protection of our national health, economy, industries, and environment from the negative effects associated with invasive pests and pathogens. The biosecurity continuum includes pre-border preparedness, border protection and post-border management, eradication, and control. The biosecurity system in Australia aims to manage risks and reduce the likelihood and adverse consequences of pest and disease incursions on human, animal and plant health, the environment, and the economy. To identify biosecurity risks and solve pertinent issues in biosecurity, analysts must gather and collate information for multiple factors and from a variety of sources in areas including agriculture, the environment and public health. The amount and complexity of biosecurity data have exposed the limitations in traditional statistical methodologies in addressing issues in biosecurity management. Biosecurity surveillance data is challenging in terms of non-normality, over-dispersion and typically zero-inflated. This type of data follows a natural process rather than a pre-specified process or distribution models, and often contains a large proportion of zeros. Application of appropriate statistical models to analyse these unique data sets is essential to effective biosecurity decision-making. The data used throughout this thesis were typically characteristic of biosecurity data, containing a large proportion of zeros, non-normality, and over-dispersion. Data used were collected as part of a biosecurity program implemented on Barrow Island, a remote island off the western Australian coastline, prior to and during the development of an industrial project on the island. In the following research, the first step encompassed evaluation of a range of candidate statistical models for describing biosecurity border and post-border detection of terrestrial non-indigenous species. The dataset was fitted with a variety of models including lognormal linear model, Poisson and negative binomial generalized linear models, zero-inflated model, a three-component mixture mode and a clustering analysis approach. A clustering analysis approach was adopted using a generalization of the popular k-means algorithm appropriate for mixed-type data. The analysis approach involved determination of the most appropriate number of clusters using just the numerical data, then subsequently including covariates to the clustering. Based on the counts alone, three clusters gave an acceptable fit and provided information about the underlying data characteristics. Incorporation of covariates into the model suggested four distinct clusters dominated by physical location and type of detection. Though the three-component log-normal mixture model provided detailed insight into the distribution of the data by dividing the data according to their distinct characteristic of numerical ordering, the clustering model was the preferred approach for this study. Availability of more relevant data would greatly improve the model. Broader use of cluster models in biosecurity data is recommended, with testing of these models on more datasets to validate the model choice and identify important explanatory variables. Investigation of the diverse routes by which non-indigenous species can be introduced is also of key importance to biosecurity. A gap in many introductory pathway studies is the limited consideration given to multiple introduction pathways occurring simultaneously. Multiple pathways of non-indigenous species introduction to Barrow Island were investigated and fifteen potential modes of introduction were identified in association with importing location and personnel required for the project. Three-way management prioritisation using boosted regression modelling to determine the most important factors influencing the detection of non-indigenous species at the biosecurity border was assessed. Factors considered in detecting non-indigenous species included potential modes of introduction, detection type, border inspection point (physical location on Barrow Island), phase of industrial development, year, and month of detection, of which detection type, border inspection point and potential modes of introductions were key factors. Cargo vessel and inward bound passenger numbers peaked during the construction period and were associated with an increase in the number of live non-indigenous species detections. Exposed potential modes of introductions (e.g. flat racks and vessel topsides) contained a more diverse species assemblage, while potential modes of introductions associated with human habitation and activity had the highest likelihood of introducing live non-indigenous species. The nature of these potential modes of introductions potentially allowed non-indigenous species habitation of niche areas and/or provided a suitable food supply. Invertebrates comprised 73% of the detections, with 43% live non-indigenous species. Structures such as landings and jetties were recorded as invasion hotspots, consistent with being the first point of entry for arriving vessels. Human-inhabited environments reported abundant commensal non-indigenous species. Our study indicates that biosecurity surveillance programs need to prioritise management of specific species, potential modes of introductions, and sensitive and susceptible sites to target potential invasions. Biosecurity managers should prioritise potential modes of introductions with the highest likelihood of live non-indigenous species detection based on specific potential modes of introductions characteristics, including niche availability and habitat suitability. The study provided insight into how biosecurity surveillance programs need to assess current data and adapt management strategies appropriately. Evaluation of the predictive performance of models used in biosecurity surveillance is integral to subsequent management decision-making. This includes assessing the suitability of the model for specific applications, i.e. identifying important potential predictors, undertaking a comparative assessment of competing models and modelling techniques, and identifying aspects of the model that might need improvement. Opportunities to use statistical science for biosurveillance are vast, as are the challenges associated with available data related to biosecurity. This thesis explored a variety of analytical statistical methods to enhance interpretation and decision making in biosecurity, while also acknowledging the challenges associated with this type of data. There is a growing need to leverage scientific models and predictive analytics to improve decision making in the context of biosecurity management.

Thesis (Master of Conservation Science)--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2018.<br>Introduction pathways of fungal pathogens in South Africa are far less quantified in the literature than those for plants, animals and human infectious diseases. Phytopathogens continue to be introduced to South Africa via several pathways at an unprecedented rate. A number of these species pose a significant threat to South African ecosystems and biodiversity. Despite this, fungal pathogens could also be beneficial when they are used as bio-control agents to control alien invasive plant species. Nevertheless, recent studies revealed pathogens are most likely to be studied after they have caused a detrimental impact on the environment. Invasive fungal pathogens, such as Phytophthora cinnamomi (Oomycota) do not only pose a threat to native species of the family Proteaceae but could also potentially be bio-control agents for emerging alien plant invaders. In this thesis, firstly, I review current knowledge of phytopathogenic fungi introduction pathways in South Africa; secondly, I aim to understand the importance of fungi in limiting plant invasions using Banksia as a case study in the Cape Floristic Region. In chapter two I investigate introduction pathways and dispersal vectors that facilitate the spread of fungal pathogens. I compiled comprehensive list of fungal pathogens in South Africa, and evaluated the dispersal vectors and introduction pathways for each species. I found fifty five casual species, three naturalised species, six invasive species and thirty six pathogens for which invasion status was not classified due to insufficient data. Agriculture is responsible for the introduction of most fungal pathogens in South Africa. Wind was identified to be the prominent dispersal vector facilitating the spread of pathogens. I conclude that knowing introduction pathways of pathogens and their dispersal vectors will assist in developing quarantine protocols that could improve bio-security. Lastly, I provide recommendations for the national invasive microbe species list. In chapter three the study investigates the variability in mortality rate of Banksia species in the Cape Floristic. Species abundance was calculated across known Banksia populations in the Cape Floristic Region to determine survival and mortality rates. Soil and leave samples were taken from Banksia plants to evaluate potential microbial pests that were present. Also, acetone leaf extracts of twelve Banksia species were screened for antimicrobial activity against P. cinnamomi (Oomycota). Lastly, a post-border risk assessment was conducted for 14 Banksia species− present in South Africa − using the Australian Weed Risk Assessment protocol, to evaluate potentially invasive species. The results indicated that survival and mortality rate varied across species; I found the two invasive species, B. integrifolia and B. ericifolia to have the highest survival rate. Phytophthora cinnamomi was the most prominent isolated fungal pathogen sampled from Banksia species roots. The detection of antifungal activities in the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) bioassay provided evidence that some Banksia species (B. ericifolia, B. integrifolia, B. hookeriana and B. formosa) have antimicrobial chemical constituents that could possibly inhibit infection and colonisation by P. cinnamomi. The weed risk assessments conducted on Banksia species showed five species pose a high risk of invasion while seven species required further evaluation. I conclude that P. cinnamomi could potentially regulate invasive Banksia species such as B. speciosa with minimal antimicrobial activity against the pathogen. I recommend an in-situ and ex-situ inoculation trials of Banksia species against P. cinnamomi to be conducted to evaluate pathogenicity, under different watering regimes since the pathogens proliferation is favoured by soils that are high in moisture. I present the main conclusions from this thesis in chapter four and provide recommendations for management and invasive species legislation.

Background: Seasonal fluctuations in outdoor temperature have been shown to affect blood pressure in adults. We have asked whether or not there is either a seasonal variation or an influence of outdoor temperature on blood pressure measurements in children and adolescents in middle Europe. Methods: Blood pressure was routinely measured in healthy and sick children and adolescents in outpatient clinics and during hospitalisation in a total of 6714 subjects (3,497 boys/3,237 girls), age 3 to 21 years, with a median of 10.6 years. Results: Cross-sectional analysis showed a significant seasonal variation in blood pressure measurements. The mean increase of systolic and diastolic blood pressure was 4.45/2.42 mmHg during winter. A significant correlation between average outdoor temperatures and systolic blood pressure was found (ρ=-0.074 p&lt;0.001). However, the effect was only detectable at an average temperature below 0° C/32° F and above 10° C/50° F. For each degree Celsius increase in average outdoor temperature, the systolic blood pressure fell by 0.12 mmHg. Conclusion: Blood pressure measurements in children and adolescents, even in a temperate climate, are influenced by temperature and seasonal variation. Considering seasonal variations in blood pressure could be of clinical interest<br>Background: High blood pressure is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Blood pressure tracking could help to identify individuals with potential hypertension. Therefore, we have asked whether or not tracking was of predictive value for the development of hypertension in early life. Methods: Blood pressure was routinely measured in 13,261children and adolescents in outpatient clinics as well as during hospitalization. In a sub-analysis 568 individuals with normotensive and elevated blood pressure were compared after three follow-up periods (two, four and six years) and 2,157 normotensive individuals were compared in a paired t-test. Results: The follow-up analysis showed a significant tracking effect. However, the Pearson correlation coefficients of the systolic and diastolic blood pressure SDS decreased over time. Upon the follow-up after six years 35.6% of the children and adolescents with elevated blood pressure values remained in the elevated range group. Of the children within the normotensive blood pressure range 80.4% remained normotensive after six years. Children with normotensive blood pressure showed a stronger tracking than those who had had one hypertensive blood pressure reading. Children with high body weight gain left their SDS track to higher blood pressure values. Conclusion: Blood pressure tracking in children and adolescents is moderate. We conclude that the predictive power of a single hypertensive blood pressure measurement during a single visit is rather small, and thus repetitive measurements across several consecutive visits are necessary

The past decade has offered up some fintech innovations that are gradually reshaping the financial sector. Phasing out of paper currencies together with the populatization of the private digital currencies has propelled central banks to consider issuance of their digital currencies – so called Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC). In particular, the Central Bank of Sweden has started its e-krona project in 2017. Despite the rising interest in the study of CBDC among the academic, as well as tech and policy practitioners’ communities all over the world, the research of the CBDC remains fragmented and limited. Therefore, this thesis aims to study the impact of CBDC on the conduct of monetary policy and for the preservation of financial and monetary stability that is an important, but underresearched topic. As such, the purpose of this research is to explore how the Central Bank of Sweden plans to use CBDC for addressing the central banks’ main objectives of monetary and financial stability. To reach this purpose, an exploratory qualitative case study has been conducted. The results are based on six semi-structured interviews conducted with the practitioners from the Central Bank of Sweden, Finansinspektionen, Swedish Bankers’ Association, and the Swedish House of Finance. The results of this study show that the Central Bank of Sweden has started studying the possibilities and implications of CBDC in the spring of 2017. The analysis focusses on the need of CBDC for Sweden, as well as the possibilities it opens up and implications it entails for the financial system. At the moment of the conduction of this study, the Central Bank of Sweden has been working on solving two next challenges – examining legal issues and existing technology. As such, a pilot project to test the e-krona concept for the general public and diverse security challenges has been planned for 2020-2021. Next, this study has also investigated the possible impact of the introduction of CBDC on the conduction of monetary policy and preservation of monetary and financial stability. First, this study has shown that the impact of the introduction of CBDC on quantitative easing would depend on the design of the CBDC. As such, if CBDC would be interest-bearing, it would have no impact on quantitative easing. If CBDC would, however, have no interest rate, the effectiveness of quantitative easing would be put in jeopardy. As such, a zero interest rate on CBDC would be a lower bound for policy rate and would make setting a negative policy rate impossible. Some economists argue that introducing CBDC would be a replacement for quantitative easing. The introduction of interest-bearing CBDC, however, would ease the setting of a negative policy rate and might enhance the operation of monetary policy. However, this research has shown that introduction of CBDC with a negative interest rate is unlikely. Second, this study has concluded that the necessity and the effectiveness of the helicopter money concept are widely questioned by scholars and practitioners. It is agreed that introducing CBDC would help to distribute the helicopter money, but the concept itself is often inapplicable. Thus, this research has concluded that helicopter money remains just an idea that is vastly supported by scholars and is a no-go policy for practitioners. Third, the study has also shown that CBDC’s impact on the transmission mechanism is still not clear. As such, scholars argue that CBDC would have a big impact on interest rate channel, as it will increase a pass-through to the to lending rates, as well as on the assets’ channel, as CBDC might become an alternative to bank deposits if it offers a higher interest rate. Practitioners agree that the introduction of interest-bearing CBDC would strengthen the transmission mechanism of the interest rate channel and would lead to the direct and almost instant correlation between the policy rate and the CBDC account interest rate. Some practitioners, however, believe that under the condition of the positive policy rate the transmission mechanisms would not be affected other than marginally. Lastly, an interest-bearing CBDC is considered to be dangerous for financial stability in the scholarly research. It is expected to compete with bank deposits and lead to bank runs, which would result in the drain of the funding from the banking system. Some practitioners agree with these conclusions, however, the majority disagrees and perceives CBDC to be an asset to diversify the savings portfolio, which would potentially bring more deposits to commercial banks and extend the banking system. It is agreed that CBDC would entail risks for financial stability if people lose trust in the whole banking sector and move all of their assets to the Central Bank accounts. However, if the Central Bank puts these assets back into the financial system, CBDC would not entail any risks.<br>Under det senaste decenniet har nya högteknologiska innovationer skapats som gradvist har förändrat den finansiella sektorn i grunden. Utfasning av pappersvalutor i kombination med populariseringen av privata digitala valutor har drivit och inspirerat centralbanker att skapa egna digitala valutor, så kallade CBDC (central bank digital currency). 2017 startade den svenska centralbanken, Sveriges riksbank, sitt e-krona projekt. Trots ökat intresset för studier av digital centralbanksvaluta, både bland akademiker men även inom experter och poltitiker över hela världen, saknas mycket forskning. Denna uppsats kommer att studera effekterna av digital centralbanksvaluta på penningpolitiken i relation till det finansiella och monetära systemets stabilitet. Syftet är att undersöka hur Sveriges riksbank planerar att använda en digital centralbanksvaluta för att vidare kunna uppfylla sitt primära syfte, som är att stabilisera ekonomin. För att uppnå detta, har en kvalitativ studie genomförts. Resultaten är baserade på sex stycken semistrukturerade intervjuer med anställda i olika beslutsfattande positioner inom Riksbanken, Finansinspektionen, Svenska Bankföreningen och Finanshuset. Resultaten av denna studie visar att Riksbanken har börjat undersöka möjligheterna och långvariga implikationerna av en digital centralbanksvaluta. För tillfället arbetar man med två utmaningar: att undersöka det juridiska ramverket samt tillgänglig teknologi. Pilottesterna av e-krona har påbörjats 2020, ytterligare tester har planerats för 2020 - 2021. Ytterligare har denna studie undersökt införandet av digital centralbanksvaluta möjliga effekter på penningpolitiken och långsiktig finansiell stabilitet. Inverkan av en digital centralbanksvaluta på den kvantitativa lättnaden skulle variera beroende på utformningen av den digitala valutan. Om den digitala valutan skulle vara räntebärande så skulle den inte ha någon effekt på den kvantitativa lättnaden, däremot om den var det skulle detta kunna påverka Riksbankens möjligeter att köpa statsobligationer. Det finns också diskussion hurvida man kan använda en digital centralbanksvaluta för att underlätta genomförandet av negativ styrränta. Dessutom visar denna studie också att nödvändighet och positiva effekter av så kallade helikopterpengar är starkt ifrågasatt, även om en digital centralbanksvaluta skulle kunna användas för att distribuera sådana monetära medel. Denna studie visar även att det är oklart om digital centralbanksvaluta skulle ha en effekt på den penningspolitiska transmissionsmekanismen. Många är dock övertygade att det skulle ha effekt på räntekanalen då det skulle öka genomströmningen mellan styrräntan och räntan på CBDC-kontot. Slutligen skulle en räntebärande digital centralbanksvaluta kunna vara farlig för finansiell stabilitet, då det kan stimulera snabba variationer i värde och sätta igång stora uttag från bankkonton. Dock, är detta farlig bara om människor tappar förtroende för hela banksektorn. Om inte är fallet, medför digital centralbanksvaluta inga risker och skulle kunna istället ses som en finansiell tillgång och öka insättningar på privata banker.

L'introduction de eucalyptus camaldulensis, essence exotique à croissance rapide et transpiration intense, dans une zone marginale déficitaire en eau, comporte des risques d'épuisement des réserves hydriques du sol et de mauvaise adaptation. Après une étude du fonctionnement hydrique en vases de végétation, une étude comparée des consommations en eau par la méthode du bilan hydrique simplifié, de la plantation d'eucalyptus de la forêt naturelle à acacia et de la végétation herbacée, a permis de conclure qu'un reboisement par l'eucalyptus à but de production en zone sahelo-soudanienne, a toutes les chances d'aboutir à un échec

En absence de fongicides postrécoltes pour la conservation des fruits et légumes en général et des carottes en particulier, les racines sont soumises à des agents pathogènes responsables de pourritures, qui raccourcissent la durée de vie et diminuent la qualité commerciale du produit. L’hormèse induite par la lumière UV-C, qui est la stimulation d'effets bénéfiques à de faibles doses de ce facteur de stress potentiellement dangereux à des doses élevées, est considérée comme l'une des alternatives les plus prometteuses à l’utilisation des fongicides pour la conservation long terme des carottes. L'objectif global de ce travail était de développer un traitement de pré- entreposage par la lumière UV -C pour induire une résistance aux maladies dans les carottes et augmenter leur durée de conservation. La méthodologie comprenait la détermination de la dose hormétique (optimale) permettant d'induire une résistance des carottes à Botrytis cinerea, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, Rhizoctonia carotae et Pythium sulcatum; l'évaluation de l’effet de la température d’entreposage après traitement UV-C sur la résistance de la carotte; et l'évaluation de l’effet de l’âge physiologique des carottes avant le traitement UV-C et de la persistance de la résistance induite par les UV-C dans les carottes pendant l’entreposage à long terme . La résistance induite a été évaluée par l'agressivité des agents pathogènes et des infections naturelles, l'accumulation de la phytoalexine 6-methoxymelléine (6-MM), des polyacétylènes falcarinol et falcarindiol, de la myristicine et de l'induction de protéines de défense PR- 2 (β-1,3-glucanases) et PR-3 (chitinases). La progression de la sénescence a été évaluée par l’incidence et la sévérité des repousses foliaires et des repousses racinaires. Les résultats ont montré un effet quadratique significatif entre la dose du traitement UV-C et la réponse de résitance des carottes aux maladies causées par B. cinerea, S. sclerotiorum, R. carotae, et P. sulcatum. La résistance des carottes aux maladies augmentait progressivement avec les doses jusqu'à une dose optimale d'environ 5,4 kJ.m-2. A cette dose hormétique, un maximum d'environ 55 % d'inhibition de la croissance des agents de pourritures inoculés a été observé, et au-delà de cette dose la résistance aux maladies a diminué. La température d’entreposage des carottes après le traitement hormétique a eu également un impact sur l'inhibition de la croissance de B. cinerea sur les carottes, et cette inhibition était supérieure sur les racines traitées et entreposées à 4 °C. En outre, le traitement hormétique UV-C a considérablement amélioré la résistance à long terme des carottes contre des infections naturelles. De plus, la sénescence des racines traitées, telle qu’observée par les repousses racinaires et foliaires, a été ralentie et décalée d’un maximum de deux mois par rapport aux carottes non traitées. L’accumulation de la phytoalexine 6-méthoxymélléine (6-MM) dans la pelure des carottes a été induite par le traitement UV-C et la production maximale de ce composé a été observée aux environs de la dose UV-C de 5,4 kJ.m-2. Quelle que soit la température d’entreposage après le traitement hormétique, le profil d’accumulation de la 6-MM était le même, c’est-à-dire que les quantités de ce composé atteignaient un certain maximum, suivie d'une diminution, et d’une stabilisation. Il semble que les cellules de carotte aient été plus sensibles à la 6-MM à 24 °C, et à cette température, elles accumulaient et dégradaient cette molécule le plus rapidement, en supportaient des plus bassses quantités maximales, et la stabilisaient à des valeurs d'équilibre plus bassses. Entreposées à 4 °C après le traitement hormétique UV-C, les carottes produisaient des quantités maximales les plus élevées de 6-MM (autour de 120 μg.g-1 de poids frais (PF)), et contenaient au bout de 7 mois d’entreposage des valeurs d'environ 45 μg.g-1 PF de cette molécule. Selon la dose léthale de 6-MM (DL50) pour l’inhibition de la croissance de B. cinerea (environ 20 μg.g-1 PF), il est raisonnable de penser que cette phytoalexine joue un rôle important dans la résistance induite à long terme des carottes contre les pourritures postrécoltes. Il y a une accumulation de myristicine dans les carottes après un traitement à la lumière UV-C. Cependant, le rôle de cette molécule dans les réactions de défense des carottes est très peu connu. Le traitement hormétique préentreposage UV-C n'a pas eu d'effets sur l’accumulation du falcarindiol et du falcarinol quelle que soit la température d’entreopsage. La lumière UV-C n’a pas semblé affecter l'accumulation de falcarinol et falcarindiol, ce qui renforce l’idée du fait que ces composés soient préformés et fassent partie des défenses constitutives des carottes. Des analyses de type Western blot ont révélé deux bandes constitutives de 38 kDa et de 45 kDa pour chacune de protéines PR-2 (β-1,3-glucanases) et PR-3 (chitinases) testées. Le traitement hormétique UV-C a induit une augmentation progressive des quantités de PR-2 de 38 kDa (3 à 4 fois relativement à leur niveau initial) dans les carottes entrposées à long terme à basse température (4 °C). Les autres protéines PR détectées sont restées stables, autour de leur valeur initiale dans les carottes traitées aux UV-C et entreposées à 4 °C. Cependant, toutes les protéines PR détectées ont connu une diminution à des taux variables de leurs quantités initiales quand les racines étaient entreposées à 14 °C et 24 °C, traitées ou non. Cela nous suggère que les protéines PR font partie intégrante de la résistance induite aux UV-C des carottes en entreposage long terme. Nos données suggèrent, en somme, qu’un traitement aux UV-C pourrait être une technologie utile dans la gestion intégrée des maladies pour le stockage à long terme des carottes.<br>As there is no fungicide currently registered for postharvest application on carrot, the long-term storage of this crop is limited because of the postharvest decay, which shortens the storability. UV-C hormesis is the stimulation of beneficial effects at low doses of this potentially harmful stressor at high doses, and is considered as one of the most promising alternatives to fungicides for preservation and long-term storage of carrots. The overall objective of this study was to develop a prestorage treatment with UV-C to induce disease resistance in carrots and increase their storage life. The methodology included the determination of the hormetic (optimum) dose to induce disease resistance in carrots against Botrytis cinerea, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, Rhizoctonia carotae and Pythium sulcatum; the evaluation of time delay after harvest before UV-C treatment and storage temperature on carrot resistance; and the evaluation of the persistence of UV-C induced resistance in carrots during the long-term storage. The induced resistance was evaluated by challenge inoculation with pathogens and natural infections of the treated carrots, and defenswe mechanisms such as the accumulation of the phytoalexin, 6-methoxymellein (6-MM), the polyacetylenes falcarinol and falcarindiol, myristicin and the induction of defense proteins, PR-2 (β-1,3-glucanases) and PR-3 (chitinases). The progress of senescence was evaluated by the severity of sprouting and rooting. There was a significant quadratic dose-response relationship between UV-C dose and resistance to B. cinerea or S. sclerotiorum, R. carotae, and P. sulcatum. Carrot resistance to diseases progressively increased compared with control roots, up to a dose of about 5.4 kJ.m-2. At the hormetic dose, a maximum of about 55% reduction in growth of the challenged organisms was observed and beyond that dose, disease resistance decreased. Storage temperature had also an impact on the inhibition of the B. cinerea growth on carrots, and the inhibition was greater on the treated carrots and stored at 4 °C during 70 days. In addition, during 7 months of the long-term storage, the naturally occurring infections, as well as the senescence indicators such as sprouting and rooting were delayed by about two months on treated carrots compared with the non-treated roots. Prestorage treatment with the hormetic UV-C dose elicited the production the phytoalexin 6-MM in carrot peel with maximum accumulation level of about 120 µg.g-1 FW with the hormetic UV-C dose. Regardless of the storage temperature, the level of 6-MM reached a certain maximum, followed by a decrease, and thereafter, it remained steady. At 4°C, 6-MM reached the highest maximum value (120 µg.g-1 FW), and decreased gradualy with storage time to reach a level of about 45 µg.g-1 FW after seven months. It is likely that this carrot phytoalexin plays an important role in the roots long-term induced resistance, since it is known that the ED50 of 6-MM inhibitory for the growth of decay agents is 20 µg.g-1. At the storage temperature of 24 °C, it appears that 6-MM accumulates at the fastest rate, but also degrades at the fastest rate resulting in lowest maximum as well as steady state level, presumably due to high sensitivity of carrot tissue at higher storage temperatures The polyacetylenes falcarinol and falcarindiol were present in untreated carrots and they are likely to be preformed antimicrobial compounds. The prestorage UV-C treatment did not have any impact on falcarindiol and falcarinol at any storage temperature. UV-C treatment does not seem to affect falcarinol and falcarindiol accumulation; hence those compounds tend to be preformed. There was an accumulation of myristicin in carrots treated by UV-C. However, the role of this compound in disease resistance and its fungistatic effects remain unclear. Immunoblotting analysis revealed two constitutive bands at 38 kDa and 45 kDa for both PR-2 (β-1,3-glucanases) and PR-3 (chitinases) proteins. There was a progressive and significant enhancement of 38 kDa of PR-2 (3 to 4 folds the initial level) in carrots treated with UV-C hormetic dose and stored at low temperature during long term storage, while the other PR-proteins detected did not exhibit any changes during storage at 4 °C. However, all PR-proteins degraded at various rate in roots stored at higher temperatures (14 °C and 24 °C), which suggests that PR-proteins are an integral part of long-term resistance in UV-C hormesis treated carrots. Our data suggest, overall, that UV-C treatment could be a beneficial technology in the integrated management of diseases for long-term storage of carrots.

Master's thesis is made on 77 pages (A4 format, Times new Roman font, font size 14, interval 1.5). Number of tables – 10 (without attachments). Number of drawings – 35 (without attachments). Master's thesis consists of an introduction, three chapters, conclusion, references, applications. The theoretical part presents the basic concepts, the evolution of concepts, characteristics, factors, nature and relationships with other variables. In the practical part the General characteristics of the studied company and staff, the analysis of the work to identify employees with high potential, as well as emotional burnout are analyzed. On the basis of the obtained results, recommendations were given on the development and implementation of the program of capacity development and reduction of emotional burnout of employees in the company's activities.<br>Магистерская диссертация выполнена на 77 страницах (формат А4, шрифт Times New Roman, размер шрифта 14, интервал1.5). Количество таблиц – 10 (без вложений). Количество рисунков – 35 (без вложений). Магистерская диссертация состоит из введения, трех глав, заключения, списка литературы, приложений. В теоретической части представлены основные понятия, эволюция понятия, характеристики, факторы, природа и отношения с другими переменными. В практической части анализируются общие характеристики исследуемой компании и персонала, анализ работы по выявлению работников с высоким потенциалом, а также эмоционального выгорания. На основе полученных результатов были даны рекомендации по разработке и внедрению в деятельность компании программы развития потенциала и снижения эмоционального выгорания сотрудников.

The idea of Basic Income has gained ground around schoolers and public authorities. Several experiments have been conducted over the last decades with interesting results being observed. At the same time Minimum Income Schemes across, the most similar type of policy in place, seem incapable of achieving their proposed goals. This work selects four Basic Income experiments and compares their results with the results of the Portuguese Minimum Income Scheme. It shows that the Portuguese current Scheme does not fully accomplish its proposed goals of reducing poverty while promoting inclusion. Moreover, it is demonstrated that Basic Income Experiments delivered motivating results both in terms of shrinking poverty and stimulating labor. This work argues that the current Portuguese Minimum Income Scheme needs a remodeling and that the idea of Basic Income should be considered as an alternative policy.<br>A discussão à volta da implementação de um Rendimento Básico Universal tem ganho adeptos junto de investigadores e entidades públicas. Várias experiências foram levadas a cabo nas últimas décadas, produzindo resultados interessantes. Simultaneamente, as políticas de Rendimento Mínimo em vigor – o tipo de política que mais se assemelha a um Rendimento Básico Universal – têm sido incapazes de cumprir os pressupostos em que foram fundados. Este trabalho seleccionou quatro experiências com Rendimento Básico Universal e comparou os seus resultados com os resultados produzidos pelo esquema de Rendimento Mínimo Português. É demonstrado que o esquema Português não é capaz de cumprir os objectivos a que se propõs quer a nivel da redução de pobreza, quer na ajuda à inserção social e profissional. É ainda evidenciado que as experiências de Rendimento Básico Universal foram capazes de mitigar os indíces de pobreza enquanto promoviam o emprego e a inclusão. Este trabalho considera que o esquema de Rendimento Mínimo Português necessita de ser reconfigurado e que a ideia de um Rendimento Básico Universal devia ser considerada como uma possível política alternativa.

Methods for the determination of trace elements in environmental and biological samples were developed and optimized. Parameters affecting sample introduction efficiency, matrix effects, sample throughput and tolerance to interfering species were evaluated for methods based on plasma spectrochemistry and electrochemistry. A method was developed for the determination of copper in the presence of β-2-microglobulin. A mass balance of copper was performed at the end of in vitro incubations which required method development to quantify copper in the liquid and solid portions of the incubation solutions, along with copper adsorbed and mass transferred into the walls of the incubation vessel. A flow injection method was developed to accommodate the small sample volume and high dissolved solids content to allow for the determination of copper by ICP-MS. A commercial introduction system was evaluated for the determination of trace elements in drinking waters and wastewaters by ICP-MS and ICP-OES. Parameters including increased throughput, reduced memory effects, increased stability and lower reagent consumption were evaluated as the system was successfully applied to U.S. EPA Methods 200.8 and 200.7, respectively. Particular attention was paid to the retention of mercury and sodium and long term stability during the analysis of samples containing high total dissolved salts. Results obtained with the new introduction system were compliant with EPA Methods 200.8 and 200.7 while increasing sample throughput two- or three-fold and significantly reducing memory effects. A method was developed for the enhancement of signals for trace elemental analysis by DRC-ICP-MS. Signal enhancement was evaluated as instrumental and reaction gas parameters were optimized. Background noise levels remained relatively unchanged as signal intensities were improved, resulting in improved signal to noise ratios. The developed method was successfully applied to the determination of gold in synthetic geological samples. A method was developed for the preconcentration and speciation of arsenic by anodic stripping voltammetry using ion exchange resins. Ion exchange and instrument parameters were optimized. The developed method was successfully applied to the determination of arsenic(III) and arsenic(V) in waters without interference from problematic species such as Cu(II). Suitable detection limits were obtained and the method was validated using a certified reference material.

For years, the gambling industry has been gaining popularity among a variety of countries and communities for its contribution to tourism development and thus, to the economy. At the same time, the addictive nature of the gambling activities poses questions for society’s future wellbeing. In the Republic of Cyprus, tourism is a major economic activity. Recently, some of the local practitioners of tourism lobbied government to allow the introduction of the casino industry to increase tourists’ arrivals, enhance their experience, as well as limit the number of travelers who go to the bordering Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus for casino-gambling. However, the potential adverse impacts of gambling on the local community cannot be overlooked as a factor in decision-making. As a result, this study explores the implications for the Greek-Cypriot community development of introducing casino-style gambling as a part of the tourism development strategy. This study’s findings suggest that while the literature does indicate that there can be some possible immediate direct economic benefits from the introduction of casinos to local economies, those benefits are not demonstrated in this particular investigation. The findings were derived from a literature review, nineteen interviews, and two hundred and twenty surveys completed by tourists and local residents in Cyprus. They revealed mixed responses to the introduction of the casino industry. During the course of the data analysis and interpretation, it was identified that tourists are not as interested in seeing casinos introduced to Cyprus as were some local residents. If that is the case, on the basis of this study there does not appear to be a persuasive argument for introducing casino-style gambling to promote tourism on the island. Moreover, there are some potentially negative effects of gambling that could adversely affect the tourism industry and local culture.

Ecological niche modelling is a method designed to describe and predict the geographic distribution of an organism. This procedure aims to quantify the species-environment relationship by describing the association between the organism’s occurrence records and the environmental characteristics at these points. More simply, these models attempt to capture the ecological niche that a particular organism occupies. A popular application of ecological niche models is to predict the potential distribution of invasive alien species in their introduced range. From a biodiversity conservation perspective, a pro-active approach to the management of invasions would be to predict the potential distribution of the species so that areas susceptible to invasion can be identified. The performance of ecological niche models and the accuracy of the potential range predictions depend on the quality of the data that is used to calibrate and evaluate the models. Three different types of input data can be used to calibrate models when producing potential distribution predictions in the introduced range of an invasive alien species. Models can be calibrated with native range occurrence records, introduced range occurrence records or a combination of records from both ranges. However, native range occurrence records might suffer from geographical bias as a result of biased sampling or incomplete sampling. When occurrence records are geographically biased, the underlying environmental gradients in which a species can persist are unlikely to be fully sampled, which could result in an underestimation of the potential distribution of the species in the introduced range. I investigated the impact of geographical bias in native range occurrence records on the performance of ecological niche models for 19 invasive plant species by simulating two geographical bias scenarios (six different treatments) in the native range occurrence records of the species. The geographical bias simulated in this study was sufficient to result in significant environmental bias across treatments, but despite this I did not find a significant effect on model performance. However, this finding was perhaps influenced by the quality of the testing dataset and therefore one should be wary of the possible effects of geographical bias when calibrating models with native range occurrence records or combinations there of. Secondly, models can be calibrated with records obtained from the introduced range of a species. However, when calibrating models with records from the introduced range, uncertainties in terms of the equilibrium status and introduction history could influence data quality and thus model performance. A species that has recently been introduced to a new region is unlikely to be in equilibrium with the environment as insufficient time will have elapsed to allow it to disperse to suitable areas, therefore the occurrence records available would be unlikely to capture its full environmental niche and therefore underestimate the species’ potential distribution. I compared model performance for seven invasive alien plant species with different simulated introduction histories when calibrated with native range records, introduced range records or a combination of records from both ranges. A single introduction, multiple introduction and well established scenario was simulated from the introduced range records available for a species. Model performance was not significantly different when compared between models that were calibrated with datasets representing these three types of input data under a simulated single introduction or multiple introduction scenario, indicating that these datasets probably described enough of the species environmental niche to be able to make accurate predictions. However, model performance was significantly different for models calibrated with introduced range records and a combination of records from both ranges under the well established scenario. Further research is recommended to fully understand the effects of introduction history on the niche of the species. Copyright<br>Dissertation (MSc)--University of Pretoria, 2010.<br>Zoology and Entomology<br>unrestricted

Background: Seasonal fluctuations in outdoor temperature have been shown to affect blood pressure in adults. We have asked whether or not there is either a seasonal variation or an influence of outdoor temperature on blood pressure measurements in children and adolescents in middle Europe. Methods: Blood pressure was routinely measured in healthy and sick children and adolescents in outpatient clinics and during hospitalisation in a total of 6714 subjects (3,497 boys/3,237 girls), age 3 to 21 years, with a median of 10.6 years. Results: Cross-sectional analysis showed a significant seasonal variation in blood pressure measurements. The mean increase of systolic and diastolic blood pressure was 4.45/2.42 mmHg during winter. A significant correlation between average outdoor temperatures and systolic blood pressure was found (ρ=-0.074 p<0.001). However, the effect was only detectable at an average temperature below 0° C/32° F and above 10° C/50° F. For each degree Celsius increase in average outdoor temperature, the systolic blood pressure fell by 0.12 mmHg. Conclusion: Blood pressure measurements in children and adolescents, even in a temperate climate, are influenced by temperature and seasonal variation. Considering seasonal variations in blood pressure could be of clinical interest.:Inhaltsverzeichnis......................................................................i Widmung .................................................................................. iii Bibliographische Beschreibung ................................................. iv I. Abkürzungen ......................................................................... i 1. Einführung ........................................................................... 1 1.1. Bedeutung von Blutdruckmessungen im Allgemeinen ................................................................................................. 1 1.2. Bedeutung und Durchführung von Blutdruckmessungen bei Kindern und Jugendlichen ................................................................................................ 2 1.3. Tracking ................................................................................................ 4 1.4. Innere und äußere Einflussfaktoren des Blutdrucks ................................................................................................ 5 1.5. Zweck der Studie ................................................................................................ 7 2. Publikationsmanuskript ................................................................................................ 10 2. 1. Influence of seasonal variation on blood pressure measurements in children, adolescents and young adults ................................................................................................ 10 Abstract .................................................................................. 11 Introduction ................................................................................................ 12 Subjects and methods ................................................................................................ 13 Results .................................................................................... 15 Discussion ................................................................................................ 18 Conclusion ................................................................................................ 21 Acknowledgements ................................................................................................ 22 References............................................................................... 23 Tables ..................................................................................... 27 Figure legends ................................................................................................ 29 Figures ................................................................................... 30 2.2. Blood pressure tracking in children and adolescents ....... 33 Abstract .................................................................................. 34 Inhaltsverzeichnis Subjects and methods ................................................................................................ 35 Results .................................................................................... 39 Discussion ................................................................................................. 42 Conclusion ................................................................................................. 44 Acknowledgements ................................................................................................. 45 References................................................................................ 46 Legends to figures .................................................................................................. 53 Figures ...................................................................................... 55 3. Zusammenfassung der Arbeit ................................................................................................... 62 4. Literaturverzeichnis ............................................................... 68 II. Erklärung über die eigenständige Abfassung der Arbeit ........ ii III. Lebenslauf ............................................................................ iii IV. Danksagung .................................................................................................... iv<br>Background: High blood pressure is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Blood pressure tracking could help to identify individuals with potential hypertension. Therefore, we have asked whether or not tracking was of predictive value for the development of hypertension in early life. Methods: Blood pressure was routinely measured in 13,261children and adolescents in outpatient clinics as well as during hospitalization. In a sub-analysis 568 individuals with normotensive and elevated blood pressure were compared after three follow-up periods (two, four and six years) and 2,157 normotensive individuals were compared in a paired t-test. Results: The follow-up analysis showed a significant tracking effect. However, the Pearson correlation coefficients of the systolic and diastolic blood pressure SDS decreased over time. Upon the follow-up after six years 35.6% of the children and adolescents with elevated blood pressure values remained in the elevated range group. Of the children within the normotensive blood pressure range 80.4% remained normotensive after six years. Children with normotensive blood pressure showed a stronger tracking than those who had had one hypertensive blood pressure reading. Children with high body weight gain left their SDS track to higher blood pressure values. Conclusion: Blood pressure tracking in children and adolescents is moderate. We conclude that the predictive power of a single hypertensive blood pressure measurement during a single visit is rather small, and thus repetitive measurements across several consecutive visits are necessary.:Inhaltsverzeichnis......................................................................i Widmung .................................................................................. iii Bibliographische Beschreibung ................................................. iv I. Abkürzungen ......................................................................... i 1. Einführung ........................................................................... 1 1.1. Bedeutung von Blutdruckmessungen im Allgemeinen ................................................................................................. 1 1.2. Bedeutung und Durchführung von Blutdruckmessungen bei Kindern und Jugendlichen ................................................................................................ 2 1.3. Tracking ................................................................................................ 4 1.4. Innere und äußere Einflussfaktoren des Blutdrucks ................................................................................................ 5 1.5. Zweck der Studie ................................................................................................ 7 2. Publikationsmanuskript ................................................................................................ 10 2. 1. Influence of seasonal variation on blood pressure measurements in children, adolescents and young adults ................................................................................................ 10 Abstract .................................................................................. 11 Introduction ................................................................................................ 12 Subjects and methods ................................................................................................ 13 Results .................................................................................... 15 Discussion ................................................................................................ 18 Conclusion ................................................................................................ 21 Acknowledgements ................................................................................................ 22 References............................................................................... 23 Tables ..................................................................................... 27 Figure legends ................................................................................................ 29 Figures ................................................................................... 30 2.2. Blood pressure tracking in children and adolescents ....... 33 Abstract .................................................................................. 34 Inhaltsverzeichnis Subjects and methods ................................................................................................ 35 Results .................................................................................... 39 Discussion ................................................................................................. 42 Conclusion ................................................................................................. 44 Acknowledgements ................................................................................................. 45 References................................................................................ 46 Legends to figures .................................................................................................. 53 Figures ...................................................................................... 55 3. Zusammenfassung der Arbeit ................................................................................................... 62 4. Literaturverzeichnis ............................................................... 68 II. Erklärung über die eigenständige Abfassung der Arbeit ........ ii III. Lebenslauf ............................................................................ iii IV. Danksagung .................................................................................................... iv