Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Population increase'

Class of 2005 Abstract
Objectives: To determine if delivery of medications to an independent living facility increases patient adherence. Methods: Retrospective review of patient pharmacy refill records was completed using a data extraction form in order to calculate a number of days deviation from a projected refill date based on days supply. Data on the use of express pay, auto fill, and delivery service and payment type was collected as well as age and gender. Residents of The Fountains independent living facility were eligible to be included in this study if they had complete data in the pharmacy refill records for at least one scheduled maintenance medication taken for a continuous, three-month period. Results: There were 21 subjects in the delivery group and 18 in the pick-up group. Both groups were primarily women (76.2 percent and 61.1 percent respectively). Age was also similar (85.8 and 83.8, p=0.285). The delivery group had significantly more maintenance medications than the pick-up group (mean=2.8, SD=1.1 and mean=1.7, SD=1.1 respectively). Seven of the nine time deviations were greater for the pick-up group than for the delivery group (p= 0.09 for sign test). Implications: It appears that a delivery service can increase adherence, particularly in a population of advanced age.

The total size of the world population is likely to increase from its current 7 billion to 8-10 billion by 2050. This uncertainty is because of unknown future fertility and mortality trends in different parts of the world. But the young age structure of the population and the fact that in much of Africa and Western Asia, fertility is still very high makes an increase by at least one more billion almost certain. Virtually, all the increase will happen in the developing world. For the second half of the century, population stabilization and the onset of a decline are likely. In addition to the future size of the population, its distribution by age, sex, level of educational attainment and place of residence are of specific importance for studying future food security. The paper provides a detailed discussion of different relevant dimensions in population projections and an evaluation of the methods and assumptions used in current global population projections and in particular those produced by the United Nations and by IIASA.

„Menschen benötigen Platz zum Leben.“ In dieser Erkenntnis liegt noch nichts Besonderes oder gar Aufregendes. Erst die Tatsache, dass die menschliche Bevölkerung seit jeher zunimmt, aber der zur Verfügung stehende Platz konstant bleibt bzw. die Ressourcen in ihrem Bestand sogar abnehmen, macht dieses Thema wesentlich gehaltvoller. Offensichtlich ist außerdem: „Population growth seems to affect everything but is seldom held responsible for anything.“ (McKee 2003: 10) Dies ist der Hauptgrund dafür, dass gerade die Thematik der Bevölkerungsentwicklung internationale Beachtung und Aufmerksamkeit verdient.

Special Education
M.S.Ed.
According to professionals breastfeeding is the preferred method of providing nutrition for newborns worldwide. Breastfeeding rates among low-income mothers are very low due to the lack of support and early introduction of formula. The present study examined the effects of providing these mothers with reinforcement to encourage breastfeeding. The mothers tracked their feedings using a simple breastfeeding mobile application in order to receive reinforcement. The mothers were also offered breastfeeding support if they were having any difficulties. Keywords: breastfeeding, reinforcement, mobile application, support
Temple University--Theses

Kai pradėjau rašyti magistrinį darbą (2006 m.), tai Lietuvos nacionaliniai parkai (išskyrus Aukštaitijos nacionalinį parką) gyvavo jau penkiolika metų, nes visi jie įkurti 1991 m. ir turi labai svarbią reikšmę visai Lietuvos saugojamų teritorijų sistemai. Jie yra įkurti išsaugoti tautai, visoms jos kartoms vertingą gamtiniu, kultūriniu ir istoriniu požiūriu Lietuvos etnokultūrinį palikimą, vertingus moksliniu požiūriu kraštovaizdžio kompleksus, propaguoti Lietuvos etninių rajonų materialinį bei dvasinį kultūrinį palikimą, sudaryti sąlygas poilsiui ir turizmui. Šias funkcijas jie sėkmingai atlieka, tačiau visuose parkuose kiek mažiau akcentuojamos labai sudėtingos socialinės ekonominės ir ypatingai demografinės problemos. Todėl šiame darbe labiau akcentuojamos būtent jos. Trakų istorinis nacionalinis parkas – yra unikalus ne tik istoriniu požiūriu, bet ir savitas demografinių urbanistinių procesų raidoje. Šiame parke vykstantys nepalankūs socialiniai-ekonominiai, o ypač demografiniai procesai kelia didelę grėsmę parko išlikimui. Todėl pateikta jau apdorota ir išanalizuota demografinė informacija ypač naudinga rengiant programas šių parkų išsaugojimui. Darbo tikslas-apžvelgti Trakų rajono gamtos ir kultūros išteklių ypatumus, atlikti Trakų miesto ir jo apylinkių (TINP teritorijoje) sociogeografinę analizę, analizuojant demografinę situaciją 1989-2004 m. išskiriant socialinius pokyčius, remiantis literatūros, mokslinių šaltinių analize bei statistiniais duomenimis, atlikti... [toliau žr. visą tekstą]
When I started writing this master degree paper in 2006, national parks in Lithuania, with the exception of Aukštaitijos national park, had been existing for 15 years, as they all were found in 1991. Now they have a very important meaning to the whole system of Lithuanian preserved territories. They were found in order to preserve naturally, culturally and historically valuable Lithuania’s ethnocultural heritage, scientifically valuable landscape complexes, to propogate material and mental cultural heritage of Lithuania’s ethnical regions, to create conditions for leasure and tourism. They fulfill these functions, however, all the parks emphasize less very complicated social economic and especially demographic problems. Thereforethis work lays a greater stress on them. Trakai historic national park is unique not only historically but also in the development of demographic urbanistic processes. The unfavourable socioeconomic and demographic process going on there threaten the survival of the park. Here is given the already analyzed demographic information very usefull in preparing programs for the preservation of the park. The aim of the work is to make an overview of the peculiarities of natural and cultural resources of the Trakai district, to make a sociogeographic analysis of the city of Trakai and its districts (in the territory of TINP). This will be done analyzing the demographic situation in 1989 – 2004, pointing out social and economic changes. I will... [to full text]

Accessibility is a gateway to accessing opportunities or service sites, i.e., grocery shopping, healthcare and jobs and it has been used as a proxy to measure inequalities. The equity, in travel time or distance, to accessing of these services is vital to ensure high accessibility hence providing equality. Population increase leading to urban sprawl affects accessibility in the absence of prudent residential spatial planning and transport systems and infrastructure. Urban sprawl creates a distance between populations and centres of services such as grocery stores. This promotes the growth of car-dependency to accessing these services that are not easily reachable by non-motorised transport of walking and biking.This thesis measures accessibility to grocery stores by comparing the travel time of populations in the four neighbourhoods, of Ålidhem, Tomtebo, Carlshem and Sofiehem, by walking and biking. The measuring is done by using the ArcGIS Network Analyst to create and build a single-modal network dataset of pedestrian and bike lanes in the study area. Accessibility to grocery stores is measured using the service areas created based on the grocery store location and it highlights all the accessible streets from the centre within a time impedance. Afterwards, the populations are aggregated in each service area of each neighbourhood to compare the time difference of accessibility to a grocery store.With distance decay effects, the walking time distance restricts accessibility to grocery stores to a limited population in the neighbourhoods. The bike time distance, however, increased the residents in the study area who can access the grocery stores. The new location for a Coop grocery store provides the highest accessibility to grocery stores compared to the Ålidhem Centre grocery store.From the results of the analysis, the bike travel is the most equitable hence equal mode of active transport for all the four neighbourhoods.

The best time to build walk and cycle paths was 20 years ago. The second best time is now! This publication is my first and very close to my heart as it shows how land use and transport are related to reduce travel times and also promote more non-motorised transport usage. 

People often have very little knowledge about the impact of unsustainable human population growth on the environment and social well-being especially in developing countries. Therefore, an efficient method should be explored in order to educate, and if possible, to convince the members of the public to realize the environmental and social problems caused by the unsustainable population growth. Digital Game-Based Learning (DGBL) has been highlighted by some studies as an innovative tool for learning enhancement. While only a handful of studies have scientifically evaluated the impact of DGBL on knowledge outcomes, the approach is an attractive tool to increase knowledge and motivate engagement with environmental issues surrounding population growth because of its potential to improve learners’ motivation and engagement thereby compared to traditional learning approaches. Therefore, the three primary research questions for this study are: 1) "Can a single-player digital game be an appropriate and attractive learning application for the players to gain insight about the relationship between the growing human population and the environmental issues?" 2) "How can we design environmental games for the players to gain insights about the relationship between the growing human population and the environmental issues via playing a game?" and 3) "What are the obstacles preventing the players from adapting environmental knowledge obtained from the learning mediums into the real-life?" To inform the development of an efficacious DGBL game to impact learning outcomes, critical reviews of environmental issues related to population growth as well as critical reviews of commercial and serious environmental games in terms of their educational and motivational values were undertaken in this study. The results of these critical reviews informed the development of a Guideline for Environmental Games (or GEG). The GEG was developed by combining the engaging game technology with environmental learning and persuasion theories. The GEG was then used to inform the development of a prototype game called THE GROWTH; a single-player, quiz-based, city-management game targeting young adolescents and adults. Multiple evaluation methods of the game were used to answer the three key research questions mentioned earlier. These methods included: 1) The Randomized Controlled Trial approach (RCT) where the participants were systematically divided into the experimental and the control group respectively and their knowledge scores (quantitative data) compared and analyzed, 2) The participants’ abilities to recall and describe the environmental and well-being issues were collected and analyzed qualitatively using The Content Analysis method (CA) and, 3) The participants’ overall feedback on the learning mediums was collected and analyzed to evaluate the motivational values of THE GROWTH itself. To this end, THE GROWTH was evaluated with 82 Thai-nationality participants (70 males and 12 females). The results showed that participants assigned to play THE GROWTH demonstrated greater environmental and social-well-being knowledge related to population growth (F(1,40) = 43.86, p = .006) compared to the control group participants assigned to a non-interactive reading activity (consistent with material presented in THE GROWTH). Furthermore, participants who played THE GROWTH recalled on average more content presented in the game when compared to participants who were presented with similar content in the reading material (t (59) = 3.35, p = .001). In terms of level of engagement, the study suggested that participants assigned to the game were more engaging with their learning medium on average when compared to participants assigned to the non-interactive reading activity. This is evidenced by the longer time participants spent on the task, the activity observed from participants’ recorded gameplay, and their positive responses in the survey. The semi-structured interviews used in this study highlighted the participants’ attitudes towards the environmental, social, and technological issues. Although the participants’ perceived behavioural intention towards the environmental commitments were not statistically differed between the two study group, their responses still provide some evidences that leaps may occur from the learning mediums to the real-world context. Furthermore, these responses can be valuable evidences for the policy makers and for the future development of environmental serious games. Overall, the results suggested that digital environmental games such as THE GROWTH might be an effective and motivational tool in promote the learning about sustainable population size, the environment, and the social well-being. The game’s ability to convince the participants to change towards sustainable lifestyles, however, might be subjected to the future research and other real-world circumstances such as the governmental and public supports. In summary, the research in this thesis makes the following contributions to knowledge: • The Guideline for Environmental Games (GEG) contributes to knowledge about making theoretically-based environmental games. It has particular significance because the guideline was validated by demonstrating learning improvements in a systematic randomized controlled trial. • The use of Multi-Strategy Study Design where multiple systematic evaluation methods were used in conjunction to provide conclusive findings about the efficacy of DGBL to impact outcomes. • THE GROWTH itself is a contribution to applied research as an example of an effective DGBL learning tool.

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento CientÃfico e TecnolÃgico
O cultivo de rosas (rosa sp). caracteriza-se pela sua elevada rentabilidade, em comparaÃÃo com cultivos tradicionais, entretanto, o manejo e a pÃs-colheita exigem do produtor conhecimento tÃcnico aprimorado. Por sua vez, diversas tÃcnicas empregadas no manejo na cultura tem se caracterizado pelo seu empirismo, necessitando-se de estudos. Com o objetivo de apresentar sugestÃes aos produtores para um manejo hÃdrico, volume de substrato e nÃmero de drenos adequados por vaso, elaborou-se este trabalho por meio de dois experimentos nos quais foram analisados os efeitos desses fatores sobre a produtividade da roseira, em ambiente protegido. Os experimentos foram conduzidos na Empresa Reijers, no municÃpio de SÃo Benedito-CE. No primeiro, com delineamento experimental em blocos ao acaso, utilizaram-se cinco tratamentos (nÃveis de irrigaÃÃo correspondentes a 60%, 80%, 100%, 120% e 140% da evaporaÃÃo medida no tanque classe âAâ, ECA) e com quatro repetiÃÃes. Como conclusÃes obtiveram-se: a utilizaÃÃo do tanque Classe âAâ no manejo de irrigaÃÃo de rosas à viÃvel para o produtor, pois possibilita a obtenÃÃo de elevadas produtividades; a aplicaÃÃo de lÃminas elevadas pelos produtores reduz o nÃmero de hastes de 50, 60cm e total por vaso. No segundo, com delineamento experimental fatorial 3 x 2, analisou-se os efeitos de trÃs volumes de substrato (3, 4 e 6 litros por planta) e de duas quantidades de drenos por vaso (1 e 8) sobre o nÃmero de hastes por vaso da roseira, em ambiente protegido. Obtiveram-se as seguintes conclusÃes: os menores volumes de substrato por planta proporcionam um maior nÃmero de hastes por vaso, mas com predomÃnio de hastes de menor valor comercial. Jà a utilizaÃÃo de maiores volumes de substrato por planta pelo produtor resulta em um menor nÃmero de hastes por vaso, mas em um maior nÃmero de hastes de maior valor comercial. A utilizaÃÃo pelo produtor de vasos com um maior nÃmero de drenos reduz o nÃmero total de hastes por vaso. Para uma maior produÃÃo de hastes em vasos de 12 L, o produtor de roseira deve plantar trÃs plantas (4 litros de substrato por planta) em vasos com um dreno.
The cultivation of roses (roses sp) is characterized by its high profitability, in comparison with traditional cultivations, however, the handling and the powder-crop demand from the producer perfect technical knowledge. For its time, several employed techniques in the handling in the culture have if characterized by its empiricism, being needed studies. With the objective of presenting suggestions to the producers for a handling hydric, substratum volume and number of appropriate drains for vase adapted, this work was elaborated through two experiments where the effects of those factors were analyzed upon the productivity of the rosebush, in a protected atmosphere. The experiments were conducted in the Reijers Company, in the municipal district of SÃo Benedito-CE. In the first experiment, using experimental maping in blocks at random, five techniques were used (irrigation levels corresponding to 60%, 80%, 100%, 120% and 140% of the evaporation measured in the tank class "A", ECA), all processes were conducted four times. The conclusions were obtained: the use of the tank Class "A" in the handling of irrigation of roses is viable for the producer, because it makes possible the obtaining high productivities; the application of higher volumes of water by the producers reduces the number of stems of 50cm, 60cm and the total production per vase. In the second experiment, using factorial experimental maping 3 x 2, where were analyzed the effects of three substratum volumes (3, 4 and 6 liters for plant) and of two types of vases with 1 and 8 drains, over the number of stems per vase of the rosebush, in a protected atmosphere. The following conclusions were obtained: the smallest substratum volumes for plant provide a larger number of stems per vase, but with prevalence of stems of smaller commercial value. On the contrary, the use of larger substratum volumes per plant by for the producer results in a smaller number of stems per vase, but in a larger number of stems of larger commercial value. The use of vases with a larger number of drain by producer, reduces the total number of stems for vase. For a larger production of stems in vases of 12 L, the producer of rosebushes should plant three plants (4 liters of substratum for plant) in vases with a single drain.

ALVES, Alexandre Maia. Produtividade da roseira sob diferentes níveis de irrigação, volumes de substrato e número de drenos por vaso. 2006. 54 f. : Dissertação (mestrado) -Universidade Federal do Ceará, Centro de Ciências Agrárias, Departamento de Engenharia Agrícola, Curso de Mestrado em Agronomia, Fortaleza-CE, 2006.
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The cultivation of roses (roses sp) is characterized by its high profitability, in comparison with traditional cultivations, however, the handling and the powder-crop demand from the producer perfect technical knowledge. For its time, several employed techniques in the handling in the culture have if characterized by its empiricism, being needed studies. With the objective of presenting suggestions to the producers for a handling hydric, substratum volume and number of appropriate drains for vase adapted, this work was elaborated through two experiments where the effects of those factors were analyzed upon the productivity of the rosebush, in a protected atmosphere. The experiments were conducted in the Reijers Company, in the municipal district of São Benedito-CE. In the first experiment, using experimental maping in blocks at random, five techniques were used (irrigation levels corresponding to 60%, 80%, 100%, 120% and 140% of the evaporation measured in the tank class "A", ECA), all processes were conducted four times. The conclusions were obtained: the use of the tank Class "A" in the handling of irrigation of roses is viable for the producer, because it makes possible the obtaining high productivities; the application of higher volumes of water by the producers reduces the number of stems of 50cm, 60cm and the total production per vase. In the second experiment, using factorial experimental maping 3 x 2, where were analyzed the effects of three substratum volumes (3, 4 and 6 liters for plant) and of two types of vases with 1 and 8 drains, over the number of stems per vase of the rosebush, in a protected atmosphere. The following conclusions were obtained: the smallest substratum volumes for plant provide a larger number of stems per vase, but with prevalence of stems of smaller commercial value. On the contrary, the use of larger substratum volumes per plant by for the producer results in a smaller number of stems per vase, but in a larger number of stems of larger commercial value. The use of vases with a larger number of drain by producer, reduces the total number of stems for vase. For a larger production of stems in vases of 12 L, the producer of rosebushes should plant three plants (4 liters of substratum for plant) in vases with a single drain
O cultivo de rosas (rosa sp). caracteriza-se pela sua elevada rentabilidade, em comparação com cultivos tradicionais, entretanto, o manejo e a pós-colheita exigem do produtor conhecimento técnico aprimorado. Por sua vez, diversas técnicas empregadas no manejo na cultura tem se caracterizado pelo seu empirismo, necessitando-se de estudos. Com o objetivo de apresentar sugestões aos produtores para um manejo hídrico, volume de substrato e número de drenos adequados por vaso, elaborou-se este trabalho por meio de dois experimentos nos quais foram analisados os efeitos desses fatores sobre a produtividade da roseira, em ambiente protegido. Os experimentos foram conduzidos na Empresa Reijers, no município de São Benedito-CE. No primeiro, com delineamento experimental em blocos ao acaso, utilizaram-se cinco tratamentos (níveis de irrigação correspondentes a 60%, 80%, 100%, 120% e 140% da evaporação medida no tanque classe “A”, ECA) e com quatro repetições. Como conclusões obtiveram-se: a utilização do tanque Classe “A” no manejo de irrigação de rosas é viável para o produtor, pois possibilita a obtenção de elevadas produtividades; a aplicação de lâminas elevadas pelos produtores reduz o número de hastes de 50, 60cm e total por vaso. No segundo, com delineamento experimental fatorial 3 x 2, analisou-se os efeitos de três volumes de substrato (3, 4 e 6 litros por planta) e de duas quantidades de drenos por vaso (1 e 8) sobre o número de hastes por vaso da roseira, em ambiente protegido. Obtiveram-se as seguintes conclusões: os menores volumes de substrato por planta proporcionam um maior número de hastes por vaso, mas com predomínio de hastes de menor valor comercial. Já a utilização de maiores volumes de substrato por planta pelo produtor resulta em um menor número de hastes por vaso, mas em um maior número de hastes de maior valor comercial. A utilização pelo produtor de vasos com um maior número de drenos reduz o número total de hastes por vaso. Para uma maior produção de hastes em vasos de 12 L, o produtor de roseira deve plantar três plantas (4 litros de substrato por planta) em vasos com um dreno.

Detta är ett naturvetenskapligt arbete som omfattas både av en kvantitativ och en kvalitativ undersökning. Syftet med arbetet är att undersöka mellanskarvens födoval i sjön Sommen, samt att närmare studera huruvida det unika beståndet av röding och öring ingår i mellanskarvens födoval. Sommens Fiskevårdsområde har fått tillstånd till skyddsjakt på mellanskarv av Länsstyrelsen och det främsta skälet skulle vara att fågeln prederar röding och öring. Genom att analysera mellanskarvens spyboll och jämföra innehållet med referensfiskar fångade från samma sjö ska vi se om beslutet från Länsstyrelsen är befogat. Insamling av spybollar och referensfiskar utfördes i fält medan analys av spybollar utfördes på laboratorium. I resultatet av undersökningen konstaterades att mellanskarven i Sommen nästan uteslutande äter abborre. I de analyserade spybollarna som omfattas av denna undersökning återfanns inte röding och öring. Detta skulle innebära att Länsstyrelsens beslut om skyddsjakt på mellanskarv i Sommen p.g.a. predation av röding och öring inte är befogad.

Nell’uomo due regioni regolative (3’RR-1 and 3’RR-2) situate a valle di ciascuno dei due geni alfa della regione costante della catena pesante delle immunoglobuline possiedono la capacità di stimolare l’attività dei promotori dei geni della catena pesante in una modalità tessuto-specifica e stadio-dipendente. Ciascuna regione regolativa umana possiede 3 elementi enhancer: HS3, HS1,2 and HS4. Fra questi, soltanto l’enhancer HS1,2 è risultato essere polimorfico. L’amplificazione selettiva dell’enhancer HS1,2A ha mostrato la presenza di 4 alleli (1; 2; 3; 4) aventi frequenze variabili nella popolazione mondiale. Uno degli scopi di questa tesi è studiare la distribuzione degli alleli dell’HS1,2A in Italia. La popolazione italiana è risultata essere piuttosto omogenea per questo locus. Nonostante ciò, le barriere naturali ostacolano i flussi genici fra la Sardegna ed il resto dell’Italia. Un effetto simile si riscontra nella regione “Sierra de Gredos” ed il resto della Spagna. Studi precedenti hanno dimostrato l’associazione fra alcune patologie autoimmuni ed il polimorfismo dell’enhancer HS1,2A. Esperimenti di “gel shift” hanno inoltre mostrato che due diversi complessi proteici legano gli alleli 1 e 2 dell’HS1,2A. Questi dati suggeriscono un possibile ruolo del polimorfismo dell’HS1,2A nella regolazione delle funzioni dei linfociti B. In questa tesi lo studio viene esteso a varie patologie autoimmuni e alla sindrome da deficienza di IgA. I nostri risultati mostrano un aumento significativo della frequenza dell’allele 1 in un gruppo di pazienti affetti da deficienza di IgA rispetto al controllo. D’altra parte, la frequenza dell’allele 2 aumenta significativamente in individui affetti da varie patologie autoimmuni rispetto al controllo. Inoltre, l’allele 2 associa in modo più forte con la forma acuta di una data patologia rispetto a quella più lieve. L’associazione del polimorfismo dell’HS1,2A con l’alterazione dei livelli sierici delle immunoglobuline è stato inoltre studiato in questa tesi. L’aumento della frequenza dell’allele 1 associa significativamente con livelli sierici di immunoglobuline inferiori ai valori standard, mentre l’aumento della frequenza dell’allele 2 correla con livelli sierici di immunoglobuline superiori ai valori standard. È noto che i fattori genetici dell’ospite possono influenzare la progressione delle patologie virali. Studi precedenti hanno dimostrato la correlazione fra il polimorfismo dell’HS1,2A e la progressione dell’AIDS in un gruppo di pazienti libici. In questa tesi è stata trovata un’associazione del polimorfismo dell’HS1,2A con la diminuzione dei livelli dei linfociti CD4+ in un gruppo di individui HIV positivi provenienti dal Sud Africa. Abbiamo inoltre dimostrato che il polimorfismo dell’HS1,2A influenza la risposta individuale all’infezione del virus dell’Epatite C. Successivamente, l’analisi è stata estesa alla regione situata fra gli enhancer HS3 ed HS1,2A della RR-1. In totale sono stati identificati 22 SNP in forte “linkage disequilibrium” l’uno con l’altro. Abbiamo trovato una correlazione significativa fra gli aplotipi e gli alleli dell’HS1,2A. Abbiamo ipotizzato che il polimorfismo dell’HS1,2A e gli aplotipi della regione regolativa “RR-1” possono influenzare i cambiamenti epigenetici o il legame di fattori di trascrizione alla regione regolativa, influenzando perciò l’attività della regione stessa nella trascrizione dei geni delle immunoglobuline, nello “switch” isotipico e nella produzione delle immunoglobuline.
In humans two regulatory regions (3’RR-1 and 3’RR-2) lying downstream of each of the two heavy chain constant alfa genes are able to enhance immunoglobulin transcription from the heavy chain promoters in a tissue-and-stage-specific manner. Each human regulatory region harbours three enhancer elements: HS3, HS1,2 and HS4. Among the enhancers, only HS1,2 proved to be polymorphic. The selective amplification of HS1,2A revealed the occurrence of four alleles (1; 2; 3; 4) which show variable frequencies throughout the world population. One aim of this thesis is to study the distribution of HS1,2A alleles in the Italian population. The Italian population turns out to be rather homogeneous for this locus. Nevertheless, natural barriers impair genetic flux in Sardinia in contrast to the homogeneity generally found in the rest of Italy. A similar effect is also found in Spain’s Sierra de Gredos region. Previous studies have demonstrated the association of the HS1,2A polymorphism with some immunological diseases. Gel shift experiments have shown that two different protein complexes bind the HS1,2A alleles 1 and 2. These data suggest a role of the HS1,2A polymorphism in the regulation of B cell functions. In this thesis we extended the analysis to selective IgA deficiency and to several autoimmune diseases. We found a significant increase of allele 1 frequency in a group of patients affected by IgA deficiency in respect to the control. On the other hand, allele 2 frequency is significantly increased in individuals affected by different autoimmune diseases in respect to the control. Moreover, allele 2 associates strongly with the acute form of a given autoimmune disease in respect to the milder form. The association of HS1,2A polymorphism with the alteration of immunoglobulin serum levels was also investigated in this thesis. Allele 1 frequency increase associates significantly with immunoglobulin serum levels below the standard values, while allele 2 frequency increase correlates with immunoglobulin serum levels above the standard values. It is known that several host genetic factors influence the progression of viral pathologies. Previous studies have shown the correlation of HS1,2A polymorphism with AIDS progression in a cohort of Libyan patients. Here we found an association of HS1,2A polymorphism with the decrease of CD4+ T cell levels in a group of HIV positive subjects from South Africa. We also showed that the HS1,2A polymorphism could be involved in the individual response to Hepatitis C virus infection. Subsequently, the analysis was extended to a region lying between the enhancers HS3 and HS1,2A of the 3’RR-1. In total, 22 single nucleotide polymorphisms in strong linkage disequilibrium with each other were identified. We found a strong significant correlation of the haplotypes with the HS1,2A alleles. We hypothesized that the HS1,2A polymorphism and the haplotypes of the 3’RR-1 could affect epigenetic changes or transcription factor binding to the regulative region, so influencing the regulative region activity in immunoglobulin germline transcription, in class switch recombination and in immunoglobulin production.

The populations of three–spined sticklebacks (Gasterosteus aculeatus) in the Baltic Sea have increased tenfold over the last decade. A large increase in abundance can alter the offshore and coastal food webs. Despite of these facts, there are large gaps in the knowledge about the stickleback ecology in the Baltic and the possible effect they might have on their environment. Earlier investigations state that stickleback mainly occupy the deeper areas offshore, and only migrate to the shallow areas during May–July to spawn. Observations by recreational fishermen indicate that this may be incorrect, and that some adult sticklebacks are present in the shallow areas even during the winter. One aim of this study was to investigate the timing of stickleback migration to a shallow coastal area in Kalmar Sound. The study also aimed to examine the relative abundance in two adjacent shallow areas in the archipelago south of Kalmar, where one of the areas is a pike spawning ground. A one month long test fishing with fyke nets was started on the first day after ice break. Results show that the sticklebacks are present in the bays immediately after the ice break, and that high abundances coincide with the pike spawning period. Stomach analyses showed that sticklebacks consumed a large proportion of crustaceans, but also fish eggs were found. These results shed new light on the management actions for many of the coastal spring spawning fish species that have shown decreasing abundances during the last decades.
Bestånden av storspigg (Gasterosteus aculeatus) i Östersjön har ökat markant, data visar på en tiofaldig ökning under det senaste decenniet. Ökningen kan medföra att bl.a. näringsväven, till havs och längs kusterna förändras. Trots vetskapen om detta finns det kunskapsluckor kring spiggens ekologi och dess möjliga påverkan på sin omgivning. Litteratur säger att spiggen till största del bara befinner sig inne längs kusterna under maj-juli. Observationer från sportfiskare tyder på att detta inte stämmer, och att vuxen storspigg befinner sig inne längs kusten och i skärgårdsvikar året om. Ett syfte med studien var att undersöka när spiggen kom in till de grunda vikarna i Kalmarsund. Studien jämförde även spiggtätheterna mellan två närliggande områden där den största skillnaden var födan. Ett månadslångt provfiske inleddes den första isfria dagen i två skyddade vikar söder om Kalmar, där en av lokalerna var en dokumenterad leklokal för gäddor. Resultaten visade att spiggen fanns i vikarna direkt efter islossningen, och vid fisket sammanföll de största spiggfångsterna med gäddleken. Maganalyser visade att en stor andel av födan bestod av olika kräftdjur, men även romkorn hittades. Resultaten tyder på andra förutsättningar för många av de hårt ansatta vårlekande fiskarterna än vad som tidigare är dokumenterat.

This dissertation shows that the forest Sami of Arvidsjaurbyn (the forest Sami community in Arvidsjaur) were actors on an economic, social and societal level. The parish of Arvidsjaur was founded by the Swedish state in the beginning of the 17th century. The dissertation is a source study. The primary area of investigation consists of the then existing Arvidsjaurbyn in Pite lappmark (the Sami region of Pite). With regard to economic and societal changes, comparative studies have been made of the forest Sami neighbours in the south, Uhmeåbyn (the forest Sami community in Ume lappmark), and the neighbours in the north, Jokkmokk and Sjokksjokk (forest Sami communities in Lule lappmark). Arvidsjaurbyn is unique as a research object, since the community consisted of no other Sami category but the forest Sami. They had cooperated under private management with each other and communicated with the state and the church for more than one hundred years before the first settler arrived (in 1757). Traditionally the forest Sami have been dependent on three industries, namely fishing, hunting and reindeer husbandry. In the 18th century the reindeer herding came to be dominant. The forest Sami showed that they could handle important issues in the encounter with the state and the church. Forest Sami lay assessors successfully defended the Sami community’s industries at the district court sessions. The economic differences among them were not great and the internal solidarity in the Sami community was strong. Arvidsjaurbyn was a Sami community with a considerable population increase 1750–1800. From the 1740s the Swedish state’s policy vis-à- vis the forest Sami became increasingly clear; they ought to pass on to the agricultural industry. The forest Sami were, however, not convinced to adhere to this state policy. Around 1800 the administration of lappskatteland (the taxation area of each forest Sami) came to be moved from the local district court to the county administrative boards, which was a considerable adversity for the forest Sami’s development potentialities. This dissertation is one of the few that problematizes the forest Sami in Sweden. It reveals a sustainable, cooperative, resilient and innovative society.
Denna avhandling om skogssamerna behandlar förändringarna i deras samhälle 1650–1800. Bland allmänheten är skogssamerna inte lika kända som fjällsamerna. En del forskning om skogssamerna har genomförts men då i sammanhang där den fjällsamiska forskningsdelen legat i förgrunden. I avhandlingen påvisas att skogssamerna hade kontroll på utvecklingen av sina näringar: De var därmed aktörer på en social och samhällelig nivå i samebyn, Arvidsjaurbyn. Omkring år 1800 skulle denna ordning, på grund av statliga åtgärder, komma att försvagas. Om vi hade kunnat besöka Övre Norrland omkring 1650 skulle vi ha träffat på skogssamer från Kemi lappmark i öster ned till skogslandet som omger Ångermanälven och dess biflöden i söder. Deras område gränsade mot fjällterrängen i väster och de uppodlade kustbygderna i öster. I dessa milsvida skogsområden var skogssamerna inbyggarna medan området säsongsvis nyttjades av kustbönderna för fiskets skull och av fjällsamerna för dess vinterbetesmarker. Skogssamernas kärnområde av idag utgörs av Arvidsjaurs och Malå kommuner med utlöpare in i Arjeplogs, Jokkmokks och Gällivare kommuner. Avhandlingen är en källstudie om skogssamerna 1650–1800. Källorna består av domböcker, skattelängder, befolkningstabeller, kyrkböcker, visitationsprotokoll och avräkningsböcker. Skogssamerna har studerats ned på individnivå varefter resultaten sammanförts, analyserats, generaliserats och diskuterats. Redan tidigt i avhandlingsarbetet stod det klart att lappskattelandet var en viktig del när förändringar i skogssamernas samhälle skulle undersökas. Undersökningsområdet omfattar dåvarande Arvidsjaurbyn i Pite lappmark där jämförande studier, med avseende på ekonomiska och samhälleliga förändringar, har gjorts med skogssamegrannarna i söder, Uhmeåbyn, och grannarna i norr, Jokkmokk och Sjokksjokk. Arvidsjaurbyn är unik som forskningsobjekt eftersom byn bestod av enbart skogssamer. Som skogssamer hade man i egen regi samarbetat med varandra och kommunicerat med stat och kyrka i över hundra år innan förste nybyggaren anlände. Den var egen socken och eget kyrkligt, rättsligt och administrativt område. Marknaden i Arvidsjaur var av gammalt datum och under 1700-talet kom marknadshandeln att utvecklas. Mot slutet av 1600-talet kom den fjällsamiska nomadismen att sätta sina spår i vinterskogslandet. Under första halvan av 1700-talet kom skogssamerna att stämma fjällsamer inför tinget för betesintrång. Dessa avtog avsevärt fram till 1800. Den fjällsamiska rennomadismen kom ändå inte att påverka skogssamerna särskilt mycket. De blev viktigare som skogssamernas förebilder för hur man ökar numerären i sin renhjord. Under 1750-talet inleddes en mer omfattande kolonisation av lappmarkerna. Arvidsjaurbyn blev den sista av de svenska lappmarkernas skogssamebyar som koloniserades (från och med 1757). Skogssamerna i Åsele, Ume, Pite och Lule lappmarker påverkades olika mycket av nybyggarnas intåg. Efter 1750 kom de flesta av skogssamernas lappskatteland i Uhmeåbyn i Ume lappmark att gå förlorade till nybyggarna med den påföljden att Uhmeåbyn (nuvarande Lycksele kommun) i praktiken hade upphört omkring år 1800. Skogssamebyarna norr däremot utvecklade sina näringar. Dit hörde Arvidsjaurbyn som ännu finns kvar (nuvarande skogssamebyarna Malå, Mausjaur, Östra Kikkejaur och Västra Kikkejaur). Förklaringarna till denna förmåga till överlevnad är onekligen intressanta. Skogssamerna har traditionellt lutat sig mot tre näringar nämligen fiske, jakt och renskötsel. Omkring 1650 dominerade jakt och fiske. Under 1700-talet kom renskötseln att bli dominerande. I den förändringen gick skogssamerna sin egen väg. Efter 1750 började man dela på lappskattelanden och renhjordarna ökade i storlek – en hållbar näringsutveckling som blev starten för näringen av idag. Arvidsjaurbyn var en av samebyarna med en befolkningsökning 1750–1800. Nybyggarna i Arvidsjaur kom inte att påverka skogssamernas näringar på ett allvarligt sätt förrän efter år 1800. Samtidigt omvandlades skogssamernas samhälle och man såg till att behålla sitt inflytande på olika arenor. Skogssamerna var en viktig del av det kyrkliga sammanhanget, skogssamiska nämndemän försvarade med framgång deras näringar, de visade att de kunde hantera viktiga frågor i mötet med staten. De ekonomiska skillnaderna dem emellan var inte stora och den inre sammanhållningen i samebyn var stark. I avhandlingen konstateras att skogssamerna var aktörer, inte offer. De hade därmed en maktposition att hantera framförallt i sina näringsfrågor. Att det var så berodde på deras förmåga till självorganisering och självstyre. Den svenska staten formade Arvidsjaurbyn som en administrativ enhet från 1600- talets början och in i 1700-talet och ska under 1700-talet ses som en strukturell maktfaktor. Reformen av lappskatten genomfördes 1695. Under 1740-talet ändrades förutsättningarna för fattiga samers flyttningar till den av svenska bönder bebodda bottenvikskusten. Nu krävdes att de hade ett arbete dit de kom och att flyttningen skulle vara reglerad hos myndigheterna i avflyttnings- och inflyttningssocknen. Under inledningen av 1750-talet drogs gränsen mellan bönderna vid bottenvikskusten och lappmarken upp. Den innebar framförallt att det nu var slut med kustböndernas fiskefärder till sjöarna i lappmarkerna. Dock: Under senare delen av 1700-talet utvecklades den svenska statens ståndpunkt om skogssamernas näringar att de borde övergå till jordbruksnäringen. Skogssamerna lät sig dock inte övertygas. Först senare, in på 1830- talet, kom skogssamer i Arvidsjaurbyn, att i någon omfattning, bli nybyggare. En statlig negativ makt i betydelsen att det blev en betydande motgång för skogssamerna genomdrevs in på 1800-talet då lappskattelandsärenden flyttas från det lokala tinget till länsstyrelserna. Ändå var tiden fram till år 1800 gynnsam för skogssamerna. Det århundrade som följde skulle komma att innehålla stora och svåra utmaningar som inte blev mindre av att skogssamernas inflytande, på grund av statliga åtgärder, skulle komma att minska.
Sammanfattning på umesamiska Dáhta doktårbargguo lúvletjij bijrra sijttá tjielgastit syöbradahkan virduodiemiev 1650–1800 tjuöhtiejäbij gaskasne. Lúvletjij viessuomvyjjarh eäh almatjijste leäh aktta åhppásh guh váriegij vyjjarh. Múvtieme uhtsadiebmie leä gujt dahktuvvame valla dalluojge váriegij ienabe guh lúvletjij viessuome leä guövddielisne urrame. Jis máhttiet lúvlijmeh mannat Bijjie-Nuorttalándasne 1650 lúhkien bájkiesne lúvlijmeh gávnadame Giebmasámieniednaman lúvletjijgújme luldnie, juhkh vumatlándasne vyössan, jah sämij dan lándasne juhka gidd’ Jeanoen jah dan lijggietjätsij gujga ållá. Jilliele dan dáhvuon leä bijjielándda jah lúvlielde jis mierradáhvuoj búnddedädtjij åhkierh. Dajn vuavdnájen vijđies vumadahkijne lúvletjh vyössan. Jábien äjgij mehte búndh dáhvuojde guelleman dehte ednen jah váriegh jis dálvvieguohtuoman dehte. Lúvletjij guovdátjedáhvuo gåvdnije údne Árviesjávrien jah Málágan kommuvnijne jah dassa lissiene iednamah ájáj Árjepluovien, Jåhkåmåhkien jah Jiellevárien kommuvnij sissnie. Dáhta doktårbargguo leä gåldijeuhtsadiebmie lúvletjij bijrra jäbijne 1650–1800. Gåldijieh leäh duobmuogirjieh, skáhttietsiehkuodissah, viesáttjållash, jessembuörddiegirjieh jah åsiestemegirjjieh. Uhtsadiebmie leä dáhktuvvame gidd’ vihtties almatjij rájjáje jah die leäh áj miŋŋiele sjadduoh såpkatuvvame jah nålggastemijne åbbaláhkáje giehtjadallatuvvame. Juo árrade uhtsademebarguosne däjđuv, lij ge åhpies gúktie skáhttielándh lijjen ájnas åssie lúvletjij syöbradahkan virduodemij jessemijste. Muv ájdnasummas uhtsademedáhvuo leä dållatje Árviesjávrien tjeälddie Byöhđaman sámieniednamisne. Leäb ájáj bednegevyrrarij jah syöbradahkan guohtáje lúvletjijde årjiene jeäbddastallame, Ubmejentjieldiesne, jah kránnájde nuortane, Jå- hkåmåhkien jah Sjuokksjåhkån tjieldijne. Árviesjávrien tjeälddie leä ájdnalágátje uhtsademesuörggiene, júhte tjieldiesne lijjen gájks lúvletjh. Lúvletjh ednen jijtjase vuögijde akttane barggat jah stáhtijne jah gïrkuojne guvlatallat bijjiele tjuöhtie jábieh uvddale guh vuostas búndh búhten. Tjeälddie lij jijtjase suaknnuo, gïrkkuo-, diggie- jah tjudtjatusdáhvuone. 1750 jäbij ájgien älgij vijđies iednamválddiemedåjbma sämij dáhvuojne. Árviesjávrien tjeälddie sjaddij miŋŋijmus lúvletjij tjieldijste sámieniednamisne, gússnie dahta dahktuvvij. Sjeltien, Ubmejen, Byöhđamen jah Julevun sámieniednamijne stuövies urratahkh lijjen vádnásh. Miŋŋiele 1750 lúvletjij skáhttielándh Uhmebïvdna (Ubmejen Tjeälddie) Ubmejen sámieniednamisne byöjsstan uđđastubij tseggemij dehte, mastie sjaddij júhte Uhmebïvdna (dálátje Lïkssjuon kommuvdna) lij tjeälddiene nåhkame 1800 tjuöhtiejäbij bijrra. Lúvletjij tjieldijne jis jielátissah nïnnuostuvvijeäh. Dajdde guvlij Árviesjávrien tjeälddie juhka villie údnek leä báhtsáme (Mávasjávrrie, Luvlatje jah Jilliebe Giehkure). Dassa lij dáhta vuođđuone ahtie lúvletjh ärbij tsaggie, nammadum guöllie- jah návddiebïvduojne jah båtsuojsuojtuojne, vyössan. 1650 jäbij äjgijne lijgan bïvdduo jah guelleme åjvviejielátissane jah 1700 tjuöhtiejäbij ájgien sjaddij båtsuojbargguo mierriedijjiene jah bájdnagúdij sagga sijjij viessuomvyjjarijde. Dan virduodemesne lúvletjh välljejijjen jijtjase tjåvddiemijde. Skáhttielándijde juogadeäh jah dan miŋŋiele ieluoh stuorránin Árviesjávrien tjeälddie lij tjieldij gaskasne aktta, gússnie vuojnuos ålbmagestuorruome sjaddij ájggiegaskasne 1750-1800. Lúvletjij syöbradahka jietjátuvvij dan mehte guh lägedijjen júhte bájdniemefábmuo bätsij sijjije. Lúvletjh lijjen åssiene gïrkuoste jah gïrkuon vyjjarijste, sämij dålmanjh (tålmannijh) gähtten buoragikta jijtjase jielátissijde. Vuösietijjen júhte mähtten dåjmadit dárbuoj mehte stáhtijne jah gïrkuojne jah ájnasikta sïhttáh úvdiedit åsiestiemiev. Ekonomijjasne eäh lama juogdish nåv stuorráh jah tjeälddie lij sisŋielde geävrra. 1750 lúhkien jäbij rájieste gidd’ 1800 kruvnan dahkuoh sämij vuösstie Sverjesne byjkkasissa sjedden, júhtie lúvletjh byörrijeäh sjaddat iednamberggijiene. Ussjadellen máje júhte lúvletjij viessuomtjeärdda lij úhtsiebe árvuoste jah udtja dan dehte byöjsstat. Valla lúvletjh dassa idtjen mivvah eäh geän tjuovuoh mab guhtjadijjen. 1800 tjuöhtejábien rájjáje lúvletjh úvdiedellen Árviesjávrien tjieldien jielátissijde ja sämij ålbmage stuoruoj. Miŋŋiele gújt, lahkabisne 1830-lúhkien ájggáje, lúvletjh múvtieme mierráje sjedden hiejmánij iejgádiene. Viehka vuösstiemanname lij dahta guh vuostas åsiesne 1800 tjuöhtiejäbijne lánddajessemah diggij vuöldie sirdietuvvijeäh lienatjudtjatussan vuolláje. Ihkabe ájggie 1800 tjuöhtiejäbij rájjáje lij buerijmus ájggie lúvletjijde. Tjuöhtiejáhpie juhka dalluoj búdij buektij sämijde stuorra jah lussas hásstiemijde, juhkh idtjen unnánh stáhtan dåjmaj dehte.

Avhandlingen ingår även i institutionen för idé- och samhällsstudiers skriftserie Historiska studier: Skrifter från Umeå universitet 10. 

Доступ до роботи тільки на території бібліотеки ОНЕУ, для переходу натисніть на посилання нижче
У роботі розкривається актуальність дослідження за обраним напрямом, ставиться проблема, мета і завдання дослідження, визначаються предмет та об'єкт дослідження. У кваліфікаційній роботі розглядаються концептуальні засади формування ресурсної бази банків, а саме: висвітлюється сутність та механізм трансформації заощаджень населення на депозитні вклади в комерційних банках. Проведено аналіз показників заощаджень населення та депозитів фізичних осіб. Проаналізовано поточний стан заощаджень населення в комерційних банках та чинники, що пов’язані з їх формуванням в Україні за період 2016-2020 р.р.. Розглянуто особливості гарантування вкладів населення в банківській системі. Проаналізовано вплив пандемії вірусу SАRS-СоV-2 на формування та роль заощаджень населення. Розглянуто зарубіжний досвід використання інноваційних форм і практик залучення грошей населення на депозити та виявлено перспективи підвищення довіри населення до банків в Україні. В процесі роботи зроблено висновки та пропозиції щодо перспективних шляхів підвищення ефективності банків в залученні заощаджень населення на депозитні вклади Україні з метою забезпечення стабільного розвитку банківської системи.
The paper reveals the relevance of the study in the chosen direction, sets the problem, purpose and objectives of the study, determines the subject and object of the study. In the qualification work the conceptual bases of formation of resource base of banks are considered, namely: the essence and the mechanism of transformation of savings of the population to deposits in commercial banks are covered. The analysis of indicators of savings of the population and deposits of physical persons is carried out. The current state of household savings in commercial banks and the factors associated with their formation in Ukraine for the period 2016-2020 are analyzed. The peculiarities of guaranteeing household deposits in the banking system are considered. The influence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus pandemic on the formation and role of population savings is analyzed. The foreign experience of using innovative forms and practices of attracting money from the population and the prospects of increasing public confidence in banks in Ukraine are considered. In the course of the work, conclusions and proposals were made on promising ways to increase the efficiency of banks in attracting household savings on deposits in Ukraine in order to ensure the stable development of the banking system.

Gonnorrhea is an infectious sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae that commonly reproduces in the reproductive tract.The Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate that more than 700,000 individuals in the U.S. contract new gonorrheal infections per year. During recent years, there has been a progressive global increase of drug-resistant strains of gonorrhea. Therefore, there exists the necessity for health organizations to encourage the monitoring, research and development of innovative treatment regimens. We have developed multiple mathematical models to explore the gonorrheal disease state. The first objective of model formulation was to fit the model to established disease and population data provided by the CDC and U.S. Census Bureau and then include the presence of antibiotic resistance in the model. Additionally, we discuss intervention methods to combat this resistance. The second objective of model formulation was to use parameter sensitivity to determine specific age groups to target in effort to alter disease dynamics.

Counterintuitively, faster increases in human life expectancy could lead to slower population aging. The conventional view that faster increases in human life expectancy would lead to faster population aging is based on the assumption that people become old at a fixed chronological age. A preferable alternative is to base measures of aging on people's time left to death, because this is more closely related to the characteristics that are associated with old age. Using this alternative interpretation, we show that faster increases in life expectancy would lead to slower population aging. Among other things, this finding affects the assessment of the speed at which countries will age.

Thesis (Honors)--Ohio State University, 2006.
Title from first page of PDF file. Document formatted into pages: contains 19 p.; also includes graphics. Includes bibliographical references. Available online via Ohio State University's Knowledge Bank.

Västervik Municipality has had problems with odorous compounds in its primary water source, Lake Hjorten. Geosmin and cyanobacterial blooms have been detected in the lake. This report aims to experimentally investigate the cyanobacterial populations in the primary and secondary freshwater lakes depending on the climate change factor temperature. An understanding of number of cells is the foundation to understand the potential harmful chemical levels. This provides an opportunity to predict the water quality in the lakes in the future due to climate change. The results show that cyanobacteria did not benefit from an increase in temperature from 10°C to 18°C solely during autumn. However, the diatom Aulacoseira did increase in numbers although it is not known to produce odorous compounds. Consequently a warmer Swedish autumn would not cause worse drinking water quality in absence of other contributing factors according to this study.

The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of increased high school graduation requirements on the student population of one California school district. An increase in graduation requirements was imposed by state legislation and the local school board in response to a nationwide call to improve America's education which dominated educational attention during the early 1980's. The class entering Stockton high schools as ninth graders in 1982 was the last class required to meet the old requirements and the class entering in 1983 was the first class required to meet the increased standards.

Agriculture has been the backbone of the economy in Nigeria providing employment and source of livelihood for the increasing population and accounting for over half of the GDP of the Nigeria economy at independence in 1960. However, the role it plays in the regional and economic development of the country has diminished over the years due to the dominant role of the crude oil sector in the economy. With the increasing food demand in Nigeria, the country has available input natural resources and potential for increasing the volume of crop production towards meeting the food and nutritional requirement of the rapidly increasing population and guarantee food security in the country. The study was undertaken to analyse the effect of different factors and policies on the changes in trend of crop production and investigate the possible effect of water resources development on increased volume of agricultural crop production in Nigeria.

The study revealed that there are opportunities for water resources development in the country through irrigation to supplement the water requirements and needs of farmers for agricultural production activities in many areas in the semi-arid and arid regions. Available data shows that there are available land and water resources that could be developed to support the production of food and agricultural development with opportunity for increased productivity.

However, while the water resources are unevenly distributed in the country, there is need for the efficient use and management of the available water resources and increasing the productive use especially in the northern region of the country where there is increasing incidence of drought and competing need for water among the different sectors of the economy. The study also made possible recommendations for policy formulation to address the current problems facing the agricultural sector in conjunction with the requirement for the development of the water resources.

HIV/AIDS-related stigma and discrimination (S&D), lack of social support, poverty, and gender inequalities have been identified as factors in the increased prevalence rate of HIV transmission in Enugu, Nigeria, especially among women ages 15 to 49 years. Despite the funding of reduction programs, HIV/AIDS-related S&D remain a major driving force in the increased rate of new HIV cases in Enugu. This study addressed a perceived need for behavioral change intervention approaches that span all societal factors to reduce the HIV infection rate in Enugu Nigeria. The study was guided by Goffman’s (1963) social S&D theory. The sample was composed of 132 women living with HIV/AIDS WLWHA ages 21 to 54 years, purposefully sampled from the 4 HIV and AIDS comprehensive initiatives care centers in Enugu, Nigeria. Fifteen WLWHA were interviewed and 114 participated in an online survey. The descriptive statistics and a multiple linear regression analysis and comparison revealed a convergent significant relationship between the S&D determinants (social, political, psychological, environmental, and cultural) and HIV/AIDS-related S&D towards WLWHA in Enugu F (4,109) = 45.09, p <.001). It also revealed that the cultural determinant of S&D was a significant predictor of HIV/AIDS-related S&D towards WLWHA in Enugu (? = 0.81, p < 0.001). The implications for positive social change include providing public health professionals evidence-based data to inform policy change, plan and to implement programs that will change societal attitudes and mobilize broad-based community actions to eradicate HIV/AIDS–related S&D toward WLWHA in Enugu, Nigeria, and in Sub-Saharan African Countries.

Lifestyle diseases, such as type 2 diabetes (T2D) and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), arerelated to overweight in the western world. Although lower occurrence of overweight hasbeen documented in China compared to western countries, an increase in such lifestylediseases has been observed during the last decades. The aim of this thesis was to study therelationship between lifestyle and the development of T2D and CVDs in the Chinesepopulation. The results may provide further knowledge concerning lifestyle diseases and maytherefore contribute to reduce disease development in the future. The experimental datapresented in this thesis was extracted from various research areas within molecular biology,genetics and epidemiology.Asian populations show higher concentrations of the pro-inflammatory mediator PAI-1 andlower concentrations of the anti-inflammatory mediator adiponectin compared to other ethnicgroups. These differences suggest that Asians may be genetically predisposed to developingmetabolic inflammation, which may increase the risk of developing T2D and CVDs. In China,the inflammation is most likely amplified due to altered nutritional patterns. Urbanpopulations in China have increased rapidly during the last decades. Highly influenced bywesternization processes, dietary changes have been introduced to these urban areas. Westerndiets include high consumption of fat, resulting in high kilocalorie (kcal) intake that mighttrigger overnutrition. Furthermore, an altered dietary carbohydrate composition has beenobserved through increased consumption of high glycemic indexed (GI) carbohydrates. Thetraditionally northern Chinese diet contains more kcal than the southern diet and has a higherGI content. These dietary differences might provide an explanation for higher prevalence ofT2D and CVDs observed in north China compared to south China.Genetic changes in utero and during childhood due to the Chinese Famine in the mid1940shas proven to explain a small part of the increased development of T2D in China. Individualswho during early development were subjected to malnutrition and later consume a richwestern diet are at increased risk of developing T2D. However, these genetic differences donot explain the disease development in Chinese children and adolescents. The one-childpolicy has been blamed for the increase as it reduces competition between siblings. None ofthe results in this thesis support the hypothesis that the one-child family policy is to be blamedfor the disease development. Therefore, the main factors contributing to the lifestyle diseasedevelopment in China appear to be genetic predisposition and dietary changes.

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Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)
A mamoneira (Ricinus communis L.) é uma planta oleaginosa de alto valor econômico. O óleo extraído de suas sementes é um dos mais versáteis encontrado na natureza; apresenta inúmeras aplicações em diversas áreas, podendo substituir de forma satisfatória o uso do petróleo em muitos produtos. Atualmente existe um grande interesse em aumentar a produtividade da planta mediante o aumento do número de flores femininas (pistiladas) que, conseqüentemente, aumentará o número de frutos e de sementes. Dessa forma, o objetivo desse trabalho foi através do método de melhoramento denominado seleção massal, selecionar e avaliar plantas de mamoneira da população FCA-UNESP-PB (porte baixo) para aumento da freqüência de flores femininas visando maior produtividade final. A seleção (ciclo de seleção) foi feita no ano de 2007 na fazenda Experimental Lageado e avaliada (ciclo de avaliação) em 2008 nas Fazendas Experimentais Lageado e São Manuel, ambas pertencentes à Faculdade de Ciências Agronômicas – UNESP – campus Botucatu e localizadas, respectivamente, nos municípios de Botucatu – SP e São Manuel – SP. O critério de seleção foram plantas que apresentaram 100% de flores femininas no racemo primário. As plantas com esse fenótipo que sofreram reversão sexual durante o ciclo de desenvolvimento, tiveram seus racemos autofecundados assim que passaram a produzir flores masculinas (estaminadas). Para o ciclo de avaliação foram colhidas sementes do racemo primário das plantas selecionadas com 100% de flores femininas - tratamento 1 (aberto);sementes dos racemos autofecundados dessas plantas inicialmente 100% femininas - tratamento 2 (autofecundado) e sementes colhidas ao acaso que serviram de controle – tratamento 3 (controle). Ao final do ciclo de avaliação pôde ser observado que houve aumento significativo a 1% de probabilidade...
Castor bean (Ricinus communis L.) is a high economic value oil crop. The oil extracted from its seeds is one of the most versatile found in nature, has many applications in different areas and it can satisfactorily replace the use of petroleum in many products. Currently there is great interest in increasing the grain yield of the plant by increasing the number of female flowers (pistillate) that, consequently, increase the number of fruit and seeds. The objective of this research was through the method called for mass selection, select and evaluates castor bean plants of the population FCA-UNESP-PB (dwarf height) to increase the frequency of female flowers aimed at increasing grain yield. The selection (selection cycle) was conducted in 2007 in Experimental Lageado farm and evaluate (evaluation cycle) in 2008 in Experimental Lageado and Experimental São Manuel farms, both belonging to the Agriculture College of São Paulo State University – UNESP - campus Botucatu, located respectively in Botucatu – SP and São Manuel – SP cities. The selection criterion was plants that had 100% female flowers on the first raceme. Plants with this phenotype had their racemes selfed when they start to produce male (staminate) flowers (sex reversal). For the evaluation cycle were harvested seeds of the first raceme of selected plants with 100% female flowers – treatment 1 (open); seeds of selfed racemes with plants initially 100% female – treatment 2 (selfed) and seeds taken at random who served as control - treatment 3 (control). At the end of evaluation cycle can be observed that there was significant increase with 1% of probability... (Complete abstract click electronic access below)

Background: The incidence of Hypertensive Disorders in Pregnancy (HDP) is increasing in the US and is linked to serious long and short-term health problems for both mother and fetus. Vitamin D has been shown to have direct influence on molecular pathways involved in pregnancy. However a link between vitamin D status and HDP in Pregnant women has not been established. Objectives: The purpose of this study is to determine (1) the association between vitamin D deficiency and the occurrence of (HDP) and (2) whether non-Hispanic Black women (NHB) are at greater risk for HDP due to low vitamin D status. Methods: Pregnant females in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) study from 2001 to 2006 were used in this study. Participant’s response to interview questions and laboratory results were taken into account to determine HDP status. Logistic regression was used to determine the association between vitamin D status and HDP. Results: Pregnant women with low vitamin D status (25(OH)D < 20ng/ml) were 1.123 (95%CI: 0.808-1.56) times more likely to have HDP compared to women who were vitamin D sufficient. This association was not significant. NHB women did not show a significant increased risk for HDP. Conclusions: Low vitamin D status during pregnancy may lead to an increased risk for Hypertensive Disorders in Pregnancy. However more research on larger sample size is needed to determine the true extent of the association of vitamin D status with HDP in the general population and that of non-Hispanic Black women.

Orientador: Maurício Dutra Zanotto
Banca: Mirian Luiza Myczkowski
Banca: Flávio Rielli Mazetto
Banca: José Geraldo Carvalho do Amaral
Resumo: A mamoneira (Ricinus communis L.) é uma planta oleaginosa de alto valor econômico. O óleo extraído de suas sementes é um dos mais versáteis encontrado na natureza; apresenta inúmeras aplicações em diversas áreas, podendo substituir de forma satisfatória o uso do petróleo em muitos produtos. Atualmente existe um grande interesse em aumentar a produtividade da planta mediante o aumento do número de flores femininas (pistiladas) que, conseqüentemente, aumentará o número de frutos e de sementes. Dessa forma, o objetivo desse trabalho foi através do método de melhoramento denominado seleção massal, selecionar e avaliar plantas de mamoneira da população FCA-UNESP-PB (porte baixo) para aumento da freqüência de flores femininas visando maior produtividade final. A seleção (ciclo de seleção) foi feita no ano de 2007 na fazenda Experimental Lageado e avaliada (ciclo de avaliação) em 2008 nas Fazendas Experimentais Lageado e São Manuel, ambas pertencentes à Faculdade de Ciências Agronômicas - UNESP - campus Botucatu e localizadas, respectivamente, nos municípios de Botucatu - SP e São Manuel - SP. O critério de seleção foram plantas que apresentaram 100% de flores femininas no racemo primário. As plantas com esse fenótipo que sofreram reversão sexual durante o ciclo de desenvolvimento, tiveram seus racemos autofecundados assim que passaram a produzir flores masculinas (estaminadas). Para o ciclo de avaliação foram colhidas sementes do racemo primário das plantas selecionadas com 100% de flores femininas - tratamento 1 (aberto);sementes dos racemos autofecundados dessas plantas inicialmente 100% femininas - tratamento 2 (autofecundado) e sementes colhidas ao acaso que serviram de controle - tratamento 3 (controle). Ao final do ciclo de avaliação pôde ser observado que houve aumento significativo a 1% de probabilidade... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo)
Abstract: Castor bean (Ricinus communis L.) is a high economic value oil crop. The oil extracted from its seeds is one of the most versatile found in nature, has many applications in different areas and it can satisfactorily replace the use of petroleum in many products. Currently there is great interest in increasing the grain yield of the plant by increasing the number of female flowers (pistillate) that, consequently, increase the number of fruit and seeds. The objective of this research was through the method called for mass selection, select and evaluates castor bean plants of the population FCA-UNESP-PB (dwarf height) to increase the frequency of female flowers aimed at increasing grain yield. The selection (selection cycle) was conducted in 2007 in Experimental Lageado farm and evaluate (evaluation cycle) in 2008 in Experimental Lageado and Experimental São Manuel farms, both belonging to the Agriculture College of São Paulo State University - UNESP - campus Botucatu, located respectively in Botucatu - SP and São Manuel - SP cities. The selection criterion was plants that had 100% female flowers on the first raceme. Plants with this phenotype had their racemes selfed when they start to produce male (staminate) flowers (sex reversal). For the evaluation cycle were harvested seeds of the first raceme of selected plants with 100% female flowers - treatment 1 (open); seeds of selfed racemes with plants initially 100% female - treatment 2 (selfed) and seeds taken at random who served as control - treatment 3 (control). At the end of evaluation cycle can be observed that there was significant increase with 1% of probability... (Complete abstract click electronic access below)
Mestre

A direct consequence of sea warming in the Mediterranean is a increase in the abundance of thermo-tolerant species fish species such as Sphyraena viridensis, Pomadasys incisus, Pomatomus saltatrix and Trachinotus ovatus. The results of this thesis indicated that different thermal-related biological responses may exist depending on the species, which in turn strengthens the claim that temperature plays a key role in regulating the physiology of fishes, especially in those warm-water species spreading northwards. Climate change is at least partly responsible for the northward spread and increasing abundance of warm-water species, and their physiological adaptations to the rising sea temperatures might indeed be playing an important role in the establishment into areas these thermophilic fauna did not previously occupy.
Una consecuencia directa del calentamiento del mar Mediterráneo es un aumento de la abundancia de especies termotolerantes como Sphyraena viridensis, Pomadasys incisus, Pomatomus saltatrix y Trachinotus ovatus. Los resultados de esta tesis indican que pueden existir diferentes respuestas biológicas relacionadas con la temperatura dependiendo de la especie, lo que a su vez refuerza la idea de que la temperatura juega un papel clave en la regulación de la fisiología de los peces, especialmente en aquellas especies de agua cálidas que se están expandiendo hacia el norte. El cambio climático es al menos en parte responsable de la propagación hacia el norte y el aumento de la abundancia de especies de aguas cálidas en el Mar Mediterráneo, y que sus adaptaciones fisiológicas al incremento de la temperatura del mar podrían de hecho estar jugando un papel importante en el establecimiento de ésta fauna termófila en zonas que no ocupan previamente.

Om världen till följd av klimatförändringarna blir mycket varmare kommer förutsättningarna för hur vi planerar städer, infrastruktur och jordbruk helt att vändas upp och ner. De delar av världen som idag står för världens livsmedelsproduktion kommer vid bara några graders förändring bli obrukbara som betes och odlingsmark. Dessa förändringar kan komma att starta konflikter, och stora flyktingströmmar som tillsammans med förändrade klimatzoner helt kommer att rita om världskartan. i Skandinavien är det då troligt att vi behöver bygga samhällen och städer för miljontals nya immigranter, och detta samtidigt som vi befinner oss mitt i den mest fruktbara jordbruksmarken i världen. Om hundra år måste vi dessutom, oavsett detta, dubbla livsmedelsproduktionen globalt sett. Vårt samhälle blir allt mer rörligt och infrastrukturen utvecklas i allt snabbare takt. Tåget, bilen och flyget har alla förändrat världen och staden, och i framtiden kommer vi kanske förflytta oss med nya typer av till exempel supersnabbtåg. De kommer ge avstånd en allt mindre betydelse. Om vi använder oss av de förutsättningar en sådan ny infrastruktur ger, och bygger både horisontellt och vertikalt uppstår en ny typologi för staden. Stannar man vid detta inser man snart att det är en hissnande tanke, och det är just det som detta examensarbete  undersöker. Ett narrativt projekt som spekulerar i frågan om det här händer, kan då också det här hända?
If the world as a result of the climate changes will be much warmer, the conditions for how we plan cities, infrastructure and agriculture will be completely turned upside down. Parts of the world which today account for the world's food production will at just a few degrees of temperature change become unusable for cultivation. These changes may result in conflicts, and massive refugee flows. Changes of the climate zones will completely redraw the map of the world. In Scandinavia, is it likely that we will need to build societies and cities for millions of new immigrants. At the same moment Scandinavian countries are in the midst of the most fertile farmland in the world. And also, in one hundred years we must, notwithstanding this, double our food production globally. Our society gets more and more mobile and the infrastructure is developing more and more. The train, the car and the airplane as concepts have all changed the world and the cities when they where introduced. The future, might move us towards new types of super-fast speed trains that will give an even smaller importance to distances. And if we use the textures of these new infrastructures, it might lead us to build both horizontally and vertically. Then it appears a new type of typology of cities. If you stay at this thought, you realize that it is completely staggering, and that is exactly what the thesis project investigates. It is a narrative project that speculates on the question; "If this happens, might then also this happen?"

A comercialização de produtos florestais não madeireiros (PFNMs) popularizou-se como atividade promotora do desenvolvimento socioeconômico de comunidades florestais com baixo impacto ambiental. Há evidências, contudo, de que a exploração possa produzir efeitos ecológicos e socioeconômicos negativos, sugerindo que é necessário monitorar tais iniciativas. A comercialização frequentemente ocorre em áreas remotas e em contextos de pobreza, como é o caso de muitas daquelas da Amazônia brasileira. Desta forma, é necessário que o monitoramento restrinja-se a avaliar os efeitos evidenciados como mais comuns em estudos anteriores. Este estudo revisa e sintetiza as evidências científicas dos efeitos da exploração de PFNMs sobre parâmetros ecológicos e socioeconômicos e, a partir daí, indica aqueles mais relevantes ao monitoramento. O estudo também levanta até que ponto o monitoramento é implementado no contexto da Amazônia brasileira e avalia quais os parâmetros importantes e viáveis de monitoramento neste caso específico. Para isso, foram realizadas revisões sistemáticas da literatura e a consulta a profissionais da área através do método Delphi. Os resultados indicam que efeitos ecológicos negativos são frequentes, principalmente quando se coletam folhas ou cascas. Alterações em órgãos ou processos fisiológicos e a taxa de sobrevivência dos espécimes explorados são parâmetros que devem ser monitorados, em particular quando se coletam frutos e partes vegetativas. Para todos os tipos de PFNMs, o tamanho e a estrutura populacional são parâmetros prioritários ao monitoramento. A riqueza de espécies da comunidade explorada merece atenção, principalmente quando se coletam frutos. Para os aspectos socioeconômicos, efeitos positivos foram mais frequentes que negativos. A contribuição da renda monetária obtida com o comércio na renda total, a regularidade de ingresso desta renda e o papel dos PFNMs como recursos de salvaguarda são parâmetros do capital financeiro prioritários ao monitoramento. Para o capital social, o empoderamento feminino, a coesão de grupo e o acesso aos benefícios gerados pela comercialização devem ser monitorados. Na Amazônia brasileira são poucas as iniciativas de implementação do monitoramento da comercialização de PFNMs. Embora este seja considerado importante, existem dificuldades que derivam principalmente da falta de apoio institucional, políticas de incentivo e de recursos financeiros. Os profissionais participantes do Delphi consideram que os parâmetros ecológicos mais importantes a monitorar neste contexto são o tamanho e a estrutura populacional do recurso explorado, o aumento da taxa de mortalidade, a quantidade total de recurso extraída e a técnica de coleta utilizada. Para os parâmetros econômicos, aspectos do mercado, como o preço pago ao coletor, a demanda e a qualidade do produto, bem como a renda monetária obtida pelos indivíduos são os parâmetros considerados mais importantes. Por fim, para os aspectos sociais, os efeitos na cultura, na qualidade de vida e na organização interna da comunidade foram priorizados. Os profissionais indicam que é viável estabelecer o monitoramento dos parâmetros levantados.
Amazon, non-timber forest products, ecological effects, socioeconomic effects, monitoring.

碩士
國立中興大學
昆蟲學系所
107
In Taiwan, there was no significant change in annual precipitation in the past 100 years. However, the difference of precipitation between dry and wet season have obviously increased due to climate change, and abnormal precipitation may cause drought or waterlogging. Induced water stress will impact the normal metabolism of plant directly, and then indirectly affect the performance, reproduction and population increasing on herbivorous insects. The bird cherry-oat aphid, Rhopalosiphum padi (Linnaeus) (Hemiptera: Aphidoidea) damages Gramineae crops including wheat, rice, maize and Rosaceae fruit trees. The population of R. padi increases quickly that outbreak as an important pest in a dry-stressed area. In this study, we discussed the population increasing of R. padi when wheat was planted on 40, 80 and 120% water content soil, and compared the difference of performance between continued and discontinued water stress. Results showed that continued water stress did not affect the preadult time but the longevity was significantly shorter at flooding treatment. The intrinsic rates of increase (r) were 0.3783, 0.3940 and 0.4119 d-1, the net reproductive rates (R0) were 60.6, 67.2 and 72.2 offspring/ind, and the finite rate of increase (λ) were 1.4599, 1.4829 and 1.5096 d-1 at drought, well-watered and flooding stress, respectively. The three parameters significantly increased with soil relative water content increased, and similar trend was also in discontinued stress. The population increasing was the lowest in continued drought that was significantly different to discontinued drought. The data in our study can provide more information for R. padi and water management on wheat under climate change.

碩士
國立中興大學
昆蟲學系所
107
The generalist predator, Orius strigicollis (Poppius) (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae), is commonly used to be a powerful biological agent to control mites and thrips because of its highly searching ability as well as devouring consumption in Taiwan. This minute pirate bug was commonly reared with eggs of Cadra cautella Walker, yet the high cost of the current mass-rearing procedure limited its marketing potential. Therefore, the availability of a cost-effect artificial diet is an important issue, we designed two artificial diets which based on a biochemical analysis of Ephestia kuehniella Zeller eggs, contained egg yolk, honey, sucrose, beef extract, yeast extract, milk powder and insect components. Moreover, because that the liquid diet was easily contaminated and dried out soon, then led to high mortality of O. strigicollis, hydrogel and microcapsule were tested to extend the expiration of artificial diets. In order to evaluate the quality of two artificial diets (diet 10YE+5MK and diet LarvaC), the population parameters of this minute pirate bug fed on diets were analyzed by TWOSEX-MSChart based on the Two-sex Age-Stage life table theory, and then compared with those foraging on deutonymphs of Tetranychus urticae Koch and eggs of Corcyra cephalonica (Stainton). The nymphal duration and female fecundity of O. strigicollis reared on two artificial diets were 15.4, 15.1 d, and 44.2, 42.8 eggs, which were better than those on natural prey. The net reproductive rate, intrinsic rate of increase and finite rate of O. strigicollis reared on diet 10YE+5MK were 20.62 offspring, 0.1160 and 1.1230 d-1, respectively. These values are higher than those reared on T. urticae deutonymphs i.e., 12.62 offspring, 0.1140 d-1 and 1.1207 d-1. Besides, diet 0.5CMC-10YE was the better nymphal diet due to the shorter developmental time; while diet 0.5CMC-5MK and ADM-2 were the potential diets of adults because of lower mortality. Consequently, our results showed that diet 10YE+5MK is an effective artificial diet which could be used in the mass rearing system of O. strigicollis, but more suitable ratio of artificial diet and thickening agent should be tested in the future.

Juvenile snowshoe hares (Lepus americanus) in southwestern Yukon were monitored using radio telemetry to determine the effects of litter group on natal dispersal and postweaning survival. A total of 84 juveniles representing the four litter groups bom in 1995 were monitored from June 1995 to April 1996 on control areas and areas in which supplemental food was provided. Natal dispersal distance, age and date of emigration, survival rate, and proximate cause of death were examined. Natal dispersal distances (distance from nest site to site of first breeding) of hares ranged from 23 m to over 16 km. Fifty percent (9/18) of juveniles whose nest sites were known and survived until their first breeding season were classified as emigrants (dispersed a distance further than two adult home range diameters). Emigrants did not suffer significantly higher mortality than those individuals which did not emigrate. Neither dispersal distance nor the proportion of hares which emigrated differed between food addition and control areas. On the control areas, there was no evidence of sex-biased natal dispersal. However, on the food addition areas, a higher proportion of males than females emigrated and males dispersed significantly farther than females. This pattern possibly resulted from the increased population density on the food addition areas. Age at emigration varied from 31 days to 140 days, but was not related to the sex of the individuals. Food addition had no observable effect on emigration age, however there was a significant effect of litter group. Third litter juveniles emigrated at an older mean age (84 days) than first (48 days) and second (42 days) litter juveniles. Twenty-eight day survival did not differ between food addition and control areas for any litter group. Over the study period, 28-day survival of juveniles (all litters combined) did not differ significantly from adults (juveniles: 0.91, adults: 0.93). However, when examined by litter group, third litter survival was significantly lower than adult and second litter survival, while fourth litter survival was significantly lower than adult, first, and second litter survival. These differences were the result of differential survival among the litter groups during a three month period in the fall (September-November). Predation was the primary proximate cause of death for weaned juvenile hares, accounting for 86% (37/43) of deaths. Although the dominant predators of juvenile snowshoe hares were annual residents, avian predation was low after November while mammalian predation was constant from mid-August through April. No collared weaned juveniles died before mid-August.

Water distribution networks deliver water from its sources to the customers of the network. In Indian cities including metropolitan cities, the water distribution is a major problem. The cities are battling with old water distribution system and the demand has grown beyond the level the system can satisfy. Moreover unequal Head at major nodal points in a water distribution network due to various reasons is adding to the problem. This leaves consumers unsatisfied. The continuous increase in failure of distribution system has reduced the system reliability to a new low. The consumers remain uncertain for the availability of water and reduces their confidence towards existing water distribution network. This leads consumers to harness water through individual bores and hence exploiting water table. EPANET, hydraulic simulation software is used to analyze Head and Demand at nodes in water distribution networks. Simulation results from EPANET helps us to design a water distribution network which provides an adequate volume of water with adequate head to consumers as per their demands under any condition over a period of time. Delhi Jal Board is one of the prime water distribution agency in Delhi. A water distribution network for the Pradhan Enclave in area Burari is being examined for hydraulic parameter sufficiency and its reliability under various water demands. ORGANISATION OF REPORT The study described in this report provides an approach for assessing the performance and reliability of a selected water distribution network for urban residential area. The report consists of six chapters. Chapter 2 provides a synopsis of a detailed review of the relevant literature. Chapter 3 gives the brief introduction of the study area. Chapter 4 provides the methodologyof the processing of data using EPANET hydraulic simulation software. The reliability of the network under study and associated hydraulic parameters are also depicted. Chapter 5 details the modification of the network. Chapter 6 is about the results and discussion of the hydraulic analysis of the urban residential water distribution network.

I describe temporal changes in the genetic composition of a small anadromous Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) population from South Newfoundland, an area where salmon populations are considered as Threatened (COSEWIC 2010). I examined the genetic variability (13 microsatellite loci) in 869 out-migrating smolt and post-spawning kelt samples, collected from 1985 to 2011 for a total of 22 annual collections and a 30 year span of assigned cohorts. I estimated the annual effective number of breeders (Nb) and the generational effective population size (Ne) through genetic methods and demographically using the anadromous sex ratio. Comparisons between genetic and demographic estimates show that the anadromous spawners inadequately explain the observed Ne estimates, suggesting that mature male parr are significantly increasing Nb and Ne over the study period. Spawning as parr appears to be a viable and important strategy in the near absence of anadromous males.

Contexte : Les interventions sur l'environnement bâti reliées au transport peuvent contribuer à l'augmentation de la pratique de l'activité physique. En tant qu’intervention, les programmes de vélos en libre-service (PVLS) peuvent contribuer à l’utilisation du vélo. BIXI© (nom qui fusionne les mots BIcyclette et taXI) est un programme de vélos en libre-service implanté à Montréal, au Canada, en mai 2009. Le programme BIXI© met à la disposition des gens 5050 vélos à 405 bornes d’ancrage. Objectif : L'objectif général de cette thèse est d'étudier l'impact d'un programme de vélos en libre-service sur l’utilisation du vélo. Les objectifs spécifiques de la thèse sont de : 1) Estimer la prévalence populationnelle et identifier des variables environnementales, sociodémographiques et comportementales associées à l’utilisation des vélos en libre-service. 2) Estimer l’impact populationnel de l’implantation des vélos en libre-service sur l’utilisation du vélo et les contributions respectives de l’utilisation du vélo pour des fins utilitaires et récréatives à l’utilisation totale du vélo. 3) Estimer l’impact local de l’implantation des vélos en libre-service sur l’utilisation du vélo. Méthodes : Un devis populationnel transversal avec mesures répétées. Des enquêtes ont été réalisées au moment du lancement du programme de vélos en libre-service (4 mai au 10 juin, 2009), à la fin de la première année d’implantation (8 octobre au 12 décembre, 2009), et à la fin de la deuxième année d’implantation (8 novembre au 12 décembre, 2010). Les échantillons se composaient de 2001 (âge moyen = 49,4 années, 56,7 % de femmes), 2502 (âge moyen = 47,8 ans, 61,8 % de femmes) et 2509 (âge moyen = 48,9 années, 59,0 % de femmes) adultes à chaque période de mesure respectivement. Résultats : Globalement, les résultats démontrent le potentiel des PVLS pour augmenter l’utilisation du vélo. Les résultats suggèrent que près de 128 744 habitants ou 8,1 % de la population adulte ont utilisé les vélos BIXI© au moins une fois dans la première saison. Après deux ans d’implantation, ceux qui sont exposés à BIXI© dans leur milieu résidentiel avaient une probabilité significativement plus élevée d’utiliser le vélo par rapport à ceux non exposés. Par contre, il n'y avait aucun impact local de l’implantation du programme BIXI© sur l’utilisation du vélo. Conclusions : L’implantation d'un PVLS à Montréal a augmenté la probabilité d’utiliser le vélo chez les individus habitant près d'une borne d'ancrage. Mots clés : programme de vélos en libre-service, expérience naturelle, santé des populations.
Background: Interventions in transportation and the built environment have the potential to increasing physical activity. Public bicycle share programs (PBSP) are one such intervention which may contribute to increasing cycling and physical activity. BIXI© (name merges the words BIcycle and taXI) is a public bicycle share programs launched in Montreal, Canada in May 2009. BIXI© makes available 5050 bicycles at 405 docking stations. Purpose: The overarching aim of this dissertation is to estimate the impact of a built environment intervention on cycling using. The specific research objectives are: 1) To estimate the population prevalence and identify built environment, sociodemographic and behavioural correlates of public bicycle share program use. 2) To estimate the population level impact of implementing a public bicycle share program on cycling and the contribution of utilitarian and recreational cycling to overall cycling. 3) To estimate the local impact of implementing a public bicycle share program on cycling. Methods: A population-based repeat, cross sectional time series design was used. The population of the Island of Montreal was sampled at three time points. Surveys were conducted at launch of the public bicycle share program (May 4th - June 10th 2009), at the end of the first year of implementation (October 8th - December 12th 2009), and at the end of the second year 2 of implementation (November 8th - December 12th 2010). Samples consisted of 2001 (Mean age=49.4 years, 56.7% female), 2502 (Mean age=47.8 years, 61.8% female), and 2509 (Mean age=48.9 years, 59.0% female) adults at the each time period. Results: Overall the results provide a proof of concept for the potential of PBSPs to increase cycling. Approximately 128,744 inhabitants or 8.1% of the adult population used BIXI© bicycles at least once in the first season. Respondents exposed to BIXI© at their residence after two years had a significantly greater likelihood of all forms cycling. However, there was no local impact of the BIXI© intervention on cycling. Conclusions: The implementation of a PBSP in Montreal had increased all forms of cycling in areas where it was deployed.

碩士
國立中興大學
昆蟲學系
88
Significant differences of developmental duration of immature, adult longevity, oviposition period, reproductivity and sex ratio of Tetranychus kanzawai Kishida (KSM) were demonstrated on 4 tea varieties, Szu-Ji Chuen, (SJC); TTES No. 12, (TTES-12); TTES No. 13, (TTES-13); and Chin-Shin Oolong, (CSO) under 26  2℃, 65  3% RH and 12L: 12D. Egg duration of KSM among 4 tea varieties are significantly different (4.4∼4.8 days) but not the duration of larvae, protonymphs and deutonymphs. The variety significantly influences the developmental duration that ranges from 14.6 to 20.7 days, so does the oviposition period and the reproduction rate of females but not the longevity. Sex ratio favors female (0.75∼0.94 : ♀♀/ (♀♀＋♂♂)). The daily reproduction rate is accordingly decreased to female age and the curve fluctuates in cycle. The longest reproduction period is found in SJC where the shortest in TTES-13. The intrinsic rate of increase (rm) and net reproductive rate (R0) of KSM were estimated by two sexual life table, the calculated rm and R0 on SJC (rm = 0.078；R0 = 8.810) is the largest that follows TTES-12 (rm = 0.069；R0 = 6.520), and the smallest on TTES-13 (rm = 0.005；R0 = 1.140) and CSO (rm = 0.008；R0 = 1.230). The KSM population needs 27.4 ∼37.5 days for a mean generation time (T). The curves of net maternity value (vx) show a similar result on favorable variety for KSM population increases that are indicated by rm and R0. Annual mean population densities of KSM on 4 varieties in the field falls between 17.03∼104.08 mites per 5 leaves and they are significantly different (CSO > TTES-12 > TTES-13 = SJC). The stage specific densities of KSM also show a similar difference in density level among the 4 varieties. The seasonal occurrences of high density of KSM are significant and they are in Dec. for CSO, March for SJC, Oct. for TTES-12 and June for TTES-13. While the low densities occur in Aug.∼Oct., temperature (F = 13.92, P = 0.001) and density of predatory mites Amblyseius womersleyi (Schicha) (F = 28.47, P = 0.001) significantly influence the population density of KSM but not the rainfall and relative humidity. The temperature and predatory mite are considered as the major components influencing the KSM with a total influence of 81% up among the variance. However, the influences of rainfall cooperating with temperature need further study due to its non-even effects on the KSM densities in winter and summer.

The Central Limpopo River Valley elephant population is a cross border population on which very little scientific data pertaining to numbers, distribution and demographic status is available. The total range was determined using published literature, reports, postal questionnaires and interviews. Numbers and dry season distribution were determined by means of three total aerial counts in 2000, 2001 and 2004 of the sections of the total range in which elephants were reported. Totals of 1388, 1424 and 1339 were recorded with the highest numbers in all counts in the Botswana section of the study area. Four sub groups within the population were identified. Human settlements and the distribution of rivers and fencing appeared to be the major factors influencing distribution and movement. The population is highly mobile within the total range, and numbers fluctuate markedly in any given section, but numbers in the total range appear to have been increasing slowly at below 2% per annum and the range expanding slightly over the last 30 years. Additional range is being provided by the creation of a Trans Frontier Conservation Area. Movements were determined through ground observations within the study area and seem to follow the major rivers namely the Shashe, Ramokgwabane, Simukwe, Shashani, Tuli, Umzingwane and Limpopo rivers. The social and demographic status of the population was determined through ground observations as well as total aerial counts conducted within the Northern Tuli Game Reserve from 1976 to 2004. The study has shown that group sizes increase with an increase in rainfall (average mean group size of 56.524, SDE 77.388) and decrease during low rainfall periods (mean group size of 24.157, SDE 22.223). The age structure was determined from aerial photographs during August 2000 and showed a high percentage of adults and sub adults, with infants estimated at 3%. The approximate birth rate (1.5%) calculated for 2000 is balanced by an average natural mortality determined between 1999 and 2004 of 1.8%. The inter calf interval determined from known herds observed in the Northern Tuli Game Reserve was estimated at 3.94% and suggests that the long-term birth rate for the population should be higher than that for the year 2000. The difference between the combined natural and human induced mortality rates (~4%) and the birth rate suggested by the age structure and the inter calf interval (~6%) gives the ~2% long-term increase observed in the numbers. Human elephant interactions within the study area were determined through published literature and interviews with local residents. Elephants and humans interact in both a positive and negative manor and interactions are related to human land use practices within the area. Elephants were indicated as the major problem animal in farming areas, but the major draw card within tourism operations.
Dissertation (MSc (Wildlife Management))--University of Pretoria, 2008.
Animal and Wildlife Sciences
unrestricted

Este trabalho de projecto situa-se no contexto do aumento continuo do envelhecimento populacional no nosso país, bem como da situação em que se encontra as respostas sociais direccionadas para o alojamento e serviços de cuidados permanentes às pessoas idosas, especialmente no concelho de Coruche. Pretende por isso planificar uma resposta social de acordo com os requesitos da Segurança Social, na freguesia de Coruche, de forma a criar uma nova alternativa face à sobrelotação das existentes neste concelho, planificando ainda inúmeras actividades a serem desenvolvidas pelos utentes de forma a prevenir danos físicos e mentais, ocupando o tempo com actividades de aprendizagem, de socialização e desenvolvimento pessoal.
This project was situated in the context of the growing popularity of the elderly in our country, such as in the situation you find social responses are directly for permenant shelter and health services for the elderly population, especially for the county of Coruche. It is intended to plan a social response in accordance with the requirements of the social services, of the borough of Coruche, to create a new alternative to the over populated homes that exist already in this county, also planning further activities for the residents to prevent any physical and mental damage, by occupying their time with educational and social activities and personal development.

Regional landslide risk, as it is most commonly defined, is a product of the following: hazard, vulnerability and exposed population. The first objective of this research project is to estimate the regional landslide hazard level by calculating its probability of slope failure based on maximum slope angles, as estimated using data provided by digital elevation models (DEM). Furthermore, it addresses the impact of DEM resolution on perceived slope angles, using local averaging theory, by comparing the results predicted from DEM datasets of differing resolutions. Although the likelihood that a landslide will occur can be predicted with a hazard assessment model, the extent of the damage inflicted upon a region is a function of vulnerability. This introduces the second objective of this research project: vulnerability assessment. The third and final objective concerns the impact of urbanization and population growth on landslide risk levels.

This report discusses the effects of the Great Recession on US transit agency budgets, and the actions taken to cope with declining revenues, including increases in fares, which disproportionately impact low-income, transit-dependent populations. For a variety of reasons, US transit agencies have responded by establishing programs to mitigate the impact of fare increases on vulnerable populations. A scan of US transit agency websites identified five prevalent types of mitigation programs established by transit agencies. A case study of Capital Metro transit agency offers some insight on these issues. Finally, recommendations for additional research and action in this arena are discussed.
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碩士
國立臺灣大學
流行病學與預防醫學研究所
100
Background Diabetes mellitus increases the risk of developing tuberculosis (TB), and is associated with unfavorable treatment outcomes, including treatment failure and death. It remains unclear whether diabetes also increases the risk of TB recurrence among those who had completed treatment. Methods We analyzed the national data from TB registry to estimate the incidence of recurrent TB recurrence rate among the 2006-2007 cohort of incident TB cases in Taiwan. Under the same cohort, we conducted a nested case-control study to investigate the association between DM status during previous anti-TB treatment and subsequent recurrence of TB. The study population, all confirmed pulmonary TB cases reported to Taiwan TB registry during 2006 to 2007 with completing treatment outcome, was followed till December 31, 2010. Recurrent cases were defined as illnesses in patients with recurrent bacteriological or pathological confirmation of TB after having completed previous anti-TB treatment. For case-control analysis, controls were selected from the study population with 1:1 ratio to cases using incidence-density sampling and matched on time since treatment completion. Demographic and clinical characteristics of previous TB episodes were collected through retrospective medical charts review and TB registration database. We used conditional logistic regression analysis to measure the association between diabetes and recurrent TB. Results There were 305 (1.4%) cases of recurrent TB among the 21,939 pulmonary TB patients enrolled; two hundred and fifty one matched case-control pairs were analyzed after excluding missing information. The estimated incidence of recurrent TB among the 2006-2007 cohort was 487.6/100,000 person year (434.4-545.5/100,000). The presence of diabetes during previous TB treatment increased the risk of TB recurrence (crude OR= 1.74, 95% CI: 1.18 - 2.59). The association remained unchanged after adjusting for gender, indigenous population, alcohol consumption, smoking, cancer, end-stage of renal disease, coexisting of extra-pulmonary lesion, initial cavitation, suboptimal regimen, and directly observed therapy over 60% of treatment duration (adjusted OR= 1.84, 95% CI: 1.14-2.98). Conclusions The presence of diabetes mellitus was independently associated with increased risk of developing recurrent TB. To prevent recurrent TB among this population, further studies are needed to understand whether improved glycemic control during anti-TB treatment decreases the risk of recurrence.

博士
中山醫學大學
牙醫學系博士班
106
Periodontitis and psoriatic disease, including psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis (PsA), share the common risk factors and co-morbidities. However, the risk of periodontitis in patients with psoriatic disease still needs further investigation. This study was a nationwide population-based retrospective cohort study assessing the risk of periodontitis from psoriatic disease exposure. Patients with newly diagnosed psoriatic disease from 2003 to 2012 were identified from the Taiwanese National Health Insurance Research Database. The 1:4 ratio propensity score matched controls were selected from no psoriatic disease participations. The subsequent risk of periodontitis was evaluated in exposure and comparison groups. A total of 3,487 psoriatic disease patients and 13,948 controls were identified. Incidence rate of periodontitis was higher in patients with PsA. The adjusted hazard ratio (aHRs) for moderate/severe periodontitis were 0.85 (95% CI [0.65–1.11]) in PS group and 1.66 (95% CI [0.99–2.78]) in PsA group. The aHRs of PsA were increased over time, aHRs was changed from 0.65 (0–11 months from index date) to 1.34 (12 months from index date) in all types of periodontitis and from 1.09 to 1.79 in moderate/severe periodontitis group, respectively. The increased risk of periodontitis was observed, especially the association between PsA and moderate/severe periodontitis. The patients with psoriatic disease should receive regular periodontal evaluation.

博士
國立陽明大學
公共衛生研究所
95
The carcinogenicity of exposure to high dose ionizing radiation has been well documented. A consensus has not been reached on the carcinogenic effect of chronic low dose radiation exposure. It well more concern for the health effect induced by prolonged low dose rate radiation exposure. An accident of 60Co-contaminated building was broken out on August 1992 in Taiwan. Until now, there were around 10,000 individuals that they had exposed to prolong low dose-rate radiation exposure. Follow-up the cancer risks of this exposed population well helpful to clarify the carcinogenic effect of chronic low dose radiation exposure. Until December, 2002 there were 7,271 people registered as the study cohort. In addition, by matching cohort members’ National Identification Numbers (NIN) with the NIN of the cases registered by the National Cancer Registry of Taiwan (NCRT), we were able to identify cancer patients amongst the study cohort. A total of 141 cohort members were found to have developed cancers, and 46 of these cases developed in less than the minimal latent periods, as recommended by the ICRP 60. The cancer risks were compared with those populations with the same temporal and geographic characteristics in Taiwan by standardized incidence ratios (SIRs), adjustment for age, gender, and latent periods since the initial exposure. These risks were further associated with cumulative radiation exposure via Poisson regression analyses. Excess hazard ratios (EHRs) with 100 millisievert (mSv) exposure (EHR100 mSv) were assessed using the Cox proportional hazard models. The risks were significantly increased for all leukemia combined except for chronic lymphocytic leukemia (n = 6, SIR = 3.6, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.2, 7.4) in men. The risk of thyroid cancers (n = 6, SIR = 2.6, 95% CI 1.0, 5.7) was marginally significant elevated in women. All cancers combined and all solid cancers combined also showed exposure-dependent increased risks in individuals with the initial exposure at ages less than 30 years old, but not beyond this age. Significant higher EHR100 mSv were observed in leukemia (excluding chronic lymphocytic leukemia; EHR100 mSv 1.19, 95% CI 1.02, 1.38), while marginally significant higher EHR100 mSv were shown in lung cancers (EHR100 mSv 1.12, 95% CI 1.0, 1.27), and breast cancers (EHR100 mSv 1.12, 95% CI 1.0, 1.25). The results suggest that prolonged low dose-rate radiation exposure appeared to increase risks of developing certain cancers, especially for leukemia (excluding chronic lymphocytic leukemia). The average follow-up period since initial exposure was still too short (mean 16 years) to observe the development of the whole spectrum of cancers in this cohort. Further follow-up of the study cohort is necessary to corroborate our findings and identify other types of cancers that may also be related to the protracted and low dose-rate ionizing radiation.