Tuberculosis has been an important disease throughout human history, shaping countless past populations. The archaeological study of the causative agents of tuberculosis, members of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis Complex (MTBC), is hindered by the non-diagnostic nature of tuberculosis-associated skeletal changes. As such, ancient DNA (aDNA) or palaeogenetic analyses have become an important tool for identifying tuberculosis in past populations. However, due to the age and variable preservation of aDNA, there are often issues with sporadic results and false negatives. The overall aim of the work presented here was to use different methods, including traditional target-specific PCR, to identify and detect tuberculosis aDNA in archaeological remains. The main objectives within this overarching aim were to first test a method called whole genome amplification (WGA), used to non-specifically amplify all the DNA within a sample, and its potential to improve the yield of aDNA from skeletal remains (Chapters 3 and 4). To determine the extent of its impact, WGA was used in a comparative context, where each archaeological sample analysed was separately subjected to two methods of MTBC detection - the traditional targeted PCR method and the same method assisted by the initial application of WGA. The results show that applying WGA before the traditional targeted PCR methodology to detect the presence of MTBC pathogens in skeletal remains is only useful and viable in some cases, likely depending on the age and preservation of the sample. The second objective was to use next generation sequencing to obtain more information on the aDNA composition of certain archaeological samples and answer questions beyond the scope of traditional target-specific PCR techniques (Chapter 5). Although most of the sequencing runs were variably unsuccessful, the composition of two samples, both known to probably contain tuberculosis aDNA, could be analysed. The samples both contained similar amounts of mycobacterial aDNA and varying amounts of both human and even potentially human intestinal flora DNA. Finally, the third objective was to determine if MTBC aDNA could be detected in a rib sample from Private William Braine of the lost Franklin Expedition using standard target-specific PCR (Chapter 6). In this case study, no evidence of tuberculosis ancient DNA was found. The work done through-out highlights the difficulties of ancient DNA research and, in Chapter 4, shows the importance of using more than a single sample to evaluate methods for application in palaeogenetic contexts.

This master thesis deals with improving of the storing in the Delta Electronics (Slovakia). Initially, an analysis of effectiveness of the current system was prepared. The main goal of this paper is to recognize the major drawback of the current system and propose a way to remove them and improve the overall storing system and goods expedition.

The master thesis deals with the logistic concept of the storage process in a selected business enterprise, which deals with the commercial activity in the field of spare parts and accessories for the automotive industry. More specifically, its main stock. Based on the theoretical part, where the basic concepts and methods concerning the logistic processes in the company are explained, the analytical part is elaborated. From this part proposals are made for the optimization of the storage processes from the technological and organizational standpoint.

The diploma thesis submitted solves problems of optimization of goods expedition from rack system of a logistic store. It concerns solution of a practical task which optimizes a passage route through the rack system and evaluates individual orders for creation of optimal expedition dispatching batch. The existing dispatching system, use of sources and creation of time schedule is being described at the beginning. Description of general practical solutions of seeking the shortest way through the graph through appointed nodes follows. Chosen solution and its practical implementation are introduced afterwards. Comparative tests with existing system and their evaluations are mentioned at the end of the thesis.

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The environmental and psychosocial adversity inherent in remote polar locales has historically been framed in pathological terms. However, a burgeoning body of evidence suggests that stressful conditions across isolated, confined, and extreme (ICE) environments may elicit positive growth outcomes as well. The purpose of this cross-sectional, retrospective study was to assess the incidence and correlates of PostExpedition Growth (PEG) in returned Antarctic expeditioners. The prevalence of five specific personal growth indicators – ‘new opportunities,’ ‘relating to others,’ ‘personal strength,’ ‘spiritual change,’ and ‘appreciation of life’ – along with individual and group variables that have been associated with growth in trauma-exposed populations (i.e., coping, mindfulness, personality traits, personal value priorities, adverse childhood experiences, and expedition/experience specific variables) were examined using a mixed methods approach. Quantitative results indicate a moderate, positive association between proactive coping and appreciation of life, as well as between universalism (i.e., a sense of harmony or oneness with humanity and the natural world), new possibilities, and appreciation of life. Qualitative findings provide a more nuanced understanding of the five dimensions of PEG and underscore the emergence of a sixth dimension, an enhanced relationship with nature. Further research is needed to illuminate knowledge gaps in ICE environment research, and to help identify potential countermeasures for individuals and groups faced with comparable adversity factors in their immediate environments (i.e., within the current context of COVID-19). A deeper understanding of PEG in ICE environments – as well as promotive factors that strengthen positive outcomes – will serve to inform the development of countermeasures to mitigate health and wellbeing risks following exposure to isolation and confinement in extreme environments. / Graduate / 2022-09-29

Few men on the Missouri frontier in the nineteenth century exemplified the quality of character, integrity, as well as did Alexander William Doniphan. Whether in his capacity as a lawyer, soldier, legislator or friend, he remained steadfast to his beliefs and principles, though often in the minority.Several books have been written about Doniphan's military experiences during the Mexican War. But surprisingly this is the only part of his life which so far has been reported in great detail. The other aspects of his career have been treated only in a sketchy manner. It is therefore the purpose of this paper to present in greater detail those segments of Doniphan's career which have been neglected for the most part. While the author realizes his limited ability at the present time to do complete justice to the history of Alexander W. Doniphan, this paper will bring together and integrate for the first time the commonly known and the little known facts about his life. Personal letters, newspapers, journals, public documents and public addresses have been searched carefully in an effort to extract the facts and character traits which best portrayed the man.

Warren Stone Snow was an early convert to the LDS church who during the Church's first four decades was often involved in defensive roles as Mormonism encountered various conflicts on the American frontier. While he protected the lives of Joseph Smith and Brigham Young and defended Illinois Saints from houseburning mobs and took a leading role in the Battle of Nauvoo, his greatest defensive contributions took place after the Mormons settled in Utah. As commander of the Sanpete Military District, he was one of the leading figures in Mormon defensive efforts during the Utah War in 1857 and later as brigadier general in the Nauvoo Legion he was the single most important Mormon military leader during Utah's longest and most intense Indian War, the Black Hawk War of 1865-1867. This thesis is a biography of Snow's life during his protecting years and examines his background and character as well as his motivations and defensive activities.

In 1831, Jackson County, Missouri, was designated as a place of refuge for the members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Attempts to establish permanent residence in their Zion ended in bloodshed and violence. An army was raised to go to the aid of those cast out of their homes. This thesis pays particular attention to the recruiting of the army and the gathering of money and provisions, the trek to Missouri, and the interaction of those promoting and opposing the camp. The trek from Kirtland, Ohio, to Jackson County, Missouri, revealed frustrations, hardships, strengths, weaknesses, and deaths among those who participated in the abortive attempt to redeem the land and reinstate the people. This study also disclosed contrasting reactions of historians to this period of history and the still differing feelings of many who wrote of their personal experience with the camp. The histories of over two hundred men who comprised this trek were studied to determine its impact upon their lives. A strong loyal tie between them and their prophet leader was discovered.

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