This work is a compilation of four manuscripts, three of which are published and one is in the second round of review, all in refereed journals. All four manuscripts focus on analysis of stochastic disruptions to support design of capacitated engineered networks. The work is motivated by limited ability to mitigate elevated risk exposure of large-scale capacitated enterprise networks functioning in lean environments. Such inability to sustain enterprise capacity in the face of disruptions of various origins has been causing multi-billion enterprise forfeitures and hefty insurance premiums. At the same time, decision support methodologies for reliable design of dynamic capacitated networks have been largely unavailable. This work is organized as follows. Paper 1 presents a methodology to analyze ca- pacitated healthcare supply chains using a framework of forward ow-matching networks with multiple points of delivery. Special emphasis is given to developing stochastic models for capturing capacity trajectories at the points of delivery. Paper 2 focuses on assuring capacity availability for a critical vertex exposed to random stepwise capacity disruptions with exponentially distributed interarrival times and uniformly distributed magnitudes. We explore two countermeasure policies for a risk-neutral decision maker who seeks to maxi- mize the long-run average reward. We present an extensive numerical analysis as well as a sensitivity study on the uctuations of some system parameter values. Paper 3 extends the capacity assurance analysis for critical vertices by considering stepwise partial system capacity loss accumulating over time. We examine implementation of a countermeasure policy, aimed at reducing the disruption rate, for a risk-neutral decision maker who seeks to maximize long-run average return. We explore how the policy of maintaining the optimal disruption rate is aected by a number of system parameters. Finally, Paper 4 presents a dynamic predictive methodology for mitigation of cross-regional pandemic outbreaks which can be used to estimate workforce capacity loss for critical vertices due to such societal disasters.

Influenza is a contagious respiratory disease that has caused at least four pandemics and countless epidemics since the 20th century, impacted millions of people worldwide and the global economy. To date, the predominant influenza species circulating in humans are influenza A and B. Influenza may cause serious illness in all age groups but individuals such as the newborns and senior population whose immune systems are compromised are at higher risk for severe disease. Interestingly, during the outbreak of pandemic 2009 H1N1 (H1N1pdm), it was found that the elderly had the lowest hospitalization rate and an increased proportion of healthy adults developed severe disease. Furthermore, several clinical studies have demonstrated that most H1N1pdm infected children experienced mild to moderate illness and led to the least mortality. The difference of disease outcome in age groups between different influenza infections may be due to several factors, which include differing pathogenicity between the viruses, differential immune status and composition among the age groups, and pre-existing immunity from previous encounter(s) with a similar virus. Since the human clinical data are often complicated by secondary factors such as co-morbidities, I used the ferret model to address these questions. I first compared the clinical and pathological patterns among the pandemic and seasonal influenza strains and found H1N1pdm caused the most severe illness to healthy ferrets. Importantly, the disease severity did not correlate with viral burden but immunopathology. To study the age effect, I found that H1N1pdm infected young ferrets with mild clinical symptoms developed specialized ectopic lymphoid structures and a distinct cytokine expression profile in the lungs, which were absent in adult ferrets with severe illness. I also examined antigenic change in historical H1N1s and anti-H1 responses to explain the pre-existing immunity of H1N1pdm found in the elderly. However, low similarity was found between historical H1N1s and H1N1pdm. Lastly, I conducted a detailed influenza B comparative study. I observed the pathogenic B strain was capable to cause lower respiratory tract infection and pathology like the influenza A viruses. Overall, this thesis provides novel insights for developing therapeutic and prophylactic strategies against influenza infection.

I april 2009 upptäcktes en ny typ av influensa som senare fick namnet A(H1N1). Influensan A(H1N1) innebar en internationell kris och krävde särskilda krishanteringsåtgärder. I Sverige innebar detta att den största nationella massvaccineringen i modern tid genomfördes under hösten 2009 till och med början av 2010. Hanteringen ställde myndigheter, landsting och ansvariga individer inför en rad utmaningar, inte minst gällande planering och kommunikation. Syftet med studien var att studera erfarenheter av och planering inför kriskommunikation vid en pandemi utifrån erfarenheter och uppfattningar hos ansvariga aktörer inom ett landsting. Sju personer som arbetade på olika positioner vid ett landsting intervjuades. Studien har identifierat tre huvudområden. Hur de ansvariga aktörerna beskrev planeringen och kommunikationen vid pandemin, vilka svårigheter och utmaningar aktörerna upplevt i och med kriskommunikationen samt vilka lärdomar och implementeringar som gjorts utifrån ansvariga aktörers erfarenheter. Det framkom att hanteringen fungerade enligt de uppsatta planerna trots att det påpekades att dessa endast skulle ses som en vägledning. Vid hantering av pandemin stötte landstinget på en del svårigheter och utmaningar och för att hantera dessa krävdes ett flexibelt tillvägagångssätt. Efter pandemihanteringen har landstinget samlat på sig lärdomar och idéer om förbättringsområden. Vissa av dessa idéer är redan implementerade i landstingets dagliga arbete och andra är nedskrivna i diverse planverk. Det finns dock lärdomar och erfarenheter som inte är dokumenterade, i dessa fall finns det en risk att lärdomar och erfarenheter lämnar organisationen i och med att medarbetare byts ut. En slutsats var vikten av att alla erfarenheter dokumenteras för att viktig information ska föras vidare till nya medarbetare. / In April 2009 a new type of influenza was identified, which was named the A (H1N1). The influenza A (H1N1) resulted in an international crisis and called for specific management actions. In Sweden the largest national mass vaccination in modern times was conducted from autumn 2009 to early 2010. The crisis management posed authorities, county councils and responsible individuals to face a number of challenges, not to mention the current planning and communication. The purpose of this study was to study the experiences and planning for crisis communications during a pandemic based on experiences and perceptions of responsible actors within a county. Seven people who worked in various positions at the county were interviewed. The study has identified three main areas. How the responsible actors described the planning and communication in time of the pandemic, the difficulties and challenges experienced in the crisis communication by the actors and what lessons and implementations made by the responsible actors' experiences. It was revealed that the crisis management went according to the established plan, but it was also pointed out that the plans would only be seen as a guide. When handling the pandemic the County Council faced number of difficulties and challenges and to manage these a flexible approach was required. After the pandemic management the County Council has accumulated lessons and ideas on areas of improvement. Some of these ideas are already implemented in the daily work of the County Council and others are noted in various planning documents. However, there are lessons and experiences that are not documented, in these cases there is a risk that the lessons and experiences might leave the organization as employees are replaced. A conclusion was the importance that all experiences are documented so that important information will be passed on to new employees.

<p><font face="Times New Roman"> <p align="left">Within this thesis, the author recognizes that the technocratic thinking about AIDS Silin warned against has become the standard upon which much of AIDS education is based today. The author demonstrates the necessity of rethinking constructions that have reduced AIDS education and the complex pandemic to simple facts about the HI virus and its transmission. Technicist understandings of the pandemic, the author suggests, have resulted in technicist approaches to AIDS education.</p> </font></p>

This thesis explores the distinctive forms of journalism that have emerged in mainstream news websites in mainland China. Two case studies, the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games and the H1N1 influenza pandemic in 2009, are employed to identify features in Chinese and Western news online. Specifically, a comparison is made between the in-depth news sections of popular mainstream news websites in China and those in the United States, the United Kingdom, and New Zealand. The study finds that the Chinese version of mainstream web news genre differs significantly from the Western version. This thesis argues that journalists’ practice is strongly context dependent. Distinctive economic, organizational, social and cultural factors contribute to shaping Chinese web journalism in a way that contradicts the notion of a homogeneous worldwide journalism or of a single set of norms for journalism. The study challenges the dominance of the political explanatory framework that considers political factors as the most important approach to study Chinese web-based media. In the face of a sparse literature and sporadic studies concerning the development of the internet as a novel platform in China for news production and transmission, this thesis aims to bring more academic interest to an overlooked research area and to contribute to a broader understanding of the actual diversity of global communication research.

Many South Africans experience the severe impact of the HIVIAIDS pandemic. The AlDS orphan, specifically, has to suffer the adverse effects of this relentless worldwide catastrophe. The HIVIAIDS orphan is not just another orphan, but someone who suffers from exceptional pressures which may lead to depression, hopelessness and psychological trauma later in life (Coombe, 2003) In order to function well in these circumstances, nterventions that target resilient functioning are needed to empower the AlDS orphan. The purpose of this study was to document, by means of a literature review and empirical research, the phenomenon of resilience among AlDS orphans. In order to achieve this goal, it was necessary to elucidate the concepts HIV/AIDS, pandemic, impacts of the pandemic on South Africa and its orphans, resilience and empowerment of orphans. The aim of the empirical research was to investigate the phenomenon of resilience among HIVIAIDS orphans by conducting both survey and phenomenological research and to compare the functioning of resilient and non-resilient orphans. Some of the important findings include: South African AlDS orphans face multiple risk; the participants of this study show remarkable resilience in spite of adversity; and the resilient AlDS orphans in this study alluded to several intrapersonal and interpersonal protective factors which contribute to their resilience. The findings were used to generate guidelines for individuals, families, education and community stakeholders who interact with AlDS orphans and wish to intervene meaningfully in order to empower AlDS orphans towards (continued) resilient functioning. / Thesis (M.Ed.)--North-West University, Vaal Triangle Campus, 2007.

As South Africa is one of the countries with the highest HIVJAids prevalence in the world, many South Africans are affected by the pandemic. One of the structures being endangered by the HIVJAids pandemic is the education system. Educators are especially affected by the impact of the pandemic due to the fact that they not only have to cope with infected colleagues who are often absent, but are also burdened with numerous orphans and vulnerable children at their schools because of the pandemic. Sometimes these affected educators even have to care for their own loved ones who suffer from or die of the disease. The impact of the pandemic is personal stress, such as depression and suicidal ideation, plus professional impairment such as through increased workload and staff negativity. Affected educators are vulnerable, struggle to cope and are desperately in need of support, due to the pressure they experience regarding the pandemic. Current literature reports little support for educators affected by HIVJAids with regard to the personal and professional impact of the pandemic. This study focuses on determining the efficacy of REds (Resilient Educators), a support programme compiled to empower educators who are affected by HIVJAids, the implementation of which was also piloted by this study. A qualitative research design which included experimental and action research which focused on the latter (action research) was used. A purposive convenience sample consisting of eight volunteers from local primary schools participated. The researcher made use of a mixed-methods design for the pre and post-tests which included both qualitative and quantitative measuring instruments. REds was implemented over a period of nine consecutive weeks in a group setting and was continuously evaluated by the participants who proposed changes in order to improve the programme. In spite of being realistic about the obstacles they will face with regard to the HIVIAids pandemic, participants reported to be relieved, empowered and motivated to fight the effects of the pandemic. The quantitative results show some improvement in participants' experience of secondary trauma resulting from the impact of the pandemic. The results suggest that REds was efficacious, but that educators need continued support. Some modification of REds is also suggested action research affected impact. / Thesis (M.Ed.)--North-West University, Vaal Triangle Campus, 2007.

Many South Africans experience the severe impact of the HIVIAIDS pandemic. The AlDS orphan, specifically, has to suffer the adverse effects of this relentless worldwide catastrophe. The HIVIAIDS orphan is not just another orphan, but someone who suffers from exceptional pressures which may lead to depression, hopelessness and psychological trauma later in life (Coombe, 2003) In order to function well in these circumstances, nterventions that target resilient functioning are needed to empower the AlDS orphan. The purpose of this study was to document, by means of a literature review and empirical research, the phenomenon of resilience among AlDS orphans. In order to achieve this goal, it was necessary to elucidate the concepts HIV/AIDS, pandemic, impacts of the pandemic on South Africa and its orphans, resilience and empowerment of orphans. The aim of the empirical research was to investigate the phenomenon of resilience among HIVIAIDS orphans by conducting both survey and phenomenological research and to compare the functioning of resilient and non-resilient orphans. Some of the important findings include: South African AlDS orphans face multiple risk; the participants of this study show remarkable resilience in spite of adversity; and the resilient AlDS orphans in this study alluded to several intrapersonal and interpersonal protective factors which contribute to their resilience. The findings were used to generate guidelines for individuals, families, education and community stakeholders who interact with AlDS orphans and wish to intervene meaningfully in order to empower AlDS orphans towards (continued) resilient functioning. / Thesis (M.Ed.)--North-West University, Vaal Triangle Campus, 2007.

As South Africa is one of the countries with the highest HIVJAids prevalence in the world, many South Africans are affected by the pandemic. One of the structures being endangered by the HIVJAids pandemic is the education system. Educators are especially affected by the impact of the pandemic due to the fact that they not only have to cope with infected colleagues who are often absent, but are also burdened with numerous orphans and vulnerable children at their schools because of the pandemic. Sometimes these affected educators even have to care for their own loved ones who suffer from or die of the disease. The impact of the pandemic is personal stress, such as depression and suicidal ideation, plus professional impairment such as through increased workload and staff negativity. Affected educators are vulnerable, struggle to cope and are desperately in need of support, due to the pressure they experience regarding the pandemic. Current literature reports little support for educators affected by HIVJAids with regard to the personal and professional impact of the pandemic. This study focuses on determining the efficacy of REds (Resilient Educators), a support programme compiled to empower educators who are affected by HIVJAids, the implementation of which was also piloted by this study. A qualitative research design which included experimental and action research which focused on the latter (action research) was used. A purposive convenience sample consisting of eight volunteers from local primary schools participated. The researcher made use of a mixed-methods design for the pre and post-tests which included both qualitative and quantitative measuring instruments. REds was implemented over a period of nine consecutive weeks in a group setting and was continuously evaluated by the participants who proposed changes in order to improve the programme. In spite of being realistic about the obstacles they will face with regard to the HIVIAids pandemic, participants reported to be relieved, empowered and motivated to fight the effects of the pandemic. The quantitative results show some improvement in participants' experience of secondary trauma resulting from the impact of the pandemic. The results suggest that REds was efficacious, but that educators need continued support. Some modification of REds is also suggested action research affected impact. / Thesis (M.Ed.)--North-West University, Vaal Triangle Campus, 2007.

Influenza is a contagious respiratory disease that has caused at least four pandemics and countless epidemics since the 20th century, impacted millions of people worldwide and the global economy. To date, the predominant influenza species circulating in humans are influenza A and B. Influenza may cause serious illness in all age groups but individuals such as the newborns and senior population whose immune systems are compromised are at higher risk for severe disease. Interestingly, during the outbreak of pandemic 2009 H1N1 (H1N1pdm), it was found that the elderly had the lowest hospitalization rate and an increased proportion of healthy adults developed severe disease. Furthermore, several clinical studies have demonstrated that most H1N1pdm infected children experienced mild to moderate illness and led to the least mortality. The difference of disease outcome in age groups between different influenza infections may be due to several factors, which include differing pathogenicity between the viruses, differential immune status and composition among the age groups, and pre-existing immunity from previous encounter(s) with a similar virus. Since the human clinical data are often complicated by secondary factors such as co-morbidities, I used the ferret model to address these questions. I first compared the clinical and pathological patterns among the pandemic and seasonal influenza strains and found H1N1pdm caused the most severe illness to healthy ferrets. Importantly, the disease severity did not correlate with viral burden but immunopathology. To study the age effect, I found that H1N1pdm infected young ferrets with mild clinical symptoms developed specialized ectopic lymphoid structures and a distinct cytokine expression profile in the lungs, which were absent in adult ferrets with severe illness. I also examined antigenic change in historical H1N1s and anti-H1 responses to explain the pre-existing immunity of H1N1pdm found in the elderly. However, low similarity was found between historical H1N1s and H1N1pdm. Lastly, I conducted a detailed influenza B comparative study. I observed the pathogenic B strain was capable to cause lower respiratory tract infection and pathology like the influenza A viruses. Overall, this thesis provides novel insights for developing therapeutic and prophylactic strategies against influenza infection.