Trifolium L. (clover) are annual or perennial species established in pasturelands to improve forage productivity and quality. In the southeastern United States, Trifolium repens L. (white clover) and Trifolium pratense L. (red clover) are important species, susceptible to virus infection. Objectives of this research were to isolate bean yellow mosaic (BYMV), clover yellow vein (CYVV) and peanut stunt (PSV) viruses from naturally infected white and red clovers from different locations in Virginia; and, to compare Indirect Enzyme-Linked ImmunoSorbent Assay (i-ELISA) and tissue immunoblot assay (TIBA) as methods for virus detection. A total of five white clover samples from Augusta, Richmond and Washington Counties were positive against CYVV antiserum and four white clover samples from Augusta County were positive against PSV antiserum. Single red clover samples from Frederick and Montgomery Counties were positive against BYMV antiserum. There were notable differences in host range with samples that tested positive for CYVV and BYMV, indicating they may be different strains. PSV was evenly distributed in the plant, whereas CYVV was higher in older plant parts. Viruses were successfully detected by blotting leaf samples directly onto membranes, thereby simplifying the sample preparation step. A number of membranes, such as nitrocellulose, nylon, chromatography paper, filter paper and writing pad could be used to detect viruses. In terms of specificity, immunoblots were equal or superior to i-ELISA. The TIBA should be useful in support of breeding and plant pathology studies as it is simple and rapid, and is less laborious and less expensive than i-ELISA. / Master of Science

[Truncated abstract] In southern Australian farming systems the replacement of deep-rooted perennial native vegetation with shallow-rooted annual crops and pastures has resulted in rising groundwater tables and an increased incidence of dryland salinity. It has been suggested that to address this issue by restoring hydrological balance, large areas of agricultural land need to be vegetated with perennial plants. One of the most agriculturally productive ways to do this is to introduce perennial pastures, both into upslope groundwater

The Bethe-Weizsäcker cycle consists of a set of nuclear reactions that convert hydrogen into helium and release energy in the stars. It determines the luminosity of low-metal stars at their turn-off from the main-sequence in the Hertzsprung-Russel diagram, so its rate enters the calculation of the globular clusters’ age, an independent lower limit on the age of the universe. The cycle contributes less than 1% to our Sun’s luminosity, but it produces neutrinos that can in principle be measured on Earth in underground experiments and bring direct information of the physical conditions in the solar core, provided that the nuclear reaction rate is known with sufficient precision. The 14N(p,γ)15O reaction is the slowest reaction of the Bethe-Weizs¨acker cycle and establishes its rate. Its cross section is the sum of the contributions by capture to different excited levels and to the ground state in 15O. Recent experiments studied the region of the resonance at Ep = 278 keV. Only one modern data set from an experiment performed in 1987 is available for the high-energy domain. Both energy ranges are needed to constrain the fit of the excitation function in the R-matrix framework and to obtain a reliable extrapolated S-factor at the very low astrophysical energies. The present research work studied the 14N(p,γ)15O reaction in the LUNA (Laboratory for Underground Nuclear Astrophysics) underground facility at three proton energies 0.36, 0.38, 0.40MeV, and in Dresden in the energy range Ep = 0.6 - 2MeV. In both cases, an intense proton beam was sent on solid titanium nitride sputtered targets, and the prompt photons emitted from the reaction were detected with germanium detectors. At LUNA, a composite germanium detector was used. This enabled a measurement with dramatically reduced summing corrections with respect to previous studies. The cross sections for capture to the ground state and to the excited states at 5181, 6172, and 6792 keV in 15O have been determined. An R-matrix fit was performed for capture to the ground state, that resolved the literature discrepancy of a factor two on the extrapolated S-factor. New precise branching ratios for the decay of the Ep = 278 keV resonance were measured. In Dresden, the strength of the Ep = 1058 keV resonance was measured relative to the well-known resonance at Ep = 278 keV, after checking the angular distribution. Its uncertainty is now half of the error quoted in literature. The branching ratios were also measured, showing that their recommended values should be updated. Preliminary data for the two most intense transitions off resonance are provided. The presence in the targets of the other stable nitrogen isotope 15N with its well- known isotopic abundance, allowed to measure the strength of two resonances at Ep = 430 and 897 keV of the 15N(p,αγ)12 C reaction, improving the precision for hydrogen depth profiling.

The Bethe-Weizsäcker cycle consists of a set of nuclear reactions that convert hydrogen into helium and release energy in the stars. It determines the luminosity of low-metal stars at their turn-off from the main-sequence in the Hertzsprung-Russel diagram, so its rate enters the calculation of the globular clusters’ age, an independent lower limit on the age of the universe. The cycle contributes less than 1% to our Sun’s luminosity, but it produces neutrinos that can in principle be measured on Earth in underground experiments and bring direct information of the physical conditions in the solar core, provided that the nuclear reaction rate is known with sufficient precision. The 14N(p,γ)15O reaction is the slowest reaction of the Bethe-Weizs¨acker cycle and establishes its rate. Its cross section is the sum of the contributions by capture to different excited levels and to the ground state in 15O. Recent experiments studied the region of the resonance at Ep = 278 keV. Only one modern data set from an experiment performed in 1987 is available for the high-energy domain. Both energy ranges are needed to constrain the fit of the excitation function in the R-matrix framework and to obtain a reliable extrapolated S-factor at the very low astrophysical energies. The present research work studied the 14N(p,γ)15O reaction in the LUNA (Laboratory for Underground Nuclear Astrophysics) underground facility at three proton energies 0.36, 0.38, 0.40MeV, and in Dresden in the energy range Ep = 0.6 - 2MeV. In both cases, an intense proton beam was sent on solid titanium nitride sputtered targets, and the prompt photons emitted from the reaction were detected with germanium detectors. At LUNA, a composite germanium detector was used. This enabled a measurement with dramatically reduced summing corrections with respect to previous studies. The cross sections for capture to the ground state and to the excited states at 5181, 6172, and 6792 keV in 15O have been determined. An R-matrix fit was performed for capture to the ground state, that resolved the literature discrepancy of a factor two on the extrapolated S-factor. New precise branching ratios for the decay of the Ep = 278 keV resonance were measured. In Dresden, the strength of the Ep = 1058 keV resonance was measured relative to the well-known resonance at Ep = 278 keV, after checking the angular distribution. Its uncertainty is now half of the error quoted in literature. The branching ratios were also measured, showing that their recommended values should be updated. Preliminary data for the two most intense transitions off resonance are provided. The presence in the targets of the other stable nitrogen isotope 15N with its well- known isotopic abundance, allowed to measure the strength of two resonances at Ep = 430 and 897 keV of the 15N(p,αγ)12 C reaction, improving the precision for hydrogen depth profiling.

Bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon L.) is a perennial warm-season grass that is very responsive to nitrogen (N) fertilization. Excessive N applications have negative environmental consequences and make maintaining mixed swards difficult. This study determined the effects of enhanced efficiency (EE) N fertilizers and fertilizer rate on bermudagrass yields, nutritive values, and white clover persistence. Nitrogen sources included urea, urea formulated with Agrotain® (U+A), urea with Agrotain® and dicyandiamide (SuperU), a polymer-coated urea (ESN), ESN+urea (75% ESN, 25% urea), and methylene urea (MU). In the urea formulation trial, SuperU and U+A maximized forage yields at lower N rates. The dicyandiamide in SuperU did not increase yields over U+A. Highest production efficiency was achieved at lower N rates. ESN had the lowest relative stimulate growth, which may increase clover persistence. In the clover persistence trial, the addition of N fertilizer began decreasing clover populations after 112 kg N/ha. Slow-release fertilizers (ESN, ESN+urea, MU) had higher clover percentage at the final harvest. Crude protein and in vitro digestible dry matter increased, while neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber decreased with the addition of white clover. SuperU and U+A were more efficient and ESN had lower relative stimulated growth beneficial for mixed pastures.

Tyrimo objektas ir metodai: dobilų genties augalų lapų, stiebų, žiedų žaliavų tyrimas. Izoflavonai nustatyti ESC metodu. Darbo tikslas: Atlikti izoflavonų genisteino, formononetino ir daidzeino analizę dobilų genties augaluose, taikant ESC metodą. Darbo uždaviniai: atlikti literatūros analizę, apibendrinant dobilų (Trifolium L) genties augalų biologines savybes, izoflavonų taikymą gydymo tikslais ir nustatymo metodus. Parinkti ekstrakcijos sąlygas, įvertinant pasirinkto ekstrakcijos tirpiklio, jo poliškumo ir ekstrakcijos laiko įtaką. Optimizuoti ESC metodą dobilų žaliavos tyrimui ir pagrįsti metodo tinkamumą izoflavonų kiekio nustatymui. Atlikti įvairių dobilų rūšių lapų, žiedų, stiebų ir šaknų mėginių analizę optimizuotu ESC metodu ir nustatyti izoflavonų kiekius juose. Įvertinti izoflavonų kiekio įvairavimą skirtingose dobilų rūšyse. Nustatyti izoflavonų kiekybinės sudėties pasiskirstymą augalų dalyse. Palyginti T. pratense izoflavonų kiekių skirtumus augalo dalyse. Palyginti izoflavonų kiekybinės sudėties skirtumus T. pratense kultivuojamų ir laukinės populiacijos augalų žaliavose. Išvados: atlikus mokslinės literatūros šaltinių analizę, apibendrintos dobilų genties augalų biologinės savybės, izoflavonų taikymas gydymo tikslais ir flavonoidų bei izoflavonoidų nustatymo metodai. Įvertintas tirpiklio poliškumas ir taikomos ekstrakcijos trukmės įtaka izoflavonų kiekiui. Optimizuotas ESC metodas kiekybinei izoflavonų analizei dobilų (Trifolium L.) genties augalų žaliavoms... [toliau žr. visą tekstą] / Object and methods: phytochemical analysis of different parts (leaves, blossoms, roots) of clover genus plants. Aim: to perform analysis of isoflavons genistein, formononetin and daidzein in clover genus plants by HPLC method. Objective: to perform analysis of scientific literature and evaluate characteristics of clover genus (Trifolium L.) plants and their usage for medical purpose, and analysis methods of active components. Select the conditions of extraction considering influence of solvent, its polarity and time of extraction. Optimize HPLC method for raw material analysis of clover genus and justify its suitability for quantitative analysis of isoflavons. Perform analysis of isoflavons in different parts of various clover genus plants by optimized HPLC method. Evaluate quantity difference between isoflavons in various genus of clover. Evaluate quantity difference between isoflavons in different parts of plants. Compare quantities of isoflavons in different parts of T. pratense pants. Compare quantity difference between isoflavons in raw materials of cultivated and naturally grown T. pretense plants. Results: performed scientific literature analysis justified characteristics and therapeutic effects of clover genus (Trifolium L.) plants, evaluated analysis methods of flavonoids and isoflavonoids. Also was evaluated influence of polarity of solvent and time of extraction to quantity of isoflavons. Quantitative HPLC analysis method for isoflavons in raw materials of clover... [to full text]

Denna studie har undersökt hur den kvinnliga huvudkaraktären Carrie White framställs i två versioner av skräckfilmen Carrie (1976 och 2013). Med bakgrund i att skräckgenren har kritiserats för sin framställning av kvinnliga karaktärer, har syftet varit att ur ett genusperspektiv jämföra hur Carrie skildras i den äldre respektive nyare filmversionen. Studien har genomförts med hjälp av semiotisk analys och den teoretiska ramen har utgjorts av olika varianter av feministisk psykoanalys. Analysen har framför allt fokuserat på tre aspekter av karaktärens framställning; Carries utseende, hennes relation till sin mamma och hur hon relaterar till sin övernaturliga förmåga. När det gäller karaktärens utseende har analysen visat att hennes kropp skildras som mer objektifierad och sexualiserad i den äldre versionen, vilket har kopplats till Mulveys teori kring den kontrollerande, manliga blicken. Vidare har analysen visat att Carrie framställs som mer aktiv och självsäker i den nya versionen, vilket yttrar sig dels i att hon är mer bestämd gentemot sin kontrollerande mamma och dels i att hon använder sin övernaturliga förmåga på ett kraftfullare sätt jämfört med den äldre versionen. Detta har relaterats till Smeliks teori kring att det i dagens visuella kultur är betydligt vanligare än tidigare att kvinnor får spela aktiva roller. Analysen har även visat att Carries styrka i båda filmerna är direkt kopplad till hennes kvinnlighet samtidigt som just denna kvinnliga kraft framställs som något hotfullt. Dessutom blir hon i båda versionerna vid flera tillfällen straffad och förnedrad på grund av sin kvinnlighet, vilket bland annat har kopplats till Mulveys teori kring hur kvinnan signalerar ett kastrationshot som därigenom kan avvärjas.

The use of co-branding as a strategy has become increasingly important to managers due to saturation in mature markets and the search for growth in emerging nations (Chul, 2009; Helmig, Huber, & Leeflang, 2008; Uggla & Asberg, 2010). In this study, a co-branded joint venture strategy is seen as an enterprise or an organisation introducing a national brand into a foreign market using brands that are successful in that foreign market, thus creating a co-brand (Kuvykaite & Mascinskiene, 2010). Co-branded strategies do not necessarily last for an indefinite period of time and the companies involved may want to separate after some time, particularly when the multi-national firm wants to align subsidiaries under the same corporate identity and brands. This split leads to impacts on a number of different levels including internal stakeholders (e.g. employees), external stakeholders (suppliers, consumers etc.) and the reputation of the firms. It can be argued that employees are the most affected by co-branded ventures above all other stakeholders. Danone Southern Africa is a firm of French origin which entered the South African dairy market through a joint venture with Clover South Africa. The two companies formed the Joint venture, Danone-Clover in 1998 (Abratt & Motlana, 2002), to operate within the fresh dairy produce market (i.e. Yoghurt, Custard and Maas). Whilst the two organisations had formed a joint-venture, Clover South Africa continued to operate separately within the broader dairy and beverages market. Danone subsequently bought out Clover’s share in the joint-venture in 2010 (Danone, 2010), resulting in the two firms no longer having a joint venture operation and functioning as separate entities within the South African market. This study explored the effects of a co-branding joint-venture separation, on the brand commitment of employees of the separated organisation. The study explored the process of the separation from a case study perspective. One-to-one interviews were conducted, with the use of open-ended and semi-structured questions with the responses recorded. The population of the study were employees of Danone Southern Africa, based at the Roodepoort head office. There were two sets of respondents, the first being employees who were part of Danone-Clover and are now employees of Danone Southern Africa. The second were respondents that had only being under the employment of Danone Southern Africa, i.e. joining the organisation post the joint venture separation in 2010. The study made use of judgemental sampling where sample sizes are often determined on the basis of theoretical saturation, as a result 18 respondents were interviewed. The results of the study showed that a co-branding joint venture separation has a negative impact on brand commitment, in that brand commitment decreases after the dissolution of the joint venture. In this specific case study, Danone’s brand performance was not negatively impacted particularly in terms of market share, where Danone is the dominant player within its category. The corporate brand, however, was negatively impacted in terms of external brand recognition, as there is confusion between the Clover and Danone brands with consumers seeing Danone as part of Clover South Africa. The Danone brand, post dissolution, performed well in the marketplace due to the fact that there was high fit between the two organisations that had formed the joint venture, a restraint of trade agreement post the joint venture dissolution, Danone Southern Africa buying the dominant sub-brands from Clover, the inability of competitors to take advantage of the dissolution of the joint venture and manager performance in managing the brand post dissolution. Danone has however, been negatively impacted internally by the dissolution. The organisation has experienced high turnover across senior, middle and junior management, leading to a loss of institutional knowledge. The results also suggest that due to the high fit between the firms, brand promise and understanding of the brand were negated as issues, post dissolution, for Danone. The dominance of the sub-brands also made it somewhat easier for employees to continue to perform, as those brands were already well established within the organisation and the country. The Danone organisation also experienced a negative culture in the eyes of the internal stakeholder, which in part has been a large contributor to the higher turnover. The study also showed that employees who remained with the organisation post the co-branded joint venture separation had higher commitment than employees who joined post the joint venture separation. There were also informal processes for learning within the organisation post dissolution, it was recognised that a more formal and prioritised knowledge management process needed to be started by the organisation. This study has theoretical and managerial implications. Future research could include other geographic territories, industries and a consumer evaluation on the effects of the dissolution. Given that the two organisations will become competitors (from 2015 onwards), it offers an opportunity for a longitudinal study on the two organisations and how they interact (in the areas of brand standing, identity, employee perception, market share and brand interaction with consumers) over the coming years.

Australia is amongst the more efficient milk producers in the world.Milk production in the region of south-western Victoria relies mainly on rainfed white clover/perennial ryegrass pastures.As the demand for efficient and competitive milk production increases, the value of N2 fixation must be maximised. The objective of this thesis was to assess N2 fixation in grazed dairy pastures in south-western Victoria. Several tests and experiments were conducted and results noted. Studies revealed low white clover yields to be the major factor limiting N2 fixation in the region. For N2 fixation to have a significant impact on pasture quality and production, problems associated with legume persistence need to be addressed. Strategies may include the breeding of white clover cultivars with greater tolerance to water stress, improved winter production and increased competitiveness with companion species. Alternatively, the introduction of different legume species, better suited to the environment, may be appropriate. Where N2 fixation is unlikely to satisfy N demands, it may be necessary to introduce the strategic use of supplementary feeds or nitrogenous fertilisers. However, this would need to be carefully considered to ensure high input costs did not jeopardise the competitive advantage of low input pasture-based systems / Masters Thesis

Some mounted ill. Bibliography: leaves 156-186.