Title: A new battle, the same bottle: A case study of the visual communication of Absolut Vodka and how it’s positioned towards different market segments. Author: Anna von Friedrichs Grängsjö & Niklas Svanlindh Tutor: Jessica Gustafsson Purpose: To overview the visual communication of Absolut Vodka and how it’s positioned towards different market segments. Absolut Vodka is a brand that reaches a vast range of consumers through a single consistent marketing strategy. The hypothesis was that one can reach many different market segments with the marketing of a product by constantly keeping some components of the communication the same while constantly changing others. Key questions to be answered are: How do Absolut Vodka address their target audiences in their visual communication? Which market segments does the visual communication of Absolut Vodka seem to address? Method/Material: The research was conducted through a qualitative research study in which four Youtube videos by Absolut Vodka were analyzed. Only videos where the original product was presented in collaboration with a third party were used. The analysis was made through semiotic and rhetorical analysis and the results were then compared to the market segments of SRI VALS to conclude which market segments the different videos appeared to address. Main results: The videos were mainly directed towards two market segments of the SRI VALS-model: Innovators and experiencers. These two have a lot in common with the official target audience of Absolut Vodka; Urban Creative Millennials. This audience also works as opinion leaders influencing others to follow their lead. The hypothesis mainly proved true. However one of the constant components, the theme of creativity, appeared to be far more important than anticipated. Since the theme of creativity is tightly connected with the main target audience it also limits the possibility to address other audiences directly. Number of pages: 69 Course: Media and Communication studies C University: Division of Media and Communication, Department of Information Science, Uppsala University Period: Fall 2013 Keywords: Absolut Vodka, Visual communication, marketing, SRI VALS, The STP process, ESP.

Submitted by Rodrigo Martins Cruz (rodrigo.cruz@ufvjm.edu.br) on 2015-01-06T12:20:17Z No. of bitstreams: 2 bruno_silva_reis.pdf: 1050436 bytes, checksum: dec7027bded72894cf9cd4233a022296 (MD5) license_rdf: 23898 bytes, checksum: e363e809996cf46ada20da1accfcd9c7 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Rodrigo Martins Cruz (rodrigo.cruz@ufvjm.edu.br) on 2015-01-06T12:21:52Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 2 bruno_silva_reis.pdf: 1050436 bytes, checksum: dec7027bded72894cf9cd4233a022296 (MD5) license_rdf: 23898 bytes, checksum: e363e809996cf46ada20da1accfcd9c7 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Rodrigo Martins Cruz (rodrigo.cruz@ufvjm.edu.br) on 2015-01-06T12:22:07Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 2 bruno_silva_reis.pdf: 1050436 bytes, checksum: dec7027bded72894cf9cd4233a022296 (MD5) license_rdf: 23898 bytes, checksum: e363e809996cf46ada20da1accfcd9c7 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2015-01-06T12:22:07Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 bruno_silva_reis.pdf: 1050436 bytes, checksum: dec7027bded72894cf9cd4233a022296 (MD5) license_rdf: 23898 bytes, checksum: e363e809996cf46ada20da1accfcd9c7 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2013 / Funda??o de Amparo ? Pesquisa do estado de Minas Gerais (FAPEMIG) / Coordena??o de Aperfei?oamento de Pessoal de N?vel Superior (CAPES) / Este trabalho teve como objetivo verificar a exist?ncia de diferen?as no crescimento de mudas da esp?cie Qualea dichotoma, ao longo do tempo, no ambiente casa de sombra em fun??o de diferentes substratos e desenvolver uma metodologia b?sica de micropropaga??o a partir de sementes germinadas in vitro. No cap?tulo 1, utilizaram-se as seguintes composi??es de substratos: 1) Substrato comercial Bioplant ? (BIO); 2) 70% de vermiculita de granulometria m?dia (vermiculita) + 30% de casca de arroz carbonizada (VC); 3) 70% de vermiculita + 15% de casca de arroz carbonizada + 15% de fibra de c?co (VCF); 4) 40% de vermiculita + 30% de casca de arroz carbonizada + 30 % de Bioplant? (VCB). Em cinco avalia??es (60, 90, 150, 180 e 210 dias ap?s a emerg?ncia das pl?ntulas) foram mensuradas as alturas das mudas (H-cm), em quatro avalia??es (120,150, 180 e 210 dias ap?s a emerg?ncia das pl?ntulas) foram mensurados os di?metros do coleto das mudas (DC-mm), em duas avalia??es (165 e 215 dias ap?s a emerg?ncia das pl?ntulas), foram mensurados ?rea foliar (AF-cm2), comprimento (C-cm), largura (L-cm) e per?metro (P-cm). Aos 215 dias ap?s a emerg?ncia das pl?ntulas, foram feitas as seguintes avalia??es: peso da mat?ria seca da parte a?rea (PMSPA-g), peso de mat?ria seca de ra?zes (PMSR-g), peso de mat?ria seca total (PMST-g), rela??o parte a?rea e di?metro do coleto (RHDC), rela??o altura da parte a?rea e peso de mat?ria seca da parte a?rea (RHPMSPA) e rela??o peso de mat?ria seca da parte a?rea e peso de mat?ria seca das ra?zes (RPMSPAR). Os substratos VC e VCB apresentaram os melhores resultados em altura, di?metro, per?metro, PMSR e RPMSPAR. Existe diferen?a significativa no crescimento das mudas em fun??o dos substratos, onde os substratos VCB e VC apresentaram os melhores resultados para a produ??o de mudas de Qualea dichotoma. No cap?tulo 2, frutos de pau terra (Qualea dichotoma) foram coletados em 12 matrizes. Para a desinfesta??o in vitro as sementes foram imersas nos tempos de 5, 10, 15 e 20 minutos para cada concentra??o de hipoclorito de s?dio (2,5% e 5,0%). Em seguida, inoculou-se uma semente em cada tubo de ensaio contendo 10 ml do meio de cultura MS para a germina??o in vitro. As avalia??es foram realizadas diariamente, por 25 dias, registrando-se o n?mero de sementes germinadas. Das plantas germinadas, in vitro, com aproximadamente 35 dias, foram retirados dois tipos de explantes (segmentos cotiledonares e segmentos nodais) que foram inoculados em meio de cultura WPM, suplementado com a concentra??o de 0,01 mg L-1 ANA, constituindo a fase de multiplica??o, formada pelo cultivo inicial e dois subcultivos subsequentes. Para o cultivo inicial utilizou-se segmentos cotiledonares e nodais com as concentra??es de 0,1; 0,2; 0,4 e 0,6 mg L-1 de BA. Para o subcultivo 1 e 2, o experimento foi instalado utilizando concentra??es de 0,4 e 0,6 mg L-1 de BA para os segmentos nodais, e para segmentos cotiledonares concentra??es 0,2 e 0,4 mg L-1 de BA. Aos 45 dias para o cultivo inicial avaliou-se o n?mero de brota??es por explante, altura da maior brota??o e n?mero de ra?zes emitidas. Aos 60 dias ap?s a instala??o dos experimentos subcultivos 1 e 2, avaliou-se o n?mero de brota??es por explantes e altura da maior brota??o. Para a fase de alongamento os segmentos nodais foram inoculados em meio WPM, com as concentra??es de 0,0; 0,03; 0,06 e 0,09 mg L-1 de BA, combinados com 0,3 e 0,9 mg L-1 de ANA. Aos 60 dias de alongamento avaliou-se o comprimento (cm) da maior brota??o. Os resultados obtidos indicam a desinfesta??o de sementes com 2,5% de hipoclorito de s?dio durante 15 minutos, proporcionando germina??o m?dia in vitro superior a 85%. Para a multiplica??o ? indicado explantes obtidos de segmentos nodais e a concentra??o de 0,6 mg L-1 de BA adicionada ao meio de cultura WPM. Explantes obtidos de segmentos cotiledonares s?o mais indicados para a emiss?o de ra?zes e as combina??es utilizadas de ANA e BA n?o foram eficientes para o alongamento dos explantes. / Disserta??o (Mestrado) ? Programa de P?s-Gradua??o em Ci?ncia Florestal, Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri, 2013. / ABSTRACT This study aimed to evaluate the check of differences in the growth of seedlings of the species Qualea dichotoma, over time, in the shade environment due to different substrates and develop basic methodology micropropagation from in vitro germinated seeds. In Chapter 1, we used the following substrate compositions: 1) Substrate commercial Bioplant ? (BIO), 2) 70% of average particle size of vermiculite (vermiculite) + 30% carbonized rice bark (VC), 3) 70 % vermiculite + 15% carbonized rice bark + 15% coconut fiber (VCF), 4) 40% vermiculite + 30% carbonized rice bark + 30% Bioplant ? (VCB). In five evaluations (60, 90, 150, 180 and 210 days after emergence of plantlets) were measured heights of seedlings (H-cm) in four assessments (120.150, 180 and 210 days after emergence of plantlets) were measured the diameter of the lap (DC-mm) in two evaluations (165 and 215 days after emergence of plantlets) were measured leaf area (AF-cm2), length (C-cm), width (L-cm) and perimeter (P-cm). At 215 days after emergence of plantlets, the following assessments were made: dry weight of aerial (PMSPA-g), dry weight of roots (PMSR-g), weight of total dry matter (PMST-g), ratio of the aerial and diameter of the lap (RHDC), relative aerial height and dry weight of aerial (RHPMSPA) and relative dry weight of aerial and dry weight of roots (RPMSPAR). The VC and VCB substrates showed the best results in height, diameter, circumference, and PMSR RPMSPAR. A significant difference in seedling growth in relation to substrates, where the substrates VCB and VC showed the best results for the production of seedlings Qualea dichotoma. In chapter 2, fruit ?stick earth? (Qualea dichotoma) were collected at 12 dies. Disinfestation in vitro seeds were immersed in times of 5, 10, 15 and 20 minutes for each concentration of sodium hypochlorite (2,5% and 5,0%). Then, a seed was inoculated into each test tube containing 10 ml the medium culture MS for germination in vitro. The evaluations were made daily for 25 days, recording the number of germinated seeds. Plants germinated in vitro for approximately 35 days, were taken two types of explants (cotyledon segments and nodal) were inoculated in medium culture WPM supplemented with concentration of 0,01 mg L-1 ANA, constituting the phase multiplication, formed by initial cultivation and two subsequent subcultures. For the initial culture was used cotyledon and nodal segments with concentrations of 0,1; 0,2; 0,4 and 0,6 mg L-1 BA. To subculture 1 and 2, the experiment was installed using concentrations of 0,4 and 0,6 mg L-1 BA for nodal, is for cotyledon segments concentrations 0,2 and 0,4 mg L-1 BA. At 45 days for initial cultivation evaluated the number of shoots per explant, height of largest shoot and root number. At 60 days after installation of subcultures experiments 1 and 2, we evaluated the number of shoots per explants and height of the largest shoot. For the elongation phase nodal segments were inoculated in medium culture WPM, with concentrations of 0,0; 0,03; 0,06 and 0,09 mg L-1 BA combined with 0,3 and 0,9 mg L-1 ANA. After 60 days of elongation phase evaluated the length (cm) of the largest shoot. The results indicate disinfection of seeds with 2.5% sodium hypochlorite for 15 minutes, giving an average germination in vitro than 85%. For multiplication is indicated nodal explants obtained from the concentration 0.6 mg L-1 BA added to WPM. Explants obtained from cotyledon segments are more suitable for the emission of roots and used combinations of NAA and BA were not efficient for the elongation of the explants.

?rea de concentra??o: Nutri??o e Produ??o de Monog?stricos. / Submitted by Rodrigo Martins Cruz (rodrigo.cruz@ufvjm.edu.br) on 2015-12-17T13:50:48Z No. of bitstreams: 2 marcos_vinicius_coraspe_amaral.pdf: 475313 bytes, checksum: c342159473f70bee4a02057245f1b0d7 (MD5) license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Rodrigo Martins Cruz (rodrigo.cruz@ufvjm.edu.br) on 2015-12-17T13:51:07Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 2 marcos_vinicius_coraspe_amaral.pdf: 475313 bytes, checksum: c342159473f70bee4a02057245f1b0d7 (MD5) license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2015-12-17T13:51:07Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 marcos_vinicius_coraspe_amaral.pdf: 475313 bytes, checksum: c342159473f70bee4a02057245f1b0d7 (MD5) license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) Previous issue date: 2011 / Por ser a alimenta??o um ponto cr?tico na larvicultura da piabanha-do-Pardo Brycon sp., foram conduzidos quatro experimentos em duas etapas na esta??o de piscicultura da usina hidrel?trica de Machado Mineiro, na cidade de ?guas Vermelhas-MG, para adequa??o do manejo alimentar dessa esp?cie nativa. Na primeira etapa avaliaram-se seis dietas: Artemia sp., pl?ncton, ra??o, ra??o + Artemia sp., ra??o + pl?ncton, larvas de Prochilodus sp. (curimba), e quatro salinidades de ?gua (0, 2, 4 e 6?), ambos experimentos com distribui??o inteiramente casualizada e dura??o de dez dias. As vari?veis avaliadas: biomassa, sobreviv?ncia, comprimento total, peso final e taxa de crescimento espec?fico foram mensurados ao final dos experimentos. J? os par?metros de qualidade de ?gua, temperatura, oxig?nio, pH e condutividade el?trica foram aferidos a cada tr?s dias. O alimento larva de curimba resultou em maior sobreviv?ncia (47,2%) e biomassa total (2,5g) do que os demais tipos, que foram similares entre si. J? os demais par?metros - peso, comprimento e a taxa de crescimento espec?fico n?o diferiram entre si, quando as larvas foram alimentadas com os diversos tipos de alimentos. As larvas submetidas ?s salinidades apresentaram melhores resultados, sendo que as cultivadas sob 2? diferiram (P<0,05) das cultivadas a 0?, apresentando maiores sobreviv?ncia (52,5 contra 6,6%) e biomassa total (0,49 contra 0,23g). Portanto, recomenda-se a utiliza??o de larvas de Prochilodus sp. (curimba) como primeiro alimento vivo e a salinidade da ?gua de 2?, caso utilize-se Artemia sp. como alimento. Na segunda etapa, ap?s a determina??o do alimento e salinidade adequados, realizaram-se mais dois experimentos, que consistiram em determinar o momento ideal de se realizar a transi??o alimentar (a partir do 3?, 5? e 7? dia de vida, com tr?s dias de coalimenta??o com larva de curimba), e avaliar n?veis de inclus?o de protease ex?gena (0, 0,02 e 0,2%) na dieta de larvas de piabanha-do-Pardo Brycon sp., ambos experimentos com distribui??o inteiramente casualizada e dura??o de quinze e dezessete dias, respectivamente. Foram avaliadas as mesmas vari?veis da primeira etapa experimental. Os diferentes per?odos de transi??o alimentar e n?veis de protease ex?gena n?o interferiram nos par?metros de qualidade da ?gua. Os animais que foram submetidos ? transi??o alimentar no 7? dia de vida apresentaram melhores resultados para comprimento (23,1 mm), peso (110,9 mg) e TCE (25,5 %), sendo similares em biomassa e sobreviv?ncia aos do 5? dia de transi??o. Portanto, a transi??o pode ser realizada no 5? dia de vida. Os n?veis de inclus?o de protease ex?gena na ra??o comercial n?o influenciaram no desempenho dos animais. Verificou-se que as vari?veis analisadas s?o importantes para otimiza??o da larvicultura, sendo de fundamental import?ncia a utiliza??o de alimento vivo na dieta de larvas de piabanha-do-Pardo Brycon sp., assim como a realiza??o da coalimenta??o. Entretanto, mais estudos s?o necess?rios sobre a utiliza??o de enzimas ex?genas na dieta desses animais. / Disserta??o (Mestrado) ? Programa de P?s-Gradua??o em Zootecnia, Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri, 2011. / ABSTRACT Due to the feeding is a critical point in the larviculture of piabanha-do-Pardo Brycon sp. There were conducted four experiments in two stages in the fish culture station of the Machado Mineiro hydroelectric, in the Red Water city-MG, for adequacy of feeding management of native species. In the first step we evaluated six diets: Artemia sp., plankton, ration, ration + Artemia sp., ration + plankton, Prochilodus sp. Larvae (curimba) and the four water salinities (0, 2, 4 and 6?), both fully randomized experiments with distribution and duration of ten days. The evaluated variables: biomass, survival, total length, final weight and specific growth rate were measured at the end of the experiments. Since the parameters of water quality, temperature, oxygen, pH and electrical conductivity were measured every three days. The curimba larvae food resulted in higher survival (47.2%) and total biomass (2.5 g) than other types, which were similar. As for the other parameters, weight, length and specific growth rate did not differ for larvae fed with different types of food. Larvae subjected to salinity showed the best results, and those grown in 2?, differed (p<0.05) of cultivated at 0?, showing higher survival (52.5 compared with 6.6%) and total biomass (0.49 against 0.23 g). Therefore we recommend the used of larvae of Prochilodus sp. (curimba) as the first live food and water salinity 2?, if it considered to use the Artemia sp. as food. In the second step, after determining the appropriate food and salinity, there was held over two experiments. These consisted of determining the ideal time to make the dietary transition (from 3, 5 and 7 days of life, three days of feed training with curimba larvae), and assess inclusion levels of exogenous protease (0, 0, 02 and 0.2%) in the diet of the piabanha-do-Pardo Brycon sp. larvae, both fully randomized experiments with distribution of fifteen and seventeen days, respectively. There were assessed the same variables of the first experimental stage. The different transition periods and levels of dietary exogenous protease did not interfere with water quality parameters. The animals that were subjected to solid foods on the 7th day of life showed better results for length (23.1mm), weight (110.9mg) and TCE (25.5%), being similar in biomass and survival considering the 5th day of transition. Therefore, the transition can be performed on the 5th day of life. The inclusion levels of exogenous protease in the commercial diet had no effect in animal performance. It was found that the variables are important for optimizing the hatchery, showing fundamental importance the use of live food in the diet of larvae piabanha-do-Pardo Brycon sp., as well as the realization of co-feeding. However, more studies are needed on the use of exogenous enzymes in the diet of these animals.

Enterococos são bactérias que exercem um papel muito importante na produção de vários alimentos fermentados e também podem ser usadas como probióticos. A presença e o crescimento de enterococcos em alimentos fermentados como queijos e lingüiças conferem a esses produtos características organolépticas únicas. Em contrapartida, sua presença nos alimentos também está associada com falta de higiene durante a manipulação. Estes microrganismos também estão relacionados com o desenvolvimento de algumas doenças, como endocardites, septicemia, infecções do trato geniturinário, entre outras. A presença de características de virulência aumenta o potencial de infecção do microrganismo e a severidade da doença a ele relacionada. Com o objetivo de avaliar possíveis modificações fenotípicas e genotípicas de amostras de enterococos isoladas de frango, durante a subcultura destas cepas no laboratório, várias análises foram realizadas como: a presença dos fatores de virulência; proteína de superfície (esp) e gelatinase (gelE), do operon fsr-regulador do gelE, a expressão fenotípica do gelE, a capacidade de formação de biofilme e a resistência a antimicrobianos, desinfetantes e antisépticos. Quarenta isolados de Enterococcus sp. foram avaliados quanto a presença dos genes gelE, esp, operon-fsr, sprE por PCR, a atividade gelatinolítica por testes bioquímicos convencionais, resistência a antimicrobianos, antisépticos e desinfetantes por antibiograma e formação de biofilme pelo método cristal violeta. Todos os testes foram realizados na 1º geração e na 12º geração das cepas. 85% dos isolados produziram gelatinase e em 92,5% dos isolados o gene gelE estava presente na 1º geração. A análise do fsr-operon destes isolados do primeiro cultivo demonstrou que o gene fsrA estava presente em 35 isolados e o fsrC em 37 isolados e a presença destes genes pareceu não ter correlação com a atividade gelationolítica. O gene fsrB estava presente em todos os isolados (35) que apresentaram atividade gelatinolítica sugerindo que a presença deste gene é importante na expressão desta enzima. Após o subcultivo, apenas um isolado perdeu a atividade gelatinolítica e 15 perderam o gene gelE. Doze isolados perderam pelo menos um gene do fsr-operon durante a subcultura, porém nenhum destes perdeu a capacidade de expressar a enzima gelatinase talvez devido à presença do gene fsrB. O gene sprE foi detectado em 34 isolados na primeira geração e na 12º geração em apenas 20 isolados. O gene da proteína de superfície de Enterococcos (Esp), não foi encontrado em nenhum dos isolados. O antibiograma do isolados no primeiro cultivo demonstrou que 100% dos isolados foram sensíveis a ampicilina e a gentamicina, 95% sensíveis a vancomicina, 85% a ciprofloxacina, 5% a tetraciclina, 65% a eritromicina e 52,5% a cloranfenicol tanto na 1º quanto na 12º geração. Após a subcultura a susceptibilidade dos isolados aumentou a eritromicina (67,5%) e ao cloranfenicol (80%). Quanto ao perfil de resistência aos detergentes e anti-sépticos de uso comercial, todos os isolados apresentaram fenótipo de resistentes ao linear alquilbenzeno sulfonato (LAS) e ao triclosan durante a subcultura. Todos isolados foram suscetíveis ao formaldeído, mas se tornaram resistentes ao 8,5% hipoclorito de sódio e a clorexidina durante a subcultura. Em geral, todos os isolados foram formadores de biofilme e a produção de gelatinase parece ser necessária para esta formação. O perfil genético não pareceu ter relação com a formação de biofilme. Tanto o perfil genotípico quanto o fenotípico pode sofrer alterações durante a subcultura das cepas no laboratório. / Enterococci are bacteria that have a very important role in the production of various fermented foods and can also be used as probiotics. The presence and growth of enterococci in fermented foods like cheese and sausages bring to these products unique organoleptic characteristics. However, their presence in foods is also associated with lack of hygiene during handling. These microorganisms are also related to the development of some diseases such as endocarditis, septicemia, genitourinary infections, among others. The presence of virulence characteristics increases the potential infection of the organism and severity of disease related to it. The aim of the present study is analyze the possible changes of phenotypic and genotypic of enterococci isolated from chicken, during the subculture of the strains in the laboratory, the presence of virulence factors: enterococcal surface protein (esp) and gelatinase (gelE), operon-fsr gelE regulator, gelE phenotypic expression, the ability of biofilm formation and antibiotic, disinfectant and antiseptic resistance were determined in samples of enterococci isolated from chicken. The presence of gelE, esp operon-fsr and sprE genes were evaluated by PCR, gelatinase activity were observed by conventional biochemical tests, antibiotics resistance, antiseptics and disinfectants resistance were analyzed by standard disk diffusion method and biofilm formation were detected following the crystal violet staining method in forty enterococci isolates from chicken. All tests were performed in the 1st generation and 12th generation. 85% of the isolates produced gelatinase and in 92.5% of the isolated the gelE gene was present in the 1st generation. The analysis of operon-fsr in the 1st generation of these isolates showed that the fsrA gene was present in 35 isolates and fsrC gene was present in 37 isolates and the presence of these genes seemed to have no correlation with the gelatinase activity. The fsrB gene was present in all isolates (35) with gelatinase activity suggesting that the presence of this gene is important in the expression of this enzyme. After subculture, only one isolate lost the gelatinase activity and 15 isolates lost the gelE gene. Twelve isolates lost at least one gene of the operon-fsr during laboratory subculture, but none of these isolates lost the ability to express the enzyme gelatinase probably due the presence of the fsrB gene. The sprE gene was detected in 34 isolates in the 1st generation and in 12th generation only 20 isolates maintained this gene. The protein surface of enterococci gene (Esp), was not found in any isolate. The antibiogram of the isolates showed that 100% of the isolates were susceptible to ampicillin and gentamicin, 95% susceptible to vancomycin, 85% to ciprofloxacin, tetracycline 5%, 65% to erythromycin and 52.5% to chloramphenicol in the 1st generation. After subculture the susceptibility of isolates to erythromycin (67.5%) and chloramphenicol (80%) increased. As the profile of resistance to detergents and antiseptics for commercial use, all isolates showed resistance phenotype of the linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (LAS) and triclosan during subculture. All isolates were susceptible to formaldehyde, but became resistant to 8.5% sodium hypochlorite and chlorhexidine during the subculture. In general, all isolates were biofilm formers. Gelatinase production appears to be required for biofilme formation. The genetic profile did not appear to have relation with the formation of biofilms. Genotypic and the phenotypic profile may change during the subculture of the strains in the laboratory.

This diploma thesis confronts specific features of English language teaching in private language schools. The theoretical section of this study is concerned with the distinction between general purpose English (GPE) and English for specific purposes (ESP), types of courses, education and qualification structure of employees, management of this type of school, syllabi, and those who are responsible for making them. The practical section is focused on analysis of questionnaires and interviews I have conducted with the directors of private language schools. The research objective was to assess the specific factors affecting the process, quality control and English language instruction at this school.

Enterococos são bactérias que exercem um papel muito importante na produção de vários alimentos fermentados e também podem ser usadas como probióticos. A presença e o crescimento de enterococcos em alimentos fermentados como queijos e lingüiças conferem a esses produtos características organolépticas únicas. Em contrapartida, sua presença nos alimentos também está associada com falta de higiene durante a manipulação. Estes microrganismos também estão relacionados com o desenvolvimento de algumas doenças, como endocardites, septicemia, infecções do trato geniturinário, entre outras. A presença de características de virulência aumenta o potencial de infecção do microrganismo e a severidade da doença a ele relacionada. Com o objetivo de avaliar possíveis modificações fenotípicas e genotípicas de amostras de enterococos isoladas de frango, durante a subcultura destas cepas no laboratório, várias análises foram realizadas como: a presença dos fatores de virulência; proteína de superfície (esp) e gelatinase (gelE), do operon fsr-regulador do gelE, a expressão fenotípica do gelE, a capacidade de formação de biofilme e a resistência a antimicrobianos, desinfetantes e antisépticos. Quarenta isolados de Enterococcus sp. foram avaliados quanto a presença dos genes gelE, esp, operon-fsr, sprE por PCR, a atividade gelatinolítica por testes bioquímicos convencionais, resistência a antimicrobianos, antisépticos e desinfetantes por antibiograma e formação de biofilme pelo método cristal violeta. Todos os testes foram realizados na 1º geração e na 12º geração das cepas. 85% dos isolados produziram gelatinase e em 92,5% dos isolados o gene gelE estava presente na 1º geração. A análise do fsr-operon destes isolados do primeiro cultivo demonstrou que o gene fsrA estava presente em 35 isolados e o fsrC em 37 isolados e a presença destes genes pareceu não ter correlação com a atividade gelationolítica. O gene fsrB estava presente em todos os isolados (35) que apresentaram atividade gelatinolítica sugerindo que a presença deste gene é importante na expressão desta enzima. Após o subcultivo, apenas um isolado perdeu a atividade gelatinolítica e 15 perderam o gene gelE. Doze isolados perderam pelo menos um gene do fsr-operon durante a subcultura, porém nenhum destes perdeu a capacidade de expressar a enzima gelatinase talvez devido à presença do gene fsrB. O gene sprE foi detectado em 34 isolados na primeira geração e na 12º geração em apenas 20 isolados. O gene da proteína de superfície de Enterococcos (Esp), não foi encontrado em nenhum dos isolados. O antibiograma do isolados no primeiro cultivo demonstrou que 100% dos isolados foram sensíveis a ampicilina e a gentamicina, 95% sensíveis a vancomicina, 85% a ciprofloxacina, 5% a tetraciclina, 65% a eritromicina e 52,5% a cloranfenicol tanto na 1º quanto na 12º geração. Após a subcultura a susceptibilidade dos isolados aumentou a eritromicina (67,5%) e ao cloranfenicol (80%). Quanto ao perfil de resistência aos detergentes e anti-sépticos de uso comercial, todos os isolados apresentaram fenótipo de resistentes ao linear alquilbenzeno sulfonato (LAS) e ao triclosan durante a subcultura. Todos isolados foram suscetíveis ao formaldeído, mas se tornaram resistentes ao 8,5% hipoclorito de sódio e a clorexidina durante a subcultura. Em geral, todos os isolados foram formadores de biofilme e a produção de gelatinase parece ser necessária para esta formação. O perfil genético não pareceu ter relação com a formação de biofilme. Tanto o perfil genotípico quanto o fenotípico pode sofrer alterações durante a subcultura das cepas no laboratório. / Enterococci are bacteria that have a very important role in the production of various fermented foods and can also be used as probiotics. The presence and growth of enterococci in fermented foods like cheese and sausages bring to these products unique organoleptic characteristics. However, their presence in foods is also associated with lack of hygiene during handling. These microorganisms are also related to the development of some diseases such as endocarditis, septicemia, genitourinary infections, among others. The presence of virulence characteristics increases the potential infection of the organism and severity of disease related to it. The aim of the present study is analyze the possible changes of phenotypic and genotypic of enterococci isolated from chicken, during the subculture of the strains in the laboratory, the presence of virulence factors: enterococcal surface protein (esp) and gelatinase (gelE), operon-fsr gelE regulator, gelE phenotypic expression, the ability of biofilm formation and antibiotic, disinfectant and antiseptic resistance were determined in samples of enterococci isolated from chicken. The presence of gelE, esp operon-fsr and sprE genes were evaluated by PCR, gelatinase activity were observed by conventional biochemical tests, antibiotics resistance, antiseptics and disinfectants resistance were analyzed by standard disk diffusion method and biofilm formation were detected following the crystal violet staining method in forty enterococci isolates from chicken. All tests were performed in the 1st generation and 12th generation. 85% of the isolates produced gelatinase and in 92.5% of the isolated the gelE gene was present in the 1st generation. The analysis of operon-fsr in the 1st generation of these isolates showed that the fsrA gene was present in 35 isolates and fsrC gene was present in 37 isolates and the presence of these genes seemed to have no correlation with the gelatinase activity. The fsrB gene was present in all isolates (35) with gelatinase activity suggesting that the presence of this gene is important in the expression of this enzyme. After subculture, only one isolate lost the gelatinase activity and 15 isolates lost the gelE gene. Twelve isolates lost at least one gene of the operon-fsr during laboratory subculture, but none of these isolates lost the ability to express the enzyme gelatinase probably due the presence of the fsrB gene. The sprE gene was detected in 34 isolates in the 1st generation and in 12th generation only 20 isolates maintained this gene. The protein surface of enterococci gene (Esp), was not found in any isolate. The antibiogram of the isolates showed that 100% of the isolates were susceptible to ampicillin and gentamicin, 95% susceptible to vancomycin, 85% to ciprofloxacin, tetracycline 5%, 65% to erythromycin and 52.5% to chloramphenicol in the 1st generation. After subculture the susceptibility of isolates to erythromycin (67.5%) and chloramphenicol (80%) increased. As the profile of resistance to detergents and antiseptics for commercial use, all isolates showed resistance phenotype of the linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (LAS) and triclosan during subculture. All isolates were susceptible to formaldehyde, but became resistant to 8.5% sodium hypochlorite and chlorhexidine during the subculture. In general, all isolates were biofilm formers. Gelatinase production appears to be required for biofilme formation. The genetic profile did not appear to have relation with the formation of biofilms. Genotypic and the phenotypic profile may change during the subculture of the strains in the laboratory.

Enterococos são bactérias que exercem um papel muito importante na produção de vários alimentos fermentados e também podem ser usadas como probióticos. A presença e o crescimento de enterococcos em alimentos fermentados como queijos e lingüiças conferem a esses produtos características organolépticas únicas. Em contrapartida, sua presença nos alimentos também está associada com falta de higiene durante a manipulação. Estes microrganismos também estão relacionados com o desenvolvimento de algumas doenças, como endocardites, septicemia, infecções do trato geniturinário, entre outras. A presença de características de virulência aumenta o potencial de infecção do microrganismo e a severidade da doença a ele relacionada. Com o objetivo de avaliar possíveis modificações fenotípicas e genotípicas de amostras de enterococos isoladas de frango, durante a subcultura destas cepas no laboratório, várias análises foram realizadas como: a presença dos fatores de virulência; proteína de superfície (esp) e gelatinase (gelE), do operon fsr-regulador do gelE, a expressão fenotípica do gelE, a capacidade de formação de biofilme e a resistência a antimicrobianos, desinfetantes e antisépticos. Quarenta isolados de Enterococcus sp. foram avaliados quanto a presença dos genes gelE, esp, operon-fsr, sprE por PCR, a atividade gelatinolítica por testes bioquímicos convencionais, resistência a antimicrobianos, antisépticos e desinfetantes por antibiograma e formação de biofilme pelo método cristal violeta. Todos os testes foram realizados na 1º geração e na 12º geração das cepas. 85% dos isolados produziram gelatinase e em 92,5% dos isolados o gene gelE estava presente na 1º geração. A análise do fsr-operon destes isolados do primeiro cultivo demonstrou que o gene fsrA estava presente em 35 isolados e o fsrC em 37 isolados e a presença destes genes pareceu não ter correlação com a atividade gelationolítica. O gene fsrB estava presente em todos os isolados (35) que apresentaram atividade gelatinolítica sugerindo que a presença deste gene é importante na expressão desta enzima. Após o subcultivo, apenas um isolado perdeu a atividade gelatinolítica e 15 perderam o gene gelE. Doze isolados perderam pelo menos um gene do fsr-operon durante a subcultura, porém nenhum destes perdeu a capacidade de expressar a enzima gelatinase talvez devido à presença do gene fsrB. O gene sprE foi detectado em 34 isolados na primeira geração e na 12º geração em apenas 20 isolados. O gene da proteína de superfície de Enterococcos (Esp), não foi encontrado em nenhum dos isolados. O antibiograma do isolados no primeiro cultivo demonstrou que 100% dos isolados foram sensíveis a ampicilina e a gentamicina, 95% sensíveis a vancomicina, 85% a ciprofloxacina, 5% a tetraciclina, 65% a eritromicina e 52,5% a cloranfenicol tanto na 1º quanto na 12º geração. Após a subcultura a susceptibilidade dos isolados aumentou a eritromicina (67,5%) e ao cloranfenicol (80%). Quanto ao perfil de resistência aos detergentes e anti-sépticos de uso comercial, todos os isolados apresentaram fenótipo de resistentes ao linear alquilbenzeno sulfonato (LAS) e ao triclosan durante a subcultura. Todos isolados foram suscetíveis ao formaldeído, mas se tornaram resistentes ao 8,5% hipoclorito de sódio e a clorexidina durante a subcultura. Em geral, todos os isolados foram formadores de biofilme e a produção de gelatinase parece ser necessária para esta formação. O perfil genético não pareceu ter relação com a formação de biofilme. Tanto o perfil genotípico quanto o fenotípico pode sofrer alterações durante a subcultura das cepas no laboratório. / Enterococci are bacteria that have a very important role in the production of various fermented foods and can also be used as probiotics. The presence and growth of enterococci in fermented foods like cheese and sausages bring to these products unique organoleptic characteristics. However, their presence in foods is also associated with lack of hygiene during handling. These microorganisms are also related to the development of some diseases such as endocarditis, septicemia, genitourinary infections, among others. The presence of virulence characteristics increases the potential infection of the organism and severity of disease related to it. The aim of the present study is analyze the possible changes of phenotypic and genotypic of enterococci isolated from chicken, during the subculture of the strains in the laboratory, the presence of virulence factors: enterococcal surface protein (esp) and gelatinase (gelE), operon-fsr gelE regulator, gelE phenotypic expression, the ability of biofilm formation and antibiotic, disinfectant and antiseptic resistance were determined in samples of enterococci isolated from chicken. The presence of gelE, esp operon-fsr and sprE genes were evaluated by PCR, gelatinase activity were observed by conventional biochemical tests, antibiotics resistance, antiseptics and disinfectants resistance were analyzed by standard disk diffusion method and biofilm formation were detected following the crystal violet staining method in forty enterococci isolates from chicken. All tests were performed in the 1st generation and 12th generation. 85% of the isolates produced gelatinase and in 92.5% of the isolated the gelE gene was present in the 1st generation. The analysis of operon-fsr in the 1st generation of these isolates showed that the fsrA gene was present in 35 isolates and fsrC gene was present in 37 isolates and the presence of these genes seemed to have no correlation with the gelatinase activity. The fsrB gene was present in all isolates (35) with gelatinase activity suggesting that the presence of this gene is important in the expression of this enzyme. After subculture, only one isolate lost the gelatinase activity and 15 isolates lost the gelE gene. Twelve isolates lost at least one gene of the operon-fsr during laboratory subculture, but none of these isolates lost the ability to express the enzyme gelatinase probably due the presence of the fsrB gene. The sprE gene was detected in 34 isolates in the 1st generation and in 12th generation only 20 isolates maintained this gene. The protein surface of enterococci gene (Esp), was not found in any isolate. The antibiogram of the isolates showed that 100% of the isolates were susceptible to ampicillin and gentamicin, 95% susceptible to vancomycin, 85% to ciprofloxacin, tetracycline 5%, 65% to erythromycin and 52.5% to chloramphenicol in the 1st generation. After subculture the susceptibility of isolates to erythromycin (67.5%) and chloramphenicol (80%) increased. As the profile of resistance to detergents and antiseptics for commercial use, all isolates showed resistance phenotype of the linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (LAS) and triclosan during subculture. All isolates were susceptible to formaldehyde, but became resistant to 8.5% sodium hypochlorite and chlorhexidine during the subculture. In general, all isolates were biofilm formers. Gelatinase production appears to be required for biofilme formation. The genetic profile did not appear to have relation with the formation of biofilms. Genotypic and the phenotypic profile may change during the subculture of the strains in the laboratory.

För att åstadkomma samarbete mellan agenter i dataspel har utvecklare under lång tid använt sig av traditionella AI-tekniker såsom skriptning och tillståndsmaskiner. Dessa tekniker har dock ett flertal problem som gör att alternativa tekniker där samarbete istället evolveras fram blir intressanta att studera. I detta arbete har effekterna av egenskaperna begränsade synfält, brusig indata samt hinder på evolution av samarbete med en sådan teknik, Multi-Component ESP, utvärderats. En experimentmiljö utvecklades baserad på samarbetsproblemet CMOMMT. I denna miljö utfördes sedan fem olika experiment där respektive egenskap först testades enskilt och sedan alla tre i kombination. Resultaten av dessa visade att ingen av egenskaperna enskilt har någon effekt men däremot att kombinationen av alla egenskaper har en stark negativ effekt på evolutionen. Eventuella framtida inriktningar inkluderar att undersöka vilken kombination av två egenskaper som bidragit mest till detta resultat samt hur egenskapernas effekter kan variera mellan olika problemdomäner.

Parapsychological research, including the examination of the anomalous process termed ‘psi’, is highly controversial, with the existence of psi not accepted by mainstream science. The aim of this thesis was to study one aspect of psi, extrasensory perception (ESP), to examine whether evidence for ESP could be obtained or whether ostensibly extrasensory experiences can be attributed to purely psychological processes. Three studies are reported. The first obtained reports of spontaneous cases of ostensible ESP from 94 participants, using an online survey. Participants described their experience and responded to a series of questions regarding the aftermath of their experience and their reasoning for a paranormal interpretation. Results demonstrated several patterns that replicated earlier findings, including the predominance of female percipients, serious events, and close relationships between the percipient and target person. Negative emotions were common, including shock and confusion, particularly at the point of ostensible confirmation of the experience; the most common long-term response was an increase in paranormal belief, although some participants were relatively unaffected. Approximately two-thirds of participants had considered viable normal explanations for their experience, including coincidence and expectation of likely outcomes. Paranormal explanations were commonly attributed to the lack of a viable normal explanation, the striking coincidence between the experience and event, or the unusual nature of the experience. Many cases were weak evidentially; findings overall suggest that many ostensibly extrasensory experiences may have non-psi explanations. Two subsequent studies examined ESP in laboratory conditions, using the ganzfeld paradigm. Based on findings from spontaneous case research and previous laboratory studies, it was examined whether success was related to the emotional bond between pairs of participants, or to their sexes. The first study employed 30 pairs of participants, each taking part once as sender and once as receiver. Picture postcards were used as targets, and an emotional connectedness scale was used to assess pairing closeness. Direct hits and binary hits were above mean chance expectation (MCE); both were non-significant, although binary hitting was only marginally so. Results were suggestive of improved performance for closer pairings and mixed-sex pairings, but were non-significant. The second study was a partial replication, with 40 pairs of participants and using video clips as targets. EEG recordings were taken from the frontal midline (Fz) site of both participants. Approximately half of senders experienced stroboscopic stimulation at 6Hz throughout the trial in an attempt to drive theta rhythms associated with a hypnagogic state, mirroring the state expected in receivers due to ganzfeld stimulation. Direct hits were at MCE, while binary hits were non-significantly above MCE; binary hitting across the two studies was significant. There was no effect of pairing closeness or sexes on success, and hitting was not associated with any EEG features or with strobe usage. Overall, laboratory findings appeared promising in terms of significant binary hitting but continued a trend of inconsistency within and between ganzfeld ESP studies. This inconsistency, together with the many weakly evidential spontaneous cases collected, point more strongly to a psychological interpretation of ostensibly extrasensory experiences, rather than the elusive psi.

The purpose of this thesis is to evaluate the level of economic and trade cooperation between the EU and Azerbaijan starting from the beginning of its formation. I have used SWOT analysis tool to show different aspects which influence current level and further possibilities for cooperation. The study finds that, the EU is presently a major investor and trade partner of Azerbaijan. Up to latest time, the main factor of cooperation was the country's energy resources. However, later Azerbaijan has enlarged its participation by enrollment in the EU Eastern Partnership agreement and European Neighborhood Policy (ENP) and is currently closely working with the EU in a number of areas. Azerbaijan is seeking for the membership in the WTO which can potentially facilitate trade flows between the two parties and bring the country closer to the European market.