FundaÃÃo Cearense de Apoio ao Desenvolvimento Cientifico e TecnolÃgico / Os diferentes solos e manejos culturais afetam o equilÃbrio entre solo e organismos endÃgenos, os quais, por sua vez afetam a sustentabilidade do solo. Desse modo acredita-se que a diversidade dos organismos do solo tenha uma relaÃÃo estreita com a diversidade de outros organismos, tanto na superfÃcie, quanto no prÃprio solo e que as interaÃÃes dessa diversidade microbiana possam levar a uma alteraÃÃo de funÃÃo reduzindo ou ampliando a sustentabilidade dos ecossistemas. InteraÃÃes mutualÃsticas sÃo muito comuns na natureza e desempenham importante papel em muitos processos de diversos ecossistemas. Desse modo, a identificaÃÃo dos padrÃes da estrutura espacial e abundÃncia de microrganismos à um elemento importante e, necessÃrio para identificar esse processo.AssociaÃÃes mutualÃsticas entre plantas e organismos do solo sÃo essenciais para a sobrevivÃncia e crescimento das plantas na maioria dos ecossistemas terrestres. Assim, o uso combinado de leguminosas e microrganismos na reabilitaÃÃo de solos deteriorados à um processo efetivo na reestabilizaÃÃo dos ciclos de nutrientes nesse sistema, pois a estrutura alimentar do solo pode afetar o desenvolvimento da vegetaÃÃo. O mutualismo entre rizÃbios e leguminosas à possÃvel de manipulaÃÃo experimental. Diferente de alguns mutualistas, rizÃbios podem crescer e ser cultivados em meios seletivos. AlÃm disso, seu comportamento mutualista dentro dos nÃdulos pode ser manipulado e monitorado de modo nÃo invasivo. objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a diversidade de estirpes nativas de rizÃbio e a relaÃÃo com algumas espÃcies de leguminosas arbÃreas nativas ocorrentes na Reserva Particular do PatrimÃnio Natural (RPPN) Serra das Almas (05 00â a 05 20â S e 40 48 a 41 12â W) no estado do Cearà (Brasil),em uma Ãrea de caatinga no municÃpio de CrateÃs-Ce, dista 390 Km de Fortaleza, entre cotas de 300 a 350 m de altitude, e que caracteriza-se pro apresentar clima semi Ãrido e pluviosidade mÃdia de 881 mm anuais distribuÃda de Janeiro a Abril. Foram identificadas oito espÃcies de leguminosas arbÃreas, que apresentaramassociaÃÃes com rizÃbios: Anadenanthera colubrina var. cebil (Griseb)Altschu (Angico), Bauhinia cheilantha (Bong.) Stend (MororÃ), Poincianella pyramidalis (Tul.) L.P. Queiroz (Catingueira), Erythrina velutina Willd. (Mulungu), Mimosa caesalpiniifolia Benth (SabiÃ), Minosa acustistipula (Mart.) Benth (Juremabranca), Mimosa tenuiflora (Willd.) Poir (Jurema-preta), Amburana Cearensis (AllemÃo) A.C. Smith (Emburana). Foram coletados nÃdulos e solo rizosfÃrico para a identificaÃÃo de bactÃrias diazotrÃficas, em dois perÃodos, na estaÃÃo chuvosa e na seca. Foi realizado o cultivo destes rizÃbios nas plantas-isca, Macropitillium atropurpureum (DC) Urban, Vigna unguiculata (L., Walp.), Cajanus cajan var. flavus DC e Mimosa pudica L, bem como a caracterizaÃÃo cultural caracterizaÃÃo cultural de estirpes de rizÃbio isolados, testes de tolerÃncia a nÃveis crescentes de NaCl e a altas temperaturas.Verificou-se que 92,42% dos isolados apresentara crescimento rÃpido e 52,24% acidificaram o meio 79. Um total de 84,93% isolados possuem tolerÃncia a altas temperaturas (45 C), e 90,75% isolados apresentaram tolerÃncia Ãs concentraÃÃes salinas a 5%.Os resultados obtidos demonstraram que hà relaÃÃo entre a tolerÃncia à salinidade e à temperatura quando avaliado in vitro para os isolados testados

Plants established next to other plants may have their performance positively or negatively affected by their neighbors, which characterizes interactions of facilitation and competiton, respectively. Facilitation and competition, however, may occur simultaneously and understanding which one predominates in pairwise interactions under different ecological contexts is important to comprehend the structure of plant communities. According to the stress-gradient hypothesis (SGH), facilitation is expected to prevail in more severe environments, but the outcome of interactions may change depending on features of interacting individuals, such as life form and ontogenetic stages. As harsh conditions and high diversity of plant life-forms are characteristic of coastal dunes, the amount of studies about plant interactions has been rapidly increasing in these ecosystems, with apparent divergent conclusions. However, until now, there is not a systematic and quantitative synthesis about the factors affecting the net outcome of facilitation and competition in these ecosystems. We conducted a meta-analysis to investigate the effects of environmental stress and the simultaneous influence of plant life form and ontogenetic stage on the outcome of facilitation and competition in coastal dunes around the world. We used four performance measures to estimate the outcome of interactions: abundance, survival, growth, and reproduction. Contrary to what was expected by SGH, we found that negative impacts of neighbors on plant reproduction increase towards more arid conditions, but this effect was not observed for other performance measures. Our results also indicate that woody neighbors facilitate the survival of woody seedlings and the reproduction of herbs, while herbaceous neighbors facilitate the growth of other herbaceous plants. Overall, the outcome of plant interactions in coastal dunes depends on the performance variable measured and on both environmental conditions and plant features, indicating an interaction between these factors. Such interaction and different mechanisms underlying facilitation and competition should be more investigated in the future. The global scale of our meta-analysis supports generalization of important processes of succession and conservation in coastal dunes. Benefits of woody neighbors to the survival of woody seedlings corroborate the concept of successional feedbacks in the beach-inland physiognomic gradient, and our results reinforce the use of nurse plants in coastal dunes as a valuable tool to restoration of these endangered ecoystems / Plantas estabelecidas nas proximidades de outras plantas podem ter sua performance afetada positiva ou negativamente por seus vizinhos, caracterizando, respectivamente, interações de facilitação e competição. Considerando que ambas as interações podem ocorrer de forma simultânea, compreender o predomínio de cada uma delas em diferentes contextos ecológicos é fundamental para o entendimento da estrutura de comunidades vegetais. De acordo com a hipótese do gradiente de estresse (HGE), a facilitação tende a predominar em ambientes mais severos, mas o balanço das interações depende ainda das características dos indivíduos envolvidos, como forma de vida e estágio ontogenético. Como condições ambientais severas e alta diversidade de formas de vida vegetais são características de planícies costeiras, o número de estudos investigando interações entre plantas tem aumentado rapidamente nesses ambientes, com conclusões aparentemente divergentes. No entanto, ainda não há uma síntese sistemática e quantitativa dos fatores que afetam o balanço entre facilitação e competição nesses ecossistemas. Nós realizamos uma meta-análise em escala global para investigar os efeitos do estresse ambiental e a influência simultânea da forma de vida e do estágio ontogenético das plantas sobre o balanço entre facilitação e competição em planícies costeiras. Utilizamos quatro variáveis de performance para estimar o balanço de interações: abundância, sobrevivência, crescimento e reprodução. Ao contrário do predito pela HGE, encontramos que impactos negativos de plantas vizinhas sobre a reprodução de outras plantas aumentam com a aridez do ambiente, mas que esse efeito não é observado para outras variáveis de performance. Nossos resultados também mostram que vizinhos lenhosos facilitam a sobrevivência de plântulas lenhosas e a reprodução de plantas herbáceas, enquanto vizinhos herbáceos facilitam o crescimento de outras herbáceas. De modo geral, o balanço das interações depende da variável de performance medida e tanto de condições ambientais quanto de características das plantas, indicando que esses fatores interagem. Tal interação e os diferentes mecanismos subjacentes à facilitação e à competição devem ser melhor investigados no futuro. A maior sobrevivência de plântulas lenhosas na presença de vizinhos lenhosos corrobora a ideia de retroalimentação positiva no processo sucessional que caracteriza o gradiente fisionômico da praia ao interior. Nossos resultados também reforçam o potencial do uso de plantas-berçários como ferramenta para restauração de planícies costeiras degradadas

Global change poses new threats for life in the oceans forcing marine organisms to respond through molecular acclimatory and adaptive strategies. Although bivalve molluscs are particularly tolerant and resilient to environmental stress, they must now face the challenge of more frequent and severe Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) episodes. These massive outbreaks of microalgae produce toxins that accumulate in the tissues of these filter-feeder organisms, causing changes in their gene expression profiles, which in turn modify their phenotype in order to maintain homeostasis. Such modifications in gene expression are modulated by epigenetic mechanisms elicited by specific environmental stimuli, laying the foundations for long-term adaptations. The present work aims to examine the links between environmental stress in bivalve molluscs (with especial emphasis on Harmful Algal Blooms) and specific epigenetic marks triggering responses through modifications in gene expression patterns. Overall, a better understanding of the molecular strategies underlying the conspicuous stress tolerance observed in bivalve molluscs will provide a framework for developing a new generation of biomonitoring strategies. In addition, this strategy will represent a valuable contribution to our knowledge in acclimatization, adaptation and survival. With that goal in mind, the present work has generated transcriptomic data using RNA-Seq and microarray technologies, facilitating the characterization and investigation of the epigenetic mechanisms used by the Mediterranean mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis during responses to HAB exposure. That information was made publicly available through a specialized online resource (the Chromevaloa Database, chromevaloa.com) assessing the response of chromatin-associated transcripts to Okadaic Acid. Specific epigenetic marks have been assessed under lab-controlled exposure experiments simulating the natural development of the HAB Florida Red Tide (FRT). Results demonstrate a role for the phosphorylation of histone H2A.X and DNA methylation in the response to FRT in the Eastern oyster Crassostrea virginica. Lastly, the study of co-expression networks based on RNA-Seq data series from the Pacific oyster Crassostrea gigas reveals dynamic transcriptomic patterns that vary with time, stressor and tissue. However, consistent functional profiles support the existence of a core response to general conditions of environmental stress. Such response involves metabolic and transport processes, response to oxidative stress and protein repair or disposal, as well as the activation of immune mechanisms supporting a tightly intertwined neuroendocrine-immune regulatory system in bivalves.

Die Kunststoffschweißverfahren Infrarot- und Vibrationsschweißen sind in der Serienfertigung etablierte Fügetechnologien. Sie sind durch eine wirtschaftliche und effiziente Prozessführung gekennzeichnet und sind verfahrenstechnisch prinzipiell zum Einsatz im Apparate-, Behälter- und Rohrleitungsbau geeignet. Aufgrund fehlender Erkenntnisse und Nachweise zum Zeitstandverhalten ist die Anwendung dieser Verfahren im Halbzeugbereich jedoch nur eingeschränkt möglich. Im Rahmen der Untersuchungen wurden das Vibrations- und Infrarotschweißen hinsichtlich ihres Potentials für Langzeitanwendungen mit dem konventionellen Halbzeugschweißverfahren Heizelementschweißen verglichen und erreichbare Zeitstandzug-Schweißfaktoren ermittelt. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass sowohl für das Vibrations- als auch Infrarotschweißen, in Abhängigkeit der Prozessparameter, Zeitstandzug-Schweißfaktoren von ca. 0,7 bis 0,9 erreicht werden. Darüber hinaus führen die Resultate dieser Arbeit zu einer Erweiterung der Wissensbasis über die Mechanismen des Zeitstandbruchverhaltens geschweißter Polyolefinhalbzeuge. Die für die Kurzzeitfestigkeit von Vibrations- und Infrarotschweiß-verbindungen vielfach nachgewiesene Prozess-Struktur-Eigenschaftskorrelation wurde für die Zeitstandfestigkeit erforscht und angewendet. / The infrared and vibration welding processes are joining technologies established in series fabrication. They are characterised by their economically viable and efficient process management and they are suitable for utilisation in apparatus, tank and pipeline construction. However, their application in the field of semi-finished procucts is restricted due to the lack of knowledge and proof in relation to the Environmental Stress Cracking (ESC). Within the framework of the research, the vibration and infrared welding processes were compared with the conventional welding process heated tool butt welding. Furthermore achievable tensile creep welding factors were determined. The results show achievable tensile creep welding factors from ca. 0.7 to 0.9 for the vibration welding process as well as for the infrared welding process dependent on their process parameters. Moreover, the knowledge base of the mechanisms of the failure behaviour of welded joints between semi-finished products undergoing ESC was extended. The process-structure-property correlation, which has been proven for the short-term strength of vibration and infrared welded joints many times, was investigated and applied for the long-term strength.

La qualité de présentation d'une pomme de terre de consommation, Solanum tuberosum L., commercialisée en produit frais est devenue une exigence et un enjeu économique significatif dans les relations commerciales. Compte tenu du mode de reproduction par voie végétative de cette espèce, ces exigences sont également imposées au tubercule de semence. Organe de réserve et de propagation, le tubercule est produit sous terre, ce qui l'expose aux microorganismes telluriques et le rend potentiellement porteur d'altérations superficielles dont l'origine n'est pas encore clairement identifiée pour certaines d'entre elles. L'objectif de ce travail est de recenser et de caractériser ces altérations superficielles du tubercule et d'en déterminer les causes. Après l'établissement d'une nomenclature et d'une classification consensuelles des défauts observables sur tubercule, deux hypothèses ont été formulées et testées: (1) les défauts sont d'origine pathogène et/ou (2) ils résultent d'une réponse de la plante à des stress environnementaux. L'évaluation de la première hypothèse a mené à l'identification d'une grande diversité de microorganismes vivant à la surface des tubercules altérés. Leur pouvoir pathogène a été testé par une série de tests biologiques. Ceux-ci ont permis de reproduire les défauts sur des tubercules néoformés et de vérifier les postulats de Koch pour le champignon Rhizoctonia solani responsable de la formation de sclérotes. Pour bon nombre d'autres défauts visuels, aucune relation claire entre un microorganisme et une altération n'a pu être établie. Une étude de la structure des communautés microbiennes de la géocaulosphère de tubercules, altérés ou non, a démontré que les communautés fongiques et bactériennes se comportaient selon des dynamiques différentes au cours de la culture et en fonction de l'état sanitaire du tubercule de semence mais aucune relation de causalité n'a pu être mise en évidence. Il a par contre été noté une augmentation de la population de R. solani autour des tubercules altérés. La diversité des isolats d’origine française et européenne associés aux altérations des tubercules a donc été caractérisée. Elle révèle l'existence de relations phylogénétiques indépendantes de l'origine géographique et du cultivar hôte et suggère l'existence de d'événements génétiques fréquents et d'un brassage génétique entre les populations de R. solani. Le test de la seconde hypothèse a consisté à rechercher une implication potentielle de différents facteurs abiotiques dans la formation des altérations superficielles. L'analyse d'une enquête menée auprès d'agriculteurs a mis en évidence l'implication du pH, de certaines pratiques culturales, de la sensibilité de cultivars et de conditions météorologiques particulières dans l'occurrence de certains défauts. Ce travail a permis de clarifier la nomenclature des altérations, de confirmer l'implication de R. solani dans l'apparition de certaines d'entre elles et d'envisager de nouvelles hypothèses quant à la formation de défauts suite à une réponse de la plante à un stress environnemental. Ainsi, une voie a été ouverte vers la résolution de la problématique posée par toute une filière professionnelle, responsable de la mise en marché d'un produit frais de grande consommation, et répondant aux exigences du marché en matière de présentation, qualité culinaire et, mode de production respectueux de l'environnement. / The visual quality of fresh potatoes, Solanum tuberosum, became a dominant criterion and a significative economical issue in potato market. According the vegetative reproduction of this species, requirements for visual quality are also needed for potato seed tubers. As an organ for reserve and propagation, the tuber grows underground and is in contact with soil-borne microorganisms, making it potentially exposed to blemishes, for the majority of which the origin is still unclear.The objective of this work is to make an inventory of those tuber blemishes, to characterize them and determine their causes. After the establishment of consensual nomenclature and classification of the blemishes, two hypotheses were formulated: (1) blemishes are due to pathogenic attacks and/or (2) they result from a response of the plants to environmental stresses. The assessment of the first hypothesis allowed identifying a wide diversity of microorganisms living on the blemished tuber surface. Their pathogenicity was tested by several biological assays that allowed producing blemishes on progeny tubers and fulfilling the Koch's postulates for the fungus Rhizoctonia solani causing sclerotia. For many other blemishes no clear relationship was established between a microorganism and a blemish. A study of the microbial structure of the geocaulosphere of tubers blemished or not, showed that bacterial and fungal communities adopted different dynamics during the growing season and according to the sanitary status of the seed tuber, but no causality link could have been drawn. On the other hand, an increase of R. solani population around blemished tubers was observed. The diversity of strains of R. solani originating from France and from Europe and associated to the blemished tubers was characterized. The phylogenetic relationships between the strains were independent of the geographical origin and of the host cultivar, thus the existence of frequent genetic events and genetic mixing between the populations of R. solani was suggested. Concerning the potential implication of different abiotic factors, a survey conducted with farmers showed the implication of soil pH, some cultural practices, including the choice of the susceptible cultivars and meteorological conditions on the occurrence of some blemishes. This work made clear the blemish nomenclature, confirmed the implication of R. solani in the occurrence of some blemishes and suggested new hypotheses concerning the occurrence of blemishes as a plant response to a stressful environment. Thus, a path was opened toward the resolution of the issue asked by all the potato community, responsible for the marketing of a mass consumption fresh product and answering to market requirements related to visual and culinary qualities and to environmental friendly modes of production.

This dissertation presents the results of an investigation of rural households’ ability to adapt to changing environmental and climatic conditions. It presents soil degradation arising from worsening soil erosion, leaching, depletion of nutrients due to years of uninterrupted cultivation and low levels of use of fertilizers; uncontrolled deforestation leading to loss of biodiversity; and climate variability seen through longer dry seasons as well as delayed and falling levels of precipitation as key issues leading to the vulnerability of households in Kakemega District in Western Province of Kenya. An enquiry has been made into the adaptation strategies of the rural households and a composite household adaptive capacity index (HACI) developed which is then used in hypothesis testing. Despite a situation laden with serious soil degradation and fears that credit taken by rural households often end up in low-return necessity-based enterprises or in consumption expenditure, the dissertation shows that the use of credit positively contributes to the HACI as does regular and optimal use of farm inputs. Diversification into non-agricultural activities, on-farm planting of trees and migration with remittances were some of the adaptation strategies observed among households with relatively high adaptive capacity indices while a secondary school level of education alongside the possession of non-land and non-livestock assets were key factors clearly associated with high adaptive capacity indices. Regarding adaptation decision making, the household head was observed to be the single most important actor in a process which was often characterized by authoritarianism. The household head’s level of information or awareness of environmental changes and open options proved to be important for adaptation. It was revealed that membership to groups and networks as well as government and NGO-activities were the most important factors in informing the household heads. Given small land sizes and a high incidence of other negative shocks, household heads tended to adopt and implement only tried and tested adaptation actions. During the study behind this dissertation, pioneers in the implementation of new strategies were observed to be better informed household heads or beneficiaries of incentives from the promoters of such strategies. Newer efforts aimed at the promotion of adaptability would therefore gain wider acceptance and adoption if preceded by a pilot phase carefully designed to include committed opinion shapers who would provide a demonstration effect.:Acknowledgment......................................................................................i Dedication................................................................................................ii Summary.................................................................................................iii Zusammenfassung (summary in the German language).........................iv List of Tables....................................................................................................vii List of Figures.........................................................................................ix List of Abbreviations...............................................................................xi 1.0 Introduction: Structure and Objectives.............................................1 1.1 Background.................................................................................5 1.2 Problem Statement.....................................................................7 1.3 Theoretical and Methodological Contribution..............................8 1.4 Objectives...................................................................................9 1.5 Research Questions..................................................................10 1.6 Hypothesis................................................................................10 1.7 Scope and Limitations of the Study...........................................11 1.8 Structure of the Dissertation.....................................................12 2.0 Environmental and Climate Change................................................13 2.1 Climate Change.........................................................................13 2.2 Environmental Changes............................................................15 2.3 Vulnerability..............................................................................22 2.4 Adaptation and Coping Strategies............................................32 2.5 Household Adaptability.............................................................40 3.0 Study Design and Setting................................................................57 3.1 Study Area................................................................................76 3.2 Sampling and Data Collection....................................................85 4.0 Rural Households and their Environment........................................87 4.1 General Descriptive Statistics....................................................87 4.2 Observed Vulnerability Causes and Coping Strategies.............92 4.3 Role of the Government............................................................98 5.0 Rural Household Adaptive Capacity...............................................101 5.1 HACI without External Sub-index................ ............................101 5.2 HACI including External Sub-index..........................................167 5.3 Hypothesis Testing..................................................................171 5.4 Towards Enhanced Adaptability: Factors and Strategies........180 6.0 Conclusion and Recommendations................................................185 7.0 Appendix.......................................................................................197 / In dieser Dissertation wurden ländliche Haushalte bezüglich ihrer Anpassungsfähigkeit an den Umwelt- und Klimawandel untersucht. Desweiteren geht die Dissertation unter anderen der Frage über Strategien nach, die von ländlichen Haushalten angesichts der Auswirkungen von Umweltproblemen eingesetzt werden. Die Feldforschung wurde unter den Haushalten im Kakamega Distrikt in Kenia getätigt. Eine Abnahme der Bodenproduktivität ist durch Erosion, einem Auslaugen und einer ununterbrochenen Kultivierung in Kakamega entstanden. Desweiteren führt eine unkontrollierte Abholzung mit resultierendem Verlust von heimischer Flora und Fauna sowie längeren Trockenperioden mit verspätetem Einsatz von Regenfällen und einer damit verbundenen Niederschlagsminimierung zu einer schwierigen Lebenssituation für die ländlichen Haushalte, die hauptsächlich durch Landwirtschaft ihre Existenz sichern. Diese Situation (gekennzeichnet durch Abholzung, Verlust der Artenvielfalt, Verminderung der Bodenqualität und unregelmäßige und wechselhafte Niederschlag) wird in dieser Arbeit als Umweltwandel (Environmental Change oder Environmental Stress) bezeichnet. Es konnte unter anderem als eines der Ergebnisse der Arbeit festgestellt werden, dass die ländlichen Haushalte aufgrund schlechten Bodens, unkontrollierten Abholzungen, längeren Trockenzeiten und sinkenden Niederschlagsmengen sehr anfällig sind. Durch den Einsatz des zusammengesetzten Haushalt-Anpassungsfähigkeitsindex (Household Adaptive Capacity Index = HACI), der im Rahmen dieser Dissertation entwickelt wurde, konnten die Bedenken gemindert werden, dass Kredite, die an ärmeren ländlichen Haushalten vergeben werden, oft für Notgründungen und Konsumausgaben eingesetzt werden. Es hat sich herauskristallisiert, dass die optimale und regelmäßige Nutzung von Düngemitteln sowie der Einsatz von Krediten, die HACI positiv beeinflusst. Als weitere Ergebnisse konnte beobachtet werden, dass Haushalte mit höheren Anpassungsfähigkeitsindexen Anpassungstrategien wie Diversifizierung in nicht-agra Aktivitäten, Aufforstung und Migration verwenden, und, dass ein Sekundarschulabschluss und der Besitz von Wirtschaftsgütern mit hohen Haushalt-Anpassungsfähigkeitsindexen assoziiert sind. Zum Anpassungsentscheidungspozess konnte festgestellt werden, dass Haushaltoberhäupter, die wichtigste Akteure sind. Entscheidungsweisen dieser Haushaltoberhäupten lassen oftmals autoritäre Züge erkennen. So entscheiden die Haushaltoberhäupter häufig auch, in welcher Art und Weise Haushalte sich anpassen dürfen. Von daher ist das Wissen des Haushaltoberhauptes über die herrschenden Umweltbedingungen und die offenen Strategien oder Handlungspielräume von Bedeutung. Die Feldforschung zeigte, dass die Zugehörigkeit zu einzelnen Gruppen sowie die Bemühungen von der Regierung und den Nichtregierungsorganisationen wichtig für die Erhöhung des Wissens von Haushaltoberhäupten sind. Da der durchschnittliche Haushaltgrundstückbesitz sinkt und andere negative Ereignisse wie Krankheit und Tod zunehmend Angst verbreiten, setzen Haushaltsoberhäupter häufig nur dann empfohlene Strategien zur Anpassung ein, wenn sie beispielsweise einen Erfolg bei einem Nachbar verzeichnen können. Oftmals werden Anpassungsstrategien auch bei finanziellen Anreizen, zum Beispiel von Förderern, umgesetzt. Es würden mit hoher Wahrscheinlichkeit mehr Anpassungstrategien von ländlichen Haushalten umgesetzt werden, wenn diese Strategien Pilotprojekte beinhalten würden, die Haushalten das Zusammenspiel von Anpassung und Ernteertrag präsentieren.:Acknowledgment......................................................................................i Dedication................................................................................................ii Summary.................................................................................................iii Zusammenfassung (summary in the German language).........................iv List of Tables....................................................................................................vii List of Figures.........................................................................................ix List of Abbreviations...............................................................................xi 1.0 Introduction: Structure and Objectives.............................................1 1.1 Background.................................................................................5 1.2 Problem Statement.....................................................................7 1.3 Theoretical and Methodological Contribution..............................8 1.4 Objectives...................................................................................9 1.5 Research Questions..................................................................10 1.6 Hypothesis................................................................................10 1.7 Scope and Limitations of the Study...........................................11 1.8 Structure of the Dissertation.....................................................12 2.0 Environmental and Climate Change................................................13 2.1 Climate Change.........................................................................13 2.2 Environmental Changes............................................................15 2.3 Vulnerability..............................................................................22 2.4 Adaptation and Coping Strategies............................................32 2.5 Household Adaptability.............................................................40 3.0 Study Design and Setting................................................................57 3.1 Study Area................................................................................76 3.2 Sampling and Data Collection....................................................85 4.0 Rural Households and their Environment........................................87 4.1 General Descriptive Statistics....................................................87 4.2 Observed Vulnerability Causes and Coping Strategies.............92 4.3 Role of the Government............................................................98 5.0 Rural Household Adaptive Capacity...............................................101 5.1 HACI without External Sub-index................ ............................101 5.2 HACI including External Sub-index..........................................167 5.3 Hypothesis Testing..................................................................171 5.4 Towards Enhanced Adaptability: Factors and Strategies........180 6.0 Conclusion and Recommendations................................................185 7.0 Appendix.......................................................................................197

Today, in the automotive industry, many of the interior parts in the car are made of ABS and PC/ABS polymeric blend. These materials are used in the areas for example: instrument panels, tunnel consoles and door panels. The extensive use of these materials means that it is important to gain in-depth knowledge about the materials,their properties; and also their behaviour when in contact with different chemicals andat different conditions.This study aims to address the potential problem of the polymers used in the interiorof the car - ABS and PC/ABS cracking due to environmental factors. This study proposes to introduce a low-cost test method to compare the polymeric materials and choose the best one for future purposes with the environmental circumstances in mind for materials to have a good service life.During the thesis project, ABS and PC/ABS samples were tested for environmental stress cracking to compare the strained materials against PEG 400 and an assemblyfluid chemical. These tests were conducted at three different temperature levels.Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) was used to verify the polymeric materialsthat the samples were made of. Optical microscope and FTIR were employed to analyzethe samples for crazes / cracks and degradation of material, respectively.This thesis helped in establishing a good starting point for ESC testing of different materials for the organization. The test method was used to test the failure of material sin ESC. It was observed that the chemicals used for the testing were aggressive and accelerated the cracking process in the materials rapidly. Another observation of the tests was that high strain also caused the materials to fail quickly. While comparing the materials, PC/ABS polymer blend was more resistant than ABS materials to cracking when exposed to same strain level during the creep rupture test (test in absence ofchemicals acting as a reference test for ESC).

No description available.

Lack of host-specific cell cultures necessitated initiation of primary cell cultures from ictalurid catfish. Cell cultures from the fin tissues of hybrid catfish ( channel catfish x blue catfish) were developed, characterized, and species of origin molecularly authenticated. Blue catfish alloherpesvirus (BCAHV) is an Ictalurid herpesvirus. When BCAHV was inoculated onto various fish cell lines from different families, the cytopathic effects were restricted to cell lines from family Ictaluridae indicating the host-specificity of virus. A virus challenge using channel, blue, and hybrid catfish indicated mortality due to BCAHV was significantly higher in blue and hybrid catfish. Crowding influenced BCAHV pathogenesis indicated by significantly higher mortality in highly stocked tanks. Host susceptibility to BCAHV differed with age. Temperature had a significant role in the activation and pathogenesis of BCAHV. The enhanced virulence of BCAHV in blue and hybrid catfish reveals its potential to be a significant pathogen in catfish culture.

No description available.