In spite of Sweden´s lack of formal regions, the country is evolving towards regional administrations. The regional level are to a growing extent viewed as important bases for economic growth and development. The concept of the triple helix implies that interaction between the public sector, the industry and universities is a source to economic and social development. Research has though implied that the interaction between the triple helix actors could be problematic from a multi-level governance perspective. It has been shown that since the institutional setting is horizontal and vertical fragmented, cooperation between different institutions and actors becomes difficult. In year 2005-2006 the Värmland region was one of fourteen regions in twelve countries that was included in a OECD project, that was a response to the multiplicity of initiatives across the OECD countries concerning regional development. In the report that evolved from the project actors in Värmland was recommended to improve the cooperation concerning regional development in the county. This thesis investigates the cooperation between the triple helix actors for regional growth and development in the Värmland region 1998-2008. My research questions are: Is there evidence of a lack of cooperation between the university, the public sector and the industrial actors in Värmland? And if this is the case, could these problems be related to the fragmentation of the institutional setting? The thesis is a qualitative case study, conducted through elite-interviews and document analysis. My findings implies that the cooperation between the triple helix actors in Värmland has developed dramatically the last decade. From a strive for coordination that was pervaded by institutional fragmentation to an increased closeness and mutual involvement that has come to over-bridge the institutional fragmentation on the regional level. Although, it seems like the vertical fragmentation between the regional and national level, which could impede growth and development in the region, to a great degree remains.

L'évaluation des produits phytopharmaceutiques, leur mise sur le marché et la surveillance des résidus de pesticides dans les aliments sont harmonisés au niveau européen. Les estimations des expositions alimentaires a posteriori réalisées en Europe sont cependant incomplètes au regard du nombre de denrées et de pesticides évalués, et les données de consommation utilisées sont souvent anciennes. L’amélioration des connaissances sur les risques alimentaires liés aux pesticides constitue l’un des enjeux majeurs de santé publique. L’objectif de cette thèse est de construire un système national de surveillance a posteriori des expositions et des risques alimentaires afin de guider (1) d’une part les gestionnaires du risque dans le cadre de l’élaboration de leurs programmes de surveillance et des mesures préventives et correctives ; (2) d’autre part les évaluateurs du risque dans l’orientation des travaux de recherche et d’expertise en métrologie, expologie et toxicologie. Ce système de surveillance comprend deux outils complémentaires : (1) une méthode d’appréciation quantitative du risque dite « globale » basée sur quatre indicateurs chroniques et aigus actualisés annuellement à partir des résultats des derniers plans de surveillance et des limites maximales de résidus ; (2) des études pluriannuelles dites études de l’alimentation totale (EAT) dont la première EAT française sur les pesticides. Ces deux approches sont basées sur les données de l’étude individuelle et nationale des consommations alimentaires Inca 2 de l’Anses. La méthode globale annuelle intègre une échelle de priorités ayant permis de hiérarchiser les risques pour 519 pesticides. Les niveaux d’exposition estimés dans l’EAT2 sont globalement plus réalistes que ceux issus de la méthode annuelle. Cependant, les deux outils n’ont pas permis initialement d’affiner suffisamment l’évaluation pour certains pesticides. Par conséquent, la méthode a été ajustée afin de mieux gérer les résultats d’analyse censurés. Après ajustement, 14% des pesticides sont identifiés comme prioritaires en termes d’évaluation et/ou de gestion du risque (niveaux 2 à 6), compte tenu de dépassements des valeurs toxicologiques de référence. A partir des couples prioritaires pesticide/denrée, un plan d’échantillonnage est défini pour les prochains plans de surveillance. Des mesures de gestion correctives et une intensification des contrôles à la production et à la distribution sont recommandés pour 11 pesticides de niveau de risque maximal (niveau 6) en lien avec 16 couples pesticide/denrée. Au final, ce système national est plus complet et plus adapté à la population française que l’évaluation communautaire annuelle. Les résultats obtenus sont par ailleurs cohérents avec ceux de la première étude nationale de biosurveillance sur les pesticides. Enfin, la méthode globale annuelle intégrera les évolutions méthodologiques communautaires récentes pour l’évaluation des risques cumulés. / The evaluation of plant protection products, their marketing and the monitoring of pesticide residues in food are harmonized in the European Union. Nevertheless, the assessment of dietary exposure at post-regulation level is incomplete due to the small number of foods and pesticides taken into account. In addition, consumption data are often obsolete. Improving knowledge on the dietary risk of pesticide residues is one of the major challenges to public health. The aim of this thesis is to build a national system for the ex post monitoring of dietary exposure and risk to the general population in order to guide (1) risk managers in the development of their monitoring programmes and preventive and corrective measures; (2) risk assessors in guiding research and expertise in metrology, exposure assessment and toxicology. This monitoring system includes two complementary tools: (1) an annual method of quantitative risk assessment based on four chronic and acute indicators updated each year and based on the results of the latest monitoring plans and maximum residue levels; (2) multi-year total diet studies (TDS), including the first TDS on pesticide residues (TDS2). These two approaches are based on the results of ANSES’s INCA2 individual and national consumption survey. This annual method includes a 6-level risk scale that enables the prioritization of risk for 519 pesticides. The exposure levels estimated in TDS2 are in general more realistic than those of the annual method. However, for certain pesticides it was not possible to sufficiently refine exposure levels using these two tools. Consequently, the annual method was adjusted to improve management of left-censored analytical results. After adjustment, 14% of pesticides were identified as a priority in terms of risk assessment and/or risk management (levels 2 to 6), given that they exceeded the toxicological reference values. Based on priority pesticide/foodstuff pairs, a sampling plan has been established for subsequent monitoring programmes. Corrective management measures and intensified controls of production and distribution are recommended for 11 pesticides scored at maximal risk level (level 6) in association with 16 pesticide/foodstuff pairs. In the end, this national system is more comprehensive and better suited to the French population than the annual EU assessment. The results are also consistent with those of the first national biomonitoring study on pesticides. The annual method will also incorporate recent European methodological developments for cumulative risk assessment.

This thesis charts the developments that have occurred in the field of managerial education specifically from the perspective of the current trends in educational programmes both in the Czech Republic as well as abroad. The theoretical section of the thesis consists of a pilot study aimed at the demand for educational and developmental programmes amongst a selected research sample of managers and also at an analysis of the supply offered by a sample of educational organisations located in the City of Prague. Based on the information that was gathered, certain conclusions were drawn and recommendations made for modifying the study programmes offered by the Faculty of Management of the University of Economics.

Inscrite dans le champ de l'émergence de la littératie, cette étude vise à démontrer comment le soutien à la famille quant à l'exploitation quotidienne de la littérature d'enfance peut être en relation avec le niveau de développement de la structure de récit des enfants de trois ans. Dans cette optique, deux objectifs spécifiques sont poursuivis. - Le premier : promouvoir un modèle d'intervention de lecture interactive dans lequel la discussion et les échanges entre l'enfant et son parent sont présents. - Le deuxième : mesurer l'évolution du niveau de structuration du récit dans un contexte de lecture interactive, de jeunes enfants âgés de trois ans, en se référant à un groupe témoin d'enfants du même âge qui ne sont pas exposés systématiquement à ce modèle d'intervention. Pour ce faire, cette recherche présente une étude qualitative et descriptive qui met en relief les niveaux initiaux et finaux de dix enfants, et ce, dans le but d'évaluer l'efficacité de l'intervention parentale en fonction de l'évolution des enfants. Au début de l'étude, les enfants étaient âgés de 3; 1:27 ans et à la fin de l'étude, de 3; 6:9 ans. Les résultats obtenus suggèrent une relation positive entre les habiletés des enfants à construire un rappel de récit et l'exposition de ces derniers à un modèle de lecture interactive dans lequel la discussion et les échanges sont valorisés et soutenus par les parents. Ainsi, le modèle de lecture interactive proposé semble permettre le développement des habiletés à inférer inhérentes aux macroprocessus qui servent la construction de sens en lecture. Ce constat incite à porter une attention particulière au soutien à apporter aux familles dans le cadre de divers programmes de prévention et de sensibilisation en regard de la lecture pour les enfants d'âge préscolaire.

Tableau d’honneur de la Faculté des études supérieures et postdoctorales, 2016-2017 / Cette étude explore l'impact d'un examen final collégial aux enjeux critiques sur les pratiques d'enseignement et les perceptions des participants appartenant au programme d’Arts et lettres au Québec. Le test analysé lors de cette recherche mesure simultanément les compétences des étudiants en trois ou quatre langues (anglais, français, allemand et espagnol) en utilisant des techniques d'évaluation communes. L'étude a été menée dans un cégep anglophone et un francophone de la Ville de Québec. Des données ont été recueillies auprès de 67 étudiants et de sept enseignants en ayant recours à la méthode mixte séquentielle exploratoire comme modèle de recherche. D’ailleurs, nous avons utilisée plusieurs instruments de collecte (des entrevues avec les enseignants, des observations en classe, des analyses de documents et des questionnaires pour les enseignants et les étudiants) afin de collecter toutes les données de cette étude. Les résultats des analyses quantitatives (analyse multivariée, ANOVA) et qualitatives des données montrent que les tâches du test exercent une influence évidente sur le choix des activités menées en classe par les enseignants. Alors que le contenu (les connaissances littéraires ou générales) et le format (individuel ou collectif) des tâches de l’examen sont influencés par les cours du programme. Les conclusions indiquent une relation bidirectionnelle, la plupart du temps positive, entre les tâches de ce test aux enjeux critiques et le contenu des cours du programme. Les résultats montrent en outre que cette relation bidirectionnelle repose en partie sur la compréhension profonde que les enseignants ont des compétences promues par les cours des différents programmes, ainsi que sur leur connaissance des techniques d'évaluation qui mesurent le mieux ces compétences. L'implication de ces résultats pour les étudiants et le système éducatif est discutée. / This study explores the impact of a high-stakes college exit test on the teaching practices and perceptions of the stakeholders in the program of Arts and Humanities in Quebec. The test under investigation simultaneously measures test takers’ abilities in three or four languages (English, French, German and Spanish) using common evaluation techniques. The study was conducted in two major Anglophone and Francophone colleges in Quebec City. Adopting an exploratory sequential mixed-methods research design, data was gathered from 67 test takers and seven teachers using multiple instruments (teacher interviews, classroom observations, document analysis and teacher and student questionnaires). The results of the quantitative (multivariate analysis, ANOVA) and qualitative analysis of data show that the test tasks clearly influence the choice of classroom activities done by teachers; while the content (literary or general knowledge) and the format (individual or group) of the test tasks are influenced by the program courses. The findings point to a bidirectional and, for the most part, positive relationship between the high-stakes test tasks and the content of the program courses. The findings further show that this bidirectional relationship is driven in part by the teachers’ deep understanding of the competences promoted by the different program courses, as well as their familiarity with the evaluation techniques that best measure such competences. The implication of these results for the test takers and the educational system is discussed.

Suicide and suicidal attempts have increased over the years and the phenomenon is rapidly increasing countrywide. The rate in increase has not been happe•ning only internationally, but has unsettlingly noted to be rising in South Africa, too. Suicidal attempt has become one of the biggest social problems amongst the youths, and a problem that society has to grapple with. According to the media and statistics presented, the youth engage with destructive behavior and attempted suicide is rampant amongst Black adolescents. The young person imitates his peers and is constantly under pressure to do as the group does. Thus conformity and acceptance are the core words. The adolescent attempts suicide to solve problems. Various reasons are given for suicidal attempts and the youth names amongst others family problems, academic issues, relationship problems and so forth. In the attempt to take own life. different methods are used to commit suicide which range from overdosage, especially amongst females, to ingestion of harmful substances like bleach (clothes detergent) and hair products. Amongst males, more drastic actions in method of attempting suicide are used like hanging, gunshot and jumping from high places like bridges and buildings. There are also instances of self-inflicted burning (immolation) in some cases. Black youths have been found in recent years to engage in suicide and suicidal tendencies, whereas in previous years the tendency was almost non-existent. This calls for an investigation in Black adolescents' way of life and specifically in what their needs are. The latter is drawn from the profile presented; a task which was not easy as there exist little or no literature in this regard. This study should thus be seen as a precursor for further and more comprehensive and exclusive research especially on the social functioning of Blacks and their communities, in general. The results should be used to have sustainable school programmes aimed at the youth in general, but specifically those at risk and displaying destructive behaviour. / PhD (Social Work), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

Exposure of employees to traumatic experiences in the workplace is a reality that many organisations face. Although not every person exposed to a traumatic experience will necessarily develop post-traumatic stress, the workplace still has a responsibility to assist individuals to deal with psychological reactions after a traumatic experience. The South African Police Service (SAPS) is one such organisation, where employees run a particularly high risk of being exposed to traumatic experiences while performing their tasks. In order to help employees of the SAPS to debrief their trauma, trauma counsellors are necessary. Within the SAPS, trauma counsellors are trained in an adapted version of Mitchell’s Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) model, with the underlying focus to establish a sense of safety for the police official. The trauma counsellors in the SAPS are trained by means of an experiential learning experience, where journaling is utilised to capture personal experiences during the training. The objective of the study was therefore to explore the experience of counsellors during a trauma counselling training programme. A qualitative research design was utilised following a phenomenology approach. The social constructivism paradigm was also utilised in this research study. Trauma counsellors (N=12) in the SAPS were used as case study for this research, where a purposive homogeneous non-probability sampling technique was implemented. The journal entries made by the participants during the nine day training programme were used as a data collection method. Four categories were extracted from the data, namely, thoughts regarding trauma counsellor’s experiences, emotion experiences of counsellors, the impact of daily experiences on counsellors and the participants’ view on how their competence of efficiency would change in the future. The results showed that the training programme was an effective strategy to train the counsellors. The counsellors showed increased self-awareness and self-insight after the training. The participants gained insight and understanding of how police officials experience trauma. The findings showed that the participants felt empowered and more confident to assist police officials with their trauma recovery. In relation to their training, counsellors made recommendations for the future training of trauma counsellors within the SAPS. Finally, recommendations were made for future research as well as the implications of the study for the industrial psychology practise. / MCom (Industrial Psychology), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015

Suicide and suicidal attempts have increased over the years and the phenomenon is rapidly increasing countrywide. The rate in increase has not been happe•ning only internationally, but has unsettlingly noted to be rising in South Africa, too. Suicidal attempt has become one of the biggest social problems amongst the youths, and a problem that society has to grapple with. According to the media and statistics presented, the youth engage with destructive behavior and attempted suicide is rampant amongst Black adolescents. The young person imitates his peers and is constantly under pressure to do as the group does. Thus conformity and acceptance are the core words. The adolescent attempts suicide to solve problems. Various reasons are given for suicidal attempts and the youth names amongst others family problems, academic issues, relationship problems and so forth. In the attempt to take own life. different methods are used to commit suicide which range from overdosage, especially amongst females, to ingestion of harmful substances like bleach (clothes detergent) and hair products. Amongst males, more drastic actions in method of attempting suicide are used like hanging, gunshot and jumping from high places like bridges and buildings. There are also instances of self-inflicted burning (immolation) in some cases. Black youths have been found in recent years to engage in suicide and suicidal tendencies, whereas in previous years the tendency was almost non-existent. This calls for an investigation in Black adolescents' way of life and specifically in what their needs are. The latter is drawn from the profile presented; a task which was not easy as there exist little or no literature in this regard. This study should thus be seen as a precursor for further and more comprehensive and exclusive research especially on the social functioning of Blacks and their communities, in general. The results should be used to have sustainable school programmes aimed at the youth in general, but specifically those at risk and displaying destructive behaviour. / PhD (Social Work), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

Exposure of employees to traumatic experiences in the workplace is a reality that many organisations face. Although not every person exposed to a traumatic experience will necessarily develop post-traumatic stress, the workplace still has a responsibility to assist individuals to deal with psychological reactions after a traumatic experience. The South African Police Service (SAPS) is one such organisation, where employees run a particularly high risk of being exposed to traumatic experiences while performing their tasks. In order to help employees of the SAPS to debrief their trauma, trauma counsellors are necessary. Within the SAPS, trauma counsellors are trained in an adapted version of Mitchell’s Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) model, with the underlying focus to establish a sense of safety for the police official. The trauma counsellors in the SAPS are trained by means of an experiential learning experience, where journaling is utilised to capture personal experiences during the training. The objective of the study was therefore to explore the experience of counsellors during a trauma counselling training programme. A qualitative research design was utilised following a phenomenology approach. The social constructivism paradigm was also utilised in this research study. Trauma counsellors (N=12) in the SAPS were used as case study for this research, where a purposive homogeneous non-probability sampling technique was implemented. The journal entries made by the participants during the nine day training programme were used as a data collection method. Four categories were extracted from the data, namely, thoughts regarding trauma counsellor’s experiences, emotion experiences of counsellors, the impact of daily experiences on counsellors and the participants’ view on how their competence of efficiency would change in the future. The results showed that the training programme was an effective strategy to train the counsellors. The counsellors showed increased self-awareness and self-insight after the training. The participants gained insight and understanding of how police officials experience trauma. The findings showed that the participants felt empowered and more confident to assist police officials with their trauma recovery. In relation to their training, counsellors made recommendations for the future training of trauma counsellors within the SAPS. Finally, recommendations were made for future research as well as the implications of the study for the industrial psychology practise. / MCom (Industrial Psychology), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015

The research is done within the diocese of Kanyakumari of the Church of South India. It examines the viability of the following training programmes to socio-political factors: the Church Workers Theological Training Programme, the Sunday School Programme, the Vacation Bible School Programme, the parish-based training programmes - for example retreats and workshops, the Women’s Fellowship Programme, the Christian Endeavour Programme, the Programme of Communication and Revival as well as that of the Student Christian Movement of India, and the Union of Evangelical Students of India. The practitioners of these programmes felt the need for guide-lines to transform their programmes to be more relevant to their socio-political contexts. Hence the present qualitative-oriented research was undertaken. The preliminary interviews and reading of the related literature enabled the researcher to identify some promoted theories, regarding the relationship between the socio-political factors and the programmes; this assisted him to set up a questionnaire for semistructured interviews. A sample for interviews was chosen with the help of the organisers of the programmes. A pilot study was conducted using the questionnaire, which led to the semi-structured interviews. The respondents narrated their experiences and reflections related to the socio-political factors. The information was organised, scrutinised, and the findings were recorded under six different pointers, which enabled the researcher to exhibit and explain the connections between the training programmes and the sociopolitical factors. Then the findings were evaluated, using the puzzle-solving method. Consequently, some guidelines were devised. These guide-lines indicate the limitations and the possibilities in making a socially-oriented training programme more vibrant and viable to its socio-political factors. Moreover, they highlight the possibilities for the existing pietistic-oriented programmes to become more relevant to the context. They also guide the practitioners to construct alternative approaches in training that are more relevant. The research is a small incentive to the emerging cooperation among the practitioners of the various training programmes in CSI Kanyakumari diocese. It will hopefully encourage them to join hands with people of other faiths and Non Governmental organisations in facilitating the social transformation in India today. Proposals are made for further related research work. / Practical Theology / (D.Th. (Practical Theology))