Verticillium wilt is a serious disease in a wide range of economic crops worldwide. Verticillium wilt of potato is caused, primarily, by the fungus Verticillium dahliae. Disease management requires understanding of V. dahliae pathogenesis and interactions with potato, which was the main objective of this study. A differential potato-V. dahliae pathosystem was established where pathogenicity of four V. dahliae isolates with different levels of aggressiveness was evaluated on two potato cultivars, Kennebec (susceptible) and Ranger Russet (moderately resistant). External and internal symptoms and growth measurements revealed that isolates Vd1396-9 and Vs06-14 are highly and weakly aggressive, respectively. These two isolates were selected for transcriptomics and proteomics investigations to identify pathogenicity-related factors. Transciptomics analysis was conducted in both isolates after elicitation by root extracts from either Kennebec or Ranger Russet using a combinational approach involving subtractive hybridization and cDNA-AFLP. A total of 573 differentially expressed transcripts were detected in one or the other isolate. Among them, 185 transcripts of interest were recovered, re-amplified, sequenced and searched against NCBI and the Broad Institute V. dahliae genome databases for identification. The two contrasting-aggressiveness isolates were used for a comparative proteomics investigation. The first proteomic map of V. dahliae was established. The proteomics analysis was carried out using 2-Dimentional electrophoresis and mass spectrometry. Twenty five proteins were differentially expressed and identified in one or the other isolate. Many of the identified genes/proteins showed potential involvement in pathogenesis of V. dahliae or other fungi. Genes of stress response regulator A (oxidative stress tolerance factor), isochorismatase hydrolase (potential plant defense suppressor) and tetrahydroxynaphthalene reductase (involved in melanin and microsclerotia formation) were isolated from both isolates and cloned. Sequence analysis of these genes showed many differences that may explain their differential expression in the two isolates. Given that some of the identified genes/proteins are potentially involved in overcoming and suppressing plant defense, phenolics were profiled in Kennebec-inoculated with Vd1396-9 or Vs06-14 isolate. Chlorogenic, caffeic, ferulic acids, cis-jasmone and rutin accumulation showed variations after inoculation. The results obtained from this study will help understanding the V. dahliae-potato interactions and develop efficient strategies to control Verticillium wilt disease.

Este estudo tem por objetivo analisar o conceito de vacinação contra influenza (VCI) em idosos. A análise do conceito, segundo Rodgers (2000) permite definir o conceito, identificar seus atributos essenciais, os eventos antecedentes, conseqüentes e fatores relacionados, bem como, os avanços e dificuldades na adesão dos idosos a essa vacina. Integrado a essa análise a revisão integrativa da literatura (Whittemore e Knafl, 2005), identifica o problema, adesão dos idosos à vacinação contra influenza, que orienta a coleta dos dados na literatura, cuja amostra é avaliada quanto à sua qualidade, e submetida à análise e apresentação dos resultados pertinentes ao conceito em questão. A busca nas bases de dados LILACS, PUBMED e Biblioteca Cochrane, originou 40 artigos que foram eleitos para este estudo. Os atributos da VCI em idosos são explicitados pela periodicidade anual e tipos de vírus que a compõe, que estão atrelados aos atributos dos idosos, evidenciados pela idade (grupo etário), sexo, raça e etnia, grupo de risco, suscetibilidade e vulnerabilidade à influenza e imunossenescência. Como eventos antecedentes à VCI constam: aumento da morbidade e moratalidade, surtos, epidemias ligados à influenza e probabilidade de ocorrer nova pandemia; presença de co-morbidades; percepção da severidade da influenza; fatores sócio-econômicos e demográficos; percepção da própria saúde; conhecimentos, crenças, atitudes frente à VCI; informações e experiência prévia com a VCI e/ou influenza; estado vacinal; intenção de vacinar; consulta médica recente; acesso ao serviço de saúde; e não recomendação dessa vacina pelo profissional da saúde. Dentre os eventos conseqüentes da VCI destacam-se o aumento das taxas de cobertura vacinal; ampliação das metas a alcançar na VCI; redução das taxas de morbidade e moratalidade em idosos; eficácia e efetividade da VCI e eventos adversos. Os fatores relacionados são referidos pelas campanhas anuais da VCI, recomendação da VCI (por profissionais da saúde, mídia e familiares e amigos), uso de protocolos, monitoramento do vírus influenza e conscientização profissional sobre a importância da recomendação da VCI. Destacam-se entre os elementos fortemente associados à adesão da VCI os idosos com mais de 65 anos, presença de co-morbidades (hipertensão e diabetes), informações corretas sobre a VCI, facilidade de acesso e uso dos serviços de saúde, consultas médicas recentes, VCI prévia, aumento da morbidade e mortalidade causada pela influenza e suas complicações. Entre as barreiras que comprometem a aceitação da VCI constam o medo dos eventos adversos e a não recomendação dessa vacina pelo profissional da saúde. Apesar das taxas de cobertura vacinal contra influenza estarem aumentando nos últimos anos, ainda estão aquém da meta preconizada pela OMS para 2010: vacinar 75% dos idosos. Acredita-se que investir em ações educativas para fortalecer a responsabilização dos profissionais e usuários dos serviços públicos de saúde, possa influenciar na adesão de idosos à VCI, e avançar em políticas públicas com estratégias destinadas à promoção da saúde e prevenção de doenças na população idosa, em franco crescimento no mundo atual. / This study aimed to analyze the concept of vaccination against influenza (VCI) in elderly people. Rodgers (2000) concept analysis permits to define the concept, identify its essential attributes, previous and consequent events, and the related factors, as well as the advances and difficulties in the adherence of elderly people to this vaccination. The integrative literature review (Whittemore and Knafl, 2005) identifies the problem, adherence of elderly people to vaccination against influenza, which orients data collection in literature. The sample was assessed regarding its quality and subject to analysis and presentation of results pertinent to the concept at issue. Searches in LILACS, PUBMED and Cochrane Library resulted in 40 articles elected to this study. The VCI attributes in elderly people are expressed by the annual periodicity and types of viruses that form it, which are related to the attributes of elderly people, evidenced by age (age group), gender, race and ethnic group, risk group, susceptibility and vulnerability to influenza and immunosenescence. Previous events to VCI were: increase in morbidity and mortality, outbreaks, epidemics related to influenza and probability of new pandemic; presence of co-morbidities; perception of influenzas severity; socioeconomic and demographic factors; perception of own health; knowledge, beliefs and attitudes regarding VCI; previous information and experience with VCI and/or influenza; immunization status; intention to vaccinate; recent medical appointment; access to health services; and non-recommendation of this vaccine by health professionals. Among the events resulting from VCI, the increase of immunization coverage rates; increase of goals targeted in VCI; reduction of morbidity and mortality rates in elderly people; efficacy and effectiveness of VCI and adverse events are highlighted. The related factors are referred by annual VCI campaigns, recommendation of VCI (by health professionals, media, relatives and friends), use of protocols, monitoring of the influenza virus and professional awareness about the importance and recommendation of VCI. Elements strongly associated to adherence to VCI are elderly people with more than 65 years of age, the presence of co-morbidities (hypertension and diabetes), correct information about VCI, access facility to health services, recent medical appointments, previous VCI, increase in morbidity and mortality caused by influenza and its complications. Among the barriers that compromise the acceptance of VCI are the fear of adverse events and the non-recommendation of the vaccine by health professionals. Despite the increase of immunization coverage rates against influenza in the last years, they are still below the target recommended by the WHO (World Health Organization) for 2010: to vaccinate 75% of the elderly. It is believed investing in educational actions to strengthen the responsibility of professionals and users of public health services can influence the adherence of elderly people to VCI. It can also permit advances in public policies with strategies targeting health promotion and the prevention of diseases in the elderly population, which is increasing worldwide.

Dagens socialtjänst kännetecknas av att ha hög personalomsättning som resulterat i olika arbetsrelaterade problem, såsom hög arbetsbelastning, stress och otillräckliga resurser. Denna studie syftar till att undersöka och kvantifiera de arbetsmiljörelaterade faktorer som, i störst utsträckning, leder till att socialsekreterare inom Stockholms socialtjänst stannar kvar på sina arbetsplatser. Studiens datainsamlingsmetod består av en enkät som totalt fick 35 respondenter. Slutsatserna visade en randordning mellan de arbetsmiljörelaterade faktorerna, där de personliga egenskaperna hos socialsekreterarna visade sig vara de starkaste/viktigaste faktorn till att socialsekreterarna stannar på sina arbetsplatser. Stöd och handledning var den näst starkaste faktorn som hade en större betydelse för socialsekreterarna inom området barn och unga. Återhämtning och självkännedom var den tredje starkaste faktorn. Stimulans och utveckling var den fjärde starkaste faktorn som hade en större betydelse för socialsekreterare som hade längre anställningstid. Den svagaste faktorn för socialsekreterarna i denna studie var kall och drivkrafter. / Sweden’s social services are today characterized by having high staff turnover which has resulted in various work-related problems, such as high workload, stress and insufficient resources. This study aims to investigate and quantify the work environment-related factors that, to the greatest extent, lead to the social secretaries staying at their workplaces within Stockholm's social services. The study's data collection method consisted of a survey that received a total of 35 respondents. The conclusions showed a certain hierarchy between the work environment-related factors, where the personal characteristics of the social secretaries turned out to be the strongest / most important factor in keeping them at their workplace. Support and supervision were the second strongest factor that had certain significance for the social secretaries in the field of child-welfare. Recovery and self-awareness were the third strongest factor. Stimulation and development was the fourth strongest factor that had certain significance for social secretaries that had longer periods of employment. The weakest factor for the social secretaries in this study was call and driving forces.

In the ever changing business climate, the service sector has become a major focus of attention. One key aspect of this competitive environment is the effort of many businesses to differentiate themselves by creating unique customer experiences that accompany their products and services. The challenge to creating memorable consumer experiences is the proper identification of specific characteristics that influence experiences and gaining better understanding of how these impact consumers perceived values. To this end, this study attempted to develop a model that identifies influencing dimensions of consumer experiences and investigates the composition of consumer experiences and the relative outcome on consumer's perceived values in a hospitality setting. To facilitate this research objective, a model was presented which proposed that consumer experiences are composed of both physical and human interaction characteristics. The consumer's perspective of these characteristics, and hence the actual service experience, are affected by situational factors and individual characteristic which in return impact perceived emotive and cognitive values. A set of propositions are presented based on the model and literature review to measure the relationship between these factors. To initiate this research, an intercept survey approach was taken. Four hundred sixty-two (462) surveys were completed by hotel guests staying in one of three market segments in Orlando, FL. Participants completed the self-administered survey by answering questions concerning their current stay experience relating to physical environment, human encounters, trip-related factors, individual characteristics, and perceived values. Overall, the results found that trip-related factors and individual characteristics affect perceptions of physical environment and human interactions consumer experiences during their hotel stay. In addition, the results revealed that both physical environment and human interactions have significant and positive relationship with perceived values. These results can give lodging managers a better understanding of the composition of consumer experiences and how these events influence perceived values.

This thesis documents Phase III of a research program undertaken by the Virginia Transportation Research Council and the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute in cooperation with the 3M Company and the Virginia Department of Transportation for the evaluation of visual performance of retroreflective signs of various color combinations. Phase I was an off-road field experiment conducted to determine the best sign color combination, letter stroke width, and letter size for the emergency sign. Based upon the results of Phase I, three color combinations were chosen for testing (black on coral, black on light blue, and yellow on purple) against a baseline color combination of black on orange.Phase II was conducted using an instrumented vehicle through a construction zone-related detour. Questionnaire data were also obtained. The independent variables of interest were sign color combination, age, and visibility condition. The findings of Phase II indicated that use of a color combination other than the traditional black on orange sign would improve driver performance and safety when used for trailblazing during critical incidents, especially when the incident route overlaps a work zone detour. A serious limitation of Phases I and II is that the use of fluorescent colors was not evaluated. Anecdotal evidence suggests that the use of fluorescent colors on signs improves their conspicuity. The purpose of Phase III was to evaluate fluorescent sign color combinations for incident management trailblazing purposes. This study consisted of an on-road investigation using an instrumented vehicle over a 12.2-mile route in urban and rural areas of Montgomery County, Virginia. The following conclusions were made:*A non-fluorescent yellow on non-fluorescent purple sign is least preferred by both older and younger drivers when compared to the other sign color combinations employed in this study.*Both younger and older drivers have a preference for a black on fluorescent yellow-green sign.* Fewer late braking maneuvers and fewer turn errors were recorded during daytime conditions than during nighttime conditions. *Older drivers tended to register more late braking maneuvers than did younger drivers. / Master of Science

<p>The purpose of this study is to investigate teachers 'and students' understanding of why students finish school with incomplete scores and which resources they consider necessary for students to accomplish the goals that are set for the students. Owing to the reuse of pupils and teachers' experiences, this study will highlight significant qualitative aspects of work with students who finish school with incomplete high school grades. Hopefully, will this study be a support and information base in secondary school.</p><p>The material forming the basis for the report's theoretical assumptions and the basic assumption is based on Lev Vygotsky sociocultural perspective on learning that Olga Dysthe discuss and develop further in his book, <em>Dialog, samspel och lärande</em>.  The present work is based on qualitative research method. I selected this research method because I am interested in getting an understanding of the importance and significance of this research The study applied a qualitative interview format.</p><p>As a result of the investigation as it has appeared that students difficulties to achieve the goals,depends on several factors, mostly on the student's socio-economic and psychosocial situation they live in. The life situation of the students determines the learning and knowledge process and how they reach their goals. The study concludes that a better synergy between the various stages need to be improved, the necessary resources, teachers need to understand the course objectives and then enlighten them to the students. As a final point, more explicit syllabus is needed owing to the easiness of being interpretable. Having more straightforward syllabus, unfair judgment will be prevented.</p><p> </p>

The purpose of this study is to investigate teachers 'and students' understanding of why students finish school with incomplete scores and which resources they consider necessary for students to accomplish the goals that are set for the students. Owing to the reuse of pupils and teachers' experiences, this study will highlight significant qualitative aspects of work with students who finish school with incomplete high school grades. Hopefully, will this study be a support and information base in secondary school. The material forming the basis for the report's theoretical assumptions and the basic assumption is based on Lev Vygotsky sociocultural perspective on learning that Olga Dysthe discuss and develop further in his book, Dialog, samspel och lärande.  The present work is based on qualitative research method. I selected this research method because I am interested in getting an understanding of the importance and significance of this research The study applied a qualitative interview format. As a result of the investigation as it has appeared that students difficulties to achieve the goals,depends on several factors, mostly on the student's socio-economic and psychosocial situation they live in. The life situation of the students determines the learning and knowledge process and how they reach their goals. The study concludes that a better synergy between the various stages need to be improved, the necessary resources, teachers need to understand the course objectives and then enlighten them to the students. As a final point, more explicit syllabus is needed owing to the easiness of being interpretable. Having more straightforward syllabus, unfair judgment will be prevented.

Purpose – Employee turnover entails considerable costs and is a major problem for the construction industry. By creating an extensive framework, this study aims to examine whether perceived work-related factors affect turnover intention in South Korean construction companies. Research design – The paper is based on the results of a questionnaire of 136 employees that was conducted and provided by a Korean construction company. Research hypotheses were tested via correlation analyses. The most influencing work-related factors, as well as differences among job levels, were determined by multiple regression analyses. Findings – Communication, immediate leaders, organizational commitment, and organizational pride substantially affect turnover intentions. All of these factors can be considered as relational factors. The most influencing factors differ among job levels. Discussion/practical implications – Immediate leaders should be aware of their role in retaining employees and enhance communication, organizational commitment and pride. This study shows how the importance of certain variables differs for groups of employees. Theoretical implications/limitations– This study is based on a sample of employees from a Korean construction company. Therefore, the generalizability of the findings has to be tested. Future research should test the proposed framework with other factors or resources. Originality/value – This study shed light on the turnover subject in the South Korean construction industry. It shows that different factors can influence turnover intention among job levels. A framework was created, which is based on 16 work-related factors including organizational factors, HRM practices and job attitudes.

The impact of school factors on academic achievement has become an important focus for school social work and revealed the need for a comprehensive school social work model that allows for the identification of critical areas to apply social work services. This study was designed to develop and test a more comprehensive school social work model. Specifically, the relationship between cumulative grade point average (GPA) and the cumulative risk index (CRI) and an additive risk index (ARI) were tested and a comparison of the two models was presented. Over 20,000 abstracts were reviewed in order to create a list of factors which have been shown in previous research to impact academic achievement. These factors were divided into the broad domains of personal factors, family factors, peer factors, school factors, and neighborhood or community factors. Factors that were placed under the school domain were tested and those factors which met all three criteria were included in the overall model. Consistent with previous research, both the CRI and ARI were shown to be related to cumulative GPA. As the number of risk factors increased, GPA decreased. After a discussion of the results, a case was made for the use of an additive risk index approach fitting more with the current state of social work. In addition, selecting cutoff points for determining risk and non-risk students was accomplished using an ROC analysis. Finally, implications for school social work practice on the macro-, meso-, and micro- levels were discussed.

The study was based on the evaluation of specific business–related factors concerning small businesses in the formal sector. The purpose of this study was to gain a clear understanding of the current education level of employees in the small business industry. Income and business related costs applicable to small businesses and formal business support was also evaluated in terms of its availability to small businesses. By means of investigation it was possible to conclude to what extent small businesses contribute towards economic growth in South Africa. The South African government is definitely aware of the important role which small businesses play in economic growth and poverty reduction. Small businesses were analysed to determine the education level of both employees and business owners. The contribution which business owners made to training and development of their employees was also investigated. The income over a period of five years were analysed to determine the financial sustainability of the businesses. The impact of business related costs and the global economic recession were also investigated to determine the future sustainability of small businesses. The empirical research was conducted at a financial institution in Klerksdorp to assess the contribution which small businesses made towards economic growth and development. Small businesses' contribution towards education and training must be reconsidered as limited opportunities exist within small business for training. Small business owners cannot afford to send their employees away to obtain training and mainly make use of on–the–job training. SETAS must focus more on small businesses when it comes to training and alternative training methods must be reconsidered. The implementation of complex labour legislation and the minimum wages law make unskilled labour very expensive for small business owners. This must be reconsidered as small businesses cannot afford to employ additional employees. Formal business support available to small business owners were perceived not to be marketed very well although the lack of internet access may contribute to the limited knowledge in this regard. The South African government must reconsider its strategy to utilize small businesses to create jobs and to develop skills. / Thesis (M.B.A.)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.