Dans le contexte de la transition agraire actuellement en cours en Indonésie, les paysages se transforment rapidement, généralement aux dépens de la forêt. En 2010, le district de Bungo présente une mosaïque paysagère, qui combine des vestiges de forêts à des agroforêts à hévéa et à durian, et à des plantations monospécifiques de palmier à huile et d’hévéa. Les agroforêts sont de plus en plus converties en plantations par les agriculteurs, dans l’espoir d’améliorer leurs revenus. Cette évolution repose sur l’implication de différentes catégories d’acteurs – population, gouvernements, secteur industriel – qui partagent un intérêt commun dans le développement économique du district. Cette thèse analyse en détails les dynamiques de conversion des agroforêts à hévéa en plantations monospécifiques de palmier à huile et d’hévéa. Une approche multiscalaire et transdisciplinaire a été suivie pour articuler les différentes échelles spatiales et sociales, du champ cultivé à la famille étendue, du village au district, et au contexte international. Les communautés locales souhaitent intensifier leurs pratiques agricoles, et participent volontairement et activement au développement des plantations monospécifiques, en particulier du palmier à huile. La conservation des forêts et des agroforêts dans l’intérêt général n’est pas une de leurs préoccupations, mais bien celle de la communauté internationale, représentée par des organisations non gouvernementales et des conventions internationales sur la préservation de l’environnement. / In the wider context of the agrarian transition in Indonesia, changes in landscapes are happening very quickly and generally at the expense of forested lands. In 2010, Bungo district presents a landscape mosaic, combining remnant forest patches to rubber and durian agroforests and monoculture plantations of oil palm and rubber. Agroforests are increasingly converted into monoculture plantations by farmers, in intend to enhance their income. This evolution rests on the investment of different categories of stakeholders – population, governments, industrial sector - who share a common interest in the economic development of the district. This thesis analyses in details the dynamics of rubber agroforests conversion to rubber and oil palm monoculture plantations. A multi-scale and transdiciplinary approach was used to articulate different spatial and social scales, from the cultivated plot to the extended family, from the village to the district, and to the broader international context. Local communities are willing to intensify their agricultural practices, and voluntarily participate in the development of monoculture plantations, in particular of oil palm. The conservation of forests and agroforests in not their concern, but one of the international community, represented by non governmental organizations and international conventions for the preservation of the environment.

The provision of accessible and usable health information is vital for making informed health decisions and embracing active and preventative health behaviours (such as reporting of symptoms, early screening and seeking medical help). Previous research in this area has focused on health-related information seeking behaviour and use of information by citizens of developed countries and within urban geographical locations. The common thread from existing research within the context of developing countries, particularly in Africa, is the need for health information to be provided in a way that considers the diverse cultural perspectives and characteristics of rural communities; regarding both the content and the design of health information services. Considering the cultural aspects is important. However, there is little or no work that has considered the provision of health information that is culturally and locally appropriate. This research aims to investigate the health information behaviour of men in rural Nigeria and explore the local sociocultural aspects that relate to the provision of prostate cancer information. The research extends the theoretical framework of Johnson’s Comprehensive Information Seeking model to include health-related information design heuristics that address aspects of cultural appropriateness within rural contexts and particularly within the setting of developing countries. A qualitative approach was adopted as it was considered appropriate for this research. The research utilised 35 semi-structured interviews and 5 focus group discussions with men (aged 35 or over) residing in rural areas of Nigeria. Participants shared their experiences with health-related information seeking and use, the barriers they encounter and the role that culture and rurality play in that process. Findings show that within rural Nigeria, culture and religion play a vital role in shaping the health information behaviour of men. There is a lack of knowledge about important health issues that affect men, such as prostate cancer. The study documents that internal, interpersonal sources and oral-based communication methods are preferred in rural communities. Based on the findings, a revised model of health information behaviour that extends the existing scholarly perspectives to include cultural context and information use component in rural communities in Nigeria was presented.

The cycling of arsenic in the marine photosynthetic plants and algae was examined by analysing total arsenic concentrations and arsenic species in selected marine photosynthetic organisms from the south-east coast, NSW, Australia. A range of elements required for metabolism in photosynthetic organisms were also analysed to determine if any relationship between these elements and arsenic concentrations occurred. Organisms were selected from salt marsh and mangrove ecosystems, marine inter-tidal and estuarine environments, and two species of marine phytoplankton cultured, to represent the different marine environments that primary producers inhabit. Organisms selected were compared to species within their own environment and then a comparison made between the varying ecosystems. In the salt marsh and mangrove ecosystems, the leaves of four species, the mangrove Avicennia marina, the samphire Sarcocornia quinqueflora, the seablight Suaeda australis, and the seagrass Posidonia australis were sampled from three locations from the south-east coast of NSW using nested sampling. Mean total arsenic concentrations (mean � sd) dry mass for all locations were A. marina (0.38 � 0.18 �g g-1 to 1.2 � 0.7 �g g-1), S. quinqueflora (0.13 � 0.06 �g g-1 to 0.46 � 0.22 �g g-1), S. australis (0.03 � 0.06 �g g-1 to 0.05 � 0.03 �g g-1)and P. australis (0.34 � 0.10 �g g-1 to 0.65 � 0.26 �g g-1). Arsenic concentrations were significantly different between species and locations but were consistently low compared to marine macroalgae species. Significant relationships between As and Fe concentrations for A. marina, S. quinqueflora and P. australis and negative relationship between As and Zn concentrations for S. quinqueflora could partially explain arsenic concentrations in these species. No relationship between As and P concentrations were found in this study. All terrestrial species contained predominantly inorganic arsenic in the water extractable and residue fractions with minor concentrations of DMA in the water-soluble fraction. P. australis also contained dimethylated glycerol and phosphate arsenoriboses. The presence of arsenobetaine, arsenocholine and trimethylated glycerol arsonioribose is most likely due to the presence of epiphytes on fronds on P. australis. In contrast, macroalgae contained higher total arsenic concentrations compared to marine terrestrial angiosperms. Total arsenic concentrations also varied between classes of algae: red macroalgae 4.3 �g g-1 to 24.7 �g g-1, green macroalgae 8.0 �g g-1 to 11.0 �g g-1 and blue green algae 10.4 �g g-1 and 18.4 �g g-1. No significant relations were found between As concentrations and concentrations of Fe, Co, Cu, Mn, Mo, Mg, P and Zn concentrations, elements that are required by macroalgae for photosynthesis and growth. Distinct differences between algal classes were found for the proportion of arsenic species present in the lipid and water-soluble fractions, with green algae having a higher proportion of As in lipids than red or estuarine algae. Acid hydrolysis of the lipid extract revealed DMA, glycerol arsenoribose and TMA based arsenolipids. Within water-soluble extracts, red and blue-green algae contained a greater proportion of arsenic as inorganic and simple methylated arsenic species compared to green algae, which contained predominantly glycerol arsenoribose. Arsenobetaine, arsenocholine and tetramethylarsonium was also present in water-soluble extracts but is not normally identified with macroalgae and is again likely due to the presence of attached epiphytes. Residue extracts contained predominantly inorganic arsenic, most likely associated with insoluble constituents of the cell. Mean arsenic concentrations in the green microalgae Dunaliella tertiolecta were 13.3 �g g-1 to 14.5 �g g-1, which is similar to arsenic concentrations found in green macroalgae in this study. Diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum arsenic concentrations were 1.62 �g g-1 to 2.08 �g g-1. Varying the orthophosphate concentrations had little effect on arsenic uptake of microalgae. D. tertiolecta and P. tricornutum metabolised arsenic, forming simple methylated arsenic species and arsenic riboses. The ratio of phosphate to glycerol arsenoriboses was higher than that normally found in green macroalgae. The hydrolysed lipid fraction contained DMA arsenolipid (16-96%) with minor proportions of phosphate arsenoribose (4-23%). D. tertiolecta at f/10 phosphate concentration, however, contained glycerol arsenoribose and another arsenic lipid with similar retention as TMAO as well as DMA. The similarities between arsenic species in the water-soluble hydrolysed lipids and water-soluble extracts, especially for P. tricornutum, suggests that cells readily bind arsenic within lipids, either for membrane structure or storage, releasing arsenic species into the cytosol as degradation of lipids occurs. Inorganic arsenic was sequestered into insoluble components of the cell. Arsenic species present in D. tertiolecta at lower phosphate concentrations (f/10) were different to other phosphate concentrations (f/2, f/5), and require further investigation to determine whether this is a species-specific response as a result of phosphate deficiency. Although there are similarities in arsenic concentrations and arsenic species in marine photosynthetic organisms, it is evident that response to environmental concentrations of arsenic in uncontaminated environments is dependent on the mode of transfer from the environment, the influence of other elements in arsenic uptake and the ability of the organism to metabolise and sequester inorganic arsenic within the cell. It is not scientifically sound to generalise on arsenic metabolism in �marine plants� when species and the ecosystem in which they exist may influence the transformation of arsenic in higher marine organisms. There is no evidence to suggest that angiosperms produce AB as arsenic is mostly present as inorganic As, with little or no arsenic present in the lipids. However, marine macro- and microalgae both contain lipids with arsenic moieties that may be precursors for AB transformation. Specifically, the presence of TMA and dimethylated arsenoribose based arsenolipids both can transform to AB via intermediates previously identified in marine organisms. Further identification and characterization of As containing lipids is required.

This thesis shows that illicit drug consumers in Vietnam who administer product via injection are vulnerable actors in a paradoxical global/glocal phenomenon rooted in historical complexities of globalisation. Therefore, responsibility for HIV risks should be shifted upstream from the level of individuals toward institutional processes that manufacture environments of harm. At the global level, the UN Milennium Development Goals do not provide the required level of leadership on HIV prevention for drug injectors. Association between globalisation, opiates and blood-born disease in Vietnam is not new and is inseparable from historical transportation, migration and trade processes. As a key locale in the Cold War, after 1975, and 1979 in particular, Vietnam was 'at distance' from increasing intra-regional trade flows across its western frontiers and northern border. As a consequence, it was hermetically sealed to nearby HIV sub-epidemics unfolding among heroin cons umers. A latent HIV risk environment awaited Vietnam should geopolitical grievances be resolved and it became re-integrated among Mekong sub-regional flows. Neo-liberal financial flows returned to Vietnam in 1993 and the Mekong was spanned in 1994. In 1995 it normalised relations with the United States, joined ASEAN and announced the resurrection of transportation linkages across the northern border with China. Mid-decade, its borders were made more porous at the same time as local opium production was reduced as part of the UN global programme against drugs. Exploiting enhanced trans-boundary mobilities intended for goods, opiate traffickers quickly transformed Vietnam into a transit nation and a marke for high-quality heroin well suited to a youthful population experiencing socio-economic change including new consumerism. Following traditional pathways, a radical transformation in the fluidity of drug consumption environs ensued, enabling more widespread and efficient flows of blood across complex boundari es. Analysis reveals that a spatio-temporal confluence of structural factors has created conditions which enabled this process. These factors are overlapping and they range from global influences, such as the collapse of the USSR, to micro-economic reform such as privatisation and modernisation of the domestic pharmaceutical sector. The transformation in opiate consumption from injecting opium to heroin injecting occurred faster than expert-driven prevention systems responded, even in time and space where this was most forseeable. Although the opiate transformation was highly predictable, there has been a time-lag of almost a decade between risk transformations and policy responses equated with harm reduction principles. The thesis shows that blame for HIV sub-epidemics in Vietnam should not be attributed to vulnerable youths and young adults. Expert-driven economic transition associated with global inegration has manufactured circumstances in which drug availability has risen dramatically at a time when emp loyment growth has been insufficient and a commercial sex industry has expanded. This research confirms the cimportance of new methods of risk environment analyses, particularly in relation to trans-boundary hazards associated with global flows, including trade and human mobilities.

<p>Background: The turmoil caused by the new demands of globalization has forced multinational companies to rethink their traditional worldwide strategic approaches. The new strategies have resulted in reviews and questioning of the organizational structures and processes used to manage worldwide operations. A major part of this management is to develop the competences the company needs. To be able to develop the employees’ competence is important for comapnies such as IKEA's Trading Area South East Asia (TASEA). Therefore TASEA has to understand the factors that influence the employees’ expectations regarding competence development. </p><p>Purpose: The purpose of this thesis is to understand the individual’s expectations on competence development in TASEA and give recommendations to improve the conditions for competence development. </p><p>Method: This study has been conducted as a case study of the TASEA organization. It is based on interviews with 29 members of the purchasing teams and 3 members of the top-mamagement. The empirical research was conducted on site in the Bangkok, Jakarta and Ho Chi Minh City offices. </p><p>Result: The view of competence differs a lot between theories, management and the individual employee. A number of conflicts have been analyzed and some practical suggestions have been presented in the case of TASEA.</p>

Background: The turmoil caused by the new demands of globalization has forced multinational companies to rethink their traditional worldwide strategic approaches. The new strategies have resulted in reviews and questioning of the organizational structures and processes used to manage worldwide operations. A major part of this management is to develop the competences the company needs. To be able to develop the employees’ competence is important for comapnies such as IKEA's Trading Area South East Asia (TASEA). Therefore TASEA has to understand the factors that influence the employees’ expectations regarding competence development. Purpose: The purpose of this thesis is to understand the individual’s expectations on competence development in TASEA and give recommendations to improve the conditions for competence development. Method: This study has been conducted as a case study of the TASEA organization. It is based on interviews with 29 members of the purchasing teams and 3 members of the top-mamagement. The empirical research was conducted on site in the Bangkok, Jakarta and Ho Chi Minh City offices. Result: The view of competence differs a lot between theories, management and the individual employee. A number of conflicts have been analyzed and some practical suggestions have been presented in the case of TASEA.

Ph.d.-afhandling. Danmarks Tekniske Universitet, 2006. / Haves også i trykt udg. Thesis (Ph.D.). 11 ill., 6 tables; approx. 260 ref. Summaries (Da, En).

This thesis explores the impact of democratic institutions amongst the Asian developing countries. There has been debate about the successful economic rise of these seven countries; however, questions remain over the differing levels of economic performance. Institutional literature has paid scant attention to the role of democracy, and how this has influenced economic development throughout Asia. This thesis explores the relationships between four democratic institutions - cabinets, party-systems, electoral systems and bicameralism - and economic performance across six developing democracies, in addition to Japan. Using current democratic institutional literature derived from OECD countries, this thesis expands the scope to include new countries. The analysis employs both statistical methods and case studies to assess the relationships between four democratic institutions and seven socio-economic indicators between 1986 and 2005. The linear regressions provided evidence that coalition cabinets are correlated with lower levels of inflation and unemployment, but large multi-party legislatures are not. This thesis also found correlations between strong second legislative chambers and higher FDI, lower tariffs and higher income inequality. Although this is an exploratory thesis, I suggest that democratic institutional analysis within Asia does warrant further examination; an assessment of the specific institutions may provide us with clearer notions regarding economic development.

Commercial farming of mud crab Scylla serrata is a significant industry throughout South East Asia. The limited scientific knowledge of mud crab nutritional requirements and digestive processes, however, is recognised as a major constraint to the future growth of this industry. To better understand the mechanisms of digestion in the mud crab we have analysed the diversity of digestive enzymes from the hepatopancreas. Significant protease, amylase,cellulase and xylanase activities were detected in soluble extracts from this organ. Temperature profiles for all enzymes were basically similar with optimal activities observed at 500C. Examination of pH tolerance revealed optimal activities for protease and amylase at pH 7.0 while optimal activities for cellulase and xylanase were observed at pH 5.5. Under optimum conditions,protease and amylase activities were approximately two orders of magnitude greater than those seen for either cellulase or xylanase. Interestingly, hepatopancreatic extracts were able to liberate glucose from either starch or carboxymethyl (CM)-cellulose suggesting that a range of carbohydrates may be utilised as energy sources. The effects of dietary carbohydrates on feed digestibility, digestive enzyme levels and growth were also studied by inclusion of additional starch or CM-cellulose at the expense of casein in formulated diets. It was shown that amylase, cellulase and xylanase activities in extracts from the hepatopancreas were highest in mud crabs fed diets containing 47% carbohydrate. Based on the findings, we suggest that the ability of the mud crab to modulate digestive enzyme activities may represent a mechanism to maximise access to essential nutrients when the dietary profile changes.

Licentiatavhandling (sammanfattning) Uppsala : Sveriges lantbruksuniversitet. / Härtill 3 uppsatser.