Two key proteins, LexA and RecA, are involved in regulation of the SOS expression system in bacteria. LexA and RecA act as the transcriptional repressor and inducer of the SOS operon, respectively. LexA downregulates the expression of at least 43 unlinked genes and activated RecA interacts with the repressor LexA and therefore, LexA undergoes self-cleavage. The ability of the LexA protein to dimerize is critical for its ability to repress SOS-regulated genes in vivo, as the N-terminal domain (NTD) alone has a lower DNA-binding affinity without the C-terminal domain (CTD) and the components for the dimerization of LexA are located in the CTD. Two antiparallel β-strands (termed β-11) in the CTD at the dimer interface of LexA are involved in the dimerization. LexA interacts with the active form of RecA in vivo during the SOS response. It was determined experimentally that monomeric and non-cleavable LexA binds more tightly to RecA and is resistant to self-cleavage. Therefore, we reasoned that if we can produce such LexA mutants we would be able to stabilize the LexA and active RecA complex for crystallization. Therefore, in this experiment, we attempted to make a non-cleavable and predominantly monomeric LexA that interacts intimately with RecA. We produced four single mutations at the dimer interface of the non-cleavable and NTD-truncated mutant of LexA (∆68LexAK156A) in order to weaken the interactions at the interface. The predominant forms of LexA mutants and the affinities of interaction between the mutant LexA proteins and RecA were examined. ∆68LexAK156AR197P mutant was found as predominantly monomeric at a concentration of 33.3 μM both by gel filtration chromatography and dynamic light scattering (DLS) experiments. It also bound RecA more tightly than wild-type LexA. Another mutant, ∆68LexAK156AI196Y, was also found as predominantly monomeric at a concentration of 33.3 μM by DLS. Both these proteins were subjected to crystallization with wild-type RecA protein. We were able to produce some predominantly monomeric LexA with good binding affinity for RecA; however, we were unsuccessful in co-crystallization.

Feline leukemia viruses (FeLVs) are pathogenic retroviruses of the domestic cat. FeLV transmission and emergence of pathogenic variants show striking similarity to HIV pathogenesis. The emergence of pathogenic subgroup-C FeLV from the transmitted subgroup-A FeLV coincides with a switch in host receptor used for infection as a result of mutations in the viral envelope protein (Env). I have characterized a novel FeLV Env that may represent an evolutionary intermediate between FeLV-A and FeLV-C. I have also reported evidence suggesting that FeLVs may use co-factors/co-receptors for infection. I have found that FeLVs inefficiently infect murine NIH3T3 cells overexpressing FeLV receptors (NIH3T3/Receptor). I have provided evidence that the low infection is caused by a block at a post-binding but pre-entry stage of FeLV infection. Furthermore, fusion of NIH3T3/Receptor cells with highly susceptible cells rescues inhibition to infection suggesting that FeLVs, like HIV, may also use co-receptors for infection.

Feline leukemia viruses (FeLVs) are pathogenic retroviruses of the domestic cat. FeLV transmission and emergence of pathogenic variants show striking similarity to HIV pathogenesis. The emergence of pathogenic subgroup-C FeLV from the transmitted subgroup-A FeLV coincides with a switch in host receptor used for infection as a result of mutations in the viral envelope protein (Env). I have characterized a novel FeLV Env that may represent an evolutionary intermediate between FeLV-A and FeLV-C. I have also reported evidence suggesting that FeLVs may use co-factors/co-receptors for infection. I have found that FeLVs inefficiently infect murine NIH3T3 cells overexpressing FeLV receptors (NIH3T3/Receptor). I have provided evidence that the low infection is caused by a block at a post-binding but pre-entry stage of FeLV infection. Furthermore, fusion of NIH3T3/Receptor cells with highly susceptible cells rescues inhibition to infection suggesting that FeLVs, like HIV, may also use co-receptors for infection.

The recent enlargements of the European Union brought about a strategic shift in the EU’s approach to conflict management and security in the eastern neighbourhood. The Partnership and Co-operation Agreements between the EU and Moldova contained no mention of the Transnistrian dispute, while the agreement between the EU and Geor gia included a vague phrase regarding political dialogue which may include the issue of conflict resolution. The addition of new members to the Union, however, expanded the EU into its neighbourhood and brought closer the unresolved territorial disputes. Concerns that were once further away are now right next door. While the former accession states might have served as buffers to these concerns, they can no longer, as members of the Union, be seen as such. Therefore, there is a greater need to address security issues, such as the ‘frozen conflicts’ bordering the EU. This thesis will examine the evolution of the EU’s responses to security chal lenges in the Eastern neighbourhood, and assess the role the EU plays in addressing these ‘frozen conflicts’ through the framework of the European Neighbourhood Policy. Fur ther, this thesis will argue that the EU has thus far exerted limited direct pressure towards direct resolution of these conflicts and has instead approached regional stability through a variety of other indirect and long term means, such as the pursuit of economic growth and political stability. In particular, the research will look at the security sector reform (SSR) and will focus on the EU’s impact, or Europeanization, in the rule of law and border management sectors of Moldova and Georgia. It will be shown that these two sectors are related to promoting political stability and economic growth, which is in line with the EU’s effort to support development in Moldova and Georgia, and thus indirectly address ‘frozen conflict’ resolution by. altering the incentive structures. This thesis will conclude that the EU does have an impact on the rule of law and border management sectors and subsequently some impact on the ‘frozen conflict’ in Moldova but less so on the conflicts in Georgia.

El objetivo de esta tesis es explorar el concepto de interactiveness en el campo de marketing, entender las actitudes y las percepciones de los directivos hacia la interactiveness y evaluar empíricamente el efecto de la interactiveness en la generación de activos de marketing y los resultados empresariales. La motivación detrás de esta tesis doctoral es la preocupación creciente entre los directivos de marketing, derivada de una mayor dificultad para conectarse con los clientes y para demostrar la contribución del marketing en el resultado de la empresa.En primer lugar, se examinan las raíces y los impulsores de la utilización de los términos de la interacción e interactividad, que han visto una creciente popularidad en el marketing. Interactiveness se propone como un concepto unificador que se refiere a la interacción continua y el diálogo entre la empresa y los consumidores tanto a través del uso de tecnologías de información y comunicación, como a través de métodos tradicionales. La revisión de la literatura reveló que mientras la interactiveness puede aportar ventajas competitivas a las empresas comprometidas con el diálogo continuo con los consumidores, también requerirá cambios organizativos y planteará retos de gestión. Así, a continuación se desarrolló una investigación cualitativa basada en entrevistas con directivos a fin de proporcionar la comprensión en profundidad sobre cómo los mismos perciben interactiveness. En el proceso de recopilación y análisis de datos se utilizaron las técnicas y procedimientos de la Grounded Theory. A partir del análisis de las entrevistas y una revisión de la bibliografía pertinente, se conceptualizó y se ancló teóricamente la interactiveness como una capacidad dinámica y se sugirieron modelos de análisis e hipótesis que unen la interactiveness con los activos de marketing, innovación, participación de los interesados y el rendimiento empresarial, así como una modelo que relaciona la interactiveness con la eficiencia de innovación y, en consecuencia con la rentabilidad. Para probar las hipótesis, se aplicó una encuesta y se utilizaron los datos que se obtuvieron de la misma. Se utilizaron diferentes métodos de análisis de datos, tales como el análisis factorial confirmatorio, ecuaciones estructurales, análisis envolvente de datos, análisis FDH (Free Disposal Hull), regresiones truncada y Tobit. Los resultados revelaron que la interactiveness influye positivamente en los activos de marca y clientes, así como en la participación de los interesados y la innovación. De esta manera, la interactiveness ayuda a lograr una ventaja competitiva, que se traduce en consecuencia, a mejorar el rendimiento empresarial. Además, la interactiveness contribuye a mejorar la eficiencia con que las innovaciones se convierten en mayor satisfacción del cliente y mejor valor percibido de marca (eficiencia de innovación), lo cual influye indirectamente en la rentabilidad. Una consecuencia importante es que la interactiveness no se refleja directa e inmediatamente en los resultados empresariales, ya que la interactiveness primero genera y mejora los activos intangibles específicos de la empresa, y luego influye en los resultados empresariales. La interactiveness permite a las empresas gozar de una cultura más flexible y participativa, y hace posible la co-creación de valor con los consumidores, y por tanto les ayuda a estar mejor conectadas con sus clientes y a mejorar su rendimiento. Palabras clave: interactiveness, co-creación de valor, activos de marketing, participación de los interesados, eficiencia de innovación, rendimiento empresarial / The aim of this dissertation is to explore the concept of interactiveness in marketing, to understand managers' attitudes and perceptions about interactiveness and to assess empirically the effect of interactiveness on the generation of marketing assets and firm performance. The motivation behind this dissertation is the growing concern among marketers stemming from an increased difficulty to connect with customers and to prove the contribution of marketing to firm's financial performance. We first review the roots and the drivers behind the use of the terms interaction and interactivity, which have seen growing popularity in marketing. Interactiveness is suggested as a unifying concept that refers to continuous interaction and dialogue between marketers and consumers in both online and offline marketplace.The review of the literature revealed that while interactiveness is likely to bring competitive advantages to firms committed to continuous dialogue with consumers, it will also require organisational changes and will pose managerial challenges. Thus, we further focus on a qualitative research approach based on interviews with managers in order to provide in-depth understanding on how managers perceive interactiveness. We used the techniques and procedures of Grounded Theory in the process of gathering and analysing data.Based on the analysis of the interviews and a review of the relevant literature, we conceptualise and theoretically anchor interactiveness as a dynamic capability and we suggest models of analysis and hypotheses linking interactiveness with marketing assets, innovation, stakeholder involvement and performance, as well as a model linking interactiveness with innovation efficiency and consequently to profitability. To test the hypotheses, we used survey data. We ran several different analyses, employing Confirmatory Factor Analysis, Structural Equation Modelling, Data Envelopment Analysis, Free Disposal Hull analysis, Tobit and Truncated regressions. The results revealed that interactiveness influences positively customer and brand assets, as well as stakeholder involvement and innovation. This way, interactiveness helps achieve competitive advantage, which is translated consequently into improved performance. In addition, interactiveness helps improve the efficiency with which innovations are converted into higher customer satisfaction and perceived brand value (innovation efficiency), thus influencing indirectly profitability. A major implication is that the results of interactiveness at the performance level are not seen directly and immediately, since interactiveness works through building and leveraging intangible firm-specific assets. Interactiveness drives firms toward more flexible, participative culture and co-creation of value with consumers, thus helping firms to re-connect with customers and to enhance performance.Keywords: interactiveness, value co-creation, marketing assets, stakeholder involvement, innovation efficiency, performance.

The process of value creation is rapidly shifting from a product- and firm-centric view to personalized consumer experience today. Informed, networked, empowered and active consumers are increasingly co-creating value with the firm. The interaction between the firm and the consumer as well as the experience factor plays an increasingly important role in determining the success of a company’s offering. In this study, a special type of co-creating experience is investigated - “omstartspex” - where the audience is interacting with actors during the play. Drawing from results of three focus group interviews, this study attempts to understand the effect of co-creation on customer experience and its three dimensions - emotional, cognitive and relational. The co-creation process, demanding for both firm and consumers, raises important questions for managers in terms of operational efficiency and control over product quality, etc. Apart from it, the empirical results show that co-creation indeed has positive effect on customer experience. It creates unique customer experiences, strengthens the relationship between consumer (audience) and firm (actors). This, in turn, leads to an increasing level of customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Aim; The aim of this study is to increase our knowledge of stress resilience children coming from backgrounds of substance abuse and to look at what consequences they may encounter, for not being able to express their emotions and deal with happenings experienced in their upbringing. Method; A qualitative approach has been used with e-mail interviews to collect our material, with young adults whom see themselves as having a history of alcoholism in the nearest family when growing up and despite this managed well in life. Result: We have concluded that resiliency is a way of coping with stressful situations. It is a way of repressing emotions when the emotions become too unbearable. When repressing the emotions you are denying the self the right to development, the right to exist as a person. And this leads to co-dependency.

Tjänstekonsumtionen har numera gått om produktkonsumtionen och svarar därför nu för en större del av Sveriges BNP. Om tjänstekonsumtionen ökar bör rimligtvis även antalet tjänsteföretag öka och ett sätt för dessa företag att öka sin konkurrenskraft är att ändra kundens roll i processen. I branscher som definieras av att varje kund och varje uppdrag ser olika ut (om än med vissa återkommande inslag) är det svårt att som företag använda sig av standardisering och utformning av styrdokument för kvalitetssäkring. Det är därför av stor vikt att företagen vet hur kunden upplever samarbetet, då det är kunden som värderar kvaliteten på en tjänst. Vår problemformulering lyder således Hur kan små kompetensbaserade företag arbeta med co-creation i en kompetensstyrd bransch för att förbättra kundens upplevelse av samarbetet? Syftet med detta examensarbete är att undersöka om det finns några skillnader och likheter i upplevelsen av samarbetet mellan tjänsteleverantören och kunden där fokus ligger på själva processen mellan företag och kund. Om vi upptäcker några sådana skillnader vill vi ge förslag på hur dessa kan överbryggas genom användandet av co-creation för att förbättra kundens upplevelse av samarbetet.  Som resultat av den valda problemformuleringen genomfördes studien tillsammans med ett studieobjekt. Studien skedde i två delar för att komma åt både de anställdas och kundernas del i processen. Vi valde det hermeneutiska perspektivet med dess fokus på tolkningar och människans subjektiva bild av verkligheten som paradigm (Johansson Lindfors, 1993, s. 41-42, 44). Angreppssättet för uppsatsen var abduktivt, som innebär en växelverkan mellan teori och empiri. En kvalitativ datainsamlings- och analysmetod användes för att försöka besvara problemformuleringen där det empiriska materialet kodades med hjälp av Grundad teori. Vår teoretiska referensram är grundad på teorier som är kopplade till ämnet co-creation. Andra inslag är sådant som framkommit under de två intervjuomgångarna eftersom vi kunnat återgå till teorin efter datainsamlingen på grund av det abduktiva angreppssättet. Våra slutsatser av studien är att begreppen kvalitet och värde är subjektiva och att kvalitetssäkring inte kan ske på ett standardiserat sätt inom undersökt område. Vi ser dock några gemensamma nämnare mellan studieobjektet och dess kunder och lämnar slutligen rekommendationer till hur det fortsätta arbetet med kunden bör utvecklas. För att lyckas utveckla ett samarbete med hjälp av co-creation krävs en bra dialog både internt och externt.

Two key proteins, LexA and RecA, are involved in regulation of the SOS expression system in bacteria. LexA and RecA act as the transcriptional repressor and inducer of the SOS operon, respectively. LexA downregulates the expression of at least 43 unlinked genes and activated RecA interacts with the repressor LexA and therefore, LexA undergoes self-cleavage. The ability of the LexA protein to dimerize is critical for its ability to repress SOS-regulated genes in vivo, as the N-terminal domain (NTD) alone has a lower DNA-binding affinity without the C-terminal domain (CTD) and the components for the dimerization of LexA are located in the CTD. Two antiparallel β-strands (termed β-11) in the CTD at the dimer interface of LexA are involved in the dimerization. LexA interacts with the active form of RecA in vivo during the SOS response. It was determined experimentally that monomeric and non-cleavable LexA binds more tightly to RecA and is resistant to self-cleavage. Therefore, we reasoned that if we can produce such LexA mutants we would be able to stabilize the LexA and active RecA complex for crystallization. Therefore, in this experiment, we attempted to make a non-cleavable and predominantly monomeric LexA that interacts intimately with RecA. We produced four single mutations at the dimer interface of the non-cleavable and NTD-truncated mutant of LexA (∆68LexAK156A) in order to weaken the interactions at the interface. The predominant forms of LexA mutants and the affinities of interaction between the mutant LexA proteins and RecA were examined. ∆68LexAK156AR197P mutant was found as predominantly monomeric at a concentration of 33.3 μM both by gel filtration chromatography and dynamic light scattering (DLS) experiments. It also bound RecA more tightly than wild-type LexA. Another mutant, ∆68LexAK156AI196Y, was also found as predominantly monomeric at a concentration of 33.3 μM by DLS. Both these proteins were subjected to crystallization with wild-type RecA protein. We were able to produce some predominantly monomeric LexA with good binding affinity for RecA; however, we were unsuccessful in co-crystallization.

The pursuit for higher performance at a lower cost is driving rapid progress in the field of packaged digital systems. As the complexity of interconnects and packages increases, and the rise and fall time of the signal decreases, the electromagnetic effects in distributed passive structures become an important factor in determining the system performance. Hence there is a need to accurately simulate these parasitic electromagnetic effects that are observed in the signal distribution network (SDN) and the power delivery network (PDN) of an electronic system. The accurate simulation of high-speed systems requires information on the high frequency transient currents that are injected into the power distribution network causing simultaneous switching noise. Existing techniques for determining these transient currents are not sufficiently accurate. Furthermore existing transient simulation techniques suffer from two major drawbacks: 1) they are not scalable and hence cannot be applied to large sized systems, and 2) the time domain simulations violate causality. This dissertation addresses the above-mentioned problems in the domain of high-speed packaging. It proposes a new technique to accurately extract the transient switching noise currents in high-speed digital systems. The extracted switching noise currents can be used in both the frequency domain and the time domain to accurately simulate simultaneous switching noise. The dissertation also proposes a methodology for the transient co-simulation of the SDN and the PDN in high-speed digital systems. The methodology enforces causality on the transient simulation and can be scaled to perform large sized simulations. The validity of the proposed techniques has been demonstrated by their application on a variety of real-world test cases.