Phylogenetic analysis is a central tool in studies of comparative genomics. When a new region of DNA is isolated and sequenced, researchers are often forced to throw away months of computation on an existing phylogeny of homologous sequences in order to incorporate this new sequence. The previously constructed trees are often discarded, and the researcher begins the search again from scratch. The jumpstarting algorithm uses trees from the prior search as a starting point for a new phylogenetic search. This technique drastically decreases search time for large data sets. This kind of analysis is necessary as researchers analyze tree of life size data sets.

The main topic of the thesis is the readiness for emergencies with a large number of injured and victims of the bodies of IRS in the SR. The work is divided into two main parts, theoretical and empirical. In the theoretical part of the work several bodies of the IRS in the SR, which participate during rescue and clean-up operations, are introduced. The basic bodies of the rescue system are described in detail, other bodies and bodies of the Police Force are described in brief. The work also includes categories of emergencies and brief information of disaster medicine as well. At the end, the theoretical part addresses the problem of sorting the injured by history through the categories and types of selection, sorting methods "START" and JumpSTART, a sorting card, and organization of activities in the place of an event associated with the "triage" procedures. Empirical part consists of research to determine theoretical knowledge of selected bodies of the IRS on the issue of triage. The main aim of this work was to determine the theoretical readiness of selected bodies of the IRS Fire and Rescue Service and Emergency Medical Service in the SR, confirm the need for continuous training and the organization of tactical exercises focused on mass disaster and work out and propose the same procedure of sorting the injured in incidents with a large number of injured and victims. Two hypotheses related to the theoretical readiness of selected bodies associated with sorting the injured in an emergency were established. The first assumption was that paramedics have better scope of theoretical knowledge about handling with emergencies, particularly sorting the injured than members of the Fire and Rescue Service. The second assumption was that the bodies of IRS have better knowledge about the system of sorting the injured "START" than the system "JumpSTART". Basic statistic method that allowed confirmation or refutation of hypotheses two-stage test is described in the chapter too. The methodology describes a method of data collection using a questionnaire, describes the statistical methods in detail and enriches it with the determination of basic empirical parameters and their comparison. The found discrepancies were expressed as a percentage. Data to confirm hypotheses were collected from paramedics and members of the Fire and Rescue Service. Only one hypothesis was confirmed. Empirical investigation showed that theoretical knowledge about the issue "triage" are at a much higher level in paramedics than members of the Fire and Rescue Service. Another observation was that the selected bodies do not show a difference in knowledge about the classification of adults and children, when considered together. There would be a big difference if they were compared individually. The results identified weaknesses in knowledge particularly among members of the Fire and Rescue Service and, therefore, detailed procedure for "triage" in emergencies was proposed. It will serve as a tool primarily for members of the Fire and Rescue Service as well as a study material for university graduates in the field of emergency health care. The need for emergency medical service was designed rescue bag with aids for primary triage. The need for continuous training was observed, particularly among members of the Fire and Rescue Service, who lack the information and skills. Organizing tactical exercises especially for paramedics with the possibility of cooperation with members of the Fire and Rescue Service was proposed as well. In the light of these findings, we recommend making effort to address the deficiencies in the theoretical preparedness through the organizing of continuing education, prepare similar questionnaires for verifying knowledge after the seminars, organize training of practical skills and verify knowledge through participation in exercises on dealing with catastrophe, together with the other emergency bodies.

Master of Science / Department of Agronomy / David B. Mengel / The increasing price of phosphorus (P) fertilizers has created interest among producers in ways to enhance the efficiency of applied P fertilizers. Research has long focused on increasing phosphorus efficiency through the use of fertilizer placement techniques (banding, strip applications, and in furrow placement with the seed). Recently, various products have been introduced and marketed claiming to increase efficiency of applied P or increase availability of native soil P. The objective of this study was to test the use of two such widely advertised products: Avail®, a long chain, organic polymer created to reduce the fixation of fertilizer P by aluminum and calcium, and JumpStart®, a seed inoculant containing a fungus (Penicillium bailii), which is said to increase the availability of fertilizer and native soil P to plant roots through the colonization of the root system and producing organic acid exudates. This study was conducted at multiple locations across Kansas with corn (Zea mays L.) in 2008 and 2009 and winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in 2009. Selected sites varied in soil test P, with a majority of the locations having a Mehlich III P test of < 20mg kg-1, where a P response would be expected. Treatments consisting of P rates from 0 to 20 kg P ha-1 with and without the addition of Avail were applied at planting. At many locations, each of the fertilizer/Avail treatments were planted with and without Jumpstart seed treatment. Plant samples were collected at early and mid-season growth stages. Harvest data consisting of grain yield, grain moisture content at harvest, test weight or bushel weight and grain P content also were collected to measure treatment response. Plant samples for both trials failed to show consistent responses to the addition of either product. Excellent corn grain yields were obtained at seven of eight site years with location averages above 12,500 kg ha-1. One location displayed a significant grain yield response to P in both 2008 and 2009. There were no significant responses to enhancement products where a response to P was seen. At two of the five wheat trials, a significant tissue P response to the addition of P was seen. At one location with very low soil test, 6 mg kg-1, P fertilization increased rate of maturity. No effect on growth or yield at either P responsive or unresponsive sites was seen in wheat due to the use of enhancement products. A series of 20 single replications sites were conducted with the JumpStart product in cooperation with County Extension Agents as a part of wheat variety demonstrations. Analysis of this data showed a significant decrease in wheat yield with the addition of JumpStart in 2009. Overall, this study showed a lower than expected frequency of response to applications of P fertilizer based on soil test and the KSU P fertilizer recommendations. It also showed no response across locations, years and crops to the use of P fertilizer enhancement products.

The level of university students' financial literacy has been discussed in Congress, opinion pieces in the media and the increasing level of student debt has been used to suggest their financial illiteracy. This study investigated the financial literacy of graduating university seniors by comparing their financial literacy level with their debt level. The difference in financial literacy levels of business majors, minors and non-business majors was assessed. The relationship between graduating university seniors' financial literacy level and their credit card and student loan debt was also reviewed. Gender, employment status, ethnicity, family income and college major were similarly examined to see if they were predictors of financial literacy levels and debt levels. Although financial literacy is frequently discussed in the national arena there is no clear definition of financial literacy; this ambiguity has led to multiple definitions. In this study, financial literacy was defined as "an individual's ability to obtain, understand, and evaluate the relevant information necessary to make decisions with an awareness of the likely financial consequences" (Mason & Wilson, 2000). The Jump$tart questionnaire (Mandell, 2004) was used to calculate participants' financial literacy level. The study found that the majority of the students had a high level of financial literacy with an average financial literacy score of 72.56% and with students majoring in business performing significantly better than non-business students. The use of debt level as an indicator of financial literacy level was found to be incorrect. No relationship was identified between financial literacy level and credit card debt or student loan debt. The study also found that demographic factors could not be used to predict financial literacy level and debt level. It was found that the majority of participants learned about managing money either on their own or at home from family members. More than half of the participants expressed an interest in taking a personal finance class but less than 20% were aware that this course was offered at their university. More effective methods are recommended to ensure that students become more aware such courses being offered on campus.

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