Sclerotinia stem rot caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (Lib.) de Bary is an economic disease affecting canola (Brassica napus L). Since expression of sclerotinia stem rot symptoms shows much variability and the trait is quantitative in nature, reliable phenotypic evaluation methods for characterization are needed. The three major objectives of this dissertation were to: i) evaluate eight different inoculation methods to discriminate between S. sclerotiorum-resistant and susceptible B. napus germplasm; ii) develop breeding lines with resistance to multiple diseases, and; iii) to identify QTL associated with resistance to sclerotinia stem rot using association mapping (AM). The eight methods evaluated were the detached leaves, detached stems, petiole inoculation (PIT), straw-inoculation, stem-piercing with toothpick, mycelial spray (MSI), petal inoculation and oxalic acid assay. MSI and PIT can better discriminate between the isolates and germplasm. Breeding lines resistance to S. sclerotiorum, Leptosphaeria maculans, and Rhizoctonia solani were developed from a cross between two moderately sclerotinia stem rot resistant plant introductions (PI). F2 seedlings were screened for sclerotinia stem rot using PIT. Surviving plants were self pollinated and their progeny screened again. This process was repeated until the F6 generation. In addition, F5 seedlings were evaluated for their reaction to R. solani and F5 and F6 seedlings for their reaction to L. maculans. Eight lines were identified as moderately resistance to these three pathogens. The genomes of a group of 278 B. napus plant introductions were screened using Diversity Array Technology to detect QTL associated with resistance to sclerotinia stem rot. The population was classified into nine sub-populations and 32 significant markers each explaining between 1.5 and 4.6% of the variation were identified. Blastn search indicates that similar nucleotide sequences are distributed throughout the genomes of B. oleracea, B. rapa, and A. thaliana. Results of these studies suggest the PIT and MSI are reliable screening tools to evaluate materials for resistance to sclerotinia stem rot; materials identified as resistant to S. sclerotiorum were also moderately resistant against R. solani and L. maculans and could be valuable sources for canola improvement programs; and AM allowed us to identify QTL associated with resistance to sclerotinia stem rot.

ABSTRACT Introduction The health system is struggling with the implementation of a comprehensive and systematic approach to post rape management and HIV prevention, Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP). The main aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of an intervention programme implemented at a rural hospital. Methods The study was conducted in Acornhoek from March 2004 - August 2006. A five-part intervention was introduced, that included centralisation and coordination of post rape care; implementing a hospital rape management policy; a 2 day training workshop for HCW; engaging a broader group of stakeholders and raising community awareness. Three hundred and sixty five of 409 rape survivor patient records were reviewed to assess changes in quality of care of (Voluntary Counselling and Testing) VCT, Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) and Emergency Contraception (EC). One hundred and fifteen clients were followed up to assess clients perceptions of quality of care and their adherence to PEP treatment. Key informant interviews were conducted with 19 service providers to assess whether the intervention had any impact on VCT, PEP and EC services. Results There were improvements in HCW knowledge: when to prescribe EC (22.7% vs. 79.0% OR 12.4 CI 2.5- 60.7); correct prescription of EC (10.3% vs. 61.9%; OR 12.5 CI 2.7-55.8 P<0.001) and use of anti-emetics (17.2% vs. 36.9% P<0.001). VCT services were provided more consistently at the first visit during Phase 2 compared to the Phase 1 (44.1% vs. 59.6% P<0.001). In the Post-Intervention phase 28 day PEP was introduced, thus minimising return visits. Conclusions Improvements in knowledge of the use of EC were greater than improvements in knowledge about the correct use of PEP. There are systematic obstacles to providing VCT and PEP which are difficult to address. One of the repeatedly cited obstacles was the shortage of trained VCT providers. The improvement of sexual assault services hinges on demonstrable commitment from senior management officials to providing good quality post rape care.

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Using the dataset, "Ethno-Methodological Study of the Subculture of Prison Inmate Sexuality in the United States, 2004-2005," this study investigated the relationship between masculinities and prison rape. These data was collected in 23 men's correctional institutions in 10 states. Between April 2004 and September 2005, 409 males were interviewed (Fleisher & Krienert, 2006). Findings showed that masculinity plays a complex and crucial role in the phenomenon of prison rape. Recommendations were made for inmate-oriented education and training which should include a discussion of masculinity as a possible preventative measure.

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Call number: LD2668 .T4 1984 E86 / Master of Science